asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on bank lending; and if he will make a statement on the current directions to banks.

Bank lending is frequently discussed in the course of regular contacts at all levels between the Treasury and Bank of England. Current guidance to the banks is set out in the Notice on Credit Restriction published by the Bank of England on 19th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he gave, in his decision to delay post-devaluation discouragement of consumer spending, to the effect on exports on consumer durables, both in the immediate present and as a result of the increase in unit costs that will follow a cut back in home demand, greater for having been delayed.

Devaluation was accompanied by a tightening of the hire-purchase restrictions on cars and by stringent limitations on credit for personal consumption generally. There is no evidence that recent anticipatory buying is interfering with the export effort of the consumer durable goods industries and the implied present reduction in unit costs may well have benefited exports.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what special measures the Government have taken to estimate the weekly rate of expenditure by the public on consumer durables; to what extent this was at a higher level in the first seven weeks of 1968 compared with the same period in 1967; and whether he is satisfied that the present level of this expenditure falls within the Government's undertakings to the International Monetary Fund.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has been keeping a close watch on the weekly rate of expenditure on consumer durables, and has published such information as is available in Press notices dated 15th and 22nd February. The rate of expenditure on consumer durables appears to have been appreciably higher in late January and early February than a year earlier when, however, expenditure was relatively depressed. The present level of expenditure on consumer durables is inconsistent with no undertaking given to the International Monetary Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates the growth of the economy will be from now until 31st December.

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to await my Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates the underlying growth in the productive capacity of the economy will be in 1968–69, and each of the following four years.

I estimate that it will be rising at an annual rate of around 3 per cent. in 1968 and 1969. The Government are not ready to publish an estimate for subsequent years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the volume of consumer expenditure since 1st January, 1968 is in line with his Department's forecasts.

My Department's forecast is concerned with the underlying trend of personal consumption, but anticipatory buying in advance of the Budget is taken into account as are other causes of short-term fluctuation around the trend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what has been the amount of Government borrowing abroad since October, 1964, based on the current value of the £ sterling; and how much of this has been repaid to date.

				£ million
Loan	Date		Amount of loan(at the Value of£ sterling current at date of loan)	Amount repaid up to27th February,1968	Value of outstanding amount(at current value of £ sterling)
I.M.F.	December, 1964	…	357	357*	—
Parallel Swiss Loan	December, 1964	…	28	28*	—
I M.F.	May, 1965	…	500	—	583
Parallel Swiss Loan	May, 1965	…	14	—	17
I M.F.	March, 1966	…	44	—	51
United States Export-Import Bank credit (Military Aircraft Loans)	April, 1966	…	19	4	17
	June, 1966	…	12	3	11
	August, 1966	…	66	6	71
	July, 1967	…	42	—	46
Swiss bank consortium	October, 1967	…	37	—	43
Bank for International Settlements	November, 1967	…	104	—	104
	TOTAL	…	1,223		943
*Repaid in full.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the amount of Government borrowing abroad between 1945 and 1951; how much of this has been repaid to date; and what

				£million
			Amount of loan (at the value of £ sterling current at date of loan)	Repaid to date(calculated at £ sterling value current at time of repayment)	Value of outstanding amount(at current value of £streling)
Portugal	November, 1945	…	61	62	28
United States Line of Credit	December, 1945	…	931	261	1,262
United States Lend-Lease	December, 1945	…	161*	58	197
Canadian Credit	March, 1946	…	297	77	369
South Africa	October, 1947	…	80	80†	—
United States Economic Co-operation Administration	October, 1948	…	86	23	113
Belgium	September, 1949	…	1	1‡	—
	TOTAL	…	1,617		1,969
*By the Agreement of 13th July, 1948 (Cmnd. 7515) the amount due was adjusted downwards by ¢ 7 million.
† Repaid September, 1949.
‡ Repaid by June 1951.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will consider tax changes to assist widows.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion but I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

With permission, I will circulate these figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.is the outstanding debt, on this account, at the current value of the £ sterling.

With permission, I will circulate these figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will take steps to impose a tax on football transfer fees, but exempt from tax money spent by clubs on ground improvements.

There is no justification for imposing further taxation on transfer fees which are treated as trading receipts for tax purposes nor for giving special tax relief for expenditure on ground improvement which is generally of a capital nature.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many late entrants of the rank of principal or above were recruited into the Home Civil Service from outside Government employment and the nationalised industries during the years

ENTRANTS TO GRADES AT PRINCIPAL LEVEL OR ABOVE 1964–1967 (INCLUSIVE)
Group	Number Recruited	Source					Number who have subsequently left
		Industry	Commerce	School of University Teaching	Local Government	Other Sources
Administrative	88	34	18	15	1	20	7
Scientific	71	50	2	10	—	9	1
Engineers, Surveyors, Architects, Planning Officers etc.	11	2	—	—	6	3	1
Economists, Lawyers, Statisticians, Research Officers etc.	196	31	13	58	33	61	22
Total	366	117	33	83	40	93	31
NOTES:
The table excludes (i) entrants into the Home Civil Service from other Government employment, the armed forces, Overseas Civil Service, nationalised industries; H.M. Inspectors of Schools; and doctors and dentists recruited from the National Health Service or private practice.
(ii) About 25 temporary principals seconded in 1965 and 1966 from industry, commerce and universities for two years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the number of additional non-industrial and industrial civil servants, respectively, employed as a result of changes in Government policy since 16th October, 1964.

In the period 1st October, 1964 to 1st January, 1968 the number of non-industrial civil servants excluding casuals has increased by about 55,000, while the number of industrial civil servants has decreased by about 16,000. Increases or decreases which have resulted from new policies introduced by the present Administration cannot be distinguished from those brought about by changes in the normal work load.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the effect of the measures set out in Command Paper No. 3515 on the numbers of industrial and non-industrial civil servants, respectively.

Over the period 1964–67 there were some 366 such late entrants of whom 31 have since left. I will, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In 1966–67, nine civil servants at or above principal level were lent to industry.

The size of the non-industrial Civil Service will be stabilised during 1968–69. There are expected to be reductions in total numbers of industrial staff during 1968–69.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the supply of capital by the Government by way of loans to public corporations and local authorities has led to inflation in the last three years.

I do not accept the implications of this Question. It is not possible to attribute inflation, or the absence of inflation, to any single factor.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has in the next financial year to supply capital to public corporations and local authorities by way of genuine borrowing from the public or by self-financing of the Government.

In advance of my Budget statement I can only say that, as before, we shall endeavour to maximise Government debt sales to the non-bank public.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the cost to the United Kingdom balance of payments of transporting oil supplies round a e Cape of Good Hope, since the closure of the Suez Canal; and what estimate he has made of the effect of devaluation on that figure.

The loss resulting from the Middle East situation as a whole was about £10 million a month in July-September, 1967; and it may have been running at some £20 million a month in October-December, 1967. Most of this loss probably arose from the cost of transporting oil round the Cape, but this cannot be separated from other increases in oil costs arising from the crisis. The recent fall in freight rates has much more than offset the effects of devaluation, and the loss is now running at a lower level than in 1967.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of the measures taken to maintain stability in the oilfields in the Middle East.

There is no direct connection between public expenditure and the maintenance of stability in the oilfields in the Middle East. It is, therefore, not possible to make an estimate of the kind requested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is now the total staff of the Inland Revenue; how this compares with a year ago; how much overtime was worked in the last year; and which aspects of the work are not in arrears.

Excluding casual staff, 63,228 on 1st February, 1968, an increase of 2,304 since 1st February, 1967. About 1,735,500 hours overtime were worked in 1967. The Department as a whole is under heavy pressure but arrears have been kept within manageable bounds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a further offer of freedom from prosecution for a limited period to those who will admit that they have been making false Income Tax claims to personal allowances.

No, but under their general practice the Board of Inland Revenue are strongly influenced in favour of a monetary settlement rather than prosecution if a person who has been making false claims to personal allowances comes forward voluntarily, without being challenged, and makes a full and complete confession.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Inland Revenue have lost large sums through the making of tax claims, mainly by immigrants, for non-existent dependants living abroad; how much it is estimated has been lost in each of the last two years; how much it is estimated will be lost in the next two years; what steps will be taken to minimise such losses; and whether he will make a statement.

I am considering this problem, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a further statement on the location of an Inland Revenue computer centre in the North-East.

The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total annual amount collected in Stamp Duty on housing transactions in Scotland; and what percentage it represents of the total collection in the United Kingdom.

About £1 million: 6 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representation he has had in relation to the collection of Stamp Duty on house mortgages; what study he has made of the matter; and what reply he has sent.

Representations on this subject have been received by Treasury Ministers from time to time, but my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will abolish Stamp Duty on the sale and purchase of a house when the owner is required to move by the needs of his employment.

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to improve the statistics available to him for the planning of public expenditure.

Statistical methods are under continuous development. Over the past few years the professional staff dealing with public expenditure statistics have been increased, the organisation of the flow of information from Departments has been improved, and computers have been brought in to use.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further steps he proposes to take to ensure that public expenditure in 1969–70 does not exceed the target laid down in the National Plan.

I have nothing at present to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19th January.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the effect upon the Northern Region of Her Majesty's Government's Review of Public Expenditure.

Comprehensive information is not available about the re- gional effect of the reductions in public expenditure estimates announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January. The reductions will certainly affect all regions, but, as paragraph 47 of Command Paper No. 3515 makes clear, the Government will continue to give special priority to the regeneration of the Development Areas.—[Vol. 756, c. 1577–93.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he allowed the cuts in public spending in Scotland to be fixed at only one half the comparable rate in England.

If the hon. Member has in mind the figures given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 19th January, 1968, these referred only to those services for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible. The reductions in Scotland generally, while reflecting the Government's regional development policies, are related to the needs of the various services in Scotland.—[Vol. 756, c.688]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with steps taken to ensure that resources released by Government measures announced since devaluation will be diverted into export industries.

I believe there are good prospects that resources released by our measures will be absorbed on the necessary scale into activities strengthening the balance of payments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the value of resources, at 1958 constant prices, made available to assist the balance of payments in 1968 as a result of measures announced by the Government since 18th November, 1967; and what further shift will be required to meet the target given to the National Economic Development Council.

In advance of my Budget Statement, I cannot add to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn) on 30th January.—[Vol. 757. c.274.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to grant tax relief to encourage the private provision of health and education services.

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received advocating an annual levy or. capital or a wealth tax; what answers he has given; and if he will make a statement.

I cannot add to the Answer which I gave on 23rd January to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol. 757, c.66.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total cost of subsidies and grants of all kinds to the nationalised industries in the latest financial year for which figures are available; and what he expects the total to be in 1968–69.

The total cost of subsidies and grants to the nationalised industries in their latest complete financial year, 1966–67 (calendar 1966 in the case of the transport industries) was £146 million. The corresponding estimate for 1968–69 is £212 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what he estimates is the additional debit on the balance of payments, the additional annual cost of servicing the National Debt, and the additional annual cost to industry arising from the maintenance of Bank Rate at eight per cent. rather than seven per cent.

No precise answer can be given to any of these questions. A 1 per cent. increase in Bank Rate was estimated by the Radcliffe Committee in 1958 to cost about £15 million in a full year to the balance of payments. This is still probably about the right order of magnitude. The additional interest on the National Debt and the extra cost to industry of servicing bank advances can both be estimated in broad terms at £ 30 million a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the estimated yield in 1968–69 of a surcharge of 10 per cent. on revenue duties under Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1961.

In the range of £200 million to £250 million at current rates of duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to ensure that the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia pays money due to the Commonwealth Development Corporation from Southern Rhodesian funds in this country.

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement of Government policy in relation to export tax rebates and incentives.

I would refer the hon. Member to the recent debates on the Revenue (No. 2) Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will now reintroduce the export rebate.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of private investment overseas in each of the five years 1963 to 1967; and what proportion of this total was represented by profits earned and retained overseas compared with the proportion represented by new investment of United Kingdom funds.

Since the subject is somewhat complicated, I will, with permission, circulate the available information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

					£ million
	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967 Jan.-Sept.
Total private investment (net of disinvestment)	329	406	356	317	223
II. Figures are not available for reinvestment of profits in overseas branches of U.K. firms, or in oil investment: and the concept is not appropriate for portfolio investment. The following figures relate only to investment in overseas subsidiaries and associates, excluding oil. They are on a net basis, taking into account disinvestment.

					£million
	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967 Jan.-Sept.
(a)U.K. investment (net of disinvestment) in overseas subsidiaries (excluding oil)	201	257	301	297	n.a.
(b) Net retained profits of subsidiaries (excluding oil)	118	147	168	179	n.a.
(b) as percentage of (a)	59	57	56	60	n.a.
III. Figures for the flows of private investment by the U.K., gross of disinvestment, are available only for 1965. These, for the same overseas subsidiaries as in II above and including accounting adjustments within the overseas subsidiary, are:—

								£ million
								1965
(a)Gross investment in overseas subsidiaries	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	473
(b)Gross unremitted profits of subsidiaries	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	198
(b) as percentage of (a)	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	42
IV. The "new investment of U.K. funds" in 1965 probably accounted for less than one quarter of the gross investment by U.K. firms in overseas subsidiaries (excluding oil). The remainder has mainly been financed by (in addition to unremitted profits) trade credit, overseas borrowing and the use of investment currency. A great deal of detailed information about direct investment in the year 1965 is published in the Board of Trade Journal for 30th June, 1967.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, in each of the five years 1963 to 1967, were the gross earnings of private investment overseas in interest, profit and dividends; and what proportion these earnings repre-

						£Million
						Jan.-Sept.
		1963	1964	1965	1966	1967
(a) Total gross invisible receipts of which—	…	2,496	2,677	2,882	2,890	2,270
(b) Private interest, profits and dividends*	…	807	856	956	885	636
(c) As percentage of (a)	…	32	32	33	33	28
*Includes interest on short-term and other financial credits and investments; includes unremitted profits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to prevent the entry in this country of hot money attracted by the high interest rates prevailing; and if he will make a statement.

While it is not my intention to attract an inflow of hot money, I do not want to see the reserves suffer from an outflow of funds. For the

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.Following is the information:time being, while overseas rates remain at present levels, rates here have to be kept rather high.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he anticipates will be the rise in consumer prices between 1967 and 1968.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer's, Written Answer of 16th February last to the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne).—[Vol. 758, c.433.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the effect on personal savings of an increase in personal direct taxation.

The extent of the effect would depend on the form which such an increase took.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase in the standard rate of Income Tax would be required to yield additional revenue in 1968–69 equivalent to the additional increase in wages and salaries arising from the official norm for such increases being exceeded by ½ per cent., 1 per cent., 1½ per cent., and 2 per cent., respectively.

There is at present no official norm for wage and salary increases. As regards future incomes policy, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, we shall be making a full statement to the House in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue which would accrue to the Treasury in one month from the introduction of the regulator on Purchase Tax.

Between £5 million and £6 million for a regulator surcharge of 10 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum which Great Britain is pledged to repay to international banks and foreign countries between the present date and 1975.

With permission I will circulate the figures in the Official Report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he estimates the recent bank amalgamations will assist him in promoting national savings.

I do not expect bank amalgamations to lead to any significant changes in this respect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions are issued to civil servants regarding the disclosure of confidential information concerning individuals to Government Departments and others who may seek such information.

Under the Official Secrets Act it is an offence for an officer to disclose to an unauthorised person any information he has acquired through his official duties unless he has received official permission. Departments are instructed to bring this to the attention of all civil servants on entry, and to remind them annually of their obligations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it is his present policy that Her Majesty's Stationery Office should be run on commercial principles; and what is the profit or loss during the past year on the sale of books and pamphlets.

The main function of the Stationery Office is to provide supplies and services to Parliament and Government Departments. The bookselling activities are run on commercial lines, but much of the service has to be given to Parliament and the public without strict regard to profitability. In 1966–67 a loss of £65,539 was incurred—which represents about 3 per cent. of turnover.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to assist the Scotch whisky industry; and if he will make a statement.

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what amounts domestic sales of Scotch whisky dropped in the years following the Budget increases of 1964, 1965, 1966.

The following table shows quantities of mature plain British spirit (nearly all of which is Scotch whisky) cleared from bonded warehouse:

Financial Year	Million proof gallons	Percentage change on previous year
1963–64	8·990	—
1964–65	9·589	+6·7
1965–66	8·686	-9·4
1966–67	8·974	+3·3
1966–67 (April-December)	7·571	—
1967–68 (April-December)	7·783	+2·8

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that share-fishermen have the option of paying Income Tax within the Pay As You Earn system.

No. P.A.Y.E. only applies to income assessable under Schedule E, and share fishermen are assessable to tax under Schedule D.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the gross figures for invisible receipts by the United Kingdom for the last five years.

In 1963, £2,496 million, and in the succeeding years £2,677 million, £2,882 million and £2,890 million. For 1967, probably about £3,000 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what savings, in money and manpower, he expects to make in the next financial year by substituting contract cleaners for the Civil Service cleaners in the cleaning of Government offices.

In 1969–70 I expect a saving of £400,000 and a reduction of between 3,000 and 3,500 in the number of Civil Service cleaners, who mostly work part-time. There will be some money saving in 1968–69, but the amount will depend on the rate at which it proves possible to make the change.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has taken with regard to the Valentine representations he has received from the lady cleaners regarding their dismissal from the cleaning service.

The substance of the representations in the 1,700 identical Valentine cards sent to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already been put to the Treasury more fully, though in less romantic form, by the Civil Service Union. Discussions with the Union are continuing, but I can hold out no hope that I shall be able to forgo the savings obtainable by transfer to contract cleaning.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider introducing an Estate Duty savings scheme, enabling an individual to purchase Estate Duty certificates of £100, £1,000, or other suitable denominations, the aggregate value of which in any particular case would be credited against the contingent liability to Estate Duty arising on his death, the sum so saved being itself exempt from Estate Duty, Capital Gains Tax and any other form of taxation and from aggregation.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend gave on 15th February.—[Vol. 758 c.417.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated annual cost of exempting from Estate Duty the first £10,000 received by the surviving spouse and each child of a testator, on the basis that the representatives of a deceased child were also entitled to his £10,000 share free of duty.

The annual loss, which would depend upon the extent to which wills were altered, could well exceed £100 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the visits by senior Treasury officials to defence research establishments such as the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, to inquire into those matters for which his Department is directly responsible.

Treasury staff inspectors, management specialists and computer experts visit defence research establishments to carry out specific assignments. Other Treasury officials pay visits, as pressure of work permits, to learn about the work of these establishments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums of public money were paid to private industry in subsidies, loans or grants in each of the last five years; and what steps he intends to take to reduce this expenditure.

Assistance provided to private industry in the form of subsidies, capital grants, net lending and cash expenditure on company securities in each of the past five years was:

		£ million
1963	…	42
1964	…	29
1965	…	82
1966	…	94
1967 (provisional outturn)	…	421*
*Includes, for the first time, payment of Investment Grants, S.E.T. additional payments and Regional Employment Premium, totalling in all £339 million.

On the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the Prime Minister's statement on 16th January, which summarised the Government's proposals for assistance to private industry in the next two years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to provide that Government Departments and local authorities can use the power of the public purse through bulk purchase to promote an initial market for approved developments, in the civil field, emanating from defence research establishments.

It is the Government's policy to ensure in co-operation with the rest of the public sector that public purchases will, wherever possible, facilitate wider industrial and commercial advantages. To that end, the fullest possible use of the results of defence research and the concentration of public purchasing on the most promising developments will be further encouraged, by legislation if that proves necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements he has made for the International Monetary Fund Special Mission arriving in the United Kingdom on 20th February; whom they will see; and whether any official information will be withheld from them.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on his official discussions with Mr. Richard Goode, of the International Monetary Fund; and to what extent during these discussions he made available information connected with Great Britain's balance of payments prospects, economic forecasts and Budgetary matters.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in HANSARD or place in the Library of the House of Commons a detailed list of the matters discussed between him and Mr. Richard Goode of the International Monetary Fund.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about his recent consultations with the International Monetary Fund.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement outlining the main points made in his report to the International Monetary Fund special mission which visited London in February, indicating their recommendations on future economic policies to be pursued by Her Majesty's Government.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Members for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent revenue has been increased during the previous financial year by the transfer of members of the defence forces to productive employment.

No such estimate is possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to widen the scope of the Parliamentary Commissioner's activities.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 20th February to the hon. Lady the Member for Hamilton (Mrs. Ewing).—[Vol. 759, c.70.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will implement the Government policy of securing relief from the whole of the foreign exchange costs of keeping British armed forces in Germany as laid down by his predecessor on 3rd May, 1966.

We are discussing with the Federal Government ways and means of meeting our stationing costs after the current Anglo-German Offset Agreement expires on 31st March. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will be reporting to the House when the negotiations are completed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the difficulties involved in the present procedure for making tenants of overseas landlords responsible for collecting tax due on the rent paid; and if he will take steps to amend the present procedure.

I am not aware that this procedure gives rise to any serious difficulties, and I see no reason to alter it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will consider legislation to make it necessary for all dealings over £200 to be paid for by cheque or bankers' order, so that large dealings in cash are properly accountable for tax purposes.

No. I do not think that such a rule could be enforced, and, even if it could, it would be unlikely to deter the tax evader.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the cost of printing the Gittins Report;(2) why the Gittins Report was printed in England, and whether Welsh printers were invited to tender for the printing of the report in either the English version, or the Welsh version.

The cost of printing the Report on Primary Education in Wales (Gittins Report) was £6,230.Neither of the only two printers in Wales known to be capable of producing the report in the time required was able to undertake the work at the time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the saving to the National Insurance Fund for the years 1968–69 to 1969–70 of a rise in average earnings of an average 3½ per cent. per year during this period.

It is estimated that at present rates of benefit a rise in average earnings of 3½ per cent. per annum over the years 1968–69 and 1969–70 would lead to increases in the net income of the National Insurance Fund of £6 million and £19 million respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Phonographic Equipment Limited, manufacturers of one-armed bandits, have announced a 60 per cent. increase in profits to £600,000 in six months, and that an interim dividend of 25 per cent., an increase of 10 per cent., has been announced, with a promise of an annual increase of 17½per cent. to 60 per cent.; and as this is contrary to the Government's policy of wages, prices and dividend restraint, what action he proposes to take.

I am aware of the announcement made by this company. The Government have made a request for moderation in company distributions during the present period. Over the past seven months in total 1,049 public quoted companies have either maintained or reduced their dividends compared with 513 which have announced increases. I am keeping the position under review, and if necessary I shall take account of the behaviour of a minority of individual companies if this seriously conflicts with the prices and incomes policy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will institute an inquiry into the financial aspects of the leasing of accommodation in foreign countries by Departments of Her Majesty's Government.

The financial aspects of leasing accommodation in foreign countries are primarily a matter for my right hon. Friends who have responsibility for staff and accommodation overseas. I have no evidence that a general inquiry is necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he now has to modify the British tax system to bring it into accord with that of members of the European Economic Community.

I have no statement to make on this subject at this time of year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will seek to allow Income Tax relief for handicapped and infirm people in respect of journeys to and from work necessitating transport other than public transport or private cars.

I am afraid that I could not agree to make an exception from the long standing rule that the cost of travelling between home and work does not rank for Income Tax relief.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will break down the £66 million cost of servicing the National Debt in Scotland on a basis proportionate to the population.

The breakdown (in£million)is:

Government Stock	73
Small Savings	19
Floating debt	17
Other	10
	119
Receipts from Consolidated Fund loans	—53
Net Cost	66

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what duty per degree of alcoholic strength is imposed on whisky and each other category of wine or spirit sold in the United Kingdom.

For typical wines and spirits, the information is as follows:

Spirits	Duty per gallon per degree of proof spirit
	s.	d.
Whisky	3	2·55
Gin and vodka (home-produced)	3	2·73
Brandy and rum (Commonwealth)	3	2·55
Brandy and liqueurs(non-Common-wealth)	3	2·85

Wine	Assumed strength (proof)	Duty per gallon per degree of proof
		s.	d.
Port and sherry	35	1	1·46
Heavy wines (Commonwealth)	35		10·03
Champagne	23	1	5·09
Light wines	22		11·04
	20	1	0·15
	18	1	1·5
	16	1	3·19
British wine	31·5		7·52

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will revise the existing arrangements for payments of excise duty which requires duty on Scotch whisky to be paid in advance of the release of the whisky from bond, the blender having to wait over one month for his invoice to be met.

This is a Budgetary matter, and I cannot comment now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the estimated annual cost of assessing and taxing married women separately upon their separate income.

If the hon. Member means taxing married women as if they were single persons while continuing to give the husbands the higher personal allowance, the cost would be of the order of £100 million a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will make a statement about the efforts being made with management consultancy techniques to improve the efficiency of the Civil Service, with a view to more work being done by fewer people.

Modern management techniques, including automatic data processing, clerical work measurement, management reviews, management by objectives, management accounting, work study and operational research are used, with the participation of management consultants where needed to supplement internal staff inspection and O. and M. services. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this month's edition of the O. and M. Bulletin which describes recent developments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now publish the short-term economic forecasts on which his 1968 Budget is based.

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Members for Moray and Nairn (Mr. G. Campbell), and Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon), Chelmsford (Mr. St. John-Stevas), Worthing (Mr. Higgins) and Harrow, Central (Mr. Grant) today.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to the United States Government regarding the effect of their recent restrictive measures on the United Kingdom.

We have had discussions with representatives of the United States Administration, both bilaterally and in the O.E.C.D. The exact form of such Government-to-Government discussions is normally confidential.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the colour of the cover of the Weekly Hansard has been changed from cream to green.

After consultation with the Editor of Debates, and with the agreement of the Services Committee, the cover was changed from cream to green as part of an improvement in the general design of this publication.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the practice of not disclosing budgetary proposals to Members of Parliament before the introduction of the Budget applies to other persons and in particular to foreigners and persons not normally resident in the country.

Absolutely.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the value of the £ sterling for domestic purposes has declined since devaluation in November.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ as 20s. 0d. in November, 1967, its value in January, 1968, the latest date for which information is available, is estimated at 19s. 10d.This estimate is based on movements in the index of retail prices. A large part of the movement in this index between November and January is attributable to seasonal factors and the disruption of normal meat supplies.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how many people have so far been unlawfully deported from Rhodesia by the illegal régime.

We have no statistics on deportations from Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he has had further discussions with a view to preventing the proposed British Lions rugby tour of Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.

The British Lions Rugby Team are fully aware of Her Majesty's Government's opposition to their tour of Rhodesia. We must leave it to their good sense to judge whether they should accept the invitation to visit Rhodesia in the circumstances created by the illegal declaration of independence.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the health and welfare of persons unlawfully held in restriction by the illegal régime in Rhodesia.

We have no detailed information but undoubtedly the conditions in the restriction areas are very harsh.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT those acts of the illegal régime in Rhodesia purporting to further or strengthen racial discrimination in that territory.

The illegal régime have taken action in a number of fields which will have the effect of furthering racial discrimination in Rhodesia. Recent examples are the so-called Municipal Amendment Act, 1967, and the proposed Property Owners (Residential Protection) Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Nigerian Government asking for assistance; and what reply he has sent.

If my right hon. Friend means assistance in helping to bring the war in Nigeria to an early end, the answer is that we have had no request. If he means financial and technical assistance, this is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development. Exports of arms have been on a normal commercial basis and we have received no requests for arms aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Kenya to ensure that those British subjects who are awaiting their turn for permission to enter the United Kingdom will not be deprived of work permits.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what was the number of United Kingdom passports issued, or renewed, in Kenya to citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies in each year since 12th December, 1963.

The numbers of United Kingdom passports issued or renewed in Kenya since 12th December, 1963, are as follows:

	Issued	Renewed
12th-31st December, 1963	590	—
1964	34,075	1,051
1965	29,190	1,301
1966	13,773	733
1967	17,806	1,512
Figures are not yet available for 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what instructions are issued to British missions in independent Commonwealth countries regarding the issue, or renewal of United Kingdom passports to citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies; and what material change in such instruc- tions there has been since the Commonwealth Immigrants Act was passed in Mr. George Thomas: If my right hon. 1962.

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given on 26th February by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office. The same passport instructions apply to the United Kingdom passport issuing officers in foreign and Commonwealth countries.