asked the Minister of Power what are the latest estimates of the excess of maximum output capacity of the electricity supply industry in average cold spell conditions this winter over maximum demand.

The C.E.G.B.'s margin this winter is now nearly 17 per cent.

asked the Minister of Power to what extent allowance is being made for possible changes in the structure of the Atomic Energy Authority in his review of the structure and organisation of the electricity industry.

I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology, on his consideration of the structure of the nuclear industry and if his conclusions are relevant to my examination of ft e electricity industry I will, of course, take them into account.

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the anxiety of Dorset farmers about the safety of high voltage electricity lines now stretching across the country, in relation to the farming operations carried out daily; and what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that there is no danger.

Electricity lines have to conform with the Overhead Line Regulations. There is no danger provided normal precautions are taken.

asked the Minister of Power what was the average percentage increase last quarter for domestic electricity consumers in the London area, compared with the corresponding quarter last year; and what average percentage increase he originally estimated for the London area when the last increase in charges was imposed.

Not all domestic consumers in the London Electricity Board's area have yet had a full quarter on the revised tariffs and I cannot, therefore, give the average percentage increase requested yet. However, there is no reason to suppose that in a full year it will differ from the Board's original estimate.

asked the Minister of Power what representations on the Fuel Policy White Paper he has received from energy producers, individually and collectively; and what replies he has sent.

I am in constant touch with the industries about fuel policy. By convention these exchanges are confidential.

asked the Minister of Power what consultation he had with the appropriate authorities in other countries possessing nuclear power stations who have experience of the dangers of nuclear power generation, before he accepted the advice of the Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee.

I had no specific consultations on this issue but officials of my own and other Departments keep in touch with their counterparts in other countries and international organisations so as to keep abreast of world views on nuclear safety problems.

asked the Minister of Power what detailed estimates he has made of the increased cost to the National Coal Board of mechanical and electrical mining systems for which contracts have already been placed, and for which contracts are not on a fixed basis, as a result of the abnormal load charges in the Transport Bill.

I understand from the National Coal Board that only a small number of contracts might be affected. The increased cost would be very small.

asked the Minister of Power what is his estimate of the extra costs per annum of the distribution of oil products in the United Kingdom if the Transport Bill becomes law in its present form.

Perhaps £1¼ million to £1½ million in the first full year.

asked the Minister of Power what estimates he has made of the increase in costs to the steel industry in Scotland of the current proposals in the Transport Bill.

I regret that separate figures are not readily available for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Power what answer he has given to representations made to him by the National Steel Corporation that coal supplies should be made available to the steel industry at a lower price than hitherto.

No such representations have been made.

asked the Minister of Power what is the maximum density of population near to which he will permit a nuclear power station to be built.

I cannot lay down precise figures. Every site must be considered individually. Topographical features as well as population density need to be taken into account. But I do not yet contemplate licensing stations within a mile or two of developments of full urban density.

asked the Minister of Power what percentage of reinforcing bars and rods used for concrete is imported from abroad; and whether such bars and rods are also made in this country.

About 33⅓ per cent. in 1967. Yes, they are made here.

Cooke asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the adverse effects of the British Steel Corporation's annual tonnage rebate on stainless steel products on the sales of similar products by the private sector of the steel industry; and if he will direct the Corporation to end this rebate.

My right hon. Friend has received no representations from the private sector about this.

asked the Minister of Power in view of the establishment in Aberdeen of a base by the Shell Oil Company, what arrangements he has made with that company, under the relevant licence he has given them, for an increased supply to Aberdeen of North Sea oil and gas; and at what prices.

None.

asked the Minister of Power, what steps have been taken to provide adequate inspection and control over oil prospecting in the North Sea to avoid oil escape and the pollution of the coasts of Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries.

Licensees are required by the terms of their licence to take all practicable steps to prevent the escape of oil into the sea and officials of my Ministry make frequent inspections of operating practices. In addition, licensees have to observe Part VIII of the Institute of Petroleum's Code of Safe Practice, which recommends specific measures to be taken in this respect.

asked the Minister of Power, what progress has been made towards a decision on siting a coal-fired power station at Invergordon as part of the Alcan aluminium smelter project.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement on aluminium smelting which will be made in due course.

asked the Minister of Power, what financial subvention he is authorising for coal supplies to the Alcan project at Invergordon.

No such subvention is included in the proposals which the Government are considering.

asked the Minister of Power what plans he has approved to provide more electricity and gas for the increasing trade, industry and commerce of Aberdeen.

The Scottish Gas Board's general programme of development which I approved last year includes the provision of more gas-making plant at Aberdeen. Electricity supplies in Scotland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Ministry of Power what anchorage requirements are laid down for oil rigs operating in the North Sea; if he is satisfied these requirements are being applied by every operator to maintain stability and the maximum of safety; and if he will make a statement.

I have not so far found it necessary to lay down anchorage requirements for semi-submersible and floating rigs, although the subject receives constant attention. To meet the exceptionally severe conditions sometimes experienced in the North Sea, anchors of 30,000 1b. weight are currently in use. These and the cables and attachments carry certificates issued by Lloyds and other approved bodies.

asked the Minister of Power (1) if he will make a statement on the details of the slow-down in the nuclear power station building programme.(2) whether it is still intended that there will be a total capacity of 8,000 megawatts in 1975 from atomic gas-cooled reactor stations.

As my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Swain) on 26th January, lower load expectations and the need for economy in capital expenditure have slowed down the start of new generating capacity of all types. The figure of 8,000 MW by the mid 1970s was adopted for planning purposes and assumed that on average one station a year would be ordered.Three stations have been started in the last three years, but when the 8,000 MW of A.G.R. capacity will be achieved will depend on decisions yet to be taken in the light of load forecasts and available capacity.

asked the Minister of Power what is the machinery in his Department for dealing with safety factors in nuclear power stations.

Commercial nuclear power stations require a licence from the Secretary of State for Scotland or myself. Strict conditions, based on the advice of the Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee and the Nuclear Inspectorate, are attached to these licences to ensure that such stations are designed, constructed and operated with proper regard for safety. The installations are systematically inspected to ensure that these conditions are observed.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will revise the nuclear power programme now that the estimated cost per unit sent out from Dungeness B nuclear station is higher than the cost for coal-fired stations like Cottam, in view of the fact that the Fuel Policy White Paper assumed that it would be cheaper.

There is no change in the estimates which calls for a revision of the nuclear power programme.

asked the Minister of Power what are the latest figures per unit of electricity for the cost of generating electricity by the latest type of nuclear generator, oil and coal, respectively; and what changes in these figures would result from the abolition of import and other duties on oil.

The C.E.G.B.'s estimates of base-load generation cost, including capital charges, for the latest nuclear, oil and coal stations are 0·52d. a unit for Hinkley Point B, 0·58d. for Pembroke and 0·60d. for Drax respectively.The abolition of duty on oil, if passed on in full to the C.E.G.B., would reduce the estimate for Pembroke by 0·11 pence.

asked the Minister of Power what benefit the south-west of England can expect from North Sea gas; and if he will make a statement.

All Boards will be supplied with natural gas on the basis of a uniform tariff subject to variations for load factor and the south-west, like other areas, will gain the benefits from the exploitation of North Sea gas referred to in the White Paper on Fuel Policy.

asked the Minister of Power when he estimates supplies of North Sea gas will be available to consumers in Lancashire.

First supplies of North Sea gas are already being used in Lancashire for making town gas. A phased programme for converting consumers' appliances in Lancashire and elsewhere in the North Western Gas Board's area will begin shortly.

asked the Minister of Power what evidence he has received of the existence of supplies of natural gas under the Irish Sea; and what plans he has for the exploration of these supplies.

It is known that there are sedimentary rocks under the Irish Sea, but the presence of natural gas can only be established by drilling. Thirteen licences to prospect and one to produce oil and gas have been issued. Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd., in association with the National Coal Board hold the production licence and are carrying out a further survey off the Lancashire coast.

asked the Minister of Power whether he is satisfied that there will be sufficient supplies of anthracite coal for domestic use in the country; and if he will make a statement.

The National Coal Board's current estimates indicate that supplies will be sufficient to meet over all domestic demand, but there may be delays in delivery of some of the more popular qualities.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take in the case of Mr. M. F. Walker, of 102 Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury, who is not able to get for his five-year-old son an appointment to see an ear, nose and throat consultant in Shrewsbury until 14th May.

I understand that the delay is due to the boy having been referred to a particular consultant who cannot see him sooner.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement regarding the casualty service at Llwynypia Hospital.

I am considering proposals by the Welsh Hospital Board regarding this service and representations made to me about these proposals. I will make my decision known in due course.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that hospitals conform to the necessary fire regulations.

All hospital authorities have comprehensive guidance from me about fire precautions and about protection of hospitals against fire. The recommendations contained in this guidance have been approved by the Home Office and ask hospitals to work in close consultation with the local fire authorities. Conformity in detail with this guidance and with the appropriate statutory requirements is a matter for the hospital authorities.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he will give the names of the working party who recommended the proposed nurses' uniforms; why the professional associations were not consulted in the initial stages; and if he will give an assurance that no firm action will be taken without full consultation with all interests;(2) if he will outline the plan he initiated and followed prior to the publication of the proposed new nurses' uniforms and subsequently; and also the further procedure he has in mind.

The Specifications Working Group of nurses' uniforms which was set up in June, 1964, comprised 16 hospital officers nominated by hospital authorities and a chairman from my right hon. Friend's Department. I will, with permission, circulate the list of names in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Group included 12 qualified nurses and consulted whomever they thought necessary. My right hon. Friend is now seeking the comments of hospital authorities and professional nursing bodies before deciding what action he should take.The following is the information:

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Command Paper No. 1604, January, 1962, envisaged the building of the first phase of a new general hospital in South Bristol as a major scheme expected to start between 1966–67 and 1970–71; and whether a commencing date for this urgently needed hospital has now been appointed.

I would refer my hon. Friend to Command Paper No. 3000 which stated that the start of the first phase of this hospital would be likely to be after 1969–70. I can at present give no firm date for this.

asked the Minister of Health if he will issue a circular to local authorities advising them to set up training courses for child minders and women running private nurseries.

A circular was issued in 1965 encouraging the provision of suitable training courses for nursery and allied staffs including those of private nurseries and playgroups. My right hon. Friend is considering what further guidance is needed.

asked the Minister of Health what reports he has received concerning deaths following the prescribing of chloromycetin; what investigations he has made; and if he will make a statement.

30 deaths attributed to the use of chloramphenicol (of which "Chloromycetin" is a particular brand) were reported to the Committee on Safety of Drugs in the period April, 1964 to January, 1968. In January, 1967 the Committee reminded doctors of the need for discrimination in use of this drug in view of the known hazard of serious adverse reactions in some patients. The number of prescriptions has since fallen by nearly one half.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to provide a close estimate of the amount to be saved by the Exchequer arising from the proposed prescription charges, taking account of those whom it is proposed to exempt from the charges.

I have nothing to add to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January.—[Vol. 756, c. 1577.]

asked the Minister of Health which organisations he has consulted in determining which people will be exempted from prescription charges.

I have already had consultations with the medical and pharmaceutical professions about the arrangements for giving effect to the Government's intentions as to the categories to be exempted. Consultations with other interests will take place as necessary.

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has to mark, in some suitable way, the 20th anniversary in July, 1968, of the beginning of the National Health Service.

I am arranging a conference to be held at Church House, Westminster, on 4th and 5th July. I hope that this will serve not only to mark an important stage in the development of a great service but also, more importantly, to help to shape and fit the service for the tasks that lie ahead. The number who can be invited to take part in such a conference must be limited, but I shall try to secure that they are representative of those who will be closely concerned with these tasks.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now make a statement on the general principles in car parking policies to which he was giving consideration in the light of developments since the planning bulletin No. 7 was prepared, and to which he referred in Circular 54/67 of 7th August last.

My right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport are considering what further advice can be given to local authorities about the provision, management and financing of off-street parking facilities in town centres, including advice on car-parking standards for new development, and whether contributions by developers are appropriate.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to announce a decision on the Cheltenham Town Development Plan.

The many conflicting views about the development plan proposals for the centre of Cheltenham are still under consideration and I regret I cannot yet say when a decision will be announced.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has now reconsidered the request from Worcestershire County Council for reimbursement of the sum of £6,675 incurred by them in their work on the County Review; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. But, as I have explained to the hon. Member by letter, I remain unconvinced that this is a case in which the expenditure in question should be borne by the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what has been the average ld. rate product for Wales for the financial years 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66, and 1966–67; and how this compares with the average ld. rate product for England for the same period.

The information is as follows:

Average 1d. rate product per head of population
	Wales	England
	£	£
1963–64	0·128	0·183
1964–65	0·128	0·184
1965–6	0·137	0·187
1966–67	0·134	0·190

The rate product per head of population of any local authority with such a product below the national average was raised to that average by the rate deficiency grant. In 1966–67 the national average was £0·187 per head and the rate product of local authorities in Wales will have been brought up to this figure by the grant.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will authorise loan consent during 1968–69 for subways or footbridges at the Gossops Green roundabout and the Ifield Avenue roundabout, Crawley; and whether he will be prepared to authorise the Commission for the New Towns to make a contribution towards their cost.

I understand that the urban district council are in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on the question of loan sanction.My right hon. Friend will consider sympathetically a proposal by the Commission for the New Towns to contribute to the cost of these schemes.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage increase in rates and earnings is represented by the proposed increase in the basic rate of 4½d. an hour for craftsmen in the water supply industry; and if he is now able to confirm that the settlement conforms to the Government's prices and incomes policy.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his Question on the same subject on 5th March. Details of the settlement are under discussion with the industry and my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to comment on it.—[Vol. 760, c. 55.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has considered the case of Mr. and Mrs. Church, of 15, High Road, Beeston, Sandy, Bedfordshire, details of which have been sent to him, involving hardship arising out of the operation of the Rent Act, 1965; and when he proposes to alter the existing regulations under the Act to alleviate the position of landlords of controlled accommodation.

I have considered this case and have written to the hon. Member about it. On the latter part of the Question, I cannot at present add to the reply given to Questions by the hon. Members for Crosby (Mr. Graham Page) and for Rye (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine) on 28th November last.—[Vol. 755, c. 52.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many applications were made for the year ended 31st December 1967, to rent officers in the administrative areas within the Yorkshire and Humberside Region, how many resulted in an increase in rentals, how many in a decrease, and how many in rentals remaining at the same level, and how many of these cases have been the subject of appeal.

During the year ended 31st December, 1967 rent officers in the registration areas within the Yorkshire and Humberside Region received 1,535 applications for registration of rent and made 1,449 determinations. The previous rent was increased in 715 cases, unchanged in 200 cases and reduced in 456 cases; in 78 cases the registration was based on a certificate of fair rent; 57 objections to rent officers' determinations were referred to rent assessment committees.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the present number and grading of staff employed on the assessment panel in Leeds dealing with appeals from rent officers; what was the total number of appeals received for the year ended 31st December, 1967; and what was the average rate per week dealt with and with what results.

One office is now dealing with the work of the Yorkshire Rent Assessment Panel and that of the five Rent Tribunals dealing with furnished accommodation in Yorkshire. This rationalisation has so far resulted in the saving of five posts. The present staff of the office comprises one higher executive officer, three executive officers, five clerical officers, one clerical assistant, one personal secretary and one typist.Cases referred to Committees of the Rent Assessment Panel now form the smaller proportion of the business handled. They totalled 62 in 1967 but determinations were given in 102 cases during the year, an average of two per week. The original rent was reduced in 81 cases, increased in 18 and no change was made in three.In addition, the same staff handled an average of about 20 cases a week referred to the Rent Tribunals during the last quarter of 1967.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many notices in accordance with Section 34 of the Leasehold Reform Act, 1967, were given between 1st and 27th January, 1968; and whether these notices were in the form prescribed by the Government regulations.

These notices are given as part of the private transactions between tenants and landlords and there is no provision for them to be publicly recorded; for this reason the information requested is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage of owner-occupiers have taken advantage of the option mortgage scheme.

According to information from a group of the largest building Societies, about 4 per cent. of the existing borrowers who had to make their de cision by 31st December, 1967, have changed to option mortgages, and some 10 per cent. of new borrowers are choosing them. The figures for other qualifying lenders are broadly comparable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the importance of office equipment, business machines and similar equipment, he will seek to exempt from Selective Employment Tax those companies which maintain such equipment, in particular with future complications of switching to decimalisation.

My right hon. Friend has received representations on this matter and will take them into account in framing his Budget proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Income Tax allowances are made to a registered blind person married to another registered blind person.

Where a married couple are both registered blind persons throughout the tax year the husband may claim an extra personal allowance of £200, reduced by seven-ninths of the amounts of any tax-free disability payments receivable by him and his wife on account of their blindness.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek to amend the law so as to allow an income allowance to a deaf person to offset the cost of hearing aid batteries which have recent substantially increased in price.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the total borrowings outstanding by local authorities in the United Kingdom with a maturity of one year and one day or less, and five years or less, respectively.

A survey of local authorities outstanding loan debt was last carried out as at 31st March, 1965 (15th May for Scotland) when authorities had £2,983 million of debt due for repayment in up to one year, and £1,527 million of debt due for repayment in over one year and up to five years. A similar survey is being considered for 31st March, 1968.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what considerations led to the decision not to use the traditional figure of Britannia on the new decimal coinage; and whether it is intended to use the figure of Britannia on other new coins or notes.

The new coin designs were chosen on their merit and because together they formed a homogeneous series. Designs bearing Britannia were considered but they did not fit well with the rest of the series. The possibility of using Britannia in the future is not precluded. The designs of bank notes is not my responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to discontinue the practice whereby the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation issues notes on behalf of the British Government; and whether he will make a statement.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation is one of three banks authorised to issue notes on behalf of the Hong Kong Government, not of Her Majesty's Government. The Hong Kong Government has no plans to discontinue this practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement of the system and function of city district officers in Hong Kong.

Initially the scheme will be based on ten offices, six in Kowloon and four in Hong Kong Island, which will be staffed by district officers with supporting staff. The district officers will make themselves accessible to those living within their districts with the object of providing a two-way channel of communication between the people and the Government. They will assess the impact of Government policies on the people of their districts, recommending variations where appropriate, and will undertake a number of simple services such as mediation in minor disputes and assisting in obtaining legal aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what are the conclusions of Her Majesty's Government on the representations made to them proposing the imposition of a passport sanction, a travel sanction, telecommunication sanctions and postal sanctions against the illegal Smith régime.

We have been giving attention to such measures together with other possible measures against the illegal régime.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why the British Broadcasting Corporation are allowed to sell television programmes, including the Forsyte Saga and Pinky and Perky, to Rhodesia; and if he will now tighten up sanctions with a view to forbidding such sales.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear on 31st January, 1966, when he announced the embargo on virtually all trade with Rhodesia, that it was not the intention to interfere with the free movement of books, periodicals and cinema films. Television films come under the heading cinema films.While Her Majesty's Government are opposed to any action which might inhibit freedom of expression or impede the movement of news and information, the effectiveness of this sanction, together with others, is continually under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he was first approached by solicitors in London in respect of a petition to Her Majesty relating to the three Africans recently hanged in Rhodesia; and whether those solicitors represented themselves as acting on instructions from the condemned men;(2) who first approached his Department in the week ended 3rd March in relation to a petition or proposed petition, to Her Majesty in respect of the three Africans recently hanged in Rhodesia; what advice he gave to them; and at what time;(3) when he or his Department was first approached in the week ended 3rd March in relation to the petition to the Queen in respect of the three Africans recently hanged in Rhodesia.

My Department was first approached in the matter of a petition to the Queen for the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy on the morning of Saturday, 2nd March. This approach was made by the lawyers in London who, in collaboration with lawyers in Salisbury, had been acting for the condemned men in the proceedings before the Rhodesian courts. They said that they proposed to submit petitions to the Queen later that day asking for the Prerogative of Mercy to be exercised in respect of the condemned men. They explained the grounds upon which these petitions would rely. They further explained that they had not received express instructions from Salisbury to submit the petitions but that, in view of the imminent danger of their clients being hanged, they regarded it as being in the interests of their clients to proceed without delay. No advice was given to them but my Department assured them that the petitions, when submitted, would be considered with expedition.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether it was with the approval of Her Majesty's Government that the British Broadcasting Corporation have sold films to Rhodesia; and what further plans the Government have for promoting cultural exchanges with that country.

The B.B.C. is independent of the Government and on matters of this kind is guided by commercial considerations. The answer to the second part of the Question is that there is no question of the Government promoting cultural relations with Rhodesia until there is a return to constitutional government in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the death sentence has been carried out in Southern Rhodesia since 1965; and how many of those executed were of African, Asian or European origin.

Five death sentences have been carried out in Southern Rhodesia since the illegal declaration of independence in November, 1965; those executed were African.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action he has now taken to ascertain the names, former occupations and details of charges brought against them of all those at present under sentence of death in Rhodesia for alleged political offences.

We are taking all practicable steps to ensure that our records are as comprehensive as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs to what issues relating to the reprieve of the three Africans recently hanged in Rhodesia he gave consideration on Friday, 1st March.

The possibility that petitions for mercy might be submitted, as was done in two cases about two years ago, had of course been present to my mind since the régime announced in August, 1967, that they intended to execute these men. In the light of the information that reached me on 1st March regarding the decisions in the courts in Salisbury that day, I took steps to ascertain precisely what my personal responsibilities as Secretary of State would be if petitions were once again submitted. But the question remained hypothetical until notice of intention to submit petitions was given my my Department on Saturday, 2nd March.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs in what manner, and at what time, the granting of a reprieve in the recent Rhodesian case was communicated by Her Majesty's Government to the authorities in de facto control in Rhodesia.

As indicated in the statement issued by the Commonwealth Office on the evening of 2nd March, notification of the reprieve was telegraphed to those concerned with carrying out death sentences in Rhodesia that evening. News of the reprieve was reported in the Press and on the radio in Rhodesia, as well as being broadcast to audiences there by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are being made for budgetary aid to Mauritius.

My hon. Friend will recall that on 1st November [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st November, 1967, cols. 5–6), it was announced that Her Majesty's Government had agreed, subject to Parliamentary approval, to give additional financial aid for budgetary and capital purposes of £2·8 million, making a total of £4·3 million to meet the residual deficit in the Mauritius financial year 1967–68. This was conditional on fulfilment by the Government of Mauritius of an undertaking to bring their recurrent budget into balance by 1968–69 and to limit their capital budget for 1967–68 to an agreed figure.The House will be glad to learn that, before Mauritius became independent, £750,000 of this was issued as budgetary aid. It is of course, part of the aid announced on 1st November and has been given on proof of need and taking into account the action which the Government of Mauritius have reported they are taking to bring their recurrent budget into balance by 1968–69.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when work will begin on the transmission lines to carry electricity from the prototype fast reactor at Dounreay, Caithness, to the grid; what consultations have been held about the line of route; and whether the power generated will be available to local indultry in Caithness and Sutherland, and upon what terms.

As statutorily required, the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board advertised the route of this line and has consulted all appropriate local planning authorities, my amenity committee and all owners and occupiers likely to be affected. I have given consent to the section from Dounreay to the River Brora, and the Board has already started work on it.The power generated at Dounreay will be fed into the grid for general consumption.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many live pigs for slaughter have been imported from Ireland in recent months and what was the reason for these imports.

The number of live pigs imported into Great Britain from October, 1967 onward is shown in the following table:

Imports of pigs (all swine) from the Irish Republic
	(head)
1967
October	234
November	2,759
December	871
1968
January	555

I understand that few, if any, of these pigs were landed at Scottish ports.Normally, very few live pigs are imported into Britain from the Irish Republic, the numbers for the first three quarters of 1967 being 242, 184 and 92, respectively. Because of a strike affecting their bacon factories, the Irish Government introduced in October, 1967 a temporary subsidy for bacon pigs above 185 1bs. sent for export. The subsidy was withdrawn in November.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding recent imports from Ireland of live pigs for slaughter; and what reply he has sent.

The National Farmers' Union of Scotland wrote to my Department on 31st January, 1968 expressing concern about these subsidised imports and about the possibility of a recurrence. A reply was sent on 15th February. I have arranged for copies of this correspondence to be sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the cost per issue of the publication, "Future", produced by his Department; where it will be displayed; and what results it is hoped it will achieve.

The photo-newsposter "Future" cost £203 to produce. It is for display in local authority offices, libraries and factories throughout Scotland. It is intended to inform the public about the work of the Scottish Economic Planning Council and its consultative groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to install the traffic lights at the junction of

Where employed	Number of Staff	Category							Equivalent Civil Service Grade
London	1	Legal Secretary and Parliamentary Draftsman							Deputy Secretary
	1	Deputy Legal Secretary and Parliamentary Draftsman							Principal Assistant Solicitor
	3	Assistant Legal Secretary and Parliamentary Draftsman							—
	2	Junior Legal Secretary and Assistant Parliamentary Draftsman							Senior Legal Assistant
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Higher Executive Officer
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Executive Officer
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Clerical Officer
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Senior Personal Secretary
	2	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Personal Secretary
Edinburgh	1	Parliamentary Draftsman (part-time)					…	…	—
	5	Advocates-Depute (part-time)				…	…	…	—
	1	Crown Agent		…	…	…	…	…	Principal Assistant Solicitor
	1	Principal Assistant		…	…	…	…	…	—
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Senior Legal Assistant
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Higher Executive Officer
	1	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Executive Officer
	5	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Clerical Officer
	3	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Shorthand Typist
	3	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	Messenger
There are vacancies for two Junior Legal Secretaries and Assistant Parliamentary Draftsmen (in addition to the two persons employed as noted above).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the numbers of people represented by the organisations whom he consulted in relation to British Standard Time.

My consultations were designed to elicit the views of responsible organisations covering a wide range of spheres of activity. I do not think an estimate of the kind suggested would be meaningful.

Ayr County Council will be installing the equipment very soon now.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff are employed in the Lord Advocate's Department; where they are employed; and into what categories they are divided and in what Civil Service grades.

The Lord Advocate has supplied the following information to enable me to reply. The staff numbers 35, employed as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with local education authorities about school hours in relation to British Standard Time; and if he will make a statement.

Provided that Regulation 10 of the Schools (Scotland) Code, 1956 is observed, the fixing of school hours is a matter within the discretion of education authorities, some of which already approve variations in the hours to suit local conditions. The Association of Directors of Education, which I have consulted, assures me that this position is well understood. I have in mind, however, to circulate a note to education authorities describing in detail the effect of British Standard Time during the winter months in different parts of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the total number of places in primary and secondary schools, respectively, covered by approvals for new buildings granted in 1967;(2) what were the costs and total number of places in primary and secondary schools, respectively, covered by completions in 1967;(3) what were the costs and total number of places in primary and secondary schools, respectively, covered by building starts in 1967.

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to him on 6th February.—[Vol. 758, c. 100.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the number, siting, method of power generation and commissioning dates of aluminium smelters that he proposes to authorise.

I cannot add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 7th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 154.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the Newspaper Society about investment grants; and whether he will make a statement.

I have had a full discussion about investment grants with the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the Newspaper Society on 7th March. The industry are considering whether there are any further points which they wish to bring to my attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks which have been held with the European Free Trade Association and the individual members of that Association since the rejection of Great Britain's application for membership of the European Economic Community.

We have maintained close consultation with our European Free Trade Association partners through the weekly meetings of the European Free Trade Association Council in Geneva. In addition, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State had talks with Austrian Ministers in Vienna last month. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had talks with the Norwegian Minister for Commerce and Shipping in London in January.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Her Majesty's policy of supporting the "Back Britain" campaign, he will instruct all Departments that at Christmas and Easter they should not remain closed on extra days beyond Bank Holidays.

No. Each of my right hon. Friends in charge of a Department is responsible for the manning arrangements made in his Department at holiday times. Circumstances differ widely and any blanket instruction from me would be inappropriate and uneconomic.

asked the Prime Minister how long he proposes to continue to be directly concerned in the work of the Department of Economic Affairs.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will extend the area of economic affairs over which he is directly concerned.

I would refer hon. Members to the Answer I gave on 27th February to a Question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor).—[Vol. 759, c. 331.]

asked the Prime Minister what is the division of responsibility between the Ministry of Technology and the Ministry of Power on technological matters that affect both Ministries.

As the Answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.The following is the information:The Ministry of Power is responsible for the co-ordinated development of fuel and power, the approval of the research programmes of the nationalised steel, coal, gas and electricity supply industries, research into the safety and health of mine workers and for the oil industry and the private sector of the iron and steel industries. The Ministry of Technology has sponsorship responsibilities for most of the manufacturing industries supplying equipment to those industries for which Ministry of Power is responsible.My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology is also responsible for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Postmaster General at Newcastle-onTyne, on 17th February, on the subject of tenders for Government orders represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

My right hon. Friend's speech dealt primarily with consituency matters but if the hon. Member has in mind any particular point affecting Government policy I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of economy, he will give instructions that reductions should be made on the number of staff accompanying Ministers on overseas visits.

I have given instructions to this effect on a number of occasions over the past 18 months or so. Most recently, on 30th November, the Treasury reminded Departments that devaluation made the need for economy in the size of all delegations going overseas even more important in view of the higher costs now involved in visits to many countries. In each case where a Minister seeks my approval for an overseas visit, the number of staff involved has to be specifically justified to and approved by me.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his decision to withdraw from East of Suez and his policy to make economies, he will now order the withdrawal of the naval patrol off Beira.

No.

asked the Prime Minister what is the practice of his Administration regarding the extent to which Ministers will answer Questions on matters affecting the nationalised industries.

In accordance with the established conventions of this House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will invite Commonwealth Prime Ministers to an early conference to discuss migration within the Commonwealth and propose a venue such as Edinburgh where there is a minimal atmosphere of racial disharmony.

I would refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 7th March to a supplementary question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bexley (Mr. Heath).It is, of course, for the Commonwealth Prime Ministers collectively to decide where a meeting should be held.—[Vol. 760, c. 646.]

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that gifts should be presented to the Government and Legislature of Mauritius to mark the attainment of independence by Mauritius on 12th March.

The whole House will, I feel sure, wish to send congratulations to Mauritius on her independence, with best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of her people. Her Majesty's Government will propose that this House should offer a Mace to the Mauritius Legislative Assembly. Her Majesty's Government for their part have decided to offer a. silver centrepiece to the Government of Mauritius to mark this occasion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what is his estimate of the consumption of tea per head in the United Kingdom, in Scotland, and in England, respectively.

Estimates of annual tea consumption per head in the United Kingdom in recent years are:

1964	1965	1966
9·3 lb.	8·9 lb.	8·7 lb.

Preliminary estimates for 1967 indicate an upward turn in consumption.Comparable figures are not available for Scotland and England separately. However, the National Food Survey Committee on Household Food Consumption and Expenditure reports that tea consumption per head in households in Scotland is about 11 per cent. below the average for Great Britain.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many instances there have been in recent years of the promotion, to the rank of field marshal, of a general with only one remaining day of effective service; and whether it is his policy to extend this procedure so as to increase the pension entitlements and emoluments of all serving officers and men prior to retirement.

One. Since 1964 it has been the policy to make promotions to field marshal only when a Chief of Staff of one of the Services leaves his appointment, either on retirement or on promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff. It is not proposed to extend this procedure to any other category.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance has been given by the Royal Air Force in the shipment of relief foods and supplies given by British voluntary organisations for Vietnamese war victims.

Between 9th February and 8th March, 1968 the Royal Air Force flew from Singapore to Saigon 39,065 lb. of relief aid provided by British voluntary organisations. On 8th March the Royal Air Force in Singapore had in hand 134,000 lb. of goods provided by the voluntary organisations and by today more than half of this should have been moved to Saigon. All this is in addition to the supplies flown in for Her Majesty's Government in connection with the further aid for the British medical team in Saigon announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development on 14th February. It is also additional to the aid given on three occasions in previous years by Royal Air Force Beverleys in distributing relief supplies in Vietnam.—[Vol. 758, c. 373.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the manpower strength and the number of posts of the Royal Observer Corps in England and Wales, in Scotland and in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years; and what was the expenditure in each year.

The personnel establishment of the Royal Observer

Area etc.			1963	1964	1965	1966	1967
England and Wales
(a) R.O.C. Personnel Establishment		…	24,200	24,200	19,750	19,750	19,750
(b) Strength	…	…	13,560	13,750	13,970	14,050	14,190
(c) Observation Posts manned	…	…	1,064	1,137	1,162	1,179	1,179
Scotland
(a) R.O.C. Personnel Establishment		…	6,600	6,600	5,250	5,250	5,250
(b) Strength	…	…	2,470	2,550	2,600	2,570	2,690
(c) Observation Posts manned	…	…	296	315	317	319	319
Northern Ireland
(a) R.O.C. Personnel Establishment		…	900	900	920	920	920
(b) Strength	…	…	710	820	890	850	830
(c) Observation Posts manned	…	…	58	58	58	58	58

Expenditure on the R.O.C. from Defence Votes was as follows:

	£ million
1963–64	1·025
1964–65	1·125
1965–66	1·050
1966–67	1·175
1967–68	1·200

The bulk of these costs was recovered from the Home Office, which also met in full the capital costs for accommodation and specialist equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the proposed Anglo-American radar station at Orfordness is to form part of the United States missile warning system.

This station is not being built as part of the United States missile warning system. It will carry out radio research, some of which could have a bearing on methods of early warning of missile attacks.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, how many children in primary schools and secondary schools have started to have free school meals since his Department's latest campaign began; how many of these were already taking regular school meals but paying for them; and what is the additional annual cost to public funds of these extra free school meals.

On the basis of incomplete returns I estimate that since the issue of the Secretary of State's message last November the number of children taking free meals has increased by about one quarter, the same as in the whole of the previous year. I do not know how many of these children were previously not taking meals or paying for them, and I cannot therefore estimate the additional cost to public funds.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in the borough of Bedford have a higher proportion of immigrants than the tolerable number set out in his Circular 7/65.

The Circular did not refer to tolerable numbers. It suggested that strains might arise if more than one-third of the pupils in a school were immigrants; there were eight schools in Bedford in January, 1967, in which this proportion was exceeded.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the ratio of pupils to teachers in primary and secondary schools, respectively, in Wales at the latest convenient date.

25·2 in primary, 18·8 in secondary schools, 22·2 overall, in January, 1967.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the ratio of pupils to teachers in all Welsh primary and secondary schools, respectively, in Wales at the latest convenient date.

In January, 1967 there were 24·7 pupils to each teacher in "Welsh" primary schools (in Anglicised areas), 16·9 pupils in secondary schools of this type, 22·1 overall. Comparable figures for Welsh-medium schools in predominantly Welsh-speaking areas are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) in view of overcrowded conditions for secondary school children at present in the Aberystwyth area, and in order to expedite comprehensive education in the locality, if he will give an assurance that the building of a new comprehensive school at Aberystwyth will not be delayed as part of the Government's economy programme;(2) when the building of a new comprehensive school at Aberystwyth will commence.

Local education authorities have been asked to review all major school building projects at present programmed for their areas up to and including those for the financial year 1968–69. The list of projects which they consider can and should be started in that year is now being considered by the Department and I cannot make any statement, at this stage, on whether a particular project will be allowed to start. In general, projects which provide places for children who would otherwise not have schools to go to will have to be given priority over those designed to replace or improve existing schools, however desirable they may be. It follows that I cannot at present say when a start can be made on this project.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the building of the Welsh College of Agriculture at Aberystwyth will commence.

As my hon. Friend has already been informed, it is not possible to make a firm commitment about a building programme allocation for this project until negotiations for a site have been satisfactorily completed. If this matter can be resolved at an early date, I hope that it may prove possible to authorise a start during 1969–70.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost of maintaining the professional and executive register of his Department; how many applications for employment are received on the register each year; and what percentage of these applicants are found employment.

In 1967 the total cost was about £600,000.Registrations and placings in the last three statistical years are given in the table below. Placings have been expressed as a percentage of registrations, though this does not exactly reflect the percentage of people placed, since some register or are placed more than once:

Year	Registrations	Placings	Column (5) as percentage of Column (2)
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
1965	44,178	7,860	17·8
1966	51,049	7,900	15·5
1967	61,471	8,346	13·6

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of men and women, respectively, redeployed in Wales between June, 1966, and June, 1967, or the last 12 months for which the figures are available, from service to manufacturing industries.

Between June, 1966, and June, 1967, the industrial classifications of many establishments were altered. Estimates have been made of the numbers of employees involved in these reclassifications but separate figures for males and females are not available.After allowing for the effect of reclassification it is estimated that between June, 1966, and June, 1967, the numbers of employees in employment in Wales in manufacturing industries (Orders III to XVI of the Standard Industrial Classification) and service industries (Orders XIX to XXIV) decreased by approximately 9,700 and 12,400, respectively. These estimates show changes in the level of employment. Information about flows between industries is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will seek to ensure that restrictions on wage and salary increases recommended by the National Board for Prices and Incomes are applied to non-union members as well as to trade union members covered by agreements.

In following up recommendations made by the Board my Department does not distinguish between union and non-union members.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the criteria governing his appointment of outside bodies to membership of the National Industrial Safety Council; and if he will list the constituent members.