asked the Minister of Health what steps he intends to take to improve the provisions for the mentally ill in urban areas in the light of the report of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association published on 19th February, 1968, a copy of which has been sent to him.

Hospital and local health authorities are aware of the importance my right hon. Friend attaches to improving provision for the mentally ill. Those responsible for planning the development of these services will I am sure find the report of interest.

asked the Minister of Health what financial help he intends to give to centres already established to enable them to continue giving treatment to drug addicts.

I have only received one request for financial help from an organisation outside the National Health Service and this is being considered.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a further statement about invalid vehicles for haemophiliacs.

Further inquiries are being made into the medical effects upon haemophiliacs of driving invalid tricycles.

asked the Minister of Health what right of appeal it is proposed to give to a person whose application for a refund of a prescription charge is rejected.

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what estimate he had made of the num- ber of machines he will need to issue to dispensing chemists when his long-term plans for exemption from prescription tax are implemented; what will be the cost of each machine and the cost of distribution; and what is his estimate of the annual cost of servicing and replacements;(2) what estimate he has made of the number of plastic cards which will be needed when his long-term plans for exemption from the prescription tax are implemented; what will be the cost; and whether any of the material used will need to be imported.

These matters depend on the precise administrative and technical arrangements which emerge from the current discussion with the professions and on subsequent detailed negotiations with suppliers.

asked the Minister of Health if he will bring up to date the analysis of statistics on the prevalence of mental disease available from the records of general practitioners and last published in 1956.

I have no present plans to institute another such study of the clinical records of general practitioners. There have been a number of more recent studies of psychiatric illness in general practice, the results of which have been published.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider taking steps to extend the scope of the work of the Parliamentary Commissioner to cover the National Health Service so that he can investigate complaints of patients and staff.

This proposal was fully considered during the passage of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act, 1967 and was rejected by Parliament.It would seem premature to reopen the matter after less than a year's experience of the Commissioner's present functions.

asked the Minister of Health when he will publish the results of the 10-year fluoridation studies in Watford and Anglesey.

I hope to publish them before long.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he is satisfied that the use of the drug chloramphenicol in animals is without risk of the appearance of resistance to this drug in the typhoid bacillus in man;(2) if he will set up a committee to investigate the use of antibiotics in agriculture.

No cases have been reported in which the typhoid bacillus in man has proved resistant to chloramphenicol, but it is not possible to say that the use of chloramphenicol in animals is without risk of the development of such resistance. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are currently making arrangements for the establishment of an Expert Body which will study the use of antibiotics generally in agriculture, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now considered the report of the medical advisory panel of the Pre-Retirement Association; and if he will make a statement.

We agree with the main conclusion of the report that there is a continuing need to promote the health of the elderly but, as the report suggests, the first essential is the setting up and evaluation of various types of pilot schemes. Twenty-seven local health authorities provide preventive health clinics for elderly people. These are being studied by my Department. My right hon. Friend also proposes to ask the newly established Health Education Council to take account of the report when drawing up its programme of work.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make provision on prescription forms for drugs within the National Health Service, for the doctor to indicate whether the container is to be clearly labelled with the name and strength of the drug, and ensure that chemists comply with the indication.

Any alteration of the present convention governing the labelling of dispensed medicines is a matter for the medical and pharmaceutical professions in the first instance. My right hon. Friend is considering the implication of the statement recently issued by the Pharmaceutical Society.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now introduce legislation to make it obligatory for local authorities to set up play groups for the under-fives.

No. Local health authorities already have a duty under the National Health Service Act, 1946 to provide for children under five who are in special need of care.

asked the Minister of Health what guidance he is giving to those in the National Health Service whose objections to performing abortions may render them liable to prosecution on the coming into force of the Abortion Act.

I shall remind hospital authorities and general practitioners that the Abortion Act, 1967 does not affect any existing duty to participate in treatment which is necessary to save the life or prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of a pregnant woman.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the 80 per cent. of new accident and emergency cases are dealt with in custom-designed and equipped accident and emergency departments that have at least three consultant surgeons available, at least three doctors of intermediate grade and an adequate number of senior house officers to provide a service at all times, day and night.

According to an enquiry in 1966, 80 per cent. of new accident and emergency cases were dealt with at 335 centres staffed and equipped to deal with major injuries and other emergencies at any hour of the day or night. Not all these served populations large enough to justify the staff complement indicated by the hon. Member, though 274 bad three or more consultant surgeons. The detailed figures in the precise form the hon. Member requires are not readily available and would take a disproportionate time to extract.

asked the Minister of Health what advice he has given to the hospital service liberalise the regulations affecting the working conditions of nurses and to remove petty disciplines which are a recurring source; of complaint.

asked the Minister of Health when he now expects to receive from the National Board for Prices and Incomes the report on nurses' pay; and, meanwhile, what steps he intends to take to ensure that nurses are not subjected to unnecessary restrictions by their hospital superiors.

I am sending my hon. Friends a copy of a memorandum I issued last September, in which I drew attention to problems of communications, including "off-duty" restrictions. I expect to receive the Board's report on pay not later than 29th March.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider providing family units in future hospital building so that mothers can remain with their children and help to look after them when the children are admitted to hospital.

My department's Building Note No. 23 of 1964 recommends that children's wards should include accommodation for mothers. As far as I am aware this advice has been followed in planning new buildings.

asked the Minister of Health how many nurses left the hospital service during the period 1965 to 1967 within one year and two years, respectively, following the date of their qualification; and what percentage of the staffing requirement these figures represent.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether; before any final decisions are taken, he will initiate an open prize competition for the design of nurses' uniforms, to include caps and sleeves and the clear differentiation of rank.

My right hon. Friend is seeking comments from various sources before deciding upon further action.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the decision to accelerate the Redditch Development Corporation rate of building, during the period 1971 to 1975 to provide an additional 4,000 houses as a contribution to Birmingham's overspill problems, whether he will now announce the date on Which work will be started on the new Redditch hospital.

The starting date must depend on progress in planning the hospital and competing claims on the Regional Hospital Board's financial resources.

asked the Minister of Health if he will change the grading of the 25 senior hospital medical officers occupying consultancy posts in psychiatric hospitals in England and Wales to Consultants, in view of the fact that they are occupying consultancy posts.

No. As I explained to the hon. Member in my letter of 6th March, every reasonable step was taken to see that all these senior hospital medical officers were given full opportunity to achieve consultant status.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on projected hospital developments in Chelsea.

Not at present.

asked the Minister of Health what, proposals he has for the future of Belmont Hospital, Sutton.

have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett) on 8th March.—[Vol. 760, c.,184.]

asked the Minister of Health how many people are employed by the Leeds Regional Hospital Board; and how many of those employed are housed in the 221 rooms which are in use at the Queen's Hotel, Harrogate.

All staff employed. in the hospital service in the region are in law officers of the Regional Hospital Board. 1,189 are directly appointed by the Board, of whom 349 are stationed in the former Queen Hotel, most of the rest being senior medical staff.

asked the Minister of Health how many geriatric beds there are in the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board area; how many persons are on the waiting list for such beds; and how many of them reside in the Dearne Valley constituency area.

5,240; 1,173; waiting lists are not kept on a constituency basis.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on his proposals to alleviate the growing cost to local authorities and industry in implementing the River Boards requirements to clean rivers and estuaries.

Industry is eligible for investment grants and certain tax reliefs, and local authorities may qualify for the resources element of the rate support grant or for grant under the Local Employment Act. I have no proposals for further assistance towards the cost of any necessary treatment of their waste before discharge. Both have rights of appeal against the standards of effluent required.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent present plumbing practice in Great Britain results in the deposit of lead in plumbing systems; and whether he will make an inquiry as to whether any danger may arise to health therefrom.

In reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler) on 23rd January I gave the results of a recent inquiry about measures taken by water undertakings to guard against water being contaminated by contact with lead pipes. But if my hon. Friend is concerned about a particular plumbing practice and will let me have details, I will certainly consider whether further investigation is needed.—[Vol. 757, c. 83.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce his decision on the proposed British Broadcasting Corporation television and radio booster station on Whitby East Cliff.

My right hon. Friend has received the Inspector's report of the inquiry held at the end of November and he hopes to be able to issue his decision shortly.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the danger to health of people living in Bootle, caused by the noise and the emission of dirt, smoke, and other substances from the Gas Board's works in Bootle; if he will request the local authority to investigate the situation and to take steps to remedy it; and if he will make a statement.

I am not aware of any danger to public health, but both my alkali inspectorate and the Bootle County Borough Council are in touch with the North West Gas Board and are doing all they can to help to remedy the recent difficulties that have arisen from noise and dust.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated quantity of grit sulphur and other pollutants deposited over the surrounding area by a conventional coal-fired power station in the course of 12 months.

The quantity of dust deposited within a radius of five miles of a typical coal-fired power station of 1,000 M.W. to. 2,000 M.W. capacity, equipped with modern dust arrestment plant and a suitable chimney or chimneys, is about 40 tons a year. Typical annual rates of dust deposition in areas of similar size remote from power stations are 4,000 tons in a wholly rural area and 18,000 tons in a wholly industrial area. Thus the power station adds only 0·2 per cent. to 1·0 per cent. to the dust fall in its locality.There is no deposit of sulphur, but emissions of sulphur dioxide from modern power stations add very little to ground-level pollution in their vicinity. A recent long-term survey in an essentially rural

						Mansfield Borough	Mansfield Woodhouse U.D.C.	Warsop U.DC.
Number of recipients
1st half year	…	…	…	…	…	872	269	187
2nd half year	…	…	…	…	…	1,235	411	220
Average rebate for full year			…	…	…	£11 8s.	£9 3s.	£7 8s.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps by legislation or otherwise to assist small landlords by allowing them to bring rents of controlled properties into line with current economic values, or at least comparable to rents charged by local authorities.

I cannot add at present to the reply given to 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 whether he will seek to amend the law so as to prevent local authorities making offers of compensation to owner/occupiers of property affected by compulsory purchase orders subject to a percentage abatement if the local authority undertakes to rehouse them.

My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that further legislation is the best way; of dealing with the great variety of circumstances involved in cases of this sort, and is considering what advice to give to War authorities.

asked the star of Housing and Local Government how many persons in the Mansfield constituency have benefited by the rate rebate scheme since its inception to the latest available date; and what was the average amount of rebate.

The latest available information relates to 1966–67 and is as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if it is still his policy to approve housing schemes that do not include the provision of indoor play space for young children;(2) how many local authorities 'now provide Indoor play space for young children in high blocks of flats:,

My right hon. Friend seeps to ensure that housing authorities make' suitable provision for children's play but he does not at present require that any of this should be indoors. A recent' sample survey showed that about one-sixth of the authorities in the sample provided covered play space in schemes containing flats.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the taxes which have been introduced, abolished, increased and decreased since October 1964, stating in each case the date when the introduction, abolition, increase or decrease was announced, the date on which it became effective, the estimated change in revenue in the first year and the estimated change in revenue in a full financial year.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the information published in the relevant Financial Statements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish hi the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing each occasion on which, since October, 1964, increases or cuts in public expenditure have; been announced; and in each case the estimate which has been given of the amounts involved.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the statements made by My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 20th July, 1966 and 16th January, 1968 and by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer on 27th July, 1965 and 20th November, 1967.—[Vol. 731, c 627–38; Vol. 756, c. 1577–93; Vol. 717, c. 228–30; Vol. 754, c. 937–8 and 951–2.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what compensation he will pay to holders of 4;per cent. Exchequer Stock 1968, maturing 15th March, 1968, who were unable to claim redemption of the stock through the closing of the Bank of England on that day.

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present purchasing value of £100 3 per cent. Transport Stock 1948–88 compared with £100 in 1948 when issued.

£30 11s.I have assumed the hon. Member is referring to British Transport 3. per cent. Stock 1978–88.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the number of Civil Service pensions at present in issue to pensioners who completed 40 years of pensionable service at 60 years of age, and rendered further service thereafter but receive no pension in respect of this further service because it ended prior to 3rd December, 1948.

The information is not available in records currently in use and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost and effort.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis he agreed to substantial increases in charges at the beginning of this year by the London Hostels Association; and whether in future he will require, before -Treasury approval is given, that consultation takes place between the management' and residents.

The London Hostels Association is an independent non-profit making company which must meet its operating costs from income. Its charges were increased recently to meet higher costs including a wage increase for the lower paid staff. Consultation between the Association and those living at any date in the hostels is a matter of day to day management for which the Association is solely responsible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing personal saving, in total and per head of the population, at constant 1958 prices for 1946 to 1966, inclusive, and for the first nine months of 1967 expressed in terms of an annual equivalent.

Yes. Preliminary figures for the whole of 1967 are now available and will be included in the table.The information available is as follows:

PERSONAL SAVING REVALUED AT 1958 PRICES
	Total	Per head of population
	£ million	£
1946	453	9
1947	178	4
1948	60	1
1949	179	4
1950	177	4
1951	144	3
1952	454	9
1953	505	10
1954	439	9
1955	544	11
1956	816	16
1957	787	15
1958	605	12
1959	797	15
1960	1,177	22
1961	1,580	30
1962	1,389	26
1963	1,372	26
1964	1,536	28
1965	1,587	29
1966	1,634	30
1967	1,562	28

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs in how many cases over the last 10 years, in British Colonial territories, executions have taken place one year or more after the accused have been condemned to death.

I regret the information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how often over the last 10 years, in cases in which the sentence has now been carried out, Her Majesty's Government have declined to advise Her Majesty to reprieve murderers or terrorists condemned to death in British Colonial territories.

The Secretary of State declined to advise Her Majesty to grant the reprieve of death sentences in ten cases but without detailed inquiries from the Governments of the overseas territories concerned, some of whom are now independent, I am not able to say whether all the condemned persons were executed.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether, before recommending a reprieve for three Rhodesian murderers, he satisfied himself that they had signified their wish to petition Her Majesty; and whether in fact they did so.

It is not necessary for a condemned person to signify his consent before a petition may be submitted to Her Majesty for mercy to be extended to him. When a Petition is submitted it is my duty to advise Her Majesty on it.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs to what records of the case in question he applied his mind before deciding to recommend a reprieve for three Rhodesian murderers.

In considering the advice that should be tendered to Her Majesty I took into account all relevant factors including the circumstances and previous history of the cases of the three condemned men.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether, before recommending a reprieve of three Rhodesian murderers, he examined the colonial precedents for recommending reprieves on grounds of delay between sentence and execution.

I was fully advised on the relevant practice and principles relating to the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy in the colonies and I took this advice into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs which firms and individuals, in Salisbury and London, respectively, acted for the three Rhodesian murderers for whom he recommended reprieves.

In Salisbury, Gill, Godlonton and Gerrans and counsel instructed by them and in London, Bernard Sheridan and Company and counsel instructed by them.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether, when tendering his advice to Her Majesty the Queen about the appeal on behalf of the convicted men Dhlamini and Mlambo, he took into account the fact that their London agent had acted without submitting a prior appeal to the Governor of Rhodesia.

I was of course aware that in these special circumstances the London lawyers acting for the condemned men had considered it their duty to submit a petition direct to Her Majesty, rather than to the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Kenya in regard to the episode at Nairobi on Tuesday, 12th March, in which the United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner was subjected to assault and insult, to secure appropriate redress in respect of this occurrence and to ensure that there is no reptition of such incidents.

None. The students' demonstration against the Rhodesian hangings was noisy but not violent and the Kenya police were well in control of the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what assurances have been given to the people of the Falkland Islands concerning their consent to a change of sovereignty.

The Governor, in a recent public statement to the people of the Falkland Islands, assured them that the British Government in their talks with the Argentine Government are being guided by a strong regard for the people's interest and that in any event, there would be the fullest consultation with the people of the Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what plans he now has for extending and increasing the effectiveness of sanctions against Rhodesia.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in this House on Thursday, 14th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 1617–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish the defence agreement with Mauritius; and whether he will make a statement about the arrangements it makes relating to the future security of that country.

The Agreement on mutual defence and assistance signed on behalf of the Governments of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on 12th March, is to be published shortly as a White Paper.The Agreement provides that in the event of an external threat to either country the two Governments will consult together to decide what action should be taken. There will also be joint consultations on any request by the Mauritius Government for assistance in the event of a threat to the internal security of Mauritius.The Agreement provides for the continued enjoyment by Britain of existing rights and facilities at the Communications Centre, H.M.S. "Mauritius" and at Plaisance Airfield. The British Government undertakes if requested to provide such assistance as may be agreed between the two Governments in the training and equipment of the Mauritius Police and Security Forces. In this connection the British Government is providing a small number of personnel to serve with the Special (Mobile) Force of the Mauritius Police.The Agreement is made for an initial period of six years. It may then be terminated by either Government at any time subject to a year's notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated shortage of medical teaching staff in hospitals.

I am not aware of any general shortage of teaching staff in the clinical medical schools. The University Grants Committee's Annual Survey for 1966–67 (Cmnd. 3510) shows that in clinical medicine the ratio of full time staff to student units is 1:5·9.

			Calendar Year
L.E.A.			1962	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967
Anglesey	…	…	—	220	—	—	—	120
Brecs.	…	…	280	—	—	—	—	—
Caerns.	…	…	—	465	—	—	—	—
Cards.	…	…	180	—	—	—	—	310
Carms.	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—
Denbs.	…	…	—	—	—.	—	—	340
Flints.	…	…	280	535	—	—	—	400
Glam.	…	…	1,200	1,250	880	—	440	2,360
Merioneth	…	…	—	—	—	—	150	—
Monmouth	…	…	1,040	1,880	1,200	1,800	440	1,480
Montgom.	…	…	—	90	—	—	—	—
Pembs.	…	…	270	210	—	—	100	400
Rads.	…	…	100	—	150	—	—	—
Cardiff C.B.		…	120	1,400	—	—	520	440
Merthyr Tydfil		—	160	560	—	—	—	—
Newport	…	…	—	360	—	—	560	—
Swansea	…	…	360	480	—	520	—	—

These figures do not include short-term temporary accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what criteria he decides whether a school is in an educationally deprived area.

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Christopher Price) on 14th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 1602.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers are engaged in junior and primary schools in Wales.

10,976 full-time and 402 part-time teachers in primary schools. Of the full-time teachers, 8,234 are engaged in junior (with or without infants) schools, the remainder in infants and all-age schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many new places in primary schools have been created in each local authority area in Wales in each year from 1962.

The following is the number of permanent new places in primary schools taken into use:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the need for reducing national expenditure, he will reduce the cost to public funds of the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon to £20,000.

On the cost of the Investiture Ceremony, I have nothing further to add to the Answer I gave my hon. Friend on the 6th February.—[Vol. 758, c. 83.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the five county councils in North Wales have indicated their acceptance of one local authority for North Wales as proposed in the White Paper or with modified powers.

One county council has accepted the White Paper proposals in principle. Counter proposals or modifications have been suggested by the others.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much each local authority has received in rate rebates in 1964–65, 1965–66, and 1966–67.

I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many local authorities in Wales have reduced, intend to reduce, or intend to hold steady their rates in 1968–69 because of the domestic element of the rate support grant.

My impression is that most local authorities are doing their utmost to keep down the rates. The domestic element of rate support grant will be worth a saving of an extra 5d. rate to householders in 1968–69, making 10d. altogether, and I am sure that this is having an important effect on the rates that are being fixed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what negotiations are proceeding at the present time between Her Majesty's Government and the Argentine Government concerning the future of the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to my reply on 18th March to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Clark Hutchison).—[Vol. 761, c. 14.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further steps he proposes to take to encourage trade between Great Britain and the German Democratic Republic; and, in order to assist the process, if he will now recognise the existence of the latter country.

Trade with East Germany is developing satisfactorily, and I do not think any special steps are called for. The answer to the second part of the question is, No.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the degree of redundancy that has taken and is taking place in the English Electric Works in Bootle; and what steps he is taking to provide alternative employment in the area.

I know there has been a series of redundancies at this factory since January, 1967. My officers at the local employment exchange will do all they can to help any redundant workers who need assistance in finding alternative employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of proposed wage settlements submitted to his Department for vetting under the terms of the incomes policy in each quarter of 1967 and in the first two months of 1968.

The following numbers of major settlements involving more than 10,000 wage earners were notified to my Department in the periods in question:

First Quarter, 1967	30
Second Quarter, 1967	13
Third Quarter, 1967	25
Fourth Quarter, 1967	30
First two months, 1968	10

Information about the number of smaller settlements notified is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of his Department's staff currently engaged in vetting proposed wage settlements; what was the number so engaged at the same date 12 months ago; and what increase in the number is expected to take place during the current year.

:At the present time 20 of my Department's staff are engaged full time on vetting proposed wage settlements and a larger number spend part of their time on it. The corresponding number of full time staff a year ago was 14. It is not possible to forecast what changes, if any, there will be during the current year.

asked the Minister of Labour why the Liverpool bus pay increase was only referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 1st March, in view of the fact that the application for implementation of the agreement was sent to his Department before Christmas, 1967 and the national agreement was referred on 26th January.

There was correspondence and discussion between my Department and the Liverpool Corporation after the settlement was reported on 22nd December. In the course of these exchanges the Corporation were told that the settlement could not be accepted as consistent with incomes policy and were asked to reconsider it. In reply the Corporation submitted that there was special justification for the settlement. The Corporation were then asked whether if the settlement were referred to the N.B.P.I. they would agree to a voluntary standstill. Similar exchanges took place between my Department and the Corporations of Belfast and Glasgow concerning their settlements. It was after final replies had been received from the three Corporations that the Government decided to make the reference to the N.B.P.I.

asked the Minister of Labour how many new jobs were created in manufacturing industries in Wales in 1967 and how many old ones were lost.

I regret that this information is not available in the form requested. The only comprehensive figures showing changes in the number of jobs are obtained by comparing for different years the mid-year estimate of employees in employment. The figures show net changes only, and there is no way of identifying "jobs created" and "jobs lost". The mid-year estimates for Wales show that there were 321,100 employees in employment in manufacturing industries (orders III to XVI of the Standard Industrial Classification) in 1967 compared with 330,800 in 1966.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will refer back to wages councils any proposals which do not provide an adequate living wage for a family.

No. This is not the function prescribed for Wages Councils by the statute.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state whether and where the five redundant Welsh miners who were retrained at Government training centres in 1967 have found other employment.

Four of the five redundant Welsh miners retrained at Government Training Centres in 1967 found other' employment; the fifth returned to coalmining as he was not prepared to move his home to an area in which he could use his training trade. All five obtained work in Wales.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the trainees at the two Welsh Government retraining centres at Cardiff and Llanelli comes from outside Wales.

On 14th March, eight out of 331 trainees at the Cardiff Government Training Centre and three out of 193 at the Llanelli Centre came from outside Wales.

asked the Prime Minister how many representations he has received from hon. Members following his undertaking to investigate cases where trade unions' obstructionism has prevented the employment of men in skilled jobs for which they had received training at Government training centres.

One, from the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Bedford lorries, at present in use with the South African Army, are to be replaced by Chevrolet lorries imported from the United States of America; and whether he will make further representations to the Government of the United States of America in regard to that Government's veto on the export to South Africa of Beagle aircraft powered by American engines.

I know of no evidence to support the reports which have appeared in the Press about the possible sale of Chevrolet lorries from the United States to South Africa.

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for construction industry exports.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has overall responsibility for exports. In carrying out this function in respect of the construction industry's exports he works closely with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works.

asked the Prime Minister if he will define the respective responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister of Technology for the placing of orders for military aircraft.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology is responsible for the actual placing of orders for military aircraft on the basis of requirements determined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view 'of the fact that the Microbiological Research Establishment at Porton is for defensive purposes, he will transfer responsibility for it either to the Ministry of Health or to the Medical Research Council, from the Ministry of Defence.

No. It seems appropriate that an establishment, which has an essential defence function, should be the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

asked the Prime Minister when he next intends to pay an official visit to General de Gaulle.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 29th February to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer).—[Vol. 759, c. 1755–6.]

asked the Prime Minister what further proposals for a settlement he has received from Rhodesia; and what has been his reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answers I gave to Questions on this subject on 14th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 1617.]

asked the Prime Minister whether he will report to the President of Portugal that unless his country now observes the United Nations sanctions against the illegal regime in Rhodesia, the British Government will prohibit all imports of Portuguese textiles.

No, but we are in touch with other Governments, including the Portuguese Government, regarding breaches of mandatory sanctions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will propose an official visit to the Chancellor of the German Federal Republic to discuss Government policy towards the European Economic Community.

I have no present plans for an early meeting but we are, of course, already in very close touch with the German Government on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government will accept, as a basis for discussion, the eight-point programme for phased British entry to the European Economic Community, which has been sent to him and which is now tabled for discussion by Herr Brandt, particularly if the final point of the programme envisages a definite and not distant date for British entry.

German proposals based on their eight-point programme are still under discussion by the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community. We have made it clear that we would be prepared to consider any proposal made to us by the Community as a whole.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now state Her Majesty's Government's policy on the siting and fuelling of the proposed aluminium smelters.

I have as yet nothing to add to the Answer I gave on the 7th March to a similar Question by my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 760, c. 154.]

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it the Government's normal practice in future to consult with the Confederation of British Industry, the leaders of the Trades Union Congress and the National Economic Development Council before introducing any new nationalisation measures, so as to ascertain their effect upon the cost of production of goods for export.

The Government are in continuous consultation in the National Economic Development Council and with the Trades Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry on matters of economic importance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the number of full-time farm businesses in Wales in each of the 10 years from 1958 to 1967.

Taking an estimate of 275 standard-man-days as indicating the minimum size of a full time agricultural holding, the information is as follows:

Year	Agricultural Holdings in Wales with an estimated labour requirement of 275 or more standard-man-days
1961	23,900
1962	23,800
1965	20,800
1966	20,200
1967	20,200

Comparable information is not available before 1961, or for the years 1963 and 1964 when no separate estimates for Wales were made.In 1963 the standard-man-day factors used for the purpose of classifying holdings according to their labour requirements were revised, which reduced, by nearly 7 per cent. the estimate of the number of holdings requiring 275 or more standard-man-days in England and Wales as a whole.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the number of holdings with laying flocks of one to five thousand birds in each of the five years from 1963 to 1967 in Wales.

Figures for 1964 and 1965 are not readily available. For the remaining years the information is as follows:

	Number of holdings in Wales with egg laying flocks of one thousand to five thousand birds
1963	127
1966	186
1967	234

The figure for 1963 is not strictly comparable owing to changes in the Census questionnaire since that date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what approximate part of the Price Review award of £52·5 million is expected to be paid out to Welsh farmers in the 12 months following the review.

I regret that, without undue expenditure of time and effort, it would not be possible to estimate the amount of money which will go to Welsh farmers as a result of the determinations following the 1968 Annual Review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what approximate financial benefit per head of population in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively, was given by the 1968 Price Review.

I regret that it is not possible to apportion the financial effects of the 1968 Annual Review award in this way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the lower average market prices for beef and the higher cost of milk production, he will set up an inquiry to examine the possibility of regional prices for Wales.

It would not be practicable to introduce differential regional levels of price guarantees, but the economic situation in Wales and in all other parts of the United Kingdom is fully taken into account at each Annual Review and in the preparation of all other measures affecting agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what official fund was the cash which accrued in 1967 from removal and pound storage charges of vehicles in the Metropolitan area under the Removal of Vehicles Regulations, 1961 and the Removal of Vehicles Order, 1960 credited; and what total sum was so credited.

Charges in relation to vehicles removed by the police are payable into the police fund of the force concerned. During 1967, £93,560 gross was paid into the Metropolitan police fund and £3,676 gross into that of the City of London.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consideration has been given to the representations relating to the adoption of British Standard Time; and what action he is taking in the light of this consideration.

In view of the many representations received, the Government have reconsidered this matter. I shall at the appropriate stage be tabling an amendment to the Bill to provide for an experimental period of three years.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total annual cost in rent, maintenance and services of office and storage accommodation for Government Departments in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively.

Approximately:

England	£58 million
Scotland	£4 million
Wales	£2 million

These figures exclude rates, details of which are not immediately available. Government-owned accommodation has been valued at the average rent being paid for comparable leased premises.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many dieticians are employed in hospitals in Scotland, giving figures for each hospital;(2) how many vacancies for dieticians there are in Scottish hospitals;(3) which hospitals have no dietician.

Therapeutic dieticians are normally employed in hospitals where there are significant numbers of general medical, paediatric and maternity beds, primarily in order to provide for the 10 to 15 per cent. of patients who need a therapeutically controlled diet. A small hospital may share a dietician with a larger one.The main hospitals where dieticians are employed, together with staff numbers, are shown in the table below. There is no recognised establishment and no register of vacancies, but I am not aware of any acute shortage in Scottish hospitals. The numbers in post have gone up by about 30 per cent. in the last five years.

THERAPEUTIC DIETICIANS IN SCOTTISH HOSPITALS AS AT 30TH SEPTEMBER, 1967
Hospitals	Whole time	Part time	Whole-time equivalent
Northern Region
Raigmore	1	—	1
Royal Northern Infirmary	1	—	1
	2	—	2
North-Eastern Region
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary	3	—	3
Woodend	—	2	1
	3	2	4
Eastern Region
Bridge of Earn	2	—	2
Dundee Royal Infirmary	1	—	1
Maryfield	2	—	2
Perth Royal Infirmary	1	—	1
Royal Dundee Liff	1	—	1
Stracathro	1	—	1
	8	—	8
South-Eastern Region
Bangour Village	2	—	2
Bruntsfield…	1	—	1
Eastern General, Edinburgh	1	—	1
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary	4	—	4
Royal Hospital for Sick Children	1	—	1
Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion	1	—	1
Victoria, Kirkcaldy	1	—	1
Western General	4	1	5
	15	1	16

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when a training scheme for medical photographers or medical artists will be established in Scotland.

Training courses leading to the final examinations of both the Institute of Incorporated. Photographers and the City and Guilds of London Institute are available in Scotland. Those who successfully complete them are eligible for employment in the medical photographer class in the hospital service. The provision of training in anatomy and physiology for medical photographers is under consideration. There is no grade of medical artist in the hospital service, but two people are employed in Scottish hospitals with, suitable training and ability to undertake graphic illustration work. The numbers are too small to support a training course in Scotland.

asked the secretary, of State for Scotland (1) if he will provide a table showing how-many cases of murder were made known to the police for each of the years 1945 to 4967; how many of those murdered has themselves a prison record; and how many lost their lives while performing their duties as police officers or prison officers;(2) how many people were brought to trial for murder for each of the years 1945 to 1967; how many were convicted how many were sentenced' to death in each of those years; and how many were subsequently executed.

The information is set out in the table below. Information about

Year				Number of cases made known to-police	Number of persons proceeded against	Number of persons. against whom charges proved	Number of persons sentenced to death	Number of persons executed
1945	…	…	…	24	21	4	4	—
1946	…	…	…	18	22	6	6	3
1947	…	…	…	16	10	1	1	—
1948	…	…	…	14	6	3	3	1
1949	…	…	…	14	8	—	—	—
1950	…	…	…	21	17	9	9	2
1951	…	…	…	9	7	1	1	1
1952	…	…	…	13	5	3	3	3
1953	…	…	…	18	12	4	1	—
1954	…	…	…	14	7	3	3	2
1955	…	…	…	11	7	1	1	—
1956	…	…	…	13	13	1	1	—
1957	…	…	…	12	6	2	—	—
1958	…	…	…	18	14	6	2	1
1959	…	…	…	14	11	6	—	—
1960	…	…	…	16	16	5	3	1
1961	…	…	…	14	8	4	—	—
1962	…	…	…	27	24	9	—	—
1963	…	…	…	16	9	2	2	1
1964	…	…	…	27	24	8	1	—
1965	…	…	…	32	22	15	—	—
1966	…	…	…	30	45	22	—	—
1967	…	…	…	41	Not yet available		—	—