asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the increased cost to Scottish farmers from the increases in petrol and vehicle licence duties imposed in the Budget.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Answers my right hon. Friend gave on 25th March to the hon. Member for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith).—[Vol. 761, c. 224.]

In view of the considerable increases which will have to be met by Scottish farmers in this way and other ways as a result of the Budget, has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether the farming community will be able to carry these costs until next year, which will be the first chance it will have of recuperation under the Price Review? Will he also consider whether any further action is needed by the Government if the farming community is to fulfil its functions?

There is no reason to believe that the farming community will be unable to fulfil its functions. All these matters will be considered in the usual way at the annual Price Review next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the increase of costs in the agricultural industry as a result of the Budget measures.

I estimate that in a full year the increase in costs to farmers in Scotland as a result of the Budget measures will amount to about £700,000.

Is it not the case that these costs are mostly extra transport costs, which will affect the remote areas to a greater extent? Will the hon. Gentleman try to increase the 100-mile limit in the Transport Bill to at least 200 miles?

I think that that is a matter which should properly be directed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and in the presence of my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House I should not like to bring this into the field of agriculture, but the total figure is as I gave it, and will be part of the consideration at the Annual Price Review.

Does the hon. Gentleman's estimate allow for the 50 per cent. increase in S.E.T. which farmers will have to carry for three months as an enforced interest-free loan to the Government?

I know the point which the hon. Gentleman is making. This is the overall estimate of the position.

Including S.E.T.?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is now taking on the report from the Windblow Action Group about storm damage to Scottish forests.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the statement I made on 4th April, 1968. Further details have since been announced by the Forestry Commission.—[Vol. 762, c. 619–23.]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but I have not myself yet been able to see what the Forestry Commission has said. Will he consider whether the subsidy is given for enough classes of timber so that arrangements for selling it can be adequate? Will he reconsider the question of investment grants to the timber industries? At a time when people are trying to make these industries more efficient, it seems a pity to give such grants only to the Forestry Commission, since this will not give the industries the incentives they should have.

The question of investment grants for forestry is not new. Nor is it related purely to the emergency. It would be wrong to relate them to one part of the industry. I will look at the other point raised by the right hon. Gentleman and see whether it is covered.

Why did it take three months to produce inadequate relief for a vital import-saving industry? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what he has done does little to help out the industry or the nation in the short term and in the long term?

The hon. Gentleman is wrong in his assumption that this assistance is inadequate. The provision we are making should meet the need fully. I also want to put right a suggestion that in 1953 much shorter time was taken over this matter. In fact, about the same amount of time was taken. In 1968, however, we did not have such a concentration of windblow as we had in 1953. It was more scattered and the complications of investigation were such that time was inevitably taken up.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received for the reorganisation of education in Sutherland upon comprehensive lines from the Sutherland County Council; and what reply he has sent.

Sutherland Education Authority proposed that there should be one six-year comprehensive school and three four-year junior high schools in the county, the former at Golspie and the latter at Dornoch, Lairg and Farr. My right hon. Friend has approved these proposals, subject to further consideration of the timing and other details of their implementation.

Is my hon. Friend aware that proposals and counterproposals have been made over the last three years for the reorganisation of education in Sutherland and that there is concern in the county over the delay in reaching a final conclusion in this matter? Is he also aware that there is further concern, arising out of the recently announced Government cuts, that the necessary finance will not be available to bring this difficult situation to a speedy resolution?

I do not wish to see a prolonged period of uncertainty. If there has been delay, the responsibility does not rest on me. I do not think the point raised by my hon. Friend will affect the proposals I have just described.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy with regard to one-teacher schools in the rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

Any proposal of an education authority for the closure of a school requires my right hon. Friend's approval, and he considers each case on its merits. In general, children are believed to gain social and educational advantages from being taught in a larger school community and in more homogeneous age groups than obtain in one-teacher schools, but other factors such as the condition of existing buildings, the availabilty of teachers, the distances which children would have to travel and the wishes of parents are also taken into account.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that full reply, and recognising the difficulties in sparsely populated areas of Scotland, may I ask him to confirm that teachers in a number of one-teacher schools, throughout the Highlands in particular, provide very adequate facilities and do an excellent job of work?

I have pleasure in confirming that. Any proposals for a closure come to us from an education authority and are not initiated by us. They are considered on their merits.

Would the Minister also confirm that it is often an extremely important part of the whole education of the child that, as far as possible, he should be educated in the community in which he is brought up?

That is certainly another very important consideration, which we keep in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that some form of fire prevention is available in all hospitals under his control, especially mental and geriatric hospitals and what periodic steps are taken to ensure their maintenance and efficiency.

Yes, Sir. All hospitals must maintain adequate safeguards against fire and review them at least twice a year. Their attention has been directed specially to the fire safety problems of mental hospitals, and they have been asked to take account of the difficulties of moving some categories of patients, such as old people, to different levels in the event of an emergency. Detailed arrangements for individual hospitals are the responsibility of the board of management which consult as necessary with the area firemaster.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind the terrible tragedy at Sheldon Hospital recently? Arising from this, would he not agree that this incident, together with others, has pointed to the great urgency for the receipt of the Holroyd Report, dealing with fire prevention?

Following the tragedy at Sheldon, my Department drew the attention of regional hospital boards to this, asking them to look at their current fire arrangements. We are also carrying out a review of our current instructions on fire precautions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to give effect to the proposals of the Halliday Committee on Conveyancing.

The Report's recommendations are still being considered. Its more far-reaching proposals are being studied as part of the examination which I announced last July, of the possibility of major reform of the Scottish system of land tenure. I hope to be in a position to say something further about these matters later this Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in addition to providing more geriatric beds in Scotland, he will introduce an emergency scheme to allow certain old people, who suffer sudden and severe illness, to be admitted to hospital as soon as possible.

It is already well understood by hospital authorities that acutely ill patients should be admitted to hospital regardless of age.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this does not happen in all cases? Does he appreciate that many local practitioners would approve of such a scheme suggested in my Question? Is he also aware that many geriatricians in the County of Fife would support a scheme if more hospital beds were provided?

These difficulties should not arise, and if they do in particular circumstances I am always very glad to look at them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland owing to the further storm damage in Glasgow if he will now give special aid to speed permanent repairs.

I have at present nothing to add to the statement I made to the House on 4th April.—[Vol. 762, c. 619–23.]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when wind and rain hits the City of Glasgow it becomes a City of fear and misery for many thousands of people? Will he now give realistic Government incentives to attract skilled workers from anywhere in the United Kingdom, so that an onslaught can be made, each weekend, to rid the people of this human misery?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are doing all that we can to attract labour from all parts of the country to Glasgow. One of the difficulties is that whereas normally we would get the labour from surrounding areas, these areas have also been hit. At present they need every man. Once again I give the assurance that we are not lax in this matter.

Does the Secretary of State not remember that when he made his statement he told us that the Minister of State was considering an urgent programme with Glasgow Corporation, and that he would meet members of the Corporation the following day? As a result of that, has he anything more to tell us?

I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that not only did I see my hon. Friend, and had telephone communication with him, but I saw the Lord Provost of Glasgow on the next day, the Friday. My hon. Friend will be seeing not only officials of Glasgow Corporation but officials of all the authorities tomorrow. I have arranged a series of meetings to ensure not only that progress goes on, but that we are fully informed of what is happening.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the approximate number of houses in Glasgow which suffered damage in the recent hurricane of a nature likely to endanger life and limb through hazards such as collapsing chimney heads and how many of these were rent restricted houses.

The roofs of some 10,000 tenements were damaged, 5,000 of them seriously, but I cannot say how much of this damage endangered life and limb. All the tenanted houses would be either controlled or regulated under the Rent Acts.

Will the Secretary of State try to find this out, because it is an important matter? Will he consider making a grant where the condition of properties due to restrictions under the Rent Act, made full insurance impossible? Will he consider introducing a grant to reimburse those where the cost of repair is inflated by the extent of the damage throughout the whole City of Glasgow because it was impossible to get competitive tenders?

I think that the hon. Gentleman has gone very wide of his original Question. Our first concern was to ensure that dangerous buildings were dealt with at once, and this was done.

Concerning the point about the Rent Acts, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the mini-hurricane or great storm did not select rent restricted properties alone, but affected all kinds of properties.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he decided that increases of up to 400 per cent. in shops owned by the Dundee Corporation should not be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Having considered all the circumstances my right hon. Friend did not consider that a reference was called for.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I was informed in a Written Answer from his Department that it was not appropriate to refer to the Prices and Incomes Board increases ranging from 100 per cent. to 400 per cent.? If these increases are not appropriate, would he tell us what increases are?

My hon. Friend is not being fair to my noble Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State who on 19th February pointed out that the shops concerned had not had their rents reviewed for 10 years, and that, after consultation with the appropriate Departments, we did not think in this case that the National Board for Prices and Incomes should consider the increases.

Is my hon. Friend aware that increases of this nature cause tremendous hardship to some of these shopkeepers? If rents have not been increased for a large number of years that is not the fault of the shopkeeper. Would he not agree that the increases should be phased over a longer period of time?

In general that is perfectly fair as a comment. One has to know the precise cases and circumstances. I am glad to tell the House that the Corporation arranged for 40 of the tenants to talk the matter over with the City Assessor. As a result, 30 rents were reduced from the recommended figure and 10 cases are pending.

Will the Minister tell us, bearing in mind the increase in the shop rents to this level, whether he would refer any similar increase in house rents to the Prices and Incomes Board?

The right hon. Gentleman will know that four such proposals affecting local authority housing in Scotland have been referred to the Prices and Incomes Board by the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the manner in which the officials of the East of Scotland Water Board were appointed; and if he will make a statement.

According to my information the Board followed the proper procedures in making these appointments.

Is my hon. Friend aware that at this appointment meeting the chairman insisted on a ballot vote, and while the ballot papers were being marked he proceeded to talk in favour of one of the applicants? Is he further aware that after the results of the first vote were declared—it was not a decisive vote being eleven, nine, one, and one—there was then a motion made, and accepted by the large majority of fifteen to seven, that the chairman ought not to use his casting vote in the event of a tie? In spite of this he insisted on using his casting vote.

I know that this is not the happiest story in the many discussions that have taken place on water amalgamations. The Board may have taken such a vote but it had no power in statute to do so. The Water (Scotland) Act, 1967, specifically provides that in the event of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a casting vote. I have looked into this matter carefully with my right hon. Friend and my noble Friend, and in the circumstances we believe that the procedures have been per fectly proper, however unhappy some members of the Board may have been about them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the extra costs for the forestry industry in Scotland of the proposed additional licence charges on road vehicles and the increase in fuel duty.

I cannot give a reliable figure.

There has been plenty of time since the Budget. Why has the Secretary of State not worked out the important effects on this vital Scottish industry?

We have held many detailed conversations with the industry and the Forestry Commission, not just as a consequence of the Budget, but as a consequence of the hurricane that hit us. The Commission considered that the extra costs for a normal year would be of the order of £50,000. That is the Commission's view. I should not like to put it as being any more than that.

Is this not yet another reason why the South-West of Scotland should be included in the transport subsidy given by the Forestry Commission, as its costs must have gone up so much?

That is entirely another matter. If the hon. Gentleman would like to table it as a separate question, I should be happy to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the extra costs to local authorities in Scotland of the proposed additional licence charges on road vehicles and the increase in fuel duty.

It is not practicable to make an estimate at this stage.

Does not the Minister of State agree that extra transport costs are felt more acutely in Scotland than elsewhere in Britain? Will the Secretary of State be a member of the new inner Cabinet, where he may be able to press this point?

Oh dear, oh dear.

In other circumstances relative to part of the Bill we have been discussing, the answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question may have been "Yes". But now the answer is "No". On the second part, my right hon. Friend has distinguished himself by the way in which he has fought for Scotland in all circumstances.

Does my hon. Friend realise that these changes are damaging not only to local authorities but to all the industries in North-East Scotland which use road transport for the purposes of their business? Would he take steps to do something about the matter?

I do not wish to anticipate the debates on the Finance Bill. But these are fundamentally British taxes—they are not specifically Scottish taxes—and I am sure that they are much more acceptable than they would be if distance were so involved.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that they are totally unacceptable in Scotland? This is the second or third time that this form of tax has added increased burdens to all costs in Scotland.

All taxes add burdens, all taxes are unpopular. The right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues imposed similar taxes, although—[Interruption.] The right hon. Gentleman should pursue the matter with the appropriate Minister if he thinks that I am wrong. My recollection of the Opposition's days in office is that they did the same. Taxes have to be raised in present circumstances and these seem appropriate ways of doing it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies he has made of the costs in respect of the City of Glasgow of new road construction on the surface compared with the costs of tunnelling of roads.

My right hon. Friend made no detailed studies, because unfavourable underground conditions in Glasgow are known to make tunnelling costs prohibitive.

I am disappointed that my hon. Friend does not set these studies in motion, because it is obvious that the solution to our traffic problems does not lie on the surface. When one takes into consideration the replacement of industries, commercial undertakings, houses, and the loss of rateable value to the city, the cost of tunnelling must bear very closely to that of surface roads. I ask my hon. Friend to have another look at this matter.

In the first instance, this is a matter for the Corporation, and we are quite satisfied that the Glasgow Corporation, with its consulting engineers, made a very thorough initial investigation of Glasgow's traffic problems and of the matter raised in the Question when the system of major surface routes which we are building was planned. My hon. Friend will know that London, where excavation is easier because of the London clay, has an advantage over Glasgow, where the strata stretches from running sand to the hardest rock. I may add that the running sand is in Pollok, Cathcart and Hillhead.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the siting of an aluminium smelting plant in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9th April to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol 762, c. 231.]

But does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we have been getting this type of reply for about six months? Without prejudicing the negotiations, cannot he be a little more forthcoming and tell us what is happening?

When the Government have confidential conversations with industries on projects as important as these, one cannot be forthcoming without breaking confidence.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that neither the Norwegians or any of our E.F.T.A. partners will be allowed to exercise a veto over these very imaginative proposals? Secondly, can he give an assurance that one of these smelters will be in Scotland?

It is very, very easy to give facile answers, but we had better contain ourselves with patience. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government are fully aware of the interests of Invergordon and the whole of the Highland area, and they are all being taken into account. I trust that they will not be disappointed with the outcome.

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is great anxiety in Ross and Cromarty over the long delay in coming to a decision, especially since Press statements seemed to indicate that there would be a decision way back in November? Would he do his utmost to ensure that a Government statement is made in the near future?

I appreciate that there may be anxiety. I hope and trust that there is confidence in the area which the hon. Gentleman represents, but he probably more than anyone else will appreciate from the discussion which he has had with me the complexity and implications of this matter, not just for Scotland, but for Britain as a whole and the consideration being given to the interests of people outside with whom we have certain links. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there will be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to introduce legislation to provide the police with powers to search for offensive weapons.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will complete his consideration of the proposal that the police powers of search should be extended.

I am aware of the concern of hon. Members on both sides of the House and I can assure them that my right hon. Friend will reach his conclusions on the proposal as quickly as is consistent with giving all aspects of the question full and proper consideration. Until my right hon. Friend has reached a decision the question of legislation does not arise.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the people of Scotland have indicated for a long time that they want action? Why is he incapable of making a simple decision to introduce legislation to deal with offensive weapons?

The question is whether we make the right decision. I am aware that this proposal has been erected as a kind of symbol. It is not necessarily the best method. We have to examine the matter. If I could get another 50 or 100 police in Glasgow, that would be a more effective extension of police powers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he has been swithering and dithering about this problem for some months? Is he further aware that we want a decision quickly and that for every week he delays a decision 70 more people will be maimed or injured by crimes of violence in Scotland?

That is an absolutely shocking statement. [HON. MEMBERS: "It is true."] It is absolutely untrue to say that we can forecast the possible consequences of a possible useful measure. The hon. Gentleman is suggesting that this measure will cut out all crime, which is absolute nonsense. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] It has not even been demonstrated how effective it might be. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw his statement.

Would my hon. Friend accept that many hon. Members and members of the public are becoming tired of this campaign being flogged by political opponents inside and outside the House, which is not in the best long-term interests of public-police relationships and is tending to divert the public mind from constructive approaches to the causes of crime and delinquency?

There is a great deal of truth in that. I am happy to tell my hon. Friend and others that a good deal of constructive work has been done, which has been ignored by hon. Members opposite. For example, the recent Crime-stop Exhibition bought about an immediate 20 per cent. increase in incidents reported, but that would have the effect of pushing up the statistics and no doubt hon. Gentlemen would be getting on their bandwagon again.

But does not the hon. Gentleman agree that, in spite of what has been said by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Hugh D. Brown), the desire for a decision to be made is coming, not just from the Opposition, but from the Glasgow Corporation and Glasgow police? It is three months since he told us that he was looking for the right solution, and nothing whatever has happened.

Again the right hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. There was a decision in connection with a request concerning powers of arrest when it was demonstrated that powers of arrest were more considerable than was realised. We are now looking at the second proposition—the power of search. But it is still important to inform the right hon. Gentleman and others that we want to make the right decision. That is most important.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that what he is being asked by hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite is for the police in Glasgow to have the power to stop and search any person at random in any public place?

It has been a little difficult to know the consequences of the request made. It has been put to me as a power analogous to the power of search under the Firearms Act. On the other hand, it has been argued that the existing powers of arrest will subsume such powers. This is one of the problems which arise. I do not think, however, that they would claim they are seeking the power of random search, even though it may be interpreted in this way by hon. Members.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept that my right hon. and hon. Friends would be satisfied if he introduced powers, even of a temporary nature, to give this a try? We accept that we cannot in advance say what the effect will be, but we never will know unless we give it a try.

I am glad that the hon. and learned Gentleman has corrected the earlier statement of his hon. Friend in this respect. The possibility of an ex perimental time period is one of the matters I am looking into. There are certain difficulties in this, too. If the figures go down they will not necessarily prove that it was because of these powers. If they go up, further powers may be sought.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to enlist the co-operation of the public in an effort to halt the desecration of property by vandals using spray guns; and if he will make a statement.

I welcome my hon. Friend's suggestion. Because one of the main difficulties lies in detecting the perpetrators public co-operation has a valuable part to play in dealing with this and other forms of vandalism and hooliganism. It is, however, best developed by local effort in the areas where the need arises.

In view of the diabolical desecration of property, both private and public, from owner-occupied houses to churches, does not my hon. Friend believe that it would be better to outline precise plans to local authorities to invite the co-operation of the public, the police and the courts to stamp out this wilful type of desecration?

I am not sure that "diabolical" is the correct word. Sometimes it is the reverse, and there are strong religious connotations. But it is correct to say that we are trying to encourage public co-operation as much as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the machinery of consultation between his Department and other Departments involved in the siting of nuclear power stations for the future.

Before a final decision is made in relation to any particular site all departments concerned are fully consulted, the proposal is advertised, and where appropriate a public inquiry is held.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Committee recommended this change in the siting of these stations? Is he further aware that hon. Members have been denied access to the Report?

That may be so, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that it has been fully considered by the Government. He should bear in mind that even now, after the change that has been announced about the siting, there will be full consideration and a full public inquiry, and local authorities and everyone else will be consulted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now ask the Forestry Commission to defer felling licences until the hurricane-blown timber has been partially disposed of.

The Forestry Commission has no power to defer felling licences for the purpose the hon. Member has in mind. An appeal has, however, been made for voluntary restraint in felling meanwhile, and the Forestry Commission is giving a lead in this direction in its own woodlands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that the voluntary restriction is not adequate and the matter is closely related to the question of a transport subsidy? Has that subsidy been discussed with W.A.G. and, if so, is

With permission I will publish a table of the charges in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept the need for keeping these charges as minimal as possible in view of the increasing number of people who can no longer afford any other kind of holiday?

Yes. The increases are consistent with the prices and incomes policy. At Glentrool there is an increase. At Glenmore the method of charging is so changed as to be difficult to compare with the present system. At the other sites in Scotland there are no increases.

I assure the hon. Lady that I have made an announcement about this, the Forestry Commission has earlier issued details concerning the transport subsidy, and we have had questions on it today. As to the question of this not being enough, I have no statutory powers under the present Statutes governing forestry in relation to the withholding of licences in respect of the marketing of timber.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it will be impracticable to defer felling licences? Is he further aware that the pulp mill at Fort William, for instance, uses only certain sizes of timber which could not be ingathered from wind-blown areas alone and felling licences would be necessary?

This is one of the problems facing people with contracts to fulfil, but where arrangements can be made we have asked them to make them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Tourist Board following the 50 per cent. increase in the Selective Employment Tax; and what reply he has sent.

None, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that one reason must be because they are still recovering their breath after the latest example of Government ineptitude? Is it a fact that, in spite of the exemptions in the Finance Bill, the Scottish tourist industry as a whole will have to pay more in Selective Employment Tax than it did last year?

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should give the Scottish Tourist Board a little more credit. After all, it is examining the interesting proposal announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer for inclusion in the Finance Bill, namely, that in certain parts of development areas there will be a refund of Selective Employment Tax to hotels. This will be debated in the Bill. At that stage the hon. Gentleman may be able to get a quantified answer to the second part of his question. He will also note that the effective rate of Selective Employment Tax on part-time employees is to remain as it is and that this rate is to be extended to all employees over the age of 65. I hope that the tourist trade appreciates these concessions also.

Can my hon. Friend confirm reports in the Press that the Scottish Tourist Board has said that this year it will have the biggest boom ever?

I am told that it had a good year in 1967 and expects to have a very good year this year. In fact, the industry is short of labour and is recruiting very fast. This tax does not seem to be a disincentive.

Will the Minister of State now institute an inquiry into the effects of Selective Employment Tax in areas outwith the industrial belt? Otherwise the Government's limited action will continue to be too late.

The hon. Gentleman must know that the Chancellor announced that Mr. Reddaway of Cambridge University would conduct a very searching inquiry into the effects of the tax. We hope that his report will be published this year or early next year. The important point is that if the industry, or any part if it, feels that S.E.T. is a particular offence and not a fair burden to be imposed on it—and all have to accept burdens—it should make its case to Mr. Reddaway when he is making his inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Highland Development Board about the 50 per cent. increase in the Selective Employment Tax and what reply he has sent.

None, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that presumably the same reason applies as to my earlier Question? What further addition of capital would the Highland Development Board have to invest in the Highlands to meet that now being withdrawn from the Highlands by this increase in Selective Employment Tax?

If the hon. Gentleman puts that down as a Question I will consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the effect of the increases in Selective Employment Tax in Scotland as announced in the recent Budget statement; and what reply he has sent.

None, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend give the House any idea of the redistribution effects of the S.E.T. between manufacturing and distribution?

Not without notice.

As the right hon. Gentleman sat in on, agreed to, and approved a Budget which brought about an increase in the S.E.T., and in petrol and vehicle licences, all of which discriminate against Scotland, does not he agree that the reason why he has not received any letters is that people do not think it worth writing to him?

It is obvious that the hon. Gentleman did not listen to the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he spoke about the S.E.T. and the benefits which accrued to Scotland with the changes that were announced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further estimate he has made of the losses suffered by agriculture and horticulture as a result of the hurricane in January.

As was explained to the hon. Gentleman in reply to a similar Question on 6th March an estimate can only be made in respect of the damage to farm buildings and other fixed equipment as revealed by applications under the various improvement schemes. The estimated cost of the work to which these relate is now £1,440,000, but, of course, this figure includes an element of improvement as well as restoration.—[Vol. 760, c. 78.]

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that many farmers suffered serious consequential loss, and that he is expected by the farming industry to take some further action to help those whose building losses were uninsurable? Will he consider cases of hardship, and so give credibility to his claim that this hurricane would be treated as a national disaster?

I think the hon. Gentleman should appreciate the position. I am sure that he would not like me to restore assets which were not insurable because of the state of them.

The nature of them.

This is one of the things which form part of the difficulty in relation to any provision. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we have been very flexible indeed in our administration of the improvement schemes, to ensure that there is no hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the proposed health centre will be built in the Gorbals area of Glasgow.

I hope that it will be possible to begin building towards the end of next year, and that the health centre will be completed early in 1971.

Is my hon. Friend aware that at the moment there is a shortage of doctors in the Gorbals, and that with redevelopment more properties are coming down, and as these properties also house surgeries, it will be a sad business both for doctors and for patients if this centre is not provided a bit sooner than the end of next year?

I know that this has taken rather a long time, but I think that we are now proceeding as fast as we can.

On the question of doctors displaced by redevelopment, I think that it has been the practice of Glasgow Corporation to provide them with temporary premises, and I am sure that if there are any further cases of displacement the Corporation will be glad to follow that practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will instruct the Scottish Development Department to carry out and publish an investigation into the extent to which manufacturing industry operating in Scotland has been placed at a disadvantage in competing with manufacturing industry in England as a result of successive increases in hydrocarbon oil duties and vehicle excise duties since October, 1964.

No, Sir.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Scottish farms which are further from their markets and from their suppliers than farms in England, will inevitably be more severely affected by the increase in licence duties and petrol duty? In view of that, will he give his support to the widespread demand in Scotland that now that the Minister of Transport has been forced to abandon the abnormal load charge, the wear and tear charge should be abandoned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

If that were to happen, it would not affect Scotland beneficially, unless of course the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that there should be a differential rate in Scotland.

Why not?

I remind the hon. Gentleman that the burden is uniform. When we consider this against the known and quantified advantages which industry in Scotland have, for instance under R.E.P., Where £40 million a year comes to Scotland, we realise that the picture is quite different.

I further remind the hon. Gentleman that the Toothill Report found no evidence to support the contention that transport costs were a significant additional burden on manufacturing industry in industrial Scotland.

rose—

Order. We still have many Questions to deal with.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the impact of the Budget on the fulfilment of the Scottish Plan.

By strengthening the national economy the Budget measures will clearly help to promote our economic objectives for Scotland.

That is about the biggest load of moonshine that we have heard in this Parliament. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is about time we scrapped this tatty bit of paper, the Scottish Plan? Will he give serious consideration to the proposal by the Scottish Council of the C.B.I. that Corporation Tax on firms in Scotland should be cut by 50 per cent., and distributions by close companies to the same extent, and the R.E.P. scrapped in exchange?

The hon. Gentleman had better face the fact that he has been proclaiming disaster for Scotland for years, but thank goodness it has never come about. If he thinks that my forecasts are wrong, perhaps he will look at the statement in the Observer and the Sunday Times at the weekend of what Lord Polwarth said on Scottish industrial prospects in his report on the Bank of Scotland?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although the hon. Gentleman says that many industrialists in Scotland are doing badly, they are able to give financial support to the Conservative Party, as has now been found out?

All I can say is that hon. Gentlemen opposite need all the support they can get. If their financial masters heard them today, and indeed every day, they would change their minds about whether they were worth supporting.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the proportion of total houses being built by industrialised building methods.

I cannot add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) on 26th February by my right hon. Friend.—[Vol. 759, c. 254–5.]

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the benefit of industrialised building is not so much in the cost as in the speed of erection? At a time when houses are falling into greater disrepair because of the hurricane and other damage, does not he think he should encourage industrialised building, instead of working against it with such things as the Transport Bill?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's comment about the earlier years when we were getting the industrial building sector enlarged. He may be interested in the figures. In 1965 industrialised building accounted for 24 per cent. of the number of houses approved in the public sector. In 1966 the figure was 33 per cent., and in 1967 it was 36 per cent. I am not aware that the Transport Bill is relevant to the future of industrialised building.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now issue a revised version of the White Paper on the Scottish Economy, Command Paper No. 2864, so that the targets and time-scale can be brought up to date.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 6th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 97.]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that virtually every figure in that Plan is now out of date? As he told us when it was produced that it was essential that the people of Scotland should know what to do and when to get it done, is it not time that he produced another plan to let us know?

The hon. Gentleman is wrong. Not all the figures are out of date. I assure him that the public expenditure aspects of this have been well maintained, and are well up to target. They would never have been achieved by the party opposite.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry into the potential of the distilling industry as a source of employment in development areas.

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent increase in spirit duty could easily reduce the consumption of whisky? Quite apart from any other consequences, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in many areas of Scotland this could have serious implications for employment, particularly where few other jobs are available? What is the right hon. Gentleman doing to bring this to the notice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

This has been brought to the notice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer by those who are more closely connected with the industry than I am. The hon. Gentleman referred to a reduction in the consumption of whisky. He should bear in mind that 84 per cent. of the whisky output is exported. The increase of half a crown a bottle relates to home consumption. He will realise the limited effect which this will have. I have my doubts about whether this will lead to reduced consumption.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce his further proposals to deal with the increase in crimes of violence in Scotland.

I have already informed the House of the action my right hon. Friend and I are taking for the prevention of crime and the protection of the public.

But considering this in the short term, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the question of the powers of search of the police for offensive weapons has now been under discussion for over six months? Is not this delay utterly inexcusable? Why this lack of decision and leadership?

Despite the earlier questions, hon. Gentlemen still get it wrong. It was only in December—there is no question of a six months' delay—that, contrary to a previous point of view, the question of search was raised with me. This is what we are now discussing.

Has the hon. Gentleman yet had time to consider my suggestion in a recent debate about examining the entry qualifications for the Scottish police force and the way in which some young possible recruits are recruited into the English force because of the different standards of entry?

We have been having a look at this question of education in the police forces. This is important. One of the positive things coming out this month—hon. Members will be pleased at this—is the fact that, for the first three months, there has been a net increase of 83 in the Scottish police force, compared with only 51 for the whole of last year. This is very encouraging.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for codifying the Building Regulations for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Amendments of the Regulations under the present procedure should be followed by occasional consolidation under a simpler procedure. My right hon. Friend is considering the possibility of legislation to enable this to be done.

While welcoming that statement, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman would not agree that it is not before time for steps to be taken because, in some cases, as many as seven Departments have to be consulted, with five sets of plans, before any action is taken? This is not only wasteful but expensive to those who want to develop.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for complimenting us on getting ahead. We have considered the Report of the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments on this matter. We have examined its two suggestions, but it is clear that we will have to consider legislation to do something better in this field.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will define the duties of the Scottish Fishery Protection Squadron.

My Department's eight fishery protection vessels are employed primarily to enforce the law relating to methods of sea fishing in coastal waters around Scotland. In addition their duties include ensuring that foreign fishing vessels observe British fishery limits; rendering assistance generally to fishing vessels: and enforcing a variety of regulations, including those prescribing minimum sizes of mesh of fishing nets.

Has the hon. Gentleman or his right hon. Friend considered the idea of employing a squadron of hovercraft for this work? If so, when is it likely?

As the hon. Gentleman may know, we have established a committee which is investigating the whole problem of regulation and protection around our coastal waters. I met some of the committee members last week and I know that they are pursuing their inquiries diligently.

I congratulate the Fishery Protection Squadron on its excellent service up to the present, but does the Minister realise that it needs to be increased and also needs an additional air arm?

As I thought I said earlier, the committee is looking at all appropriate matters concerned with increasing the squadron's strength.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he plans to give to local education authorities regarding the terms of service of certificated teachers who have not registered with the General Teaching Council.

None, Sir. The statutory position regarding employment of such teachers is set out in the Schools (Scotland) Code 1956, as recently amended, and their salaries are a matter for the education authority.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen a report from the convenor of one of Glasgow's education committees that all certificated or unregistered teachers in Glasgow are likely to be dismissed? Will he disavow this report?

I have not seen the report and therefore cannot disavow it.

Will the hon. Gentleman recognise that there is real concern about this, not only among local authorities but among teachers? Will he tell the House, now or in an early statement, what action he proposes under the Schools (Scotland) Code from 1st August this year, and how this will affect unregistered teachers in primary schools and those who are still unregistered in secondary schools?

The hon. Gentleman knows, I think, that, as from 1st August, unregistered teachers—that is, those who are neither fully nor conditionally registered—will not be employed in primary schools. As to secondary schools, there is a procedure, of which he should be aware, for reference panels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him concerning the use of convicted criminals for public works in the Highlands; and what reply he has sent.

My right hon. Friend has received no recent representations on this subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the spokesman of the Scottish National Party recently suggested that difficult tenants and drivers convicted of drunken driving should be sent to the Highlands as a means of repopulating the Highlands? Can he say what reaction there has been from the Highlands to this proposal?

I am not sure of the reaction in the Highlands, but I know what my reaction is, as someone who originated there. The methods which the present Government are adopting for redeveloping the Highlands are the correct methods.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this statement was not by a spokesman of the Scottish National Party but the privately expressed opinion of one individual member of it? In any case, does his Department consider modern theories of criminology for example, those used in Sweden, where certain convicted prisoners are put to work instead of remaining a burden on the State?

When two different points of view are put forward by members of the same party, it is sometimes difficult to know which is the party's point of view. This has been a great difficulty for us all in recent months. I take it that the hon. Lady is repudiating the statement which was made in this connection, but this is not a matter primarily for me. On the second point, we spend a good deal of time considering the progressive work which is done in other countries and there is none which I am not prepared to consider if it would be helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the need for further industrial development in Fife and the east of Scotland generally, he will take steps to prevent any increase in toll charges on the Forth Road Bridge.

In the review of the finances of the Bridge which my right hon. Friend is making in consultation with the Joint Board he is taking fully into account the needs of economic development, as well as all the other relevant factors.

Does my hon Friend recognise that, although we appreciate the difficulties of the bridge finances, it is nevertheless imperative that the economic development of Fife and the whole of East Scotland should go ahead on the basis set by this Government and that nothing should be done to impede that progress, as I fear an increase in tolls would do?

I accept my hon. Friend's basic point, although I would not accept that any increase in toll would necessarily have that effect. However, I will give an absolute assurance that the need for economic development is a very pertinent factor in this exercise.

Is it not a fact that the private motorist is bearing a very unfair burden of tolls on the Forth Road Bridge, compared with commercial vehicles?

In that case, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman directs his complaint to those who formed this financial arrangement and imposed these prices. They are not on our benches. I should not like to prejudice the present discussions with the Joint Board.