Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday, 22nd October, 1968
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Nigeria
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from the official British observer of the number of young children who are dying per day of starvation in Federal controlled areas in Eastern Nigeria.
The British observer has not been able to give any precise estimate on this. However, an increasing number of people are now returning to their villages from the bush, and General Alexander is satisfied that once those in a serious condition are accessible to Federal and other relief workers, they are given all possible attention, if necessary in hospital.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the large scale offensive by the Nigerian Federal Government, he will now cease supplying arms to the Federal Government.
On 12th June I explained the reasons for our arms policy and I stated then the circumstances in which we would have to reconsider it. The circumstances I spoke of then have not arisen. The Federal Government are still ready for talks. They have not rejected any reasonable terms for a settlement.There is no evidence that it is the intention of the Federal Government to slaughter or to starve the Ibo people. All the evidence is that, on the contrary, they are doing their utmost to re-integrate the Ibos in the areas they have overrun. They have also invited an international observer force to observe the conduct of their troops. The observers have found no evidence of genocide, as hon. Members will be able to see from their reports which I am arranging to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.—[Vol. 766, c. 293.]
First Part Observers' Interim Report
1. The Swedish, British and Canadian Representatives invited by the Federal Military Government to observe the conduct of the Federal troops in the war affected areas visited the First Nigerian Division during the period 25th September—30th September 1968. The Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General travelled with the group. This report covers this particular visit.
2. On arrival in Enugu the group split into two teams, one visiting the area of 1 Sector from Enugu through Awgu to Obinago Obilago and the other visiting the area of 2 Sector from Abakaliki south to the front lines. Each team visited front line positions, military units and headquarters, villages, market places, medical and food distributing stations, refugee camps and major cities and towns. The Observers talked to officers, soldiers, local inhabitants, refugees, members of the civil administration, police, Red Cross officials and missionaries.
3. Throughout the period of their visit the Observers received the fullest co-operation from the military and civilian officials. They encountered no restrictions to their movements or investigations and none of their requests were refused. Representatives of the press were free to accompany the Observers and did so on several occasions.
Conduct of Federal Troops
4. The Observers found the Federal troops in the areas they visited to be alert, cheerful and well disciplined. They neither saw nor heard any evidence that the troops had committed acts with intent to destroy wholly or in part the Ibo people or their property. The observers did see considerable evidence that the troops in the area were assisting the local population, in particular by feeding them until the civil administration and the Red Cross could take over the responsibility.
Conduct of the civilian population
5. Discussions with village leaders and refugees confirm that the Ibo people feared the Federal troops until they actually met them. This fear is the result of the actual fighting and the propaganda put out by the rebels which leads the Ibos to believe the Federal troops will kill them. Once some of their people make contact with the Federal troops this fear is rapidly allayed. The Observers saw a number of village leaders who had just come out of hiding and noted that the numbers of inhabitants returning to the villages are increasing. The Observers considered it significant that in the villages visited the inhabitants displayed no fear of Federal soldiers, even when these soldiers arrived in their midst suddenly. However, it was also noted that very few of the more educated Ibos have yet appeared in areas occupied by Federal troops.
Restoration of normal life
6. The major problems in facilitating the return to normal life in the war affected areas visited include the provision of food and
medical facilities and the restoration of buildings and public services such as water, power, etc. The Observers noted that
Summary
7. In summary, in the areas of First Nigerian Division that the Observers visited they found.
Future plans
8. The observers propose to make their next visit to the area of the Third Nigerian Marine Commando Division.
Second Part Observers Interim Report
Outline of Work
State of the Civil Population
4. We did not see as many Ibos as in the north since a large part of the area is populated by rivers people and minority tribes. Most of the Ibos who were working in places such as Port Harcourt fled with the dissidents. In addition towns like Aba and Owerri are still close to the fighting line. It is the pattern in such areas that the local inhabitants either flee with the dissidents or take to the bush. Very few stay in the fighting zone. Over half the people we saw in camps, either rivers people, Ibos or minority tribes, were in a fair state of health and well cared for but a large number including small children are in a state of malnutrition. It is also apparent that the aid on the ground e.g. army, Red Cross, missionaries etc. does not operate on the same scale as it did in the area of the 1st Division, except in the Calabar area. For example there is great shortage of doctors. We took note of the fact that the Nigerian Red Cross is beginning to operate in the Port Harcourt area. In the Calabar area the co-operation between the army, the Red Cross and the National Rehabilitation Commission seemed excellent. If the numbers coming out of the bush increased as appears to be the case, the army, the civil administration and voluntary agencies could be overwhelmed. At the moment not many Ibos have come out of the bush, but already relief resources are overtaxed.
The Military Situation
5. There has been more fighting on this front than on any other at any rate recently. The divisional commanders primary aim is to defeat his enemy. Therefore every thing else takes second place to this, his main object. This factor has had an effect on the civil population The noise of fighting, heavy expenditure of ammunition, and the aggressive military tactics of the troops appear to have instilled more fear into the Ibo population than is the case on the northern front. The Ibos have therefore been slower to come out of the bush and slower still to return to their villages.
6. The troops are aware of the code of coduct and their military discipline appears good. Their officers are in firm control.
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
7. At present there does not appear to be any overall policy, for resettlement of inhabitants back in their villages, the matter being handed individually by sector commanders. The efficiency of this process varies with the personality and operational task of the individual commander. We believe that there should be an overall policy for resettlement laid down by the divisional commander in conjunction with the civilian administration. Unless people can get back to the villages and to their land a crop will be missed. This will further accentuate the food problem. We suggest that the commander considers declaring areas 10 miles or more behind the fighting line as White or clear of dissidents. Villagers, after rehabilitation in displaced persons camps, should be allowed to return to these areas and restart village life. The forward areas to be declared Red and closed to all civilians on security grounds. When feasible, control of the White areas should be handed over to the civilian administration and in particular to the civil police. This would constitute a visible sign that conditions are returning to normal apart from relieving the military of the responsibility which due to intensive operational activity they are finding hard to execute. We understand teat such a policy is already under active consideration at divisional level.
Relations military/Ibos/Rivers People/Minority Tribes
8. Discussions indicate that the relationship between rivers people, the minority tribes and the Ibos is at present strained, the rivers people and minority tribes appear to have no love for the Ibo. It is reported that they settled many old scores when Federal troops moved in. In Port Harcourt some Ibo leaders are advising their people to stay in displaced persons camps until after the war is over. Their reason for doing so appears to be that if the war is not finished soon and the Federal Forces suffered any reverses, Ibos outside protection camps might be in danger. The Federal Government allows Ibos to remain in these camps if they wish to do so. In Port Harcourt they live as family units.
9. It is impossible for us to generalise as a result of isolated incidents. However we did report to the divisional commander a case of a regimental sergeant major maltreating an Ibo who had been picked up in the front line dressed in civilian clothes, a practice often followed by dissident soldiers before surrender. This practice is said to be the reason why Federal troops are suspicious of all Ibos of military age, however dressed. Despite this, as many of the Federal officers themselves pointed out, Nigeria has to live as one when the war is over and maltreatment of suspected persons is not going to make this task easier.
10. Ibos in displaced persons camps have a healthy respect for the troops but mutual contact appears to be gradually dispelling the fear that has undoubtedly existed. Due to the intensity of military operations contact between villages and the military is less than in 1st Division area and therefore the process of dispelling fear slower.
11. Prisoners of war and internees appear to be in good health. However there are points which should receive early attention by the military commanders: for example the prisoners do not appear to be given any constructive work to do, nor exercise. Accommodation is inadequate. They have little to read and some appear to have been kept in custody unnecessarily. Internees and many Ibo displaced persons have no money and are therefore unable to buy anything to supplement the issue rations. We consider that prisoners, internees and displaced persons who are unable at present to earn their living should be given a small weekly allowance in addition to the initial payment most of them receive. It is also important that a record be kept of money and personal possessions taken from prisoners/internees, so that these can be returned to them when they are released from custody. As is customary the Red Cross should be invited to visit prisoners and internees. These points have been drawn to the attention of the divisional commanders.
Deliberate Destruction of Property
12. We saw evidence of destruction of property particularly in villages along the route of advance Federal Forces. Most of this we assume is the result of the fighting and cannot be ascribed specifically to either side. We did see and hear evidence of looting. From the evidence we have heard we consider that the looting has been carried out by the civilians and the military of both sides.
Deliberate Destruction of Life
13. We neither saw nor heard any evidence of deliberate wholesale destruction of the Ibo people by the Federal Troops. The basis for this statement includes private discussions with a number of educated Ibos who spoke good English. There is evidence that some of the civilians received fairly rough treatment from the troops of both sides and that there is some apprehension among a number of Ibo people now behind the Federal lines. Practically all Ibos testify to the fair treatment they received from officers but some assert that on a number of occasions they have been insulted by other ranks. We therefore consider that selection of army personnel to look after prisoners, internees and displaced persons should be very carefully done. We did see seven dead bodies in Owerri hospital. As these people had been dead for some time and were in an advanced state of decomposition, it is impossible for the Observers to draw any conclusions.
Summary
14. In summary, in the areas of the 3rd Nigerian Marine Commando Division which the Observers visited we found
Some property, that is houses and public buildings, has been seriously damaged. Such damage as has occurred took place during the fighting in towns and villages behind the roads. The damage was probably inflicted by the armed forces of both sides. There has been considerable looting, some by the dissidents during their retreat, some by the civil population and some by Federal forces. Most property is completely unguarded and it is surprising that more looting has not taken place. Undoubtedly there will be a large amount of movable property within the Ibo heartland once the fighting is over.
It is therefore necessary that strict orders are applied to the troops. There is also a need for civil police to move up behind the forward troops.
Future Action
15. ( a) It is proposed to make our next visit to the area of the 2nd Nigerian Division.
( b) We would like to discuss a certain reorganisation of the Observer group in order to carry out our future task more efficiently.
Tanzania
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about Great Britain's relations with Tanzania.
As my right hon. Friend told the House on 5th July, diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Britain were resumed on 4th July this year, and Her Majesty's Government warmly welcomed the resumption. The new British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr. Horace Phillips, arrived in Dar es Salaam earlier this month and the Tanzanian High Commissioner is expected to take up his appointment in London in November.—[Vol. 767, c. 281.]
Gibraltar
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present constitutional position of Gibraltar and indicate what steps he has taken during the last three months to save Gibraltar, the citizens and industries from aggression by Spain.
I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and to the reply which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Goole (Mr. George Jeger) on 21st October.—[Vol. 770, c. 208–9.]
Fiji (Banaban Community)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to assist the Banaban people to establish a viable economy.
The Banaban community live in Rabi, an island in the Fiji group. Recommendations on the development of Rabi were made in a report rendered in February by Professor Joy and Mr. Prosser. The implementation of those recommendations depends to a great extent on the funds available to the Banabans from phosphate royalties, and in consequence is still under consideration. Meanwhile the Government of Fiji assist economic development in Rabi in the same way as elsewhere.
Coal
Stocks
34.
asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on coal stocks in the country.
Undistributed coal stocks are about 29 million tons. Distributed coal stocks are about 17½ million tons.
Smokeless Fuel
35.
asked the Minister of Power what increase he estimates will take place in the production of smokeless fuel; and if he will list the areas involved in the increase.
Estimates from producers show that 8 million tons a year will be available for the domestic market. Bigger supplies could be produced if there were the demand. The distribution of production by areas is a matter for the industries.
Redundant Miners
36.
asked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the anomalies created by Section 3 of the Coal Industry Act, 1967, affecting miners over 60 years of age who were encouraged to accept redundancy or were declared redundant during the period when the Coal Industry Bill was in preparation; and if he will introduce amending legislation to ensure that all men over 60 years, redundant for purposes of economy or on account of pit closures shall benefit from Section 3 of the Act.
I could not hold out hope of any such legislation.
37.
asked the Minister of Power how many miners at Mosley Common Colliery, 60 years of age and over, were voluntarily declared redundant in an effort by the Coal Board to avoid closure of the pit.
This is a matter for the National Coal Board and I am asking the Chairman to write to the hon. Member.
Processed Fuels And Anthracite (Supplies)
39.
asked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the shortages of processed fuels and anthracite in certain areas; and what steps are being taken to expedite supplies.
I am aware of local difficulties and discussions are being held between producers, merchants and my Department.
Redundancy Payments
40.
asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received about mineworkers who are declared redundant under the Payments Scheme Order 1968 and are excluded from payment on account of loss of earnings due to membership of a local authority; and what reply he has sent.
I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given by my predecessor to my hon. Friend the Member for Dearne Valley (Mr. Edwin Wainwright) on 28th May last. Subsequent representations made to him by the National Union of Mineworkers and to me by my hon. Friends the Members for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) and for Newark (Mr. Bishop) have been answered in the same sense.—[Vol. 765, c. 188.]
National Coal Board Houses (Rents)
45.
asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board that they should limit increases in rents of National Coal Board houses to an amount not greater than rent increases allowed to local authorities.
No, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Bishop) on 15th July.—[Vol. 768, c. 180.]
Gas, Coke And Smokeless Fuel Prices (Scotland)
46.
asked the Minister of Power whether he will ensure that during the current period of financial stringency all increases in the price of gas, coke and smokeless fuels supplied to consumers in Scotland are referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes, including those which have recently been put into operation.
The April 1968 increases in the Scottish Gas Board's gas prices were covered in N.B.P.I. Report No. 57; the Board's coke prices were not changed. Changes in the last six months in the N.C.B.'s coke and smokeless fuel prices were accepted by the Government as justified within the prices and incomes policy.
Colliery Closures
47.
asked the Minister of Power if he will now use his powers under the Coal Industry Act 1967 to delay the closure of a pit unaffected by the exhaustion of coal, where the rate of unemployment is likely to become above the national average.
Procedures exist under which the Government examine the timing of the closure of all collieries in areas of high unemployment and where appropriate, ask the National Coal Board to defer closure under the terms of the Coal Industry Act, 1967.
Gas
Bills
38.
asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the Gas Council that gas boards should arrange for gas bills to be payable by weekly instalments where this is requested by consumers.
No. This would not be an appropriate way to deal with such requests.
Explosion, Congresbury (Report)
42.
asked the Minister of Power if he will now order a public inquiry into the gas explosion at Congresbury, near Bristol, on 18th December, 1967.
As the hon. Member will know, the South Western Gas Board have conducted an inquiry into this unfortunate accident and my right hon. Friend does not think a public inquiry is called for. He is, however, arranging for their report to him to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.The following is the information:
South Western Gas Board
REPORT ON THE FRACTURE OF A 6" DIAMETER MEDIUM PRESSURE MAIN AT CONGRESBURY, SOMERSET, ON SUNDAY, 17TH DECEMBER, 1967.
Description:
The main is 6" in diameter and of spun grey iron material manufactured to B.S. 1211 of 1945. Pipes are 18' in length with flexible joints of the Staveley hook bolt type.
Age:
20 years (laid between June 1947 and January 1948).
Duty:
The main provides a bulk supply of gas from Weston-super-Mare to Congresbury, Yatton, Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead. It is reinforced at Yatton by supplies from the supergrid main between Seabank Works and Weston-super-Mare. At the time of the incident the main was operating at a pressure of approximately 20 p.s.i.
Location:
The main is laid approximately 3' 0" from the footpath in the carriageway of the A370 road through Congresbury at a depth of 2' 6" to the top of the main. (The "Recommendations for Mainlaying" issued by the Institution of Gas Engineers in 1956 recommended a depth of not less than 2' 0" in carriageways, but in 1966 a revised edition of this publication recommended a depth of 2' 6". The main, therefore, is laid in accordance with modern practice in respect of depth.)
Condition:
An examination of the main, both at the point of fracture and in adjacent excavations, revealed that the pipe was in excellent condition with no evidence of corrosion.
Description of fracture:
A complete circumferential fracture had occurred near the centre of an 18' length of pipe. The crack was open approximately 3/32" at the top reducing to approximately 1/32" at the bottom.
Cause of fracture:
About 2" away from the point of fracture a large stone was located underneath the main on which the pipe was resting.
A 4" earthenware stormwater pipe, at a depth of 2' 4", and an old stone stormwater drain at a depth of 2' 0", each within 12" of the point of fracture, were located in the excavation. Both drains had been out of use for many years, probably since a date prior to the laying of the gas main.
It is considered that water seeping through one, or both of the disused drains loosened the ground beneath the main causing an erosion of the bed of the main over part of the pipe length with the result that the main dropped slightly to rest directly on the stone. It is considered that external stresses caused by this central pivot in the length of pipe resulted in the fracture.
Ministry Of Power
Hematite Ore
41.
asked the Minister of Power what has been the tonnage of hematite ore mined in each of the past five years; and what information he has about the rate of production planned for the current year and future years.
About 400,000 tons in each of the past five years, and 300–400,000 this year. Its future extraction will be commensurate with market demands for hematite pig iron.
Steel Industry (North Sea Gas)
43.
asked the Minister of Power when he estimates North Sea Gas will be available to the steel industry; and what estimate he has made of the comparative price per therm of North Sea gas and oil to the industry.
Some North Sea gas is already being supplied to the steel industry and discussions on the provisions of further supplies are proceeding. Price is a matter for negotiation between the two industries.
British Steel Corporation (Advisers And Consultants)
44.
asked the Minister of Power how many people over 65 years of age are retained by the British Steel Corporation in an advisory or consultant capacity.
This is a matter for the Corporation and I am asking the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend.
Oil Storage And Distribution (Expenditure)
asked the Minister of Power if he will give the cost to public funds of the storage of crude oil over each of the past 10 years.
The Department does not publish figures for the cost of crude oil storage. The net expenditure on oil storage and distribution, after allowing for appropriations-in-aid, was as follows:
| £ | |
| 1958–59 | 7,667,908 |
| 1959–60 | 7,141,946 |
| 1960–61 | 1,877,451 |
| 1961–62 | 1,045,113 |
| 1962–63 | 485,262 |
| 1963–64 | 349,029 |
| 1964–65 | 372,810 |
| 1965–66 | 384,333 |
| 1966–67 | 903,693 |
| 1967–68 | 449,774 |
Proposed Hydrocarbons Corporation
asked the Minister of Power if he has yet completed his consideration of the proposal for a nationalised national hydrocarbons corporation referred to in his letter of 26th August to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North.
I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave to his Question on 15th October.—[Vol. 770, c. 78].
Ministry Of Health
Drugs (Publicly Owned Factory)
48.
asked the Minister of Health what study he has made of the effect of the production of drugs by the State in Sweden, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Willesden, West, upon the prices of other drugs available in that country; and if he will now consider establishing a publicly owned factory to supply effective competition in the production of those drugs most commonly purchased through the National Health Service.
My inquiries suggest that production of drugs by the State in Sweden is on an extremely limited scale and not such as to affect the prices of proprietary preparations which, there as here, account for most of the cost of drugs. I see no reason at present to differ from the view of the Sainsbury Committee, which did not recommend the establishment of a publicly owned factory in this country.
Home Accidents
49.
asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take, in view of the fact that 75 per cent. of all recorded accident cases at Cheltenham General Hospital are the result of home accidents, either through the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents or other means, to seek to reduce the number of such accidents.
Together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, local authorities and voluntary and professional bodies working in this field, we will continue to make and encourage efforts to reduce accidents in the home. I believe that the figure of 75 per cent. referred to by the hon. Member includes not only home accidents but also accidents outside the home other than road accidents.
Hæmophiliacs (Invalid Vehicles)
50.
asked the Minister of Health what advice he has received from hæmatologists concerned with the treatment of hæmophilia concerning the provision of invalid vehicles; and if he will extend the categories of those eligible for a small car instead of an invalid tricycle to include persons severely affected by hæmophilia.
The latest medical advice is that special care should be taken to ensure the suitability of vehicles issued to invalids who are also hæmophiliacs and I am arranging for three- wheeled vehicles of an improved type to be issued to hæmophiliacs who qualify for a vehicle, as soon as possible. Invalid tricycles are specially designed for their purpose and have advantages not possessed at present by any small car. The standard tricycle will itself be considerably improved in the course of next year.
Prescription Charges
52.
asked the Minister of Health, in view of the further evidence of the burden of prescription charges on the chronic sick, whether he will now take further steps to examine the problem, and reduce or eliminate this burden.
I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Loveys) on 15th October.—[Vol. 770, c. 82.]
Mental Patients
asked the Minister of Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of men, women and juveniles who would be enabled to leave the mental hospitals in England and Wales through the provision of adequate living accommodation elsewhere.
No accurate estimate is possible.
Personal Case (Mr H Sully)
asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare concerning the personal case of Mr. H. Sully, of Wedmore, Somerset, of 21st August, 1968.
I have written to the hon. Member today. I regret the delay in this case which called for detailed inquiries.
Minister's Correspondence
asked the Minister of Health whether he replies to letters from hon. Members under the first or second class post.
Replies are delivered to the House of Commons by hand unless an hon. Member has expressed a wish for delivery elsewhere, in which case the first class service is used.
Public Health Act, 1968
asked the Minister of Health on what date, or dates, he intends that Sections 1 to 9 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 shall come into force.
Sections 5, 6 and 8 came into force on 9th September. Sections 1 to 4, 7 and 9 will be brought into
| ENGLAND AND WALES | |||||||
| 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | |||||
| Males | Females | Males | Females | Males | Females | ||
| 10–14 | Deaths | 3 | — | 3 | 1 | 3 | — |
| Rate | 2 | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| 15–19 | Deaths | 81 | 33 | 81 | 40 | 74 | 39 |
| Rate | 43 | 18 | 43 | 22 | 41 | 22 | |
| 20–24 | Deaths | 139 | 57 | 162 | 63 | 147 | 80 |
| Rate | 87 | 36 | 98 | 38 | 82 | 45 | |
| 25–29 | Deaths | 159 | 108 | 139 | 82 | 197 | 73 |
| Rate | 104 | 73 | 92 | 56 | 130 | 49 | |
| 30–34 | Deaths | 162 | 91 | 171 | 96 | 150 | 81 |
| Rate | 108 | 64 | 114 | 68 | 100 | 57 | |
| 35–39 | Deaths | 195 | 143 | 207 | 131 | 182 | 92 |
| Rate | 128 | 96 | 136 | 89 | 120 | 63 | |
| 40–44 | Deaths | 302 | 193 | 255 | 156 | 244 | 170 |
| Rate | 181 | 116 | 158 | 98 | 155 | 110 | |
| 45–49 | Deaths | 254 | 187 | 235 | 214 | 253 | 202 |
| Rate | 176 | 127 | 156 | 139 | 161 | 128 | |
| 50–54 | Deaths | 300 | 251 | 309 | 251 | 256 | 205 |
| Rate | 194 | 153 | 203 | 156 | 172 | 131 | |
| 55–59 | Deaths | 334 | 309 | 331 | 272 | 325 | 218 |
| Rate | 228 | 195 | 225 | 171 | 222 | 137 | |
| 60–64 | Deaths | 362 | 236 | 304 | 218 | 300 | 231 |
| Rate | 289 | 164 | 240 | 149 | 234 | 187 | |
| 65+ | Deaths | 651 | 611 | 626 | 647 | 605 | 584 |
| Rate | 296 | 169 | 279 | 176 | 263 | 156 | |
| All Ages | Deaths | 2,942 | 2,219 | 2,823 | 2,171 | 2,736 | 1,975 |
| Rate | 127 | 90 | 121 | 88 | 116 | 80 | |
Hospitals
Junior Doctors (London Weighting)
51.
asked the Minister of Health why London weighting is not awarded to junior hospital medical staff; whether all other employees in the hospital service are allowed London weighting; and if he will make a statement.
Most non-resident hospital service employees in the London area receive London weighting. Any question of a London allowance for junior doctors would be for consideration by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration.
force as soon as practicable after completion of the necessary consultations.
Suicides
asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the figures of the number of suicides of men, women and juveniles in the nearest convenient age groups for 1965, 1966 and 1967.
Deaths from suicide and self-inflicted injury (E. 970—E. 979). Death rates per million population, 1965–67.
Cane Hill Hospital (Disposal Of Land)
54.
asked the Minister of Health when the offer will be made to the Council of the London Borough of Croydon of that part of the land of Cane Hill Hospital required for enlarging the Lion Green Car Park.
The land was formally offered to the Borough Council on 17th October, 1968.
Doctor Maternity Units (Frater And Tynemouth)
53.
asked the Minister of Health when he plans to reopen the Frater and Tynemouth Victoria Jubilee Infirmary doctor maternity units; and why their closure was instituted without consultation with the doctors concerned.
It has not yet been possible to fix a date for the reopening of these units. Prior consultation with the local general practitioners was not practicable because a sudden shortage of midwives called for an immediate decision.
Development Areas
asked the Minister of Health what expenditure on the hospital service is planned in each of the five development areas as a part of the £10 million programme to create additional employment during the winter.
So far as England and Wales are concerned—Northern Region £450,000: Wales £200,000.
Adult Mental Wards (Child Patients)
asked the Minister of Health how many boys and girls under the age of 17 years of age are being nursed in wards for adults in mental hospitals.
238 of whom 24 are awaiting transfer to other units.
Local Government
Compulsory Purchase Orders (Compensation)
55.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to bring in legislation to prevent compulsory purchase orders being used to acquire sources of income without payment of adequate compensation; and if he will make a statement.
Compulsory purchase is not used to acquire sources of income and I do not accept that compensation is inadequate. But if my hon. Friend is referring to unfit houses acquired for clearance at site value then I expect shortly to present a Bill to the House making provision for increased compensation on the acquisition of unfit property.
West Pennine Water Board (Charges)
57.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what amendments he will propose to Part 5 of the West Pennine Water Board Order, 1968 to enable the current water rate charges to conform to the Prices and Incomes Policy.
My information is that the Board's current charges already conform to this policy, but I shall be happy to discuss the implications of these charges with my hon. Friend.
Clearance Orders
58.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the average period of time taken from the date of submission by a local authority of a clearance order to the date of its confirmation by him.
The average time from submission to decision is 27 weeks for opposed clearance orders and seven weeks for unopposed clearance orders.The times for compulsory purchase orders made under Part III of the Housing Act, 1957 are 31 weeks for opposed and 11 weeks for unopposed orders.
Hainault Forest
61.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals have been submitted to him by the Greater London Council under Section 58(2) of the London Government Act, 1963, for his consent to transfer Hainault Forest to the London Borough of Redbridge; and whether he will give an undertaking to hold a local public inquiry before giving his decision on such an application.
None. Should a scheme come forward I am under a statutory duty to consult the local councils involved and would consider whether wider consultation was necessary.
Betterment Levy
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to amend the Land Commission Act so as to prevent the avoidance of betterment levy under Case A or Case C by means of option agreements.
My right hon. Friend has asked the Land Commission to exercise vigilance in this matter. At present there is no evidence of loss of levy.
Outdoor Advertising (Consent)
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether it is still his intention to introduce regulations under the Town and Country Planning Acts to abolish the right of appeal against the refusal to consent by local planning authorities for outdoor signs; and whether he will have further consultations with all the interests concerned in this matter before reaching any final decision.
As my noble Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary said on 15th October in another place, the Government have recently received proposals from the Outdoor Advertising Council for alternative arrangements for advertisement appeals. We are giving the subject further consideration and discussing it with the local authority associations and others. Meanwhile we shall not lay regulations ending appeals.
Planning Committees (Estate Agent Members)
asked the Minister of Housing; and Local Government whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to prohibit estate agents or their employees from serving on the planning committees of local authorities in areas in which they ply their trade.
I do not think it would be right to require elected councils to discriminate against particular professions. Certain statutory safeguards are already provided, though in general reliance must be placed in matters of this kind on the good sense and honour of all concerned.
Housing
Older Houses (Purchase)
56.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the funds he will be making available to local authorities to enable them to lend for the purchase of older houses.
I have advised local authorities to concentrate on assisting persons whose needs cannot be met elsewhere, with preference for council tenants wishing to move and those in special housing need. Many of these will be purchasers of older houses.
Furnished Accommodation (Unlawful Eviction)
59.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to amend Section 30 of the Rents Act, 1965 to increase the penalties for unlawful eviction of tenants in furnished accommodation, in view of the growing practice whereby landlords risk incurring the present penalties in order to obtain higher rents from new tenants.
The courts can already impose heavy penalties where these are called for—up to six months imprisonment together with fines of £100 for a first offence, or £500 for a subsequent offence. These should be an effective deterrent.
Hulme Redevelopment Area (Rent Increase)
60.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that Manchester Corporation have demanded from some of the tenants of municipal houses, rent increases in excess of the 10s. per week maximum authorised by his Department; and what action he plans to take to protect these tenants.
I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the rent increase for certain maisonettes in the Hulme Redevelopment Area. Part of this increase was demanded in error and has since been credited to the tenants. I am satisfied that the net rents are now in accordance with the proposals I approved.
Rent Act, 1968 (Protected Tenancies)
62.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the prohibition of the assignment at a premium of protected tenancies under Section 86 of the Rent Act, 1968, is causing hardship to lessees holding for terms over 21 years; and whether he will introduce amending legislation.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow) on 14th October.—[Vol. 770, c. 33.]
House Purchase Advances
63.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the fact that the Chapel-en-le-Frith Rural District Council have kept well within the limit in respect of advances for house purchase, he will reconsider his decision not to sanction any further advances during the half year ending 31st March, 1969.
No. There is no reserve within the overall total available for housing advances from which any such cancelled quotas can be reinstated.
64.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why the quotas for advances for house purchases for the second half-year for small local authorities have been cut to nil, in view of previous allocations already agreed by his Department.
All quotas below £10,000 have been reduced to zero, irrespective of the size of the authority. The reason is that very small amounts do not justify an authority's providing home loan facilities, while it is important to use such amounts to avoid hardship to committed borrowers from over-lent authorities. Previous allocations were in any case provisional.
65.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why his Department has allowed some local authorities to exceed their quota for house purchase during the first half of 1968–69, and now plans to penalise those authorities which have kept to their quota by abolishing it completely.
I regret that some authorities entered into firm commitments to borrowers in excess of the quotas provisionally allocated to them for the second half of the year. In order to keep faith with these borrowers it was necessary to reduce quotas for other areas. I regret this and shall be discussing with the local authority associations measures to avoid a recurrence of it.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he has reduced the allocation for advances for house purchase by Stroud Urban District Council for the second half of the current financial year from £9,652 to nil; whether he is aware that this decision will adversely affect housing prospects in the area and will be particularly harmful to the improvement of older houses; when he will resume advances for house purchase to local authorities; and whether he will make a statement.
I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I have given today to similar Questions by the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Prior).
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how much money he plans to advance to local authorities this financial year for house purchase, as compared with last year.
Local authorities will be able to advance £95 million as compared with £130 million last year.
National Building Agency
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the present staff of the National Building Agency; how many of these are technical and professional advisers; and how many are administrative and clerical staff.
As at 15th October 1968 125 technical and professional staff, and 76 managerial and clerical staff are employed by the Agency.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will publish an up-to-date table of the expenditure and fees relating to the National Building Agency since its inception.
The figures are as follows:—
| Period | Expenditure £ | Fees £ |
| 16.3.64–31.3.65 | 173,568 | 550 |
| 1965–66 | 482,395 | 9,525 |
| 1966–67 | 704,110 | 157,772 |
| 1967–68 | 725,565 | 221,352 |
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the National Building Agency publishes an annual report of its proceedings; and what information is made available to the public on a regular basis about its activities.
The National Building Agency presents a report annually to the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, but it is not published. The Agency also publishes reports on particular aspects of its work and from time to time holds open days for the Press.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what income, other than fees, is available to the National Building Agency on an annual basis; and what has been the total of Government subsidy since the Agency was first set up.
The National Building Agency also receives income from the sale of publications. The total Government Grant in aid paid to the Agency up to 30th September, 1968 is £1,959,600.
National Finance
Currency Notes (Discount)
66.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek to amend the International Monetary Fund rules so as to prevent any currency enjoying a considerable discount on the external note rate, thus giving certain benefits of devaluation for the creation of a double rate.
I assume the hon. Member is referring to the buying and selling of currency notes at a discount on the official rate. The I.M.F. rules already provide that the discount in this sort of situation must not be more than the Fund considers reasonable.
Basle Agreements
67.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which 10 countries have guaranteed the $2,000 million stand-by; how much from each country respectively; and what are the interest rates and repayment conditions in each case.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 15th October, 1968.
Travel Allowance
68.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much foreign currency was saved in the travel year 1967 by restricting travel allowance to £50; and how much he expects to save in the year ending 31st October.
Foreign currency expenditure on travel was £29 million less in the calendar year 1967 than in 1966. The previous continually rising trend in travel expenditure suggests that the saving was greater than this figure. I expect the position to be similar in 1968.
Government Advertising
69.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will institute an inquiry into the use by Government Departments of outside advertising and public relations firms in publicising the policies of the various Ministries and nationalised bodies.
No. Government advertising is placed through advertising agencies for reasons of economy and effectiveness. It is not the practice of Government Departments to use private public relations agencies; the work is carried out by the official Government Information Services. The arrangements in the nationalised industries are for the industries themselves to decide.
International Monetary Fund (Information)
70.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what classes of information about the United Kingdom's economy he makes available to the International Monetary Fund that is not available to Members of Parliament.
In common with other member countries of the I.M.F., the United Kingdom is obliged to furnish the Fund with the information specified in Article VIII.5 of the I.M.F. Articles of Agreement, and holds annual discussions with the Fund about all aspects of the economy which bear on the balance of payments position. Additionally, during 1968, we have undertaken in accordance with my predecessor's letter of intent to consult with the Fund in February, July and November. The value of these discussions depends largely on the fact that they are confidential.
Post-War Credits
71.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is not practicable to extend the repayment of post-war credits to persons who have been off work due to sickness for any continuous period of 26 weeks irrespective of whether such persons have been in receipt of sickness benefit.
There would be no machinery for testing the claims. Repayment of post-war credits on hardship grounds is only practicable by reference to categories of hardship falling within the existing social services classifications.
£ Sterling (Purchasing Power)
72.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate the extent to which the value of the £ sterling, expressed in money terms, has decreased in each year from 1st January, 1959 to 1st January, 1968, inclusive.
The table below shows the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling in January of each year from 1959 to 1968, taking its value as 20s. in January, 1959. The estimates are based on movements in the consumer price index adjusted to January values by the index of retail prices.
| s. | d. | |
| 1959 | 20 | 0 |
| 1960 | 20 | 1 |
| 1961 | 19 | 9 |
| 1962 | 19 | 0 |
| 1963 | 18 | 7 |
| 1964 | 18 | 4 |
| 1965 | 17 | 6 |
| 1966 | 16 | 10 |
| 1967 | 16 | 3 |
| 1968 | 15 | 11 |
Invisible Earnings (Information)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has available on the balance of invisible transactions with individual countries.
I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary gave on 20th Fehruary.—[Vol. 759, c. 70.]
Take-Over Bids (Credit Facilities)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the directions by his Department to banks on the limitation of credit, loans and overdrafts apply to firms desiring to raise capital to finance take-over bids; and whether he will take steps to ensure that his Department examines all such proposals before final approval for credit, loan or overdraft terms can be sanctioned by the banks.
There is no specific reference to credit for this purpose in the guidance provided by the Bank of England, but I have no reason to think that any action by the banks in this field has conflicted with the overall ceiling, or with the need to meet priorities within it.
Income Tax (Evasion)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legal action the Inland Revenue intend to take against persons who have evaded tax on large incomes over long periods; and when such action can be expected.
The action taken by the Inland Revenue is to get the amount of the tax settled and the tax paid as soon as possible, together with interest and penalties where appropriate.
Social Security (Departmental Reorganisation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give for the latest convenient stated date before the amalgamation of the former Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance the total costs, including salaries, wages and manpower involved in running these Departments; to what extent the formation of the Department of Social Security saved manpower and costs at the latest convenient stated date; and to what extent the establishment of the new system of Secretary of State for Social Services will effect further savings in manpower, salaries and costs.
I have been asked to reply.
On 1st August, 1966, the staffs of the former Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance and the former National Assistance Board totalled 56,000 and the cost of administration for 1965–66 was £78 million. The cost of administration for the year ended March, 1968, was £94 million and total staff numbers on 1st October, 1968, were 62,650. The main purposes of the 1966 merger were to further the co-ordination of social security policy and to combat reluctance to claim non-contributory benefits. Any savings of manpower and cost resulting from that reorganisation are already greatly outweighed by the extra cost, including staff costs, resulting from the success of the supplementary benefits scheme, the development of the contributory benefits schemes and additional tasks placed on the Ministry.
It is too soon to estimate the effect upon manpower and other costs of the establishment of the Department of Health and Social Security.
Mentally Handicapped (Services)
73.
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will establish an inter-departmental study group to consider ways and means of coordinating central and local government services and voluntary organisations in caring for and training the mentally handicapped; and if he will make a statement.
I have been asked to reply.The need for co-ordination is kept constantly in mind in providing services for the mentally handicapped.
Seebohm Committee Report
asked the Lord President of the Council what consultations he has had with local authorities and other interested bodies following the publication of the Report of the Committee on Local Authority and Allied Personal Social Services; and if he will make a statement.
I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to my reply of 21st October to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Moonman).—[Vol. 770, c. 220.]
Overseas Development
Civil Service (Devaluation Adjustment)
74.
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what review of educational allowances to members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service has been made since devaluation.
All allowances for children being educated at schools in countries which did not devalue have been adjusted to take account of the devaluation of sterling.
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps he is proposing to take to ensure that where compensation payments are made, members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service do not suffer as a result of devaluation.
None, since the provisions of the Compensation Orders in Council and of the Public Officers Agreements ensure that the sterling level of compensation payments is not affected by devaluation.
Employment And Productivity
Mentally Handicapped Children (Selective Employment Tax)
75.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is aware that Selective Employment Tax is having an adverse effect on the chances of mentally handicapped children getting jobs; and if she will have inquiries made into this problem and take action to rectify it.
I am not aware of any such effect.
Unemployed Persons, Ashington And Morpeth
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many persons of all ages are signing on at the employment exchanges at Ashington and Morpeth in the county of Northumberland; what percentages of the labour forces they represent; and how this compares with the national average.
At 14th October the numbers registered as unemployed in the areas covered by Ashington and Morpeth Employment Exchanges were 1,481 and 381 respectively, and the percentage rates of unemployment were 8·0 and 4·2. These figures are provisional. The rate for Great Britain will become available towards the end of this week.At 9th September, 1968, the percentage rates for Ashington, Morpeth and Great Britain were 7·8, 4·1 and 2·3 respectively.
Industrial Training
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether, in view of the fact that Ashington is too far away for firms on the Borders to send their men and is expensive for small firms, she will install a training depot in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
If the hon. Member is referring to the training problems of firms in the road transport industry, this is a matter for the road transport industry training board.
Ministry Of Defence
Free-Fall Parachutes
76.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the advantages of the parachutes currently used by the free-fall parachute display teams of the Royal Air Force and the Parachute Regiment as compared with the TA2 parachute now approved for operational use by the services.
Quicker opening, additional drive capability, and a stall capability.
77.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the parachutes at present used by the free-fall parachute display teams of the Royal Air Force and the Parachute Regiment are due for replacement.
On the assumption that the teams continue to give displays at their present frequency replacements would be required for the R.A.F. team in 1972 or 1973 and for the Parachute Regiment team a year earlier.
Rma, Sandhurst (Standing Orders)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will refer the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy Standing Orders to his legal advisers for review under the terms of the Army Act;(2) why senior cadets at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy are allowed by standing orders to award extra training as a punishment to junior cadets; and what is the authority for this course of conduct.
I do not intend to review the Standing Orders. These were reviewed in 1962 to ensure that they did not infringe the legal rights of the officer cadets, the requirements of the Army Act or the regulations made under it. Senior Under Officers at Sandhurst are given limited responsibility by the Commandant through Standing Orders to assist in the maintenance of proper standards of dress and discipline. To assist in this process Senior Under Officers are given limited powers to authorise extra training, where necessary.
Territorial And Army Volunteer Reserve Iii
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many units of Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve III have held camps or weekend training this year at their own expense; and what has been the total sum of money that they have saved from public funds by doing this.
I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have completed my enquiries.
Royal Armoured Corps
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the decision on an amalgamation of two armoured regiments, foreshadowed in the recent White Paper, will conform with the ratio governing the number of Scottish units, in the resulting armoured establishment, prescribed by the Government for infantry units on 15th July.
No ratio governing the number of Scottish units in the Infantry has been prescribed. The method of effecting the Royal Armoured Corps reduction that was mentioned in the Defence White Paper of July has not yet been decided.
Absence Without Leave
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what central record is maintained by his Department of the number of men absent without leave from the Services.
To avoid wasteful duplication, we rely in such cases on information collected by the three Services for their own management purposes. The available figures go back many years and are, for this and other reasons, not entirely comparable. It would have been misleading to quote them in reply to the question put down to me on the 16th October. I shall write to the hon. Member to explain the position in greater detail.—[Vol. 770, c. 121.]
Wales
Rhoose Airport Extension
78.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales, what action he will take with regard to the representations from residents of Rhoose, Pen mark, Porthkerry and East Aberthaw, Glamorgan, and from Penmark Parish Council, all referred to in recent correspondence from the hon. Member for Barry, concerning the extension plans for Glamorgan, Rhoose, Airport and objecting to miscalculations of the cost; what study he has made on the effect of the extensions on the need for a by-pass road at Rhoose; and if he will make a statement.
Planning permission for the Rhoose Airport extension was given by my predecessor in September, 1967, after a public local inquiry The cost of the extension was not a decisive factor in that decision. I gave planning permission for the construction of the by-pass road in February, 1968, again after a public local inquiry. I am satisfied that the permissions given were justified on the evidence. I have considered the representations referred to by the hon. Member and see no grounds for further action.
Rhodesia
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister, if he will give an assurance that during any testing of Rhodesian opinion arising from the "Fearless" proposals there will be no relaxation of sanctions.
Yes. I hope to deal with this Question in the debate on which the House will shortly be entering.
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if he will ensure that any agreement proposed with the illegal Smith regime will first be democratically voted upon and agreed by all the natives of Rhodesia over 21 years of age and to arrange for such a referendum under the control of an electoral committee sponsored and appointed by Her Majesty's Government.
The British Government's proposals include the establishment of a Royal Commission as soon as possible for the purpose of testing the acceptability to the people of Rhodesia as a whole of a new independence constitution based on any agreement to be reached.
Western European Union Assembly (British Delegation)
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on Tuesday, 15th October, when a vote on the debate on the Common Market at the Western European Union Assembly was to be taken a quorum was not present, and that many Members of Parliament from the Government side of the British delegation were absent; and whether, when appointing such delegations in future, he will ensure that those appointed undertake to attend to the duties involved.
On the occasion referred to, the British delegation had full representation.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
South America (Veterinary Mission)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has resulted from the visit of his veterinary mission to South American countries earlier this year.
The Mission recommended a number of improvements to the arrangements included in the Bledisloe Agreement which established the veterinary conditions under which meat and meat products are exported to this country. The four countries participating in the Bledisloe Agreement—Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay—have told me that the changes proposed are acceptable to them. They will therefore be brought into effect.I have also agreed that my Department will provide the authorities of Argentina and Uruguay with information on any future outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; and on the investigation into its origin if Argentine or Uruguayan meat should appear to be involved.
Imported Livestock Products (Husbandry Systems)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to ensure that livestock products imported from overseas are produced from livestock kept under systems of husbandry which comply with the recently published draft code of practice for the welfare of stock.
I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 5th August, 1966 to the hon. Member for Chorley (Mr. Kenyon) and in particular to paragraph 13 of that Answer.The draft Code of welfare recommendations for cattle recently circulated to interested parties for their comments contains recommendations in respect of calves contrary to the husbandry systems now used for the production of white veal in this country. Subject to the approval of these recommendations in the Code, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend, intend to initiate discussions with the overseas Governments concerned.—[Vol. 733, c.
200–3.]
Peas (Cropping Returns And Statistics)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, whether in the light of paragraph 79 of the National Economic Development Council Report on agriculture's import saving rôle, he will in future crop returns and statistics, where relevant, distinguish be- tween peas grown for freezing and for canning.
I am not convinced that such a change in the cropping returns and statistics would be justified at the present time.
Education And Science
Council For National Academic Awards
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the colleges of technology in England and Wales which offer courses which qualify for awards by the Council for National Academic Awards.
Forty-four colleges in England and Wales, including four service establishments, offer courses leading to awards of the Council for National Academic Awards. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the list published by the Council.
Primary Education (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the gross national product was spent on primary education in each of the last 10 years.
The information is as follows:
| Public Expenditure on Primary Education in the United Kingdom* | |
| as a Percentage of the Gross National Product | |
| 1958–59 | 1·2 |
| 1959–60 | 1·2 |
| 1960–61 | 1·2 |
| 1961–62 | 1·3 |
| 1962–63 | 1·3 |
| 1963–64 | 1·3 |
| 1964–65 | 1·3 |
| 1965–66 | 1·4 |
| 1966–67 | 1·4 |
| 1967–68 | 1·6 |
| *excluding expenditure on School Meals and Milk, Transport of Pupils, and the School Health Service. | |
Home Department
Hallucinogenic Drugs (Advisory Committee's Report)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence about hallucinogenic drugs.
Early next month.
Post Office
4D Mail, Petersfield (Delivery)
asked the Postmaster-General in how many post offices in the Petersfield constituency the 4d. rate mail is being held up for 24 hours after receipt before delivery to addressees.
None.
Investment Programme
asked the Postmaster-General if he will publish details of how the £1·5 million of the Post Office investment programme being brought forward to provide additional employment in the development areas during the winter months is to be allocated between the different development areas.
The advancement of the Pose Office investment programme will affect not only development areas but also certain other centres of possibly higher than average unemployment. The breakdown among Post Office Regions is as follows:
| £ | |
| Eastern | 160,000 |
| Midland | 230,000 |
| North Eastern | 200,000 |
| North Western | 330,000 |
| South Western | 200,000 |
| Scotland | 250,000 |
| Wales and Border Counties | 100,000 |
| Northern Ireland | 30,000 |
| £1,500,000 |
Telephone Service
Prestwick
asked the Postmaster-General when he expects the new telephone exchange in Prestwick to be completed; and what is the present number of people in Prestwick who are waiting for the installation of a telephone.
In December this year. At 30th September there were 137 people waiting for service.
Public Building And Works
Departmental Direct Labour Force
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what are his plans for the direct labour building force employed by his Department; and whether he will make a statement.
I am reviewing the work of my direct labour force in consultation with the trade unions, and a joint examination is now being made of the work of selected depots. I am not in a position to make a statement at this stage.
Scotland
Farm Improvements Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many claims for help under the Farm Improvements Scheme which was extended to help with storm damage in Scotland were received by him after the notified claiming date of 24th June.
Twenty-eight applications for special consideration were received after 24th June.
Technology
Dounreay (Non-Nuclear Research Projects)
asked the Minister of Technology if he has yet devised a plan for adding an industrial and production section to the Dounreay Experimental Station.
My right hon. Friend recently met representatives of the interested local authorities, and discussed the possibility of certain non-nuclear research projects being placed at Dounreay provided that they had a reasonable chance of success. Firm proposals remain to be considered.
Roads
Expenditure (Development Areas)
asked the Minister of Transport what expenditure on roads is planned in each of the five development areas as a part of the £10 million programme to create additional employment during the winter.
It is planned to spend up to £2·7 million on roads in the Northern Development Area. Road expenditure in Scotland and Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales.
Accidents (Motorways)
asked the Minister of Transport how many collisions have occurred on motorways as a result of vehicles crossing the central reservation since the first motorway was opened.
This information is not available. However, during a four-year study of sections of M1, M10 and M45 between 1962 and 1966, about 2 per cent. of accidents were of this type.
asked the Minister of Transport how many drivers have been prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving following accidents to vehicles on motorways; and how many have been convicted.
I regret this information is not available.
A30 (Two Bridges)
asked the Minister of Transport when improvement at Two Bridges on the Exeter to Bodmin trunk road, A30, will commence.
Subject to the acquisition of land, we hope to start work in the first half of 1969.
Inner Ring Road, Huddersfield
asked the Minister of Transport if he will consult the local education authority before proceeding with the construction of the proposed inner ring road in Huddersfield in so far as the road affects the St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School; and if he will ensure that this section of the road will not be built until a replacement for the school has been provided.
Huddersfield County Borough Council are both the local education authority and highway authority for the proposed inner ring road. It is therefore for them to ensure that the roadworks are not begun too soon.
Belford By-Pass
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that development in Belford is being delayed until the town is by-passed, he will now give the date on which work on it is planned to commence.
A by-pass of Belford has not yet been included in the trunk road preparation pool. We are not aware that any development has been hindered, but if the hon. Member will give me details we will look into the matter.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed By-Pass
asked the Minister of Transport when it is intended to implement the plans for a by-pass to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
We have at present no plans for a by-pass of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
A1 Road Bridge, Spittal
asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated life of the main Al bridge from Spittal in Northumberland over the Tweed to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
At least 100 years.