asked the Minister of Transport whether he will seek to amend the law to allow people using power-operated wheel-chairs to operate them on footpaths.

I am aware that the present law can give rise to some hardship, and I am examining the possibility of amending it.

asked the Minister of Transport when he estimates that all vehicles in this country will be fitted

asked the Minister of Transport whether an estimate has now been made of the cost of infilling the Lower Peak Forest Canal; and whether it has yet been decided by whom the cost of infilling will be borne.

No. As the hon. Member for Southgate (Mr. Berry) was told on 11th November, infilling is only one of several possible ways of dealing with this canal. The Waterways Board are at present considering these in consultation with the riparian local authorities. No decisions of any kind have yet been taken.—[Vol. 777, c. 26–7.]

asked the Minister of Transport what consideration he is giving to making compulsory the fitting of mud flaps on vehicles.

None, experiments have shown mud flaps to be of little with anti-pollution devices limiting the emission of carbon monoxide.

Methods of reducing carbon monoxide emissions are gradually being incorporated in new vehicle designs. Medical research has not, so far, indicated a need to make the modification of all vehicles compulsory.

asked the Minister of Transport how many people during each of the last five years were killed and injured, respectively, in Great Britain on the roads, in the air, and on the railways.

The figures are as follows:value on private cars. On commercial vehicles any value would depend upon their use being combined with improvements in mudguard design. This is not something that can be specified in regulations, but vehicle manufacturers are well aware of the problem.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will add Sunderland to the list of cities and towns in which local officers will be provided under the centralised scheme for vehicle registration and vehicle and driver licencing.

No. Local offices will be very much less important under the centralised system than local taxation offices are now, and most licence transactions will be most conveniently done by post direct to the Central Office at Swansea. We are satisfied that the needs of Sunderland will be satisfactorily met by providing offices at Newcastle and Durham, both of which are within 13 miles.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) to what extent Continental haulage vehicles entering and leaving this country on TIR carnets will be affected by quality licensing;(2) to what extent Continental haulage vehicles entering and leaving country on TIR carnets will be affected by quantity licensing;(3) what consultations he has had with representatives of European road haulage associations about the effects of the Transport Act's provision for quality licensing on TIR haulage vehicles entering and leaving Great Britain;(4) what consultations he has had with representatives of European road haulage associations about the effects of the Transport Act's provision for quantity licensing on TIR haulage vehicles entering and leaving Great Britain;(5) what consultations he has had with representatives of European Ministries of Transport about the effects of the Transport Act's provision for quality licensing on TIR haulage vehicles entering and leaving Great Britain;(6) what consultations he has had with representatives of European Ministries of Transport about the effects of the Transport Act's provision for quantity licensing on TIR haulage vehicles entering and leaving Great Britain.

Continental goods vehicles entering or leaving this country will, unless exempted, be subject to quality and quantity licensing. It is immaterial for this purpose whether they move under the TIR Convention which is concerned only with customs procedures. The Government hope to conclude bilateral agreements with Continental countries providing for reciprocal waivers of licensing restrictions on international road goods transport. Discussions to this end are in progress with the Governments and road haulage associations of several Continental countries. I have power under Section 91 (4) of the Transport Act to make regulation modifying the effect of the quality or quantity licensing provisions on foreign goods vehicles temporarily in this country.

asked the Minister of Transport what investigations his Department has carried out to ascertain the effect of the use of seat belts in preventing injury in road accidents; and whether accidents are analysed for this purpose in Scotland, England or Wales.

The Road Research Laboratory is carrying out a continuous survey of the effectiveness of seat belts in preventing injuries to car occupants. In addition a special team, including medical staff, is studying aspects of injuries to road users and this can be expected to yield further information on the effects of the use of safety belts.Data for the survey have been obtained from over 2,000 accidents in England, Scotland and Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider refunding the fee paid by an applicant for a driving test if the applicant is unable to give the required three days' notice of cancellation because of illness or accident.

The circumstances in which a driving test fee may be refunded are laid down in Section 25 (2) of the Road Traffic Act, 1962. We are considering whether anything can or should be done in those cases where unduly harsh treatment arises as a result of this provision and the related Regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport why he has refused to extend the scope of the driving test to include vehicle control in adverse road conditions, driving on motorways and night driving.

There are a number of reasons. I am writing to the hon. Member today.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the representations of the residents living in the Bootle, Litherland, Netherton, and Sefton areas, adjacent to the Liverpool and Leeds Canal, to the effect that this stretch of this unused canal should be made safe by being filled in, and the reclaimed land developed in accordance with current civic and recreational needs; and if he will take steps to develop the canal accordingly.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the representations of the residents in the Scotland division of Liverpool, living in the area adjacent to the Liverpool and Leeds Canal, to the effect that this stretch of unused canal should be made safe by being filled in and the reclaimed land developed in accordance with current civic and recreational needs; and if he will take steps to develop the canal accordingly.

We are aware that some of the local residents have said that they would like to see the canal in these areas eliminated. Proposals for the future of this length of the canal are being examined by the working party set up by the local authorities, in association with the British Waterways Board. I understand that the working party is likely to report to the authorities very soon.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons have lost their lives in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal since the 1939 to 1945 war; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that this information is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Transport how many children have lost their lives in the Liverpool and Leeds Canal, from Lightbody Street to the Aintree Bridge, since the 1939 to 1945 war.

I understand that 28 children have been drowned in this stretch of canal since April, 1955. Figures before that date are not readily available.

asked the Minister of Transport where the permanent headquarters of the National Freight Corporation are being established; and how many persons will be employed there.

I understand that the National Freight Corporation will be taking over the majority of the Transport Holding Company's staff, who number about 100, and their present offices in London.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the number of fatal accidents on the A4 road.

On the 41-mile length of the A4 in Berkshire, there have been 24 accidents involving fatalities this year. The M4, when completed in 1971, will reduce the volume of traffic on A4. We are keeping close watch on the situation and points of special difficulty will continue to be improved by widening, better street lighting, and other measures.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the comparative levels of expenditure on roads in 1968–69 and proposed in 1969–70 having regard to changes in national economic circumstances.

Public expenditure on roads, including lighting, car parks and research, in England for the years 1968–69 and 1969–70 is expected to be approximately £480 million and £500 million respectively.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the construction of the A19 road in the county of Durham; and when he expects the work to be completed.

Of the 12 schemes making up the comprehensive programme of improvement of the A19 in Durham, four are now complete. Work is at present in progress on three schemes, of which one will be completed at the end of the year. The remaining five are in preparation.Apart from the major works involved in the Teesside Diversion, it is aimed to complete this comprehensive improvement in Durham by 1971.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for developing the port of Great Yarmouth and improving its road connections to the North and Midlands.

The responsibility for initiating port developments rests with the harbour authorities concerned.The road programme provides for improvements to the A47 at Honingham, Great Yarmouth, Duddington, Tixover, Keythorpe and West Bridge, Leicester. Preparation work is proceeding on proposals for by-passes of King's Lynn and East Dereham. Proposals for further lengths of clearway on A47 are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that Stage I of the Lewes Relief Road cannot be completed by the target date unless he gives his authority for excavation through the railway embankment of the Lewes-Uckfield line to begin early in 1969; and if he will give his consent for this work, in view of the traffic delays in Lewes and the number of representations from pedestrians unable to cross the High Street without risk.

We are aware that if the formation of the existing railway line cannot be breached early next year, there is a risk of delay in the completion of Stage I of the Lewes Relief Road. However, the Railways Board are not free to implement the railway closure decision until they can comply with those conditions of my right hon. Friend's consent which require the provision of certain additional bus services. I understand that a hearing of the licence applications for these bus services cannot now be completed by the Traffic Commissioners before 20th or 21st January, 1969.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the increase in road traffic from the petro-chemical plants in the Immingham area, if he will provide funds for the building of a new dual carriageway on the south bank of the Humber to the Doncaster by-pass road, and allow this work to start early next year.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to carry out the road improvement scheme for the Andover Road, North Walls, Eastgate Street and City Road area of Winchester.

The roads involved are principal roads for which Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council are the responsible highway authorities. Hampshire County Council is preparing appropriate schemes which, when received, will be considered for inclusion in the principal road programme.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the cause of the increase in heavy motor traffic on the road between Hampsthwaite and Leathley; how many motor accidents there have been on this stretch of road in the last 12 months; and what steps he proposes to take to deflect the heavy traffic and reduce the accident rate.

Since the end of May, the laying of a gas pipe-line from a site at Leathley has caused extra traffic on this road, but this is decreasing and the site will no longer be used after the end of April next year.Fourteen personal injury accidents have occurred on the B6161 between Leathley and its junction with the A59 in the last 12 months. The West Riding County Council, as highway authority, are responsible for this road and I understand they do not consider that any special measures are called for.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the official publication entitled, "How Fast?", now being circulated to all highway authorities, he will reconsider the application for a 40 miles per hour speed limit for the Dawes Green and Leigh areas in Surrey, supported by the parish council, the rural district council and the Surrey County Council.

The suggestions in "How Fast?" are still under discussion. But we do not think the circumstances in these villages would call for a 40 m.p.h. limit.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress to date in reaching agreement on proposals for the construction of the North relief road at Waltham Abbey; and when he estimates that the road will be completed.

I have today added the proposed scheme to the Principal Road Preparation List for transfer to the firm Principal Road Programme at the earliest opportunity when detailed plans have been developed to a stage where costs and benefits can be more accurately assessed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will publish full details of the experiments on which he based his decision to reject flashing illuminated school crossing patrol signs in favour of continuously illuminated signs.

We arranged demonstrations of prototype signs designed to illuminate the whole sign face by a flashing light. Intermittent illumination, particularly of these portable signs, would confuse drivers rather than enable them to identify the message on the sign, including the obligation to stop; a steady white light would be both safer and more reliable. That is why we are now encouraging trials by local authorities on that basis.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the distance between a sign warning motorists of a turning ahead shall be standardised on all roads.

Until now the distance has been determined by the class of road. We have, however, just advised local authorities to fix the distance according to the approach speed of traffic. I think this is more helpful to drivers than a standard distance would be for all roads.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now install a pedestrian crossing near the Police House on the Lutterworth Road, A426, in Blaby, Leicestershire.

No. There has been no change in conditions since we wrote to the hon. Member in February this year which would justify the installation of a crossing here. I will be replying shortly to the hon. Member's letter of 2nd December giving him more detail on this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport, how many road accidents of a serious nature during the past 12 months were attributable to excessive drinking.

It is very seldom possible to attribute a particular accident to a single cause. We do know, however, that during the period 9th October, 1967 to 30th September, 1968, 5,006 drivers who were breath tested after being involved in an accident were found by subsequent blood tests to have a blood/alcohol level above 80 mg/100 ml or the urine equivalent. This figure does not, of course, include drivers who were killed, or who were not breath-tested because of their medical condition, or for other reasons.

asked the Minister of Transport, what changes have been made in the plans for the Morpeth by-pass; and to what extent such changes will affect the progress of the work.

The only change in the proposals for the Morpeth by-pass relates to the slip road arrangements adjacent to the A1/A697 junction which, if approved, will permit a better access for northbound traffic from Morpeth. The change will not affect the progress of the work.

asked the Minister of Transport, what criteria he uses for the inclusion of the cost of approach roads in the calculation of capital charges in relation to bridges, on which tolls are charged.

In the only trunk road case of this kind, the Severn Bridge, the criterion was that those sections of the approach roads giving access only to the bridge should be included in the capital cost of the scheme, all of which is to be recovered by tolls.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the criteria required to establish a socially desirable railway line and qualification for subsidy.

My right hon. Friend considers each service on its merits. He takes account of all relevant social and economic factors, including the revenue and costs; the numbers of passengers and the purpose of their journeys; the distances and times involved; the availability of alternative means of transport; prospective developments in the area which might affect future use of the service; any means for reducing the loss; and any wider economic and regional planning implications.

asked the Minister of Transport, if he will refuse his consent to any further withdrawals of railway passenger services in the Nottingham area pending a special study of present and future public transport needs in the area.

No. We are satisfied that we now have sufficient information to take an early decision on the proposal to close the line to Rugby. My hon. Friend will know from the reply to the hon. Member for Sudbury and Wood-bridge (Mr. Stainton) on 15th November that we have decided to grant-aid all the other unremunerative passenger services running into Nottingham.—[Vol. 773, c. 172–80.]

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate has been made of future capital expenditure by British Railways in order to handle containers exceeding the international standard; whether he is satisfied that such expenditure can be financed within the new capital structure of British Railways; and whether he will make a statement.

Whilst the British Railways Board are, of course, aware of the possibility of non-standard containers being offered for carriage, they have not made any overall estimate. The need for investment to open up routes where nonstandard containers cannot now be carried has to be considered in relation to particular routes in the light of estimates of future traffic and revenue.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will be able to state whether the Central Wales railway line will be included in the Government's grants for unprofitable lines.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has now decided whether he will treat the mid-Wales railway line as a social necessity qualifying it for subsidy.

We have not completed a detailed examination of this major closure proposal. If my right hon. Friend has not reached a decision by the end of the year, the passenger service will be grant-aided for the time being under the transitional powers contained in Section 39 (4) of the Transport Act, 1968.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on what grounds he made his decision not to subsidise the line from Exeter to Okehampton; and if he will make a statement;(2) how he arrived at the figure of £150,000 a year to keep open the line from Exeter to Okehampton.

The decision to refuse grant was made in the light of the cost and the usage of the service. The tentative conclusion was that a grant would not represent value for money.The calculation of the annual grant required was based on estimated total costs of almost £170,000 and estimated earnings of £20,000.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received about redundancies arising from the proposed transfer of the administrative offices of British Railways from Edinburgh to Glasgow; and what reply he has sent.

We have heard from the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, from the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker), and from a number of the Railways Board's Edinburgh employees. I can assure my hon. Friend that we discussed the proposed reorganisation with the Chairman of the Railways Board and saw no cause to disagree with him.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will publish the number of persons appointed to managerial positions during the past four years on British Railways.

This information is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek powers to enable him to control the appointment of railway management.

No. The Railways Board is responsible for the management of their undertaking and must remain responsible for appointing their own managerial staff.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will write to the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester on the subject of the Mid-Hampshire railway line.

We have only just received the information which will enable my right hon. Friend to consider the need for a further census of passenger traffic, about which he has undertaken to write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has received regarding the electrification of railways in Wales.

None.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Railways Board to desist from demanding payment from every taxi driver plying for hire from railways stations.

No; it is the Board's management responsibility to decide where they should demand payment from taxi drivers.

asked the Minister of Transport what report he has received from the Transport Users' Consultative Committee regarding the inquiry held at Bridlington on 21st and 22nd November into the proposals by British Railways to close the Hull-Bridlington-Filey-Scarborough railway line; and what action he is taking upon the proposals of that report.

We do not expect for some time yet the report of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee on this complex case.

asked the Minister of Transport how many freight trains have been derailed in the latest annual period for which figures are available; and what were the corresponding figures in each of the previous four annual periods.

The provisional total number of freight train derailments in the twelve months ended 30th September, 1968, is 301. The figures for the previous four annual periods, beginning with 1963–64, were 207, 205, 255 and 291.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for the further extension of electrification on the railways.

It is for the Railways Board to make such plans. On the only proposal before us, I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro) on 5th November—[Vol. 772, c. 76.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of developments over recent years whereby women make use of facilities for dyeing or tinting their hair or wearing wigs, why he requires the colour of a woman's hair to be stated on her passport; and whether he will now remove this obligation.

A decision was recently taken to omit any reference to colour of hair when the United Kingdom passport is next revised. In the meantime the Passport Office and passport issuing authorities abroad will not insist upon this information being supplied. This change will also be applicable to men.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of Her Majesty's Government's reply to the draft resolution of the Fourth Committee of the United Nations on Gibraltar.

The British representative on the Fourth Committee has made several statements on Gibraltar. I will arrange for copies of the principal statements he has made to be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate has been made of the effect on the economy of the Falkland Islands of the exploitation of the re- sources of seaweed to provide raw material for the alginate industry of Great Britain.

We are in communication with the Governor about this, but it is still too early to form any detailed estimate. We, of course, welcome any suitable measures to diversify the islands' economy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will visit the Falkland Islands.

As my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has recently returned from a visit to the islands, I see no call for a further Ministerial visit there at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the names of all those Europeans not members of the illegal régime, who requested interviews with the Minister without Portfolio during his recent visit to Rhodesia, and the names of those who were granted such interviews.

I have been asked to reply.My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I saw a number of Europeans whose convictions ranged over the whole spectrum of political thought in Rhodesia. It would not be appropriate to give details since the conversations were held in confidence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will list the remaining British colonial territories; and what is the present policy with regard to the possible granting of independence to each of these territories or its possible transfer from the British responsibility of his Department.

The remaining British dependent territories are included in the "Commonwealth Office Year Book, 1968", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Swaziland has since achieved independence.In his opening address to the Bahamas Constitutional Conference held in London in September, 1968 (Cmnd. 3792) my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs said:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest number, and distribution of, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation news letter in the United Kingdom.

As at the 1st November, 1968, 17,219 copies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Letter were distributed by Her Majesty's Government through the Central Office of Information's Overseas Affairs Mailing List to 8,559 addresses in the United Kingdom. Recipients include universities, education officers, school teachers, public libraries, political parties, Members of both Houses of Parliament, trade unions, voluntary organisations such as the British Atlantic Committee, representatives of industry and local government, as well as the Press and private individuals. Apart from these, the Armed Services receive over 5,900 copies.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange a series of conferences in the United Kingdom at which students holding pro-and anti-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation views would be allowed to state their opinions in accordance with the recommendations of the Education, Cultural and Information Sub- Committee of the North Atlantic Assembly.

Her Majesty's Government support the British Atlantic Committee who regularly arrange meetings to promote public discussion about the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Students are invited to many of these meetings.

asked the Secretary of State for Emloyment and Productivity what action she has taken, or intends taking, in the case of a supermarket firm who have admitted charging their customers double the normal price of some articles purchased in their stores; and in view of the fact that this practice, details of which have been sent to her, is widespread, whether she will make a statement.

I have no knowledge of this practice which does not involve matters for my Department. If my hon. Friend has evidence that leads him to believe that customers are being defrauded he should report the matter to the police.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state the number of men still unemployed as a result of the closures of Arley and Kingsbury Collieries in March and July of this year.

281 men from Arley Colliery and 175 men from Kingsbury Colliery are still registered as unemployed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many jobs she estimates will be lost in manufacturing industry in the Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello employment exchange districts over the next year; how many new jobs she expects to be provided in this area in manufacturing industry in the same period; and to what extent this change in employment is due to Government policy in relation to development districts.

The Government Departments concerned do not receive comprehensive information on the basis of which I could estimate how many jobs will be lost or how many new jobs will be provided in this area over the next year. However, in assessing the case for assisting industrial development in Edinburgh the Government have also to take into account the need for new jobs in the Scottish Development Area.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what has been the increase in the total numbers employed in Scotland in the engineering, construction, and service-based industries, respectively, since 1960.

Precise changes cannot be calculated because of some discontinuities in the figures, due principally to corrections to industrial classifications between 1966 and 1967. It is estimated,

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what proportion of the registered unemployed in Scotland are disabled or handicapped.

On 11th November, 1968, 10·4 per cent. of the registered unemployed in Scotland were registered disabled persons.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is aware that the unemployment position in Gainsborough is getting worse and has consistently been above the national average and above the average for the Yorkshire and Humber-side regions; and what additional help however, that the numbers employed in Scotland in Engineering and Electrical Goods (Order VI of the 1958 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification) increased by about 26,000 between 1960 and 1967. The comparable increase for Construction (Order XVII) was about 35,000 and for the service industries (Orders XIX to XXIV) about 45,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the number of jobs lost in Scotland in agriculture, mining, railways and shipbuilding, respectively, in each year since 1960.

This information is not available in the form requested. Midyear estimates of employees in employment can be compared for different years to show net changes but "jobs created" and "jobs lost" cannot be identified. I will with permission circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing net year-to-year changes in the numbers of employees in employment in the industries specified.Following is the information:she is giving the Gainsborough Employment Exchange area.

On 11th November 1968 the rate of unemployment in Gainsborough was 3·2 per cent. compared with the national rate of 2·4 per cent. and the regional rate of 2·6 per cent. In November 1967 the rate of unemployment in Gainsborough at 2·4 per cent. was lower than the national rate of 2·5 per cent. and equal to the regional rate.Male unemployment is the main problem in the area and my local officers will continue their efforts to help those unemployed to find suitable work and to offer training opportunities where appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what percentage the average Scottish wage is of the national average wage at the latest convenient date; and what was the same comparison in 1963 and 1958.

The average weekly earnings of adult male manual workers, derived from the Department's inquiry of April, 1968, were £21 10s. 6d. in Scotland, that is 96· 7 per cent. of the United Kingdom figure of £22 5s. 3d. The comparable figures for April, 1963, were £14 17s. 4d. (92 per cent.) in Scotland and £16 3s. 1d. in the United Kingdom. Figures for 1958 are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity why she has acted to freeze proposed increases for industrial workers when these are slightly above 3½ per cent.; why she has refused to approve the wage increases proposed for bank clerks; and why she has approved increases for company directors and other executives ranging from 5 per cent. to 25 per cent. pending the investigation by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Settlements have been deferred when they have not clearly satisfied the incomes policy criteria. My right hon. Friend does not approve individual salary adjustments.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether, in view of the Government's policy on industrial pay increases, she will now freeze the salaries of all company directors and executives and take steps to reduce to 3½ per cent. all increases paid in the last 12 months, pending the report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many farmers have paid their levies to the Agricultural Training Board; and how many have not paid.

I understand from the Board that up to the end of November approximately 63,000 employers had paid levy and about 29,000 had yet to pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what consultation she is having with the Agricultural Training Board regarding the financing of its activities.

My Department is in regular touch with the Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestry Industry Training Board on all matters of major policy including the financing of the Board's activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what representations she has received for the establishment of a Government training centre in Portsmouth; and what replies she has sent.

Representations have been made by the Havant Urban District Council and by the Portsmouth Local Employment Committee. My Department replied that Portsmouth's present needs were being met by the Southampton Centre, but that the need for a Centre at Portsmouth would be kept under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many Government training centres there are in Nottinghamshire; and what plans she has to increase the number, in view of need to retrain redundant miners and ex-miners in the country.

None, but the Centre at Long Eaton is on the Borders of the county and serves the Nottinghamshire coalfield. My right hon. Friend has no present plans to set up further Centres in the area. Experience has shown that most of the re-training required by redundant miners is at semi-skilled operator level, and this is best given by their new employers. Those who want and are suitable for the accelerated training for skill provided by Government training centres can obtain it at any of the 41 Centres where the trade of their choice is taught.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state for any recent convenient date the number of insured workers unemployed for one week, four weeks, three months, six months and one year or more.

The following table shows a duration analysis of the numbers registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain at 14th October 1968, the latest date for which detailed information is available:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity in view of the report of the Chief Inspector of Factories that less than half of British companies have machinery for trade unions and managements to meet regularly to discuss ways of improving industrial safety, if she will take steps to ensure more frequent meetings.

The promotion of joint consultation in industry on safety matters is under urgent consideration by a sub-committee of my right hon. Friend's Industrial Safety Advisory Council.In May 1968 the Sub-Committee published a booklet "Works Safety Committees in Practice—some case studies", for the information and help of firms considering whether to set up safety committees or seeking to improve existing ones. In October, as a result of the discussions on the Sub-Committee, my right hon. Friend's Chief Inspector of Factories wrote to all factories employing more than 50 persons stressing the importance of joint consultation in accident prevention and enclosing notes giving guidance on the establishment and operation of safety committees.In May 1967 the Factory Inspectorate carried out a survey of the arrangements for joint consultation on safety in fac- tories employing more than 50 people, the results of which were published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette in November 1967. A second survey is to take place in the spring of 1969 to see what progress has been made since the 1967 inquiry. Any decision on future action must await the results of this second survey and their consideration by the sub-committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, in view of the report by the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the salaries of gas staffs that they had found it impossible to construct an index to assess staff productivity, what criteria will be used in assessing the merits of claims for salary increases by clerks and administrative workers.

The usual criteria. The Board's observation related to one aspect of this particular case. A more general examination of the subject of productivity measurement for white collar workers is included in the terms of the further reference of productivity agreements which my right hon. Friend recently made to the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the numbers of unemployed in Batley and Morley, respectively; and how these figures compare with those of 12 months ago.

At 11 th November, 1968 the total numbers registered as unemployed in the areas covered by the Batley and Morley Employment Exchanges were 379 and 198, respectively. The corresponding figures for 13th November, 1967 were 347 and 302.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what percentage of the working population in Batley and Morley, respectively, is unemployed; and how these figures compare with the national average.

Up to June, 1968 separate percentage rates of unemployment were calculated for Batley and Morley. From July, 1968, however, following a review of travel-to-work areas, Batley was combined with Dews-bury and Spen Valley to form the Dewsbury travel-to-work area and Morley was combined with Leeds, Horsforth, Rothwell, Seacroft and Stanninglsy to form the Leeds travel-to-work area. From that date, percentage rates can be calculated for each of these travel-to-work areas as a whole, but not separately for the constituent parts.At 11th November, 1968 the rates for the Dewsbury and for the Leeds travel-to-work areas and for Great Britain were 2·1, 2·2 and 2·4, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many women in Scotland are in identifiably equal jobs to men but receive less pay.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is her estimate of the number of men whose hours of work have been disrupted as a result of British Standard Time.

The information needed to make an estimate is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the total number of salaried statutory appointments which she is entitled to make; and what is the range of salaries involved.

It is not possible to state precisely how many salaried appointments my right hon. Friend has statutory power to make since in some of the statutes concerned no definite number is prescribed. The number of current appointments for which salaries could be paid is 56, but only 38 salaried appointments, ranging from £800 to £15,000 per annum, have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity which regulations in her Department restrict employment to persons of particular birth, citizenship, descent or residence in the Development Commission and the National Economic Development Office.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many Commonwealth immigrants entered Great Britain in 1967 on A vouchers; and how many of these vouchers related to jobs in the West Midlands.

2,388 Category A voucher holders entered Great Britain in 1967. The exact figure of the number related to jobs in the West Midlands is not available but it is estimated that about 10 per cent. of the arrivals came for work in either the East or West Midlands.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure that the statistics provided by the 1971 census include reliable information about the extent and nature of disablement in the community.

I do not think that the Census of Population is an appropriate instrument for collecting such information, but my right hon. Friend expects to obtain it next year from the survey at present being carried out by the Government Social Survey.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to ease the burden on retirement pensioners arising from extra television licence costs.

My right hon. Friend the Postmaster General explained on 21st November that he was having discussions with his colleagues on the position of those most in need, and there is nothing I can add to that reply at this stage.—[Vol. 773, c. 1520.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the pension and supplementary allowances of old people in the light of the trends of the cost of living.

The retirement pension is worth substantially more in real terms than when we took office. As my hon. Friend knows, the recent increase in supplementary benefits was specially designed to help those most in need of protection from the effect of increased prices.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the value in real terms of the basic state retirement pension for a couple now at £7 6s. compared with April, 1965.

The present equivalent value of the retirement pension payable in April, 1965 to a married couple is £7 6s. 9d.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what use is made of data available from Income Tax returns and Pay as You Earn records to check the entitlement of people claiming allowances under the various schemes of social welfare.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what use is made of data available from Income Tax returns and Pay as You Earn records to trace individuals entitled to supplementary benefits who are not receiving them.

None. Apart from issues of confidentiality, Income Tax returns, even if available, would not normally provide sufficient information to determine whether a person was entitled to supplementary benefits or to social welfare benefits.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what researches have been carried out into the long-term toxic hazards of procaine hydrochloride, the active principle of KH3 capsules.

None, so far as I am aware. Procaine hydrochloride has been in use for over 60 years, but the need to investigate possible long-term toxic hazards has not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ask the Medical Research Council to investigate the claims of the manufacturers of KH3 capsules that these capsules, sold without prescription, have rejuvenating properties.

No. The Medical Research Council do not regard it as part of their normal function to assess the efficacy of individual remedies.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, whether he has yet made a full study of the report by the British Medical Association Planning Unit on Aids for the Disabled, details of which are in his possession; and when he intends to make a statement on the recommendations of the Working Party which undertook the study.

The report is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, if his system of granting exemption from the prescription charges to all patients suffering from venereal diseases maintains the confidentiality of the treatment.

Hospital authorities have been advised that the arrangements made must be such as to preserve confidentiality of treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of printing and issuing memorandum H.M. (68) 30 concerning prescription charges for hospital out-patients; and if any subsequent memoranda on this subject have been issued.

About £125; H.M. (68) 79 was issued in October and cost about £100: I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that a percentage of official expenditure on advertising medical prescription charges exemptions goes to the weekly Tribune and the daily Morning Star.

No. The aim in placing Press advertisements is to secure maximum value for money, and the advertisements were mainly placed in newspapers with a larger circulation.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research has been carried out on the suitability and availability of seamless surgical shoes for supply under the National Health Service; and what is the estimated cost per pair.

Research into the suitability of seamless surgical footwear began in 1966 and is continuing. There are several potential sources of supply. It is too soon to make reliable estimates of cast.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the application of his superannuation scheme in the nursing profession to part-time nurses and midwives.

If the hon. Member is referring to the proposed earnings-related social security scheme, I must ask her to await publication of the White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pairs of conventional surgical shoes were issued under the National Health Service in 1967; and what was the average cost per pair.

Separate figures for surgical shoes are not available but it is estimated that about 84,000 pairs of surgical footwear were supplied under the National Health Service in 1967 at an average cost of about £14 per pair.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the total amount paid out in supplementary benefits to the families of men on strike during the last period of 12 months for which figures are available.

From December, 1967, to November, 1968, £339,884.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, how many people in the United Kingdom who have 100 per cent. disability pensions for war services also receive an unemployability allowance.

At 30th August, 1968 (the latest date for which figures are available), 8,239 supplements for unemployability under the War Pensions scheme were in payment to pensioners with 100 per cent. war disablement pensions. This figure includes pensioners resident in the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and the Irish Republic. A separate figure confined to the United Kingdom is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what are the amounts of total contributions to National Insurance and to Selective Employment Tax which were collected in the 12 months up to the most recent convenient date through the medium of adhesive stamps; and whether it is intended to collect graduated National Insurance contributions by means of such stamps.

The amounts collected by adhesive stamps in 1967–68 for National Insurance and Selective Employment Tax were about £560 million and £460 million, respectively. The answer to the last part of the Question is. No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, when the White Paper on the State Social Security Scheme due about the end of the year is to be published.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 2nd December to the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. Gordon Campbell).—[Vol. 774, c. 1016–17.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he now proposes to consult the Trades Union Congress on the proposal for the abatement of unemployment benefit for those below the age of 65 years who are in receipt of occupational pensions.

Following the Report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee earlier this year recommending additional conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit by occupational pensioners, my right hon. Friend, the then Minister of Social Security, met representatives of the Trades Union Congress in May and discussed the proposals with them.Draft regulations which incorporate a number of easements to the recommendations are at present under consideration by the National Insurance Advisory Committee. I understand that the Trades Union Congress were invited by the Committee to give oral evidence and have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the £100 million allocated for new hospital building in 1967–68 was received by the South-East Metropolitan Regional Board; and what the share is expected to be in the year 1968–69.

4·7 per cent. in 1967–68 and 5·8 per cent. in 1968–69; the totals for England and Wales in these years being respectively £90·5 million and (estimated) £101·5 million The £100 million for 1967–68 referred to by the right hon. Member is closer to the Great Britain total for that year which was £103 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received about the proposed transfer of the ear, nose and throat patient facilities from the Nuneaton hospitals to the new Coventry Hospital, Wallsgrave.

Four, including two from my hon. Friend himself. I have also seen a Petition addressed to the Regional Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the population of the catchment area served by the Coventry Hospital at Wallsgrave.

About 360,000. Only the maternity unit is at present open.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the total expenditure of the Group 20 Hospital Management Committee area has taken place in Nuneaton hospitals for 1945–68.

About 21 per cent. of revenue expenditure since 5th July, 1948, when the National Health Service began. As regards capital expenditure I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price) on 19th and 25th November.—[Vol 773, c. 255; Vol. 774, c. 32.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the machinery for controlling the merit award system for consultants in the medical profession; how much of the funds for this purpose derive from Government; what is the total paid from Government funds in past years; and what was the original agreement reached by the Government with regard to these awards.

The distinction awards system was introduced at the outset of the National Health Service, following the recommendations of an Inter-Departmental Committee (the Spens Committee) which were accepted by the Government of the day. A committee under the chairmanship of Lord Platt advises the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend which consultants should receive awards. All funds for this purpose derive from the Government, but since these awards are part of remuneration and the amount drawn depends upon the nature of the individual contract, information about the total expenditure in past years is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what number of medical consultant posts there are per head of population in England and Wales, respectively.

The information centrally available relates to the number of staff and not to the number of posts. At 30th September, 1967, there were, in terms of whole-time equivalents, 15·3 medical consultants in England and 14·2 in Wales per 100,000 population.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further plans he has for relieving the working conditions of hospital nursing staff.

Steady progress continues to result from the provision of new and upgraded hospitals, and from implementation of the Salmon Committee's recommendations for a better management structure and management training. Further plans to relieve nurses of non-nursing duties and to improve the deployment of nursing staff are being worked out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority drivers of motor vehicles and pedal cyclists are required to stop by police officers not in uniform.

Section 223 of the Road Traffic Act 1960 confers power only on a police constable in uniform; but other provisions, for example Section 14 of that Act, are not restricted in that way. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me know what circumstances he has in mind.