asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the effect of Government economies on local authority services in the year 1968-69.

The expected effect of Government economies on local authority services in 1968-69 is indicated in the White Paper on Public Expenditure in 1968-69 and 1969-70 (Cmnd. 3515).

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will draw the attention of local authorities to the recommendations contained in Report No. 71 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on architects' costs and fees.

The views of the local authority associations on this Report have already been made known to the Government, and due weight will be given to them in negotiation with the Royal Institute of British Architects. My right hon. Friend will issue advice to local authorities in due course.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now announce the Government's measures to help victims of the flooding in the South-East in September.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what measures he proposes and what assistance he will give to the victims of flood damage in West Sussex in September.

The Government have decided to contribute £175,000 to flood relief funds set up following the September floods in the South East. This sum will be distributed among the funds in proportion to the assessed claims upon them. Although the Government have contributed on this and on some earlier occasions towards uninsured losses suffered by individuals in all kinds of emergency, they do not accept that they have any continuing liability to do so. It is only prudent to insure property—both buildings and contents—and to include cover for floods as well costs very little extra. The taxpayer is entitled to expect the individual to insure his own property.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what further action he proposes to take to deal with river pollution resulting from agricultural activities; and if he will make a statement.

River authorities already have powers under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts to control discharges into rivers, and various bodies are studying techniques of dealing with farm wastes. I am, however, aware of public concern about the condition of our rivers and, as my right hon. Friend informed the House last July, he is arranging, together with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales for a survey to determine among other things what work is needed to maintain or restore their wholesomeness. If my hon. Friend has a particular problem in mind I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how long the planning map of Kings' Worthy, near Winchester, has been in course of preparation; and when he expects it will be completed;(2) how long the planning map of Littleton, near Winchester, has been in course of preparation; and when he expects it will be completed.

The maps referred to are village plans which I understand the local planning authority intend to prepare. They have recently begun survey work for them. I have no details on the timing. The plans would be non-statutory, and do not require my right hon. Friend's approval.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will send a circular to local authorities advising them that in order to attract the public in their areas to an increased interest in local government they should arrange meetings of their councils to which the public are invited and given the opportunity of putting questions on local matters to councillors and officials.

The Maud Committee on the Management of Local Government have recommended local authorities to hold open meetings of this kind. Public response to past experiments of this kind has been disappointing in some areas but I hope that the authorities will persevere.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an assurance that no part of the cost of the Farndale scheme, that is being promoted by the Yorkshire Ouse and Hull River Authority for the benefit of users of water in Hull and Sheffield, will be borne by water users in the area of the Ryedale Joint Water Board.

No. As I have already explained in a letter to the right hon. Member, I think it appropriate that any costs which river authorities incur on regional projects of this kind should be met through charges levied on abstractors generally.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the total number of unoccupied office properties at the present time; and what is his estimate of their combined capital value.

Information about unoccupied offices generally is not available. For new office space, however, in March of this year about 3,791,000 square feet of office space had been completed but not occupied in Greater London, and 797,000 square feet in the outer metropolitan area. Information about their capital values is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is his estimate of the loss of rates of remitting all rates on amateur sports clubs.

I regret that no figures are available on which to base such an estimate.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he appointed Mr. Pocknee to be a member of Bracknell Development Corporation.

My right hon. Friend was satisfied that Mr. Pocknee was a suitable person to appoint.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking on the application submitted to him for an airport at Todwick, near Sheffield.

No such application has been submitted to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made in the procedures for making an Order restricting the riding of horses on Stanmore Common, Middlesex; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend's decision to make an order was sent to the Council of the London Borough of Harrow on 4th December and a draft order has now been sent to the Council for their observations. It should be possible to make the order as soon as their reply is received.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the cost of production and distribution of the Classified Index to Local Authorities and New Towns.

About £1,150.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consideration he has given to cases of hardship arising out of the operation of the Betterment Levy in the case of people who bought single plots between 22nd September, 1965 and 6th April, 1967; and if he will make a statement.

On 10th April my right hon. Friend announced a concession by which the purchasers of single house plots during this period could have the benefit of the price they paid for the plot as their base value when levy is calculated, and on 22nd July he announced a further concession by which those who had bought plots for any purpose can use the purchase price as base value up to a maximum of £2,500. Cases previously assessed are now being re-examined and fresh assessments made.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what guidance has been given to planning authorities to enable them to deal with industrial planning proposals that involve processes registrable under the Alkali Acts being carried out in residential areas.

Registrable processes are placed in a separate industrial group in the Use Classes Order, because of their

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will revoke the decision to give planning permission to Wailes Dave (Bitumastic) Limited, Pelaw-on-Tyne, to carry out a process registrable under the Alkali Acts.

No. I am informed that the local planning authority and the firm are discussing the possible removal of the factory to another site.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how much Government financial aid was given to the county borough of Luton in each year since it became a county borough; what is the estimated aid to be given in 1968-69 and 1969-70; and if he will provide details of these payments.

For the years 1964-65 to 1967-68 the information is as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the amount of the rate support grant allocated to Brighton Corporation for the year 1969-70; and how this compares with previous years since 1965.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will undertake in the proposed legislation to amend the Leasehold Reform Act, 1967 to include provisions to regulate increases in particular items included in service charges such as managing agents' fees.

No. The provision my right hon. Friend proposes to submit to Parliament will be designed to remove an uncertainty as to the existing law, and will not extend control into new fields.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the legislation to remove the uncertainty which has arisen as to the effect of Section 39 of the Leasehold Reform Act, 1967 has now been drafted; and when it will be brought before Parliament.

Legislation on this subject is being prepared and will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity during the present session of Parliament. The intention is that the legislation should cover cases where the problem has already arisen as well as those where it will arise in the future.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when

The first estimate of the rate support grants for 1969-70 will not be available until early in January when it will be notified to the Corporation. The latest estimates of these grants for 1967-68 and 1968-69 and of the corresponding grants for 1965-66 and 1966-67 are as follows:he will introduce legislation to amend the compensation payable to owners of property in slum clearance areas.

Legislation will be introduced this Session to bring the compensation of owner-occupiers in general up to full market value, where slum clearance action was begun after 23rd April, 1968, and to increase the payments for well-maintained tenanted houses.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will issue a circular to local authorities advising them to refrain from making prior announcements in relation to properties to be surveyed with a view to clearance so as to avoid the unnecessary imposition of planning blight.

In the view of the Government, this seems best left to the judgment of the local authority.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the average delay in London between application by a tenant of furnished accommodation to the rent tribunal and a hearing by that tribunal.

The majority of tribunals in London, including the West London Tribunal, take on average four to five weeks to deal with cases from application to hearing.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he has received concerning the accuracy of the Clorius meter used for the measurement of heat input in public authority housing schemes, including some in the city of Bristol; and what action he is taking.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what documentary evidence he has received from the manufacturers about the testing of Clorius meters to international standards by the Danish Government; and whether the standards of quality of these meters have been examined and approved by his Department.

My right hon. Friend has received no representations on this matter which is I understand entirely one for the local authority concerned.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will send a circular to local authorities advising them to ensure that when allocating houses to tenants every step is taken to ensure that houses are in a good state of repair and conform to the best standards of cleanliness.

My right hon. Friend does not think that any further advice to local authorities is needed on this point at the present time, but, if my hon. Friend has a specific case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will institute a survey to ascertain the total number of unoccupied privately-owned dwellings which have been unoccupied for more than six months; and if he will consequently seek to make an estimate of the number of people who could be housed by the use of such dwellings.

A pilot project has shown that such a survey on a national scale would be difficult and expensive, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to institute one at present.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the number of houses and flats, publicly and privately owned, which remained empty for more than three months in the Greater London Council area based on the 1966 sample census returns.

I regret that this information is not available. The 1966 sample census did not show how long vacant properties had remained empty.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will consider taking steps to write-off a proportion of the capital debt of local authorities in respect of old housing schemes where the total debt exceeds £25 million.

No. The amount of housing debt involved would be over £1,000 million. I could not consider making further assistance available for dealing with this debt in addition to the substantial subsidies already provided under the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967, and previous Acts.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, whether he has completed the redrafting of the Mortgage Option Scheme pamphlet.

The redrafting is almost finished and my right hon. Friend will publish a revised pamphlet early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what statistics he has of prosecutions, convictions and penalties for harassment under the Rent Act, 1965.

From the coming into force of this Act up to 30th September, 1968, there were 456 prosecutions for the offence of harassment resulting in the conviction of 190 persons in respect of 239 offences; 236 fines were imposed and three persons were imprisoned. These figures do not include prosecutions for illegal eviction.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on his investigations into the possible use of a computer for facilitating exchanges and transfers of council houses.

Investigations have shown that the use of a computer for facilitating exchanges of council houses is technically feasible. I do not think, however, that it would be financially worth while for this purpose alone.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in the light of the drop in the number of houses started in 1968 compared with 1967, he will now estimate the approximate number of completions in 1969; and what steps he will take to raise this number in 1970.

It is too soon to estimate completions in 1969 but, provided building societies are able to attract sufficient funds to sustain the private housing market, I see no reason why total completions (public and private) should not be maintained around present levels in both 1969 and 1970.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will send a circular to local government housing authorities advising them of the value of discussions being held with tenants' associations where policy changes and related matters are involved.

In a circular issued in July this year my right hon. Friend reminded housing authorities of the value of consultation with tenants' organisations on rent matters and housing management generally. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, when the Report on the Ownership and Management of Housing in the New Towns will be published; and if he will make a statement.

The report will be published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office tomorrow. Copies will be placed in the Library.My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales and I welcome the report's emphasis on the need to provide greatly increased opportunities for owner-occupation in new towns, which accords with current Government policy.While not committed to other views reported or expressed by the authors, we shall study this valuable report closely in our further consideration of housing policy in new towns and of the future of new town housing assets.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plans he has to meet Mr. Lestor Pearson, Chairman of the Inquiry into Development Aid, sponsored by the World Bank; and if he will make a statement.

I met Mr. Lester Pearson on 18th November and we exchanged views on very many aspects of development assistance. Mr. Pearson had a meeting with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9th December. During his stay in London he met a number of people who are prominent and active in the development field, e.g. leading members of the Overseas Development Institute.The Commission under Mr. Pearson's chairmanship held its first meeting, in Canada, on 15th December.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development (1) when the report of Economic Associates Limited, appointed by him to advise on the development of the St. Kitts airport, will be available;(2) whether he will make funds available to assist in the construction of a larger airport in the island of St. Kitts, with a view to encouraging the development of the tourist industry.

Subject to consideration of the report commissioned from Economic Associates Ltd. which, as I told my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Chapman) on the 10th December, is now expected at the end of the year, I have agreed in principle that the bulk of the Colonial Development and Welfare funds allocated to St. Kitts up to March, 1970, may be used towards the cost of improving the airfield.—[Vol. 775, c. 79.]

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the machinery for consultation between his Department and the Board of Trade on preferences for the products of developing countries exported to the United Kingdom.

There is close and continuous contact between the Board of Trade and my Department on these matters, using all the normal procedures of inter-departmental consultation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now initiate a conference to discuss world currency problems.

I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary in reply to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon) on 26th November.—[Vol. 776, c. 76.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to deal with tax evasion by Indians and Pakistanis working in the United Kingdom amounting to between £5 and £7 million per year to which the Public Accounts Committee drew attention in paragraph 4 of their third report in the last Session of Parliament.

The Inland Revenue have for some time been making more detailed checks on new claimants. My right hon. Friend is considering what else can be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to improve methods of dealing with the United Kingdom's unfavourable balance of trade and payments he will initiate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development a study of the exchange regulations, Governmental expenditure, wages, hours of work, industrial disputes and welfare arrangements in member countries.

No. Much of the work of O.E.C.D. already covers these matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of the advertisement in the Sunday Times of 24th November for extra staff for the Government Social Survey and a manager for the International Passenger Survey; and how many extra persons it is intended to employ.

£162. The advertisement was for a single post, which will become vacant at the end of the year, and it is not intended to employ any extra persons on the International Passenger Survey.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will dismiss Sir Leslie O'Brien, the Governor of the Bank of England, and appoint in his stead Sir Iain Stewart, of the Fairfield Shipyard Group.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what has been the total public expenditure in each of the last eight years; what percentage increase this represents each year; what percentage of the gross national product the annual figure represents; and what are the comparable figures available to him from international sources, for the United States of America, Japan, West Germany and France.

The definition of public expenditure used in the United Kingdom covers current and capital expenditure of central government, local authorities, nationalised industries and other public corporations. Figures on this basis for the last eight years are given in Table 53 of National Income and Expenditure 1968.Such comprehensive figures of public expenditure are not available for other countries and the widest definition which can be obtained from the returns made to O.E.C.D. relates to current expenditure of general government (central government and local authorities) together with capital expenditure on fixed invest-

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the capital debt of each of the nation-

The sums in question were written off the total liabilities of the industries concerned, including moneys borrowed to finance deficits, and cannot be attributed to assets situated, or losses incurred, in particular areas.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of Customs Duty is payable on imports from foreign sources of reflective material suitable for children's arm-bands; what is the average delay in clearing such material through customs; and what has been the maximum delay on any consignment since June, 1968.

The rate of duty varies according to the nature of the material. I am not aware of any delays in Customs clearance where the material has been promptly and correctly entered with the Customs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of extending the earned income allowance to two-ninths on the first £10,008 of earned income and to two-ninths of all earned income, respectively.

About £25 million and £35 million respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of allowing the first £50 a year of investment income to be tax free.

About £80 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the national savings figures he gave to the National Economic Development Council on 11th December, 1968.

My right hon. Friend gave no figures for national savings. He referred to the savings ratio, which is published quarterly in "Economic Trends".

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total legal costs incurred by the Department of Inland Revenue in the financial year 1967-68 in disputes arising from tax assessments; and what were the total sums recovered for the Revenue in consequence of these legal proceedings.

It is not practicable to segregate the legal costs arising from disputed tax assessments from those arising from other litigation in which the Inland Revenue was engaged, for example, over rating assessments. In 1967-68 the department paid costs totalling £227,609 and costs totalling £199,551 were recovered. It is not possible to measure the tax recovered in consequence of the proceedings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of operating the surtax assessment department at Thames Ditton and the tax collection department at Worthing.

The total cost of the Surtax Office (based on staff in post on 1st October, including those working on the special charge and foreign dividends) is estimate at £3·8 million. Tax collection is only one of several functions of the Inland Revenue offices at Worthing. No separate figure is available of the cost of the collection work.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the outcome of his scrutiny of the proposed 40 per cent. interim dividend payment by Brock Alarms Limited; and if he will give an assurance that he will take no steps to restrain or recover the payment of such an interim dividend.

This is a newly quoted company which declared its first dividends for the year ended June, 1968 after consultation with the Treasury and in the light of the commitments in a pre-Budget prospectus.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 50 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Melody Mills Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company declared a dividend of 9 per cent. on new capital, publicly held, as compared with 20 per cent. in the previous period on its privately held capital.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 57 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Strand Electric Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company offered total dividends of 25 per cent. as compared with 16½ per cent. in the previous year, in the course of resisting a takeover bid. The Treasury was consulted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 21· 4 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by W. Tyzack and Turner Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(2) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by M. L. Holdings Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-an-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(3) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 100 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Western Credit Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-an-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(4) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Harry Vincent Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(5) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 33⅓ per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Cornwall Property Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(6) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 17· 1 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Homfray Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(7) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 12½ per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by J. &F. Stone Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(8) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 11· 5 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Falks Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(9) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 16· 6 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Hicking Pentecost Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(10) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 33⅓ per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Thomas Ratcliffe Limited was in conformity with the Governments proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(11) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 60 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by John Brown Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(12) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 20 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by John Sadd Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(13) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 50 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Mitchell Somers Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(14) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 100 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Doxford and Sunderland Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;

All these companies did no more than restore dividends to the level of some earlier year. Their actions therefore conform with the Government's dividend restraint scheme as set out in paragraph 54 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 7 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Willows Francis Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(2) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 4·1 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Wiles Group Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(3) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 10· 3 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Benjamin Priest and Sons Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(4) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 10 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by George Kent Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(5) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 6 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Norwest Construction Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(6) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Montague L. Meyer Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

These companies declared dividends to which they were committed by irrevocable actions taken before the Budget. Their dividends therefore conform with the Government's dividend restraint scheme as explained in my announcement to the House on 25th March.1

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 100 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by W. H. Paul Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(2) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distribution during the last accounting period by H. R. Howard and Sons Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will given an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

These companies partially restored their dividends to the levels of earlier years, as provided for in paragraph 54 of Command Paper 3590, and in addition some dividends were waived.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (1) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by J.& L. F. Goodbody Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(2) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 18 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Edworks (1936) Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(3) if be will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT, The calculations which led him to decide that the 33⅓ per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by A. A. Saunders Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(4) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 100 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Booth Poole Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

These companies are not incorporated under the law of any part of the United Kingdom. Dividend restraint cannot therefore apply to them, as indicated in paragraph 55 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Armstrong Equipment Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company partially restored its dividends to the level of an earlier year, as provided for in paragraph 54 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 63 per cent. increase in total distributions during the: last accounting period by Wades Department Stores Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;

These are close companies whose distributions have a degree of exemption from dividend restraint, as noted in paragraph 55 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 13· 3 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Empire Rib Company Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed three-and-a-half per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company partially resorted its distributions to the level of an earlier year as provided for in paragraph 54 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 7T per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Ellis and Sons Amalgamated Properties Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This is a close company which has a degree of exemption from dividend restraint.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 25 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Cantors Limited was in conformity with the Government's 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

As a result of waivers of dividends, coupled with its status as a close company, this company has complied with the requirements of the dividend restraint scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 3· 85 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Customagic Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess;(2) if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 20 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Adams Butter Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

As a result of waivers of dividends the distributions of these companies in money terms did not exceed the amount distributed in the preceding years by more than 3½ per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 11 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Joseph Webb Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This is a close company whose dividends for last year were also affected by a pre-Budget prospectus. Its total distributions have not therefore conflicted with the requirements of the dividend restraint scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 4· 8 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Huelva Securities Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company is a recognised investment trust whose distributions are exempted from dividend restraint as noted in paragraph 55 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 3· 6 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Leonard Leigh Interests Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

As a result of waivers of dividends the distributions of this company in money terms did not exceed the amount distributed in the preceding year by more than 3½ per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 7· 1 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

In conformity with my explanation of dividend restraint policy to the House on 25th March, this company was allowed to increase its dividend as the only means open to it for maximising remittances from overseas.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the calculations which led him to decide that the 3· 54 per cent., 50 per cent., 111 per cent., 33· 3 per cent. and 16· 6 per cent. increases in total distributions during the last accounting period by Avenue Close Limited, Grossmith Agricultural Industries Limited, Hanimex Limited, Ingall Parsons Clive Limited, and Samuelson Film Service Limited, respectively, were in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken in any of those cases to recover the excess.

Avenue Close Limited and Samuelson Film Service Limited are close companies. Grossmith Agricultural Industries. Limited and Ingall Parsons and Clive and Company Limited restored their dividends to the levels of earlier years. Hanimex Corporation Limited is not incorporated under United Kingdom law. In none of these cases has there been any conflict with the requirements of dividend restraint as set out in Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 50 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Parnell Investments Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company declared dividends to which it was committed by irrevocable actions taken before the Budget. Its dividends therefore conform with the Government's dividend restraint scheme as explained in my announcement to the House on 25th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 33· 3 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by Park Cake Bakeries Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This company partially restored its total dividend to the level of an earlier year as provided for in paragraph 54 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to decide that the 32· 6 per cent. increase in total distributions during the last accounting period by William Dolan (Boxes & Cartons) Limited was in conformity with the Government's proposed 3½ per cent. ceiling on dividend increases; and if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken to recover the excess.

This is a close company which has a degree of exemption from dividend restraint as indicated in paragraph 55 of Command Paper 3590.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's policy regarding the build up of short-term money in London.

I would expect that funds in London would return to a somewhat higher level. But I should not wish to see any undue or unsustainable build up of this level.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the intervention of the Government in the gilt edge market has been modified; and what is now his policy in respect of money supply.

There has been no change in underlying policies or techniques in these respects.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having obtained improved statistics in respect of overseas portfolio investment in the sterling area, he will consider the introduction of some measure of control.

The statistics are needed for more accurate analysis of a part of our balance of payments which has always been difficult to estimate.I have no present proposals for modifying the Voluntary Programme which already operates in this field.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now fix a time limit for the handing in of gold coins under Statutory Instrument 1966 No. 438.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a comparison of the various forms of savings for September, 1967 and September, 1968.

Monthly figures of the various forms of savings, including national savings, are published in "Financial Statistics"(Central Statistical Office, H.M.S.O.).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a means of improving savings in gilt edged, improving their price and combating inflation, he will encourage long-term savings by seeking to provide that no capital gains tax will be payable on gains made in gilt edged securities if invest- ments are made now and left for five years.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the recent 5d. tax increase on petrol will be refunded to bus companies to prevent increases in bus fares, and that in rural areas bus services are infrequent and sometimes non-existent, if he will seek to provide tax relief or a cheaper road fund licence for people on low incomes who need private transport to get to work.

I am afraid that this would not be practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling, taken as 20s. in November, 1967, had fallen by November, 1968.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 20s. 0d. in November, 1967, its value in October, 1968, the latest date for which information is available, is estimated at 19s. 1d. This estimate is based on movements in the index of retail prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (1) in view of the fact that increases in purchase tax do not prevent consumer spending, whether he will introduce a system of progressive purchase tax deductions for items ordered and paid for now for delivery at later dates in 1969, 1970 and later;(2) in view of the fact that increases in purchase tax do not discourage consumer spending, whether he will seek to introduce a system by which purchase tax reductions on specified goods needed for exports will be given if orders are postponed for six months or a longer period.

My hon. Friend's aim of deferring purchases may be commendable, but his schemes, or anything like them, are not practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will announce: he Government's plans regarding the payment of interest on the United States and Canadian post-war loans of £81 million on the £1,450 million debt before the Christmas Adjournment; and how this will affect the United Kingdom's foreign exchange reserves.

I cannot yet add to the reply which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) on 4th December.—[Vol. 774,c. 502.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how long he expects the present economic restrictions will be imposed.

For as long as is necessary to secure the Government's objective of a substantial and continuing surplus in the balance of payments.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total cost of the acquisition by the Land Commission of offices and other accommodation in England and Wales; and what annual rentals are paid for such other premises held on lease.

Properties acquired for the Land Commission cost about £370,000. The rent being paid currently for leased premises occupied by the Commission is about £150,000 a year.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) if he will give details of the agreement made between his Department and Major Gibson Fleming, part owner of the Causewayed Camp on Hambledon Hill, Dorset, as to permitted frequency of ploughing; and whether he will publish the agreement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.(2) to what extent his Department's agreement with Major Gibson Fleming in respect of the Causewayed Camp, Hambledon Hill, allowed for ploughing of the site.

Following an excavation of the site Major Gibson Fleming was informed on 29th June, 1960, that the Ministry had no objection to cultivation and no stipulation was made about the frequency of ploughing.Following is the text of the letter of 29th June, 1960:

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) which powers were referred to in his Department's letter to Mrs. R. Colyer, of Orcharddene, Shillingstone, Blandford, dated 23rd August, 1962, Ref. AA 60428/2; and why these have not been invoked;(2) when he will give Mrs. Colyer, of Blandford, a full report of his Inspector's conclusions regarding the Causewayed Camp, Hambledon Hill, which was promised in his Department's letter of 23rd September, 1968, Ref. AA 60428/2 TJ.1.

The powers referred to in the letter to Mrs. Colyer related to the compulsory protection of monuments subject to the payment of compensation, but such action was not considered appropriate to the circumstances of this case. Following a visit by the Inspector my Department wrote to Mrs. Colyer on 18th November, 1968, and a further letter will be sent to her this week.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give for 1966 and 1967, in respect of the private sector, the public sector, and

asked the Minister of Power what steps he has taken to ensure sufficient supplies of smokeless fuels in those areas which may be affected by the growth of gas conversions arising from natural gas and a fall-off of smokeless fuel production.

The gas industry have kept other producers informed of the decline in gas coke production, and the National Coal Board and independent producers are increasing their supplies of smokeless fuels, so that demand may always be covered. My Department examines the trends in supply and demand, in consultation with the producers and the coal trade.

asked the Minister of Power what is the latest estimate of stocks of smokeless fuels for domestic and industrial use in the north-eastern and Yorkshire areas, respectively; what is the estimated monthly consumption; and what steps he is taking in consultation with the National Coal Board and the merchants to remedy the anticipated shortage.

Total known stocks of solid smokeless fuels in the Northern and the Yorkshire and Humberside Regions are estimated to be 0· 5 million tons and 0· 4 million tons, respectively and average

Following is the information:monthly consumption 0· 25 million tons and 0· 3 million tons respectively.I do not expect a shortage of solid smokeless fuels this winter in any part of the country. Alternatives should be readily available, if particular varieties are in short supply.

asked the Minister of Power what forecasts he has made of energy requirements for the next eight years, of the share in these requirements for coal, oil, gas and nuclear power, and the amount in volume attributable to the four sources of power, respectively.

I have nothing to add at this stage to the information published in the White Paper on Fuel Policy (Cmnd. 3438). Monitoring of energy developments is part of the normal work of the Ministry. I will tell the House if it should lead to any change of policy.

asked the Minister of Power to what extent exploration in the North Sea has yielded signs of substantial amounts of oil.

So far exploration in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea has not yielded evidence of oil in commercially exploitable quantities. This does not of course mean that oil will not be found and exploration is continuing.

asked the Minister of Power what discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation concerning the Pearson court of inquiry; and if he will direct the Corporation that the recommendations of the court be implemented.

I have of course kept in close touch at all stages with the British Steel Corporation and with my right hon. Friend, The Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity. This is not an appropriate matter for a direction.

asked the Minister of Power whether agreement has yet been reached on the purchase of gas from the Leman Bank and Indefatigable fields: and if he will make a statement.

The Gas Council has now signed 25-year contracts with Shell and with Esso for the purchase of their share of the gas from these fields. The price for Leman Bank will be 2· 87d. per therm for the group's share of the first 600 million cubic feet per day supplied from the field in any year, with provision for reductions as the quantity increases; the reductions will be bigger after the first 15 years. For Indefatigable the price for the first 15 years will be 2· 9d., with reductions for quantity thereafter. The details are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken through the United Kingdom diplomatic mission in Athens to ensure that human rights are observed in respect of Vassilis Filias and others charged by the Greek ré gime with political crimes.

None. Allegations of violation of Human Rights in Greece are under consideration in the European Commission of Human Rights, which we think is the right forum for an impartial investigation of this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his present estimate of the increase in food prices which would result from accepting the common agricultural policy of the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement on the progress being made with Great Britain's application.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in respect of Great Britain's European Economic Community negotiations.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture explained in a reply to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 3rd December why it would be inappropriate to make estimates of the effects of the Common Market's Agricultural Policy at the present juncture. On progress with our application, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Banbury and my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew) yesterday.—[Vol. 774, c. 440; Vol. 775, c. 848-9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose that Anguilla should have special membership of the Commonwealth; if he will visit the island; and if he will make a statement.

Anguilla is an integral part of the unitary Associated State of St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. The question of separate membership of the Commonwealth in any form for Anguilla does not therefore arise. My right hon. Friend has no present plans to visit the State.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to have discussions in London with the Governor of St. Helena and other leading islanders; and if he will make a statement.

The Governor of St. Helena, accompanied by three members of the Executive Council and the Secretary of the General Workers Union, arrived in London yesterday. Talks at the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office will be taking place this week.