asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make a statement on his plans regarding service payments on post-war dollar loans due at the end of this month.

Yes. H.M. Government have decided to take advantage of the deferment provision in the financial agreements dated 6th March, 1957 in respect of the 1968 instalments due on these loans and have advised the two Governments accordingly. The amounts involved are $138 million (£57· 5 million) and $ Canadian 37· 7 million (£14· 5 million) respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding the 50-new penny piece.

Yes, I have advised Her Majesty The Queen to make a Royal Proclamation under Section 11 of the Coinage Act, 1870 and Section 2 (4) of the Decimal Currency Act, 1967, authorising the issue of a 50 new penny piece.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the effect of the recent decision to institute a premium bond prize of £25,000 on the sales of premium bonds to the latest convenient date; and whether he will now institute further saving schemes, with the aim of increasing the numbers of people who save regularly.

In the period since the introduction of the £25,000 prize (1st September to 7th December, 1968) net receipts from premium bonds were £33· 4 million compared with £11· 9 million in the corresponding period last year. This is a gratifying result. Further savings schemes are under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will consider publishing a White Paper in each financial year showing the amount of new national savings in the area covered by each National Savings Committee and listing the various areas in order of merit judged by the amount of savings per head of population.

This would not be practicable, since local figures are not available for all areas and even where they are available, are necessarily of gross savings only, i.e. they do not include repayments. Comparison of gross figures can sometimes be misleading.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, to cover cases of delay in repayments of import deposits at the end of the required six-month period, he will authorise Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to accept postdated cheques for the deposits required, the date inserted being exactly six months after the date of the deposit.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many forms are required by the Treasury and the Board of Inland Revenue to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list of such forms in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The Inland Revenue requires such companies to complete Form C.T.I (return of profits and other particulars). The Revenue also require companies to complete certain other forms in common with other employers, taxpayers or persons deducting tax at source.As stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 19th November, the Central Statistical Office has plans for the better control and co-ordination of statistical forms used by Government Departments.—[Vol. 773, c. 1113–16.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on which debts since 1960 the Public Works Loan Board rate of interest for loans to local authorities has been changed; and what rate was set on each occasion.

The information required is published in "Financial Statistics No. 67" issued in November, 1967 and "Financial Statistics No. 80" issued in December, 1968.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is currently provided by the Public Works Loan Board as loans to local authorities; and what percentage of that figure is in the form of loans to Scottish local authorities.

In the White Paper "Loans from the National Loans Fund 1968–69" was estimated that the Public Works Loan Board would lend about £635 million gross this financial year. It is likely that some 15 per cent. of the Board's total lending this year will be to local authorities in Scotland; the precise proportion will depend on whether authorities choose to come to the Board for the full amounts to which they are entitled.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rules govern the amount of money a local authority may borrow from the Public Works Loan Board.

The rules are set out in the White Paper "Loans from the National Loans Fund 1968–69"(Cmnd. 3565). Authorities in Scotland are permitted in 1968–69 to draw from the Board 40 per cent of their net capital payments or £100,000, whichever is the greater, plus 40 per cent. of any longer-term borrowings they might need to reduce their temporary loan debt to the prescribed limit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the new regulations given in the Exchange Control Notice sent out on 17th December by the Bank of England about the borrowing of foreign currency for the payment of interest on import deposits; and why Government policy on this matter has been changed since 28th November.

Exchange Control permission will not normally be given to United Kingdom importers or their agents to borrow foreign currency or external sterling for the purpose of payments of import deposits.Specific Exchange Control consent is not required for a direct payment of import deposits from a foreign source, but permission will not be given for payment of interest to non-residents by United Kingdom importers or their agents in respect of payments of deposits made on or after Wednesday, 18th December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, taking 1951 as 100, he will state the increase in public expenditure, by central and local government, excluding expenditure by public corporations and other public enterprises, in each year to 19 (57, compared with the increase in gross domestic product at factor cost for each year over the same period.

The information is as follows:

		Public authorities' current and capital expenditure, excluding capital expenditure of trading enterprises	Gross domestic product at factor cost
			Index 1951 = 100
1951	…	100	100
1952	…	108	109
1953	…	112	118
1954	…	117	124
1955	…	123	133
1956	…	132	144
1957	…	144	153
1958	…	152	159
1959	…	163	168
1960	…	172	179
1961	…	191	191
1962	…	201	200
1963	…	212	212
1964	…	230	229
1965	…	256	244
1966	…	277	257
1967	…	318	269

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, by how much the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling taken as 20s. in October, 1964, has fallen by October, 1968.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 20s. in October, 1964, its value in October, 1968, is estimated at 17s. 2d.This estimate is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for calendar years adjusted by movements in the Retail Price Index for the months at the beginning and end of the period.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum in Surtax payments was received from Scottish residents in 1967–68.

This is estimated to be about £19 million; this includes the 10 per cent. surcharge on Surtax for 1965–66, which was payable in 1967–68.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total sum capitalised by the public sector in financial year 1967–68; and how this sum was divided between central and local government.

If the hon. Lady is referring to net borrowing by the public sector, this was £2,100 million in 1967–68: the central Government accounted for £1,330 million; and local authority borrowing from non-Government sources was £720 million: public corporations borrowed the remaining £50 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the calculations which led him to conclude that the increase in total distributions by Affiliated Cleaning Company Limited from 12· 3 per cent. to 12· 7380 per cent. did not exceed the Government's proposed 3· 5 per cent. ceiling on dividend increases.

The calculations are as follows:

Dividend paid for year ended 30th June, 1967 = 16 per cent.

Equivalent after a 3 for 10 scrip issue = 12· 30769 per cent.

Plus 3½ per cent. = 12· 73485 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that he approved the restoration by Yatton Furniture Limited and by Estates and Agency Holdings Limited of total distributions to levels prevailing in 1962, he will give an assurance that any company which wishes to restore total distributions at least to levels prevailing at any time during the past six years will not be prevented from doing so.

The intention underlying the provision in paragraph 54 (iii) of Command Paper 3590 is that companies whose earnings have recovered after a fall should be able to restore ordinary dividends to a previous level which could be regarded as a reasonable expectation in the light of past performance. There is no rigid time limit on the period of comparison, but the Treasury need to examine all the relevant factors in each individual case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the levels of which earlier year the total distributions by W. G. Allen and Sons Limited, Tipton, were restored in conformity with the Government's proposed dividend restraint policy.

1958–59.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, if he will instruct the Valuation Office to reduce the assessments of the rateable values of properties situated between the perimeter of Heathrow Airport and the sound monitoring points.

I have been asked to reply.No. If the rental value of a property is affected by its proximity to Heathrow Airport this factor would be taken into account in determining the assessments for rating purposes. An occupier can make the proposal at any time to reduce his assessment and he has right of appeal if necessary to the local valuation court and the Land Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he now expects to be able to announce the names of the members of the North Pennine Rural Development Board and where the headquarters will be placed.

As already announced, Mr. T. J. Cowen has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board subject to Parliamentary approval for its estab- lishment. The following have also agreed to serve:

• J. Brocklebank, Esq., M.B.E., J.P.,
• S. H. K. Butcher, Esq.,
• F. Caw kill, Esq.,
• Dr. J. A. Farrer,
• J. S. Fawcett, Esq.,
• E. R. Frankland, Esq.,
• Major C. S. R. Graham,
• Professor J. W. House, M.A.,
• E. N. Liddell, Esq.,
• J. C. Riddell, Esq., J.P.,
• J. J. Vickers, Esq.

Mr. Brocklebank has agreed to be Deputy Chairman. My right hon. Friend will be taking a decision on the site of the headquarters in the light of all the circumstances and the views of the members who have agreed to serve.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what discussions he has had with local authorities about steps to reduce the liability of the River Wey to flood.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has received for making the River Wey less liable to flooding at Guildford; and what action he now proposes.

I have been asked to reply. The Thames Conservancy, which is the responsible authority has appointed consulting engineers to investigate the feasibility and cost of flood alleviation works in the Guildford area. My right hon. Friend will consider sympathetically any proposals submitted to him for grant aid in the light of these investigations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications, under the Small Farm (Business Management) Scheme have been received from farmers in Wales; and how many programmes have received approval.

Up to 31st October, 1968, 1,831 applications under the Small Farm (Business Management) Scheme had been received from farmers in Wales. Programmes have been sub-submitted in 1,089 cases, of which 1,041 have received approval.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money he estimates Her Majesty's Government have saved in each of the seven last lull years, by virtue of the fact that standard quantity limitations on production have been in effect.

It is not possible to make meaningful estimates of the effect of all such arrangements. For pigs, it would involve making assumptions as to what the circumstances might have been without the arrangements. For wheat and barley, however, had the standard quantities arrangements not been in operation, assuming no change in the size of the harvest, guarantee payments to growers in the U.K. would have been £5,715,000 higher in the crop year 1964–65, when the arrangements were introduced, £6,612.000 higher in 1965–66, £6,343,000 higher in 1966–67 and £3,146.000 higher in 1967–68. The standard quantity for wheat was abolished following the 1968 Annual Review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his estimate of the time that elapses between the introduction of new policy decisions and their reflection in the Index of Agricultural Net Output in the United Kingdom as published in the Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees;(2) how long it takes, on average, between the sowing of a crop and the resultant harvest of that crop being reflected in the Index of Agricultural Net Output, as published in the Annual Review White Paper, in the case of barley, wheat, potatoes and sugar beet, respectively;(3) how long it takes for decisions to promote increased production of livestock products to be reflected in the Index of Agricultural Net Output, as published in the Annual Review White Paper, in the case of beef cattle, sheep, pigs and milk, respectively.

Any such estimates would depend on the nature of the policy decisions, the pattern of production and the particular circumstances at the relevant time.For agricultural crops, however, the output from any given harvest is included in the Index of Agricultural Net Output for the June/May year in which the harvest occurs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the recent serious outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the Argentine, if he will consider the banning of all imports of meat from that country.

My information indicates that the foot-and-mouth disease situation in the Argentine remains unchanged, therefore I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mrs. Ewing) on 29th November—[Vol. 774, c. 196.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the areas of British land and water which are unsafe because they have not yet been cleared of bombs or mines; and what approximate areas have been cleared annually in recent years.

The area of land still uncleared is in the region of 120,000 acres. The Bomb Disposal Unit R.E. cleared 33,931 acres between 1953 and 1966. A total of 4,662 acres was cleared in 1967 and 1968.All mines in British waters were cleared immediately after the end of World War II. But explosives are brought to light from time to time by dredging operations, coastal erosion or gales; these are dealt with immediately by the Royal Navy.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the Official Report.

The Ministry of Defence has no forms specifically requiring completion by limited liability companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, where, and how many drill halls are in use by the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve in the county of Derbyshire; and how many he plans to dispose of in the coming year.

There are four Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve Centres in use in Derbyshire; these are at Kingsway, Derby, Phoenix Street, Derby, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, and Albert Street, Ilkeston. I have no plans for the disposal of any of these Centres in the coming year.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the drill halls run by the Territorial Army associations are let to army cadet forces and civilian rifle clubs; and if he will clarify the regulations regarding the letting of these drill halls.

Army Cadet Force detachments are provided with accommodation in drill halls wherever practicable; no rent is charged. Miniature rifle ranges in drill halls may be let to recognised civilian rifle clubs when they are not required for military purposes. I am not aware that the regulations regarding the letting of drill halls require clarification; perhaps the hon. Gentleman will write to me if he has any particular point in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Gurkha families are being repatriated following the rundown of the Gurkha forces; and how many families will remain, and where.

As it is not possible in the time available to provide the infor- mation required, I will write to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he is making with the setting up of a Royal Defence Academy; and whether he will make a statement.

As announced in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy, 1968 economic developments and changes in the size and shape of the forces have led the Government to conclude that the cost of setting up a Royal Defence College as a single establishment could not be justified in the present economic climate. However, the three Services are developing their plans to improve the education of young officers within a federated Royal Defence Academy which will exercise a central academic control. This will be done partly by sending young officers to Universities and partly by educating and training others at Service Colleges within the Royal Defence Academy.To advise me on these proposals, I am setting up an Academic Advisory Council which will include individuals who have already rendered valuable service in advising us on the problems of educating Service Officers. I am glad to say that Dr. F. A. Vick, Vice Chancellor of the Queen's University, Belfast, and Chairman of the Naval Education Advisory Committee, has agreed to become Chairman of the new Council. We are still approaching other proposed members of this body.The R.N. and the Army will continue their existing schemes to enable young officers to study at universities in the United Kingdom. Additionally the Navy are planning to build on the foundation of the year's academic instruction at present given at Dartmouth at the conclusion of sea-time as a midshipman. It is hoped to arrange with a particular university to integrate this year, for those officers who reach the requisite standard, into a three year degree course. The Army intend to incorporate a year's academic training in a revised Sandhurst Syllabus and to make a similar arrangement with a university. The detailed implementation of their schemes will differ in certain respects, in order to achieve the optimum sequence of academic education and professional training in a Service environment, in conformity with the requirements of each Service.In the light of the need for continuity in flying training, and the flying careers of young officers of the General Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force, it is desirable that they should complete their academic education before entry. The Royal Air Force has therefore decided to move to an all-graduate direct entry to the General List (i.e. officers with full career commissions) of all the main officer branches. We aim to do this by increasing the numbers of graduates recruited direct into the Service and by increasing the number of University Cadetships. By these means, we hope that over the next three years we shall succeed in obtaining enough graduate entrants to enable us to dispense with the traditional Cranwell cadet entry. In the interim, those cadets entering Cranwell who are able and willing to go on to a university will be given a special academic course to help them to obtain places at universities and colleges after one year at Cranwell. Those who stay on at Cranwell will nevertheless not suffer in their careers by comparison with their colleagues who go to university.The new policy does not mean that there will be no place for the able young officer who does not want, or cannot get, a university place. He will continue to be able to come into the Royal Air Force through a Supplementary List commission, from which, as now, there will be full opportunities to transfer to a General List permanent commission. We envisage that some 40 per cent. of the General List will come from this source. The R.A.F. will therefore continue to be a service open to the talented from every source.With the disappearance of the cadet entry, Cranwell will enter upon a new role as the post-graduate professional training college of the Royal Air Force. Its importance to the R.A.F. will thus continue undiminished.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will expedite his reply to a letter from the hon. Member for South Angus, dated 3rd December, regarding the case of Mr. F. J. Taylor, of Foresterseat Farm Cottage, near Forfar, Angus.

I am making careful inquiries into this matter which are not yet complete. I will write to the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list of such firms in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what regulations she has made under Section 11 of the Factories Act, 1959 to prescribe requirements as to the internal construction of a factory with a view to preventing fire and the materials used in that construction; and whether, in view of the increase in the amount of losses resulting from factory fires, she plans to take further steps to strengthen these regulations.

No regulations were made under Section 11 of the Factories Act, 1959 and none have been made under Section 50 of the Factories Act, 1961, which replaced it in identical terms, because no further general requirements have been thought necessary. There are special provisions in relation to the use of certain particularly inflammable materials. My right hon. Friend will be reviewing the matter in the light of the Fatal Accidents Inquiry into the recent Glasgow fire.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will give details of the official advertisements, outside the Midlands region, which her Department has circulated of vacancies at the Home Fire Plant, Keresley, Coventry.

There has been no newspaper advertising of these vacancies by my Department. It is possible that some employment exchanges outside the Midlands region might at some time have included them in their vacancy displays.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, who are the present members of the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and what is the amount of the remuneration paid to each.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many forms are required by her Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether she will set out a list of such firms in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

No forms of inquiry are sent to limited liability companies as such but in their capacity as employers they may receive such forms in connection with the Department's work according to the nature of the inquiry in hand. The detailed information asked for could, therefore, only be obtained at disproportionate cost. So far as statistical forms are concerned, I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 19th November, 1968.—[Vol. 773, c. 1114.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether a site has now been approved for a Government training centre in North-West Monmouthshire.

No. In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works, I am still looking for a suitable site which would best serve the mining areas of West Monmouthshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many days were lost in strikes in the United Kingdom in the years 1965, 1966 and 1967; and how these figures compare, per year, per 1,000 people employed, with days lost in strikes in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, West Germany, Japan, France, Belgium, Australia, India, the United States of America, Ireland, Canada and Italy, from figures available to him from international sources.

The figures requested were published in a table, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, in the November 1968 issue of the Employment and Productivity Gazette.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many days were lost in strikes in the United Kingdom in each year from 1952 to the last convenient date.

The figures requested were published in a table, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, in the May, 1968 issue of the Ministry of Labour (now Employment and Productivity) Gazette.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the est mated percentage increase in rates and earnings arising from the claim by clerical staff at Rolls-Royce for men and women, respectively.

The claim has been notified to my Department, who have been told that negotiations are still proceeding. No percentage increase in rates and earnings can arise except from the final settlement which will be subject to incomes: policy scrutiny in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what money has been sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government for spending on secondary school development in the years 1968–69 and 1969–70 in areas where education committees are changing over from selective to comprehensive education.

Capital allocations authorised for secondary projects in the major building programme amount to:

					£ million
1968–69	…	…	…	…	42
1969–70	…	…	…	…	53

(a) All the approved projects are expected to contribute to reorganisation on comprehensive lines.(b) These figures take no account of the block allocation for minor works (which authorities are free to use on educational building as they think fit) or of the special allocations for educational priority areas.(c) The £42 million for 1968–69 relates only to secondary projects authorised to start in that year. In addition £21· 6 million of building resources in 1968–69 were committed to meeting an excess of both primary and secondary starts over the authorised total in 1967–68. This sum cannot be ascribed to particular projects.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

No. But the schools and other educational institutions which are required to send returns to my Department include some which are owned by limited liability companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many cases have been reported to him of persons refusing to claim educational grants on the grounds that the application forms were not available in Welsh.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the teacher training colleges which are giving their trainee teachers instruction in using computers and teaching school pupils how to use computers; and what plans he has for extending these facilities during each of the next three years.

Main courses in mathematics in colleges of education include provision for instruction on the relevance for teaching of automatic data processing of many kinds, including the potential uses of computers; 139 colleges of education and five departments of education in technical colleges at present offer main courses in mathematics, and I am satisfied that this provision is adequate for the numbers of students expected to be enrolled during the next three years.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the quantative and qualitative changed factors which will enable existing educational standards to be maintained over the next four years at an annual increase in real terms of about three per cent. compared with an annual increase in educational expenditure of about six per cent. between 1959–60 and 1967–68.

An annual increase of about 6 per cent. between 1959–60 and 1967–68 enabled standards to be improved for rising numbers of pupils and students. An annual increase of about 3 per cent. over the next four years would enable existing standards to be maintained for rising numbers. In each of the next two years I expect expenditure on education to rise by about 4 per cent. in real terms. This should allow for an improvement in staffing standards in the schools: elsewhere there will be only limited room for improvements in standards.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the United Kingdom is to participate in the TD1 satellite project which is to be undertaken by the European Space Research Organisation as a special project supported by a group of member states; and whether this will involve an additional payment to the European Space Research Organisation.

The U.K. was the first to sign the formal Arrangement to participate in this important project. Six other E.S.R.O. member states have also now signed, one subject to ratification, and two more are expected to do so shortly. It is hoped that the Arrangement will come into force by 1st January, 1969. This does not involve an increase in the U.K. subscription to E.S.R.O.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why Chinese prisoners and those detained without trial in Hong Kong have not been allowed to accept warm clothing sent to them during the winter months by the Red Cross and relatives and friends.

All convicted prisoners are provided with adequate clothing on scales laid down by the Hong Kong Government. Prisoners are not allowed to have private clothing in addition.Persons in detention have been free to use their own clothing; and there have been no restrictions on clothing sent to them by relatives or friends. I am not aware of any offer of clothing by the Red Cross to persons in detention.I am satisfied that no convicted prisoner or person in detention has any cause for complaint about the adequacy of the warmth of clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will arrange for a complete geological survey of the Falkland Islands and dependencies, with particular reference to oil.

In view of information already available on the Falkland Islands it is not considered necessary for a new geological survey to be undertaken since it is unlikely that, even with the use of modern techniques, it would reveal any valuable mineral deposits.Oil is most unlikely to be found in the Falkland Islands Dependencies. The South Sandwich Islands are entirely volcanic and some volcanoes are active now. Many geological surveys have been undertaken in South Georgia since 1913 and reports are available. The British Antarctic Survey is at the present moment undertaking a large scale geological survey in that island.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what authority he paid money out of public funds in respect of the travelling expenses of Parliamentarians for the British delegation to the conference at The Hague on 9th-10th November.

Money from Public Funds in respect of the travelling expenses of Parliamentarians for the British delegation to the Conference at The Hague on 9th to 10th November was authorised in the normal way by the Treasury as part of the current Foreign Services Vote on the recommendation of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what countries other than the United Kingdom have given notice of their intention to alter their reservations regarding the jurisdiction of the Court of International Justice at this time.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many countries, and which, have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court of International Justice, with or without reservations.

Apart from the United Kingdom, the following 43 states have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, either with or without reservations:

Australia.	Malta.
Belgium.	Mauritius.
Cambodia.	Mexico.
Canada.	Netherlands.
China.	New Zealand.
Colombia.	Nicaragua.
Denmark.	Nigeria.
Dominican Republic.	Norway.
El Salvador.	Pakistan.
Finland.	Panama.
France.	Philippines.
Gambia.	Portugal.
Haiti.	Somalia.
Honduras.	Sudan.
India.	Sweden.
Israel.	Switzerland.
Japan.	Turkey.
Kenya.	Uganda.
Liberia.	United Arab Republic
Liechtenstein.	United States of America.
Luxembourg.
Malawi.	Uruguay.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the fact that the Nigerian Federal Government's offer to allow daylight flights in Biafra has not been examined in detail and that the refusal by Colonel Ojukwu has been un-specific, whether he will now draw up detailed proposals for daylight flights with specific guarantees that they will not constitute a military threat to Biafra; and if he will submit these both to the Federal Government and the Biafran authorities.

The Federal Government have on several occasions proposed arrangements for daylight relief flights and its willingness to agree to these was reaffirmed in the joint communiqué issued in Lagos on 16th December at the end of the visit by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. But the Federal Government's proposals have not so far been accepted by Colonel Ojukwu, no doubt because they involve the use of his principal airstrip and might interfere with his supplies of arms. The International Committee of the Red Cross has so far failed to persuade Colonel Ojukwu to agree to daylight flights despite several efforts to do so. Her Majesty's Government fully support the Committee's efforts and hope that in the interests of those in the area under Colonel Ojukwu's control it may be possible for early agreement on daylight flights to be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the terms of Regulation 31 of the Hong Kong Emergency (Principal) Regulations which permit the detention of any person for periods of up to one year without trial.

The following is the text of Regulation 31 of the Hong Kong Emergency (Principal) Regulations:31.—(1) The Colonial Secretary may by order under his hand direct that any person named in such order shall be detained for any period not exceeding one year in such place of detention as may be specified by the Colonial Secretary in the order.(2) For the purpose of this regulation there shall be one or more Committees of Review. The Chairman and members of any such Committee shall be appointed by the Governor. The Chairman and one other member of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.(3) The functions of any such Committee shall be to consider, and make recommendations to the Colonial Secretary with respect to any objections against any order made under paragraph (1) which are duly made to the Committee by the person to whom the order relates.(4) The Governor may make rules as to the manner in which objections against such an order as aforesaid may be made to such a Committee of Review, and such rules shall contain provisions for enabling any person in respect of whom an order is made under this regulation to make objections against the order either in person or with the leave of such Committee of Review by counsel, solicitor or agent; and every such person shall be informed of his right to make objections under this regulation.(5) All questions in any Committee shall be determined by a majority of votes of the chairman and of any member present and voting. In case of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a casting vote.(6) The Colonial Secretary or any person authorised by him in that behalf may by order direct the removal from any place of detention to another place of detention to be specified in such order of any person or persons detained under any order made under paragraph (1).(7) Any person in the course of removal from one place of detention to another under paragraph (6) shall be deemed to be in lawful custody.(8) Where an order is made under this regulation against a person to whom an order under regulation 37 or 38 is in force, the order under this regulation shall be deemed to replace such order.(9) The Colonial Secretary may give orders or directions as to the internal management of and otherwise in connexion with any place of detention specified in any order made under paragraph (1) or (6) and as to the discipline of persons detained therein.NOTE. Orders made under paragraph (1) may be cancelled by the Colonial Secretary or by any person authorised in that behalf by the Colonial Secretary by notification in the Gazette.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his talks with the Governor of St. Helena and other leading islanders.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to his Question on 17th December. The talks with the Governor and representatives from St. Helena are still taking place, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.—[Vol. 775, c. 352.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the commercial effect on British companies with investments in Nigeria of the new company law restricting their registration to Nigerian nationals.

British and other non-Nigerian companies operating in Nigeria are required under the decree to incor- porate locally if they wish to continue to do business there. Some trading firms will not find difficulty in meeting the requirements, but others, together with the commercial banks and insurance companies have special problems on which they have made representations. It is too early to attempt an estimate of the commercial effect of the new law. The British High Commissioner in Lagos has throughout kept in close touch with the firms concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking under the Brussels Treaty to ensure that the German Federal Republic is carrying out the agreement on atomic, biological and chemical warfare.

Under the Brussels Treaty revised in 1954, the Western European Union Armaments Control Agency is given the task of satisfying itself that the undertakings of the Federal German Republic not to manufacture atomic, biological and chemical weapons are being observed. Her Majesty's Government give the Agency their full support and co-operation. The Agency does not at present engage in control activities in respect of atomic weapons but all the nuclear activities of the Federal German Republic are of course under Euratom Safeguards.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the names of the countries which took part in the vote in the Assembly of the United Nations on the future of Gibraltar, and the way each one voted.

On 18th December the General Assembly adopted the Fourth Committee's Resolution on Gibraltar by 67 votes to 18, with 34 abstentions and 7 absentees.Voting on this Resolution was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the Reports from the Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence on the subject of cannabis and of rehabilitation of drug addicts.

I expect that the Reports on Cannabis and on the Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts will be published early next month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what, on the basis of past experience, is his estimate of the number of dependants of immigrants already resident who will take up their right to immigrate in each of the years 1969 to 1973.

As I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham-Cooke) on 12th December, past experience suggests that the arrival of dependants is spread over the eight to ten years following the arrival of the voucher holder. It is not possible at present to make a precise esti- mate of the number who will seek to enter the United Kingdom in a particular year.—[Vol. 775, c. 570–1.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many suicides have occurred in the last four years in remand homes, of prisoners in custody awaiting trial and in police stations, respectively, divided into their respective age groups; and what steps have been taken to determine the underlying causes in each case.

It will take a little time to obtain the information and I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what are the results of his inquiry concerning the deaths by suicide of two detainees at Risley Remand Centre; how many persons were detained at the time of the suicides; and what is the capacity of the centre.

The inquests have been adjourned and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on these two cases.296 men, 164 boys, 22 women and 22 girls were detained at Risley at the time. There is accommodation at the centre for 557 men and boys and 76 women and girls, and there were over 18,000 receptions in the course of a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the Official Report.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to limit the growth in the number of amusement arcades in the United Kingdom.

This is a matter for local authorities in the exercise of the powers conferred on them under Schedule 6 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1963, to grant or refuse permits at their discretion, subject only to appeal to quarter sessions. These powers are to be confirmed under Schedules 9 and 11 of the Gaming Act, 1968, when brought into operation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to safeguard young children from hazards on escalators used by the general public.

The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, already provides for the safe installation and maintenance of escalators in shops and other premises coming within its scope, but there is no power to provide specifically for the safety of children.I will consider further the possible need to issue guidance in this matter and would meanwhile ask parents to take particular care when their children, especially if wearing soft-soled footwear, are travelling on escalators.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an estimate of the average cost in England and Wales of providing a caravan site with 15 pitches to 1960 Act model standards, giving land and construction costs separately; over what period loan sanction is granted for each of these items, and what is the annual charge.

The figure of £15,000 or £1,000 a pitch, mentioned during the debates on the Caravan Sites Bill, is a reasonable overall estimate. Where individual toilet facilities are provided however, the cost might rise to £1,300 a pitch, including say £300 for land.Loan sanction for land purchase is granted for periods of up to 60 years, the annual loan charge at 8 per cent. then being £80 14s. 7d. per £1,000 borrowed. For works, loan sanction is given for periods up to 20 years, the annual charge at 8 per cent. then being £101 0s. 11d. per £1,000.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list of such forms in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Certain limited liability companies are required to complete the following forms:Alkali &c. Works Regulation Act, 1906. Application for certificate of registration.Form ALK.l—Alkali &c. Works Regulation Act, 1906. Concentrated liquor statistical return.Form AR.19—Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1965. Annual Return for a Land and Housing Society.Form AG.659—Housing Subsidies Act, 1967. Option Mortgage Scheme quarterly claim.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) why he will not specify the categories of person entitled to inspect the minutes of the land Commission;(2) whether any declarations of interest were made by members of the Land Commission in respect of the Commission's proposals for Woosehill Lane, Wokingham.

This is a matter for the Commission.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what has been the cost to date of preparing the Land Commission's proposals for land at Wokingham.

This information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate expense.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will direct Brighton Corporation to make its proposed rent reductions retrospective to the date of their introduction following his instructions that such rent rises were too high.

My right hon. Friend has no power under the Prices and Incomes Act, 1968 to direct a local authority to make rent reductions retrospective. He has agreed with Brighton Corporal ion's proposal that the proposed reductions will come into effect on 6th January, 1969.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many copies of his Department's last issue of The Classified Index of Local Authorities and New Towns were printed; and how many were distributed.

There has only been one issue of this publication; 3,750 copies were printed; 1,367 were distributed to local authorities and new town development corporations, 487 were for the Ministry's own use, and the remainder (1,896) were available for sale to the public: through H.M.S.O.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what funds have been paid from the Exchequer to Harrow Council in each of the last two convenient years to make up the loss to the rate fund sustained through rate relief being granted to Harrow School and other schools which are charities.

In reply to the hon. Member on Tuesday, I said that the resources element in rate support grant made up from central funds losses of rates as a result of relief for charities. This is the case for local authorities who, because their rate resources are below the national average, receive the resources element. Harrow, however, has resources above the national average and therefore receives no resources element of grant.—[Vol. 775, c. 1143.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage of the population of England resides in houses built by local authorities.

On the basis of the 10 per cent. sample census of April, 1966, it is estimated that at present about 30 per cent. of the population of England live in houses belonging to local authorities, the Commission for the New Towns and New Town Development Corporations.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the average benefit to owner-occupiers and council-house tenants, respectively, from the cost to the Exchequer, during the financial year 1967–68, of private home ownership and local authority rented housing; and what are the estimated figures for 1968–69.

The information is as follows:

Great Britain	Average Amount (estimated)
	1967–68	1968–69
	£	£	s.
Government subsidies to local authorities*	23	26
Mortgage interest relief to house mortgagors†	42	43	10
*These subsidies are payable on the provision of new dwellings under all subsidy legislation, including subsidies payable to the New Towns Commission and Development Corporations. The typical subsidy payment on new dwellings provided under current subsidy legislation is of the order of £108 a year for 60 years. In practice, the cumulative subsidy payments to local authorities are not evenly spread among all tenants but are used mainly to reduce the rents of new housing and to meet the cost of rent rebates for tenants with lower incomes.
† These average figures are calculated by reference to all owner—occupiers in receipt of tax relief on mortgage interest and include assistance to be provided under the option mortgage scheme in 1968–69. If the averages were calculated by reference to all owner—occupiers, including those not in receipt of tax relief, the figures would be £21 and £23 for 1967–68 and 1968–69, respectively.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what are the comparative figures for the financial year 1967–68 of the cost to the Exchequer of local authority rented housing and private home ownership; and what are the estimated figures for 1968–69.

The information is as follows:

Great Britain	Total Amount 1967–68	(Estimates) 1968–69
	£ million
Government subsidies to local authorities*	117	137
Mortgage interest relief to house mortgagorst †	180	202
*These are subsidies payable on the provision of new dwellings under all subsidy legislation, including subsidies payable to the New Towns Commission and Development Corporations. These figures exclude all loans provided by the Government for housing.
† The figure for 1968–69 includes an estimate of assistance to be provided under the option mortgage scheme.

asked the Postmaster-General for what reasons a first-class 5d. letter posted in Reddish, Stockport, from Messrs. Nig Halden Limited of Rowsley Works, Reddish, Stockport, at 11.45 a.m. on 5th December, received intermediate franking at Romford and Dagenham, Essex, on 9th December, and did not reach the addressee in Chigwell, Essex, until the second post on 10th December, 1968, concerning which the hon. Member for Stockport, North has made representations to him.

I am looking into this matter urgently: the indications are that this letter was unfortunately missorted during transmission. I will write to my hon. Friend when my detailed inquiries are complete.

asked the Postmaster-General what action is being taken to improve the clearance of mail at the Reddish Post Office, Stockport.

Arrangements for the five clearances daily, Monday to Friday, are generally satisfactory, but I am looking into details of the matter and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General how many forms are required by his department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The only forms which my Department require limited liability companies to return, in the sense of calling for returns from business, are the registration form and the notification form required, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967, from television dealers who may or may not be limited liability companies.But in our capacity as suppliers of postal, telecommunications, giro and data processing services we do require limited liability companies, and other organisations and persons, to return forms where this is part of the process of providing the service.

asked the Postmaster General what proposals he has for extending the range of present Post Office data transmission services in the near future.

I am pleased to announce that we shall be introducing a new service this month. It will operate at a fixed speed of 2,400 bits per second over private rented circuits, and will be known as Datel 2400. The equipment will also be usable at lower speeds over the public telephone network. This new service will be particularly attractive to larger businesses which require the rapid tansfer of large amounts of data.

asked the Postmaster General if he will list the types of commemorative stamp he intends to issue in the year 1969.

The dates of issue, numbers and values of special stamps in 1969 are:

asked the Minister of Power what plans he has approved for the expansion of the steel industry in Scotland; when the projects will commence; and if he will make a statement.

Within the framework of the capital development programme which I approve, individual projects are a matter for the British Steel Corporation. I can, however, tell my hon. Friend that the Corporation has announced that the following major projects, which were included in its capital development pro-

Form		Description	Statute
IR 10	…	Weekly/4–5 weekly fuel return from industrial consumers other than the iron and steel industry.	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
HC 1	…	Weekly/4–5 weekly fuel return from coal merchants	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
CTB 1	…	Quarterly return from coal tar and benzole producers	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
BQ 1	…	Monthly return from briquette producers	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
PPE Ret 1	…	Annual return from holders of petroleum exploration and production licences and drilling contractors.	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
PR Ret 1	…	Annual return from oil refineries	Statistics of Trade Act 1947.
C Ret 3	…	Annual return from licensed coal mines	Mines and Quarries Act 1954.
C Ret 4	…	Annual return of output, employment etc., stratified ironstone and fireclay mines.	Mines and Quarries Act 1954.
C Ret 5	…	Annual return of plant etc., stratified ironstone and fireclay mines.	Mines and Quarries Act 1954.
MM Ret 1	…	Annual return of output, employment, accidents etc. from mines (other than coal, stratified ironstone and fireclay mines) and quarries.	Mines and Quarries Act 1954.

asked the Minister of Power how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

No forms are required by my Department to be returned solely by limited liability companies as such. Four forms are used for returns by licensees under the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934, four by licensees under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965, and one in connection with the Iron Casting Industry (Scientific Research Levy) Order 1967. The following forms are required to be returned as appropriate by limited liability companies, among others, in connection with trade statistics or activities at mines and quarries:—

asked the Minister of. Power what action he is taking to ensure that district heating is considered in large-scale development plans.

In the interests of the best economic use of energy resources, I am anxious that district heating should be considered for such developments. The Government Departments concerned are consulting together on this subject, and I take every suitable opportunity to encourage district heating by public authorities. For projects which are not the Government's direct responsibility, publicity about the potential of district heating is, at present, the most valuable way to ensure its consideration.

asked the Minister of Power what proportion of total electricity consumption is provided by private generation.

About one-twelfth of total consumption and about one-sixth of industrial consumption.

asked the Minister of Power what are the reasons for the delay in completing the Dungeness B power station; and what additions to the capital and generating costs will arise from this delay, and from the difficulties recently encountered.

The details of the mechanical engineering difficulties at Dungeness B station are a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board and I am asking the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend about them. As I indicated in my reply to his Question of 10th December—[Vol. 775, c. 70]—it is too early to make a reliable assessment of what effects these difficulties may have on completion date or cost.

asked the Minister of Power what is the capital cost of the extra generating plant that will be needed to supply the three projected aluminium smelters with electricity.

I cannot add to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Board of Trade, on 20th November, 1968, that the loans of £30 million to the British Aluminium Company and £33 million to Anglesey Aluminium are sufficient to cover the possible capital charges arising under their respective supply contracts. I can give no information about the private generating station which will supply Alcan's smelter at Blyth.

asked the Minister of Power if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures of recruitment to the coal industry in 1968. compared with 1967, with particular reference to juveniles, since the beginning of October to the latest convenient date.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that the following are the figures requested:

Weeks since end Sept		New Juveniles 1968 (1967)	Other, including re-entrants 1968 (1967)	Total 1968 (1967)
1st	…	104 (159)	283 (227)	387 (386)
2nd	…	80 (93)	265 (218)	345 (311)
3rd	…	77 (84)	270 (202)	347 (286)
4th	…	80 (82)	311 (236)	391 (318)
5th	…	83 (71)	304 (235)	387 (306)
6th	…	51 (76)	371 (250)	422 (326)
7th	…	87 (68)	363 (233)	450 (301)
8th	…	46 (48)	406 (260)	452 (308)
9th	…	71 (49)	386 (232)	457 (281)
10th	…	78 (26)	412 (221)	490 (247)
Totals (10 weeks)	…	757 (756)	3,371 (2,314)	4,128 (3,070)

asked the Minister of Power if he will investigate the shortages of solid fuel in particular districts in the South-East area, in the light of information sent to him by the hon. Member for Orpington.

Supplies of particular types of fuel in particular localities are matters for the producers and distributors, but I will write to the hon. Member about the matters he has brought to my attention.

asked the Minister of Power what financial assistance he proposes to provide to encourage the burning of coal in power stations after 1970–71.

The Coal Industry Act, 1967 makes provision for assistance up to 31st March, 1971. It is too early to say whether an extension of such assistance, which would require further legislation, will be needed.

asked the Minister of Power whether in his planned re-organisation of the gas industry, the status of area gas boards will remain unchanged.

My proposals for giving the Gas Council full financial responsibility for the industry and control over the development of its nation-wide policies will necessarily require some changes in the duties of Area Gas Boards, but the existing 12 Boards would continue as statutory bodies with responsibilities for supply and safety in their areas.

asked the Minister of Technology, how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list of such forms in the Official Report.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 11th December relating to returns under the Companies Acts. My Department has no forms specifically designed for required completion by limited liability companies. Forms for statistical purposes may go to limited liability companies but the number of these will depend on the size and activities of the particular companies. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 19th November, the Central Statistical Office has plans for the better control and co-ordination of statistical forms used by Government Departments.—[Vol. 775, c. 140–1; Vol. 773, c. 1114.]

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will order an inquiry into the conditions under which classified documents are photoprinted at the Royal Aircraft Establishment; and what steps have been taken to prevent future breaches of security.

A Departmental inquiry has been completed. Further steps are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, how many forms are required by his Department to be returned by limited liability companies; and whether he will set out a list in the Official Report.

I regret the information requested is not readily available and could not be obtained without an undue amount of work.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, which organisations have submitted oral or written evidence to the National Insurance Advisory Committee on the question of unemployment benefit for occupational pensioners.

I understand from the Chairman of the National Insurance Advisory Committee that 224 of the representations received on this matter were from organisations of various kinds. The figure includes a number of representations from different branches of the same organisation.It is not the practice of the Advisory Committee, which is an independent body, to publish the names of those who make representations to it. I understand, however, that amongst those who have been invited to give oral evidence are the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, how many cases have been reported to him of persons refusing to claim pensions or supplementary benefits on the grounds that the application forms were not available in Welsh.

None since claim forms in Welsh were made available in Wales to people who desire them. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I shall be pleased to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what estimate he has made of the number of man-hours lost in British industry each year since 1958 as a result of influenza.

The Department only knows about days of sickness notified for National Insurance purposes. The number of days attributed to influenza during the last 10 statistical years are as follows:

Year				Days (millions)
3.6.57–31.5.58	…	…	…	35· 4
2.6.58–30.5.59	…	…	…	21· 4
1.6.59–4.6.60*	…	…	…	9· 4
6.6.60–3.6.61	…	…	…	19· 4
5.6.61–2.6.62	…	…	…	Not available
4.6.62–1.6.63	…	…	…	13· 9
3.6.63–30.5.64	…	…	…	9· 4
1.6.64–5.6.65*	…	…	…	9· 6
7.6.65–4.6.66	…	…	…	16· 7
6.6.66–3.6.67	…	…	…	6· 8
* 53 weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the quantity of blood thrown away by the National Blood Transfusion Service as being time expired in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will direct the Service to make inquiries to ascertain whether there is a market for this blood.

Blood is not thrown away by the National Blood Transfusion Service as being time-expired. Blood returned by hospitals to transfusion centres (193,380 bottles in 1967) is converted, if in satisfactory condition, to plasma and other blood products.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were assisted by the Home Help services in 1960, 1964 and 1967; and how many of them were elderly and chronic sick.

About 312,000 376,000 and 424,000 respectively, of whom about 237,000, 313,000 and 372,000 were elderly or chronic sick.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health centres have been opened since 1964; and how many are at present under construction; and how many are planned.

Twenty in England and Wales from 1948 to 1964 and 59 since. At 30th November last a further 69 were under construction; 56 more had been approved for building; and a furthere 114 were being actively planned.