asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the machinery for dealing with British passport holders in East Africa, particularly those whose passports become due for renewal.

I am not sure what difficulty the right hon. Member has in mind. Questions concerning the issue or renewal of passports are for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Kenyan Asians he will permit to enter Great Britain during the next six months.

The issue of vouchers for United Kingdom passport holders in East Africa is taking place at the rate of 1,500 per annum.As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the House on 21st January, we are ready to undertake bilateral discussions with the Governments most closely concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for future work by the Television Research Committee: when it is expected to make its next report; and if he will make a statement.

The Television Research Committee has allocated the research funds made available to it by the Independent Television Authority and has recently submitted to my right hon. Friend a final report, which will receive full consideration. A number of research projects commissioned by the Committee will not be completed for some time.I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the members of the Commit- tee for their services over the past five years in what has been largely a pioneering task.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to safeguard animals exported for research purposes; and what records are now available of animals exported for research purposes.

The protection of animals overseas is a matter for the appropriate foreign authority. I have no evidence that safeguards are needed here for experimental animals destined for export. No records are maintained showing separately animals sent abroad for research purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many experiments on live animals were carried out during the most recent annual period for which figures are available; what were the comparable figures in 1958; and how many inspectors employed under section 10 of the Cruelty to Animals Act were in post in each of these years.

In 1967, 4,755,680 experiments were performed under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876. 10 inspectors were in post. The corresponding figures for 1958 were 3,245,990 and 5.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the law so as to provide stricter conditions regarding the licensing of persons supplying animals for vivisection, and to ensure that records of the sources from which such animals are obtained are kept by the factors and are open to inspection by the police or Home Office officials.

The question of statutory control over the supply of animals for research purposes is being kept under review together with the other recommendations made by the Littlewood Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next plans to visit Scotland to hold discussions about the progress of the experiment with British Standard Time.

The review of British Standard Time to be held in the Spring of 1970 will take full account of the views held in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further representations he has received asking him to end the British Standard Time experiment.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mrs. Ewing) on 6th February.—[Vol. 777, c. 152.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which authorities and experts he has consulted about the experiment with British Standard Time; and with what results.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the organisations which were consulted or which volunteered views before British Standard Time was introduced.They showed a clear preponderance in favour of the change.Following is the list:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations about British Standard Time he has received from rural district councils.

Twenty.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for the custody of children convicted of serious offences and requiring both security and psychiatric treatment over a long period.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 17th June last to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. Boston) about proposals to develop a new range of child care establishments. I hope that the first such establishment will be available early next year.—[Vol. 766, c. 106.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement of his Department's present policy towards London taxicabs.

No changes of policy or control are contemplated pending the report of the Committee on the London Taxicab Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) whether he will ensure that separate staff experienced in Scottish matters are seconded from the Civil Service to the Constitutional Commission so that it is equipped to investigate independently the economic links between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom;(2) if he will now state what will be the size and composition of the Civil Service staff seconded to the Constitutional Commission; and when he expects that these will be appointed.

The exact size and composition of the secretariat have not yet been settled but account will be taken of the need to balance specialised experience with general ability in the fields to be covered by the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet ready to announce the membership and terms of reference of the Constitutional Commission and the place and date when it will commence its sittings.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Dobson) on 11th February setting out the terms of reference. I hope that a further statement can be made shortly.—[Vol. 777, c. 290.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to curb the trend whereby the number of field officers employed in local authority children's departments leaving such work has risen in recent years.

Excluding promotions, local authority children's departments in England and Wales lost 15·5 per cent. of their field staff in 1967–68 as against 15·1 per cent. in 1965–66. These figures do not appear to be unreasonably high. The number of field staff in post increased from 2,010 at 31st March, 1965, to 3,038 at 31st March, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government propose to implement the proposals of the Littlewood Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the Littlewood Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement about the implementation of the recommendations of the Littlewood Committee.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave on 7th November to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Bessell).—[Vol. 772, c. 138.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to permit Her Majesty's Government to give compensation to all those who suffer loss through the activities of and sabotage by Welsh or other extremists.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure that Civil Defence and Auxiliary Fire Service equipment in Home Office stores does not deteriorate; how often it is inspected and turned over; and what will be the cost of maintaining it in such stores in 1969–70.

The equipment is stored and maintained in conditions designed to prevent deterioration. Inspection is carried out at intervals which vary according to the nature of the equipment. The cost of storage and maintenance in 1969–70 is estimated to be£1·6 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that much of the Civil Defence and Auxiliary Fire Service equipment in Home Office stores would be of use to local authorities for dealing with peacetime emergencies; and whether he will reconsider the policy of holding it in Home Office stores.

I am aware of the value of some of this equipment for peacetime emergencies and have arranged for stocks to be held in regional Home Office stores, to be drawn upon when needed. This is a more efficient and economical arrangement than the issue to local authorities of a wide range of items, many of which might never be put to use.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Government.

There has been no formal discussions with the Northern Ireland Government since the meeting with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland on 4th November, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many demonstrators were arrested in 1967 and 1968, respectively; and in how many cases prison sentences were imposed by the courts.

Information is readily available only in respect of major demonstrations in the Metropolitan Police District during these years. In one such demonstration in 1967, 51 persons were arrested; five received sentences of imprisonment. In three demonstrations in 1968, 337 persons were arrested; 17 received sentences of imprisonment and 33 suspended sentences of imprisonment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to provide the right to appeal against the refusal of legal aid in criminal cases.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the inquiry he authorised into the administration of the Risley Remand Centre revealed the cause of men taking their own lives whilst on remand there; whether witnesses were called other than those on remand; and if he will make a statement.

Neither my own inquiries nor the coroners' inquests disclosed any evidence that suicides at Risley remand centre have been caused by conditions or treatment there, but I continue to examine possible improvements in preventive measures. Only one of the former inmates to whom complaints had been attributed responded to my invitation to write to me about them and this is being followed up.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will obtain a report from the Chief Constable as to how many cases of false arrest were made in the previous 12 months in Derbyshire; how this compares with the national figure for the same act; and what compensation was paid.

There are no statistics available of the kind the hon. Gentleman has in mind but the Chief Constable of Derbyshire tells me that he is not aware of any such case in his district in the period stated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will obtain from the chief constables concerned figures showing the shortages of police constables, sergeants, inspectors and other senior ranks in the Derbyshire Constabulary; how this compares with other comparable county forces; and when he will send a further circular advising police authorities to increase recruiting to remedy deficiencies.

The actual strength of the Derby County and Borough Constabulary is 1,120, against a permitted strength of 1,130 (for the period up to 31st March) and an establishment of 1,513. The establishment vacancies are made up of 22 inspectors, 39 sergeants and 332 constables. Police authorities have been informed about the increases of strength at which they should aim during the next financial year, and in the case of the Derbyshire Constabulary the increase would, if attained, represent the largest increase in strength since 1962.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the incidence of firework accidents in each year since 1958.

Between 1962, the earliest year for which statistics are available, and 1967 the total number of accidents caused by fireworks fell from 2,832 to 2,214, a reduction of some 21 per cent. Serious accidents fell from 988 to 353, a reduction of 64 per cent. Particulars for 1968 are not yet ready.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the serious public disorder occasioned by the holding of processions in London, he will consult with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to the desirability of an Order under Section 3(3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, prohibiting the holding of specified public processions in London for an appropriate period.

I have nothing to add to my reply to similar Questions on 23rd January.—[Vol. 776, c. 158.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the disorder on 12th January, he will now introduce legislation to make it an offence for more than a prescribed maximum of people to proceed to an embassy for the purpose or purported purpose of presenting a petition, complaint, or otherwise demanding access to such embassy.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the growing practice of persons converting old lorries into paraffin oil delivery vehicles with tanks of paraffin, many of which leak; and, as these are often unlicensed, not tested for roadworthiness and dangerous from many points of view including fire hazard, if he will take action to control these vehicles.

I have no information about the extent of the practice described, nor any evidence to suggest that the conveyance by road of paraffin presents so serious a risk that special controls are needed. The licensing of vehicles, tests for roadworthiness and general requirements relating to the safe packing and securing of loads are matters for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many smash-and-grab raids involving actual robbery and violence have occurred since January, 1965; and what is the financial loss thus sustained.

I regret that figures are not available for this type of offence or for the amount of financial loss sustained; but the total number of offences of shopbreaking in England and Wales in the three-year period 1965 to 1967 was 340, 675, and of robbery and assault with intent to rob 12,774.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties for being in possession of heroin and cocaine.

This question will be looked at in the general review of drugs law which I have recently put in hand, but the penalties are already severe.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Assistant Commissioner of Police did not reply to the communication of the hon. Member for West Ham, North, of 4th December on police administration until 31st January; and whether he will give instructions that letters from Members of Parliament are to be answered in less than eight weeks.

The Commissioner of Police regrets the delay. It was partly caused by the illness of one of the officers concerned in the incident, and by the court commitments of the officer investigating the complaint. Letters from Members of Parliament are given priority but in the present case there was an error in procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the growing practice whereby his Department is taking between five and 10 weeks to send replies to the correspondence of Members of Parliament; and what action he plans to take to expedite these replies to reduce the time taken to two or three weeks as was the case until a few years ago.

About 85 per cent. of the 10,500 or so letters received from hon. Members during 1968 were answered in less than three weeks. This does not compare unfavourably with the performance of earlier years. In some cases where inquiries have to be made, the time taken to reply will be longer, but my Department is well aware that a reply should be sent at the earliest possible date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the provision of overnight accommodation for women remanded at West Midland courts for more than one night nearer to those courts, thereby freeing police, probation officers and prison staff who at present have to escort such women between the West Midlands and Holloway Prison.

It is in general more economical in staff and accommodation to continue to send women remand prisoners to Holloway than retain them in the Midlands prisons, although accommodation is available at Shrewsbury prison for detention overnight during trial, and another will soon be ready at Birmingham prison.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that since the closure of the women's section of the Brockhill Remand Centre, Birmingham, solicitors have to travel to London to interview women prisoners at Holloway Prison; and what is his estimate of the increased charge on the Legal Aid System resulting from this.

I have no exact information about the additional legal aid costs incurred since the closure, but I estimate that they may be of the order of£250.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable on the result of the case concerning allegations by Mr. D. J. Heywood and others of assault by the Stockport police.

The Chief Constable has sent me a report. Claims under writs issued by Mr. Heywood and two others for compensation in respect of their injuries have now been settled, in amounts agreed between the respective solicitors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in the position to state when the Stamp Committee is likely to report; and whether he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 11th February to a Question by the hon. Member for Southgate (Mr. Berry).—[Vol. 777, c. 287.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to increase the control of shotguns, including provisions making each certificate valid only for a single weapon, providing for a check on the individual weapon and on the quantity of ammunition held, and for recording transfers of weapons between one owner and another.

It would be advisable for us to obtain experience of the operation of the current restrictions, which were introduced less than a year ago, before we consider new measures.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences involving the use or threatened use of shotguns were recorded in 1968.

This information will not be available until later this month, when I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to safeguard the confidentiality of professional interviews between persons in custody and their legal advisers.

I am not aware of any evidence that the present arrangements are defective and that there is need for change.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the existing arrangements for ensuring that adequate safety precautions are taken at football grounds and other places of public entertainment; and if he will make a statement.

The problem of crowd behaviour at football grounds is at present being studied by a working party set up at the suggestion of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. The statutory power to control safety precautions at football grounds is confined to means of ingress to and egress from stands. There is power to require safety precautions at most other places of public entertainment; if my hon. Friend has in mind a particular place where arrangements appear inadequate I would be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the numbers of convictions for cruelty to children for the years 1966, 1967, and 1968, respectively.

The numbers of persons convicted by magistrates' courts in England and Wales of cruelty to, or neglect of, children under Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, were 343 in 1966 and 322 in 1967. The numbers of persons convicted of this offence by the higher courts are not known exactly, but were less than 25 in each year. Figures for 1968 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Borstal boys are at present in Wormwood Scrubs awaiting allocation to appropriate accommodation.

Of 331 in the Allocation Centre at Wormwood Scrubs on 12th February, 121 have been allocated and are awaiting transfer to a training borstal; 128 are in process of allocation; the remainder are absconders awaiting re-allocation, persons in transit or located at Wormwood Scrubs for medical reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants, men, women, boys and girls, have been placed in prison pending investigations as to their right of entry into this country.

Corrected figures for 1967 and provisional figures for 1968 are set out in the following table. Except where indicated in the notes to the table, all were Commonwealth citizens.

	Men	Women	Boys	Girls
1967
Prisons	39*	—	—	—
Remand Homes	—	—	2	1
Remand Centres	—	—	12	1
Totals	39	—	14	2
1968
Prisons	66†	20	—	—
Remand Homes	—	2‡	21	3
Remand Centres	—	2‡	46§	2
Totals	66	24	67	5
* Includes one alien.
† Includes three aliens.
‡ Women exceptionally admitted to remand homes and remand centres to be with their children.
§ Includes two aliens.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the Government research establishments for which his Department is responsible, showing the location, date of foundation, numbers of qualified engineers and scientists and other staff, respectively, employed on 1st January, 1960, 1965 and 1969 and the cost of each establishment to public funds in the years 1959–60, 1964–65 and the estimate for 1968–69.

The only Home Office organisation that can be described as a research establishment is the Forensic Science Central Research Estab- lishment, Aldermaston, Berkshire, which became fully operational on 1st January, 1967. On 1st January, 1969, 23 scientific grade staff and 8 other staff were employed. The estimated cost for 1968–69 is£95,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases to date have been brought by the police for breathalyser tests; and what was the number of actual prosecutions, the number of cases dismissed or not proceeded with, the number of appeals made against sentence, the cost involved in these appeals, and the number of appeals upheld.

Provisional figures indicate that, in England and Wales between 9th October, 1967, and 31st December, 1968, the police required breath tests under Section 2(1) and (2) of the Road Safety Act, 1967, on 61,361 occasions, and that, between 1st October, 1967 and 30th September, 1968, prosecutions were instituted in respect of 18,118 offences under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the 1967 Act and Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960. Charges were withdrawn or dismissed in regard to 926 of those cases.I regret that the other information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the reports from chief constables stating whose authority is required for the use of C.S. gas in riot control or for other use by the police under their command.

C.S. smoke may be used by the police only in most exceptional circumstances to effect the arrest of an armed criminal or a violently and dangerously insane person who has taken refuge in a building and cannot be apprehended without seriously jeopardising the lives of innocent members of the community or police officers.In 54 forces in England and Wales the authority of an assistant chief constable or above is required for the use of C.S. smoke; in 11 forces, including the Metropolitan police, the authority may be given by a chief superintendent or superintendent; and in one force an inspector may give the authority if time does not permit reference to the chief constable or assistant chief constable, provided that one or the other is informed as soon as possible afterwards.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now extend to representatives of the National Liberation Front the same facilities to enter Great Britain and put their case as were recently afforded to representatives of the Saigon régime.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest assessment made of the average number of dependants likely to come into the United Kingdom for each voucher holder; and what is the maximum number of dependants known for any one individual.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to an earlier Question today by the hon. Member for Shrewsbury (Sir. J. Langford-Holt).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason immigration officials detained Mr. Fahrner at Gatwick Airport on 16th January, 1969, for five hours.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave earlier today to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Yarmouth (Dr. Gray).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will make a statement concerning the spot check made on roads in the Barnes area which resulted in three police officers being reported for using unlicensed road vehicles and why, in view of the fact these officers were reported as far back as November, 1968, action has only now been taken; and whether he will make a statement;(2) on what date the police made a spot check on vehicles near to the police departments at Barnes to ascertain the number of unlicensed vehicles in use; how frequently this is done on a general basis in London; and whether such action will be taken more frequently in future.

The check took place between 17th and 20th November last. It was followed by police inquiries and reference to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Reports about possible excise offences were sent to the Greater London Council, and the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis contemplates proceedings for other offences.It is for the Commissioner to decide what police resources shall be devoted to such matters. It would require a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort to collect the statistics requested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the need to increase the manpower and salaries in the police force, he will not establish a police-controlled security corps on a fee-paying basis to supplement the revenue to the police.

I do not think it would be right, even if it were practicable, for police forces to go into business in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend, which would take them well beyond the limits of police responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he received a communication from the High Commissioner of Guyana making complaint of police action in relation to a citizen of Guyana, now a constituent of the hon. Member for West Ham, North; what was the nature of this complaint; and what reply he has sent.

The High Commissioner's letter inquiring about the searching of a house by the police was received on the 23rd January. I replied on 12th February, explaining the circumstances and letting him know that the search was properly conducted, under the authority of a warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the estimated cost to public funds of police services to motorists in 1968 including accidents, prosecutions, parking offences, court proceedings and similar services.

I regret the information is not available.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if he will make a statement on the incidence of vandalism in telephone kiosks in Scotland; and if he will give any relevant readily-available statistics;(2) what steps he is taking to make vandalism in telephone kiosks more difficult.

The number of incidents of vandalism to telephone kiosks in Scotland is:

1965	1966–67	1967–68	1968–69 (6 months)
21,500	17,500	15,500	8,500

About 70 per cent. of this damage occurs in and around Glasgow and Edinburgh.Strengthened equipment is being fitted and all kiosks will be equipped as the new components become available.

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take to ensure that vandalism to telephone boxes which form a link between housing estates and public services is kept to a minimum; what action he proposes to take against vandals themselves; what action he is taking to ensure continuity of telephone services in such areas; and if he will make a statement.

Telephone kiosks, particularly in isolated situations in housing estates have suffered severely from damage by theft and vandalism. We are fitting strengthened equipment which is proving successful in resisting attacks. We are also using secret alarms to assist in catching offenders, more of whom are being prosecuted by the police.Demands for replacement of equipment have strained supplies, but we give priority to the repair of isolated kiosks and in most instances we are able to restore emergency facilities quickly.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he has approved the use of the frequency 1484 kHz (202 metres) for low-powered local broadcasting in the United Kingdom;(2) whether he now proposes to implement the findings of the European Broadcasting Convention of Copenhagen (1948), to which the United Kingdom was a signatory, and which designated the frequency of 1484 kHz (202 metres) as an international common frequency.

Seven low-power stations using the frequency have been authorised. Thus, advantage has been taken of the provision, contained in the plan annexed to the European Broadcasting Convention, 1948, for its use as an international frequency.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is aware that the hon. Member for West Ham, North wrote to him on 27th December last drawing attention to the complaint by the Newham Chamber of Commerce of postal delays, and that by 4th February, 1969, the hon. Member had received no reply; and when a substantive reply may be expected additional to the interim apology for further delays contained in his Department's communication of the 20th January;(2) why it took until 5th February, 1969, to reply to the letter of the hon. Member for West Ham, North, of 27th December, 1968, enclosing correspondence from the West Ham Chamber of Commerce about postal delays.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer to his Question on 10th February. My hon. Friend's letter raised matters which required investigation. Moreover, my managerial staff in the postal service were under considerable pressure at the time because of the industrial action by the Union of Post Office Workers.—[Vol. 777, c. 249.]

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now give an exact figure for the actual all-inclusive cost to the Post Office of the recent strike; and to what extent the settlement recently announced represents an actual loss or saving in money to the Post Office.

The main effect will be the loss of revenue from the services

					Trunk Road Crossings		Non Trunk Road Crossings
County					Approved	Applied for but refused	Approved	Applied for but refused
Anglesey	…	…	…	…	—	1	—	—
Brecon	…	…	…	…	—	6	1	—
Cardigan	…	…	…	…	1	2	1	3
Carmarthen	…	…	…	…	—	13	1	5
Caernarvon	…	…	…	…	1	4	—	3
Denbigh	…	…	…	…	—	15	—	7
Flint	…	…	…	…	—	4	1	8
Glamorgan	…	…	…	…	—	3	5	29
Merioneth	…	…	…	…	1	1	—	—
Monmouth	…	…	…	…	1	6*	3	10
Montgomery	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—
Pembroke	…	…	…	…	2	2	—	4
Radnor	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—
Cardiff C.B.C.	…	…	…	…	—	—	2	9
Merthyr C.B.C.	…	…	…	…	—	1	—	1
Newport C.B.C.	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	2
Swansea C.B.C.	…	…	…	…	—	—	1	7
					6	58	15	86
* 4 being reinvestigated.
Approvals of resitings of pedestrian crossings are not included.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the request of the Severn River Authority for permission to proceed with detailed site investigations of the River Dulais in Radnorshire for a reservoir.

I have not yet received such a request.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many pedestrian crossings have been approved in each county in Wales since January, 1965; and how many pedestrian crossings were applied for but not approved.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to provide funds for the establishment of alcoholism and drug addiction research foundations on the lines of those existing in Canada which investigate the whole range of problems involved and give advice on preventive measures, details of which have been sent to him.

I have read with interest the report which my hon. Friend has provided. The special publicly sponsored foundations described in it are clearly doing some excellent work in Canada in the field of alcoholism and drug dependence by conducting research, providing treatment and undertaking health education activities. I have no reason to suppose however that there would be advantage, as far as this country is concerned, in transferring public responsibility for these matters to foundations modelled on the Canadian pattern.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans are in hand for an expansion of facilities at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire, in view of the needs of the area and the population it serves; and if he will make a statement.

In the period up to 1971–72 the Welsh Hospital Board propose to carry out three schemes which will improve the outpatient facilities, provide residential accommodation and new X-ray facilities together with a multi-discipline training unit. Thereafter, they hope to put in hand a major scheme for the provision of 240 additional hospital beds with intensive therapy unit, additional operating theatres, pathology department and pharmacy.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the extent of the waiting list at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire; and how this compares with similar hospitals in Wales and in relation to the catchment areas served.

The in-patient waiting list at 31st December, 1968, was 2,636. Comparison with other hospitals is difficult as catchment areas of individual hospitals are not defined, but the number of patients waiting admission per thousand population in the Newport and East Monmouthshire Group is higher than the average for Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the estimated total expenditure on hospital treatment for injured motorists and pedestrians in 1968.

Precise figures are not available, but it is estimated that the cost to the hospital service of treating road casualties is about£10 million a year.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the economies he has made in defence expenditure since January, 1968.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication next week of the 1969 Statement on the Defence Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions there have been representations about low-flying aircraft over Studland; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.

Six in 1967, none in 1968 and one so far in 1969.Essential low-level training flights take place over this part of Dorset. All possible steps have been and are being taken to avoid causing undue disturbance.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the results of his analysis regarding the effects of C.S. smoke; and if he will make a statement.

I hope to be able to give the results within the next two months.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Government research establishments, including laboratories, research institutes and other research organisations for which his department is responsible, showing the location, date of foundation, numbers of qualified engineers and scientists and other staff, respectively, employed on 1st January, 1960, 1965, and 1969, and the cost of. each establishment to public funds

Name and location of headquarters		Date of foundation at present location*
Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment, Portsdown, Hants.	…	1959
Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, Portland, Dorset	…	1960
Admiralty Research Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex	…	1921
Services Electronics Research Laboratory, Baldock, Herts	…	1946
Admiralty Materials Laboratory, Holton Heath, Dorset	…	1947
Admiralty Compass Observatory, Slough, Bucks.	…	1917
Admiralty Engineering Laboratory, West Drayton, Middlesex	…	1920
Admiralty Marine Engineering Establishment, Haslar, Hants.	…	1902
Admiralty Experiment Works, Haslar, Hants	…	1887
Naval Construction Research Establishment, Dunfermline, Fife	…	1943
Admiralty Oil Laboratory, Cobham, Surrey	…	1953*
Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory, Alverstoke, Hants	…	1943
Central Dockyard Laboratory, Portsmouth, Hants	…	1870
Services Valve Test Laboratory, Haslemere, Hants	…	1952
Admiralty Distilling Experimental Station, Portland, Dorset	…	1951
Admiralty Reactor Test Establishment, Dounreay	…	1959
Experimental Department H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth, Hants	…	1882
Naval Air Materials Laboratory	…	1946
Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment, Sevenoaks, Kent	…	1952
Proof and Experimental Establishment, Eskmeals, Bootle Station, Cumberland	…	1951
Proof and Experimental Establishment, Inchterf, Milton of Campsie, Glasgow	…	1940
Proof and Experimental Establishment, Pendine, Carmarthenshire	…	1940
Proof and Experimental Establishment, Shoeburyness, Essex	…	1856
Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Chertsey, Surrey	…	1952
Military Engineering Experimental Establishment, Christchurch, Hants	…	1946
Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wilts.	…	1939
Microbiological Research Establishment, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wilts	…	1947
Army Personnel Research Establishment, Farnborough, Hants.	…	1965
Stores and Clothing Research and Development Establishment, Colchester, Essex	…	1956

The organisations listed below are not regarded for administrative purposes as R. and D. Establishments. Since, however, they engage in work which is analogous to the defence research and development effort or is closely associated with it, the appropriate staff numbers and financial provision are included in the totals:—

Ordnance Board, Kensington	1908
Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough	1946

		Scientists, engineers, etc.†	Other Staff				Financial Provision (net)‡£m.
1st January, 1961	…	2,570	12,635	1960–61	…	…	19·6
1st January, 1965	…	2,711	13,135	1964–65	…	…	25·4
1st January, 1969	…	3,121	13,007	1968–69	…	…	33·8
* Many of the Establishments listed were in existence before the dates given against them, but in a different form, under a different name or at a different location. The dates given for the Admiralty Oil Laboratory is that of its foundation at Brentford; the move to Cobham, which took place in 1968. did not affect its name or function.
†Scientists, engineers and analogous professional staff (including Service officers).
‡ At pay and prices ruling at the time. The figures exclude expenditure for construction and works maintenance.

Research and Development Establishments for which the Ministry of Defence is responsible, showing their date of foundation and location, are as follows:—

Defence Operational Analysis Establishment, West Byfleet

1965 (April)

It is not the practice to publish a breakdown of numbers and costs by Establishments. Total numbers of scientists, engineers, etc., and net Estimates provision are shown below. Because of changes in departmental responsibility at the time, figures for 1st January, 1960, and 1959–60 are not available, and information for 1st January, 1961, and 1960–61 is given instead.

asked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the work of the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister of Public Building and Works in regard to the Tate Gallery.

I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friends are already in close touch on this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give assistance with a view to promoting industrial fishing in view of the saving the production of fish meal could make to the balance of payments.

The Immature Sea Fish Order, 1968, has already removed one impediment to the development of industrial fishing. The way in which such fishing will be dealt with under the new white fish subsidy arrangements will be announced shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of the General Assembly resolution requesting all States to promote the regular study of the United Nations in teacher training programmes and in schools, he will increase his Department's support for the Council for Education in World Citizenship.

An application from the Council for Education in World Citizenship for an increase in grant from the Education Departments has recently been received and is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Conference of Experts on the Scientific Basis for Rational Use and Conservation of the Resources of the Biosphere.

The conference made 20 recommendations covering a very wide field of activity. The recommendations are now being studied in detail to determine the extent to which they are already covered by existing programmes and where further work is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated expenditure in 1968–69 on grants to students at universities, colleges of education and establishments of further education in Great Britain.

About£160 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total capital and current expenditure on university and further education, including student awards by both central Government and local education authorities in Great Britain in 1967–68.

The information, including information about Scotland provided by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, is as follows:

EXPENDITURE ON UNIVERSITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN GREAT BRITAIN—FINANCIAL YEAR 1967–68
			(£ millions)
	Current*	Capital†	Total
Universities	208·8	81·5	290·3
Further Education	208·9	47·0	255·9
* Including expenditure on awards to students.
†Financed from revenue and loan.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will initiate a study into the causes and nature of student unrest in Great Britain including the comparable numbers involved and not involved in that unrest with a view to taking steps to provide a solution for it.

This would not be appropriate. My hon. Friend will be aware that a Select Committee of this House is at present inquiring into the whole question of student relations.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a further statement on the Scottish bakery employees' wage settlement.

This settlement was accepted for implementation from the first pay day in February. The parties were so advised on January 28th.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the percentage of unemployed men in the Welsh Development Area at the last convenient date; and the percentage in the same month of each of the preceding nine years.

Unemployment statistics for development areas have been calculated monthly since August, 1966, and were produced retrospectively for June each year from 1956 to 1966. Percentage rates of unemployment can be calculated for males—(i.e. men and boys together)—but not separately for men. Following is the information for each June from 1959 to 1968 and for each January from 1967 to 1969:

Percentage rates of unemployment for males in the Welsh Development Area
15th June, 1959	…	…	3·5
13th June, 1960	…	…	2·3
12th June, 1961	…	…	2·3
18th June, 1962	…	…	3·0
10th June, 1963	…	…	3·3
15th June, 1964	…	…	2·3
14th June, 1965	…	…	2·6
13th June, 1966	…	…	2·8
9th January, 1967	…	…	5·3
12th June, 1967	…	…	4·5
8th January, 1968	…	…	5·5
10th June, 1968	…	…	4·8
13th January, 1969	…	…	5·6

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many grants have been made from public funds in the last six months to firms in the Gateshead area in respect of boys filling additional posts; and what was the value of the grants.

In the six months ended 31st January, 1969, one Gateshead firm received grants towards the cost of training three boys for new jobs. The grants totalled£60.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many males are unemployed, what percentage of the total male working population this represents, and what is the number of unfilled male vacancies in the areas of Gateshead, Felling-on-Tyne and Tyneside, respectively.

Following is the information:

TOTAL NUMBERS OF MALES REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED, PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR MALES AND NOTIFIED VACANCIES FOR MALES REMAINING UNFILLED IN THE AREAS COVERED BY GATESHEAD AND FELLING EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES AND IN THE TYNESIDE TRAVEL-TO-WORK AREA* AT JANUARY, 1969
		Registered unemployed	Percentage rate	Unfilled vacancies
Gateshead	…	1,918	—	191
Felling	…	726	—	23
Tyneside	…	19,088	7·3	1,439
* The Tyneside travel-to-work area comprises the areas covered by the Blaydon, East Boldon, Elswick, Felling, Gateshead, Jarrow and Hebburn, Newburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, North Shields, Prudhoe, South Shields, Walker, Wallsend, West Moor and Whitley Bay Employment Exchanges. Percentage rates of unempoyment can be calculated for the area as a whole but not separately for its constituent parts. The percentage rate has been calculated by expressing the total number of males registered as unemployed as a percentage of the estimated number of male employees, employed and unemployed, at mid-1967.

The vacancy figures take account only of those vacancies notified to the Department's local offices and, therefore, do not provide a measure of the total demand for labour.

asked the Minister of Power if, in view of the loss of gas caused by the damage to the rig "Unifor 1" in the North Sea, it will be possible to maintain supplies to those whose appliances have been converted to use this type of gas.

Yes. I am informed by the Gas Council that supply of natural gas is being maintained to these consumers.

asked the Minister of Power if he will now give a general direction to ensure that the rate of interest payable on deposits to elec-

Total Generating Capacity at 1st January					Calculated maximum demand in average cold spell weather
Winter			Megawatts sent out	Percentage increase	Megawatts	Percentage increase	Percentage margin
1964–65	…	…	33,355	1	32,350	5	3
1965–66	…	…	36,670	10	34,300	6	7
1966–67	…	…	38,457	5	35,300	3	9
1967–68	…	…	41,463	8	35,600	1	16½

The Central Electricity Generating Board's total generating capacity on 1st January this year was 44,343 MW, which gave a gross margin of 21 per cent. over the provisional estimate of maximum demand, adjusted to average cold spell weather, of 36,700 MW. Subsequent information suggests, however, that the estimated weather adjusted demand could be rather higher than had been previously estimated, and if this is confirmed, the plant margin would be about 19 per cent.On the basis of the Electricity Council's March, 1968, forecast of simultaneous maximum demand in average cold spell weather of 54,000 MW in 1973–74 and the estimate in the C.E.G.B.s 1968 capital development programme of 65,200 MW of plant at the end of 1973, the margin would be 21 per cent. The Electricity Council does not normally publish revised forecasts for intervening years and the actual margins year by year will also depend on the phasing of new plant commissioning

No. I have no powers to vary the 4 per cent. interest rate laid down in Section 71 of the Schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899

asked the Minister of Power whether he will list for the years 1964–65 to 1973–74 the actual and latest estimated capacity of the Central Electricity Generating Board in megawatts sent out, the maximum demand in average cold spells with no voltage reduction including, separately, weather-corrected figures for past years, the year-on-year percentage increases in both sets of figures and the percentage margin of capacity over maximum demand including, respectively, weather-corrected figures for past years of maximum demand.

The information for the winters 1964–65 to 1968–69 is as follows:and the amount of old plant retired.In calculating the margins, no allowance has been made for any demand met by non-C.E.G.B. plant.

asked the Minister of Power when he will make a further announcement on the temporary surcharge on the prices of petroleum products.

Yes. Additional costs are still being incurred as a consequence of the continued closure of the Suez Canal, but the Government, after discussion with the leading oil companies, have decided that the average level of temporary surcharge can now be reduced by approximately one third. To give maximum benefit to industry and commerce the reduction—which is equivalent to about£23 million per annum—will be applied to all rates of surcharge except that on motor spirit, and will bring the surcharge on each product down to½d. a gallon, the current rate for motor spirit The revised surcharge will come into operation from 23.59 hours on Friday, 14th February. The Government will continue to keep the position under review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the increase of United States ownership of British industry.

It is our general policy to welcome investment in this country from the United States and other foreign countries. Cases involving the take-over of important British companies are considered on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the ratio of average council house rents to average incomes in Scotland.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what funds he has made available to the Scottish Countryside Commission for distribution under Section 7 of the 1967 Act; and how much will be made available in 1969–70.

Particulars of the grant-in-aid to the Countryside Commission for Scotland for the current financial year are published in the Civil Estimates as Appendix III to Class VI, Vote 2. The corresponding Estimate for 1969–70 will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions he has given to local authorities as to the action to be taken in respect of teachers who have contracts of employment which guarantee them two months' notice of dismissal, and who have not registered with the General Teaching Council, in cases where he has instructed the local authorities that they must have discontinued the employment of such teachers by 28th March.

None. I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of one of the Default Orders I have made.

asked the Minister of Transport why the electricity to light new roadsigns at Longbarrow on the A303 route will be brought by means of an overhead high-voltage line in the immediate vicinity of Stonehenge, in view of the fact that the Department of Public Building and Works and the Post Office have recently removed all poles and placed lines underground.

The supply needs to be brought a distance of four miles and underground cables would cost about five times as much. The route for the supply line will not be nearer than a mile from Stonehenge. We are however looking into the matter further with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total expenditure from public funds in 1968 on new roads and existing roads, including maintenance, traffic signs, snow clearance and all other relevant costs.

In England, for the financial year 1968–69, expenditure will be about£450 million. Roads in Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of the respective Secretaries of State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total yield to date from the long-term Capital Gains Tax, and the cost to public funds of administration and collection; what estimate he has made of the cost to the individual and corporate tax-payer of calculating and negotiating liability; and if he will give the change in the average value of share prices over this period to which these figures refer.

The total yield, including Corporation Tax on the capital gains of companies, to 1st February, 1969, is estimated at£85 million. I regret that information about costs to public funds and taxpayers is not available.The Financial Times—Actuaries All Share Index stood at 98·73 on 6th April, 1965, and at 180·97 on 31st January, 1969, an increase of 83 per cent. The yield of£85 million, however, includes very little, if any, tax on gains realised after 5th April, 1968, when the All Share Index stood at 140·12, an increase of 42 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in "Economic Trends" monthly figures of the debits and credits on the net Government current account overseas, as an addition to the table already published under the heading "Balance of Payments".

No. Information about overseas expenditure and receipts by Government Departments is collected and published quarterly. I do not think that monthly publication would be helpful. The incidence by months is variable and seasonal correction would be difficult.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements to guarantee sterling reserves have been offered to sterling area countries other than those with whom agreements have been concluded and presented to Parliament.

Yes. In addition to the countries listed in the White Papers presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Cmnd. 3834 and 3835), arrangements similar to those embodied in the agreements with these countries, but with variations where necessary to take account of local conditions, have been offered to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, the Associated States, the Maldive Islands, Western Somoa and all British dependent territories; and also to other monetary authorities within the sterling area. So far, arrangements have been finalised with the following Governments:

Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Gibraltar, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Pitcairn Island, St. Vincent, Seychelles, Tonga, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, East Caribbean Currency Authority, West African Currency Board, Qatar and Dubai Currency Board.