asked the Minister of Transport when he expects the M53 in Wirral to be completed; and what plans he has for the extension of the motorway southwards.

By the end of 1971. The need for improvements southwards from Hooton is being studied.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Lancashire/Yorkshire Motorway from the M62 to the Yorkshire border will be open to public and private transport; and in what stages.

The section to White-field is due to be opened by mid-1970 and the remainder early in 1971.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects the construction of the South Lancashire Motorway from Liverpool to the M6 Motorway to begin.

Subject to completion of outstanding statutory processes we would hope to start on the section from M6 to Tarbock in 1970 and from Tarbock to Queen's Drive, Liverpool, in 1971.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take immediate steps to provide for the extension of the 40 miles-per-hour speed limit on the A12 trunk road to cover that stretch of road on which Meur-Betts and Company have their factory entrance.

No. This length of road does not meet the Department's criteria for a 40 m.p.h. speed limit and a limit would not be a satisfactory means of dealing with the situation. I am, however, sending the hon. Member a fuller explanation.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the reasons for the further delay in the building of a bypass at Huntingdon since his draft order was published on 6th June, 1967; and when work will now begin.

We have had difficulty in resolving objections to the draft Order for the line of route, including a statutory objection. This has been settled, but we cannot yet give a firm date for start of works.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will state the number of months during which the problem of providing the traffic lights for Hedon Road, East Hull, has been under discussion between his Department and the City Council of Hull; and how long he expects further discussions will continue before his decision is reached;(2) if he will state the estimated cost of providing traffic lights for Hedon Road, East Hull; and what are the reasons which are delaying his decision in this case;(3) what further evidence his Department has requested from Hull Corporation, factory owners and workpeople in order to enable him to reach a decision on the proposal to provide traffic lights at Hedon Road, East Hull;(4) how many deaths, and serious accidents, have occurred at the crossing at Hedon Road, East Hull in the last 12 months.

There have been no deaths or serious accidents at this crossing in the last 12 months. The request for traffic signals was received two months ago. Necessary information on traffic flows and accidents during the last three years were received from the local authority on 29th May. To avoid proliferation of signals, delays to traffic and the possibility of extra accidents, signals at factory entrances are only authorised where there are specially severe problems We are satisfied from the traffic and pedestrian count taken in April and the accident record that signals would not be justified at this site. They would have cost some £2,000 to £3,000 but this was not a factor in the decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now give consideration to advancing the starting date for the A38 Sutton Coldfield By-Pass from its present date of April, 1971, in view of the fact that a starting date was previously given as October, 1969.

Construction work on this scheme cannot start before 1971 because of the time required to complete the statutory procedures, on which there are objections, and to acquire the necessary land.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a date for the start of the M18 spur extension from Thorne to Gilberdyke and the M62 from the A1 to Gilberdyke.

We cannot yet give firm starting dates for these inter-connected schemes, which are in the early stages of active preparation.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a date for the start and completion of the proposed Hull—Beverley trunk road.

A preliminary report on a preferred alignment is at present under consideration. Before dates can be given, it will be necessary for this matter to be settled and then for detailed preparation to continue to the stage at which the scheme's priority for inclusion in the firm programme can be determined.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a starting date has yet been fixed for the construction of the Chester outer ring road, southern section.

No, since it is only in the early stages of preparation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to announce the final completion date for the Midland Link which is to join the M1 and the M6 motorways.

Completion is due towards the end of 1971.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue a general direction to British Railways that they should provide more space and improved arrangements for buffet facilities on the inter-city expresses.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the proposal of the British Railways to reroute the North-West England to South-West England and South Wales main line trains in May, 1970, so that instead of running via Shrewsbury and Hereford they will run via Birmingham and Gloucester; and what steps he proposes to take to consult the local planning authorities and other interests involved.

We are, of course, aware of this proposal and are already in consultation with the appropriate economic planning councils, the Welsh Council and Transport Users Consultative Committees about the pattern of service that may subsequently be required. I have written to the hon. Member on this subject.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what is now the approximate value and tonnage of freight crossing the English Channel to European ports in each direction and in total; what tonnage is brought to and from point of shipment in this country by road and rail, respectively; and what similar information he has, from international sources, about methods of bringing goods to and from ports in Europe;(2) what is the approximate value and tonnage of goods crossing the Channel in each way by normal ferry and shipping routes, containerised services, hovercraft and air, respectively, to date this year; and how these figures compare with those of the previous year.

The information is not available in the form requested, but I am writing to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will refer the recent fare increase on the Gosport Ferry to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

As I have recently explained in writing to my hon. Friend, I shall consider the matter in the light of the information which the Department is now obtaining from the operators of the ferry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider his decision not to seek to take into public ownership ports dealing with medium tonnages.

No. I have no proposals for altering the lines of the initial reorganisation set out in paragraphs 9 and 10 of the White Paper on the Reorganisation of the Ports [Cmnd. 3903].

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement about the present situation of his plans for a new lock and lock gates at Grangemouth Docks.

The plans are the Forth Ports Authority's and not mine. The Authority has sought my consent under the Harbours Act 1964 to a revised scheme for a new lock estimated to cost £8 million. I understand that it is presently discussing with its customers at Grangemouth the means by which it may be possible to produce the revenue neces- sary to show an acceptable return on the proposed investment. I am awaiting the outcome of these discussions.

asked the Minister of Transport what conclusions were reached as a result of his discussion of the proposal to create a new off-shore island on Liverpool Bay with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board during his recent visit.

I am of course aware of this imaginative and forward-looking project which the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board is investigating with oil companies. Its work is, however, at far too early a stage for it to make any submission to me or for any conclusions to be reached. It told me when we met on 30th May that it will keep me informed as it goes along, and I await with interest the outcome of its studies.

asked the Minister of Transport how many new vehicles were licensed in the first five months of 1969; and what were the comparable figures in 1968.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 19th May, 1969.—[Vol. 784, c. 16.]

asked the Minister of Transport if he will revise the Highway Code in view of the confusion created by the two forms of Slowing down signal, one of which is identical to the Turning left signal.

Neither of the two signals in the Code for slowing down—the stop light signal and the arm signal—is the same as the turning left signal.The new Code provides for the use of the near-side direction indicator to indicate an intention to stop on the left as well as to turn left. This recognises a practice already followed by many drivers; it is one which I consider will contribute to the convenience and safety of road users and its inclusion in the Code makes the position clear.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give details of the statutory toll bridges, tunnels and roads in England, showing in each case the date of the relevant Act, the date when the present rights for collecting tolls expires, the revenue from tolls in 1967–68 and in 1968–69, the cost of collection, the number of people employed and the scale of charges.

The information is not readily available and to obtain it would cost an inordinate amount of money.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is his latest information concerning the proposed date of trial of the five British subjects imprisoned at Trani;(2) what response he has now had from the Italian Government in reply to his representation to Signor Nenni concerning the five British subjects who have now served 17 months in prison without trial at Bari and Trani, following the return of Signor Nenni to Italy; and what further action he proposes to take.

The prosecution's case is now completed and is in the hands of the president of the court. He will set a date for the trial, which should begin shortly. Meanwhile, a request for bail has been submitted and is being actively considered. The Italian Foreign Ministry is doing all it properly can to encourage the courts to proceed rapidly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the recent Declaration on Europe between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Italy and the recommendation for the full participation of the younger generation in building Europe, his Department will initiate discussions with the Italian Government with a view to developing a broadly based exchange programme between the countries for younger trade unionists, businessmen, professional persons, educationists and politicians.

Her Majesty's Government are examining what action might be taken to increase the level of exchanges with Italy and with other Western European countries of such groups. We believe that the main impetus in this country for such exchanges must come from voluntary initiative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish details of recent co-operation with the French Government on the long-term effect of sinking oil and forecasts of slick movements on the lines proposed by the Select Committee on Science and Technology on Coastal Pollution.

Her Majesty's Embassy in Paris maintain contact with the French Authorities concerned with research on oil pollution. Exchanges of information on oil pollution also take place direct between the scientific bodies concerned and at the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation. Our co-operation with the French Authorities in this field includes a study of the methods used by the French in dealing with the Torrey Canyon oil; it is likely that Her Majesty's Government will publish scientific articles on significant aspects.The Agreement on co-operative measures for dealing with major oil slicks in the North Sea and the English Channel, including reporting the movements of oil slicks, will be signed on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, as soon as it is open for signature. I hope that the French Government will become a party to the Agreement, which will be published after signature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he proposes to take to implement the resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe calling upon member countries of the European Economic Community and states which have applied for entry to hold a Heads of Government Conference for the purpose of considering representations for the enlargement of the Community.

This Recommendation, No. 558, will be discussed by Ministers' Deputies at their next meeting on 23rd June.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will make a statement about the extent of the United Kingdom's aid to Malta during the last five years of the Agreement.

I have nothing to add at present to my replies of 12th and 22nd May to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).—[Vol. 783, c. 948–9; Vol. 784, c. 142.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the practice of requiring nurses, doctors and administrative staffs to pay for meals consumed whilst on duty at hospitals is not applied to chairmen and members of hospital regional boards and management committees and Ministers when having meals at hospitals on occasions of their official visits.

Chairmen and members of hospital boards and committees are unpaid, but may claim for certain expenses when on hospital business. They are not normally charged for meals, but forgo any subsistence allowances to which they would otherwise be entitled. Hospital authorities are allowed to spend reasonable sums on entertainment on appropriate occasions, including visits by Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a list of the hospitals in the South-West Regional Hospital Area which have a waiting list for operations, stating how many people have been waiting three or more years for admittance.

In answer to the first part of the Question, a waiting list is implicit in the organisation of theatre work. The information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available centrally. Inquiries are being made and I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the number of geriatric beds per 1,000 people over 70 years of age in the Blackpool and Fylde area; and how this compares with the national average;(2) what is the number of geriatric beds per 1,000 people over 75 years of age in the Blackpool and Fylde area; and how this compares with the national average;(3) what is the number of geriatric beds per 1,000 people over 80 years of age in the Blackpool and Fylde area and how this compares with the national average.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion of the full flat-rate pension to which a self-employed man is entitled on his retirement today with the required yearly average of 50 contributions paid or credited since 1948, is covered by the recipient's contribution and by general taxation, respectively, showing a married and a single man separately and assuming an average expectation of life; and what is the latter amount shown as a capital sum;(2) what proportion of the full flat-rate pension to which an employed man is entitled on his retirement today with the required yearly average of 50 contributions paid or credited since 1948, is covered by the employer's contribution, the employee's contribution and general taxation, respectively, showing a married and a single man separately and assuming an average expectation of life; and what is the last amount shown as a capital sum.

Retirement pension is paid from the National Insurance Fund which is financed on a pay-as-you-go principle. About 83 per cent. of the income of the fund comes from current contributions by insured persons and employers and about 15 per cent. from general taxation by way of the Exchequer supplement.On an actuarial calculation, assuming 5 per cent. interest, the proportion of a self-employed man's present flat-rate pension covered by his past contributions, if he retires today having paid 50 contributions a year since 1948, would be 13 per cent. for a married man, including pension rights for a wife five years younger than himself, and 26 per cent. for a single man. The amount of flat-rate pension not covered by his own contributions, shown as a capital sum, would be £3,550 and £1,450 respectively.For an employed man in corresponding circumstances, 8 per cent. of his flat-rate pension would be covered by his own past contributions, including an appropriate part of maximum graduated contributions assumed to have been paid since 1961, and 8 per cent. by his employer's. For a single man the proportion in each case would be about 18½ per cent. The amount of flat-rate pension not covered by his own and his employer's contributions, shown as capital sum, would be £3,400 and £1,250 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of National Insurance pensions or other welfare funds are invested in Government stock; what has been the annual increase or decrease in the value of this investment recently; and what is his estimate of the value of such investment on the basis of an equivalent period in average equities.

Recent figures for the investments of the National Insurance Funds, including the Industrial Injuries Fund, are as follows:

£ million
Date	cost of investments	Market value of investments
31st March, 1967	1,684	1,382
31st March, 1968	1,609	1,207
31st March, 1969	1,435	972

On the last part of the Question, the transfer of these funds to equities would have had such wide implications for economic and monetary management as to render any such comparison valueless.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many supplementary benefit payments were made in the year April, 1968, to April, 1969, to fire brigade personnel on engagement before their initial pay was paid a week or month in arrears; how much this amounted to; and how much has since been recovered.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications, from relatives of people whose hospital or medical treatment through neglect or misjudgment has resulted in disabilities preventing them carrying on a normal life, have been turned down under the Limitation Acts since 1945 or during the most recent convenient period; and if, where such disabilities only appear in later life, he will seek to extend the operation of these Acts when they concern medical and hospital treatment.

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available and could not be produced without a disproportionate effort, but the Limitation Act, 1963, already provides relief in the type of case the hon. and gallant Member appears to have in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the high incidence of cancer of the breast, he will extend the scope of the official publicity concerning this danger in order to encourage women to undertake routine self-examination of breasts.

Publicity material is already available from the Health Education Council and certain voluntary bodies. This stresses the importance of getting medical advice about any lump in the breast without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the fact that the number of prescriptions has dropped by 14 million, by how much expenditure on the National Health Service has been reduced as a result.

The numerical comparison made by the hon. Member relates to prescriptions dispensed by chemists in England and Wales in the seven months to 31st January, 1969 and in the corresponding period a year earlier. The gross cost of prescriptions so dispensed was greater in the later period by about £630,000, an increase considerably less than could have been expected if prescription charges had not been reintroduced.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, how many deaths in the United Kingdom in which starvation was a main or contributory cause have come to the notice of his Department within the past five years.

Deaths attributed to hunger, thirst, exposure or neglect during the period 1964–68, in which starvation or malnutrition were reported, numbered 29. The number of deaths assigned to other primary causes to which these conditions contributed is not known.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates to be the saving in administrative costs of requiring patients to pay for all dental work not exceeding £2; and what is his estimate of this additional cost to the individual patient.

Assuming continuance of the present exemption arrangements, the saving in administrative cost would be small and would certainly not be sufficient to outweigh the objections to this form of charge. I have made no estimate of the incidence of additional cost on patients: it would, of course, vary according to the work done.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many estimates considered by the Dental Estimates Board in 1968 or the last year for which figures are available relate to work not exceeding £2 in value; and what percentage this represents of the total estimates considered during that period.

In 1967 approximately 9·5 million estimates considered by the Dental Estimates Board related to work not exceeding £2; this represents a little over half the total number of estimates considered in that year.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total cost of administration of the Dental Estimates Board in 1968 or the last year for which figures are available; and what percentage this is of the value of estimates considered by the board during that period.

The total administrative cost of the Dental Estimates Board in the year ended 31st December, 1967, the latest year for which details are yet available, was about £1·388 million; this is about 2 per cent. of the value of estimates authorised for payment during that period.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list the different types of spectacle frames available under the National Health Service, stating the date of the original design for each type specified and indicating the total demand for each type of spectacle frame for each of the past five years.

The following table shows the number of frames supplied annually and the estimated proportion of each type, supplied over the five-year period.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to provide official publicity for foreign girls entering Great Britain for an abortion of the risks of the operation.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he

Yes. The report is being published today. I would take this occasion to offer my deepest sympathy to the parents of the children who died. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House of Commons and are being sent to hospital authorities, who are being reminded of the need for the closest co-operation with medical officers of health in the control of infection; and to local authorities. Notification of gastro-enteritis in infancy has been the subject of discussion with the medical profession in the past and will be reconsidered with it in the light of recent events.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present patient-doctor ratio in the North West Region as compared with the national figure; and what measures are being taken to create equality of distribution as among the regions.

At 1st October, 1968 the average number of patients per doctor on the lists of doctors providing full general medical services in the North West Region was 2,595. The comparable figure for England was 2,493. Special allowances are provided to encourage doctors to practise in certain under-doctored areas, in this region and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what amount the total value of betterment levy collected in Scotland to date exceeds, or falls short of, the total cost to public funds of the Land Commission's operations in Scotland, and of services provided by other Departments attributable to the Commission's activities in Scotland to date.

Betterment levy collected in Scotland up to 28th May, 1969, amounted to £219,372 and the direct administrative costs attributable to the assessment and collection of levy to that date is £186,500. In addition the direct costs attributable to the land functions of the Commission to that date are £115,000.The costs of the services provided by other Departments to the Commission during this period cannot be readily apportioned between the Scottish and other offices of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of unpaid fines in Scotland on the most recent date for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures in the same month of each of the previous four years.

This information is not available to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects that work on the Foyers pump storage scheme will commence.

The main civil engineering works are expected to start in the autumn.

asked the Secreretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table comparing the rate of increase in murder with that of crimes of violence generally during the period 1958 to 1968.

The following table sets out for murders and crimes of violence made known between 1958 and 1968 the actual numbers and the percentage increase or decrease for each year compared with the 1958 figure.

	Murder made known		Crimes of violence made known
Year	Number (Uncorrected)	Percentage over or under the 1958 number	Number	Percentage over the 1968 number
		Per cent.		Per cent.
1958	18	—	1,193	—
1959	14	- 22·2	1,377	+ 15·4
1960	16	- 11·1	1,528	+ 28·1
1961	14	- 22·2	1,661	+ 39·2
1962	27	+ 50·0	1,829	+ 53·3
1963	16	- 11·1	1,936	+ 62·3
1964	27	+ 50·0	2,276	+ 90·8
1965	32	+ 77·8	2,623	+119·9
1966	30	+ 66·7	2,929	+145·5
1967	41	+127·8	3,535	+196·3
1968	41*	+127·8	3,586	+200·6
* Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the percentage increase in the number of murders made known to the police in Scotland between 1961 and 1964 and between 1964 and 1967.

The percentage increase in murders made known to the police in Scotland between 1961 and 1964 was 92·9 per cent., and between 1964 and 1967 was 51·9 per cent. The figures used for the calculation are those which have not been corrected in the light of judicial determinations in a subsequent year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the increase in crimes of violence in 1968 as compared with 1967; and how this compares with the increase in 1967 and 1966.

The provisional number of crimes of violence made known to the police in Scotland in 1968 was 3,586, showing an increase of 51 or 1·4 per cent. over the number of such crimes made known in 1967. The increase in 1967 was 606 or 20·7 per cent. over 1966, and in 1966 was 306 or 11·7 per cent. over 1965.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which education authorities in Scotland have informed him that they have made specific arrangements for giving guidance and help to disabled school leavers in making contact with amateur music societies and other recreational organisations.

Education authorities have not been asked for information of this kind. But I am confident that education authorities would be prepared to advise any handicapped school leaver who showed special interest in music or other recreations on how he might best pursue that interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the corrected figures for murder in England and Wales during the year 1968.

The latest corrected figure for offences of murder known to the police in England and Wales in 1968 is 174. This figure includes five offences not yet disposed of by the courts. The estimated number of "capital" offences within this total is 45, which includes one of the five cases outstanding.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to receive the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions' Reports for Northern Ireland and Wales.

I received the report of the Commission for Wales on 19th May. I expect to receive the report of the Commission for Northern Ireland soon, but I have not been given an exact date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the number of Special Branch personnel seconded by the Metropolitan Police to assist the Northern Ireland Government during the past three months.

No Metropolitan Police officers have been seconded to assist the Northern Ireland Government during the past three months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he will set up a committee to review the law relating to peremptory challenges in jury trials.

No. The right of peremptory challenge was considered during the passage of the Criminal Justice Act 1967, when an Amendment to abolish it was withdrawn after debate. I am not aware of any present need to re-open the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of persons between the ages of 16 to 21 years from the Republic of Italy who entered the United Kingdom during 1968 as migrant workers and for educational purposes, respectively.

I regret that this information is not available, but I shall write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the crude oil spill-out which fouled four miles of beach in Essex on 26th May.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement about the pollution by oil of beaches in Southend over the Whitsun holiday period.

At about 7.30 in the morning of Sunday, 25th May, oil from an unidentified source polluted about five miles of foreshore at Southend-on-Sea.Southend Corporation's oil pollution officer immediately organised clearance work, which was speedily and efficiently carried out. In accordance with the provisions of Circular 34/68, approval in principle has been given to the payment of 50 per cent. Exchequer grant on the final cost of the work. I am glad to say that all the beaches are now virtually clear of oil.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he has taken to ensure that copies of letters from interested parties objecting to appeals against the refusal of planning applications are not communicated to the appellants without the permission of the objectors.

There are standing instructions not to send an appellant a copy of a letter from an interested party without first obtaining the writer's specific permission, except where the circumstances indicate that he was aware that its contents would be disclosed. A letter received at an inquiry would be shown to the parties, and the writer's permission to do so would be presumed. My right hon. Friend cannot, in justice, take into account views expressed by a third party about an appeal unless the planning authority and the appellant are aware of them and have been given an opportunity to comment.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many dwellings built by housing associations he estimates will be completed in the city of Bradford in the years 1970 and 1971.

On present information I estimate some 180 completions in 1970 and 430 in 1971.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take following the publication of the Report of the Working Party on the Housing Revenue Account.

Neither the local authority associations nor the Government are committed to any of the recommendations or conclusions contained in the report, which need further study. The working party was not asked to consider wider issues of local authority housing finance, such as housing subsidies, the scope and function of rate fund contributions, rent fixing and rent rebates. These matters, together with the accounting issues studied by the working party, will be examined as part of the longer-term review of housing finance, on which work has begun.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will appoint an additional registrar of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division.

Consideration is being given to the question of appointing additional professional staff to the Criminal Appeal Office.

asked the Attorney-General when he expects to receive the Report of the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions.

I understand that the Royal Commission has reached an advanced stage in its work and will certainly report in the course of this year. I cannot yet say whether it will be before or after the Summer Recess.

asked the Attorney-General if he will give what information is available of the number of court orders made in matrimonial proceedings in each of the five years before 19th March, 1968, by which separate maintenance payments were ordered to be made for the benefit of an infant child or ward of one of the parties to the marriage.

I regret that the information is not available and it could not be provided without inquiries being made at over 1,000 courts. In each case it would be necessary for a great deal of time to be spent to extract the information from the court's records. This would involve an amount of work and expense which would not, in my view, be justified.

asked the Attorney-General if he will give what information is available of the number of court orders made in each of the five years before 19th March, 1968, in proceedings under the Fatal Accident Acts and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act for damages for the death or injury of a person, by which payments were ordered to be made for the benefit of an infant child or ward of such person.

I regret that the information is not available, and it could not be provided without inquiries being made at every county court and district registry in the country. Much time would have to be spent by the staff of these courts in looking through the courts' records to extract the information asked for. This would involve an amount of work and expense which would not, in my view, be justified.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances used in Agriculture and Food Storage will publish their further report on the use of the pesticide Dieldrin.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler) on 14th May.—[Vol. 783, c. 218.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek powers to enable him to make grants to fish merchants, similar to those available for fruit and vegetable merchants, and to control the rents charged to fish merchants for premises in reconstructed municipal markets.

No. The horticultural and fishing industries are supported in ways appropriate to the circumstances of each industry. It does not follow that the forms of assistance given to one should necessarily be given to the other.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of Army personnel at present in Northern Ireland who are engaged in the guarding of vital installations.

It is not our practice to disclose this kind of information.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost to public funds of the British troops at present in Northern Ireland being used to guard vital installations.

Between 20th April, 1969, and 31st May, 1969, the extra costs were about £36,000. A further £5,000 has been spent by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost of Royal Air Force personnel at present in Northern Ireland; and to what extent this has increased over the past three months.

About £2½ million a year, including an increase of approximately £150,000 a year over the past three months.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the numbers of Royal Air Force personnel in Northern Ireland; and to what extent they have been increased over the past three months.

About 1,700, including an increase of the order of 100 over the past three months.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence under what authority the rank element of a war service disability pension is reckoned as a service element.

The rank element of a disability pension awarded under the Army Pay Warrant, 1940, falls to be considered as a service element in the context of Civil Service superannuation awards. In that it is related to length of service in a particular rank or ranks it gives rise to non-effective pay for the purposes of Section 82 of the Superannuation Act, 1965 (formerly Section 5 of the Superannuation Act, 1887).

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to public funds of the stationing of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary on H.M.S. "Sea Eagle" since 5th October, 1968.

It is not possible to identify any cost to public funds. It is standard practice when visitors are temporarily accommodated in naval establishments to make no charge for their accommodation; but all meals are charged for at the standard victualling rate. These arrangements have applied to the accommodation of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in H.M.S. "Sea Eagle".

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the amount in sterling of military purchases by the German Federal Government from the United Kingdom under the offset agreement for the last financial year for which figures are available.

Final agreed figures for the financial year ended 31st March, 1969, are not yet available but provisional figures show that the amount is in excess of £20 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to ensure that the Armed Services should be trained in combating oil pollution, on the lines proposed by the Select Committee on Science and Technology on Coastal Pollution.

Research continues into clearance methods and the Ministry of Defence maintains close contact with its progress. We will consider in the light of this research whether any special training is required for the Services. It must be remembered, however, that the Armed Services will not normally be employed on clearance of oil pollution except in the case of a major disaster.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to assist the salvage authorities and industry to co-operate with the Government research establishments on the lines proposed by the Select Committee on Science and Technology on Coastal Pollution.

Close co-operation continues to exist on salvage matters between the Navy Department and the salvage authorities and industry. I am satisfied that all necessary steps are being taken to keep the British salvage industry informed of the progress on oil pollution research in relation to salvage matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will set out the selected regional indicators, as defined in Appendix C of the Report on Intermediate Areas, for each of the following employment exchange areas, namely, the Cheshire part of Merseyside, South Humberside, North-East Lancashire,

Unemployment Range

Employment

Male Employment

Proportion of Women at work

Net internal migration

Change

Change

Change

1961–66

1967

1968

1966

1961–66

1966

1961–66

1966

1961–66

1961–66

Per cent.

Per cent.

Per cent.

'000

Per cent.

'000

Per cent.

Per cent.

Per cent.

Per cent.

Merseyside

…

…

3–4

3–4

3–4

810

+4

500

+4

43

+1

-2

South Humberside

…

1–2

2–3

2–3

130

+6

90

+4

34

+2

+2

North East Lancashire

1–2

1–2

2–3

230

Nil

130

-1

47

Nil

-2

Bolton

…

…

1–2

2

2

109

-2

64

-2

47

+2

-2

Bury

…

…

…

0–2

2

2

61

+1

37

-3

48

+1

+3

Oldham

…

…

1–2

1

1–2

87

+2

51

+1

53

+2

-5

Rochdale

…

…

0–1

2

1–2

57

+2

33

+1

51

-1

Nil

Salford

…

…

1–2

2

2

741

-3

457

-4

47

+5

-9

Manchester

…

…

-9

Wigan

…

…

…

1–2

3

3

69

Nil

39

-7

44

+9

+1

Notes:

(i) Merseyside includes the whole travel to work area of Liverpool. Information for the Cheshire sector cannot be shown separately.

(ii) Information for Manchester and Salford cannot be separated. The figures cover a travel-to-work area which also included Stockport.

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will now designate that part of South-East Wales which will be an intermediate area.

My right hon. Friend will be announcing as soon as possible the precise boundaries of all the proposed intermediate areas described in broad terms in his statement of 24th April.—[Vol. 782, c. 668–83.]

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in view of the representation he has received from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham for further consideration of the Hunt Committee's recommendation in paragraph 487 of their report, if he will take steps to raise the minimum limit for industrial development for which a certificate is required to 10,000 square feet; and if he will make a statement.

No. In his statement of 24th April, my right hon. Friend explained why the Government's view of this proposal differed from that of the Hunt Committee.—[Vol. 782, c. 668–83.]

The following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what estimate she has made of the effect on the employment of fishermen in Hull of the Icelandic Government's decision to allow their vessels to fish within the 12-mile limit off Iceland.

I am not yet in a position to make an assessment of the proposed changes.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the vehicles group in East Anglia receive 84 per cent. of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;(2) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the ship, marine engineering group in East Anglia receive 87 per cent. of the national average pay for this group what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;(3) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the paper, painting, group in East Anglia receive 91 per cent of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;(4) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the engineering and electrical group in East Anglia receive 91 per cent. of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;(5) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the timber, furniture group in East Anglia receive 92 per cent. of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;(6) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the construction group in East Anglia receive 89 per cent. of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance.(7) in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of seeking to achieve equal pay for equal work, and bearing in mind table 37 of the report of the East Anglia Economic Planning Council that employees in the clothing, footwear group in East Anglia receive 93 per cent. of the national average pay for this group, what action she plans to take to redress this imbalance;

My right hon. Friend expects shortly to resume her discussions with the C.B.I. and T.U.C. with a view to agreeing a timetable for the implementation of equal pay as between men and women over an appropriate period. The precise definition of equal pay is one of the matters to be settled. However, no definition likely to be adopted will eliminate the disparities between earnings in different parts of the country which arise from a wide variety of factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the initial size of the total staff of the National Board for Prices and Incomes and its annual cost; and what is the respective size and cost today.

The total membership and staff (including agency secretarial staff) of the board initially was 32 rising to 110 by April 1966 and 308 by April 1969. The cost in 1965–66 was £208,223 and in 1968–69 approximately £865,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated percentage increase in earnings and productivity arising from the recent pay settlement concerning independent television technicians; what criteria are used in assessing productivity and what has been the percentage increase in productivity over the past two years using such criteria; and if the settlement falls within the Government's incomes policy.

The estimated percentage increase in earnings and fringe benefits are 4·9, 4·5 and 5·2 respectively for the three stages. Information relating to productivity increases is confidential. The incomes policy aspects of the settlement are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what date she was informed of the settlement of the dispute between members of the Electrical and Plumbing Trades Union and Sun Printers of Watford; and what is the estimated increase in rates, earnings and productivity arising from this settlement.

This settlement, notified on 21st May, covers 53 employees, introduces an additional grade of technician, and raises rates for other grades by between 10 and 20 per cent. The average increase in earnings of about 11 per cent. is to be offset by savings from changes in working practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many weeks it has taken her Department to assess the salary increase awarded to clerical staff of Massey Ferguson Limited against the requirements of incomes policy; what is the result of that assessment; what is the estimated percentage increase in productivity arising from the settlement; and what has been the estimated annual percentage increase in productivity of these employees during the past three years.

The company first notified my Department that a settlement had been reached on 21st February; the company provided further information in writing on 7th March and 10th April and at meetings with officials on 2nd, 8th May and on 5th June. The agreement is still under consideration and at this stage I cannot give any further information.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity to what extent her Department has studied the problem of young migrant workers as it would affect Italy and the United Kingdom on Great Britain joining the European Economic Community; and if her Department will sponsor a joint visit to Italy of representatives from appropriate British organisations with a view to engaging in the necessary forward planning in this field.

My Department has taken part in a number of studies into the problems of migrant workers, and keeps under review the implications on the movement of workers between this country and Italy of a possible United Kingdom entry into the Common Market. I think, however, it is too early to consider whether a visit should be arranged for the purpose my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity who are the members of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled; how often the Council meets; and when it last reviewed employment service for the disabled.

The members of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled are representatives of employers and workpeople (in equal numbers) and other persons interested in the problems of disablement. The council meets four times a year, and its four constituent committees each meet on average twice a year. At each council meeting some aspect of the employment services for the disabled is reviewed and current problems examined. The most recent meeting of the council was on 12th March, 1969. The present membership is listed below.

• Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Style, C.B.E.. D.S.C., R.N., Chairman.
• Mr. R. F. Barrack.
• Mr. S. C. Calder.
• Professor J. J. R. Duthie, M.B., F.R.C.P.(E.).
• Mr. P. N. G. Edge, O.B.E., D.S.C.
• Mr. A. Fisher.
• Mr. L. Forden, J.P.
• Miss M. Greaves.
• The Hon. J. Holland-Hibbert, C.B.E., J.P.
• Mr. J. Jack, C.B.E., J.P.
• Mr. M. Lambert.
• Mr. L. D. Levy.
• Mr. G. H. Lowthian, C.B.E.
• Mr. A. Martin.
• Dr. A. B. Monro, M.D., Ph.D., M.R.C.P.(E.), D.P.M.
• Alderman Mrs. A. Norman.
• Brigadier J. A. Oliver, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., T.D., A.D.C., D.L.
• Mr. L. W. Plewes, C.B.E., M.A., M.D., F.R.C.S.(E.).
• Sir Kenneth Robson, C.B.E., M.D., F.R.C.P.
• Mr. W. Simpson, O.B.E., D.F.C.
• Mr. E. B. T. Tanner.
• Dr. A. Thelwall Jones, M.D., F.R.C.P., D.P.H.
• Dame Katherine Watson-Watt, D.B.E.
• Mrs. D. M. Wedgwood, O.B.E.
• Mr. R. W. Westcombe, M.B.E., J.P.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many cases of dismissal of registered disabled persons have been investigated by a specially authorised officer of the local employment exchange during the last five years; and how many of these cases were referred by the Secretary of State to a disablement advisory committee.

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. In the last five years two cases are known to have been referred to a Disablement Advisory Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to prevent a company, details of which have been sent to him, from evading exchange control regulations by promoting the export of capital outside the sterling area through the Bahamas.

None. The company concerned will operate in accordance with United Kingdom exchange control regulations, and to the extent that it invests its sterling resources in foreign currency securities, will do so through the investment currency market.