asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the time of starting, duration of stay and time of return and also the crew qualifications and medical equipment of the new trawler safety support ship "Orsino" sent by him for service to the trawler fleet in the North and Arctic seas.

"Orsino" sailed today and will remain off Iceland until the end of April. In addition to the operating crew, there are on board a weather advisory officer, who is a temporary officer of H.M. Coastguard with command experience, a meteorologist, a doctor, a sick berth attendant, and four radio officers. Medical equipment is to Scale 1 of the Merchant Shipping Medical Scales appropriately modified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek to call a conference of chairmen of airport consultative committees.

I think there is much to be said for pooling experiences in consultation over airport issues, but I suggest that it would be more profitable to wait a little to allow the consultation facilities to operate for some time before calling such a conference as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of imports of tinned pineapple into the United Kingdom from South Africa in 1967 and 1968.

£1,675,000 and £1,748,000, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to set a limit to night flights from Luton Airport; and if he will make a statement.

No. I am advised that it would not be safe to rely on existing powers to impose such a limit even if one were otherwise justified. I understand, however, that the airport owner intends to restrict the growth in night jet movements next summer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much traffic has increased at Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh, over the last 10 years, in terms of the number of flights and passengers carried; and to what extent facilities at the airport have been increased in the same period.

The number of air transport movements has increased from 5,620 in 1959 to 11,946 in 1968 and the number of terminal passengers has risen from 149,000 to 616,000. Extensions to the facilities during the same period included the provision of some 12,000 square feet of additional accommodation for passengers; an increase in car parking capacity from 100 to 400 cars, and an extension of the apron by 6,500 square feet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many bankruptcies have taken place in the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucester between 1st January and 30th June, 1969; and what were the figures for the same period in 1966.

The numbers of receiving orders and administration orders in bankruptcy made in the county courts within the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucester (including the City and County of Bristol) in the first six months of 1969 were 38, 28, and 50, respectively. For the first six months of 1966 they were 20, 42, and 44, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will look into the possibility of speeding up Export Credits Guarantee Department procedure.

As with any commercial business, the great mass of straightforward requests for cover is dealt with speadily by E.C.G.D. More complicated transactions which often involve the precise examination of contracts of very high value inevitably take longer. The Department is generally considered to maintain a high standard of speed and efficiency, but if the hon. Member has a specific case or suggestion in mind I shall be pleased to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the recommendations, copies of which are in his possession, of the Consumer Council and the Advertising Standards Association on inertia selling; if he will now introduce legislation to prevent this quite widespread practice; and if he will make a statement.

I do not so far see a legislative solution which would provide adequate protection for all the interests concerned. But I should be glad to discuss this complicated question further with my hon. Friend or the bodies to which he refers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many mid-air collisions have occurred since 1962 to the latest convenient date, involving British aircraft and aircraft flying in or around Great Britain; and what instructions are now in force to lessen the chance of such accidents.

During the period 1st January, 1962, to 31st October, 1969, there were nine mid-air collisions involving British civil aircraft and aircraft flying in and around Great Britain. None involved public transport aircraft. Prevention depends primarily upon prompt reporting and thorough investigation of all possible airmisses, followed up equally promptly by action to improve procedures, rules and regulations. All airmiss reports are thoroughly investigated by an organisation known as the Air Miss Working Group, and any improvements in procedures and rules found necessary are promptly put into effect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will commission an economic analysis to establish the likely date when British trade and investment in the countries of Black Africa will overtake that with and in the Southern African countries under minority white régimes.

No. Our trade with the Southern African countries to which my hon. Friend refers is already exceeded by our trade with the other African countries. In the case of investment I do not think that a date when such a position will be reached can be established by economic analysis.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects further progress in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on discussions about a generalised non-reciprocal scheme of preferences for the products of developing countries.

An up-to-date report on progress in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development was submitted to U.N.C.T.A.D. as recently as 14th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now seek to reduce the minimum hire-purchase deposit required for the purchase of motor vehicles.

It would be premature to ease hire-purchase restrictions at this stage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take action to prohibit the import into this country of telephone tapping devices, except under licence issued by himself.

It is difficult to distinguish effectively between such devices and equipment which is widely used for other and harmless purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to stimulate trade with Singapore; and whether he will take steps to put United Kingdom exporters on equal basis to those from Australia and Japan in relation to credit facilities.

The full range of the Government's export promotion services and of E.C.G.D. facilities is at the disposal of exporters in support of trade with Singapore. Credit facilities available to British exporters are, taken as a whole, at least as good as those available to their Australian and Japanese competitors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many companies or firms have gone into voluntary liquidation during the last 10 years; what was the total deficit involved; how many of them were registered as co-operative societies; and what was the loss involved in the latter.

The following is the information:The number of voluntary liquidations of companies in England and Wales of which the Board has cognisance in each of the 10 last complete years are:

Year	Members'*	Creditors'	Total
1959	2,564	894	3,458
1960	2,689	1,038	3,727
1961	2,843	1,234	4,077
1962	2,713	1,478	4,191
1963	2,987	1,468	4,455
1964	3,051	1,383	4,434
1965	4,073	1,796	5,869
1966	8,190	2,322	10,512
1967	4,908	2,235	7,143
1968	6,108	2,109	8,217
* Members' voluntary liquidations are by definition of solvent companies.

Statistics are not available as to the total of deficits involved and to ascertain this figure would involve an undue expense of time and effort.The above figures do not include any co-operative societies. The following are figures of voluntary windings-up of con- sumer retail co-operatives under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts.

Year		Members'	Creditors'	Total
1959	…	1	—	1
1960	…	—	1	1
1961	…	—	—	—
1962	…	1	—	1
1963	…	1	—	1
1964	…	—	—	—
1965	…	—	—	—
1966	…	—	—	—
1967	…	3	1	4
1968	…	6	—	6

Statistics of deficits are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to provide for a statutory estate agents registration council.

Whilst I am in complete agreement that some measure of regulation is very desirable, I cannot say when it will be possible to introduce legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the closure of Inverness airport for two weeks for work on runways was announced at short notice, causing a reduction in the scheduled flights from the alternative airport at Lossiemouth.

Notice was admittedly short but the work was becoming rather urgent and we wished to take advantage of the unexpected availability of Lossiemouth during the second half of November. A longer notice would probably have resulted in Lossiemouth being able to accept few or none of the flights prevented from using Dalcross.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the concern among British airline pilots over the increasing number of near misses occurring among passenger and other aircraft under flight control; and what steps he proposes to take to make flying safer for passengers and pilots.

The National Air Traffic Control Service is in continuous contact with the British Air Line Pilots' Association and other user organisations on all matters affecting aircraft safety. B.A.L.P.A. are also members of the Air Miss Working Group which examines reports of air misses and recommends on remedial action if this is required. Improvements are constantly being made to the N.A.T.C.S. air traffic control systems and procedures in the interests of safety and to meet the continuing increase in air traffic movements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he has made towards drafting legislation to bring about further disclosure by public companies.

A substantial part of the Companies Act, 1967, was concerned with disclosure. I continue to keep this matter under review, but I do not expect to propose legislation on it in the present Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements exist to reimburse officers and men of the Armed Services for the expenses they incur in providing official hospitality at British promotion weeks abroad sponsored by his Department.

There is no specific requirement for officers and men of the Armed Services to undertake official hospitality at British promotions abroad sponsored by the Board of Trade. We are grateful to them for adding such colour and warmth to these occasions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many night flights are expected for Heathrow in 1970; and whether, in the interests of those who attempt to sleep below them, he will now eliminate them altogether.

Taking night as the period between 11.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m., the total number of movements in 1970 is expected to be about 17,000, of which 5,800 are attributable to jet aircraft. The severe limit on jet movements at night in the period 1st April to 31st October will have remained unchanged for five years in the interests of the public. A complete ban would impose disproportionately severe penalties on airlines, travellers and the movement of freight.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were, respectively, the maximum and the minimum number of landings and take-offs by jet aircraft from Heathrow, London Airport during the restricted night hours in the months of April, May, June, July, August and September; and whether he will place in the Library full details of all jet aircraft movements, including types of aircraft and loadings, for the night hours during the period from April to October.

The information is:

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM NIGHT* LANDINGS AND TAKE-OFFS BY JET AIRCRAFT AT HEATHROW
			Landings
Month			Maximum	Minimum
April	…	…	13	3
May	…	…	14	3
June	…	…	15	5
July	…	…	17	4
August	…	…	16	4
September	…	…	22	3

			Take-Offs
Month			Maximum	Minimum
April	…	…	14	1
May	…	…	11	1
June	…	…	16	2
July	…	…	20	4
August	…	…	18	1
September	…	…	13	2
* Between 11.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. B.S.T.

The information asked for in the second part of the question is not readily available and to provide it would involve undue expenditure of time and money.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy regarding the rôle of Liverpool Airport in his pattern for civil aviation in the North-West area.

It is primarily for local interests to assess the rôle of airports other than the main international gateways, and in this case for the Liverpool City Council to take account of the needs of civil aviation in the area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the minimum height at which aircraft to and from Heathrow Airport are permitted to fly over central London.

Aircraft arriving at Heathrow are required not to descend below 2,000 feet before intercepting the glide path, unless otherwise directed by air traffic control. Departing jet aircraft are required, after passing the relevant monitoring point at a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet, to maintain a rate of climb of at least 500 feet per minute.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what are the functions of his Regional Controller in the Northern Region.

The work now falling to the Board of Trade in the Northern Region is centred on export promotion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the precise purpose of the new census of production for 1969 lately requested from industry.

The census of production for 1969 will provide estimates of capital expenditure and stock-building more reliable and in greater detail than is possible from the voluntary quarterly inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a ship testing the Sussex rocky coast at Blackrock for the purpose of preparing plans for a marina base on 22nd October, 1969, was impaled on the rocks there, if he will set up an inquiry into the incident and into the effect of the shape of the coastline on navigation in the area; and if he will make a statement on the injury, loss of life and property which was thereby caused.

No casualty at Blackrock has been reported, but I understand that recently a ship was deliberately grounded there for the purpose of making a test boring. I am advised that the coast line in the Blackrock area does not present any particular danger to navigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the report of the Rochdale Committee on Shipping.

We hope to receive the Committee's report about the end of this year or very soon afterwards.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the average number of firms going bankrupt per week over the most recent convenient four-week period; and what was the average rate for the same period a year ago.

The provisional weekly average numbers of insolvencies occurring in England and Wales during October, 1969, were:—bankruptcies 96 (including 5 partnerships); compulsory liquidations 51; and creditors' voluntary liquidations 40. The weekly averages for October, 1968, were:—bankruptcies 90 (including 6 partnerships); compulsory liquidations 38; and creditors' voluntary liquidations 34.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated total cost of the export promotional activities of his Department being undertaken in the current financial year; and what is the proportion to be recouped through charges for services rendered.

The estimated expenditure on export promotion is of the order of £6·5 million. Receipts from charges are esimated to be £150,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by how much he proposes to increase expenditure on export promotion during 1970.

It is too early to indicate how much it is expected to spend on export promotion in the next financial year, 1970–71. We can, however, give an assurance that we shall continue to accord the present high priority to this important area of activity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost for printing and publishing the plastic pocket statistical digest of statistics "Britain in Figures", prepared for his Department by the Central Office of Information in June, 1968 and printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Ebenezer Baylis and Company Limited, Worcester; and whether he will bring this up to date with the figures for 1968 and showing comparisons with 1964.

135,000 copies of the card were printed at a cost of £1,274. We are considering the issue of a new edition.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further financial assistance he proposes to give to trade missions.

I have decided to improve the terms for inward and outward trade missions. In future the British National Export Council will meet up to 75 per cent. of the economy or tourist class air fares for approved missions of foreign business men visiting the United Kingdom from all parts of the world except Western Europe. As regards outward missions, the existing 75 per cent. rate for air fares to certain countries in Asia and Australasia will continue to apply until the end of 1970. I am also introducing the same terms from 1st January, 1970, for missions to California in connection with the trade drive which is being sponsored there jointly by the Board of Trade and the British National Export Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) in view of the fact that the United States Government have announced a total ban on supersonic overflying until the problem of the sonic boom has been solved, it Her Majesty's Government will impose a similar ban in respect of the United Kingdom; what estimate he has made of the effects of the general adoption of such bans upon the financial viability of Concorde; and if Her Majesty's Government will now abandon this project;(2) whether, in the aircraft noise regulations he proposes to lay before the House in the new year, he will provide for the total prohibition of supersonic flying over land by civil aircraft.

Her Majesty's Government have not yet decided on restrictions to be imposed on supersonic flights over the United Kingdom. I understand that the manufacturers' sales forecasts for Concorde have always allowed for the possibility that supersonic flight over land might be prohibited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how he proposes to improve the export intelligence service by the Board of Trade.

The Export Service Bulletin will be replaced next year by a new service in which the export opportunities reported by the British embassies and high commissions overseas will be matched, using a computer, with the specific requirements of the individual exporter. We propose also to increase the volume of opportunities and export information disseminated through the new service.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what he is doing to promote invisible exports.

The Government gives assistance in a number of ways. I shall be discussing the situation with the Committee on Invisible Exports next month.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will adopt 80 EPND as an objective to aim for in the matter of aircraft noise.

Our objective is to reduce aircraft noise by all means that are reasonable and practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what negotiations he has had with the Government of Indonesia on further lines of credit; and if he will make a statement.

None. The Indonesian Government are not at present taking on new liabilities on terms for which a line of credit would be appropriate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the report attached to the annual accounts of Lloyds Bank for 1968 did not disclose the fact that a donation of £2,000 has been made to the Economic League; and if he will institute proceedings against Lloyds Bank for breach of Section 19 of the Companies Act, 1967, relating to donations for political purposes.

Yes, as regards the first part of the Question. I am advised that on the evidence available it could not he established that an offence had been committed and accordingly no proceedings should be brought.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent withdrawal of United States film interests from this country, he will take steps to increase the grant to the British Film Fund; and if he will make a statement.

The British Film Fund is financed not by a grant but by a levy on exhibitors under Section 2 of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1957. The rate of the levy is decided after consultation with the Cinematograph Films Council and taking account of the interests of both producers and exhibitors. There are no plans at present for changing the current rate.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has investigated the events surrounding the appre- hension by British Army personnel of Hugh and Edward Bowman and others in the Woodstock Road area in Belfast; and whether he will state how the injuries which they received were inflicted.

A claim for damages has been received from solicitors acting for Mr. Hugh Bowman. The circumstances surrounding the incident which culminated in the arrest of Hugh and Edward Bowman are in the process of being investigated. It would therefore not be right for me to speculate on the outcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are being made to improve amenities for the forces stationed in Hong Kong.

I am not aware that there is a need for any general improvement in amenities for the forces stationed in Hong Kong. Improvements are made from time to time to meet particular requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why horses of the Household Cavalry are being sold to slaughterers; and if this is done with his express authority.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Sir Richard Glyn) on Thursday, 20th November.—[Vol. 791, c. 375.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many units of air conditioning equipment, and to what value, will be left behind in Singapore and Malaysia on the withdrawal of British forces in 1971.

It is not possible to say now how many units of air conditioning equipment will be left in Singapore and Malaysia in 1971. Some of this equipment may be transferred elsewhere, some will be transferred free to the local Governments under the arrangements announced in paragraph 8 of the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy 1968 (Cmnd. 3701) and some may be disposed of by sale.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the lack of training time available for Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve cadres; and what reply he has sent.

The Council of Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations has represented that the cadres should have the same amount of training time as the other independent units of the TAVR. The Council was told that the matter would be reviewed at the end of the training season. The review is in hand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the prohibition against beef imports from Uruguay is still in force; and what steps are being taken towards removing the conditions which led to this ban.

The Uruguayan Government have been informed of the shortcomings which made it necessary for us to withdraw recognition of their official certificate, and two of my veterinary staff have spent three months in Uruguay in an advisory capacity. The improvements necessary will take time to complete but I understand that they are in hand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken by the White Fish Authority to encourage the consumption of fish by children taking school meals.

While I share my hon. Friend's interest in encouraging the consumption of fish, his question is one for the authority itself to answer. I have therefore invited the chairman to write to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why there is a shortage of pepper; if he will take steps to make supplies available; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price) on 5th November. In the circumstances, I see no case for Government intervention.—[Vol. 790, c. 125.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce amending legislation to ensure that twin unit caravans are regarded as caravans within the meaning of the Caravan Sites (Control of Development) Act, 1960.

I have no evidence of practical difficulties which would necessitate such legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what developments are being carried out in Lanarkshire under the urban aid programme.

None at present. I regret that Lanarkshire County Council, who were one of five local authorities in Scotland specially selected to participate in tile initial phase of the urban programme, have decided not to proceed with their proposals in the current financial year. These proposals were for a new nursery school at Cambuslang and the provision of nursery places at Hozier Secondary School at Viewpark near Bellshill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many part-time teachers are employed in Glasgow in primary schools and secondary schools, respectively; how these figures compare with each of the last five years; and in what subjects vacancies mostly exist.

I am asking Glasgow Education Authority to send this information to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to reduce the average four-and-a-half week waiting time for patients seeking orthopaedic treatment at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

I understand from the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board that it hopes to bring into use the new out-patient department at the Western General Hospital, which will include

HOUSES COMPLETED IN GLASGOW
			Glasgow Corporation	S.S.H.A.	Private Owners	Housing Associations and Government Departments	Total
1963	…	…	2,990	392	183	16	3,581
1964	…	…	4,318	509	197	—	5,024
1965	…	…	4,109	579	164	—	4,852
1966	…	…	3,604	1,359	57	—	5,020
1967	…	…	4,389	1,156	93	6	5,644
1968	…	…	4,051	440	77	—	4,568
1969 (to 30th September)		…	2,074	241	126	6	2,447

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the training of staff in occupational centres for mentally handicapped children and adults.

I have appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. C. Melville, Director of Education for Roxburgh, to review the training for staff in occupational centres. The remit of the committee is:

To consider the training of the staff of education authority occupational centres for mentally handicapped children and local authority training centres for adult defectives, and to consider how far this training might be suitable for staff in local authority care centres for mentally handicapped children who have been excluded from education or training in school, and staff engaged in the education and training of children in mental deficiency hospitals.

The members of the committee are:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses were built in Glasgow in each year since 1963 by Glasgow Corporation, the Scottish Special Housing Association and by private builders, respectively.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many small businesses in Scotland have closed down in the past two years; and whether he will publish a list of the main economic difficulties confronting them in addition to selective employment tax.

I have been asked to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many violent crimes were committed last year in Glasgow; how many constituted robbery with violence; and how many constituted violence against the person.

The information is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of the capital value of all United Kingdom commercial and industrial assets currently owned by nationalised industries or by Government Departments; and what were the corresponding percentages in 1964 and 1951.

The only comprehensive figures for industrial and commercial assets are those for the net capital stock at current replacement cost in the National Income Blue Book, adjusted to exclude dwellings and the non-trading assets of central Government and local authorities. Of these assets, 32 per cent. were owned by public corporations and the central Government at the end of 1968 compared with 28 per cent. at the end of 1964. Figures for 1951 are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how many years he intends to try to maintain an annual £500 million surplus on current account of balance of payments; and if he will make a statement.

We shall require a continuing substantial surplus for some time ahead. I would not think it right at this stage to set a term.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to invite the joint stock banks to make cheap credit available to other industries beside shipping and export credit finance as part of his export promotion drive.

No. The existing arrangements for the provision of fixed rate finance for exports and shipbuilding are working satisfactorily and I see no reason to make a change at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the cost of work done by district valuers on behalf of the Land Commission for the year ending 31st December, 1969, both in respect of the betterment levy and for acquisitions.

The estimated cost of the betterment levy work in 1969 is £1.200,000 which for the period after 31st March is based on the new formula introduced in the Estimate for 1969–70 (published in February, 1969). The estimated cost of acquisition work is £210,000.

asked the Minister of Technology (1) whether it will be the responsibility of the proposed commission on units and standards of measurement to submit proposals to him for new legislation and a new Weights and Measures Act for bringing in metric units and standards;(2) when he will set up a commission on units and standards of measurement as outlined in Sections 7 and 8 of the Weights and Measures Act, 1963.

As my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Dobson) was told in my right hon. Friend's reply on 24th July, 1969, the Government have decided that the composition and terms of reference of the Commission contemplated under the 1963 Act would not permit either sufficiently wide consultation of all the relevant interests, or fully comprehensive consideration of all the current issues concerning metric units, which now need to be urgently resolved to facilitate metrication. My right hon. Friend has therefore appointed a more broadly-based Committee with wider terms of reference to advise him on the legislation required to provide for the definition of metric units and related matters concerning standards. This Committee which will be known as the Advisory Committee on Legal Units of Measurement will also advise him on the need for a standing advisory body on units and standards of measurement in the place of the Commission envisaged in the 1963 Act.—[Vol. 787, c. 486–7.]

asked the Minister of Technology what part he estimates that indigenous energy sources in this country will play in the drive for increased exports.

Exports of coal and home refined petroleum products are going well. The main rôle of the fuel industries however is to underpin the export efforts of others by ensuring adequate supply and efficiency in production. The fuel industries are well aware of this need and have substantial achievements to their credit.

asked the Minister of Technology what part he estimates that the paper industry will play in the drive for increased exports.

This industry's principal export opportunities are in specialities and grades with high added value. It is taking good advantage of these: in 1968 the industry's total exports were 20 per cent. higher in value than in 1967, and there is an encouraging fur- ther increase this year. The industry believes that it can continue to increase its exports, and I share this view.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to introduce a system of Government bulk purchase of nickle in view of the current world shortage.

I am afraid that Government purchasing would do nothing to increase supplies of nickel to users in the present situation.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the total value of contracts placed by his Department in the Northern Region this year.

In the nine months January to September inclusive contracts to a value of about £800,000 were placed by the Department in the Northern Region.

asked the Minister of Technology what progress is being made in solving the difficulties experienced by the operators of amphibious hovercraft with the flexible skirts of these craft; and what support he is giving to the development of improved skirt design.

The Department had kept close watch on the experimental operation of the SRN 4 during late summer 1968. As a result the Department investigated the craft and its skirt problems and decided to concentrate on the SRN 4 to establish a scientific understanding of the problems. Concurrently the Department is working with manufacturers and the operators to improve the existing skirt; in a joint programme aimed at short- and long-term solutions. We are encouraged in this work by experience on the SRN 6 where skirt finger life has improved from less than 500 hours to 1,200 hours.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to encourage investment in industry and the distribution trades; and how the present level of investment compares with the position a year and two years ago.

Current indications for manufacturing investment are favourable, but the Government are keeping a close watch on the situation. The volume of investment by manufacturing industry was 2 per cent. higher in the second quarter of 1969 than in the second quarter of 1967 and 11 per cent. higher than in the second quarter of 1968. The corresponding figures for the distribution industries are 2 per cent. and 1 per cent.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will agree to recognise for negotiating purposes on matters connected with the conditions of service of Members of Parliaments the House of Commons Members Association.

I am afraid I am not aware of this Association.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will arrange that the chimes associated with a change of picture on the closed circuit annunciators should precede such a change by a few seconds rather than follow it.

I am not convinced that there is any widespread desire for this change. It seems that many Members find it more convenient to have their attention drawn to a change of picture after it has taken place.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that there is a telephonist available to answer incoming calls at Old Palace Yard at all times when either hon. Members or their secretaries are working in that building.

When the House is sitting, the telephones in 7 Old Palace Yard are manned from 9 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Friday. If the hon. Member has had any difficulty over incoming calls, I should be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what consultations she has had regarding the introduction of an industrial training board for fishermen.

I am reviewing the question of an industrial training board for the fishing industry in the light of the recommendations regarding training made by the Committee of Inquiry into Trawler Safety under the chairmanship of Admiral Sir Denis Holland-Martin and I am consulting my right hon. Friends concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what has been the percentage price increase from October, 1964, to April, 1969, in the nationalised industries, transport and vehicle, food, durable household goods and clothing and footwear, respectively; and what has been the average price rise in the same period.

The percentage increases between 13th October, 1964, and 22nd April, 1969, as measured by the General Index of Retail Prices, were as follows:

Nationalised industries	…	26·1
Transport and vehicles	…	21·2
Food	…	22·3
Durable household goods	…	14·1
Clothing and footwear	…	10·6
All items	…	22·1

NOTES:1. The items included under the heading "Nationalised industries" are:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what proportion of registered unemployed persons in England and Wales, respectively, have been unemployed for over eight weeks.

Of the total numbers registered as wholly unemployed—except casual workers—at 13th October, 1969, in England, 52·3 per cent. had been on the registers for more than eight weeks. The corresponding figure for Wales was 58·1 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support he is giving to microbiological research; and whether he will consider in conjunction with the Science Research Council, the Medical Research Council and the University Grants Committee, the establishment of a national microbiological centre at a British university

It is not possible to quantify the expenditure on microbiological research from the grants for which my right hon. Friend is responsible, because it is difficult to isolate this work within

Year									(a) Parliamentary Grant-in-Aid (£ million)	(b) Cancer Research: Estimated Direct Expenditure (£ million)
1967–68	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	14·232	1·433
1968–69	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	15·231	1·465
1969–70	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	17·141	1·574

ANALYSIS OF COLUMN (b)
	1967–68	1968–69	1969–70
	£	£	£
Medical Research Council establishments	836,758	807,611	879,740
Block grants:
Institute of Cancer Research, London	420,000	461,000	485,000
Beatson Institute of Cancer Research, Glasgow	16,000	33,000	35,620
Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute	66,000	80,000	84,000
Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge	5,000	—	—
Grants and training awards	88,767	83,485	89,640
	1,432,525	1,465,096	1,574,000

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state, from information available to him from international sources, the starting salary, basic salary after five years, the basic salary after 10 years and the average salary of a non-graduate teacher in Great Britain, the United States of America, France, Germany and Sweden in the latest year for which figures are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what sums have been made available to the Medical Research Council in the last three years; what part of those sums have been disbursed in cancer research; and to what organisations.

The figures are as follows:

I do not collect this information about countries overseas, with which valid comparisons are not practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state, from information available to him from international sources, for Great Britain, the United States of America, France, Germany and Sweden the total expenditure in £ sterling on education in the latest year for which figures are available; what this was as a percentage of the gross national product; what was the total cost of teachers' salaries; and what this was as a percentage of total expenditure on education.

The latest information available from international sources

	U.K.	U.S.A.	France*	Western Germany†	Sweden
Public Expenditure on Education in 1965
In national currencies (m.)	1,820	36,687	16,513	15,330	6,620
In sterling at 1965 exchange rates (£m.)	1,820	13,102	1,197	1,369	456
As percentage of national income	6·4	6·5	4·8	4·5	7·3‡
Public Expenditure on Teachers' Salaries in 1965
In national currencies (m.)	726	—	9,800	8,959	3,086
In sterling at 1965 exchange rates (£m.)	726	—	711	800	213
As percentage of public expenditure on education	40	—	59	58	47
As percentage of national income	2·6	—	2·9	2·6	3·4‡
* Ministry of Education only.
† Including West Berlin.
‡ As a percentage of gross national product.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a list of the educational priority areas in the London Borough of Lambeth, and the names of the schools in each area.

Educational priority areas have not been designated by the Department, but on the basis of proposals made by the Inner London Education Authority, 14 schools falling within the London Borough of Lambeth have benefited from one or more of the following:

(i) The Department's school building programme for educational priority areas (6 schools);

(ii) The special allowance of £75 per annum for teachers in schools of exceptional difficulty (6 schools), and

(iii) Nursery classes or other provisions under the Urban Programme (8 schools).

The schools are:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will state the number of teachers and pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools in the educational priority areas in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969;(2) if he will state the number of teachers and the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in the educational priority areas in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969;(3) how much money has been allocated to the educational priority area programme since its inception; how he intends to measure its cost effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on progress so far;(4) if he will state the number and percentage of children of nursery school age attending nursery schools or classes in the educational priority areas in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

Eighty-six local education authorities in England and Wales have benefited from:

(i) My Department's school building programme for educational priority areas (£16 million in 1968–70);

(ii) The special allowance of £75 per annum for teachers in schools of exceptional difficulty (£0·4 million per annum, and

(iii) The education element of the Urban Programme (£3·4 million so far).

Benefit relates to parts of their areas which have been identified as suffering from multiple social deprivation. It is too soon to attempt to measure the results of this expenditure. I am sending the hon. Member all the information for these authorities which is readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases of breach of public safety and public order there have been in Anguilla in the last six months; and if he will make a list of them.

In the six months since May, 1969, there have ben no incidents in Anguilla leading to prosecution for offences against public safety and public order.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to preserve The Grange, Neasden, London, N.W.10 in order to prevent its demolition.

The Grange, which belongs to the council of the London Borough of Brent, is included in the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. My right hon. Friend is advised by the Historic Buildings Council that it is not sufficiently outstanding for him to pay grant towards its repair under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act, 1953, but the council would have to obtain listed building consent from him before they could demolish it.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the administrative cost to employers in both the private and public sectors of maintaining individual contribution records for all contributors to the National Insurance Fund; and what was this cost per contributor.

There is insufficient information available to make an estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost to public funds in 1968 of maintaining individual contribution records for all contributors to the National Insurance Fund; what were the main items in this cost; and what was the cost per contributor.

It is impossible to segregate the cost of maintaining individual records from the cost necessarily incurred in ensuring that the right contributions are paid. However, the estimated cost of maintaining the records of flat rate and graduated contributions in the Department's Central Office at Newcastle is about £4¼ million a year. The main items are:

	£ million
Wages and salaries	3
Superannuation	½
Accommodation	¼
Postage, stationery and sundry costs	½
Total	4¼

The cost for each contributor is just over 3s. a year.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will amend the sign on motorway M1 at its junction with A5 to include mention of Nuneaton.

No. It is necessary severely to limit the number of place for names on motorway signs in order that they may be easily intelligible to drivers.

asked the Minister of Transport, in connection with the proposed Ludlow bypass, what investigations have been made into the possibility of a tunnel for a bypass on the east side of the town; and what is the estimated cost of such a scheme.

The possibility of tunnelling through the Whitcliffe is being investigated, but not a tunnel on the east side of the town. No estimate of cost is at present available.