asked the Minister of Technology what is his policy concerning the retirement of civil servants of the scientific officer class special merit promotees in his Department.

These officers normally retire between the ages of 60 and 65. The present policy is aimed at maximum retention subject to the efficiency and health of individuals and a continued need for work within their specialisation and expertise.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on current supplies of nickel to British industry.

I am glad to say that there has been a welcome improvement in the supply prospects for nickel. The industrial disputes at the installations of the principal suppliers in Canada have been settled and their nickel mining and processing operations have been resumed. We can now expect a progressive increase of supplies to this country, beginning in the course of this month and building up to pre-strike levels over the next four to five months. However, the refinery at Clydach in the United Kingdom is still not operating, because of an industrial dispute. We hope that this will be settled soon.

asked the Minister of Technology if he is aware that the plating industry is having to pay eight or more times the official price for nickel due to the shortage of supply; and if he will arrange for the release of Government stocks to the plating industry.

The shortage of nickel has affected all users, and the plating industry has not been alone in having to resort to purchases of more expensive "free market" nickel. I am not persuaded that there is a case for making releases to this industry from the defence stockpile, which is small and must be carefully husbanded.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a further statement on the availability of nickel supplies in this country.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar Question today.

asked the Minister of Technology how the present level of industrial stocks in relation to the present gross national product compares with recent periods of similar industrial growth.

I am publishing a table showing quarterly from 1958 the ratio of total stocks to gross domestic product both measured at 1963 prices seasonally adjusted (quarterly figures of gross national product are not available at constant prices). The ratio at the end of June 1969 was higher than during 1964 and similar to that in the last half of 1960 and first half of 1961, periods when industrial production was growing at 2 per cent. per annum, a similar rate to that in the first half of 1969.RATIO OF STOCKS TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTStocks at end of quarter at constant (1963) prices, seasonally adjusted.Gross domestic product in quarter, seasonally adjusted.End 1962 radio = 100.

asked the Minister of Technology how many disputed claims for benefit under the Redundant Mineworkers (Payments Scheme) Order 1968 have been referred to local appeals committees.

None. I have accepted a recent claim without troubling the local appeal committee with it.

asked the Minister of Technology how many square feet of new factories have been built per 1,000 of the population in the South-Western Development Area since 1964; and what is the equivalent figure for all the other development areas taken together.

3·4 and 5·6 respectively, based on the number of factories completed for manufacturing industries between 1st January, 1964 and 31st March, 1969 for which industrial development certificates have been issued.

asked the Minister of Technology what increases in the import of textiles from Korea he estimates will result from the change from quotas to tariffs.

No such detailed estimates have been attempted, nor would they be practicable.

asked the Minister of Technology if he is aware

asked the Minister of Technology what is the value of all development grants given by his Department per 1,000 of the population in the South-Western Development Area since 1964; and what is the equivalent figure for all other development areas taken together.

The following is the table:that the protection of the proposed tariff on imported textiles will be nullified by the drop in costs of overseas production, due to the collapse of the black market in quotas; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

The Textile Council was well aware of the point the hon. Member had in mind. Nonetheless it was confident that a decision to replace the quotas on cotton textiles by a tariff on imports from the Commonwealth would encourage the industry to reduce its costs to such an extent that the tariff would be more effective than the quotas in limiting imports into this countrty.

asked the Minister of Technology (1) if he will make a statement on the talks held between the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation and representatives of the boot and shoe manufacturing firms;(2) what talks have taken place between his department and representatives of the hoot and shoe manufacturing firms on reconstruction of the industry; and if he will make a statement.

The scope for rationalisation is a matter which the Department has very much in mind in its contacts with the industry, and we shall continue to follow up any promising possibilities. I understand that the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation have had discussions with some companies, and would welcome constructive proposals.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the Anglo-French helicopter programme.

The Anglo-French helicopter programme is making good progress. The SA.330 is in production and deliveries to the French Army and for export have already taken place. Last week we and the French Government agreed to start production of the SA.341 and to complete development of the WG.13 up to the launching of production in 1972. The association between the firms concerned on both sides of the Channel shows considerable promise.

asked the Minister of Technology when the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation will divest itself of its equity shares in George Kent Limited.

The Corporation made it clear in the statement they issued when George Kent Limited acquired Cambridge Instruments that they intended to dispose of their shareholding when the benefits of the merger had been realised.

asked the Minister of Technology whether the Investment Grants Advisory Committee have yet reported on the operation of the minimum value policy; and if he will make a statement.

No. I understand that the Committee has given some thought to the matter, but has decided that it would be inappropriate to make a report until a final judgment had been given in the case which the British Oxygen Company has brought against the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the present level of stocks of finished steels and raw materials held by the British Steel Corporation; and how this compares with the level held in November, 1968.

I am asking the Chairman to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will hold consultations with the British Steel Corporation with regard to the desirability of increasing their loan capital to finance essential renewal and expansion of plant and output.

I have no evidence that essential renewal or expansion of plant and output is being held back through lack of funds.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will place in the Library a copy of the independent report commissioned by his Department on the appraisal of the industrial liaison scheme.

I have arranged for copies of a summary of the report to be placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of Technology how many Beagle aircraft of each type have been delivered to customers; and in respect of how many of these aircraft complaints have been received.

As stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Captain Kerby) on 21st October, although the Government is its sole shareholder Beable Aircraft Ltd. is a company incorporated by registration under the Companies Acts and affairs are therefore conducted by a board of directors and management as an ordinary commercial enterprise. It would accordingly be inappropriate for me to answer Questions relating to the company's day to day business.—[Vol. 788, c. 226–7.]

asked the Minister of Technology what decision he has reached about Government financial support for an alternative Rolls Royce power plant for the A300B European airbus.

Rolls Royce have not yet approached me with a formal request for financial support for the version of the RB211 which they have offered for the A300B. I have however discussed the situation in depth with the firm.

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to implement the proposals made by the Consumer Council for improving the consumer consultative machinery in the coal, gas and electricity supply industries.

The Ministry and the Consultative Councils have examined the Consumer Council's Report and a number of the recommendations are now being implemented. Some others are still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the prices of smokeless solid fuels.

On 18th November, the N.B.P.I. were asked to examine a proposal from the N.C.B. to raise coal prices by about 10 per cent. The price of solid smokeless fuels will doubtless be one of the considerations they will bear in mind.

asked the Minister of Technology what has been the increase in the amount of investment in the telecommunications industry in Scot- land since 1963; and how many new jobs have been created or are contemplated within the next three years.

I regret that details of increased investment are not available, but an indication of the growth of the telecommunications industry in Scotland is given by the number of employees, which rose from only 300 in June, 1963, to 3,400 in June, 1968. I expect a further expansion in employment in the next three years.

asked the Minister of Technology when he expects to confirm the requirement for the Victor Mk.II Tanker conversions and to sign a contract with Handley Page for this work.

Some preliminary work is already in progress and I hope that a further contract for the opening phase of full development will be placed very shortly.

asked the Minister of Technology what discussions he has had with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Atomic Energy Authority about continued corrosion in six nuclear power stations on account of the carbon-dioxide coolant even whilst they are operating at lower temperatures; whether he is satisfied that remedial action will be effected in this type of reactor; and if he will make a statement.

I am in close touch with the Board and the Authority on this matter. I am circulating a statement on the present position with the OFFICIAL REPORT.Following is the information:

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking regarding the special unemployment difficulties affecting Sunderland.

We are aware of the position; efforts will continue to attract the attention of suitable firms to the advantages of Sunderland as a location for their activities.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a further statement on the advance factory in Sunderland which is at present unoccupied.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 5th November, 1969.—[Vol. 790, c. 142.]

asked the Minister of Technology, in view of the need for employment in the Ashington area, Northumberland, if he will implement his undertaking to build another advance factory in the area; and whether he will make a statement.

I will consider the building of such a factory when the available advance factory of 25,000 sq. ft. has been allocated.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the cost of men's ready-to-wear clothing.

No. This is a very competitive field and we have no evidence of unjustified price levels or increases.

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made in the discussions between Great Britain, Germany and the Nertherlands for a co-operative venture to develop the gas centrifuge for nuclear fuel enrichment.

Officials of the three countries have submitted to their respective governments for their approval documents embodying an agreement for collaboration in the development and exploitation of the gas centrifuge process. I intend to make a full statement to the House as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made by the Atomic Energy Authority and his Department since he gave evidence to the Select Committee on Science and Technology on 26th June in associating industrial partners with the Atomic Energy Authority in the development of gas centrifuges.

Pending the proposed establishment of an international organisation, development in the United Kingdom of the gas centrifuge is the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Authority. The Authority informs me that it is in touch with a number of firms who may be able to contribute, whether as suppliers of components and materials, or otherwise, to the centrifuge enrichment project.

asked the Minister of Technology what studies he has made of the level of industrial stocks; and if he will make a statement.

Research is carried on within Departments, and in addition the Government is making funds available for outside research.

asked the Minister of Technology what discussions he has had with the motor industry regarding their problems and future; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have very close contact, formal and informal, with the industry, for example, through the National Advisory Council for the industry.

asked the Minister of Technology what was the total amount of investment grants and regional employment premiums, respectively, paid to Development Areas in Great Britain and the percentage of such sums which went to Scotland, in the years 1967–68 and 1968–69.

Investment grant paid to Development Areas in Great Britain in the financial years 1967–68 and 1968–69 totalled £343 million of which £96 million or 28 per cent. went to Scotland. I understand from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, that regional employment premiums totalled £136 million of which an estimated £53 million or 39 per cent. went to Scotland.

asked the Minister of Technology when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the National Coal Board's opencast mining application al the Anker site in North Warwickshire.

Shortly.

asked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has to amend the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899, where it relates to deposits from consumers payable to the electricity authority.

None.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he was notified that the North Western Gas Board propose to increase their contract charge for servicing gas central heating units by 323 per cent.; and if he will refer the matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

The increase, though considerable, is nowhere near the figure mentioned. We have concluded that a reference to the N.B.P.I. would not be helpful in this case.

asked the Minister of Technology what, for the latest convenient stated period, was the number of pit closures that have taken place and the number of miners declared redundant; whether, in view of the fact that an initial export order of £500,000 was refused by the National Coal Board due to lack of coal supplies, he will refuse consent to further closures; and whether he will make a statement.

Since 1st April this year there have been 14 closures and some 6,000 redundancies. Decisions about the closure of individual collieries are a matter for the National Coal Board.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give a general direction to the gas boards to abandon their advertisements proclaiming the cheapness of natural gas, in view of the fact that in many cases it is more expensive than the former town gas.

No. The boards, like other advertisers, are responsible for the content of their advertisements.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware that deliveries of reinforced bars for concrete are taking up to 20 to 30 weeks; and whether he will give a general direction to the British Steel Corporation to take remedial measures.

The B.S.C. are doing all they can and their output is already 50 per cent. up on last year.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he has taken, in consultation with the National Coal Board and the Central Electricity Generating Board, to ensure that there will be enough coal of the right quality and type to supply the proposed Drax B power station when it is built.

I am assured by the National Coal Board that there will be an adequate supply of suitable coal for Drax B.

asked the Minister of Technology when he proposes to announce his decision with regard to the grant of an industrial development certificate to Eimco (Great Britain) Limited for expansion of their factory premises at St. Neots on land which is already in their possession.

The Company will receive my decision this week.

asked the Minister of Technology what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Elstub Committee.

In accordance with the introductory statement to the published report the Department has been instructed to be guided generally by its contents.

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking, pending the development of vertical takeoff and landing airliners, to assist British manufacturers in the design and production of short take-off and landing airliners for city-centre to city-centre operation in this country.

The Department is studying proposals for short take-off and landing aircraft that have recently been submitted by British manufacturers.

asked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the level of investment in plant and machinery for 1969 and the first half of 1970.

Investment in plant and machinery is expected to follow the general trends of industry's investment, up-to-date information on which was provided by the results of the Investment Intentions Inquiry published on 20th October, 1969.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware that the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation has assumed responsibilities in relation to bids for United Kingdom assets from firms owned overseas which are not allocated to it by the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation Act; and if he will direct the corporation to desist from such activities.

No. The Act does not restrict the activities of the Corporation in the way the hon. Member would suggest.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the proposals submitted to him for the mining of coal by opencast in Scotland as a result of the demand for coking coal.

No such proposals have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding persons in Southern Rhodesia responsible for the death of freedom fighters after their capture.

We deplore any acts which conflict with universally accepted humanitarian principles, but in the present circumstances of Rhodesia there is no effective action that Her Majesty's Government can take in individual cases of injustice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding persons in Southern Rhodesia responsible for the death of Tangwena tribesmen as a result of forcible removal from their homeland.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) on 13th October. So far as I am aware, no Tangwena tribesman has died as a result of the evictions to which the Question refers.—[Vol. 788, c. 3.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which members of the United Nations have explicitly informed the organisation that they are not prepared to accept on their territory a United Nations sanctions inspectorate to supervise the application of mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia.

So far as Her Majesty's Government are aware, no formal proposal for the establishment of such an inspectorate has been made. The question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what study he has given to the fact that the official Canadian estimate of the value of Canadian exports to South Africa in 1968 exceeded the official South African estimate of South African imports from Canada by 230 per cent., and the resulting evidence of Canadian trade with Rhodesia; what representations he has made to the Canadian Government; and with what result.

The hon. Member seems to have got his figures wrong. The official Canadian figure of the value of Canadian exports to South Africa in 1968 exceeds the official South African figure by only 1·47 per cent., a difference which is by no means abnormal in international trade statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with the proposal at the United Nations for the establishment of a United Nations volunteer service; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards this proposal.

The Secretary General, as requested by the Economic and Social Council last August, is studying possible arrangements for an international corps of volunteers, with a view to decisions being taken next year. Her Majesty's Government are in favour of increased use of volunteers in United Nations development projects.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to reach an agreement with the other free Powers that Herr Hess should be allowed to spend Christmas at home with his family.

Together with the French and the Americans, we have repeatedly sought Russian consent for the release of Herr Hess; our most recent approach was made early this summer. However, to date the Russians have refused their consent. The hon. Member may rest assured that we shall continue our efforts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will enter into discussions with the West German and Polish Governments regarding the status of bilateral treaties between those two countries affecting the Oder-Neisse frontier.

We have recently discussed this subject with representatives of both the Federal German and the Polish Governments and have told them we should welcome any progress they may make towards an understanding on the frontiers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what proposals Great Britain's representatives on the South-West Pacific Commission have made about dealing with the devastation being caused by the acanthaster planci in the Pacific; and if he will make a statement;(2) what provision he proposes to make to protect the inhabitants of the atolls and islands in the Pacific which are Her Majesty's Government's responsibility in the event of the acanthaster planci killing the coral reefs which protect them.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State to a Question by the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle) on 27th November. I will communicate further with the hon. Member when I have received the information for which we have asked.When I have received this information I will certainly consider approaching the South Pacific Commission as the hon. Member has suggested.—[Vol. 792, c. 132.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with other Governments the abolition of the privilege of diplomatic immunity so far as civil or criminal proceedings arising out of road traffic incidents are concerned.

No. There is no evidence of widespread abuse of diplomatic immunity so far as civil or criminal proceedings arising out of road traffic incidents are concerned. There has been a substantial increase in the number of fixed penalty notices (parking tickets) cancelled in respect of persons enjoying diplomatic immunity, but this is a special problem and is being treated accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many claims for damages in road traffic cases have been avoided by the invocation of diplomatic immunity in each of the last five years; and what arrangements exist for an injured party to obtain redress in such cases.

None, so far as I am aware.The British Accident Offices Association has given an undertaking to this office that its members will not seek to evade their obligations by hiding behind the diplomatic immunity of their clients. This undertaking has been loyally implemented. In very few cases only has the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office been drawn by an aggrieved party to his inability to obtain compensation from a diplomat in respect of a traffic accident. I am aware of no such case in which settlement has not been achieved.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the privilege of diplomatic immunity.

No.There is no evidence of widespread abuse of diplomatic immunity (other than, perhaps, in the failure of many diplomats to pay fixed penalties in respect of irregular parking).In view of the comparatively short period during which the Vienna Convention scales of privileges and immunities have been in operation in the United Kingdom and elsewhere it would be premature to consider their revision. In any case it is not open to the United Kingdom to take unilateral action to restrict diplomatic immunity because this immunity is accorded in the United Kingdom in implementation of this country's obligations under an international Convention (the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will introduce legislation to withdraw diplomatic immunity from members of foreign embassies and legations in cases of civil proceedings in contract and tort.

No.There is no evidence of widespread abuse of diplomatic immunity in connection with contracts or torts. The immunity accorded to diplomats from the civil jurisdiction under the Diplomatic Privileges Act, 1964, is in any case already subject to certain exceptions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of the Government with regard to Resolution No. 420 on the situation in Czecholslovakia, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 30th September 1969; and whether they will continue to welcome refugees from Czechoslovakia and grant them living conditions.

Her Majesty's Government's views on the invasion of Czechoslovakia were stated in the debate on 26th August, 1968. In the same debate my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the House of the policy which we follow towards Czechoslovak nationals wishing to remain in this country. That policy has not been changed.—[Vol. 769, c. 1273–1420.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 566 on the situation of refugees in the Middle East, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 30th September, 1969; and whether they will increase and continue their regular and special financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Her Majesty's Government welcome Resolution No. 566 of the Council of Europe on the situation of refugees in the Middle East. They value and fully support the work of the United Nations' Relief and Works Agency (U.N.R.W.A.) and hope that those Governments which vote annually for the continued existence of U.N.R.W.A. and increased contributions to the Agency will themselves come forward with contributions so that its important work, which is at present threatened by shortage of funds, may be continued and extended. Her Majesty's Government have themselves been the second largest contributor to U.N.R.W.A. since its inception. Their contribution for 1970, which will again be substantial, will be announced at the Pledging Conference due to begin in New York on the 10th December.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration Her Majesty's Government have given to the annexe to the Report put out by the Common Market in October on the position of Commonwealth immigrants in an expanded community; and what instructions have been given to Her Majesty's Government representatives in Brussels on this matter pending the opening of negotiations with the Six.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to paragraph 85 of the annex to the European Commission's revised Opinion, dealing with the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, this section is unchanged from the relevant section of the Commission's 1967 Opinion; namely paragraph 114. This subject was dealt with fully by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the debate in the House in which issues connected with our application for membership of the European Communities were examined. Both Opinions refer to my right hon. Friend's remarks in that debate, and I have nothing to add to that statement.—[Vol. 746, c. 1085–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to move at the Council that in the implementation of Articles 7 and 8 relating to the withdrawal of a member State from the Council of Europe, a unanimous decision of the Committee of Ministers shall be required.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that a woman who is widowed when under 50 years of age but whose husband at that time was over 65 years of age and had been drawing retirement pension for a considerable period of time is not eligible for a pension; and if he will take steps to remedy this situation.

The Government have published their proposals for replacing the unsatisfactory age 50 rule by something better. Under the new scheme it is proposed that widows between the ages of 40 and 50 when their husbands die, or their children reach the age of 19 should receive a scaled down pension.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now extend the payment of supplementary benefit by Giro to all offices of the Department.

People who call at our local offices to claim supplementary benefit have traditionally been paid in cash, after what has all too often been a longish wait, while their claim is checked and the amount they are entitled to is calculated. In recent months we have experimented in some 70 offices with paying callers by Giro order sent through the post. This is, of course the normal method of payment for sickness and other contributory benefits.The principal advantage of postal payment is that a claimant can leave the office as soon as he has been interviewed. The average time the claimant has to spend in the office is thus approximately halved and, in particular, the very long waits which sometimes occur when there is difficulty in verifying the facts are largely obviated.A further advantage is that the number of people waiting in the office at any one time is also drastically reduced, thus relieving the overcrowding which has, regrettably, been a feature of many of our offices in recent years. The conditions in which members of the public are received and interviewed are consequently much improved.The new arrangement has been favourably received by the public and with the agreement of the Supplementary Benefits Commission we propose to extend it to all our offices in the New Year.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will introduce legisation to make it compulsory for a doctor to see a body before issuing a death certificate.

The law and practice relating to the issue of medical certificates of the cause of death are within the terms of reference of the Departmental Committee on Death Certification and Coroners. Any legislation on this subject must await consideration of the Committee's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of personnel under training for implementing the Seebohm Report and the number of additional training courses which have been started; and for which of the expanded services they are required.

Following is the output of qualified social workers from training courses in 1968–69, and the expected output in 1969–70, and 1970–71, grouped according to their qualifications and the main services for which they are being trained. The figures related to England and Wales.The plans which have been made for expanding existing training facilities will be adapted as necessary to take account of changes in the organisation of the personal social services following the Seebohm report, as soon as the form of these changes is known.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases for abortion have been admitted to the Hull Royal Infirmary in the current year; and what effect this is having upon the pressure for admission to hospital beds for gynaecology cases.

The figure asked for in the first part of the Question is not available, but during the quarter ending September 1969 75 abortions were performed under the Act of 1967, 13 per cent. of the total gynaecological operations performed by 3 gynaecologists. Over the 5 years from 1964 to 1968 there has been a steady increase in the numbers of gynaecological patients treated from 1,799 to 2,238 (an increase of 24 per cent.). The increase in 1968 was from 1,910 to 2,238 (17 per cent.). The Board are considering whether the appointment of another gynaecologist in the area is justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what birth control facilities are available in the London Borough of Lambeth which are supported directly or indirectly by public funds.

I understand that from 1st June 1969 the London Borough of Lambeth have arranged to meet the cost of a family planning service for medical cases and for those unable to meet the charges. This is provided by the Family Planning Association at 12 sessions weekly in 7 centres, of which 4 are local authority premises and 3 hospital premises. No charge is made to the Association for their use of these premises. In addition the Borough Council meet the cost of a domiciliary service provided by the Association and there are eight other weekly sessions on hospital premises which are provided mainly by arrangement with voluntary organisations and supported in part by hospital and local authority funds. Estimated expenditure by the Council on family planning in 1969–70 is £8,500 and the provisional estimate for 1970–71 is about £15,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of research projects into deafness which are given financial assistance from public funds, showing the amounts of money involved.

The main agencies for the support from public funds of clinical research into deafness are the Medical Research Council and the universities. Information on research carried out under the auspices of the Council is published in their annual reports and on that of universities in the annual publication 'Scientific Research in British Universities" by H.M.S.O. Neither of these publications includes cost figures, and costs of specific projects are not readily separable in the records of the establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what have been the results of his Department's examination of the mixed families entitlement to family allowances, following his predecessor's undertaking in a letter to the Child Poverty Action Group to examine this question.

We have concluded that the present position is in some respects unsatisfactory. I am hopeful that it will be possible by amendment of the Family Allowances Act to enable a man to count an illegitimate child of his as his issue for family allowances purposes when the child is living with him but there is I fear no immediate prospect of legislation to this end.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the present functions of his Department's local advisory committees on social security; how many such committees exist; what representations he has received from them that they are not satisfied with their present range of action; and if he will make a statement.

The function of local advisory committees is to consider and advise on questions relating to the administration of the national insurance and supplementary benefit schemes which the Secretary of State or the Supplementary Benefit Commission refer to them. To facilitate such references, committees may also bring to the Secretary of State's notice any special problem arising from local conditions which bears on the administration of the schemes. There are 141 committees.Since June, 1967, when the present social security local advisory committees were set up 41 representations relating to the scope and organisation of their activities have been received. 28 of these concerned the system of single member interviews of supplementary benefits claimants. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bromley (Mr. Hunt) on 11th November, 1968, which announced that in future these interviews could be undertaken by more than one committee member. Local advisory committees have since then generally accepted the new arrangements.—[Vol. 773, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that the allocation for the Sheffield region hospitals is £11 per head against the national average of £13 10s. and South-West London's £16; and if he will take immediate steps to rectify this situation.

The inequalities in standards of service which existed between regions in 1948 have been somewhat reduced by the allocation of hospital revenue funds, they have still not been removed. I am considering how the pace can be improved without seriously disrupting the hospital services in the better off Regions.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in consultation with the General Medical Services Committee, he will take steps to establish a voluntary scheme for lowering the number and costs of prescriptions with an incentive that money saved from the drug bill should be given to increase the pool for general practitioners.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the 839 new medicines passed in 1968 for clinical trial or marketing are combination products; what is his estimate of the increased costs to the National Health Service of these additions to medical treatment; and if he will make a statement.

The total number of submissions approved by the Committee on Safety of Drugs for clinical trial or marketing in 1968 was 669, of which 248 related to products containing more than one active ingredient. I cannot estimate what, if any, additional cost to the National Health Service may result.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which were the four local authority areas in which the March/April survey of use of maternity services by immigrants was not carried out as originally intended.

The London boroughs of Greenwich, Harrow, Merton and Redbridge. The intention was to collect information from all the 58 authorities receiving grants from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966. The four authorities were left out by a clerical error and the right hon. Member was so informed when he was sent a list he had requested of the authorities that had taken part in the survey. It so happens that the four authorities omitted had a smaller proportion of immigrant children in their schools, than most others on the list.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what amount was charged to a foreign woman who had an abortion carried out under the National Health Service during the first year of the new abortion law.

Foreign women who are normally resident in this country are eligible to have abortions under the National Health Service free of charge. Foreign women who visit this country for the purpose of having abortions are not eligible to have them under the National Health Service free services.Foreign women who have abortions at National Health Service hospitals as private patients would pay the doctors treating them privately such fees as may be agreed between them. In addition they would pay the hospital charges determined for private patients.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of low-paid workers eligible for free welfare foods; and how many have claimed this right over the last six months.

Information is not available on which to base any reliable estimate. But all welfare foods beneficiaries in families in receipt of supplementary benefit are automatically eligible for free supplies, and families with more than two beneficiaries, who also qualify automatically for free welfare foods, include a number of low-paid workers. In addition to these there were 442 successful claims by low income families not in receipt of supplementary benefit in England during the six months ending on 19th August, 1969, in respect of welfare foods.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the percentage of occupied beds in psychiatric hospitals;(2) why unoccupied beds in psychiatric wards cannot be used for other purposes.

90 per cent. of available beds in psychiatric hospitals are occupied: the figures for mental illness and subnormality are 88 per cent. and 93 per cent. respectively. Some reserve of beds is necessary to allow for emergencies and fluctuations in admission rate. Psychiatric hospitals are usually unsuitable in design and location for other purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he proposes to take to provide accommodation in the North-West for juveniles in need of mental care and supervision.

In the Liverpool and Manchester Regions there are seven special units providing 119 beds for mentally ill children and adolescents. A further unit of 25 beds is due to open in the next six months and four providing 80 more beds are planned. These units are unsuitable for a few children with such severe behaviour disorders that they need prolonged social training in a restricted setting. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department intends, under Section 64 of the Children's and Young Persons Act, 1969, to set up homes for children who are too severely disturbed for their needs to be satisfactorily met in other child care establishments but cannot suitably be treated in hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many inquiries into the conduct of consultants have been held under Circular HM(61)112 in each of the last three years, and at what total cost; and in how many cases such inquiries have resulted in the termination, by resignation or otherwise, of the consultant's contract with the service.

I regret that this information is not centrally available. The conduct of these inquiries is a matter for hospital boards and they are not required, save in the event of an appeal to my right hon. Friend, to report them, or their outcome, to the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will have consultations with the various regional hospital boards with a view to introducing a long service medal for ambulance personnel similar to the one already awarded to long serving members of the police and fire services.

This is not a matter for hospital boards, but consultations with them in 1967 on the general question of long service medals for National Health Service staff revealed little support. It would be invidious to treat one category of Health Service staff differently from the rest.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to see that all local authorities make available to disabled passengers the same parking facilities as are available to disabled drivers.

I have been asked to reply.We are at present considering the difficulties which disabled passengers are having to face in places where traffic and parking restrictions apply.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that, when consultants use National Health Service facilities and personnel in the treatment of private patients in National Health Service hospitals, they pay fully for the use of such services.

The full cost of the accommodation and services made available for private patients in National Health Service hospitals is now met by the private patients themselves.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the percentage increase in the dollar value of exports for the first 10 months of 1969 compared with the first 10 months of 1964; and how this compares with the uncorrected percentage increases in the sterling value and volume of exports over this period;(2) what was the percentage increase in the dollar value of exports for the first 10 months of 1964 compared with the first 10 months of 1959; and how this compares with the uncorrected percentage increases in the sterling value and volume of exports over this period.

Comparing the first ten months of each year, the increase in the dollar value of exports between 1964 and 1969 was 35 per cent., and between 1959 and 1964 33 per cent. The increases over the same periods in terms of sterling values were 58 per cent. and 33 per cent. and, in terms of volume, 34 per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what noise restrictions are imposed on civil aircraft flying over Greater London.

The requirements for limiting noise of aircraft using Heathrow are set out in the "United Kingdom Air Pilot". I have placed a copy of the relevant extract in the Library. Aircraft not using Heathrow may fly over parts of Greater London in transit at very high levels without noise restrictions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special action the Government propose to take to improve the numbers of persons in employment in Scotland, in view of the net loss of 67,000 in the last three years for which figures are available.

Special measures taken by this Government to encourage industrial progress in the development areas, including the investment grant differential, the regional employment premium, extended assistance for industrial training and the setting up of the special development areas, have led to substantial progress in the Scottish economy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the total net cost of selective employment tax to the Scottish Special Housing Association in the year 1968–69; and what estimate he has made of the net cost in 1969–70;(2) what was the total net cost of selective employment tax to the District Labour Organisation of the Scottish Special Housing Association in the year 1968–69; and what estimate he has made of the net cost in 1969–70.

I am informed that the association paid net S.E.T. of about £128,000 in 1968–69, all of this being in respect of directly employed staff engaged on capital works. The estimates figure for 1969–70 is £160.000.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will increase the grants made available to those on social security benefit who are disabled and anxious and able to undergo industrial training.

The allowances paid to the disabled during rehabilitation or training are at present under review and the results will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the policy of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 565 in reply to the 13th Progress Report of the Special Representative of the Council of Europe for National Refugees and Over-population, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 30th September, 1969; and whether they will comply with the proposals made in paragraph 15, including the proposal to support the convening of a meeting of European Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs.

The Council of Europe Ministers' Deputies Committee has approved the Special Representative's Progress Report but it is still considering the Consultative Assembly's Recommendation No. 565.The Government's attitude to the recommendation is, in general, favourable. The proposed meeting of European Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs is under consideration by the Governmental Social Committee of the Council of Europe, and the United Kingdom delegation has suggested several items for the draft agenda.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what progress she has made with the establishment of the Hairdressing and Allied Services Industrial Training Board.

I have laid an Order today establishing this board to take effect from 10th December. The following have accepted my invitation to become members of the Board:HAIRDRESSING AND ALLIED SERVICES INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARDMEMBERSHIP

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the results of his inquiries into the distribution of forms purporting to be applications to join the proposed Ulster Defence Regiment.

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend and I said during the debate on the Second Reading of the Ulster Defence Regiment Bill on 19th November.—[Vol. 791, c. 1334–6, 1446–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will state the considerations under which the age limits for recruits to the Territorial Army may be waived; in how many cases the age limit requirements have been waived during the last convenient 12-month period; and what were the reasons.

The upper age limits may be waived given the appropriate recommendation described in the Notes to Schedule VIII to the TAVR Regulations, 1967. I regret that the detailed information asked for is not available without considerable research.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement about the dispersal of Ministry of Defence staff to Cardiff.

Approximately 1,500 Army Department posts in London will be dispersed to a new Government office building at Maindy, Cardiff. Alex Gordon and Partners have been appointed as consultant architects for the building which will have an area of about 230,000 square feet, will cost about £1¾ million and will be erected between 1971 and 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had about the effect of elderly Army Horses, accustomed to being stabled, of possible retirement in to the open air; and if he will make a statement.

Consultations between the Ministry of Defence and the R.S.P.C.A. are now taking place and a number of aspects, including the one referred to, are being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it a condition of transferring retired Army horses to private ownership that they will be stabled, fed and exercised in the manner to which they are accustomed.

I can assure the hon. Member that Army horses will not be transferred to private ownership unless proper stabling, feeding and management can be guaranteed.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that a veterinary surgeon is consulted before a retired Army horse is transferred to private ownership; and if he will seek to ensure that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will regularly review the conditions in which the horse then lives.

Army Regulations will continue to provide that a horse is examined by a veterinary surgeon and passed as fit before it is transferred to private ownership. A regular review of the conditions under which a horse lives after transfer to private ownership is one of the matters currently under discussion with the R.S.P.C.A.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider building an airstrip in the Falkland Islands, under the Operation Military Aid to the Civil Community Scheme, in the light of experience gained by building an airstrip on Colonsay and the Virgin Islands.

Yes, given a request from the appropriate political department, and the necessary financial support. However, in view of our foreseen commitments it seems unlikely that we would be able to undertake such a task for some time.