asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated effect of the restrictions on imported beef from South America upon the price to the consumer of home-produced beef.

Retail prices of beef are influenced by many factors. It is not possible to isolate the effect of individual factors on price. However, there has been no significant movement of wholesale prices of beef since the restriction on the import of bone-in beef from South America was imposed on 1st October, 1969.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the terms agreed by the European Free Trade Association for the imports of fish fillets into Great Britain.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) and Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 5th December. The Governments concerned have now approved the Understanding which has also been approved by the E.F.T.A. Council.—[Vol. 792, c. 381–2.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding his meeting with the British Ports Fish Merchants' Association on 11th November; and what action he has since taken.

We are considering, in the light of the views expressed by that association and by others, the current proposals of the White Fish Authority and hope to announce our decision shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, on the same basis as was used by his Department in 1967 in publishing a figure of £175 to £250 million, he will publish for the latest convenient stated date the cost to Great Britain's balance of payments of entering the Common Market.

The estimate of £175–250 million given in Cmnd. 3274 in May, 1967 related to the balance of payments cost of applying the E.E.C's agricultural arrangements as they then stood. Fresh estimates will be included in the general assessment which, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has indicated, will be presented to the House early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has received for changes in bread prices; and whether he will make a statement.

The major plant bakers recently put forward proposals under the early warning arrangements for immediate price increases of 2d. on large loaves and 1d. on small loaves. Since the last changes in bread prices which took place in February and March, 1969, there have been substantial increases in bakers' costs of production and distribution and others are shortly to take effect. The bakers have also pointed out that their return on capital has seriously declined, is at an un-economic level, and is below that recommended by the National Board for Prices and Incomes in 1967 as necessary to encourage the modernisation of bakery plant; and their proposals were therefore designed not only to cover their cost increases but also to improve their overall financial position.After careful examination, the Government are satisfied that an increase of 1d. on all loaves would be justified in terms of the prices policy and that this may be implemented from 5th January, 1970. In the Government's view, however, the proposals for a further 1d. on large loaves raise questions which call for examination by the National Board for Prices and Incomes and they propose to make an urgent reference accordingly. Pending the outcome of the board's examination, the bakers have given me an assurance that they will limit any increases in bread prices to those now agreed.The bakers have also proposed a new system for reviewing bread prices in future which they consider would avoid some of the difficulties which have arisen under the present arrangements. The Government consider that this matter, too, should be examined by the board, and the reference will therefore also cover this point.The prices charged by smaller independent bakers vary over a wide range according to size, quality, type and individual circumstances. These bakers, too, have been facing increased costs which they will need to recover, but their representatives have assured me that any price increases they have to make will be fully consistent with the Government's prices policy.

asked the Minister of of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the annual average percentage increase in food prices during the two five-year periods from October, 1959 to October, 1964, and from October, 1964 to October, 1969, respectively.

I have been asked to reply.The annual average percentage increase in food prices, as measured by the Index of Retail Prices, during the two five-year periods October, 1959 to October, 1964 and October, 1964 to October, 1969 were 2·2 and 4·1, respectively.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what ceiling has been put on grants-in-aid to the Forestry Commission throughout the United Kingdom in the current financial year;(2) what ceiling has been put on grants-in-aid to the private sector of the forestry industry of the United Kingdom in the current financial year.

The 1969–70 Estimates provide for a grant-in-aid to the Forestry Commission of £15·75 million and, within this amount, for grants to private forestry of £1·55 million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much consumption of sugar in the United Kingdom exceeded the sugar produced by United Kingdom sugar beet factories in the latest year for which figures are available.

Disposals of sugar in the United Kingdom in 1968 exceeded the tonnage produced by United Kingdom sugar beet factories by 1,765 thousand tons (refined basis).

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the number of civil

		1.	2.	3.	4.
		Non-Industrial staff in post 1st October 1969	Industrial staff in post 1st October 1969	Salaries and wages of non-industrial staff for the year 1969–70 as provided in Estimates	Salaries and wages of industrial staff for the year 1969–70 as provided in Estimates
				£'000	£'000
Agriculture	…	14,833	1,101	21,770	934
Civil Service Department	…	1,952	54	3,228	60
County Courts	…	5,516	—	6,301	—
Customs and Excise	…	17,892	—	26,251	—
Diplomatic Service	…	10,525	356	18,082	188
Education and Science	…	3,271	41	6,081	31
Employment and Productivity	…	29,702	1,040	36,580	664
Export Credits Guarantee	…	1,402	—	2,013	—
General Register Office	…	1,656	15	1,783	14
Health and Social Security	…	70,128	182	76,476	115
Home Office	…	20,329	3,957	26,322	3,156
Housing and Local Government	…	4,436	3	8,147	6
Information	…	1,442	68	2,446	72
Inland Revenue	…	67,360	24	77,092	18
Land Commission	…	1,051	—	1,566	—
Land Registry	…	3,795	6	4,041	4
National Savings	…	15,246	114	7,133*	40*
Ordnance Survey	…	4,138	458	4,784	386
Overseas Development	…	2,428	42	3,965	38
Power	…	1,689	86	3,226	70
Public Building and Works	…	23,035	34,140	34,679	31,750
Stationery Office	…	3,367	4,213	4,020	4,285
Supreme Court (including Probate Registries)	…	1,896	—	3,121	—
Technology	…	21,750	12,427	36,576	11,292
Trade	…	18,285	764	27,891	614
Transport	…	8,266	810	12,289	775
Treasury	…	919	—	1,565	—
Welsh Office	…	776	1	1,211	1
Agriculture (Scotland)	…	2,784	509	3,935	366
Scottish Development	…	1,005	25	1,683	21
Scottish Education	…	747	—	1,276	—
Scottish Home and Health	…	3,490	469	4,601	262
Other Civil Departments	…	11,991	1,629	19,193	1,352
Defence	…	112,100	149,403	149,047	114,471
Totals	…	489,202	211,937	638,374	170,985
* Cash provision for half-year from 1st October, 1969.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is his policy for encouraging and co-ordinating the purchase and installation of computers and ancillary equipment, by Departments.

The policy is to achieve greater efficiency and economy through

The following table sets out the numbers of non-industrial and industrial staff in post on 1st October. 1969. Totals for annual salaries and wages are on the basis of the provision in the 1969–70 Estimates.the extensive application of the latest computer techniques in support of the work of Government. Responsibility for promoting this polcy rests with the Civil Service Department, which undertakes the central planning of data processing in Government, advises on advanced systems and co-ordinates the activities of other Departments. It works in conjunction with Her Majesty's Stationery Office, which purchases all the computers and ancillary equipment used by Departments for administrative, scientific and technical purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the membership and terms of reference of the committee he is appointing to inquire into the recruitment of young men and boys into Her Majesty's Forces.

On 13th November I promised to set up a committee to include independent as well as official members to examine the entire question of the recruitment of young boys into Her Majesty's Forces. This committee has now been constituted. Its terms of reference are as follows:

In the light of the raising of the school-leaving age, and the lowering of the age of majority:

(a) To inquire whether there are any regulations, conditions and procedures affecting the entry and initial training of young men under 18 in Service establishments which are more restrictive than those imposed by law or tradition on civilians of a similar age, and the extent to which any such regulations or procedures properly derive from the necessity to train young men for employment in a disciplined fighting Service.

(b) To advise the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the nature and extent of any changes which might be introduced which would improve the terms and conditions of engagements without excessive cost, whilst safeguarding the manning and the military efficiency of the Forces.

Lord Donaldson has kindly consented to be Chairman. The members will be:Miss Anne Allen (Newspaper Columnist).Admiral Sir Desmond Dreyer (Member of the N.B.P.I.).Air Vice Marshall L. W. G. Gill (Director-General of R.A.F. Manning).Mr. Jimmy Hill (Head of Sport, London Weekend Television).Mr. J. A. Lefroy (H.M.I., Department of Education and Science).Rear-Admiral J. E. L. Martin (Director-General of Personal Services and Training (Naval)).Major General A. G. Patterson (Director of Army Training).Mr. Malcolm Ross (Headmaster of Crown Woods School, London, S.E.9.).Dr. A. E. Thompson (University of Edinburgh).Mr. B. T. Wilson (Manager, Organisation and Personnel Planning, Ford Motor Company).Mr. C. W. Wright (A Deputy Under Secretary of State).I am confident that this widely representative committee will be able to examine this difficult problem thoroughly and sympathetically.The committee will welcome representations from individuals or organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have resulted from his recent review of the scope for civil use of Royal Air Force airfields; and if he will make a statement.

R.A.F. Waddington and R.A.F. Coltishall have just been added to the list of R.A.F. airfields available for civil use. R.A.F. Bicester, R.A.F. Fairford, R.A.F. Odiham, R.A.F. Strubby and R.A.F. Wittering were added to the list in July.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now make a statement about the outcome of the negotiations, which began on 31st January last, with Vale Investments Limited concerning the bill for the blasting of Beaucette Quarry, Guernsey; and what has been the cost to public funds of the negotiations.

I will write to the hon. Member when the matter has been settled. No identifiable extra costs have been incurred.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the vessels, British and foreign, from which the Harrier has been operated.

The current version of the Harrier has been operated from H.M.S. "Bulwark" and H.M.S. "Blake" and also from the U.S.S. "La Salle", the Italian cruiser "Andrea Doria" and the Argentinian carrier "Veincintino De Mayo"

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any men or women will be made redundant following the completion of the refit of H.M.S. "Ark Royal".

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many and women, industrial and non-industrial, have been employed in Devonport Dockyard in the years 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, and to date in 1969.

		1964	1965	1966
Non-Industrial	…	1,059	1,130	1,204
Industrial	…	12,527	12,199	12,078
		1967	1968	1969
Non-Industrial	…	1,573	1,889	1,911
Industrial	…	12,123	11,017	10,433

The numbers for each year 1964–68 are the average numbers borne: the numbers for 1969 are those borne at the end of November, 1969. In the time available it has not been possible to split the numbers between male and female. The sharp increase in non-industrials from 1967 is largely due to the regrading of chargemen to non-industrial status.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that the refit of H.M.S. "Ark Royal" is nearing its completion, he will state the future programme of work for Devonport Dockyard.

After the completion of H.M.S. "Ark Royal" there will still be a full programme of work at Devonport. In particular the construction of RDVO1 will require shipwright labour and help to maintain a balance of trades.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many apprentices, male and female, have been trained in Devonport Dockyard in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969 up to date.

1964	1965	1966
310	358	335
1967	1968	1969
345	312	319
		(includes 9 girls)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many operational naval fixed-wing aircraft pilots are now serving in the Royal Navy.

The present number of operational fixed wing pilots serving in the Royal Navy is 254.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to close down the Royal Air Force Station at Sharpitor on Dartmoor, dismantle the equipment and aerials, and restore the site to its natural beauty in accordance with the undertaking given on behalf of his Department in 1956, when this temporary installation in a national park was agreed.

The Royal Air Force Station at Sharpitor is expected to close by 31st March, 1970. The question of removal of installations and equipment and restoration of the land will be considered in consultation with other Departments and local authorities in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much money was spent out of United Kingdom public funds on the making of the Tyne-Tees television film on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and what other official aid and encouragement was given.

The only public money spent in connection with the film was £817 12s., of which £604 18s. was for normal travel facilities to enable the Tyne-Tees team to cover the N.A.T.O. Exercise "Green Express", in which British troops were taking part. The remainder, £212 14s., was spent to enable the producers to visit Oslo and Brussels for discussions with the N.A.T.O. authorities on clearances for the film, since N.A.T.O. funds were not available for this.The answer to the second part of the Question is that we gave the normal assistance to General Walker and to Tyne-Tees in the early discussions up to July before filming started, during which time there were no security problems. After that, none.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average expenditure per child on education in Gateshead and the Northern region in 1962–63 and 1967–68, respectively; and how much of this expenditure was provided by the local authorities in each case.

The cost per pupil in 1962–63 and 1967–68 in maintained primary and secondary schools in Gateshead and in all maintained primary and secondary schools in the whole Northern region (counties and county boroughs) are given in the table below. In those years Gateshead met respectively 45·7 per cent. and 41·4 per cent. of total revenue expenditure, including expenditure on education, from revenue resources other than Government grants and miscellaneous income. The comparable percentages for all the county boroughs in the region were 46·8 per cent. and 44·8 per cent. Valid comparison with the region as a whole, counties and county boroughs together, is not possible because the range of services provided by county boroughs is not identical with that provided by counties.

COSTS PER PUPIL IN GATESHEAD AND THE NORTHERN REGION
Financial Year		1962–63	1967–68
		£	£
Gateshead
Primary schools	…	56·7	74·0
Secondary schools	…	118·0	170·9
Northern Region
Primary schools	…	57·5	79·7
Secondary schools	…	103·1	150·4

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science during the years 1964 to 1969, respectively, how many of those who successfully completed full-time study courses for post-graduate diplomas and certificates in education took up teaching posts in fully maintained schools; how many took up posts in other schools; and how many took up occupations other than teaching.

Complete information is not available, but a sample survey of students successfully completing 3-year courses of training in colleges of education in 1966 suggested that 3 per cent. took teaching posts outside maintained schools. 4 per cent. took other occupations, including further study and voluntary service overseas, gave marriage as a reason for not teaching, or did not reply.A similar survey gave information about 91 per cent. of graduates successfully completing training in 1967. Of these 69 per cent. took teaching posts in maintained schools and 23 per cent. teaching posts outside. 8 per cent. took other occupations, including further study and voluntary service overseas, or gave marriage as the reason for not teaching.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what facilities are available for students in technical colleges to learn to fly and become civil airline pilots; and if he will make a statement.

Matters concerning the training of civil airline pilots are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. There are no facilities for students to learn to fly in technical colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the future programme and staffing of the Rutherford Laboratory.

The Science Research Council, subject to approval to its 1970–71 Estimate proposals, expects that the number of staff working at the Rutherford Laboratory will remain at about the present level and that the programme now being carried out will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on purchase grants for the national museums and galleries after the end of the current financial year.

The Government have been considering the level of purchase grants for the national museums and galleries after the end of the current financial year. They believe that the quinquennial system of purchase grants has proved its value. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the estimates they have proposed that for the quinquennium 1970–71 to 1974–75 the total purchase grants shall be £2 million a year. This compares with £1 million in the current financial year and £835,000 a year in the quinquennium 1964–65 to 1968–69. This increase will be accommodated within the programme for public expenditure as a whole as set out in the White Paper "Public Expenditure 1968–69 to 1973–74" (Cmnd. 4234).The Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries has been asked to advise on the distribution of the £2 million among the national institutions. Its recommendations, which the Government have accepted, are shown in the following table:

	£
British Museum	632,000
Victoria and Albert Museum	139,000
Science Museum	8,000
Imperial War Museum	10,000
London Museum	8,000
National Gallery	480,000
National Portrait Gallery	40,000
National Maritime Museum	25,000
Tate Gallery	265,000
Royal Scottish Museum	44,000
National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland	24,000
National Galleries of Scotland (including Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art)	152,000
National Library of Scotland	63,000
National Museum of Wales	64,000
National Library of Wales	46,000
	2,000,000

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will intervene in the trade dispute between the National Association of Local Government Officers and local government authorities.

No. The Joint Working Party of the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Administrative, Professional, Technical and Clerical Services is at present considering a submission by the staff side. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the joint negotiating machinery.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will refer the problem of low pay in particular localities to the National Board for Prices and Incomes for examination.

I have no present intention of making any such references relating to, or based upon, geographical localities.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what were the number of persons, male

NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED, PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND NOTIFIED VACANCIES REMAINING UNFILLED IN NORTHERN REGION, AND IN THE AREA COVERED BY GATESHEAD EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, AT DECEMBER 1969 (PROVISIONAL)
		Registered unemployed
		Men	Boys	Women	Girls	Total	Percentage rate	Notified vacancies remaining unfilled
Northern Region	…	53,655	2,348	7,424	1,104	64,531	4·9	9,568
Gateshead	…	1,822	88	122	15	2,047	5·3*	483
* The percentage rate of unemployment relates to the whole of the Tyneside travel-to-work area which includes Gateshead.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the present rates of duration of unemployment in the Gateshead and district area.

Following is the information:

NUMBER REGISTERED AS WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED IN EACH DURATION CATEGORY AS PERCENTAGE OF ALL PERSONS REGISTERED AS WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE GATESHEAD EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE AT 8TH DECEMBER, 1969 (PROVISIONAL)
			Per cent.
One week or less	…	…	8·2
Over 1, up to 2 weeks	…	…	5·5
Over 2, up to 3 weeks	…	…	6·1
Over 3, up to 4 weeks	…	…	4·6
Over 4, up to 5 weeks	…	…	3·4
Over 5, up to 8 weeks	…	…	8·8
Over 8 weeks	…	…	63·4

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what steps she is taking to resolve the unofficial strike at the Coventry Radiator and Presswork Plant, in view of the effect this is now having on companies producing car parts in the West Midlands; and if she will make a statement.

My Department chaired talks between the company and the Transport and General Workers Union on 8th December. No settlement was then reached, but I am glad to say

Following is the information:that after further talks between the company and the union the men have decided to resume work on 22nd December.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will give the numbers in employment in the Yorkshire and Humberside region for each of the past 10 years and for 1950 and 1955, respectively.

The Yorkshire and Humberside standard region was formed in April, 1965. The following table shows employment estimates for the Yorkshire and Humberside region from June, 1965 and for the East and West Ridings region for earlier dates:

Estimated numbers of employees in employment
East and West Ridings
			(Thousands)
End-May, 1951*	…	…	1,823
End-May, 1955	…	…	1,821
June, 1959	…	…	1,824
June, 1960	…	…	1,856
June, 1961	…	…	1,876
June, 1962	…	…	1,892
June, 1963	…	…	1,897
June, 1964	…	…	1,914
Yorkshire and Humberside
June, 1965	…	…	2,081
June, 1966	…	…	2,094
June, 1967	…	…	2,034
June, 1968	…	…	2,002
*A comparable estimate is not available for 1950.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a further statement about the industrial dispute affecting London Transport.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will make a further statement on the results of her discussions with the parties in the 13-week-old strike of tube train maintenance men which is causing increasing disruption of services on the Northern and Bakerloo lines.

Following further discussions under my Department's chairmanship, an understanding was reached yesterday on the basis of which the A.E.F. members who have been on strike have decided to return to work. Immediate discussions are to take place between the A.E.F. and London Transport on the problems which have given rise to the dispute.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what representations she has received from the Federation of Ambulance Personnel for recognition by local authorities; and if she will refer this matter to the Commission on Industrial Relations.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 18th December, 1969.—[Vol. 793, c. 382.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will refer to the Commission on Industrial Relations the case of Mrs. Sheila Crust and her transfer from post to post within the Greater London Council, following her recent membership of the Federation of Ambulance Personnel and her resignation from the National Union of Public Employees.

No. It is not part of the functions of the Commission on Industrial Relations to deal with cases of individuals.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will refer to the Industrial Relations Commission the question of trade union recognition of ambulance staff.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) yesterday.—[Vol. 793, c. 382.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what basis she estimates that there are only seven cases of company directors having salary increases of more than 3½ per cent. since March 1968; whether she has examined the company reports at Somerset House; and whether she will now cause an investigation to be made to ascertain whether these figures are correct, in the light of published company reports.

My hon. Friend's previous Question of 4th December related to cases investigated by my Department, and so did the figures given in my answer.—[Vol. 792, c. 332–3.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will cause an investigation to be held into the subject of salaries paid to all company directors, as a class, to ascertain to what extent they have observed the Government's incomes policy since March, 1968.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the annual average percentage increase in food prices from October, 1951 to October, 1964, and from October, 1964 to October, 1969, respectively.

The annual average percentage increase in food prices, as measured by the Index of Retail Prices, during the two periods October, 1951 to October, 1964 and October, 1964 to October, 1969, were 3·5 and 4·1, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated number of employed men, women and juniors, show separately, normally resident in Rugeley, Staffordshire, whose place of work is more than eight miles from that town.

I have been asked to reply.The estimated number, derived from a 10 per cent. sample which has been multiplied by 10 are:

RESIDENT POPULATION BY AREA OF WORKPLACE
	Males	Females
Rugeley Urban District
Residents in employment	5,000	2,290
Area of Workplace
Rugeley Urban District	3,270	1,580
Elsewhere	1,730	730
Staffordshire	1,390	670
Wolverhampton County Borough	40	20
Cannock Urban District	430	150
Lichfield Municipal Borough	140	70
Stafford Municipal Borough	330	150
Uttoxeter Urban District	10	100
Cannock Rural District	130	—
Lichfield Rural District	160	20
Stafford Rural District	10	100
Warwickshire	260	60
Birmingham County Borough	240	60
Other parts of Great Britain	80	—

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government will now sign and ratify the European Convention on Consular Functions.

Her Majesty's Government have no present intention of signing this Convention. The question of ratification, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the internal revenues of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Government has been represented by royalty income from the exploitation of phos- phate deposits on Ocean Island, in the years 1946 to 1968, inclusive.

Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony Government revenue from the Ocean Island phosphate industry is levied as taxation or as charges which are in the nature of taxation.The figures are as follows:

Year				Phosphate Tax as percentage of internal revenue
1946–47	…	…	…	24·87
1947–48	…	…	…	12·92
1948–49	…	…	…	13·42
1949 (9 months)	…	…	…	15·74
1950	…	…	…	16·11
1951	…	…	…	33·69
1952	…	…	…	36·08
1953	…	…	…	30·01
1954	…	…	…	34·57
1955	…	…	…	30·33
1956	…	…	…	36·15
1957	…	…	…	57·01
1958	…	…	…	51·62
1959	…	…	…	35·43
1960	…	…	…	46·93
1961	…	…	…	50·51
1962	…	…	…	43·06
1963	…	…	…	48·13
1964	…	…	…	45·03
1965	…	…	…	40·35
1966	…	…	…	42·27
1967	…	…	…	53·66
1968	…	…	…	54·24

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British women were known to be living within a 25-mile radius of the British Embassy in Libya at the time of the recent coup; and how many were contacted by Embassy officials during the 24-hour period following the announcement of King Idris' deposition.

It is estimated that about 1,600 British women were within 25 miles of our Embassy at Tripoli and about 300 within 25 miles of Benghazi.During the first 24 hours after the coup members of the British Embassy in Tripoli and Benghazi passed messages to British residents by all means available. Information was also given through broadcasts by the B.B.C. But during the first 24 hours of the coup d'état there was a total curfew. In Benghazi telephones in the centre were cut off almost immediately and in Tripoli within 12 hours. There is no means of knowing how many women were reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the total damage done to British-owned property of all kinds during the recent Libyan coup; and what steps he is taking to recover compensation.

Apart from that for damage to the Embassy, we have not received or made any claims for damage done to British-owned property since the recent coup in Libya.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the number of persons resident at the British Embassy in Libya at the time of the recent coup which overthrew King Idris.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question from the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) on 5th December.—[Vol. 792, c. 387.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the maximum number of persons who can, in cases of emergency, be accommodated for a period of two or three days in the British Embassy in Libya, for the purpose, if necessary, of protecting their persons and lives.

The maximum number of persons who could be accommodated in the British Embassy buildings in Libya for two or three days would depend on various factors such as weather, food and water supplies, cooking facilities, sanitation and other emergency demands. Given favourable conditions and advance warning several hundred persons could be temporarily accommodated in Tripoli, but only about 50 at Benghazi. Whether advice to seek sanctuary were given by the Embassy in any emergency would depend upon circumstances at the time, and particularly upon an assessment of the security of movement to the Embassy and of the premises themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the recent invasion of the British Embassy in Libya, giving details of the number of soldiers who invaded the Embassy grounds, the amount of the damage done, the estimate of cost of making it good, and the number of Embassy staff who suffered injury or loss of personal property;(2) how many security guards were on duty, and what security precautions were in operation, at the British Embassy in Libya when it was recently attacked;(3) what compensation he has demanded for the damage done to the British Embassy in Libya.

I would refer the hon. Member to my written reply to the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) on 8th December. In these incidents which involved intrusion by armed soldiers, no damage was done, and no Embassy staff were injured or suffered loss of personal property.On 2nd November, the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the British Embassy in Tripoli was assailed by a large group of civilian demonstrators. The Embassy Security Officer was on duty at the time, as were also the Ambassador and several other members of his staff. None of the attackers succeeded in entering the building. Three cars belonging to Embassy staff were written off and two were damaged: damage was also done to windows, air-conditioners, shutters and doors: Her Majesty's Ambassador made an energetic protest to the Ministry of Unity and Foreign Affairs, who were given a list of the damage done. They have appointed a Committee of Assessors to inspect this damage. Our own estimate of its amount is approximately £9,000. We have told the Libyan Government that we shall press the claim for compensation.—[Vol. 793, c. 6.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the British girls who expressed anxiety about their safety to consular officials during the coup in Libya last September were not given accommodation in British Embassy property.

Experience has shown that Embassy property is usually the first object of hostile attention in an unsettled situation and it is often safer for people to remain in their own homes. As I informed my hon. Friend on 8th December, a number of British subjects were given temporary accommodation in the private residences of Embassy staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice with regard to claiming compensation he has given to British subjects who were attacked, or whose property was damaged, during the coup in Libya last September.

None; no British subjects who were attacked have so far sought advice with regard to claiming compensation. So far as I am aware no damage was done to British property at the time of the coup.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government will now ratify the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage.

Before taking a decision on ratification we await copies of an official commentary being prepared by the Secretariat of the Council of Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy towards the proposals made by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on European co-operation between municipal and regional authorities in general, and in particular towards a convention on European co-operation between local authorities and towards the appointment, on a permanent basis, of a Committee on Co-operation in Municipal and Regional Matters.

The proposals of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, on co-operation in general between European municipal and regional authorities, will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the Joint Committee of Ministers' Deputies and Representatives of the Assembly. Interested Departments are giving sympathetic consideration to their implications. The proposal for a convention on Euro- pean co-operation between local authorities no longer forms part of the Council's intergovernmental programme of work. In answer to the last part of the question, it has been decided unanimously by Ministers' Deputies that the Committee on Co-operation in Municipal and Regional matters should be put on a permanent basis. Her Majesty's Government support this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government will now ratify the European Convention on Information on Foreign Law.

The instrument of ratification by Her Majesty's Government of this Convention was deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on 16th September, 1969, and the Convention is now in force.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial arrangements are being made to mark appreciation of the loyal services to the Crown of Sir Humphrey Gibbs and the former members of his household.

Her Majesty's Government have decided, subject to Parliamentary approval, that a suitable grant should be made as an expression of gratitude to Sir Humphrey for his outstanding record of service to the Crown in Southern Rhodesia.Sir Humphrey, while appreciative of this expression of gratitude, has asked that it should take the form of provision in favour of Lady Gibbs and their children rather than of a personal grant to himself.Her Majesty's Government accordingly propose that a total sum of £66,000 be allocated for this purpose and for grants in appreciation of the services rendered to the Governor of Southern Rhodesia by the former members of his household. Provision will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate in due course, and in the meantime an advance will be sought from the Civil Contingencies Fund, if necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the fact that that the issue of rum to the Royal Navy is to cease on 1st August, 1970, what consultations have taken place with countries in the West Indies which supply the rum; and whether any arrangements are being made to compensate them for the loss of revenue.

None, and no such arrangements are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government propose to make any grant to the National Co-ordinating Committee for the 25th anniversary of the United Nations.

Her Majesty's Government have decided, subject to Parliamentary authority, to make available up to £20,000 to the Committee.Parliament will be asked to approve the necessary supplementary estimate in due course for requirements in the current financial year. In the meantime advances will be sought as necessary from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government are prepared to offer to the Zambian Government in order to enable them to reach agreement with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on a loan for a new power station on the northern side of the Kariba Dam.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, and subject to satisfactory arrangements being concluded on the remaining detailed points, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to concur in the proposals put to them by the Zambian Authorities and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (I.B.R.D.) for the release of the Zambian Government from the guarantee to I.B.R.D. in respect of a proportion of the Bank's existing loans to the Central African Power Corporation (C.A.P.C.) for the Kariba Complex, of which Her Majesty's Government are also a guarantor. The consequence for Her Majesty's Government will be that they will become the sole guarantor of that proportion of the existing loans, and in present circumstances the I.B.R.D. will look to Her Majesty's Government for the servicing payments thereon. The result of the release will be that Zambia will be able to negotiate a new loan from the Bank, in circumstances where its guarantee obligations are not more than approximately half of the total of the new and old loans. The release is expected to take effect from mid-1973 and the sum for which Her Majesty's Government will be contingently liable will be approximately £12 million spread over the period 1973–89. Her Majesty's Government will seek to recover any payments made under this guarantee rearrangement, either from C.A.P.C. or from the legal Government of Rhodesia on their restoration. Token provision to obtain formal Parliamentary approval for this arrangement will be included in an estimate to be presented to Parliament in due course. The Zambian Government and I.B.R.D. have been informed of this decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Huddersfield Town Council is not among those local authorities which are to be asked for their views about the proposed new gaming laws in view of the representation made by the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West, on behalf of a number of clubs in Huddersfield.

I understand that in deciding which local authorities to consult the Gaming Board was guided by its general criteria in addition to representations from responsible local opinion about demand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now replied to the letter sent to him on 12th November by Mr. Anthony Smythe, Secretary of the National Council for Civil Liberities, about events in Northern Ireland; and what was the substance of his reply.

I am sending the hon. Lady a copy of the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether, in view of the provision of Section 41(1)(3) of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, which prohibits the legislature of Northern Ireland from dealing with militiary matters and from establishing military forces, he will forthwith dispense with the services of persons other than British Army personnel and will secure the immediate disbandment of all such military forces as have been established by the Northern Ireland Government acting outside the limitations imposed by this Parliament;(2) by what statutory authority are persons other than British Army personnel empowered to perform military functions in the Northern Ireland area.

		Police on Duty				Penalties
Match			Police Injured	Arrests	Charges	Detention Centre	Fined
5th November Twickenham	…	540	2	4	4	—	2
8th November Leicester	…	1017	10	9	9	—	7
12th November Newport	…	555	—	5	5	—	1
15th November Swansea	…	1000	11	62	62	1	4
19th November Ebbw Vale	…	421	—	—	—	—	—
22nd November Twickenham	…	923	16	22	26	—	7
26th November Manchester	…	2300	29	93	101	—	19
10th December Aberavon	…	650	—	2	2	—	—
13th December Cardiff	…	900	—	3	3	—	—
16th December Aldcrshot	…	648	—	—	—	—	—

Match		Bound over	Penalties Conditionally Discharged	Cautioned	Charge not proceeded with	Dismissed	Remanded
5th November Twickenham	…	1	—	—	—	—	1
8th November Leicester	…	1	—	—	—	1	—
12th November Newport	…	—	—	2	1	—	1
15th November Swansea	…	10	—	—	10	4	33
19th November Ebbw Vale	…	—	—	—	—	—	—
22nd November Twickenham	…	—	1	—	—	4	14
26th November Manchester	…	20	1	—	—	18	43
10th December Aberavon	…	2	—	—	—	—	_
13th December Cardiff	…	—	—	—	—	—	3
16th December Aldershot	…	—	—	—	—	—	—

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been arrested at each

No one, other than Service personnel, is performing military functions in Northern Ireland, and no military matters within the meaning of Section 4(1)(3) of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 are dealt with by the Northern Ireland Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions to date on which police assistance has been requested at matches during the Springbok Rugby tour, the numbers of police engaged on each occasion, the numbers of police injured, the numbers of arrests made and the penalties, conveniently grouped, received by those subsequently found guilty, and the numbers charged who were subsequently acquitted.

The particulars for matches played in England and Wales are as follows:of the Springbok matches so far played; and what charges have been preferred against them.

At the matches in England and Wales 200 persons have

		Arrests	Possession of offensive weapons	Obstructing the highway	Obstructing the police	Section 5 of Public Order Act 1936	Assault occasioning willful bodily harm
5th November, Twickenham	…	4	2	1	—	1	—
8th November, Leicester	…	9	—	—	1	7	—
12th November, Newport	…	5	2	—	—	3	—
15th November, Swansea	…	62	—	—	3	45	1
19th November, Ebbw Vale	…	—	—	—	—	—	—
22nd November, Twickenham	…	22	4	1	2	5	—
26th November, Manchester	…	93	1	14	12	62	—
10th December, Aberavon	…	2	—	—	—	—	—
13th December, Cardiff	…	3	—	—	—	—	—
16th December, Aldershot	…	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total	…	200	9	16	18	123	1

		Assault on the police	Grievous bodily harm	Wilful damage	Conduct likely to cause breach of the peace	Possessing dangerous drugs
5th November, Twickenham	…	—	—	—	—	—
8th November, Leicester	…	—	—	—	1	—
12th November, Newport	…	—	—	—	—	—
15th November, Swansea	…	7	—	—	6	—
19th November, Ebbw Vale	…	—	—	—	—	—
22nd November, Twickenham	…	8	1	2	1	2
26th November, Manchester	…	11	—	1	—	—
10th December, Aberavon	…	—	—	—	2	—
13th December, Cardiff	…	—	—	—	3	—
16th December, Aldershot	…	—	—	—	—	—
Total	…	26	1	3	13	2

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the total amount in fines and costs imposed in connection with convictions arising from demonstrations at Springbok matches.

The total amount of fines and costs, in the cases in England and Wales in which such penalties have been imposed, is £546. In a further 88 cases the court proceedings are not yet completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why in view of the fact that it is not the practice of the Metropolitan Police to send notices of intention of submitting lists of previous absolute discharge when prosecuting for further and different offences, he will not request the police to cease this practice in the cases in which they have done this during the past three months.

I can only repeat that it is not the practice of the Metropolitan Police to send a list of

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for the years 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 the number of occasions on which firearms are recorded as having been fired at or in the vicinity of police officers on duty.

In 1968 there were 12 offences in England and Wales in which police officers were shot at. Similar information is not available for earlier years or, as yet, for 1969.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for the years 1964 to 1969, inclusive, the number of occasions on which attacks with knives or similar offensive weapons have been made on policemen on duty.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the results of the Research and Development Branch's experiments into the use of helicopters for police work; if he will publish the reports made thereon; and what steps he proposes to bring helicopters into general use for traffic surveillance and searches for suspects and missing persons.

The experiments suggest that helicopters could be of help to the police, but that their value would be likely to be greater in searches for suspects and missing persons than for routine traffic surveillance. It is not the practice to place on sale reports of police research but the findings of the experiments have been made available to police forces.Further studies are at present being undertaken of the economics of using helicopters for police work, and a decision whether to embark on more extensive operational trials will be taken in the light of these studies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of servicemen entitled to do so have made a declaration to secure their own vote; whether he is satisfied that the shortness of the notice available to the services, together with recent operational exigencies notably in North Ireland, have not deprived servicemen of the opportunity of being registered as service voters; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence is not in a position to say what proportion of servicemen have made a service declaration, nor, because of the way in which the register is compiled, can I obtain the information from electoral registration officers.I understand from my right hon. Friend that special steps were taken to ensure that members of the armed ser- vices were informed of the procedure and timetable for registration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a circular to chief constables advising them to send only plain-clothed police officers to recently bereaved families in the case of sudden death.

This is not a matter on which chief officers of police are in need of advice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that trichlorethylene vapour may be fatal at a concentration of 3½ per cent. in the atmosphere; and whether, in view of the accident to a road tanker at Drayton, Berkshire, on 9th December, he will review the regulations under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 governing the carriage of this substance.

I would accept that a concentration as high as 3½ per cent. in the atmosphere could well be fatal in certain circumstances. But this substance is not generally thought to present a particularly serious hazard during transportation and there are no regulations dealing specifically with its conveyance by road.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the accident on 9th December in which a road tanker containing trichlorethylene overturned at Drayton, Berkshire, causing fumes which led to the evacuation of 20 houses and the need for oxygen treatment to 26 people.

I understand that at about 8.50 p.m. on 8th December a tanker carrying 2,000 gallons of terchlorethylene and the same amount of trichlorethylene skidded in Drayton, Berkshire, and crashed through a wall into a garden. The tanker ended up on its side and some trichlorethylene escaped into the roadway through a damaged pipe. Temporary repairs were effected to the damaged pipe and the load transferred to another tanker. Trichlorethylene gives off fumes which can in certain circumstances be dangerous. As a precautionary measure, therefore, the police ordered the evacuation of eight houses in the immediate vicinity and alerted the occupants of others in the neighbourhood; an ambulance personnel gave oxygen to 26 people, who, it was thought, might have inhaled some fumes. The incident was efficiently dealt with by the emergency services involved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will now sign and ratify the European Convention on the Punishment of Road Traffic Offences 1964.

I cannot hold out any hope of the necessary legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will now sign and ratify the European Convention on the Supervision of Conditionally Sentenced or Conditionally Released Offenders.

No; this convention is not compatible with United Kingdom law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will now sign and ratify the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The differences between the systems of criminal law and procedure in the United Kingdom and on the Continent make this impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what records are kept of the numbers of illegitimate children who are given into their father's custody by magistrates' courts; and whether legal aid is available for appeals for custody made by putative fathers.

The answer to the first part of the question is that I regret that the relevant statistics are not available, and to the second that legal aid may be granted for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the 5¼ per cent. increase since 1st September, 1968 and the 3 per cent. productivity award on 1st September, 1969, police pay is still lower than that of other groups of workers; what action he proposes to take to increase the pay of the police; and whether he will give an assurance that enough personnel will be available to introduce the 40-hour week in April, 1970 without recourse to overtime.

Pay is reviewed by the Police Council for Great Britain every two years. I understand that the next review is likely to begin in the early months of 1970.The extent of overtime working required in each force is a matter for the judgment of its chief constable, who will from April next reduce the total weekly duty by two hours if that is practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Licensing Acts so that public houses in England and Wales remain closed on Christmas Day in order to allow licensees and their staff at least one day's holiday a year.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the concern felt by the police over the delay being experienced in resolving questions connected with their rent allowances; what are the reasons for this delay; and when he proposes to resolve these problems.

Difficulties have arisen over the interpretation of the revised agreement on rent allowances signed in June this year in the Police Council for Great Britain. Both sides of the council are aware of these difficulties. My right hon. Friend is informed that the joint secretaries will discuss the question before Christmas, with the aim of issuing further guidance.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the figure for public investment for new dwellings, improvements and net mortgage lending, respectively, in each year since 1964–65; and what is his estimate for 1969–70 and for each year up to, and including 1971–72.

Figures for past years cannot be readily split between investment in new dwellings and the improvement of the old. The total public investment for new dwellings, improvements and net mortgage lending in Great Britain for each year since 1964–65 was:

£ million
1964–65	1965–66	1966–67	1967–68	1968–69
686	754	833	870	862

Estimates for 1969–70 and later years were given in table 2.11 on page 44 of the White Paper "Public Expenditure 1968–69 to 1973–74" Cmnd. 4234.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he received from the Holford Committee about the proposed demolition of Scotland Yard.

The Historic Buildings Council for England, of which Lord Holford's Committee now forms part, has recently informed my right hon Friend of its view that New Scotland Yard has claims to be Norman Shaw's finest building and that its demolition would be a tragedy in itself and a serious set-back to the cause of preservation in general; and also of its conviction that it should be preserved. This accords with the views previously expressed by the Holford Committee on the importance and future of the Norman Shaw building.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has increased the quota given to Scunthorpe Borough Council for loans for house purchase.

My right hon. Friend has allocated to Scunthorpe Borough Council a further quota of £19,800 for house purchase loans in 1969–70, in the light of a review of quotas unlikely to be fully used by other authorities during 1969–70.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now seek to amend the Rent Act, 1968, so as to provide for tenants of those furnished premises that are in buildings separate from those occupied by their landlords the same degree of security at present afforded to tenants of unfurnished premises.

This matter is being considered by the Francis Committee which my right hon. Friend has appointed.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make an inquiry to ascertain the number of instances in the last 12 months where local authorities have had resort to court procedure to ensure the enforcement of Public Health Act stipulations with regard to housing; and what was the cost to the public of such proceedings.

My right hon. Friend will consider this request, and we will get in touch with my hon. Friend about it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an assurance that the cost of repairing the houses built for the Skelmersdale Development Corporation which have been found to have structural faults will not be passed on, by way of rent increases, to tenants of the corporation's houses; and if he will hold an investigation into the building of these houses and publish the findings.

The level of rents charged by development corporations for their houses is in the first place a matter for their determination. The rent increase coming into force on 26th January, 1970 in Skelmersdale is not attributable to the cost of remedial works.The corporation is providing my right hon. Friend with a report on certain defects which have developed in some of the houses it has built, and he will consider what further action is necessary when he has received and considered that report.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what requests for financial assistance for the provision of recreational and sporting facilities, indoor and outdoor, his Department has received from the Skelmersdale Development Corporation; what assistance was offered; and if he will make a statement on the present needs of this community for such facilities now and in the future.

The answer to the first two parts of the question is "none". The provision of recreational and sporting facilities in the new town is primarily the responsibilty of the local authorities. The development corporation co-operates fully with the local authorities on the planning and provision of such facilities and may, with my right hon. Friend's consent make contributions to the costs of the local authorities and other bodies concerned with the provision of amenities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the total number of ambulance drivers registered with local authorities and the National Health Service.

I have been asked to reply.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the amount of grant payable to new town development corporations which provide play areas, both indoor and outdoor, for children, particularly those under school age, with the usual facilities for parents of those in charge of the children.

No grant is payable to development corporations specifically towards the provision of such amenities. Play areas incidental to new housing development may, however, be admissible for subsidy under the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he has given to local authorities concerning the introduction of smokeless zones in those areas where there is a shortage of smokeless fuel.

None. My right hon. Friend requests local authorities, when they submit smoke control orders to him for confirmation, to furnish him with a statement from the Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation that adequate supplies of smokeless fuel will be obtainable in that area. In these statements the federation is not now guaranteeing adequate supplies for newly submitted areas before April, 1971. He has before him at present 62 orders for confirmation with operative dates spread over the period between now and April, 1971. Authorities have discretion to defer the operative date. In some places shortages of smokeless fuel may lead them to do so. There is no reason for my right hon. Friend to delay confirmation or advise local authorities to defer putting forward proposals.