asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students he estimates will be in institutions of higher education in October, 1971; what will be the average expenditure on grants per student; and how these figures compare with October 1968.

It is estimated that there will be between 480,000 and 500,000 students in full time higher education in Great Britain in autumn 1971, including about 62,000 in Scotland. This compares with 412,000 in autumn 1968, including 53,000 in Scotland. The average expenditure on grants per award holders in 1968–69 was about £375. The level of grants for 1971–72 has not yet been determined.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy with regard to streaming in primary schools, having regard to the report Streaming in Primary Schools, published by the National Foundation for Educational Research, a copy of which is in his possession.

The internal organisation of schools is the responsibility of the school authorities. It is for them to draw conclusions from the report, which I hope they will study carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what instructions are given to student teachers at teachers training colleges with regard to the use of corporal punishment in schools.

Corporal punishment is not a matter for instruction in the colleges, but I have no doubt that during their course students are confronted with the arguments for and against its use so that when they enter the schools they can settle their own practice in the light of any rules laid down by the education authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total expenditure on education in England and Wales in 1963–64; and what is the estimated figure for 1970–71.

£1,173 million and £2,030 million, respectively, including expenditure on universities in Great Britain.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage increase in the number of children attending comprehensive schools at the present time compared with 1964.

Between January, 1964 and January, 1969, the increase was 288 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage increase in public expenditure at 1969 prices on further education between 1960–61 and 1964–65 and between 1965–66 and 1969–70, respectively.

Figures are not available for the period 1960–61 to 1964–65. I estimate at a little over 30 per cent. the increase in England and Wales in the period 1965–66 to 1969–70.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage increase in public expenditure at 1969 prices on secondary school improvements between 1964–65 and 1969–70 compared with the previous five years.

The value of approved building designed to improve conditions for pupils of secondary school age rose by about 10 per cent. in real terms between the two five-year periods 1960–61 to 1964–65 and 1965–66 to 1969–70.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the violence amongst pupils at secondary schools, and the hazards this is creating for teachers; what steps he is proposing to take to deal with this; and if he will make a statement.

I have, of course, seen reports of violence among pupils of secondary schools. Any violence in schools must be a matter for concern, but it is possible that some reports may give an exaggerated impression of the extent of the problem. Discipline in schools is a matter for the teachers, Governors and the local education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the number of sixth form colleges and the number of pupils attending them at the latest available date; and what proposals have been made for further sixth form colleges.

In January, 1969, there were eight sixth form colleges with a total of 2,856 pupils. Plans have been approved for a further 36 colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now expects to be able to publish the Report on the Direct Grant Schools.

I hope that the Second Report of the Public Schools Commission will be published within the next four weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the gross current expenditure per pupil for all types of school nationally, and in Wolverhampton, respectively.

The latest year for which figures are available is 1968–69. The national figure then was £113 11s. 0d. per pupil in primary and secondary schools and the Wolverhampton figure £113 15s. 0d.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what special proposals he has in mind to mark the centenary of the Education Act 1870.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will open an exhibition of school work at the Central Hall, Westminster, on 1st May. H.R.H. The Princess Margaret has accepted an invitation to visit the exhibition, and to attend a concert by the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, when a specially commissioned work by Mr. Bernard Rands will be given its first public performance. Two commemorative lectures will be given: by Sir Alec Clegg, chief education officer of the West Riding, whose chairman will be Lord Butler; and by Dr. F.S. Dainton, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham University, whose chairman will be Mr. Speaker. This programme was drawn up by the 1870 Centenary Working Party, I am grateful to the Committee for their work.In all parts of the country local authorities and teachers are being encouraged to prepare their own programmes, and I have issued a preliminary calendar of events. The Westminster exhibition is available for use by local education authorities and has already been booked for showing at Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bristol and Northampton.The following are the additional details:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he proposes to take to give effect at national level to the objects and themes of International Education Year.

Long term educational policy in this country is kept under continuous review, and embodies the main objects and themes of International Education Year. The enrolment of students for degrees of the Open University and the Enquiry into Adult Education under the Chairmanship of Sir Lionel Russell are particularly relevant to life-long education, which is one of the main themes which U.N.E.S.C.O. has set before the world.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on maintenance allowances paid to pupils attending maintained schools beyond the school-leaving age and in particular what is the extent of the variations between local education authorities; and what proposals he has for providing new improved scales.

The rates at which L.E.A.s pay these allowances are within their discretion and I do not have the detailed figures. However, I am aware that there is variation between local authorities and I am looking at this.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total expenditure on improvements in further education between 1964–65 and 1969–70.

The figure for the whole period is not readily available but I estimate that expenditure in 1969–70 shows an improvement in real terms of £20 million compared with 1964–65. Individual projects often provide for increasing numbers as well as improvements in staffing, building and equipment and information on capital expenditure for improvements only is not identifiable if this is what the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to co-ordinate the work, syllabi, courses, and activities of polytechnics and similar institutions of higher education.

There is already a good deal of co-ordination, both through the arrangements for the approval of advanced courses under the Further Education Regulations, 1969, and through the work of the Council for National Academic Awards and other national validating bodies.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of the number of students likely to qualify for full-time higher education courses, in 1975, 1980 and 1985, respectively, and of the number of these likely to qualify for entry into university; and if he will include in his forthcoming White Paper a description in each case of the steps he is now taking to determine the pattern of higher education in the 1980s.

Entry standards vary both between institutions of higher education and between departments within them. Latest estimates for 1975–76, 1980–81 and 1985–86 of numbers leaving schools or further education institutions with 1 or more passes at G.C.E. "A" level are, respectively, 184,000, 265,000 and 305,000. Universities are likely to select most of their entrants from among those with 2 or more "A" level passes, for whom the corresponding figures are 138,000, 195,000 and 224,000. My right hon. Friend hopes to indicate this year the lines of development which he proposes for higher education.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether revised proposals for the reorganisation of secondary education on comprehensive lines have been submitted by the South Shields Education Authority and if they have been approved by him.

I understand that the local education authority yesterday agreed revised proposals which my right hon. Friend and I will consider as soon as we receive them.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will institute a study of the comparability at different ages of the salaries of teachers with the salaries of others whose training involves a similar period and academic standard; and if he will publish the results.

No; but this is the sort of comparison which might be undertaken in a major review of teachers' salaries.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate the net marginal cost of adding one teacher to the schools' teaching force in 1969.

Current expendion the training of the average teacher who entered the profession in 1968 was about £2,150. The comparable figure for 1969 is not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the latest figures for the recruitment of part-time teachers and of married women returning to teaching; and how these figures compare with comparable ones for the previous three years.

Between February and September, 1969, about 2,800 married women teachers returned to full-time service, compared with 2,400, 2,700 and 2,700 for the three previous years. The number returning to part-time service is not known.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will allow all teachers, who have completed 12 months or more to the satisfaction of local education authorities, to continue in their employment despite their qualifications not being in exact accordance with recently established standards, especially in places where there is difficulty in replacing a particular skill.

No. The agreed policy is to phase out of the maintained schools by 31st August, 1970, teachers whose experience and qualifications are not acceptable for qualified teacher status, subject to certain strictly limited exceptions. One of these is that, where a school needs a particular specialist skill and no qualified teacher is available, an unqualified person may be employed in the capacity of instructor to fill the gap. This provision should cover most of the difficult cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will ensure that the regulations whereby the employment of unqualified teachers shall end after August 1971 will not have the effect of excluding those graduates, especially in science and mathematics, who wish to include a period of teaching at some stage in their careers and whom local education authorities may wish to employ on a whole-or part-time basis.

The date set by my 1968 regulations for the phasing out of unqualified teachers is August, 1970. Graduates are recognised as qualified teachers and their employment is not affected except that post-1969 graduates are restricted to secondary school teaching. It is the intention that post-1973 graduates should not be recognised as qualified teachers in maintained secondary schools until they have completed an approved course of professional training

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total number of non-selective secondary schools at the latest date for which figures are available; and what proportion of these were drawing pupils from the whole or part of the same catchment area as a grammar school.

In January, 1969 there were 962 such schools in England and Wales. Up-to-date figures for January, 1970 are not yet available, but it is estimated that there are now about 1,200 comprehensive schools. Nor is precise information available on the second point for the picture is constantly changing; but many were to some degree in competition with grammar schools for the most able pupils.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek powers to compel local education authorities to ensure that all children attending primary and secondary schools are able to obtain a school meal during the midday break if they wish to do so.

Local education authorities already have a statutory duty to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, a midday meal for all day pupils attending maintained schools who require one.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will introduce legislation regarding the transfer of responsibility for the education of mentally-handicapped children to the Department of Education and Science.

I have already indicated that I hope to present a Bill to the House very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the conditions at Mossley Primary School and the concern of parents and teachers, it will be one of the schools to be replaced from the £4,000,000 extra funds now released.

The Cheshire Local Education Authority have not proposed the Mossley Primary School for the programme of improvements and replacements, to which over £16 million will be devoted in 1971–72.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his latest estimate of the proportion of pupils in South Shields continuing full-time education after school-leaving age; and how this figure compares with the latest estimate for England and Wales.

In 1968–69 46 per cent. of 15 year old children over school leaving age and 27 per cent. of 16 year olds in South Shields were at school.18 per cent. of the relevant age group started full-time courses in universities and colleges of education and further education. The corresponding figures for England and Wales were 53 per cent., 31 per cent. and 21 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average speed at which oil slicks travel at sea; what is the maximum distance which oil slicks have travelled in British waters; and if he will make a statement.

The movement of oil is largely determined by the prevailing wind, but is also affected by currents, tidal streams and the nature and density of the oil. Oil tends to move at about 3.5 per cent. of the wind speed, but no firm figure can be given. Some of the "Torrey Canyon" oil moved 180 nautical miles.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that the West Riding Education Committee has decided not to agree to the suggestion of the Divisional Executive Committee to combine the Normanton County Secondary School with the Normanton Grammar School to make one comprehensive school; and if he will consult with the county authority in regard to their decision.

Yes, and I regret the decision. I understand that the authority is now considering alternative solutions. I shall be glad to arrange for officers of the Department to discuss the problem with the authority's representatives whenever this may be helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will reconsider the decision to disallow Mrs. Biss to continue to teach French in the Rowanfield Junior School in Cheltenham, on the grounds that her qualifications do not conform to the regulations, in view of the shortage of such teachers.

I regret that we cannot accept her as a qualified teacher in the strict sense. New restrictions on the employment of unqualified teachers come into force on 1st September. She could qualify by taking a college of education course.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that an adequate number of invigilators are available for this year's General Certificate of Education and Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Bishop) yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to safeguard the rights of headmasters to make confidential reports on their pupils to university authorities; and whether he will make a statement.

Headmasters are free to make such reports to the university authorities as they consider appropriate or helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will take steps to provide for the confidentiality of correspendence between local education authorities and universities.

This is a matter for the local authorities and the universities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will withdraw the circular limiting the number of nursery-school places and take steps to make more places available other than in the urban programme.

I am aware of the need for more provision for under 5's. This has to be considered together with other claims on resources for education and the other social services but I hope it will be possible to withdraw Circular 8/60 before too long.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will seek powers to require universities and higher education authorities to disclose to students and staff all political and other information received about them.

No. I agree with the recent statement by the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors that universities should not keep files about political or religious opinions or affiliations, or political activities within the law. I am glad that the Committee are to have further discussions with the National Union of Students about the difficult issue of the confidentiality of documents.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will increase the grant to enable the University Grants Committee to improve library facilities.

The recurrent grant for the next quinquennium starting in 1972 has still to be fixed. For the present quinquennium the U.G.C. have made grant allocations which provide for an increase of about 20 per cent. in library expenditure per full-time student and they have also allocated £14 million for new library accommodation in building programmes between 1964 and 1971–72.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the

EXPENDITURE PER PUPIL/STUDENT 1968–69*
Authority				Primary Schools	Secondary Schools	Special Schools	Further Education
				£	£	£	£
Bexley	…	…	…	83	168	N.A.†	256
Bromley	…	…	…	86	169	243‡	281
London	…	…	…	88	176	399§	349

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE PER PUPIL/STUDENT 1969–70*
Authority				Primary Schools	Secondary Schools	Special Schools	Further Education
				£	£	£	£
Bexley	…	…	…	87	173	N.A.†	258
Bromley	…	…	…	88	173	252‡	293
London	…	…	…	94	188	445§	380
NOTES:
* Expenditure does not include capital or the cost of meals and milk.
† Because special education in Bexley is at present provided within ordinary schools, no separate figure of cost per pupil receiving special education is available.
‡ Provision is wholly in day schools.
§ Provision is in both day and boarding school.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to give Welsh parents living in England the choice of opting for a Welsh education for their children.

Under the Education Act, 1944, it is already open to any local education authority in England to consider establishing a school providing Welsh education where sufficient demand exists, but this is a matter for local education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what resources have been made available to improve facilities at the polytechnics.

Figures are not available to indicate the proportion of local authority capital expenditure devoted financial year 1968–69 what was the average expenditure per pupil for London as a whole, for the London Borough of Bexley and for the London Borough a Bromley, respectively, on primary education, secondary education, further education and the education of handicapped children, respectively; and what are the estimated figures for the financial year 1969–70.

The following are the figures:solely to improving facilities at existing or proposed polytechnics. Since the publication of the 1966 White Paper on Polytechnics and Other Colleges the 3 further education building programmes 1967–68–1969–70 have included projects to an estimated value of £17·7 million at colleges now forming part, or proposed to form part, of polytechnics.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of the building programme for polytechnics over the next two years.

18 major building projects for polytechnics, to an estimated value of £6·2 million, have been authorised to start in 1970–71. I will send a detailed list to the hon. Member. The list of projects authorised to start in 1971–72 will be compiled later this year.

The 14 polytechnics already established and designated are:

• Bristol.
• City of Leicester.
• Hatfield.
• Kingston.
• Lanchester.
• Leeds.
• Manchester.
• Newcastle.
• North Staffordshire.
• Plymouth.
• Portsmouth.
• Sheffield.
• Sunderland.
• Wolverhampton.

Under the Articles of Government the Governing Body submits its annual revenue estimates to the local education authority maintaining the polytechnics, for their consideration and approval; particulars of polytechnic estimates are not collected by the Department. Their expenditure on polytechnics is part of the total expenditure by local authorities which is aided from the Exchequer through the operation of the Rate Support Grant.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when Huddersfield College of Technology will become operative as a polytechnic; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the Huddersfield L.E.A. are likely to propose 1st September next as the date for the establishment and designation of the Polytechnic to be formed from the Huddersfield College of Technology and the Oastler College of Education.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many unqualified teachers, as defined under Circular 15/68, will be leaving the educational service by the end of this summer; and if he will make a statement.

Last October, counting part-timers in full-time equivalents, there were about 2,000 full-time unqualified teachers in maintained schools. After August, 1970, some of those may be recognised as qualified teachers. Others may be employed as instructors, student teachers, or ancilliaries. I do not know how many will leave the schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what were the total numbers of trained nursery teachers and trained assistants with National Nursery Examination Board qualifications or equivalent who completed training courses in 1967 and 1968.

408 students successfully completed courses of initial training in colleges of education for nursery and nursery/infant teaching in 1966–67 and 349 in 1967–68. I understand that 1,966 students gained the National Nursery Examination Board's certificate in 1967 and 2,379 in 1968. There are no equivalent qualifications.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present number of Malaysian citizens of European and Asian descent working as students in the United Kingdom, including those from Borneo and Sarawak but not from Singapore.

This precise information is not available. Following are the numbers, at November, 1968, of full-time students whose country of origin or permanent residence at the time of enrolment was stated to be Malaysia (excluding Singapore):

Universities (United Kingdom)	664
Colleges of Further Education (England and Wales)	841
Colleges of Education (England and Wales)	16

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the report of the committee set up by him to consider the future of the Covent Garden site.

I have just received the report of the working party which I set up to consider the plans and estimates prepared by the Board of the Royal Opera House for redevelopment when the Covent Garden market moves to Nine Elms. I am studying carefully the contents of the report.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will send a questionnaire to schools for which he is responsible asking if they permit corporal punishment of pupils by pupils; and if he will publish the results.

This is a matter for the local education authorities and the teachers. I have no reason to believe that the practice exists within the maintained school system and I feel that no practical purpose would be served by circulating a questionnaire.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will take steps to encourage the integration of denominational and nondenominational schools within a comprehensive secondary school structure.

No. It is usual for local education authorities and the authorities for voluntary denominational schools to work closely together in the formulation of reorganisation plans. But it would not be possible for a denominational and a nondenominational school to be integrated in any sense which does not imply the disappearance of one in favour of the other.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will carry out an investigation into the social consequences of segregating adolescent children in denominational arid nondenominational schools.

No. There is no question of the Government contemplating arty significant change in the dual system in England and Wales as provided for in the Education Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in his proposals for a review of the law of homicide, following the abolition of the death penalty for murder.

I have asked the Criminal Law Revision Committee to review the law relating to, and the penalties for, offences against the person, including homicide, in the light of, and subject to, the recent decision of Parliament to make permanent the statutory provision abolishing the death penalty for murder.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average waiting period and the maximum waiting period between sentence and admission to borstal training for young men sentenced in Hampshire; and whether they are all held in separate accommodation from adult prisoners during this period.

For offenders sentenced in Hampshire to borstal training the average waiting period between sentence and reception in a training borstal over the past year has been about 13 weeks. The maximum period was normally 16 weeks, although occasionally transfer was further delayed for medical or other special reasons. These offenders are accommodated separately from adult prisoners at the remand centre or prison at Winchester and then at the borstal allocation centre at Wormwood Scrubs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will obtain a report from the chief constable on how many drivers in Carlisle, Cumberland and Westmorland, respectively, have been asked to take the breathalyser test, how many refused, how many were found positive, how many were found negative, and how these figures compare with those for other comparable areas.

Separate figures are not maintained for the former police areas of Carlisle, Cumberland and Westmorland. In the Cumbria police area from 9th October, 1967 to 31st December 1969 the figures were 1,792, 94, 845 and 853. The provisional figures over the

FIREWORK INJURIES IN ENGLAND AND WALES
						1969	1968	1967	1966	1965
A. Place where injury occurred
(i) Family or private party				…	…	680	1,125	1,065	1,065	973
(ii) Public or semi-public party in parks or open space		…	…	…	…	206	367	304	428	411
(iii) Casual incident in street				…	…	492	689	577	415	463
(iv) Other place		…	…	…	…	151	193	130	157	149
(v) Unknown		…	…	…	…	107	163	138	237	343
						1,636	2,537	2,214	2,302	2,339
B. Type of firework involved
(i) Banger	…	…	…	…	…	491	759	608	588	618
(ii) Rocket	…	…	…	…	…	198	366	302	335	357
(iii) Jumping Cracker			…	…	…	95	145	146	115	124
(iv) Display firework e.g. Roman Candle						354	558	541	509	407
(v) Other than above (including home made fireworks)			…	…	…	194	264	237	332	390
(vi) Unknown		…	…	…	…	304	445	380	423	443
						1,636	2,537	2,214	2,302	2,339
C. Age group of persons injured
(i) Over 21	…	…	…	…	…	276	543	426	493	457
(ii) 16–20	…	…	…	…	…	104	163	151	161	197
(iii) 13–15	…	…	…	…	…	304	416	367	359	413
(iv) Under 13		…	…	…	…	952	1,415	1,270	1,289	1,272
						1,636	2,537	2,214	2,302	2,339
D. Severity of injury
(i) Died	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—
(ii) Severe injury		…	…	…	…	240	392	353	551	376
(iii) Minor injury		…	…	…	…	1,358	2,105	1,827	1,721	1,884
(iv) Unknown		…	…	…	…	38	40	34	30	79
						1,636	2,537	2,214	2,302	2,339

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state the figures for recorded injuries sustained in the use of fireworks before and during Guy Fawkes Day, 1969.

The table below analyses the information obtained from hospitals in England and Wales relating to the 1,636 persons who received hospital treatment for injuries caused by fireworks during the period 13th October to 9th November, 1969. Figures are also given for the comparable four-week periods in 1968, 1967, 1966 and 1965, when the total numbers of persons involved were 2,537, 2,214, 2,302 and 2,339 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what criteria she referred the case of the Laporte Industries merger with Burmah Oil Company to the Monopolies Commission forthwith, whereas in the case of the International Publishing Company and Reed proposed merger, alter weeks of consideration, no action was taken thereon.

In the case of the Reed/I.P.C. merger, the Government were able to identify the probable causes for concern and to seek appropriate undertakings from the Reed Group to deal with them. In the case of the Burmah/Laporte merger, there appeared to be important issues which could not be resolved without an examination by the Monopolies Commission. As the reference is now before the commission, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the number of persons employed in the Scottish jute industry at the June, 1968 count and the June, 1969 count, respectively.

At June, 1968 the estimated number of employees in employment in Scotland in jute (minimum list heading 415 of the standard industrial classification) was 14,500. Estimates for June, 1969 are expected to become available during the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many wage settlements in the public sector she has so far approved during 1970 which have fallen within the Government's current norm for wage increases; and what has been the number of workers involved in settlements which have fallen within and out-with the current norm, respectively.

Six settlements have been made in the public sector in 1970 within the current range, involving 120,000 workers. Twenty-one settlements were made outside the range, involving 1,028,000 workers.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity when she expects to receive the figures of persons in employment in Scotland in June, 1969.

During the next two or three weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the number of persons unemployed in the Arbroath Employment Exchange district at the February count in each of the last 10 years.

Following is the information:

Numbers registered as unemployed in the area covered by the Arbroath Employment Exchange.
February, 1970	…	…	…	419
February, 1969	…	…	…	356
February, 1968	…	…	…	215
February, 1967	…	…	…	306
February, 1966	…	…	…	396
February, 1965	…	…	…	350
February, 1964	…	…	…	331
February, 1963	…	…	…	539
February, 1962	…	…	…	444
February, 1961	…	…	…	268

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many individual applications for industrial retraining were submitted in Sheffield during 1969; and how many applicants secured places in suitable courses.

610 applications were received during 1969, but 332 were later withdrawn. 89 of the applicants entered training, and 43 more have been accepted as suitable and are awaiting allocation. 80 applications are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a list of the boards and committees to which he appoints members other than civil servants; and if he will state the number of members serving on each such board or committee.

I am sending the list to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many nurse-hours per week on average were available at Orpington Hospital as at the end of 1962 and 1969, respectively, after making allowance for holidays and training; and how many beds were occupied at the hospital at each of those dates.

The total numbers of nurse hours per week available at Orpington Hospital at the end of September in 1962 and 1969, respectively, were 11,874 and 12,601, after making allowance for holidays and training. The average number of occupied beds at this hospital was 445 in 1962 and 438 in 1969.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that the Royal Navy is able to prepare and select officers for staff college without correspondence course training, he will undertake a review of the requirement by the Royal Air Force of an individual studies school.

No.

asked the President of the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with British airlines about the elimination of smoke pollution from their aircraft.

There have been no formal discussions so far. The major British airlines are already largely equipped with aircraft that produce minimal smoke emissions; but I am keeping a close watch on the situation.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now pay an official visit to Northern Ireland.

I have no plans to do so at present.

asked the Prime Minister what recent consultations he has had with the Prime Minister of South Africa on matters of mutual concern.

None.

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has for paying an official visit to Scotland later this year.

I would refer to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 19th February.—[Vol. 796, c. 587–8.]

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Secretary of State for the Home Department about small farms at Haverfordwest on 30th January represents Government policy.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the question of the emigration of citizens from Great Britain.

No.

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an early visit to the Scandinavian countries, in view of their intention to create links between the Nordic Union and the European Economic Community.

No. I am not aware of any present intention to create links between the Nordic Economic Union, as such, and the E.E.C.

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he held with the West German Chancellor on the subject of a European Security Conference.

In the course of our talks we reviewed the whole field of East-West relations. Her Majesty's Government fully support the constructive efforts which the Federal German Government are taking to improve relations with their Eastern neighbours.

asked the Attorney General whether the Director of Public Prosecutions has completed his investigation into allegations that Mr. Alan Law of the Transport and General Workers Union had committed offences against the criminal law; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The Director of Public Prosecutions has considered the evidence disclosed by the investigation and has decided that it does not justify criminal proceedings. I agree with him.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now invite Mr. Olof Palme, Prime Minister of Sweden, to London on an official visit.

It was announced from 10 Downing Street on Tuesday that the Swedish Prime Minister had accepted my invitation to pay an official visit to the United Kingdom on 7th–8th April.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how much land, on which planning permission for housing purposes has been obtained, re mains in the possession of Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council since the sale of such land for the erection of houses for sale;(2) if he will obtain an estimate of the number of applicants on Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council's housing list who will be rehoused during the course of each of the next five years, and the number of applications which are expected to remain after the addition of the names of new applicants;(3) if he will obtain the number of applicants at present included on the waiting list for rehousing by Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council;(4) if he will obtain an estimate of the number of new houses which will become available for letting to applicants on Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council's housing list for each of the next five years;(5) what was the annual number of houses built by Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council since 1964; and what is the annual programme which is proposed for the next five years.

The number of houses completed by Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council each year since 1964 is as follows:

1965	…	…	…	…	16
1966	…	…	…	…	47
1967	…	…	…	…	127
1968	…	…	…	…	180
1969	…	…	…	…	85
Total			…	…	355

Four bungalows will be built this year. It is primarily for the council to keep under review the adequacy of its pool of accommodation in relation to local needs, and to put forward proposals for land acquisition or house building, which would, of course, receive prompt consideration, but at present the Ministry is not informed on these points.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he refused permission to North Westmorland Rural District Council to invite tenders to construct a sewerage scheme at Morland; and whether he is aware that the present conditions are giving rise to concern locally.

The refusal in 1967 was because of restrictions on capital expenditure and the apparent absence of public health risk. However, in response to further evidence of health risk produced by the council towards the end of last year, the council was authorised on 29th January to invite tenders for schemes.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plan she has for the appointment of a new Chairman of the Commonwealth Development Corporation; whether the new appointment will carry the same salary of £6,500 per annum; and whether she will give an assurance that she will not make this new appointment until after the General Election or before the expiration of the term of office of the present holder.

The appointment of the present chairman expires on 30th November, 1970. No decision has yet been taken about a successor.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will give a list of the boards and committees to which she appoints members other than civil servants; and if she will state the number of members serving on each such board or committee.

The following is the information:

Board or Committee
	Number of Members Officials and non-Officials (including Chairmen)
Consultative Panel on Co-operatives	27
Board of the Commonwealth Development Corporation	10
Centre for Educational Development Overseas	14
Indian Civil Service Family Pension Fund Consultative Committee	3
Indian Military Service Family Pension Fund Consultative Committee	3
Indian Military Widows' and Orphans' Fund Consultative Committee	3
Superior Services (India) Family Pension Fund Consultative Committee	3
Governing Body of the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex	15
Medical Advisory Committee	22
Overseas Pest Control Committee	10
Economic and Social Committee for Overseas Research	15
Board of Governors of the Overseas Service College	3
Overseas Service Pensions Scheme Advisory Board	4
Advisory Council for the Overseas Services Resettlement Bureau	19
Overseas Superannuation Scheme Advisory Board	4
Palestine Public Service (Supplementary Grants) Trust Fund	4
Governing Body of Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford	4
Advisory Committee on the Selection of Low-Priced Books for Overseas	11
Consultative Panel for Social Development	34
National Council for the Supply and Training of Teachers Overseas	48
Council for Technical Education and Training for Over seas Countries	20
Tropical Medicine Research Board	11
Tropical Products Institute Advisory Committee Trypanosomiasis Panel	15
United Kingdom National Commission for U.N.E.S.C.O. which is advised by Committees on:	37
Education	28
National Sciences	18
Social Sciences	26
Culture	20
Communication	22

asked the Minister of Technology what action his Department has taken to implement the recommendations of the Feilden Report; and what further plans he has for the improvement of the status of engineers.

As announced in the House by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 17th April, 1969, the Government have approved in principle the setting up of a National Design Council. A further announcement by my right hon. Friend on 11th June, 1969 indicated that a firm of consultants had been chosen to advise in detail on the setting up of the proposed new council. The consultants' report has been received and consultations between the interested parties have reached an advanced stage. We are confident that these proposals will contribute materially towards implementing the main recommendations of the Feilden Report.Action to improve the status of engineers takes a variety of forms, in concert with other Departments and through a number of organisations, many of them voluntary. These have included the use of various publicity media and projects to draw attention, particularly amongst the young, to the importance and the challenge of engineering. The aim is to increase the number of our brightest youngsters who opt for a career in engineering. The Department also collaborates closely in many ways with the Council of Engineering Institutions, which was set up so that the Chartered Engineers might speak with one voice in national affairs.—[Vol. 781, c. 1354; Vol. 784, c. 261–2.]

asked the Minister of Technology what was the value of purchases of machine tools for use by United Kingdom industry during 12 months to the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the average for other Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development countries, from information available to him from international sources.

My Ministry has no figures for countries outside the United Kingdom other than those available in the documents generally available to the public. Table 4 of the statistical appendix to the O.E.C.D. study of N.C. Machine Tools gives the estimates of internal demand for machine tools in 1967, which can best be interpreted by reference to the accompanying text.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the cost of the long-dated materials which have been made available for the first seven to ten Concordes.

Ordering of long-dated materials up to a total value of £400,000 has been authorised for these aircraft.