asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what subjects were discussed at the recent meeting of the Council of Europe.

The meeting at Strasbourg from 2nd to 6th March was at Ministers' Deputies level. As usual a wide range of subjects was discussed including the Reports of Intergovernmental Expert Committees on, for example, public health and social matters, and the Report of the Commission on Human Rights on the Greek Case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries propose to meet again.

N.A.T.O. Foreign Ministers will next meet at the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council, on 26th and 27th May in Rome.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the countries of the European Economic Community regarding the closure of their consulates in Southern Rhodesia.

We made our views on the presence of foreign consulates in Southern Rhodesia known to the Governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has now concluded his feasibility study of the proposed communications sanctions against Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.

We have now completed a detailed study of this complex question and have concluded that in present circumstances a communications ban would be neither practicable nor desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he proposes to recommend a successor to Sir Humphrey Gibbs as Governor of Rhodesia.

I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Evelyn King) on 8th December.—[Vol. 793, c. 2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it was with his approval that the latest United Nations Security Council resolution on Rhodesia, for which the British representative voted, included a description of Rhodesians as the people of Zimbabwe; and what change is contemplated in the official name of Southern Rhodesia.

I attach no special significance to the use of the phrase "the people of Zimbabwe" in one paragraph of the Security Council Resolution in question, which we were not responsible for drafting. The Resolution otherwise employs throughout the designation "Southern Rhodesia", which remains the official name of the Colony; and the territory is so described in all official documents, including the letter with which the United Nations Secretary General officially forwarded the Resolution to Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consult with the Government of Hong Kong with a view to introducing free primary education for all children within the ages of six to 11 years; and how many young persons in that age group are not, at present, attending school.

It is the Hong Kong Government's aim to provide free primary education for all who desire it and we are in constant touch with the Hong Kong Government about this issue. The total number of places available in Government and subsidised primary schools is expected by the end of this year to exceed the estimated number of children of primary school age desiring places in such schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; and whether he will investigate the conduct of the administration of the islands.

An open letter was addressed by a Mr. W. A. Davies to my right hon. Friend and copied to certain other hon. Members. This has been referred to the Resident Commissioner in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands for his comments. I will write to my hon. Friend when we have received a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will meet the Nigerian High Commissioner to discuss further the problem of the United Kingdom contribution of relief supplies and the discrimination against British journalists in the area formerly known as Biafra.

We are in constant touch with the Nigerian Government through the normal diplomatic channels and proposals for further assistance for relief and rehabilitation from the United Kingdom are under discussion. The control of visitors to the East Central State of Nigeria is entirely a matter for the Nigerian Government. I have seen no evidence that there is discrimination against British as opposed to foreign journalists.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs following the termination of the banana contract by Messrs. Fyffes with Jamaica, what steps he is taking to see that the producers of bananas in the Windward Islands continue to get an adequate return for their products.

British Ministers and Ministers from Jamaica and the Windward Islands decided on 2nd March that the best step would be for a conciliator to be appointed. Fyffes Group and the Jamaica Banana Board accepted this proosal. With their agreement Lord Denning was approached and has agreed to act as the conciliator.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about the supply of arms to Middle East countries.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Moonman).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest British policy in respect of the Middle East.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) and my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will consider having separate Scottish representatives in all countries to promote Scottish trade; and if he will make an estimate of the probable cost of doing so.

No. Her Majesty's Government maintain commercial representatives in 210 cities around the world. In common with all other United Kingdom exporters, Scottish exporters have a full demand on their services.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he has had with the countries of the Six regarding Great Britain's entry into the Common Market.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the Common Market negotiations.

I would refer to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) and my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, during negotiations for entry into the Common Market, he will ensure the maintenance of exchange control in Great Britain, that Great Britain's entry terms are as favourable as those of the founder members, that British dominions, colonies and former colonies be offered the same status as that of the former French, Belgian and Dutch colonies, and that no condition be accepted adversely affecting the £ sterling and the reserve aspect of the £ sterling.

The position we should take up in connection with negotiations for our entry into the European Communities, and the questions which we would want to see settled in the negotiations, were set out in the statement made on behalf of the Government by the then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Western European Union Council meeting at The Hague on 4th July, 1967 (Cmnd. 3345), and I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 796, c. 187.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the value of British assets seized in Indonesia; and what further progress has been made in negotiating compensation.

It is not possible to give a realistic estimate of the value of British assets under claim. It depends on such factors as the method of assessment used and the exchange rate adopted. The Indonesian Government are considering these claims and we have told them that we hope better progress will be made. Our Embassy in Djakarta is in regular contact with the Indonesian authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs (1) what has been the cost to date to public funds of the travel and accommodation of his private secretary and detective when accompanying him on journeys abroad undertaken in his capacity as a member of the Labour Party; and to what Vote they are charged;(2) under which of the Diplomatic Service Regulations provision is made for the payment out of public funds of the cost of travel and accommodation of his private secretary and detective when accompanying him on journeys abroad undertaken in his capacity as a member of the Labour Party.

My right hon. Friend remains in charge of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office when on the journeys abroad to which the right hon. and learned Gentleman refers. He is therefore accompanied on these occasions by his private secretary and detective; provision for payment of their expenses out of public funds is covered by Diplomatic Service Regulation No. 29 paragraph 8 (a). To date £87 has been charged to the Foreign and Commonwealth Services Vote.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government in preparation for the Montreal Conference in June to deal with hi-jacking and criminal attacks on aeroplanes.

We are studying the agenda for the extraordinary session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly which has just been received. We intend to take an active and constructive part in this important conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further consultations, and with what result, he has had with the Government of Hong Kong on the matter of employing women on night-shift work.

I explained in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Farnworth (Mr. Thornton) on 2nd March that Her Majesty's Government were satisfied that some night work under strictly controlled conditions could be accepted. Of the twelve applications received since 1st March, when the scheme which I then described came into operation, two have been granted and these cover 224 adult women in cotton spinning and weaving factories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what restrictions are placed upon the sale of C.S. gas to the United Kingdom's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies, and why.

My right hon. Friend will recall that it is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to disclose information about arms sales.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement about Anglo-Lesotho relations.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will obtain from the United Nations and publish official figures to give a comparison of the amounts of contributions made during 1969 for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees by Great Britain, Iraq, Libya, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Israel, respectively.

The following is the information requested. The figures were verified with the UNRWA authorities on 2nd April, and are the latest available; but they are still to be presented to the United Nations Board of Auditors.

Name of Country	Unit of Payment	Contribution (in U.S. Dollars)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Pounds Sterling	4,500,000
Iraq	U.S. Dollars	100,000
Libya	U.S. Dollars	100,000
Abu Dhabi	U.S. Dollars	10,000
Saudi Arabia	U.S. Dollars	297,778
Jordan:
Port Services	U.S. Dollars	17,420
Rent	U.S. Dollars	28,316
Water and Vaccines	U.S. Dollars	76,118
Lebanon:
Rents		51,222
Laboratory Services
X-ray Services and Vaccines
Syria:
Rents and Vaccines		59,258
United Arab Republic:
Medical Supplies		400
Israel:	Israeli Pounds	342,857
Port and Transport Services		561,030
Water and Vaccines		39,216

In addition, Syria has pledged a further sum of U.S. $29,384 for 1969 as reimbursement of transport and porterage costs, but this sum has not yet been paid.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in the conditions and administration of the Kenya Local Government Officers' Superannuation Fund; and how contributors have been notified or will be notified of these changes.

The Kenya Local Government Officers' Superannuation Fund lies entirely within the responsibility of the Government of Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent official visit made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to Bonn; what was the purpose of this visit; and to what extent the Government's policy regarding entry into the Common Market was discussed.

I will not be visiting Bonn until 13th and 14th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government now propose to take to strengthen the Geneva Protocol.

Her Majesty's Government have consistently taken the view that the best way, in present circumstances, of strengthening the Geneva Protocol is by the early conclusion of a Convention prohibiting biological methods of warfare, and we tabled the draft of such a Convention at the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva on 10 July 1969. It is also our policy to encourage states which have not already done so to become parties to the Geneva Protocol.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the new situation in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, he will seek to reconvene the Geneva Conference.

My right hon. Friend has made it very clear that he is ready to do all he can to assist the situation in Indo-China. The possibility of a conference is kept under constant review. But for this to serve any useful purpose there would have to be a willingness on the part of all those concerned to participate.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that there is no laxity in the administration of supplementary benefits in the Walsall area; and if he will make a statement.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to recent articles in the Walsall Observer, and he will now no doubt have seen my full reply in that newspaper. I am satisfied that there is no laxity in the administration of supplementary benefits in Walsall.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is his practice to hold non-attributable Press briefings.

No. My briefings are normally on the record.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what pension is payable under the Government's new pension scheme to a single man who had national average earnings throughout his life on retirement at age 65 years in 1972, 1982 and 1992, respectively, at constant prices and earnings.

The pensions awarded would be £5 16s. 6d. a week in 1972, £8 9s. a week in 1982 and £11 1s. 6d. a week in 1992. These each include 16s. 6d. which an average earner would have earned by paying graduated contributions between 1961 and 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what pension is payable under the Government's new pension scheme to a person who had national average earnings throughout his life on retirement at age 65 years in 1972, 1982 and 1992, respectively, on the basis that earnings, prices and the present retirement pension increase at the same rate as earnings have done over the past 10 years.

The pensions awarded would be £6 17s. a week in 1972, £17 15s. a week in 1982 and £42 1s. a week in 1992. These figures include existing graduated pension and allow for an annual increase in earnings of just over 6¼ per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in the light of proposals to close Holloway Sanatorium, Virginia Water, what steps he is taking to guarantee continuity of treatment, particularly in insecurity symptoms, to the patients affected.

The closure of Holloway Sanatorium is not expected for a good many years and it would be premature at present to say what arrangements will be made to secure continuity of treatment for different types of patient.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds

		Patients awaiting admission to hospitals in
		Carlisle		Newcastle Regional Hospital Area
Specialty		30th November, 1969	30th November, 1968	30th November, 1969	30th November, 1968
General Surgery	…	449	660	8,334	8,637
General Medicine	…	6	6	149	249
Ear, Nose and Throat	…	246	214	3,765	3,909
Gynaecology	…	384	379	3,950	3,360
Ophthalmology	…	100	73	1,324	1,382
Orthopaedics	…	161	113	3,206	3,334
Chronic Sick and Geriatric	…	18	14	191	228
Paediatrics	…	2	3	500	661
Neurosurgery and Neurology		—	—	295	241
Urology	…	—	—	385	409
Cardiothoracic Surgery	…	—	—	231	195
Plastic Surgery	…	—	—	1,763	1,620
Cardiovascular Medicine	…	—	—	46	35
Radiotherapy	…	—	—	51	38
Dental	…	29	71	237	297
Dermatology	…	16	13	27	37
Physical Medicine	…	—	—	38	34
Other	…	2	5	59	128
TOTALS	…	1,413	1,551	24,551	24,794

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures have been taken since 1965 to provide adolescent in-patient psychiatric units in the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board; and what immediate steps are proposed.

The average number of occupied beds in infectious disease departments in National Health Service hospitals in England and Wales per million population in 1968—the latest date for which figures are available—was 44·9. As emergency admissions for infectious diseases are usual, a reserve of unoccupied beds is required.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the present waiting lists for hospitals in Carlisle and for hospitals in the Northern area as a whole; and how these figures compare with a year ago.

The following is the information:

A unit has been provided at Whittingham Hospital. Others are expected to open at Parkside Hospital later this year and at Prestwich Hospital next year or early in 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of those who are entitled to claim family allowances do not do so; and what estimate he has made of the savings in expenditure which result from such claims not being made.

The proportion of families entitled to, but not claiming, family allowances—and the consequent savings—is not known, but past comparisons with census figures suggest that the proportion has been very small.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will specify the circumstances in which he considers it necessary to hold a non-attributable Press briefing.

Whenever we judge background briefing is required.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state the precise terms of reference of the study which his Department is undertaking about investment grants.

The scope of the study was indicated by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade's observation on the recommendation in paragraph 27 of the First Report from the Estimates Committee, Session 1968–69.

asked the Minister of Technology when he expects to be in a position to assess the noise characteristics of the production model of Concorde.

The assessment of engine noise on Concorde is a continuous process: estimates will be brought up to date as new flying evidence is accumulated. Our design aim remains that Concorde's noise should be no greater than that of existing subsonic jets.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to the returning officers of cities, county boroughs and boroughs regarding the count of votes in a general election taking place during the late evening and night of polling day in view of the fact that the poll is to be open till 10 p.m. and ballot papers have to be checked against counterfoils in each polling district before the count can begin.

Returning officers have been advised that it is for them to decide whether it is practicable to count the votes on the evening of polling day. The law does not permit ballot papers to be checked against counterfoils at any stage. I assume that the last part of the Question is intended to refer to the verification of ballot paper accounts, which must now take place before the count as between candidates instead of after it as previously.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the meeting held at the Home Office on 23rd March with regard to fireworks.

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the Answer which I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose) on 26th March.—[Vol. 798, c. 491.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his practice to hold non-attributable Press briefings.

Yes, as and when necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the 20 Parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales with the largest number of registered electors, indicating the size of the electorate in each case.

My right hon. Friend will provide this information as soon as all the returns of the 1970 electorate are received from registration officers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, from information available to him from international sources, is the average rate of taxation imposed on profits earned by British companies in Burma, India, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Ceylon, respectively; and whether restrictions are imposed by these countries on the remittance of net profits.

I regret I have no information about average taxation rates in these countries. In Burma all foreign business interests have been nationalised. In the other countries remittance of net profits is subject to the approval of the exchange control authorities, which in certain cases involves delays.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect on the revenue of replacing the lower rate and standard rate of income tax by a new blanket standard rate of 6s. in the £ sterling, while at the same time abolishing the earned income allowance of two-ninths, and increasing the earned income allowance to 33⅓ per cent. for all incomes up to £3,000 per annum, respectively.

To couple the suggested single rate of 6s. with an earned income relief of one-third up to £3,000 in place of the present arrangements would cost something of the order of £1,000 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the annual loss or gain to the revenue of reducing the standard rate of income tax by 1s., reducing the rate of surtax by 1s. in the £ sterling, lowering the level at which surtax should be paid from £5,000 per annum to £4,000 per annum and to £3,000 per annum, respectively, and of increasing the rate of surtax by 1s. in the £ sterling on all incomes in excess of £8,000 per annum, respectively.

I am not sure what the hon. Member has in mind but to reduce the standard rate of income tax and all surtax rates by 1s. and at the same time reduce the maximum surtax earnings allowance so that a single person whose income is wholly earned would pay surtax on earnings exceeding (a) £4,000 per annum and (b) £3,000 per annum (instead of £5,000 per annum as at present) would cost (a) about £400 million and (b) about £365 million.To increase by 1s. the rates of surtax on the excess of surtaxable incomes over £8,000 would yield about £15 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what income is necessary today for a married man with two dependent children to produce the equivalent purchasing power, after tax, of an income in 1939 of £500, £1,000, £2,000, £3,000, £5,000, £7,000, and £10,000 a year, respectively, on the basis in each case that the income is wholly earned, wholly investment, and half earned and half investment, respectively.

The figures for a married couple with two children under 11 are approximately as follows:

	Income 1969–70 if
Income 1939	Income all earned	Income all from investment	Income half earned and half from investment
£	£	£	£
500	2,450	2,700	2,570
1,000	4,620	5,990	5,250
2,000	10,400	24,800	11,200
3,000	26,400	49,300	26,400
5,000	68,000	90,900	68,000
7,000	102,000	125,000	102,000
10,000	146,000	169,000	146,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mileage rate the tax commissioners are paid in travelling allowances by road and rail, respectively.

Travelling allowances are payable to General Commissioners of Income Tax if they are required to travel more than three miles to perform their duties. The cost of travel by public transport is reimbursed in full. Where a Commissioner uses his own car, he is paid a mileage rate of 7¾d. or 9¼d. depending on the engine capacity. These rates are under review.Special Commissioners are paid travelling expenses on the same basis as civil servants.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Department of Inland Revenue will permit the trustees of occupational pension schemes approved under the provisions of the Income Tax Act 1952 to pay interest on the contributions of an employee between the date of leaving the trust and any subsequent date on which the employee may decide to withdraw his contributions; and

Issue			Initial Unit Value		Number of Units	Principal	Accrued Interest
			s.	d.	(Millions)	£	£
First	…	…	15	6	2·26	1·75	5·82
Second	…	…	16	0	·40	·32	·96
Third	…	…	16	0	9·89	7·91	18·30
Conversion	…	…	16	0	1·43	1·14	2·36
Fourth	…	…	16	0	1·04	·83	1·40
Fifth	…	…	16	0	2·94	2·35	3·75
Sixth	…	…	15	0	5·88	4·41	6·72
Seventh	…	…	15	0	82·39	61·79	72·09
One Pound	…	…	20	0	4·33	4·33	2·00
Eighth	…	…	10	0	72·92	36·46	29·53
Ninth	…	…	15	0	172·88	129·66	95·08
Tenth	…	…	15	0	524·33	393·25	200·25
Eleventh	…	…	20	0	252·75	252·75	50·55
Twelfth	…	…	20	0	1,019·50	1,019·50	63·72

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the actual sum remaining invested in each form of national savings at the end of each year since 1950.

These figures are published in "Annual Abstract of Statistics" for 1960 and 1969 (prepared by the Central Statistical Office, and published by H.M.S.O.).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing the change in the rates of tax upon the following items between September, 1964 and September, 1969, namely, the rate of corporation tax, using an equivalent yield rate for 1964, the rate

No. Approved superannuation funds are not meant to be used as an investment with a preferential tax position.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the number of savings certificates at present held by the public, showing separately each issue of savings certificates and indicating the value of the principal and accrued interest for each issue so held.

Savings certificate records are not kept in a form that would provide this information in precise terms. Estimated numbers and values as at 31st December, 1969, were as follows:—of selective employment tax, specifying men, women, boys and girls, separately, and the rate of capital gains tax.

These taxes were not in existence in 1964. The rates at September, 1969 were:—

	Per cent.
C.T.	45
C.G.T.	30
S.E.T.

	s.	d.
Men	48	0
Women	24	0
Boys	24	0
Girls	16	0

I do not think it would be useful to calculate a corporation tax rate for 1964 on an equivalent yield basis, as a number of factors in the calculation have altered in the five years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that exports of spirituous cosmetic and toiletry preparations are being lost to the extent of several million pounds per annum because of the current regulations requiring that the spirit used on the home market be marked with Methyl Alcohol which is banned in most other countries and the uneconomic situation of producing a different formula for export only; and if he will take steps to remove this obstacle.

My right hon. Friend has carefully considered the representa

			Visible balance*†	Invisible balance*	Government overseas services and transfers (net)‡	Long-term investment abroad(net of disinvestment)§
						Official	Private
1951	…	…	-689	+320	-158	-9	Not available
1952	…	…	-279	+442	-61	-4	-127
1953	…	…	-244	+389	-66	+7	-173
1954	…	…	-204	+321	-131	+25	-238
1955	…	…	-313	+158	-138	-14	-182
1956	…	…	+53	+155	-175	+1	-258
1957	…	…	-29	+262	-144	+7	-298
1958	…	…	+29	+315	-219	+10	-310
1959	…	…	-117	+260	-227	+22	-303
1960	…	…	-406	+141	-282	-31	-322
1961	…	…	-152	+148	-332	+19	-313
1962	…	…	-102	+214	-360	-60	-242
1963	…	…	-80	+194	-382	-60	-320
1964	…	…	-519	+126	-432	-80	-399
1965	…	…	-237	+156	-447	-69	-354
1966	…	…	-73	+113	-470	-81	-304
1967	…	…	-552	+230	-464	-78	-463
1968	…	…	-643	+334	-462	-52	-732
1969	…	…	-158	+524	-457	-97	-593

Balance of payments signs used throughout.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the functions, purposes and efficiency of the National Savings Bank were last reviewed by outside consultants or by experts in his Department or the Civil Service Department.

The functions and purposes of the National Savings Bank are statutory matters which were last under complete review by Ministers in 1969.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing during the years 1951 to 1969 the visible trade balance, invisible trade balance, overseas Government expenditure, and outgoing capital investment, respectively.

The information asked for is given in the following table:Outside consultants have considered various aspects (e.g. accounting) in recent years and the Department is included in the review of manpower in the Civil Service being conducted by Sir Robert Bellinger who is presently engaged in examining the processes of the Bank.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total cost to the National Savings Bank funds of the new headquarters of the National Savings Bank at Cowglen, Glasgow.

It is estimated that the total cost to National Savings Bank funds of the new headquarters building for the National Savings Bank at Cow-glen, Glasgow will be £6 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether, in view of the fact that many young men in civilian life wear hair considerably longer than was customary 20 years ago, he will modify the regulations concerning the length of hair for servicemen to take account to some degree of this fashion;(2) what are the regulations concerning the length of hair permitted to serving soldiers.

Queen's Regulations for the Army require the hair to be kept well cut and trimmed. The other Services have similar regulations. The regulations are interpreted reasonably liberally having particular regard to industrial safety and the general appearance of the force as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many transport aircraft sorties are required to lift the British Army and Royal Air Force ground personnel and their equipment from the United Kingdom to Malaysia/Singapore for exercise Bersatu Padu.

A total of about 85 transport aircraft sorties will be needed for the main Army airlift which comprises equipment—including vehicles and helicopters—as well as personnel. Some 40 sorties will be needed for the equivalent Royal Air Force element.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what types and how many of each type of combat aircraft normally based in the Far East are taking part in exercise Bersatu Padu; and what types and how many of each type will be deployed from the United Kingdom for the exercise.

One squadron of Lightnings and two Shackleton aircraft normally based in the Far East are taking part in exercise Bersatu Padu; Royal Air Force aircraft deploying from the United Kingdom for the exercise will consist of a squadron of Phantoms, 3 Canberra photographic reconnaissance aircraft and 6 Vulcans.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the amount of money involved in the ex gratia payments of fertiliser subsidy for deliveries between 19th March, 1970, and 1st April, 1970.

The amount for the period 19th March to 31st March, 1970, inclusive is expected to be in the region of £330,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps before next winter to provide for the conversion of boiler houses serving educational establishments now heated by gas coke to coal.

Where local education authorities satisfy me of the need to convert boilers because of a prospective shortage of coal or similar fuels I am prepared to facilitate this by making a special capital allocation available. Whether to convert to coal or some other fuel in any particular case is a matter for the authority to determine for itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue fresh advice about heating to local authorities, in view of the shortage of hard coke supplies, in order to prevent the closure of schools next winter.

Following correspondence between my Department and local authority associations, local education authorities are now aware of the problem; and I am prepared to make a special capital allocation to facilitate changes in heating systems when authorities satisfy me that this is necessary because of the shortage of hard coke.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the value of school-building work started in Wales during the last five years and the equivalent sum for the previous five years.

The value of school-building work started in Wales in the calendar years 1965 to 1969 was £29·8 million; the corresponding figure for the calendar years 1960 to 1964 was £20·8 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science the total annual amount of public funds which is given to the arts and to the encouragement of the crafts, respectively.

Government spending on the arts, including the national museums and galleries, in 1969–70 was £21·3 million. Support for the crafts is not a matter for my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what records are kept of the number of workers who are dismissed from their employment when they are sick or suffering from industrial accidents.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a statement about the situation at Odhams, of Watford, where 3,000 workers have just received notice of dismissal following an industrial dispute; and what action she is taking to alleviate the situation.

On 25th March the company issued dismissal notices to some 3,000 employees on the ground that working restrictions being imposed by certain employees in pursuit of a wage claim were progressively making the proper running of the factory impossible. The restrictions were lifted on 31st March and on 3rd April the company rescinded the notices. My officers are continuing their attempts to help resolve the problems.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what were the total numbers of investigations completed by the Monopolies Commission in each of the last 10 years.

The number of inquiries completed each year by the Monopolies Commission was as follows:

1960	0
1961	1
1962	0
1963	2
1964	0
1965	2
1966	10
1967	6
1968	6
1969	6

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will list the industries in which over half the market is controlled by one company or group; and how many of these have been investigated by the Monopolies Commission since 1965.

No comprehensive list is available and in any case the length of the list would depend on the definition of an industry adopted. But on the most recent information available to the Department, it is believed that at least half the market is in the hands of one company or group for the 156 commodities in the appended list. Since 1965 the Monopolies Commission has carried out 10 investigations in monopoly or merger cases where control of half the market by one company was or would be involved.Following is the list:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the average time between the commencement of an investigation by the Monopolies Commission and the submission of its report, in the four years before the Monopolies and Mergers Act 1965, and the four years after it.

The average time between the dates of the reference and the signing of all the Reports in the four years before 5th August, 1965, was four years four months and in the four years after 5th August, 1965, was one year three months.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether it is her practice to hold non-attributable Press briefings.

Yes, from time to time.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the weekly increase in council house rents needed for existing dwellings, in shillings, on the basis that housing subsidies to the City of Carlisle are abolished, excepting old people's accommodation; and what is the estimated weekly increase needed to offset the subsidy on dwellings under construction on 1st January, 1970.

In the light of information provided by the Council I estimate that the cost to Carlisle City Council of abolishing housing subsidies for existing dwellings, excepting old people's accommodation, would, in 1969–70, be equivalent to an average increase in council house rents of about 6s. a week in a 52-week rent year. The dwellings under construction on 1st January 1970 were for old people.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the average weekly increase in council house rents needed for existing dwellings, in shillings, on the basis that housing subsidies to York Council are abolished, excepting old people's accommodation; and what is the estimated weekly increase needed to offset the subsidy on dwellings under construction at 1st January 1970.

In the light of information provided by the Council I estimate that the cost to York Council of abolishing housing subsidies for existing dwellings, excepting old people's accommodation, would, in 1969–70, be equivalent to an average increase in council house rents of about 6s. a week in a 52-week rent year.If subsidies were withdrawn from dwellings under construction on 1st January, 1970, the cost might be equivalent to rent increases in the range 50s. to 70s. a week if applied only to the rents of those dwellings, or in the range 2s. to 3s. a week if pooled over the whole of the authority's housing stock.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he will send a circular to draw the attention of local authorities to the fact that bituminous coal can be burnt smoke-lessly by the use of underfeed stokers, thus making possible the diversion of gas coke to domestic users in clean air zones;

I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology about the position concerning the supply of solid smokeless fuels for next winter. My hon. Friend's suggestions will be considered in this context, and I will write to him.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to compel local authorities to improve the fencing of unsafe vacant sites in their areas.

I do not think that in a matter of this kind central government should overrule the decisions of elected local authorities about the use they make of their powers.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to compel local authorities to clear speedily derelict and unsightly sites within their areas.

I leave this for decision by local authorities. Stimulus is provided by the payment in appropriate cases of substantial grants to them for the restoration of derelict land.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to compel local authorities to accommodate problem families so as to ensure that these are not concentrated in particular areas or streets.

I do not think that the desirable objective which my hon. Friend seeks is best achieved by statutory powers being sought by my right hon. Friend the Minister.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the total amount raised in levy to date by the Land Commission; how much land has now been acquired; and to whom it was disposed for the purpose of building.

The total amount of Betterment Levy collected by the Land Commission to 31st March, 1970, is £29·7 million. Two thousand one hundred and ninety-eight acres of land have been acquired and 319 acres have been sold, 44 for development in the private sector and 275 acres for the public sector.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will prevent the holding of a pop concert at Finney Green, Staffordshire, at Whitsun, in view of the lack of main drainage and other facilities.

My right hon. Friend has no power to do so. It is incumbent upon the organisers of gatherings of this kind, in consultation with the local authority, to make the necessary sanitary and other provision to avoid creating a public nuisance.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to prevent local authorities from leasing car parking facilities in their areas to private contractors.

A variety of methods need to be available for use by local authorities, as appropriate whether for parking schemes or, for example, for promoting urban redevelopment, and in my view the choice of method should rest with the local authority.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is his estimate of the total increase in the revenue of local authorities on the basis that all ground sites of commercial property located within boroughs and county boroughs at present privately owned were municipalised.

This information is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses were built by Basildon and Harlow Urban District Councils between 1st January, 1967 and the latest date for which figures are available.

1,173 dwellings were completed for Basildon Urban District Council and 101 for Harlow Urban District Council from the beginning of 1967 to 28th February this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning whether it is his practice to hold non-attributable Press briefings.

Yes, from time to time.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what further action is being undertaken by Her Majesty's Government regarding the provision of relief supplies for Nigeria.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on the current British contribution to food and medical relief in the East Central Region of Nigeria.

The programme of rehabilitation and relief including the provision of food and medical aid in the areas affected by the civil war is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria. In the provision of relief the Nigerian authorities are being assisted by the international organisations and voluntary societies such as U.N.I.C.E.F., The World Food Programme and The Save the Children Fund.The British contribution to food relief is made through the international organisations and by financial support to the voluntary societies assisting the Nigerian effort. As regards medical relief we are continuing to support the relief teams in the field and the possibility of our assisting in the reactivation of hospitals is also under consideration with the Nigerian authorities.Some £1·8 million of the £5 million which was announced by the Prime Minister for relief and rehabilitation in Nigeria had been spent up to 31st March, 1970. Further requests from the Nigerian authorities for aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction have been received and are under consideration. If further requests for relief supplies are received we will do our best to meet them.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress is being made with the new hospital at Vila in the New Hebrides; and when it will be completed.

The site has been acquired and the foundation stone laid last September. The hospital will be financed from British aid and a sketch design is being prepared. Until tenders have been called for and considered no estimate of a completion date can be made.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, the number of Parliamentary Questions handed to Members by his Department.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council to a similar Question by him on 26th March.—[Vol. 798, c. 549.]

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what plans he has for substitution of coal for gas coke in Government Department premises.

I have no particular plans for the Substitution of coal for gas coke, but I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology about the conversion of appliances burning coke in the light of the likely future availability of that fuel.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms of transfer of Aldergrove Civil Airport in County Antrim to the Government of Northern Ireland; if the runways will be lengthened before April, 1971; and if he will make a statement.

The main terms of transfer are as follows:

(a) the civil airport and the Board's equipment, plant, furniture and fittings (excluding that required for the aerodrome navigation services) to be transferred free of charge;

(b) the aerodrome navigation services to be provided by the National Air Traffic Control Service, free of charge, to the Northern Ireland Government, or nominee, for 21 years from 1st April, 1971;

(c) the National Air Traffic Control Service will pay an economic rent for accommodation occupied;

(d) the Board will receive all sums due and pay all outstanding debts on current account in respect of airport services to 31st March, 1971;

(e) the Board will pay for work done up to 31st March, 1971, on capital projects including runway re-shaping, the main runway extension (to a maximum of 2,300 ft.) and any other works authorised by the Board;

(f) the Northern Ireland Government, or nominee, will assume full financial responsibility on current and capital account from 1st April, 1971.

Though it is improbable that a runway extension of about 2,300 ft. will be completed before April, 1971, it is the intention to proceed with this work simultaneously with the re-shaping of the first 4,000 ft. of the existing runway east of the intersection thus avoiding the need to close the airport.

asked the Minister of Transport when the route of the A41 bypass, King's Langley to Tring, will be announced.

It is hoped to publish draft proposals within the next few months.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange for the preparation list of inter-urban schemes for the principal road programme to be placed in the Vote Office.

Yes. Copies are available now in the Vote Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is now able to state when he will make regulations authorising the erection of bilingual traffic signs in Wales and Monmouthshire.

I have signed the Regulations which came into operation on 1st April.They authorise the use of 22 types of bilingual directional informatory and other informatory traffic signs.A circular letter is being sent to local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales benefit from the home help service at the latest convenient date; and how many so benefited in 1964.

The home help service in Wales provided assistance to 24,800 people in the year ended 31st December, 1969, and to 17,493 in the year ended 31st December, 1964.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales benefit from the meals-on-wheels service at the latest convenient date; and how many so benefited in 1964.

Comparative figures are not available prior to 1967. The relevant statistics record the number of people who received meals at home during one week. In the 7 days from 3rd to 9th November, 1969, 8,560 people received meals at home. For a similar week in November 1967 the figure was 7,018.