Written Answers To Questions
Thursday, 14th May, 1970
Home Department
Motorways (Multiple Crashes)
8.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call a meeting of all chief constables in areas with motorways with a view to discussing possible action to prevent recurrence of multiple crashes which have caused death and injury.
Ways of reducing the risk of accidents are considered under the standing arrangements for consultations about the policing of motorways.
Refrigerators (Danger To Children)
15.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated number of young children killed by trapping in old refrigerators in the last three years; and if he will introduce legislation to ensure that doors must be removed from disused refrigerators in line with the regulations already operative in the United States of America, details of which are in his possession.
I know of two deaths from this cause in the last three years. It is already an offence to abandon a refrigerator on open land; and legislation relating to disused refrigerators retained in the home would not be enforceable.
Remand Home Places For Girls
16.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the provision of remand home places for girls; and if he will make a statement.
Responsibility for such provision rests with the local authorities; and while there are occasional local difficulties through acute pressure for places and shortage of staff, my right hon. Friend has no evidence of any general shortage of remand home places for girls.
Prisoners (Earnings)
22.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment whether, as the rate of wages to prisoners increases, he will ensure that only a small part of the payment should be made to the prisoner while serving the sentence and the remainder should be payable to the prisoner as a good conduct bonus several years following completion of the sentence provided these years are free from further criminal convictions.
Among various other possibilities, my right lion. Friend keeps in mind that of compulsory savings from earnings to help rehabilitation on discharge. I doubt the desirability or effectiveness of delaying payment as a surety for good behaviour.
Capital Punishment
29.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation to abolish capital punishment for those crimes for which it still constitutes a legal punishment.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Brooks) on 4th December.—[Vol. 792, c. 344.]
Shotgun Certificates
30.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from chief constables in England and Wales concerning the administrative burden of the system of shotgun certificates introduced by the Firearms Act, 1968.
None.
Service Voters
32.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that under the Representation of the People Act, 1969 many Servicemen are being deprived of their votes; and if he will either introduce amending legislation or take urgent administrative action.
No, as regards both parts of the Question.
Police (Investigation Of Complaints)
33.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce amending legislation to require that in any investigations into complaints against the police under Section 49 of the Police Act, 1964, an investigating officer is required to interview and take statements from all complainants.
It is already the normal practice for persons who complain about a member of a police force to be seen by the investigating officer and invited to make a statement. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible about the particular case he has raised in correspondence.
Cinema Clubs (Licensing)
35.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek powers to require cinema clubs to be licensed by the local authority in which they are situated.
My right hon. Friend is considering the problem which the hon. Member has in mind.
Probation Service
36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to encourage the recruitment and training of probation service officers in the North-West.
The training facilities are widely publicised, and have been improved by the introduction this year of a trainee salary for probation students instead of a maintenance grant. Recruitment has shown a marked increase recently, and I expect the North-West to benefit from this.
37.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that the Probation Service remains independent from local authority control and continues to be linked with the courts.
There are no present plans for altering the arrangements for probation and after-care as a separate service, working in close collaboration with the proposed social services departments of local authorities and with the prison service
Borstal Training
38.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of the term now being served by persons sentenced to borstal training.
Just over 10 months.
Children (Criminal Records)
39.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following the implementation of the Children and Young Persons Act, the criminal records of children under 14 years of age have been destroyed, both centrally and locally.
Section 4 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1969 is not yet in force; but when it is, it need not lead to existing criminal records being destroyed.
Special Constables
40.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of special constables now serving in England and Wales; how this compares with the 12 months previously; and what steps are now being taken to enlist further special constables.
On 31st December, 1969 the strength in England and Wales was 34,331. On 31st December, 1968 it was 37,230. As regards recruitment. I would refer the right hon. and learned Member to the reply given to his Question on 20th November, 1969.—[Vol. 791, c. 343–4.]
Crime, Derbyshire
41.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will obtain from the chief constable a report showing the rate of increase in Derbyshire of crimes of murder, armed robbery and larceny between 1968 and 1969.
Two murders were known to the police in 1969, and the same number in 1968. There were 12 offences of armed robbery in 1969, three more than in 1968. Because of the effect on the statistics of the Theft Act 1968, the figures for 1969 for other offences involving theft are not directly comparable with those for 1968.
Parole
42.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average period of time between the Parole Board interviewing a prisoner and the board's decision being communicated to the prisoner.
About 14 weeks after the initial interview.
Prison Population
44.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the prison population at 1st April, 1970; and if he will give the corresponding figures for 1969 and 1968.
The population of prison service establishments in England and Wales on 31st March, 1970 was 38,329. The corresponding figures for 1969 and 1968 were 33,832 and 32,507.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current prison population in the United Kingdom.
39,254 in England and Wales.
Motoring Offence Appeals (Costs)
45.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in some courts, when a motorist appeals successfully against a conviction in a magistrates' court, for a motoring offence, he is refused costs against the police; and if he will introduce legislation to prevent this.
The question whether a successful appellant should be awarded costs is entirely a matter for the court to decide. My right hon. Friend has no proposals for legislation on this subject.
Firearms (Illegal Use)
46 and 47.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment (1) if he will now state the number of indictable offences known to the police which involved the use of one or more firearms in 1969;(2) how many crimes involving the use of firearms were known to the police in the 12 months to the last convenient date; how many of these crimes involved wounding by shooting and killing by shooting, respectively; how many were committed during robberies; and what were the comparable figures for the preceding 12 months.
I regret that the figures for 1969 which are necessary to answer both these Questions are not yet available. I hope to have them shortly and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Police, Northamptonshire
48.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable on the strength of the police force in Northamptonshire, including the City of Northampton, on 1st October, 1964 and 1st October, 1969, respectively.
The total strength of the Northampton County and Northampton City forces on 30th September, 1964 was 587. Theye were combined on 1st April, 1966, and by 30th September, 1969 their strength had increased to 651.
South African Residents (Naturalisation)
49.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to enable those South Africans of many years residence in this country to become British citizens who failed to do so because of a misunderstanding after South Africa left the Commonwealth.
A South African with five years' residence here is eligible to apply for naturalisation. South Africans were given special facilities up to the end of 1965 to acquire citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies by registration. My right hon. Friend does not intend to revive those facilities.
Red Army Choir Visit
50.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from chief constables as to what extra costs have been incurred to date by the police in the course of their duties preventing unlawful demonstrations during the visit of the Red Army Choir.
I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have this information.
Civil Defence
51.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's nuclear policy, he will review the role of civil defence in Great Britain.
My right hon. Friend keeps civil defence preparations constantly under review.
South African Cricket Tour
52.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Marylebone Cricket Club and the Cricket Council concerning any possible breach of the peace resulting from the proposed South African cricket tour.
I have not myself had any recent discussions but chief officers of police, who are responsible for maintaining public order, are in touch with the Cricket Council and cricket clubs.
Enzyme Detergents
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the advisory committee on the possible harmful effects of enzyme detergents on consumers.
By the end of June.
Wrongful Arrest (Personal Case)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiries he is making concerning the fear of wrongful arrest felt by the constituent of the hon. Member for Wythenshawe, a document giving details of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
I have asked the Chief Constable of Manchester and Salford for a report and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
Public Order, London
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now give his consent under Section 3(3) of the Public Order Act, 1936 to an order prohibiting for three months the holding of public processions in the Metropolis, designed to disrupt or prevent the lawful activities of citizens or to molest or seek to intimidate those participating therein or the general public in the vicinity thereof.
No.
Northern Ireland
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all the persons resident in Northern Ireland with whom he has had official meetings since 5th October, 1968; and if he will indicate the date in each case.
I have met some hundreds of people and I hope the hon. Member will not think it necessary to press for detailed information which would take much time and effort to extract.
Police Forces (Organisation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the future organisation of the police forces of the United Kingdom in the light of local government reform.
When it is clear what changes there will be in the proposed local Government pattern I shall enter into consultations. My aim will be to avoid unnecessary upheavals.
Ticket Touts, Wembley
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware of the obstruction of the public highway and footpaths by ticket touts at Wembley on Saturday, 11th April; why the police did not arrest and charge them for obstruction under the Highways Act, 1959; and whether he will obtain and make available to the Metropolitan Commissioner of Police a report from the Chief Constable in charge of the Bolton Police on that force's method of dealing with the nuisance and annoyance caused by ticket touts;(2) whether, in view of the risk to public order and obstruction caused by ticket touts outside Wembley Stadium, he will instruct the Commissioner of Police to arrest such people in accordance with the powers under statute to prevent obstruction and public disorder, and to hold them in custody until after the conclusion of the sporting event so that they will he prevented from disposing of the tickets.
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that no complaints were made to the police about ticket touts at the Cup Final on 11th April, and that there was no need to arrest or charge ticket touts for obstruction or for any other offences.
Courts (Civilian Ushers)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in the London Borough of Newham steps have been taken to commence the rationalisation of courts by employing civilians as court ushers in place of uniformed police; and whether he will take whatever steps may prove necessary to make this a general rule throughout all courts in Great Britain.
My right hon. Friend is issuing a further circular reminding magistrates courts committees to avoid as far as possible employing police officers on court duties.
Motoring Offences, London
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan Police have taken no action on the reports they have received in recent years of commercial vans being illegally parked on yellow banned areas every weekday in Beauchamp Road, Leather Lane and the various other roads at right angles to Leather Lane.
The police do what can reasonably he done, having regard to their other commitments, to enforce the parking laws in the area.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan Police have failed to take action during the past two years when asked to do so concerning an unlicensed red Commer van, registration No. 838EUV, parked every day between 12 noon and 2 p.m. on the yellow banned area corner of Beauchamp Road and Leather Lane, Holborn.
The Commissioner of Police informs me that there is no record of such a request; but, if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will ask the Commissioner to make further inquiries.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the Metropolitan Police refrain from taking law enforcement action when asked to do so by a private citizen; and whether he will ensure that action is taken when a member of the public asks a police officer to report a vehicle or its owner for failing to have and exhibit a road fund licence or failing to have a certificate of road worthiness or a road vehicle insurance policy.
Responsibility for enforcing the law lies with the Commissioner of Police, and my right hon. Friend has no authority to issue directions in the matter.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that the Austin A40 that stood outside 44 Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, London, E.7, since August, 1969 was unlicensed since September, 1969, the Metropolitan Police without exercising their powers of removal did not take action on the licensing offence.
The police had reported to the Greater London Council on three occasions in November and December last that the car was apparently unlicensed. It was for the Council to decide what action to take. I understand that they have been in touch with the owner.
Women Taxi-Cab Drivers
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his rules and regulations regarding females becoming London taxi drivers, subject to passing the required tests; and how many women held taxi-cab driver licences at the latest convenient stated date.
The provisions regulating the grant of a driver's licence for a London hackney carriage make no distinction between males and females. Five women at present hold such licences.
Miss Corunna Elektra Hamer (Prison Sentence)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what statutory authority Miss Corunna Elektra Hamer was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment; why this 19-yearold girl served a six-day sentence before being released; and if he will now take steps to provide an ex gratia payment to Miss Hamer.
At Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on 28th April Miss Hamer was convicted of two offences of smuggling cannabis and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. Because she was under 21 the court had no power to impose a sentence in excess of 6 months, which in accordance with section 39(3) of the Criminal Justice Act, 1967 ought to have been suspended. The mistake was reported to the Home Office as soon as the court became aware of it and Miss Hamer was released on 1st May.My right hon. Friend can find no grounds for an
ex gratia payment from public funds.
Rugby Match, Swansea (Incidents)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the report of the Chief Constable of Manchester and Salford into incidents at Swansea at the time of the Swansea versus Springboks rugby match, a copy of which he has received.
Publication is a matter for the South Wales police authority to whom the chief constable of Manchester and Salford has submitted this report.
Magistrates' Courts
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken to review the administration, financing and work of Magistrates' Courts in conjunction with the measures following the proposals of the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions.
These matters require careful study and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make a statement.
Obscene Publications Act (Films)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to extend the coverage of the Obscene Publications Act to include films.
Although the Obscene Publications Acts already apply in large measure to films and there are controls under the Cinematograph Acts, my right hon. Friend is considering whether any further action is required as regards cinema clubs.
Employment And Productivity
Joiners And Construction Workers, Edinburgh
53.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many vacancies there are for joiners in the Edinburgh area; how many joiners there are unemployed; and why the number of construction workers unemployed in the Edinburgh area has risen from 1,315 in June, 1969 to 1,910 at the present date.
At 13th April, 1970, 110 men registered as wholly unemployed in the Edinburgh travel-towork area who last worked in construction (Minimum List Heading 500 of the Standard Industrial Classification) were registered as carpenters, joiners, etc. and 39 notified vacancies for men in these occupations remained unfilled. The number unemployed from construction in the area increased from 1,347 in June, 1969 to 2,008 in April, 1970. This increase has arisen largely from the generally reduced level of activity in the industry and there have been some substantial redundancies in the period. I am hopeful that recent Government measures will lead to an improvement.
Review, Arbitration And Wage-Fixing Bodies
54.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will publish a list of the principal independent review and arbitration bodies, and statutory wage-fixing bodies responsible for fixing, but not paying, rates of remuneration, including wages councils and agricultural wages boards but excluding bodies directly under the control of Her Majesty's Government.
The following is the information:
Review of arbitration bodies:
National Board for Prices and Incomes.
Industrial Court.
Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal.
Ad hoc bodies set up under the following Acts:
The Conciliation Act, 1896.
The Industrial Courts Act, 1919.
The Police Act, 1964.
The Remuneration of Teachers Act, 1965.
The Remuneration of Teachers (Scotland) Act, 1967.
The Standing Advisory Committee on the pay of the Higher Civil Service.
The Review Body on the remuneration of Doctor and Dentists.
Standing arbitral bodies in nationalised industries:
The National Reference Tribunal (Coal-mining).
The Railway Staff National Tribunal (British Rail).
The Wages Board of London Transport.
Wages Boards and Councils
Agricultural Wages Board (England and Wales).
Agricultural Wages Board (Scotland).
Aerated Waters (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Aerated Waters (Scotland) Wages Council.
Baking (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Boot and Floor Polish (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Boot and Shoe Repairing (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Brush and Broom (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Button Manufacturing (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Coffin Furniture and Cerement-Making (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Corset Wages Council.
Cotton Waste Reclamation (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing (Scotland) Wages Council.
Flax and Hemp (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Fur (Great Britain) Wages Council.
General Waste Materials Reclamation (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Hair, Bass and Fibre (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Hairdressing Undertakings (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Hat, Cap and Millinery (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Hollow-ware (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Industrial and Staff Canteen Undertakings Wages Council.
Keg and Drum (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Lace Finishing (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Laundry (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Licensed Non-residential Establishment Wages Council.
Licensed Residential Establishment and Licensed Restaurant Wages Council.
Linen and Cotton Handkerchief and House-hold Goods and Linen Piece Goods (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Made-up Textiles (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Milk Distributive (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Milk Distributive (Scotland) Wages Council.
Ostrich and Fancy Feather and Artificial Flower (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Paper Box (Great Britain) Wages Council. Perambulator and Invalid Carriage (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Pin, Hook and Eye and Snap Fastener (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Retail Bespoke Tailoring (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Retail Bespoke Tailoring (Scotland) Wages Council.
Retail Bookselling and Stationery Trades (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Retail Bread and Flour Confectionery Trade (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Retail Bread and Flour Confectionery Trade (Scotland) Wages Council.
Retail Drapery, Outfitting and Footwear Trades (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Retail Food Trades (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Retail Food Trades (Scotland) Wages Council.
Retail Furnishing and Allied Trades (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Retail Newsagency, Tobacco and Confectionery Trades (England and Wales) Wages Council.
Retail Newsagency, Tobacco and Confectionery Trades (Scotland) Wages Council. Road Haulage Wages Council.
Rope, Twine and Net (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Rubber Proofed Garment Making Industry Wages Council.
Sack and Bag (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Stamped or Pressed Metal-wares (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Toy Manufacturing (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Unlicensed Place of Refreshment Wages Council.
Wholesale Mantle and Costume (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Shirtmaking (Great Britain) Wages Council.
Commonwealth Citizens, Huddersfield
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will list the number of work vouchers issued to Commonwealth citizens to work in Huddersfield in each year since 1962; and if she will list the type of jobs for which they were requested.
The following is the information:
| Vouchers issued for work in Huddersfield, including the urban areas of Meltham, Holmfirth Denby Dale Kirkburton and Staithwaite. | ||
| Year | Type of work | Total |
| 1962 | Catering: 2 cooks, 2 waiters. | |
| Other: 1 shorthand typist, 1 plasterer, 1 shop assistant. | 7 | |
| 1963 | Textiles: 4 carders and spinners, 3 weavers, 2 labourers, 3 waste sorters. | |
| Catering: 5 cooks, 1 stillroom maid 1 kitchen hand, 1 waiter. | ||
| Others: 3 shop assistants, 1 boot and shoe repairer, Miscellaneous 6. | 30 | |
| 1964 | Textiles: 24 carders and spinners, 25 weavers, 23 labourers, 1 finisher, 2 combers, 1 packer, Dyeing and Finishing: 1 burler, 4 labourers. | |
| Chemicals: 15 labourers and process workers, 1 cleaner, 1 packer. | ||
| Engineering: 2 machine operators, 3 labourers. | ||
| Catering: 4 cooks, 1 waiter. | ||
| Others: 1 shoe repairer, 3 shop assistants, 1 butcher, Miscellaneous 21. | 134 | |
| 1965 | Textiles: 21 carders and spinners, 24 weavers, 6 winders, 11 labourers, 4 finishers, 1 comber, 3 waste sorters, 1 warper. | |
| Dyeing and Finishing: 3 labourers. | ||
| Chemicals: 34 labourers and process workers, 1 packer. | ||
| Catering: 3 cooks, 1 stillroom maid. | ||
| Engineering: 1 welder, 6 labourers, Miscellaneous 16. | 136 | |
| 1966 | Textiles: 10 carders and spinners, 6 weavers, 2 menders, 2 labourers Chemicals: 9 labourers and process workers, Miscellaneous 13. | 42 |
| 1967 | Textiles: 18 carders and spinners, 8 weavers, 1 winder, 4 labourers, 2 combers, 1 feeder, 2 warehousemen. | |
| Chemicals: 43 labourers and process workers. | ||
| Engineering: 4 moulders. Miscellaneous 8. | 92 | |
| Year | Type of work | Total |
| 1968 | Textiles: 5 carders and spinners, 1 clerk, 1 maintenance man, 1 finisher, 1 comber, 10 weavers, 3 twisters and warpers, 1 waste sorter, 1 labourer. | |
| Chemicals: 10 labourers and process workers, 1 laboratory assistant. | ||
| Engineering: 2 moulders. | ||
| Miscellaneous 4. | 41 | |
| 1969 | Textiles: 12 carders and spinners, 10 weavers, 1 warper, 2 winders, 2 combers, 1 finisher, 3 waste sorters, 1 warehouseman. | |
| Chemicals: 2 labourers or process workers. | ||
| Engineering: 3 foundry workers 2 moulders, Miscellaneous 7. | 46 |
Unemployment
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will provide an analysis of the total unemployment figures to the latest convenient date, giving the numbers included in the following categories, namely, unemployable, disabled, redundant workers retired before the age of 65 years, occupational pensioners retired before the age of 65 years, married women, seasonal workers and temporarily stopped.
At 13th April, 1970, 616,655 persons were registered as unemployed in Great Britain. They included 31,421 married women, and 23,160 persons who were temporarily stopped. The statistics do not distinguish separately redundant workers retired before the age of 65 or seasonal workers. Information about disabled persons is not yet available for April, 1970. At 9th March, 1970, of a total of 623,905 persons registered as unemployed, 62,869 were registered disabled persons. There were in addition 10,168 unemployed registered disabled persons who were considered suitable only for employment under special conditions and who were not included in the statistics of the registered unemployed.At January, 1969 it was estimated that the numbers registered as unemployed included about 45,000 male occupational pensioners between the ages of 60 and 65.No one on the unemployed register is regarded as unemployable although some may have considerable difficulty in obtaining or retaining employment.
Gateshead
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state by sex, age and employment, the number of persons unemployed in Gateshead during each of the last five years, and to the latest convenient date.
| INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE GATESHEAD EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE APRIL. 1970 | ||||||
| Men(18 and over) | Boys(under18) | Women(18 and over) | Girls (under 18) | Total | ||
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing | … | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 97 | 1 | 1 | — | 99 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 51 | 5 | — | 3 | 59 |
| Coal and Petroleum Products | … | 11 | — | — | — | 11 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 27 | — | 3 | — | 30 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 35 | 2 | 1 | — | 38 |
| Mechanical Engineering | … | 205 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 216 |
| Instrument Engineering | … | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Electrical Engineering | … | 40 | 1 | 2 | — | 43 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 23 | — | — | — | 23 |
| Vehicles | … | 12 | 1 | 1 | — | 14 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 23 | 3 | — | 1 | 27 |
| Textiles | … | 11 | — | 13 | 1 | 25 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 6 | — | 6 | 6 | 18 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement, etc | … | 37 | 3 | — | 1 | 41 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 37 | 2 | 4 | — | 43 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 28 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 43 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 11 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 19 |
| Construction | … | 621 | 11 | — | — | 632 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 28 | — | 2 | — | 30 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 137 | 1 | 3 | — | 141 |
| Distributive Trades | … | 117 | 19 | 18 | 4 | 158 |
| Insurance, Banking, Finance and Business Services | … | 15 | — | 2 | — | 17 |
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 18 | — | 11 | — | 29 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 79 | 11 | 18 | 2 | 110 |
| Public Administration | … | 76 | 1 | 8 | — | 85 |
| Not Classified by Industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 141 | 51 | 22 | 2 | 216 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 1,896 | 121 | 133 | 27 | 2,177 |
| APRIL, 1969 | ||||||
| Men (18 and over) | Boys (under 18) | Women (18 and over) | Girls (under 18) | Total | ||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | … | 5 | — | 1 | — | 6 |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 92 | 1 | 2 | — | 95 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 65 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 75 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 49 | — | 3 | — | 52 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 55 | 1 | — | — | 56 |
| Engineering and Electrical Goods | … | 237 | 3 | 16 | — | 256 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 16 | — | — | — | 16 |
| Vehicles | … | 8 | 1 | — | — | 9 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 18 | 1 | 2 | — | 21 |
| Textiles | … | 16 | — | 3 | — | 19 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 7 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 16 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement, etc. | … | 37 | 1 | 3 | — | 41 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 39 | 5 | 1 | — | 45 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 31 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 44 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 21 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 28 |
| Construction | … | 500 | 21 | — | — | 521 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 19 | — | — | — | 19 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 130 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 136 |
| Distributive Trades | … | 119 | 18 | 24 | 7 | 168 |
| Insurance, Banking and Finance | … | 9 | — | — | — | 9 |
The information shown in the following table is analysed according to the 1968 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification for April, 1970 and the 1958 edition for earlier dates
| APRIL, 1969—continued | ||||||
Men (18 and over)
| Boys (under 18)
| Women (18 and over)
| Girls (under 18)
| Total
| ||
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 15 | — | 9 | 1 | 25 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 96 | 8 | 21 | 4 | 129 |
| Public Administration | … | 80 | 1 | 5 | — | 86 |
| Persons not classified by industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 131 | 65 | 31 | 22 | 249 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 1,799 | 138 | 146 | 42 | 2,125 |
| APRIL, 1968 | ||||||
Men (18 and over)
| Boys (under 18)
| Women (18 and over)
| Girls (under 18)
| Total
| ||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | … | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 77 | 2 | 1 | — | 80 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 58 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 66 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 41 | 1 | 3 | — | 45 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 45 | — | — | — | 45 |
| Engineering and Electrical Goods | … | 269 | 6 | 14 | — | 289 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 42 | 1 | — | — | 43 |
| Vehicles | … | 9 | — | 2 | — | 11 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 21 | — | 1 | — | 22 |
| Textiles | … | 6 | — | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | 1 | 1 | — | — | 2 |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 6 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 17 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass., Cement, etc. | … | 38 | 2 | 6 | — | 46 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 9 | — | 1 | — | 10 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 33 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 48 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 25 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 29 |
| Construction | … | 458 | 14 | 1 | — | 473 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 31 | — | — | — | 31 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 156 | 1 | 3 | — | 160 |
| Distributive Trades | … | 132 | 17 | 23 | 2 | 174 |
| Insurance, Banking and Finance | … | 15 | — | — | 1 | 16 |
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 11 | — | 9 | — | 20 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 82 | 4 | 22 | 1 | 109 |
| Public Administration | … | 77 | 1 | 3 | — | 81 |
| Persons not classified by industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 96 | 97 | 25 | 72 | 290 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 1,740 | 157 | 138 | 82 | 2,117 |
| APRIL, 1967 | ||||||
Men (18 and over)
| Boys (under 18)
| Women (18 and over)
| Girls (under 18)
| Total
| ||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | … | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | 6 |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 20 | — | — | — | 20 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 40 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 50 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 25 | 2 | 3 | — | 30 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 26 | — | — | — | 26 |
| Engineering and Electrical Goods | … | 226 | 9 | 22 | 2 | 259 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 18 | — | — | — | 18 |
| Vehicles | … | 11 | — | — | — | 11 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 17 | 1 | 2 | — | 20 |
| Textiles | … | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2 |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 3 | — | 8 | 10 | 21 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement, etc. | … | 33 | 7 | 4 | — | 44 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 30 | 1 | 1 | — | 32 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 28 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 41 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 8 | — | 2 | — | 10 |
| Construction | … | 425 | 18 | 5 | — | 448 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 48 | 1 | — | — | 49 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 108 | 1 | 7 | — | 116 |
| Distributive Trades | … | 104 | 17 | 26 | 4 | 151 |
| APRIL, 1967—continued | ||||||
Men(18 andover)
| Boys(under18)
| Women(18 andover)
| Girls(under18)
| Total
| ||
| Insurance, Banking and Finance | … | 12 | — | 3 | 1 | 16 |
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 11 | — | 2 | 1 | 14 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 71 | 3 | 19 | 1 | 94 |
| Public Administration | … | 79 | — | 3 | — | 82 |
| Persons not classified by industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 71 | 55 | 20 | 7 | 153 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 1,419 | 125 | 142 | 34 | 1,720 |
| APRIL, 1966 | ||||||
Men (18 andover)
| Boys(under18)
| Women(18 andover)
| Girls(under18)
| Total
| ||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | … | — | — | — | — | — |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 25 | 1 | — | — | 26 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 33 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 44 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 17 | — | 3 | 1 | 21 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 23 | — | — | — | 23 |
| Engineering and Electrical Goods | … | 115 | 1 | 5 | — | 121 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 7 | — | — | — | 7 |
| Vehicles | … | 13 | — | — | — | 13 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | 15 |
| Textiles | … | 3 | 1 | 7 | — | 11 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | — | — | — | — | — |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement, etc | … | 30 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 37 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 11 | — | 4 | — | 15 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 10 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 16 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 6 | — | 1 | — | 7 |
| Construction | … | 199 | 13 | — | — | 212 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 11 | — | — | — | 11 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 98 | 1 | 2 | — | 101 |
| Distributive Trades | … | 70 | 10 | 16 | 3 | 99 |
| Insurance, Banking and Finance | … | 9 | — | — | — | 9 |
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 8 | — | 4 | — | 12 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 49 | 2 | 17 | 1 | 69 |
| Public Administration | … | 41 | — | 1 | 1 | 43 |
| Persons not classified by industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 34 | 54 | 24 | 12 | 124 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 828 | 90 | 103 | 25 | 1,046 |
| APRIL, 1965 | ||||||
Men(18 andover)
| Boys(under18)
| Women(18 andover)
| Girts(under18)
| Total
| ||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | … | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Mining and Quarrying | … | 43 | — | — | — | 43 |
| Food, Drink and Tobacco | … | 41 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 57 |
| Chemicals and Allied Industries | … | 32 | — | 15 | — | 47 |
| Metal Manufacture | … | 14 | — | — | — | 14 |
| Engineering and Electrical Goods | … | 138 | 1 | 9 | — | 148 |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering | … | 13 | — | — | — | 13 |
| Vehicles | … | 10 | 1 | — | — | 11 |
| Metal Goods not elsewhere specified | … | 19 | — | 1 | 1 | 21 |
| Textiles | … | 5 | — | 4 | — | 9 |
| Leather, Leather Goods and Fur | … | 3 | — | 3 | — | 6 |
| Clothing and Footwear | … | 4 | — | 12 | 4 | 20 |
| Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement, etc. | … | 32 | 4 | 3 | — | 39 |
| Timber, Furniture, etc. | … | 5 | — | 1 | — | 6 |
| Paper, Printing and Publishing | … | 16 | 1 | 6 | — | 23 |
| Other Manufacturing Industries | … | 15 | — | 1 | — | 16 |
| Construction | … | 221 | 6 | 1 | — | 228 |
| Gas, Electricity and Water | … | 19 | — | — | — | 19 |
| Transport and Communication | … | 107 | 1 | 1 | — | 109 |
| APRIL, 1965—continued | ||||||
Men (18 and over)
| Boys (under 18)
| Women (18 and over)
| Girls (under 18)
| Total
| ||
| Distributive Trades | … | 81 | 15 | 25 | 4 | 125 |
| Insurance, Banking and Finance | … | 8 | — | — | — | 8 |
| Professional and Scientific Services | … | 12 | — | 4 | 1 | 17 |
| Miscellaneous Services | … | 67 | 8 | 22 | 1 | 98 |
| Public Administration | … | 48 | 1 | 4 | — | 53 |
| Persons not classified by industry (including Ex-Forces) | … | 47 | 155 | 32 | 96 | 330 |
| All Industries and Services | … | 1,002 | 197 | 154 | 109 | 1,462 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many employees, male and female, respectively, were in employment in the Northern Region and Gateshead, respec-
| ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT | |||||||||
| (Thousands) | |||||||||
| Northern Region | Gateshead | ||||||||
| Males | Females | Total | Males | Females | Total | ||||
| June, 1960 | … | … | … | 875 | 395 | 1,270 | 33 | 17 | 49 |
| June, 1961 | … | … | … | 877 | 404 | 1,281 | 33 | 17 | 50 |
| June, 1962 | … | … | … | 869 | 407 | 1,276 | 34 | 19 | 53 |
| June, 1963 | … | … | … | 850 | 410 | 1,261 | 34 | 19 | 53 |
| June, 1964(a) | … | … | … | 854 | 422 | 1,277 | |||
| 35 | 19 | 54 | |||||||
| (b) | … | … | … | 856 | 421 | 1,277 | |||
| June, 1965 | … | … | … | 865 | 436 | 1,301 | 33 | 19 | 52 |
| June, 1966 | … | … | … | 863 | 445 | 1,309 | 36 | 21 | 58 |
| June, 1967 | … | … | … | 837 | 443 | 1,279 | 34 | 21 | 55 |
| June, 1968 | … | … | … | 807 | 448 | 1,255 | 34 | 20 | 53 |
| June, 1969(a) | … | … | … | 796 | 457 | 1,253 | |||
| — | — | — | |||||||
| (b) | … | … | … | 799 | 459 | 1,258 | |||
b) and later dates were calculated by a revised method and are not strictly comparable with those for June, 1964( a) and earlier dates. The estimates for June, 1969 for Northern region published in the March, 1970 issue of the Employment and Productivity Gazette include for the first time improved information about the location of employees in employment in the distributive trades. They are thus not fully comparable with estimates for earlier dates. The effects of this change have been measured and alternative estimates which exclude the new information have been calculated for June, 1969 in order that comparisons may be made with estimates for earlier dates. In the above table, estimates for Northern region are shown on both bases, ( a) excluding and ( b) including the new information about the location of employees in the distributive trades.
tively in the month of June in each of the last 10 years.
The following is the information:Estimates for Gateshead for June, 1969 are expected to become available later this month.
Commission On Industrial Relations(Inquiry)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) whether she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the persons appointed by the Commission on Industrial Relations to investigate certain of the Lucas factories; what are the specific terms of reference of the inquiry; and when it is expected to report;(2) whether the Commission on Industrial Relations, in the course of its current inquiries into industrial relations in certain of the Lucas factories, will examine the circumstances which led to the dismissal of Mrs. Rosemary Whippe from Girlings, Bromborough.
I am arranging for the terms of reference asking the C.I.R. to examine industrial relations in five of the Lucas factories in the Liverpool area to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Professor Allan Flanders is the Commissioner in charge of the inquiry. The report is not expected before the end of the year.The C.I.R. will examine all aspects of industrial relations at the five factories and if it finds the case of Mrs. Whippe significant it will no doubt take account of it.REFERENCE OF A MATTER TO THE COMMISSION ON INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CONCERNING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES AT ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE LUCAS GROUP IN THE LIVERPOOL AREA.The First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity refers to the Commission on Industrial Relations for examination the functioning and development of institutions and procedures for the conduct of industrial relations between managements on the one hand and employees and their representatives on the other at the following establishments of members of the Lucas Group of Companies in the Liverpool area, namely:
- Joseph Lucas Ltd., Fazakerley Works, Liverpool
- Lucas Industrial Equipment Ltd., Fazakerley Works, Liverpool
- C.A.V. Ltd., Fazakerley Works, Liverpool
- Lucas Gas Turbine Equipment Ltd., Victor Works, Broad Green, Liverpool
- Girling Ltd., Bromborough
and for consideration of measures for the promotion of any improvements in such institutions, procedures and relations that appear necessary, taking account of any change in institutions, procedures and relations which may occur in the engineering industry while the reference is under examination; and to report.
Textile Industry (Trade Union Recognition)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many companies in the textile industry have notified her officers, in the course of an industrial dispute, that they refuse recognition to trade unions; and if she will make a statement.
Four disputes over recognition in the textile industry have been brought to my Department's notice in the current year. Three disputes were resolved to the union's satisfaction, in two cases following intervention by my officers. The fourth com- pany already recognises a manual workers' union and was unwilling to recognise a union in respect of supervisors.
General Accident Fire And Life Assurance Corporation (Union Representation)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what basis she has decided that her Department will take no further action to resolve the dispute between the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation and the Union of Insurance Staff.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to his Question on 30th April.—[Vol. 800, cols. 375–6.]
Civil Service
Industrial Employees (Pay)
56.
asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he will make a further statement on the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the Pay of Government Industrial Employees.
As I said on 29th April in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd), the first priority is to negotiate with the trade union side a pay settlement based on the relevant recommendations in N.B.P.I. Report No. 146. A meeting of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments has been arranged for 27th May, but I cannot predict when it will be possible to announce the outcome of these negotiations.
Education And Science
Architectural Association's School Of Architecture
55.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans have been agreed for the future of the Architectural Association's School of Architecture.
Responsibility for the future of the school rests with the Architectural Association and not with the Department. I understand that it is considering a number of alternative possibilities but has reached no conclusions.
Unqualified Teachers
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further consideration he has given to the representations which have been made to him about the phasing out of unqualified teachers from maintained schools by 31st August, 1970; and if he will make a statement.
I have reviewed this matter very carefully in the light of the representations which I have received from hon. Members and others. My conclusion is that it would not be right to initiate discussions at this late stage with the associations of local authorities and teachers, neither of which has approached me, about a modification of the 1968 agreement, which provided for the phasing out by 31st August of the unqualified teachers still in service, with the exception of uncertificated and supplementary teachers who receive qualified teacher status after 20 years' service.There are well established procedures by which a local authority can recommend me to confer qualified teacher status exceptionally in individual cases. In this final period 1 shall treat such recommendations as sympathetically as possible, in particular where the employing authority represents that a teacher's service over a long period in the schools, including attendance at in-service training, and in the local community should be allowed to compensate for some shortfall in academic attainment. For example, I shall normally be prepared to give qualified teacher status on the basis of an authority's recommendation supported by 20 years of satisfactory teaching service or by 15 years where there is also clear evidence of continued study to a satisfactory standard.
Technology
Portslade And Dover Gas Works
57.
asked the Minister of Technology if, in view of the expected shortage of solid smokeless fuel in the South-East in the winter of 1970–71, he will ensure that the Gas Council, in the review being carried out at his instigation, phases over a longer period its closure of the Portslade and Dover gas works.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12th May to a Question by the hon. Member for Hastings (Sir N. Cooper-Key)— [Vol. 801, c.269]
Messrs Cleco Limited, Market Harborough
asked the Minister of Technology if, in view of the fact that Messrs. Cleco Limited of Market Harborough now proposes to have its vehicles built in the United States of America because of inadequate manufacturing space at home, he will forthwith issue an industrial development certificate to enable expansion to take place in Market Harborough.
I am making inquiries about this case and will write to the hon. Member in due course.
Radio-Active Minerals (Exploration)
asked the Minister of Technology if he will take further steps to encourage commercial exploration of uranium and other radio-active minerals in this country.
As I told the House on 20th March, 1968, the Atomic Energy Authority has commissioned the Institute of Geological Sciences to undertake a reconnaissance survey for radio-active minerals in selected areas of the United Kingdom. But, in view of the increasing interest now being taken in mineral exploitation in Britain, I am satisfied that it would also be right to allow exploration to proceed on a wider basis. Section 7 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1946, allows me to acquire compulsorily the exclusive right to work radio-active substances without paying compensation. While this power has not been used, it operates as a deterrent to exploration for uranium by the mining industry. I am, therefore, taking this opportunity of making it clear that I do not intend to use my powers to deprive mining companies of the opportunity of working any uranium which they may find and for which they may obtain planning consent. Any necessary amending legislation will be introduced when a suitable opportunity occurs.A short account of the work of the I.G.S. in each of the areas surveyed will be published in an appropriate scientific journal. Full details will then be available on file at the I.G.S. and will be published in due course.
Housing And Local Government
Water Supplies, East Midlands And East Anglia
58.
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what are his plans to alleviate the shortage of water in the East Midlands and East Anglia and to make less necessary the use of agricultural land for reservoirs; and whether he will place in the Library of the House of Commons the report of the Water Resources Board on the feasibility of the Wash Barrage as soon as he receives it.
The steps which are being taken in general compliance with the recommendations of the Water Resources Board in its 1966 Report on " Water Supplies in South-East England " provide sufficient safeguard against shortages in East Anglia and the part of the East Midlands covered by that report until further measures can be put into effect following the board's reassessment of the situation in the early 1970s. The desirability of minimising encroachment on agricultural land was a factor in shaping the board's recommendations.The remainder of the East Midlands will be covered by the Water Resources Board's study of Wales and the Midlands which it hopes to complete in 1971. The study will give special consideration to the need for and siting of reservoirs.A copy of the Water Resources Board's report on the desk study of the Wash will be placed in the Library as soon as it is published.
Conurbations
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will publish a table giving the areas of the main United Kingdom conurbations, the population densities and the proportion given over to parks and roads.
The table below shows areas and densities. About 11 per cent. of the area of Greater London consists of roads and 10 per cent. of parks and open spaces administered by the local authorities and the Ministry of Public Building and Works; similar information is not available for the other conurbations.
Conurbation
| Area Thousand acres
| Density Persans per acre
|
| Greater London | 394·5 | 19·4 |
| Tyneside | 57·7 | 14·4 |
| West Yorkshire | 310·1 | 5·5 |
| South East Lancashire | 242·9 | 9·9 |
| Merseyside | 96·0 | 13·9 |
| West Midlands | 167·6 | 14·2 |
| Central Clydeside | 192·1 | 9·2 |
Parks And Open Spaces, Greater London
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of concern about the Greater London Council's scheme submitted to him under Section 58(2) of the London Government Act, 1963, for the transfer of many of its parks and open spaces; and what action he proposes to take on the scheme.
No loss of open space or amenity is entailed by these proposals, which relate only to issues of ownership; the statutory provisions governing the status and management of these parks and open spaces will remain substantially the same whichever authorities own and administer them. However, in view of the extent of public interest in the scheme, I proposed, before considering it further, to give interested bodies and members of the public generally the opportunity to inspect and comment on it. I am consulting the Greater London Council and the London boroughs about the necessary arrangements for this purpose and will be making a further announcement shortly.
Potash Mining, North Riding
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will issue his decisions on the proposals of two companies to mine potash in the North Riding of Yorkshire.
The parties are being informed of my decisions today. I have permitted the development of the two mines subject to stringent conditions. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the decision letters.
Board Of Trade
Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh
59.
asked the President of the Board of Trade what is preventing a decision being reached on the future development of Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh; and what action he is taking to see that one is arrived at soon.
As the hon. Member knows, large sums of money are involved and it is right that the alternatives should have been subjected to detailed cost benefit analysis. We hope to make a statement on Turnhouse development in the near future.
Kite Flying
60.
asked the President of the Board of Trade what regulations apply to the flying of kites which are dangerous to aeroplanes; and what steps are taken to bring them to the notice of the younger members of the population.
Under the provisions of Article 61(1) of the Air Navigation Order 1966 a kite may not be flown at a height of more than 200 feet above the ground level or within three miles of an aerodrome without the permission in writing of the Board; no special steps have been taken to bring these regulations to the notice of the younger members of the population.
Civil Aviation Act, 1969 (Section 8)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he takes, when designating an airport under Section 8 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1969, to notify local authorities in the area; and what guidance he issues to the airport management concerning the facilities they should provide for consultation.
Local authorities concerned are consulted before an aerodrome is designated. Notification that an Order has been made is given by a Press notice. The Aerodrome Owners Association and the Joint Airports Committee of Local Authorities—and individual aerodrome owners, on request—have been given general guidance and provided with information about existing Consultative Committees.
Holidays By Air (Tour Prices)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the control prices for inclusive tour holidays by air for the summer of 1971.
I am satisfied that our tariff policy in this field is achieving its objectives and should be continued for a further season. I am, therefore renewing for 1971 the arrangements that apply for destinations in Europe this summer, subject to certain adjustments for the month of April and small reductions for short holidays in the peak period. The changes are as follows:(
a) Holidays in April 1971:
The minimum prices for holidays in Bulgaria, Greece, Rumania and Turkey will be 50 per cent. of the 1968 normal economy return fare for 15 days or more, 45 per cent. for 11 or 12 days and 40 per cent. for 8 days. The corresponding minimum prices for holidays elsewhere in Europe during this period will be 60 per cent., 54 per cent. and 50 per cent., respectively.
( b) Holidays between 16th June, 1971 and 30th September, 1971 inclusive:
- (i) Morocco will be added to the list of countries where special prices apply for holidays involving day flights at the weekend;
- (ii) The minimum prices for holidays of 11 or 12 days will be 90 per cent. of those for 15 day holidays, and for 8 day holidays 80 per cent. of those for 15 day holidays, for both weekend and mid-week travel.
Social Services
Family Allowances
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider taking steps to vary family allowances in accordance with the age of children, and to increase family allowances for children who are disabled.
I would not rule out from consideration the grading of family allowances according to the age of the children, but I think it is unlikely that this would prove to be the best way to use any further resources that may become available to assist families. As for giving additional help for disabled children, the new attendance allowance proposed in the National Superannuation and Social Insurance Bill seems to me to be a better approach.
Infants (Cot Deaths)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many infants up to two years old died of cot death or other unexplained causes for the years 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, respectively.
Deaths of infants are not normally assigned to the category requested and I therefore regret that the information is not available, but there is some information about such deaths in a report entitled " Confidential Inquiry into Post-Neonatal Deaths 1964–66" which has just been published by my Department.
Doctors (Over-Prescribing)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what details have been submitted to him concerning the practice of over-prescribing by doctors.
The prescribing of all Health Service general practitioners is analysed once a year as a matter of routine and special investigations are made where there is evidence to suggest that a doctor may be over-prescribing.
Proprietary Medicines
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the proportion of proprietary medicines to non-proproprietary medicines prescribed by doctors in each year from 1960 to the latest available date; and what the amount involved in each case.
The information is as follows:
| DRUGS DISPENSED BY CHEMISTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES | |||||
| Percentage of Prescriptions | Net ingredient cost | ||||
| Proprietary Percentage | Non Proprietary Percentage | Proprietary £ million | Non Proprietary £ million | ||
| 1961 | … | 66·4 | 33·6 | 48·7 | 4·1 |
| 1962 | … | 69·1 | 30·9 | 52·5 | 3·9 |
| 1963 | … | 70·1 | 29·9 | 57·2 | 4·2 |
| 1964 | … | 73·2 | 26·8 | 65·0 | 4·2 |
| 1965 | … | 74·5 | 25·5 | 77·6 | 5·1 |
| 1966 | … | 75·3 | 24·7 | 85·6 | 6·3 |
| 1967 | … | 76·5 | 23·5 | 91·2 | 6·6 |
| 1968 | … | 77·4 | 22·6 | 97·3 | 6·7 |
| 1969 | … | 77·9* | 22·1* | 99·5* | 6·7* |
| Note: 1960 figures are not available. | |||||
| * England only. | |||||
Strikers (National Insurance Contributions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether his regulations require employers and/or employees to pay National Insurance contributions when the employees concerned are on strike; whether official or unofficial;(2) whether his regulations require employers to pay selective employment tax in respect of their employees who are on strike, whether official or unofficial.
Selective employment tax is paid only as part of the employer's National Insurance contribution. An employer is not liable to pay a National Insurance contribution in respect of an employee for any week in which no services are rendered and no remuneration in excess of £4 is paid. In any week in which an employee is unemployed but disqualified for benefit because his unemployment results from a trade dispute he is liable to pay a contribution at a non-employed rate. These provisions apply whether a strike is official or unofficial.
Supplementary Benefits
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many pensioners were in receipt of supplementary benefits in the area served by the Cumnock office of his Department in 1969; how many are currently receiving such benefits; and what are the like figures for the rest of the South Ayrshire Constituency;(2) how many people, excluding pensioners, were in receipt of supplementary benefits in the area served by the Cumnock office of his Department; and how many are currently receiving such benefits.
I regret the information is not readily available and could be obtained only by special enquiry.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long supplementary benefit cases in the Cumnock area have been dealt with by officers from Ayr journeying to Cumnock; what are the total administrative and travelling costs involved; if he is satisfied with the level of these; and if he will make a statement.
The Cumnock area has always been administered from Ayr for supplementary benefit purposes. Since 1966, when the Ministry of Social Security was formed, a service for supplementary benefits callers has been provided at the local social security office at Cumnock, the local staff being augmented as necessary by staff from the Ayr LO specialising in supplementary benefits work. Detailed information as to the administrative and travelling costs is not available, but I am satisfied that the present arrangements are the most efficient consistent with the provision of a satisfactory service for supplementary benefit callers. As my hon. Friend knows, some of the back-room staff of the Cumnock office will, in due course, be transferred to offices in Ayr and Dumfries but the service provided to the public at Cumnock will not be affected.
Retirement Pension Books
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the issue of retirement pension order books will be taken over by the new computer installation.
The first order books prepared by the new computer installation will be those with the first order cashable in the week commencing 27 July. The process of switching over completely to the new style of book will be spread over 1 year as the current books expire. The new books will normally contain orders for 13 weeks instead of 52 as hitherto.Basing the payment of pensions on a computer will enable us to give a better service to pensioners who are paid by order books and in due course to extend the range of payment facilities we offer to meet pensioners' convenience.Pensioners whose order books are issued from local social security offices will be getting books resembling the books produced by the computer from 18th May.I am mounting a programme of publicity to inform pensioners and those who advise them about the change.
Defence
Northern Ireland (Civilian Employees)
62.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians are now employed by his Department in Northern Ireland; what was the figure for 1967, 1968 and 1969 at the equivalent date; and what estimate he has formed of the numbers likely to be employed in 1971.
5,070 at 1st April, 1970; 5,020, 5,060 and 5,050 at 1st April, 1967, 1968 and 1969 respectively. The number presently estimated for 1st April, 1971, is 4,600; but the Army's planned occupation of the Navy's accommodation at Londonderry and the R.A.F. Station at Ballykelly is likely to generate a requirement for a limited number of additional civilian employees during 1971.
Nato Nations (Military Research And Development)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what sums were spent on military research and development by each of the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, from the information available to him from the Organisation. during each of the years from 1960 to 1969.
I regret that it is not possible for me to give information on this subject which is supplied by other countries to the Organisation on a confidential basis.
Rifles
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what types of rifles have been issued to Her Majesty's Armed Forces since 1945.
The following rifles have been issued to the Armed Forces since 1945:
- No. 4·0303 inch Lee Enfield.
- No. 5·0303 inch Lee Enfield.
- Self Loading Rifle N.A.T.O. calibre 7·62 mm.
- AR 15 (Armalite) calibre 5·56 mm.
- No. 4T 0·303 Lee Enfield (sniper).
Tanks
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what types of tanks have been in use by Her Majesty's Armed Forces since 1945; and on what dates they respectively came into service.
The following are the main types of tank introduced into British Army service since 1945:
Charioteer: Tank destroyer introduced in 1953.
Conqueror: Heavy tank destroyer introduced in 1953.
Centurion: Main battle tank introduced in 1945.
Chieftain: Main battle tank introduced in 1966.
Northern Ireland (Disturbances)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many requests for assistance from the public were received by the Army authorities as a result of the disturbances in Belfast on 9th-10th May;(2) how many Snatch Squads were functioning in the disturbances in Belfast on 9th-10th May; and whether consideration will be given to the strengthening and increasing of these squads;(3) at what time the Army was requested to come to the Lipper Street/ Duncairn Gardens area of Belfast on 9th-10th May; at what time they arrived; and how many soldiers were involved;(4) if he will make a statement on the disturbances in Belfast on 9th-10th May, and in particular, on the involvement of subversive elements.
A bomb explosion on the night of 9th May led to heightened tension in the New Lodge area of Belfast and to a confrontation there between rival factions. This was dealt with satisfactorily by the R.U.C. and the Army, but groups of hooligans, mostly young, formed in the Roman Catholic areas and attacked the security forces with bottles, stones, and in a few cases petrol bombs. Sporadic attacks of this kind went on throughout the night, and there is reason to believe that the disturbances were not entirely spontaneous.The Army received six requests for assistance from members of the public. The first formal request by the police for the Army's assistance was made at 00.05 hours on 10th May. Two companies were already standing by in the area as a precaution; the first company was deployed within 13 minutes of the request by the police, and the second company 15 minutes later. Further reinforcements were brought forward during the night as required, and by the end of the night six companies had been deployed in the area.
One "Snatch Squad" was operated by each company. The way in which these squads are employed is kept under continuous review.
Northern Ireland (Street Rioters)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what new measures are being considered to deal with street rioters in Northern Ireland.
Many new ways of dealing with rioters are being considered, but it would not be in the interests of security to reveal them before they are put into operation.
Northern Ireland (Arms Searches)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to extend and intensify the searches for arms by troops in Northern Ireland.
Searches will continue to be carried out whenever and wherever there is reason to believe that they might reveal arms.
Northern Ireland (Arms Shipments)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arms have been intercepted entering Northern Ireland by the Army; and if he will take steps to intensify the measures for intercepting such arms shipments.
It is not the practice to give the type of information requested in the first part of this Question. Steps have been taken to intensify measures for intercepting arms shipments; e.g. 797 cars were searched in one county on the night of 12th-13th May without any arms being found.
Swill Contracts, Aldershot
asked the Secretary of State for Defence, whether all those who already held contracts for swill from messes in the Aldershot Garrison were invited to submit tenders for the five-year term as from 1st January, 1970; and if any who were omitted from the invitation were notified of this and given an opportunity to appeal against their exclusion.
Yes. All messes within Aldershot Garrison are covered by one swill contract. The previous contractor was invited to tender for and did, in fact, win the five-year contract dating from 1st January, 1970.
Register Of Electors
asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he proposes to issue to Service units detailed instructions about procedures, in order to enable them to make the annual service declaration for inclusion in the 1971 Register of Electors.
Some instructions have already been issued. The remainder will be issued during the next few weeks.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Libya (British Companies)
63.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the decision of the Libyan authorities to impose a levy on British companies, including one in which Her Majesty's Government have a large shareholding, to be used to finance guerrilla action in the Middle East; and if, in view of the effect of this on British interests in the area, he will seek to have the levy removed.
I understand that the Libyan authorities have recently introduced a tax on incomes, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the Palestine cause and to the strengthening of the Libyan armed forces. This tax is applicable to Libyans and all foreigners resident in Libya. It is not open to the British Government to influence the use to which particular taxes imposed by foreign Governments are devoted.
Public Building And Works
Construction Industry (Unemployment)
64.
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many men were unemployed in the construction industry at the latest convenient date; and how many of them were in the Merseyside area.
On 13th April, 1970 there were 111,752 unemployed men, aged 18 and over, in the construction industry in Great Britain. Of these, 6,520 were in the Merseyside area.
Portland Stone Industry
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if, in the light of growing unemployment in Portland and further redundancies now announced by the stone firms, he will take steps to encourage Government and local authority building agencies to make increased use of Portland products.
I am aware of the difficulties of the Portland stone industry.My Department knows the values of Portland Stone, which is considered for use in new Government buildings together with other possible materials.In the public sector costs are naturally a prime consideration. This militates against the extensive use of stone, but the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967 provides a small subsidy to enable stone to be used in areas of considerable visual amenity where stone buildings predominate and where it is desired that new buildings should harmonise.
Legal Aid
asked the Attorney-General when he will extend the Legal Aid Advisory Liaison Service to parts of the country other than London in accordance with the recommendations of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee.
The appointment of the additional 11 Legal Advice Liaison Officers recommended by the Advisory Committee will be considered in conjunction with the introduction of the new scheme for Legal Advice and Assistance recommended by that committee.
asked the Attorney General if he will make a statement of the progress of the Legal Aid Advisory Liaison Service in the London area.
The Legal Advice Liaison Officer has been engaged in studying the needs for a liaison service both in London and in the provinces. He will shortly establish a liaison service in an area of need in London.
asked the Attorney-General if he intends to introduce legislation to bring into force the recommendations of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Aid during the present Session of Parliament.
To the extent that the recommendations require legislation, the Parliamentary programme does not permit the introduction of such legislation during the present Session.
Book (Advertisement)
65.
asked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the unsolicited distribution of a leaflet advertising a book about unusual sexual activities, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Don Valley, because of the annoyance it has caused to some recipients and the dangers of arousing carnal curiosity in the young.
If my hon. Friend will let me have details of the circumstances of the distribution of this leaflet, I will consider the matter.
Scotland
Ussr Swimming Team (Visit)
66.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will call for reports from chief constables as to what extra costs were incurred by the police in the course of their duties preventing unlawful demonstrations during the recent visit of the Soviet Union swimming team.
I am informed by the Chief Constable of Edinburgh that no demonstrations took place during the recent visit of the Soviet Union swimming team to the city and that no extra costs were incurred by the police.
British Standard Time
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland from which employers and private individuals in Ross and Cromarty and in Inverness-shire he has received representations against continuation of British Standard Time in the past year; and what was the general content of his replies.
None.
Barra (Airfield)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give full assistance to Inverness County Council and the other authorities concerned with the construction of the proposed new airfield in Barra, in particular with making suitable land on his Department's estates available for this purpose as required.
I have not yet been asked to make land available for this purpose, but I would certainly consider doing so if asked. I understand that the project is at present under discussion between the Highlands and Islands Development Board and Inverness County Council.
Vehicle Ferry (Stornoway-Ullapool)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the evaluation of the feasibility of operating a twice-daily return crossing by a drive-on-drive-off vehicle ferry between Stornoway and Ullapool during daylight and reasonable evening hours has yet been completed; and if he will make a statement.
I do not expect the Scottish Transport Group's proposals before the end of next month.
Rhodesia
Q3.
asked the Prime Minister, what communications he has received from Mr. Ian Smith and the illegal regime in Rhodesia since the election in Rhodesia.
As I said in reply to questions on Tuesday, None. [Vol. 801, c. 260.]
Cost Of Living
Q4.
asked the Prime Minister whether in his next Ministerial broadcast to the nation he will deal with the question of the rising cost of living.
I would refer to my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 7th May. —[Vol. 801, c. 184–;5.]
Secretary Of State For Employment And Productivity Speech)
Q6.
asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity at Wakefield on 17th April, 1970 on industrial training and regional planning represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
Yes.
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if the public speech made by the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity at Wakefield on 17th April on industrial training represents Government policy.
I would refer to the answer I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Ashton) earlier today.
Brazil
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will pay an official visit to Brazil.
I have no plans to do so at present.
Western Europe (Political Co-Operation)
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister if he will seek a meeting with the Prime Ministers of the Six European Community countries to discuss closer political co-operation in Western Europe.
No. This matter is however under discussion at present by the Foreign Ministers of the Six and we are in close touch with them.
Scotland
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister during his visit to Oban, what representations he received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress on the question of the separation of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom in economic, social and political terms.
None.
European Economic Community
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister during his visit to Oban, what representations he received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress regarding United Kingdom entry to the European Economic Community.
I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a supplementary question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) on 23rd of April.—[Vol. 800, c. 630.]
Overseas Cultural Events (Ministerial Attendances)
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister what is the practice of his administration about the official attendance of Ministers at cultural events designed to promote links with countries where religious persecution is officially encouraged.
It is the practice of Her Majesty's Government to observe normal diplomatic courtesies towards all States with which we are in diplomatic relations. Official attendance at events of this kind is considered in the light of the prevailing circumstances.
European Defence And Foreign Policy
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's future defence and foreign policy in Europe, following the recent official proposals of the United States of America to reduce its forces stationed in Western Europe.
I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said in the House on 6th May following a question by the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart)—[Vol. 801, c. 400–2].
United Nations (Prime Minister's Visit)
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will attend the General Assembly of the United Nations this autumn, in view of the official proposal that heads of government should take part in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations and the launching of the Second Development Decade.
Yes.
Civil Servants (Statement)
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister whether the statement put out by officials that Her Majesty's Government are responsible for failing to bring about a reduction in the number of civil servants, about which he has been sent correspondence by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, was made with his authority.
I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to a speech made by the Head of the Civil Service on 4th May. The text of the speech does not bear the interpretation he places on it.
Industrial Disputes
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing number of successes achieved by the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress in carrying out Her Majesty's Government's policy of preventing industrial disputes from taking place and resolving those that have commenced, he will consider appointing Mr. Feather as the Minister to deal with such matters.
No, but the Government welcome the efforts of the T.U.C. in carrying out the undertaking about unconstitutional strikes and inter-union disputes which the T.U.C. General Council gave at 10, Downing Street, on 18th June, 1969.
Czar Nicholas Ii (Official Documents)
asked the Prime Minister why Her Majesty's Government have refused to release for research or publication official documents relating to the assassination of Czar Nicholas II and his family, in view of the 30 year rule policy on such papers.
All the documents in the possession of Her Majesty's Government relating to the assassination of Czar Nicholas II and his family were opened to the public with other records relating to the First World War on 10th February, 1966.
North-West Industrial Development Association
asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received to meet a deputation from the North-West Industrial Development Association; and what reply was sent.
The Association wrote on 3rd December asking for a meeting to discuss the Industrial Development Certificate Control in the North-West Region. A reply was sent on my behalf on 19th December suggesting a meeting with my hon. Friend the Minister of State Ministry of Technology, and this took place on 13th April.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Inshore Fishing Vessels (Construction)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many approvals for the construction of inshore fishing vessels in foreign yards were given by the White Fish Authority in England and Wales in each of the last two financial years; and how many aprovals were given for constructions in British yards for the same years.
I am informed the White Fish Authority in the financial year 1968–69 approved 12 applications from owners in England and Wales for grant for inshore fishing vessels to be built abroad and 58 to be built in the United Kingdom. The figures for 1969–70 were seven and 50 respectively.
Food (Price Increases)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many intended food price increases were notified to him during the week beginning 4th May, 1970; and how many were approved.
During last week 11 firms notified the Department of intended increases in the prices of food or drink products. One notification has been approved; five related to tea prices which have now been referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and the remaining five are still under consideration.
Margarine And Cooking Fats
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on Margarine and Cooking Fats; and if he will make a statement.
The report explains that, in view of the time available and the predominant position of Van den Bergh's and Jurgen's in the production of margarine and cooking fats, the N.B.P.I. concentrated its inquiries on that firm.The N.B.P.I. concludes that, since the firm's price increases in January, there have been further substantial increases in raw material costs; and that, in the light of these, and their effect on profits, the board cannot say that the present relationship between prices and costs for the company as a whole is unjustified. The board also concludes that further increases in the firm's selling prices for margarine and cooking fats could only be justified by further significant increases in costs beyond those at present foreseen.I accept the board's conclusions.
Overseas Development
Population And Family Planning (Multilateral Programmes)
asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will now give further details of the increased support for multilateral programmes in the field of population and family planning.
I propose to double our grant to the International Planned Parenthood Federation for the second year running, bringing it up to £200,000 for the current financial year; to support the population activities of the O.E.C.D. Development Centre in Paris with a grant of £10,417 a year for the next two years, and to make a grant of £400,000 to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities of which £150,000 might be spent in the current financial year and the balance in 1971–72. I also envisage further, and probably increased, support for both the I.P.P.F. and the United Nations Fund in future years if their programmes warrant it.
Sierra Leone (Payments)
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what payments were made to the Government of Sierra Leone during the past financial year; and how these were allocated.
Final figures of bilateral aid given by the British Government to the Government of Sierra Leone in the financial year 1969–70 are not yet available. The most recent period for which full figures are available is the calendar year 1969 and these are as follows:
| £,000 | £,000 | |||
| Financial Aid | … | … | 544 | |
| Technical Assistance | ||||
| Training | … | … | 154 | |
| Experts | … | … | 163 | |
| Equipment | … | … | 9 | |
| Land Surveys | … | … | 74 | |
| Miscellaneous | … | … | 8 | 408 |
| Total | … | … | … | 952 |
Local Government And Regional Planning
Whitehall Redevelopment Plan (Inquiry)
asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if he will make a further statement about the inquiry into the proposed new Government offices in Whitehall.
I am glad to be able to tell the House that Mr. Harold Willis, Q.C., has accepted an invitation to conduct the inquiry. The terms of reference were announced in the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams) on 12th March.The inquiry will open in the Assembly Hall, Church House, Westminster, on Monday, 13th July, and any representations should be sent to the Secretary of the Whitehall Inquiry, Room 703, Queen Anne's Mansions, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W.1, by 19th June.Copies of an explanatory memorandum about the proposals can be obtained from
the Ministry of Public Building and Works, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, S.E.1.—[Vol. 797, c.
381.]
Transport
Road Transport, Wales
asked the Minister of Transport what was the value of the
| GRANTS IN RELIEF OF FUEL DUTY RELATING TO STAGE BUS SERVICES (COMMENCED IN 1965–66) | |||||
| Recipient | Wales | Breconshire | Radnorshire | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Nationalised bus companies | … | … | 1,770,119 | 22,574* | 90 |
| Municipal Transport Undertakings | … | … | 476,526 | nil | nil |
| Private Companies | … | … | 182,043 | 1,421 | 2,429 |
| Total | … | … | 2,428,688 | 23,995 | 2,519 |
| New Bus Grants (commenced in 1968–69) | |||||
| Recipient | Wales | Breconshire | Radnorshire | ||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Nationalised bus companies | … | … | 243,106 | 2,331* | nil |
| Municipal Transport Undertakings | … | … | 89,987 | nil | nil |
| Private Companies | … | … | 23,790 | nil | nil |
| Total | … | … | 356,883 | 2,331 | nil |
| * Estimated. | |||||
Road Safety Act, 1967
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Road Safety Act, 1967; and if he will make a statement.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 28th April by my right hon. Friend.—[Vol. 800, col. 274.]
National Finance
Mortgages (Tax Relief)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average amount of tax financial support from central Government funds for new buses, fuel for buses and others towards public and private road transport in Wales and, separately, for Breconshire and Radnorshire.
Following is the information requested, for the period from the start of the schemes to 31st March, 1970.relief per house in 1969 obtained by persons purchasing a house by means of a mortagage; and if he will make a statement.
The figure for 1968–69—the latest available—is £42 per dwelling. I have no statement to make.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total estimated amount of tax relief available to a house purchaser each year for the purchase of a house costing £5,000, by means of a mortgage and assuming current mortgage and tax rates.
The amount will vary according to the circumstances, including the make-up and amount of the purchaser's income and the size and terms of the mortgage.
Personal Taxation (Budget Changes)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what date he expects the new Pay As You Earn code books to be available;
(2) in which week the changes in personal taxation proposed in the Budget will first affect take-home pay.
New P.A.Y.E. tax tables taking account of the Budget changes will be distributed to employers in time for them to be brought into use on the first pay day after 5th July.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average income after tax of a married man without children or other dependants with income wholly earned of £14 a week in 1969–70; what it will be in 1970–71; and what it will be in the first week in which he receives the benefit of the changes proposed in the Budget.
About £12 18s. 0d., £13 4s. 0d. and £17 0s. 0d. respectively.
| £ | £ | |
| (i) General Community Work in Rural Areas: | ||
| Grants to Rural Community Councils in Wales | 173,400 | |
| (ii) Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas (formerly Rural Industries Bureau and Rural Industries Loan Fund): | ||
| (a) Grants for the Provision of advisory Services to small industries | 297,000 | |
| (b) Grants for the replenishment of the industrial loans fund | 161,000 | |
| (c) Grants for the replenishment of the tourism loans fund | 435,000 | |
| 893,000 | ||
| (iii) Industrial Development: | ||
| (a) Grants to the Ministry of Technology (formerly Board of Trade) for the Provision of factories in rural areas | 887,000 | |
| (b) Minor rent deficiency grants and loans to local authorities for factories built prior to the Local Employment Act 1960 | 19,259 | |
| (c) Grants towards administrative expenses of the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association | 21,000 | |
| 927,259 | ||
| (iv) Fishery Development (since 1965 this has been the responsibility of the Natural Environment Research Council): | ||
| Remanet grant towards cost of construction of Menai Bridge fishery laboratory | 2,900 | |
| (v) Agricultural Development: | ||
| (a) Terminal grant to Welsh Agriculture and Industries Ltd | 4,500 | |
| (b) Grant to Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd. for survey on land use in Wales | 1,000 | |
| 5,500 | ||
| £2,002,059 |
Money Supply And Gnp
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage increase in money supply and gross national product at current prices for each of the years 1960 to 1969.
The information is given in the table below. For the The last figure includes a net repayment under P.A.Y.E. of just under £3 for the period from 6th April to the week beginning 6th July when the new tax tables come into effect.
Development Commission Grants (Wales)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the amounts and nature of grants made by the Development Commission to appropriate bodies in Wales for the five years ended 31st March, 1970.
Loans and grants made by the Development Comission to appropriate bodies for expenditure in Wales for the five years ended 31st March, 1970, were as follows:years from 1964 onwards the figures shown for increases in money supply are based on the average money supply during the year and the figures for gross national product relate to the whole of the calendar year. Before 1963, however, estimates of the money supply were only available for the end of the year, and the figures therefore relate to changes between the end of one year and the next. To corres- pond as closely as possible to this, the gross national product for the earlier years has been taken for years ending in June.
| Percentage increases | |||
| Gross national product at current market prices | Money supply | ||
| 1960 | … | 6·1 | 1·8 |
| 1961 | … | 5·9 | 2·6 |
| 1962 | … | 4·9 | 2·7 |
| 1963 | … | 8·7 | 6·6 |
| 1964 | … | 8·5 | 6·3 |
| 1965 | … | 7·4 | 6·5 |
| 1966 | … | 6·4 | 6·7 |
| 1967 | … | 5·2 | 6·1 (1) |
| 1968 | … | 7·0 | 9·7 (2) |
| 1969 | … | 6·7 | 4·3 |
| (1) Foreign currency items are affected by the revaluation at 18th November, 1967. | |||
| (2) Includes the effects of the inclusion of new contributors to accepting houses, overseas and other Banks and of a change in the book-keeping arrangements of one deposit bank which added £195 million (1·3 per cent.) to the money supply at the end of 1967. | |||
Wales
Pollution
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Welsh local authorities on pollution problems.
I have held no special meetings, but I am always ready to discuss pollution matters with any local authority which has a problem.
Roads Programme
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the estimated value of schemes for trunk roads, including motorways, urban principal roads and inter-urban principal roads, respectively, in preparation, as distinct from schemes in progress or programmed, at 31st March, 1970.
About £88½ million for trunk roads and motorways. All inter-urban principal road schemes and all but £3 million worth of urban principal road schemes have been firmly programmed. The £3 million worth of urban schemes are in the preparation list.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the total estimated commitments outstanding on 31st March, 1970, and the total estimated new commitments in 1970–71, in respect of new construction and major improvements for trunk roads and for principal roads and loans to highway authorities, respectively.
The information asked for is as follows:
| Commitments outstanding at 31st March, 1970 | Estimated Commitments 1970–71 | |
| £m. | £m | |
| Trunk Roads (including Motorways) | 28·3 | 17·1 |
| Principal Roads | 3·6 | 8·1 |
| Loans to Highway authorities | Nil | Nil |
| 31·9 | 25·2 |
asked the Secretary of State for Wales, of the £24·8 million of schemes added to the preparation pool in the year ended 31st March, 1970, what is the value of those which are trunk roads, including motorways, urban principal roads and inter-urban principal roads, respectively.
All were additions to the trunk road preparation pool.
Local Authority Home Loans, Breconshire And Radnorshire
asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will indicate the amount available for home loans in the financial years 1969–70 and 1970–71 for each of the housing authorities in Breconshire and Radnorshire.
The amounts available to local authorities for home loans in Breconshire and Radnorshire in the financial years 1969–70 and 1970–71 are as shown.
| Local Authority | 1969–70 | 1970–71 |
| BRECONSHIRE | ||
| Breconshire C.C. | — | — |
| Brecon B.C. | 3,995 | 26,139 |
| Brynmawr U.D.C. | 10,000 | 23,221 |
| Builth Wells U.D.C. | — | — |
| Hay U.D.C. | — | — |
| Llanwrtyd U.D.C. | — | — |
| Brecknock R.D.C. | 6,950 | 10,000 |
| Builth R.D.C. | — | — |
| Crickhowell R.D.C. | 3,125 | 37,539 |
| Hay R.D.C. | — | — |
| Vaynor and Penderyn R.D.C. | — | 12,112 |
| Ystradgynlais R.D.C. | 1,800 | 10,000 |
| Total County | 25,870 | 119,011 |
| Local Authority | 1969–70 | 1970–71 |
| RADNORSHIRE | ||
| Radnorshire C.C. | — | — |
| Knighton U.D.C. | — | — |
| Llandrindod Wells U.D.C | 3,900 | 27,265 |
| Presteigne U.D.C. | — | — |
| Colwyn R.D.C. | — | 10,000 |
| Knighton R.D.C. | — | — |
| New Radnor R.D.C. | — | — |
| Painscastle R.D.C. | — | — |
| Rhayader R.D.C. | — | 10,000 |
| Total County | 3,900 | 47,265 |
Farmer's Lung
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking in regard to the increase in the incidence of the disease, farmer's lung, in Wales; and whether he will make a statement.
Farmer's lung is not a notifiable disease and full statistics of its incidence in 1969 are not available. The disease is well recognised and research is continuing. In addition my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, 10,000 Fisheries and Food has issued advice to farmers about the modifications they can 47,265 make in farming practices to prevent the disease. This is at present the best protection against it.