asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give a list of the various persons employed in state board appointments for which he is responsible, the type of appointment held and the salary received; and whether he will increase all of these salaries by 20 per cent.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the White Paper on public Boards of a commercial character (Cmnd. 4245). This lists on pages 21 and 22 the public boards for appointments to which my right hon. Friend has responsibility in whole or in part, viz., Sugar Board, White Fish Authority and its Committee for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Herring Industry Board. The salaries of those serving on these bodies are kept under review. The Sugar Board salaries shown in the White Paper include a recent increase, and since the White Paper was issued other salaries have also been increased as follows:

(a) White Fish Authority
	Salary
Chairman (part-time)	£4,900
Deputy Chairman (part-time)	£4,200
Member (part-time)
1 (Dr. W. J. Lyon Dean, O.B.E.)	£2,800*
(b) Committee for Scotland and Northern Ireland
Chairman (part-time) who is also Deputy Chairman W.F.A.	see above
Member (part-time)
1 (Dr. W. J. Lyon Dean, O.B.E.)	£2,800*
(c) Herring Industry Board
Chairman (part-time)	£3,350
Member (part-time)
1 (Dr. W. J. Lyon Dean, O.B.E.)	£2,800*
* Composite salary for multiple appointments to White Fish Authority, the Authority's Commitee for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Herring Industry Board.

NOTES:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for how many months as a percentage of the total number of months since October, 1964, has the agricultural mortgage rate equalled or exceeded, respectively, the rate ruling during that month.

There is no ruling rate to which the rate of interest charged for agricultural mortgages can be related in the way requested.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much more farm costs rose annually on average between 1965 and 1970 than between 1960 and 1965.

Comparisons based on single years do not adequately reflect variations in inputs and outputs that are due to factors like the weather. On average total farm expenses rose by 3·9 per cent. per annum between 1964–65 and 1969–70 compared with 2·9 per cent. per annum between 1959–60 and 1964–65—but between these two periods the volume of production increased by over 10 per cent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the advisory committee on pesticides and other toxic chemicals has completed its examination of the new evidence relating to the use of the herbicide 245T; and if he will make a statement.

This whole question is still being studied and I shall make a statement as soon as possible.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he intends to introduce increased pay for industrial civil servants; and whether he will make a statement.

Negotiations with the trade union side were opened at a meeting of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee on 27th May. There was a useful exhange of views, based on the recommendations in N.B.P.I. Report No. 146. A formal offer is now being made for consideration by the trade unions concerned. Another meeting of the committee will be held in

1. MAJOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMMES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS INCLUDING ALLOCATIONS FOR RAISING THE SCHOOL LEAVING AGE (AUTHORISED STARTS)
										£ million
Basic Needs					Improvements and Replacements*			RSLA		Totals
Year		Primary	Sec.	Total	Primary	Sec.	Total	Sec.	Primary	Sec.	Total
1965–66	…	25	25	50	6	24	30	—	31	49	80
1966–67	…	26	23	49	8	22	30	—	34	45	79
1967–68	…	35	38	73	11	10	21	—	46	48	94
1968–69	…	25	36	61	6	7	13	—	31	43	96†
1969–70	…	32	54	86	12	9	21	—	44	63	107
1970–71	…	37	66	103	10	2	12	28	47	96	143
* Separate figures are not available for replacements.
† £22 million of the resources for 1968-69 were committed to meet an excess authorised total in 1967–68. This sum cannot be ascribed to particular projects. cannot be analysed in terms of the Question.
Note: These figures are at current prices.

2. PUPILS AT MAINTAINED SCHOOLS
			Thousands
			Primary	Secondary
January, 1966	…	…	4,372	2,817
January, 1967	…	…	4,502	2,833
January, 1968	…	…	4,655	2,895
January, 1969	…	…	4,800	2,964
January, 1970 (estimated)		…	4,928	3,062
January, 1971 (estimated)		…	5,038	3,166

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the number of men in employment in Wales during the latest month for which the figures are available; and what was the number in employment in the corresponding month in 1963 and 1964.

Estimates of the number of male employees in Wales are available quarterly from June, 1965. For 1963 and 1964 only June estimates are available. Following is the information the near future with the object of agreeing new rates to take effect from 1st July.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state the total value of the major school-building programme approved for each of the years 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70 and 1970–71, the value of that part of each programme which will replace existing accommodation, and the size of the primary and secondary school rolls in each year.

Following is the information: for September, 1969 and for June, 1963, June, 1964 and June, 1969.

Estimated numbers of male employees in employment in Wales
			(thousands)
June, 1963	…	…	669
June, 1964 (a)	…	…	672
(b)	…	…	673
June, 1969 (a)	…	…	618
(b)	…	…	620
September, 1969	…	…	624

The estimates for June, 1964 (

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state, to the latest convenient date, the number by trade and

INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBER OF PERSONS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE ABERDEEN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE
	11th May, 1970			12th May, 1969			13th May, 1968
Industry	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total
Agriculture and horticulture	74	—	74	55	—	55	54	1	55
Fishing	81	—	81	64	—	64	70	—	70
Bacon curing, meat and fish products	103	19	122	101	23	124	63	13	76
Shipbuilding and ship-repairing	32	2	34	24	—	24	72	—	72
Spinning and doubling of cotton, flax and man-made fibres	32	3	35	20	5	25	14	4	18
Bricks, pottery, glass, cement, etc.	35	1	36	38	4	42	29	—	29
Timber	26	1	27	18	—	18	20	1	21
Construction	398	4	402	369	4	373	215	1	216
Sea transport	9	1	10	36	—	36	31	—	31
Distributive trades	243	58	301	222	63	285	218	50	268
Entertainment and sport	31	4	35	30	3	33	35	7	42
Catering, hotels, etc.	34	13	47	72	31	103	54	28	82
Private domestic service	3	4	7	1	11	12	2	11	13
Local government service	95	9	104	89	11	100	94	3	97
Other industries and services	874	198	1,072	728	148	876	657	106	763
Total, all industries and services	2,070	317	2,387	1,867	303	2,170	1,628	225	1,853
	11th May, 1967			12th May, 1966			13th May, 1965
Industry	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total
Spinning and doubling of cotton, flax and man-made fibres	23	2	25	11	9	20	11	17	28
Bricks, pottery, glass, cement, etc.	28	—	28	19	3	22	25	2	27
Timber	27	3	30	28	1	29	45	1	46
Construction	233	3	236	122	1	123	173	2	175
Sea transport	89	—	89	65	1	66	68	—	68
Distributive trades	203	85	288	155	105	260	178	164	342
Entertainment and sport	30	3	33	28	4	32	28	17	45
Catering, hotels, etc.	58	49	107	39	29	68	53	49	102
Private domestic service	2	17	19	3	22	25	5	25	30
Local government service	82	16	98	68	16	84	87	21	108
Other industries and services	620	165	785	426	163	589	487	297	784
Total, all industries and services	1,666	375	2,041	1,146	383	1,529	1,390	628	2,018

sex of workers unemployed in the city of Aberdeen as compared with those by trade and sex unemployed during each of the last five years.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what date she will publish the next monthly figures for the General Index of Retail Prices; and on what date the figures will be available in her Department.

The next General Index of Retail Prices figures will relate to Tuesday, 19th May. The figures are published as soon as the calculations are completed. In recent years this process has taken between four and five weeks and it is dependent on the time taken to collect the necessary information both directly by my Department and by retailers and others. It is not therefore possible to forecast the date of publication of the May figures but they will be published as soon as they are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the average monthly rate of unemployment in the area of the Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey employment exchanges between 1960 and 1970; and what were the average summer and winter rates, respectively, for the periods before and after October, 1964.

Percentage rates of unemployment are available collectively for the area covered by the Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey Employment Exchanges until June, 1968. From July, 1968, rates are available only for the whole of the Liverpool travel-to-work area which in addition to Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey also includes the Liverpool, Bootle, Crosby, Ellesmere Port, Garston, Hoylake, Kirkby, Neston, Old Swan, Prescot, Regent Road and Walton Employment Exchange areas. The average percentage rate of unemployment from January, 1960, to June, 1968, in the area covered by the Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey Employment Exchanges was 3·8. Comparable figures for January, 1960, to October, 1964, and November, 1964, to June, 1968, were 4·7 and 2·9 respectively. Percentage rates of unemployment in the Liverpool travel- to-work area at January, 1960, October, 1964, June, 1968, and December, 1969, were 4·4, 3·5, 3·4 and 4·0 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will list the months when the total number of wholly unemployed has been over 500,000 during the last ten years.

Following is the information:

Months since January, 1960 when the numbers registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain were over 500,000

1962—November and December.

1963—January to May.

1967—January to April, August to December.

1968—January to December.

1969—January to May, July to December.

1970—January to May.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will now indicate the number of persons employed in ship-building on Merseyside, the number of shipbuilding workers registered as unemployed, and her forecast of the approximate number of persons likely to be employed in shipbuilding within the development area during the remainder of 1970.

At June, 1968, the latest date for which information is available there were 17,200 employees in employment in shipbuilding and ship-repairing (minimum list heading 370·1 of the Standard Industrial Classification) in the Merseyside development area. A corresponding estimate for June 1969 should become available within the next few weeks. At 13th April, 1970, the number of persons registered as unemployed in this area who last worked in shipbuilding and ship-repairing was 1,113. The Government have shown their concern to maintain employment in shipbuilding by the assistance they have provided for Cammell Lairds.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will give details of the present unemployment situation in the Merseyside travel-to-work area, specifying in particular the major skills and trades affected, the duration of unemployment, the extent of frictional unemployment, and the age structure of the unemployed; and if she will make a statement.

Following is the information, showing in each case the latest available statistics for the Merseyside development area:

OCCUPATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBERS OF MEN AND WOMEN REGISTERED AS WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED IN THE MERSEYSIDE DEVELOPMENT AREA AT 9TH MARCH, 1970
Men
Farmworkers, fishermen etc	65
Electrical and electronic workers	310
Engineering and allied trades workers	1,786
Woodworkers	634
Clothing, etc. workers	73
Food, drink and tobacco workers	70
Construction workers	1,157
Painters and decorators	736
Drivers, etc. of stationary engines, cranes, etc.	304
Transport and communication workers	1,728
Warehousemen, packers, etc.	174
Clerical workers	1,608
Shop assistants	320
Service, sport and recreation workers	910
Administrative, professional, technical workers	792
Labourers	15,376
Others	166
Grand Total	26,209

Women
Engineering and allied trades workers	76
Clothing, etc. workers	92
Food, drink and tobacco workers	34
Paper and printing workers	33
Transport and communication workers	121
Warehouse workers, packers, etc.	245
Clerical workers	807
Shop assistants	350
Service, sport and recreation workers	441
Administrative, professional, technical workers	150
Factory hands	511
Charwomen, cleaners	139
Others	179
Grand Total	3,178

DURATION ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBERS REGISTERED AS WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED IN THE MERSEYSIDE DEVELOPMENT AREA AT 13TH APRIL, 1970
	Males	Females	Total
Up to 8 weeks	10,799	2,496	13,295
Over 8 and up to13 weeks	3,639	552	4,191
Over 13 and up to26 weeks	4,839	509	5,348
Over 26 and up to52 weeks	4,275	310	4,585
Over 52 weeks	4,525	239	4,764

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will publish a table showing the number and percentage of people registered as unemployed in areas that are now scheduled as intermediate areas in April, 1964, April, 1966, April, 1969 and April, 1970 respectively.

I regret that the information is not ready available and I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will list the stoppages due to industrial disputes and the working days lost, including and excluding mining, for the first four months of this year; and if she will give comparable figures for 1969. 1968 and 1967, respectively, and the percentage changes year by year.

I regret that the information is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state the number of stoppages and working days lost due to industrial disputes in the first four months of this year, including and excluding coalmining, together with the comparable figures for the previous 10 years and the percentage increase of this year's figures over the average for the previous 10 years.

TOTAL NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED
Annual Averages				Llandudno	Conway	Penmaenmawr	Bangor	Bethesda
1960	…	…	…	209	85	76	245	132
1961	…	…	…	205	97	60	215	121
1962	…	…	…	221	112	62	225	114
1963	…	…	…	238	152	99	239	187
1964	…	…	…	187	116	57	188	88
1965	…	…	…	148	93	60	202	117
1966	…	…	…	184	114	67	185	105
1967	…	…	…	309	205	110	267	149
1968	…	…	…	268	150	84	299	106
1969	…	…	…	282	158	82	358	75
June, 1960		…	…	93	55	47	172	97
June, 1961		…	…	99	55	35	160	103
June, 1962		…	…	111	65	42	195	84
June, 1963		…	…	112	81	43	202	116
June, 1964		…	…	77	62	40	168	86
June, 1965		…	…	56	45	39	175	101
June, 1966		…	…	81	54	32	128	86
June, 1967		…	…	201	125	81	257	152
June, 1968		…	…	171	103	69	260	102
June, 1969		…	…	172	117	75	331	65

UNEMPLOYED PERCENTAGE RATES
		(1)		(2)
		Llandudno travel-to-work area		Caernarvon travel-to-work area
		Annual average	June	Annual average	June
1960	…	3·2	1·7	7·1	5·2
1961	…	3·2	1·6	6·0	4·8
1962	…	3·6	1·9	5·8	5·1
1963	…	4·4	2·2	6·6	4·8
1964	…	3·1	1·7	4·1	3·6
1965	…	2·3	1·3	4·8	3·8
1966	…	3·2	1·3	4·3	3·3
1967	…	5·7	3·2	6·4	5·6
1968	…	4·7	3·0	6·2	4·9
1969	…	4·9	3·3	6·5	5·5

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will publish a table showing the number and percentage of people registered as unemployed in areas that are now scheduled as development areas in April, 1964, April, 1966, April, 1969 and April, 1970, respectively.

I regret that the information is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a further statement about the inquiry into the safety and health of employed persons.

I am glad to inform the House that Lord Robens has agreed to serve as chairman of the inquiry and that the members will be:

• Mr. G. H. Beeby.
• Miss Mervyn Pike, M.P.
• Mr. S. A. Robinson.
• Miss Anne Shaw.
• Sir Brian Windeyer, F.R.C.P., F.R.C.S.
• Professor J. C. Wood, LL.M.

The terms of reference will be as follows:

Following is the information:

provisions) and to consider whether any changes are needed in

(1) the scope or nature of the major relevant enactment; or

(2) the nature and extent of voluntary action concerned with these matters, and

To consider whether any further steps are required to safeguard members of the public from hazards, other than general environmental pollution, arising in connection with activities in industrial and commercial premises and construction sites; and

To make recommendations."

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what has been the percentage rise in prices charged by each nationalised industry, since the date of nationalisation in each case, compared with the rise in the Retail Price Index.

I regret that the information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will now make a statement about the future of the employment service.

Yes. A fundamental review of the present service has been proceeding for some time and I am today issuing a consultative document to interested organisations. This document contains proposals for the development of a new expert national manpower service to replace the present employment service. It also raises for discussion the question of the future of the Youth Employment Service.I have arranged for copies of the document to be available in the Vote Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were

TOTAL NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED
Annual Averages				Llandudno	Conway	Penmaenmawr	Bangor	Bethesda
1960	…	…	…	209	85	76	245	132
1961	…	…	…	205	97	60	215	121
1962	…	…	…	221	112	62	225	114
1963	…	…	…	238	152	99	239	187
1964	…	…	…	187	116	57	188	88
1965	…	…	…	148	93	60	202	117
1966	…	…	…	184	114	67	185	105
1967	…	…	…	309	205	110	267	149
1968	…	…	…	268	150	84	299	106
1969	…	…	…	282	158	82	358	75
June, 1960		…	…	93	55	47	172	97
June, 1961		…	…	99	55	35	160	103
June, 1962		…	…	111	65	42	195	84
June, 1963		…	…	112	81	43	202	116
June, 1964		…	…	77	62	40	168	86
June, 1965		…	…	56	45	39	175	101
June, 1966		…	…	81	54	32	128	86
June, 1967		…	…	201	125	81	257	152
June, 1968		…	…	171	103	69	260	102
June, 1969		…	…	172	117	75	331	65

UNEMPLOYED PERCENTAGE RATES
		(1)		(2)
		Llandudno travel-to-work area		Caernarvon travel-to-work area
		Annual average	June	Annual average	June
1960	…	3·2	1·7	7·1	5·2
1961	…	3·2	1·6	6·0	4·8
1962	…	3·6	1·9	5·8	5·1
1963	…	4·4	2·2	6·6	4·8
1964	…	3·1	1·7	4·1	3·6
1965	…	2·3	1·3	4·8	3·8
1966	…	3·2	1·3	4·3	3·3
1967	…	5·7	3·2	6·4	5·6
1968	…	4·7	3·0	6·2	4·9
1969	…	4·9	3·3	6·5	5·5

Percentage rates of unemployment can be calculated for (1) the whole of the Llandudno travel-to-work area, which comprises the Llandudno, Conway and Penmaenmawr Employment Exchange areas, and (2) for the Caernarvon travel-to-work area, which comprises the Caernarvon, Bangor, Bethesda and Penygroes Employment Exchange areas, but not separately for their constituent parts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth the annual average unemployment figures, numerically and in percentages, respectively, for each of the employment areas in the Conway Division of Carmarthenshire during the last 10 years; and what were the mid-summer figures in each of these areas for the same period.

I have been asked to reply.Following is the information:Affairs if all courses to be provided at the new technical institute in Hong Kong will be free at both elementary and intermediate levels; and whether intending students will require to pass any entrance examination or hold a recognised certificate.

The Morrison Hill Technical Institute will commence operations in its own building in September, 1970. In the meantime some courses are being run by this technical institute in the premises of the Hong Kong Technical College.Courses in the technical institute will not be free. Annual tuition fees range from HK$40 for part-time preliminary courses to HK$400 for full-time technical courses. Full fees remission is allowed for needy students up to 45 per cent. of those enrolled in full-time courses. A few sponsored scholarships are also available.Entry to technician and some craft level courses is by examination except where such courses are operated in conjunction with an approved apprenticeship. No recognised certificate is required except for entry to technical teacher training courses, but the attainment of appropriate levels of general education, varying according to the needs of the courses, is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland in regard to the preparations being made there by the Irish Republican Army to operate in Northern Ireland.

No. The Irish Republican Army is an illegal organisation and a problem for the police in the Irish Republic.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by Her Majesty's representative in the case of the captain of the England World Cup team in Bogota.

Prior to Mr. Moore's release on 28th May Her Majesty's Embassy in Bogota took all appropriate steps to help him, and in particular to try to secure a speedy decision. It helped to arrange expert legal counsel. It was in continuing touch with the Colombian authorities, as well as the representatives of the Football Association in Bogota and Mr. Moore himself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communications he has received from Fiji about the forthcoming French nuclear test explosion in the Pacific; and if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government policy.

No such communications have been received. We are following closely the French nuclear tests in the Pacific, bearing in mind the well-being of the territories there for which we are responsible. The French Government have said that, as on previous occasions, they will be taking all possible precautions to avoid any danger to health resulting from the tests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation meeting on 21st May and in particular concerning the discussion of an East-West European Security Conference.

We have had a very significant meeting of the North Atlantic Council and have defined in our communiqué, and in a Declaration on Mutual and Balance Force Reductions, practical steps for negotiation between East and West in Europe. The following are the communiqué and declaration:COMMUNIQUE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will discuss with other Commonwealth external Ministers the proposal to introduce a Commonwealth Medal for those who have given outstanding services to the Commonwealth.

I would prefer to wait until there is evidence of the general interest in such a medal to which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister referred in the reply he gave the hon. Member on this subject on 19th November, 1968.—[Vol. 773, c. 1108.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are now taking to secure the admission of China to the United Nations.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated in this House on 5th May, we have always believed that the representation of the Chinese Government and the Chinese people at the United Nations is a prerequisite to the solution of major world problems. We shall continue to vote for the seating of representatives of the People's Republic of China.—Vol. 801, c. 265–6.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further action he proposes to take towards securing peace in Indo-China, in view of Her Majesty's Government's responsibilities as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference.

I shall continue to work, both as Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and as Co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference, for an early end to the conflict in Indo-China and a lasting settlement on the basis that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I set out in the debate on 5th May.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will discuss with other Commonwealth Foreign Ministers the introduction of a Commonwealth Flag to be flown on official occasions and particularly on Commonwealth Day.

No. There is no evidence of any general interest in such an emblem in the Commonwealth.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the use of neighbouring British islands as bases for invasion of, and attacks upon, Cuba; and if he will make a statement.

When the recent kidnapping of Cuban fishermen was reported, the Cuban authorities made oral representations to Her Majesty's Ambassador asking Her Majesty's Government to take immediate measures to prevent anti-Cuban activities based in British territories. The Cuban authorities were informed that Her Majesty's Government would not tolerate the use of British territory for activities directed against a foreign State. We are taking what steps are open to us to prevent activities directed against Cuba.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the change in the real gross national product of Rhodesia between 1965 and 1969.

Southern Rhodesia's gross national product at factor cost increased from £R339·5 million in 1965 to £R395 million in 1969, in terms of constant prices. The real increase in the gross national product in that period was therefore £R55·5 million.The gross domestic product increased from £R354 million in 1965 to £R406 million in 1969, in terms of constant prices. The real increase in the gross domestic product during that period was therefore £R52 million.If, however, increases in population are also taken into account the increase in gross national product in real terms per head of population amounted to only about 2 per cent. over the whole of the period 1965–1969.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to facilitate a solution of the problems arising from the breakdown of the electrical power plant in Antigua on 22nd November, 1968.

I am pleased to inform the House that, agreement having been reached between the Antigua Government and Hawker Siddeley earlier this year, Hawker Siddeley engineers have already started work on the repair and re-siting of the power station. While this has been primarily a commercial matter between the two parties, the friendly offices of our Representatives in the Associated States have helped towards a settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the growing problem of thefts of mercury and platinum, he will take steps to include these metals within the scope of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, 1964; and if he will make a statement.

This would require legislation, which is not in prospect; but my right hon. Friend is aware of the problem and will keep it under review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of the Departmental Committee on the Fire Service will be published.

On 10th June.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there is concern among the residents of Woodside End, Alperton, Wembley, and surrounding streets about the danger of fire due to the use and storage of petroleum in factories nearby, especially following a fire in the area last week; and what steps he proposes to take to lessen this risk.

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what request he has received for ex-gratia compensation to be paid to the Cricket Council as a result of the Government's request to cancel the South African cricket tour; and what consideration has been given to the matter.

I have been asked to reply.No such request has yet been received, but the Cricket Council has been informed that should it suffer any financial loss due to the cancellation of the tour Her Majesty's Government will be willing to consider whether assistance could appropriately be given.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the Government's intention to control the excessive pollution of the environment, he will take steps to strengthen the Alkali Inspectorate.

The strength of the Alkali Inspectorate is related to the number of processes registered under the Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906. It is adequate for present needs but as the registration of further processes is proposed, a resultant increase in the inspectorate may also be required.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of units of accommodation let by the London Borough of Brent within the rental, including rates and estimated repairs borne by the tenant, of under £5, between £5 and £7, between £7 and £9, between £9 and £11, between £11 and £13, and those over £13 a week, respectively.

The council is by law responsible for fixing rents and rates, and I regret that I do not have the information requested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many housing units were completed in the London Borough of Brent in the year ended 31st March, 1970.

Following is the information:

BRENT LONDON BOROUGH HOUSING PERFORMANCE 1ST APRIL, 1969 TO 31ST MARCH, 1970
		Local Authority	Other Public Sector	Private Sector
Approvals	…	395	N/A	N/A
Starts	…	1,074	0	103
Completions	…	1,550	0	76
No dwellings were completed by the G.L.C.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total subsidy paid to the Bishop Auckland Urban District Council for new council houses in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, respectively; and what was the rate of subsidy per house.

The housing subsidy payments made to the Bishop Auckland Urban District Council in respect of housing provided by it under the Housing Acts have been as follows:

				£
1960–61	…	…	…	36,201
1961–62	…	…	…	37,202
1962–63	…	…	…	38,397
1963–64	…	…	…	39,788
1964–65	…	…	…	41,984
1965–66	…	…	…	37,399
1966–67	…	…	…	40,391
1967–68	…	…	…	64,978
1968–69	…	…	…	82,254
1969–70	…	…	…	116,512

Information on the average rate of subsidy per house is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total subsidy paid to the Sheldon Urban District Council for new council houses in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, respectively; and what was the rate of subsidy per house.

The housing subsidy payments made to the Shildon Urban District Council in respect of housing provided by it under the Housing Acts have been as follows:

				£
1960–61	…	…	…	23,200
1961–62	…	…	…	23,015
1962–63	…	…	…	23,571
1963–64	…	…	…	27,592
1964–65	…	…	…	22,172
1965–66	…	…	…	29,523
1966–67	…	…	…	31,004
1967–68	…	…	…	34,286
1968–69	…	…	…	36,834
1969–70	…	…	…	45,473

Information on the average rate of subsidy per house is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total subsidy paid to the Barnard Castle Rural District Council for new council houses in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, respectively; and what was the rate of subsidy per house.

The housing subsidy payments made to the Barnard Castle R.D.C. in respect of housing provided by it under the Housing Acts have been as follows:

				£
1960–61	…	…	…	19,231
1961–62	…	…	…	19,508
1962–63	…	…	…	19,143
1963–64	…	…	…	19,998
1964–65	…	…	…	21,119
1965–66	…	…	…	20,517
1966–67	…	…	…	21,144
1967–68	…	…	…	20,748
1968–69	…	…	…	22,939
1969–70	…	…	…	23,165

Information on the average rate or subsidy per house is not readily available.

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

In the light of information provided by the council I estimate that the cost to Warley County Borough Council of abolishing housing subsidies for existing dwellings, excepting old people's accommodation, would, in 1969–70 have been equivalent to an average increase in council house rents of about 13s. a week in a 52 week rent year.If subsidies were withdrawn from dwellings under construction on 1st January, 1970, the cost might be equivalent to rent increases in the range of 65s. to 85s. a week if applied only to the rents of those dwellings, or in the range 5s. to 6s. a week if pooled over the whole of the authority's housing stock.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to ensure that opponents of the Ringway 2 Motorway scheme have made available to them, before the public inquiry on the Greater London Development Plan, detailed information, already in the possession of the Greater London Council, in regard to the proposed route, and also the intersections and widening of secondary roads which will form part of the scheme, without which information it would not be possible for them adequately to prepare their case.

As I informed the House on 15th May, the main inquiry into the Greater London Development Plan will start on 6th October but will be preceded by a short session on 7th July to deal with procedural matters. Objectors should make representations at this session about the disclosure of information which they consider they need. Individual objectors have been informed accordingly in the notices giving details of the inquiry arrangements.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he intends to announce the date for the holding of a public inquiry into the proposal of the Greater London Council to develop 10 acres of land at Abbey Wood in the constituency of the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford.

The inquiry to which my hon. Friend refers is associated with another inquiry which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are arranging into proposals submitted by the London Borough of Bexley to construct a fly-over at Harrow Manorway, Thamesmead. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend about the inquiry arrangements, which will be announced shortly.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make further proposals to ensure the building of 500,000 houses per year; and if he will take steps to ensure that the larger proportion of them will be council houses to let.

The Government have recently taken steps to stimulate house-building and are pressing a number of local authorities to restore cuts they have made in their building programmes recently. Some have agreed to do so and others, I hope, will follow suit. The Government are now considering further proposals to increase housing programmes.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now make a statement on the outcome of his meeting with 20 local authorities which have been cutting down their council house building programmes.

Consultation with housing authorities, and particularly with those with which my hon. Friend or I have discussed their programmes personally, should be a continuing process. The talks have defined those problems which need further consideration, and in a number of cases councils have decided to review aspects of their housing programmes.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the fact that a negotiated agreement with the local authorities and their associations on the question of costs towards the strengthening of tower blocks has not been reached, and that the settlement contained in Circular 29/70 is not accepted by local authorities, he will refer this disputed question to independent arbitration.

No. The extent of Exchequer assistance towards the cost of dealing with these blocks is a matter for Government decision.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the percentage reduction in the house building programme for 1968, 1969 and 1970 of Leicester City Council that was requested by Her Majesty's Government.

No percentage reduction was requested by the Ministry. In 1967 the city council was invited to review its programme, which was then proposed to be 1,100 dwellings to start in 1968. The programme was agreed at 1,500 dwellings to go to tender in 1968 to 1970. The number eventually put to tender in 1968 was 580, In 1969, against a programme of 500, 147 dwellings were put to tender. I understand that the programme for 1970 has now been increased to 900 dwellings to go to tender.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will estimate the present average percentage increase in the price of houses as a result of the selective employment tax.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 24th March.—[Vol. 798, c. 336.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how much the Government will contribute to the cost of strengthening the tower block Burghley Towers, Acton;(2) whether the Government will now take steps to contribute a specific disturbance allowance to all those families which are having to move from Burghley Towers, Acton, to Greenford while this tower block is being strengthened.

The terms on which Government grant will be paid are set out in Circular 29/70. My right hon. Friend has not yet however received an application for grant from Ealing London Borough Council. The Government will admit for grant disturbance allowances for tenants who remain in occupation, or who make their own arrangements for

				(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
				1967–1968	Proportion of (a) payable to priority authorities	1968–1969	Proportion of (c) payable to priority authorities
				£	Per cent.	£	Per cent.
Section 5(1)	…	…	…	65,780	89	195,190	85
Section 5(2)	…	…	…	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Section 8(1)(a)*		…	…	Nil	Nil	316,336	Nil
*Section 8(1)(a) subsidy is payable to town development authorities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now make a statement on the Report of the Francis Committee on the working of the Rent Act.

The Francis Committee is still taking evidence and has not yet reported. In view of the great importance of the matters it is con- temporary private accommodation, while remedial works are carried out. The decision of whether or not to pay such allowances, however, is a matter for the local authority.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will publish a list of the names of all housing priority areas which received subsidy under Section 5(1) of the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967, during the years 1967–68 and 1968–69, separate totals for the amounts of subsidy given to all local authorities in England, under Section 5(i), Section 5(2), and Section 8(1)(a), of the Housing Subsidies Act 1967, during the years 1967–68 and 1968–69, and the proportion of each total that went to housing priority areas.

The housing priority authorities to which payments of subsidy under Section 5(1) of the Housing Subsidies Act 1967 were made during 1967–68 or 1968–69 were as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce measures to prevent landlords or owner-occupiers selling their houses at higher prices shortly after receiving improvement grants from public funds, which improve the value of the house.

The condition restricting the sale of improved houses for owner-occupation was removed by the Housing Act, 1969. We have no evidence that this has caused any difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if he will publish a table showing for each of

							000's
		Males (1 and over)	Females (1 and over)	Males (15–64)	1962–66 (annual average)	1966–68 (annual average)	1968–69
		(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
			1965–66 (1966 CENSUS)			Net migration only
Northern:
Inward	…	22·9	22·4	15·9
Outward	…	24·0	24·1	16·4	-10·4	-4·9	-5·8
Yorkshire and Humberside:
Inward	…	33·8	32·6	23·7
Outward	…	32·8	33·3	23·0	-4·3	-10·6	-17·1
North West:
Inward	…	35·6	34·9	25·4
Outward	…	36·1	36·8	25·9	-11·4	-13·8	-13·6
East Midlands:
Inward	…	34·3	33·1	24·0
Outward	…	27·6	28·0	19·6	+6·6	+3·0	+5·0
West Midlands:
Inward	…	34·0	32·1	24·5
Outward	…	34·5	36·0	25·0	+3·4	-0.4	+6·8
East Anglia:
Inward	…	23·5	24·7	15·6
Outward	…	17·9	18·2	12·3	+12·5	+17·0	+14·1
South East:
Inward	…	85·0	89·6	62·7
Outward	…	96·2	98·5	67·9	+4·8	-0·6	-19·4
South West:
Inward	…	43·8	49·4	29·5
Outward	…	35·5	37·1	24·2	+23·3	+14·3	+20·0
Wales:
Inward	…	18·0	18·7	12·4
Outward	…	18·1	18·0	12·8	+0·5	-1·7	-4·2
Scotland:
Inward	…	18·7	18·3	12·9
Outward	…	27·0	25·7	19·6	-41·2	-39·0	-25·0
Notes:
Columns 1, 2 and 3—These figures relate only to movement within Great Britain and exclude movement between Great Britain and other countries.
Columns 4, 5 and 6—These figures are for total net migration, including that to and from other countries

Migration figures in the form requested by the hon. and gallant Member exist only for census years. Those for 1965–66 are given in the table but comparable figures for 1960–61 are not readily available because of differences in regional boundaries. For other than census years, only net annual estimates of gross movement, including that to and from overseas, can be obtained. Because of changes in the basis of compilation, annual averages only are readily available for the periods 1962–66 and 1966–68; these are given in the table, together with the figures for 1968–69, the latest year available.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning how many jobs are currently in prospect in South-West Durham; and in which years he estimates that they will materialise.

I have been asked to reply.Jobs in prospect expected to arise during the next four years in South-West Durham in authorised new industrial buildings and in buildings taken over by manufacturing industry total 5,500, of which nearly 80 per cent. are for males. It is not possible to provide estimates for individual years.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will publish a table showing the total flow of official overseas aid as a proportion of gross national product for 1963 and 1969.

The official flows which count towards the U.N.C.T.A.D. aid target are net of amortisation. Gross figures are, however, also stated below.

	1963	1969
		£ million
Gross National Product*	30,783	45,788
Net Aid Programme
Total	151	178
As percentage of Gross National Product	0·5	0·4
Gross Aid Programme
Total	158	211
As percentage of Gross National Product	0·5	0·5
* As defined for international reporting.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the difference between the total flow of official aid in 1968 and 1969.

The gross aid programme in 1968 was £203 million; and in 1969 £211 million.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a state- ment about arrangements for televising and broadcasting the State Opening of the First Session of the new Parliament.

Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to give Her consent to a proposal which has the support of the Government and of the Opposition that the State Opening of the new Parliament should be broadcast on colour television and sound. The arrangements are being concerted with the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give figures for the additional revenue raised by the Post Office in a full year as a result of the price increases imposed in 1968 and 1970.

Estimates of the yield from the 1968 price changes are given in Post Office Report and Accounts, 1968–69, Appendix 4. The 1970 Telecommunications tariff increases are expected to yield about £65 million in a full year.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give the percentage increase in the average domestic telephone bill since October, 1964, taking into account the new charges to be introduced on 1st July.

Fixing of telephone tariffs is a matter for the Post Office. I understand that information is not available in the precise form requested but details of the main changes are given in "Post Office: Cost of Communications" and "Post Office Telecommunications Statistics 1969", copies of which are available in the Library.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many people in Westmorland live in an area where there is inadequate reception of B.B.C.1 television, B.B.C.2 television, independent television, and each of the British Broadcasting Corporation's sound radio services, respectively.

The B.B.C. and I.TA. tell me that the estimated numbers of those at present unable to receive the service adequately are approximately as follows:

Television
B.B.C.1	…	…	…	14,000
B.B.C.2	…	…	…	67,000
Independent Television			…	40,000
Sound Radio
Radio 1	…	…	…	67,000
Radio 2	…	…	…	Nil
Radio 4	…	…	…	31,000
Radio 3	…	…	…	31,000

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to discontinue the introduction of any further all-figure numbering except in the case of newly-created exchanges.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him on 16th February.—[Vol. 796, col. 3.]

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to install public telephones free of charge in shops, community centres or near police stations where they can be protected from vandals.

The siting of public telephones is a management matter for the Post Office.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications why he will not direct the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from broadcasting matter which encourages illegal betting and evading betting duty; and whether he will refer details supplied to him of the offences committed by the British Broadcasting Corporation to the Department of Customs and Excise and other appropriate authorities for legal action to be taken.

Programme content is the responsibility of the B.B.C., and I do not intervene.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what are the present financial targets which he has set for the National Data Processing Service; and what were the previous targets.

An 8 per cent. return on net assets. There has been no change.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what are the present financial targets which he has set for the Giro; and what were the previous targets.

For the five-year period ending in March, 1973, the postal services, including the Giro and remittance services, have been set the objective of achieving a return, after depreciation and interest, of 2 per cent. on total expenditure. The National Giro was inaugurated in the first year of this five-year period, so that the question of previous targets does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current percentage of Scottish primary school pupils in classes over 40.

In January, 1969 17·6 per cent. of all primary school classes in education authority schools had more than 40 pupils.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest date he has approved for the starting of the new general hospital to be built at Airdrie House, Airdrie, and what is the approximate completion date; what is the latest estimated cost of the project; and what are the nature of the medical services to be provided at the most recent convenient date.

A start in April, 1971, has been authorised which the Western Regional Hospital Board hopes to achieve with completion about December, 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to improve the arrangements for a citizen of the United Kingdom, properly insured, who is seriously injured in a motor accident in the United Kingdom through collision with a vehicle driven by a citizen of another country, to obtain judgment, or other remedy, against the citizen of another country.

I am at present considering the form of possible legislation which would enable the Scottish courts to deal with actions for damages raised against persons resident elsewhere than in Scotland but where the damage occurred in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Glasgow's housing revenue account was financed by Government grants in the year 1969–70; what was the comparable percentage in the year 1963–64; and what estimate he has made of the comparable percentage in the current financial year.

I understand that in 1963–64 the proportion was 26·5 per cent. A figure for 1969–70 will not be available for some time, and I have made no estimate for 1970–71.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total sum spent by Glasgow Corporation on interest payments for municipal housing in 1969–70; what was the comparable total in 1963–64; and what estimate he has made of the comparable sum in 1970–71.

I understand that the amount was £6·7 million in 1963–64. The figure for 1969–70 will not be available for some time, and I have made no estimate for 1970–71.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he proposes to take to assist Glasgow with its housing problem.