asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he now proposes taking in view of the accelerated rise in prices during recent months.

We shall continue to encourage competition and to impress on the public the fact that inflationary wage settlements make price increases inevi.

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's conspicuous incapacity to hold prices, or to deal with any other public issue, is causing grave concern in the country, and that the ever-rising cost of living is having a serious effect on the low-income groups and the disabled, and is he aware that there is also grave apprehension because of the—

Order. There are 103 Questions today to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and I should like hon. Members to limit themselves to one supplementary question each on any Question. The hon. Member has already asked two.

I was going to ask the Secretary of State whether he would give consideration to a temporary freeze on prices over decimalisation day.

No, we do not contemplate a freeze on prices. As to the general question raised by the hon. Gentleman, attention should be drawn to the rate of increase in earnings, which is two-and-a-half times that of prices, and which is having great effect on price levels.

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in recent months there have been rising prices for spirits, beer, cigarettes, petrol and food, and that with decimalisation day there is likely to be more rounding up than rounding down, which will necessitate more increases, and that food prices will rise by another 2 per cent. according to the Minister of Agriculture during this year and that our devaluation advantage is being rapidly eroded, and that this is a high price to pay for our entry into the European Economic Community? Is the right hon. Gentleman not concerned about that, and should he not attack prices instead—

Order. It is making Question Time intolerable if we are to have speeches and whole series of supplementary questions. I have received many complaints that we are not getting through enough Questions. There are 103 to the Secretary of State today, and I must ask Front Bench spokesmen as well as back-bench Members to obey the rules.

The more reason, therefore, for all parties to join together in trying to restrain the most compulsive effect on price levels, and that is the level of wages.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that oil supplies will be sufficient to meet consumers' needs in this country during the winter months; and if he will make a statement.

The arrangements which have been made by the leading oil companies for obtaining supplies should be sufficient to meet their commitments this winter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is public anxiety about future oil supplies, and will he agree that there is also concern about prices—that, for example, 1d. on a gallon is equal to about 19s. 4d. per ton of coal? Is it not time that he made a statement—

Order. The hon. Member is asking three question on one supplementary. I must ask for one only.

The question of prices is, of course, for the companies themselves in the light of competition which exists in this field. With your permission Mr. Speaker, I shall be answering a Question on certain aspects of oil supply later.

Is it not a fact that the oil companies, largely operating under private enterprise, have succeeded in maintaining supplies through two very difficult years in the face of considerable problems and can be relied on to go on providing an increasing share of our energy supplies in the years ahead, despite their present difficulties?

The oil industry has a good record for maintaining supplies under difficulties, and certainly will have to use its abilities to a singular degree in future when more dependence will be put upon it for the maintenance of supplies.

asked the Secretary of Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the steel industry about oil supplies and the recent price increase; and what reply he has given.

I am aware of the steel industry's concern about the increase in the price of fuel oil, but I have not heard of any difficulty about supplies.

Has the Minister made a calculation of what the additional cost will be to industry as a consequence of the increased price?

No. The consequent increases are primarily dependent upon the nature of the contracts entered into between the steel industry and the companies concerned.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that over the past 20 years the wholesale prices of oil have risen substantially less than the prices of coal, gas and electricity?

Yes, Sir. That is correct.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to encourage new industry to the location of the industrial site at Throckley in the urban district of New-burn, Northumberland.

The Department will continue to bring this local authority site to the attention of suitable industrial inquirers.

Is the Minister aware that since last June unemployment in the Newburn Urban District Council area has increased by 9 per cent. and that it is more imperative than ever to bring new industry into the area?

I am aware that there were fewer people unemployed on Tyneside in December, 1970, than in December, 1969.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the numbers of industrial inquiries for locations in the Northern Region outstanding on the first day of June 1970 and each subsequent month to date, with the anticipated number of jobs involved in each case.

Figures are not readily available in the form requested but I am ciculating in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures of the number of inquiries received for industrial locations in the Northern Region for each of the months referred to. The number of jobs involved is not known.

Is the Minister aware that his Department's officers locally are seriously concerned about the fall-off in inquiries, and more so about the withdrawal of firms who were actively pursuing the idea of going into the Northern Region?

The decline of interest in the development areas was apparent before the change of Government, and this represents the consequences of economic policies pursued by the previous Administration.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to complete his study into all aspects of regional policy; what form it is taking; and whether he will invite non-governmental bodies to submit evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has now completed his review of regional policy; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has now completed his review of regional policy for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the result of his review of regional policy.

Statements about the Government's regional policy review will be made shortly. The Government are taking full account of the views expressed by a wide range of organisations.

In view of authoritative statements that unemployment will rise this winter to one million, and since firms are pulling out of development areas, instead of going into them, because of the Government's policy, and since incentives are being withdrawn, should not the Government take action, instead of leaving it to the development associations despairingly to try to get together to do the job which the Secretary of State's Department is there to do?

The hon. Gentleman quotes conjectural statements as justification for doing something which the Government are already doing, which is to try to find exactly which measures would be the most appropriate, not only to cope with short-run problems in the regions but also to provide a sound future for the regions and to meet the need for industrial growth in the areas concerned.

Does not the Secretary of State agree that it was foolish and irresponsible for the Government to announce changes immediately they came to power, costing, according to the North-East Development Council, £38 million a year in aid to the Northern Region, and to create a complete crisis of confidence in all sections of the community in the North before the review policy has even been decided?

The position of the Government was reviewed most carefully whilst in Opposition, and the decisions which were announced on 27th October were the result of mature study of the problems concerned. It would therefore be quite unnecessary to suggest that any longer period of study was required. The underlying problem is the poor response of the economy generally, which largely was engendered by the weak economic policies of the Opposition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in areas like ours male unemployment is now over 13 per cent. and that the position is getting steadily worse, with firms contracting because of Government policy?

The policies which are responsible are those of the last Administration. The policies of the present Government will bring back economic welfare.

Will my right hon. Friend, when considering regional policy for the East of England, pay particular attention to the fact that in the Borough of Wisbech, in my constituency, we are appoarching all too fast a rate of unemployment of nearly 7 per cent., so that it is important that boroughs of that size should get consideration?

In the course of the review which we are carrying out, all areas of the country are being carefully considered. For this reason it will take some time to come out with well-reflected policies in this field.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal more satisfactorily with the question, why did he change existing policy before the review was complete or, alternatively, if the review had been done before the election, why is he now continuing with a review when his policy has already been announced?

The reason for the change of policy was that quite evident failure of the policies pursued by the last Administration to attain an effective industrial superstructure throughout the country. The faults were quite evident to us all. The changes were, therefore, urgent and were carried out urgently. As a longer-term measure, the whole review of the structure of regional policy is being carried through.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the North of England would be better served if grants could be paid quickly? There is a great deal of criticisms about the length of time it takes for the Government to pay the grants they have decided to give. Could he perhaps get on with paying what is our due?

I, of course, take due note of the point made by the hon. Lady—

"Hon. Friend", please.

I say so with absolute justice—"my hon. Friend". I will up-braid my Department suitably on her account.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible for the Government constantly to hide behind the argument that the level of unemployment has increased because of the previous Government' policy? Is he not aware that the so-called changes carried out by his Government have led to a rapid increase in unemployment in every development area? It is not a review we want, but action now to bring down the level of unemployment in Liverpool, on the North-East Coast and in similar areas.

I am not clear, Mr. Speaker, what the question was in that speech. However, the undoubted responsibility of the Labour Party for the extent of wage inflation has played a major part in the damage to the economy.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to make illegal the trading practices of the kind detailed in the communication to him dated 11th November from the hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick.

No, Sir. In such instances of "chain letter" selling methods as I have seen, the nature of the scheme was adequately explained. I see no reason why people should not be left to decide for themselves whether to participate.

Is the Minister aware, that, despite the inquiry of a few years ago, the practice of the firm Bezelplan Ltd., of conning unsuspecting customers out of their money without necessarily giving them any goods in return, is continuing? Should he not look at the matter again with a view to a further inquiry and trying to stop people losing money to this firm?

I am ready to have a look at it again, but so far we have had only six complaints about three schemes of this kind, and we must leave the vast majority of people to use their commonsense.

In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether coal will be imported at such times that stockbuilding takes place, particularly in the summer months; and if he will make a statement.

It will certainly be necessary to rebuild stocks to healthier levels for next winter and imports could no doubt make a useful contribution to achieving this objective.

Is the Minister aware that by continuing to import coal during the summer months, when stocks will be built up as a result of the industry's efforts, he is, on the one hand. deliberately raising prices, because imported coal costs about £3 a ton more than indigenous coal, and, on the other hand, helping to throw more British miners on the scrap heap?

The main thing to have in mind is that a continuing gap between demand and supply would harm the long-term interests of the coal industry. The question of prices is one for the importer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if a successor to Lord Robens has been chosen; and on what conditions he will be appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to announce the name of the new Chairman of the National Coal Board.

I shall be making an announcement about this appointment in due course.

Will the Minister, when instructing the new Chairman of the Coal Board, tell him, as distinct from the previous policy announced a few months ago, not to hive off lucrative parts of the coal industry and also to take into account the recent actions of the Government with regard to Rolls-Royce?

The only instructions I could give to the chairman of this industry derive from powers given to me by Statute. If, as I expect, I am given certain additional powers by Statute, I shall exercise them.

Would the Secretary of State not consider advertising the post, setting out the required qualifications but ruling out any possibility of the appointment of a Rolls-Royce director?

I certainly will give careful consideration to the point made by the hon. Gentleman, but I do not anticipate any need to advertise the post widely in order to make a successful appointment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that any future Chairman of the National Coal Board will be absolutely free to make any comments he wishes on any proposals which come from the Government suggesting the hiving-off of part of the industry?

I have never endeavoured to put a bridle on the tongue of the present Chairman. I would not expect to do otherwise with any new Chairman.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional countries will have the right to send duty-free leather gloves into the United Kingdom as a result of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development generalised preference scheme recently agreed to by the British Government; and what steps he is taking to safeguard the leather glove industry in the south-west.

The question of which countries should benefit from U.N.C.T.A.D. preferences is under discussion between the industrialised countries. We have reserved under our scheme the right to withdraw a product from preference if it results in such increased imports and under such conditions as cause or threaten serious injury to domestic producers.

Would my right hon. Friend exercise that right in regard to leather glove-making, which is an important, and indeed essential, industry in North Dorset and South Somerset, since this is a serious matter for those areas?

I had recently what I hope was a satisfactory meeting with the National Association of Glove Manufacturers, which put its case to me clearly and well. There are certain things which may be needed to provide the statistics which would be required to take any necessary action. The association is co-operating with my Department to provide the statistics, but I cannot guarantee to keep out gloves altogether.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that imports of leather gloves from Portugal, the products of sweated labour, are already making the position extremely difficult in regard to the domestic manufacture of leather gloves?

Imports of gloves from Portugal come under the E.F.T.A. treaty and are not affected in any way by this Question.

Would my right hon. Friend also bear in mind the difficulties of leather manufacture in North Bedfordshire due to importation and competition from plastics?

If my hon. Friend's question relates to gloves, of course I will.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has made to the United States Government about demands for protectionist legislation in the United States of America.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discus- sions he had with the United States Government about the introduction of protectionist legislation in the United States Congress; and if he will make a statement.

During my visit to Washington last month, I reaffirmed our opposition to restrictive trade legislation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, since his visit to the United States, Congressman Wilbur Mills has reintroduced his Bill into Congress and that if the Bill becomes law in the present session of Congress it will lead to a trade war and to an avalanche of retaliation, from which we should all suffer? Could this view be expressed yet again to Mr. Nixon?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the Prime Minister spoke to President Nixon about this matter. I am quite convinced that our views are well known, not only to the President but to all the senior administrators in the United States.

Did the right hon. Gentleman in his Washington talks raise the issue of the international company and the difficulties that might well confront many multilateral companies of the kind we have in Central Scotland?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs are expected to arise from the industrial development certificates issued during the three months ending 31st January, 1971 in the employment exchange areas of Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Barnard Castle.

During the period 1st November, 1970 to 31st January, 1971, one industrial development certificate was issued in the Bishop Auckland Employment Exchange Area and none in Shildon and Barnard Castle Employment Exchange Areas. It would not be right for me to give the estimated additional employment for an individual project.

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that the flow of industrial development certificates in 1969 and early 1970 was reasonably satisfactory, and does he blame the Labour Government for the sudden cessation of certificates? surely the blame clearly lies on the present Government.

In the comparable period 1st November, 1969 to 31st January, 1970, one i.d.c. was issued in Bishop Auckland and none in Shildon and Barnard Castle—exactly the same number.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many building firms went bankrupt in 1970.

Figures for the whole year 1970 arc not yet available. For the first nine months the number of Receiving Orders and Orders of Administration (under Section 130 of the Bankruptcy Act, 1914) made in England and Wales in respect of sole traders and firms in the construction industry was 729. In the same period there were 199 compulsory and 401 creditors' voluntary liquidations of companies in this industry.

Is this not a most unsatisfactory position? Would the Minister not tell his right hon. Friend, who is responsible for building, that much more needs to be done about the building industry than just holding contractors to two-year firm contracts?

The number of bankruptcies in the construction industry from 1965 to 1969 has been increasing on average at about 10 per cent. per year.

Is my hon. Friend aware that by far the largest single contributory factor on this matter was the imposition of selective employment tax? That, of course, was not imposed by the present Government. Is he further aware that the building industry produces a quarter of the total yield of that tax?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of both those facts. This is one of the reasons that we have made the firm pledge to get rid of S.E.T.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that bankruptcies and winding-up orders in the building and construction industry are not a recent phenomenon, that many builders go into the speculative building of houses with nominal capital and, having completed a particular scheme, then get out with the aid of any kind of legal instrument so as not to be in the position of having to face the complaints of house purchasers who are duped by unsound companies? When will the Government tackle the spurious builders who make a mockery as between purchaser and vendor?

I am aware that bankruptcies in the construction industry have been going on for some time. There were some 957 in 1969. But as for the other matters, they are more a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will give the latest available details of the growth, since 1958, of United Kingdom exports to the European Economic Community;

United Kingdom exports to the European Economic Community measured by their dollar value grew by 91 per cent. per annum between 1958 and 1969, and by 15 per cent. in 1970. E.E.C. intra-trade similarly measured increased by 161 per cent. per annum between 1958 and 1969 and by 20 per cent. between the first nine months of 1969 and 1970.

I am obliged for that answer. Would my hon. Friend agree that the contrast between those two sets of figures shows how desirable it is for Britain to be part of the duty-free trade area represented by the E.E.C. since this would enable our overseas trade to grow much more rapidly than at present?

I can at least agree with my hon. Friend that trade with the E.E.C. countries has shown a very valuable increase in this period.

On the contrary, are we not getting on very well with the Common Market without entering the Common Market?

Although that could be adduced from the figures I have suggested, there is no doubt that by reducing tariff barriers we might well do a great deal better.

Would my hon. Friend not agree that by this time next year tariff barriers will be reduced by, on average, 7·6 per cent.? Will there not then be still greater prospects for the extension of imports to the E.E.C.?

We are getting into deep hypothetical waters. There is no doubt, on the evidence in regard to increased trade, that if we were to achieve entry, trade would increase considerably faster.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment is being made in his Department of the effect of Great Britain's entry into the Common Market on the economy of India.

We cannot make a reliable estimate of the effect which British entry into the E.E.C. would have on the Indian economy. However, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster informed the House on 4th February, it was agreed at the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels last week that the enlarged Community would be ready to examine any problems which arose for Asian Commonwealth countries in the field of trade with a view to reaching appropriate solutions.

But in all the statements from the Government Front Bench about the Commonwealth, emphasis is always given to the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement, which does not affect India. Will the right hon. Gentleman look carefully at this matter and ask his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister what Mrs. Gandhi said to him when he saw her in Delhi recently?

I can assure the hon. Lady that though the key Commonwealth questions may be sugar from the Caribbean and dairy products from New Zealand, the particular interests of Asian countries have never been overlooked. As my right hon. Friend told the House only last week, if there should be problems the E.E.C. has agreed to examine them with great care.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further estimate he has made of the level of industrial investment in the first quarter of 1971.

Information about investment intentions is collected only for calendar years and not for quarters. Statistics of actual investment will be collected only after the quarter has ended, and will not be available until June.

Since the figures of the Secretary of State's Department show that this year investment will decline in manufacturing industry for the first time since there was last a Conservative Government, when will the Minister do something about this most critical issue and, in particular, reconsider the effects of the change from investment grants to allowances? Whatever may be said in favour of that change, which is very little, it was obviously an appalling piece of economic mistiming. What will the Minister do about that now?

The Government have in no way lost confidence in the rightness of their decision to change from investment grants to allowances. It is undoubtedly true that the state of investment at the moment is far from satisfactory. This is attributable far more to the uncertain state of the economy, largely promoted by the inflationary level of wage settlements.

Would the Minister agree that the abolition of investment grants will inflict upon the British Steel Corporation an injury of about £100 million a year? How does he propose to make that good?

The British Steel Corporation will lose investment grants, as will other sections of industry. On the other hand, they will have the opportunity to enjoy the advantage of investment allowances.

There is none.

The initial allowances—

There are no investment allowances.

Yes, there are. The steel industry will have this opportunity, as will the rest of industry. It must be for the industry to be able to grasp this opportunity by becoming profitable.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to improve the level of industrial investment.

We are seeking to improve the climate for growth and investment in the long term by reducing taxation, providing tax allowances for investment and curbing wage inflation. Substantial addtional incentives are available in the Development Areas.

Where are the funds to come from for new industrial investment in the short term? The Minister will be aware that the Prime Minister has said that he is not encouraging price increases, so they are not to come from that. There is no relaxation of the money squeeze. On the best interpretation of the new policy, there will be no increase in the cash flow. Surely the Minister needs to take positive action. What does he propose to do to increase industrial investment?

Apart from the taxation reductions which have been made by the Government, the hon. Gentleman will agree that funds are not unavailable to undertake investment. Uncertainty is the problem facing investment, and that uncertainty is spurred by inflation.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the decline in industrial investment is very largely a reflection of the more serious decline in corporate profitability over the last four or five years? Since hon. Gentlemen opposite constantly clamoured for this decline in corporate profitability and their right hon. Friends on the Front Bench constantly legislated to achieve it, would it not be more proper if they welcomed this decline in industrial investment?

Certainly they should welcome it if it represents the result of their own endeavours, as it appears to. The share of trading profit before tax has markedly reduced over the last five years. Undoubtedly this is one of the factors propelling uncertainty.

On the subject of uncertainty, will the right hon. Gentleman make a further statement about the position of firms which, in the midst of major projects, suddenly found on 27th October that the whole basis of their investment planning had been changed? Will he adhere rigidly to 27th October, or will he assist these firms at all?

The question of the exact use of the date is for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As for the rigidity involved, it was concealed to no one that the Conservative Party's views on the subject were that incentives to investment should be related to the tax system and should not be in the form of cash hand-outs.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on further Government action to increase competition in industry.

I shall be developing over the coming months the policy I outlined in the statement which I made to the House on 17th December.—[Vol. 808, c. 1577–86.]

Is not the Minister aware that this policy is clearly becoming not credible any longer, at a time when the Government are taking no action to end the cartel of the banking system, in the matter of interest on deposit accounts, and when they are taking Rolls-Royce into public ownership? Is not the Minister aware that the British public are utterly confused as to what the Government's enonomic policy is all about?

I am far from aware of that fact. The Government's policy of seeking to intensify competition is warmly shared by the people of this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to receive the first proposal from the Monopolies Commission about the reference of a monopoly? Can he also say when he intends to make his first reference of a monopoly situation to the Commission?

I hope to make a reference to the Monopolies Commission very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement of the Government's policy on imports of cotton textiles.

As announced in the House on 22nd July, 1969, a tariff is to be introduced on cotton yarn and woven cotton textiles from the Commonwealth Preference Area on 1st January, 1972. The present system of quota controls will then be terminated. Work is proceeding on the implementation of this decision, which the present Government have endorsed.

The Minister will be aware that there are people in Lancashire who fear that this switch away from quotas will mean the death knell of the Lancashire textile industry. Will he at least keep a close eye on the situation, and if there seems to be a need to revert back, will he do something about it immediately?

The hon. Gentleman takes a great interest in this matter and will know that this move was proposed to the Government by the Textile Council. Although I cannot deny that there may be people who are worried, there are ways and means, if there should be serious damage, of stopping this type of import entering in too great quantities.

When the statement was made on 9th July, there was also a proposal that there should be further discussions with the Indian Government as to assistance to India when the new tariff was introduced. Has that proposal made progress?

Yes, Sir. Discussions have been taking place with the Indian Government who, because of their particular arrangements bilaterally, might be severely affected. We have arranged that if this should happen there are ways, by aid and other means, to compensate for it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which undertakings of the coal industry currently running at a loss he plans to hand over to private interests.

I have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry said in the House on 3rd December.

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the junior Minister, on the Second Reading of the Coal Industry Bill, said that it was Government policy to hand over these loss making ventures in the public sector to private enterprise. Does the right hon. Gentleman not see the absurdity of the Government's policy that where they hand over loss-making ventures in the public sector, they hand them over to private enterprise, but where the losses are in the private sector, they nationalise them?

What the Minister said—my hon. Friend and I are in full agreement on this—is that what is necessary first is to carry out a proper inquiry of what precisely are the non-colliery activities in the coal industry and the results in profit or loss. When that has been done, one would be able to take decisions, but not before.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware of the comments about the shortage of solid smokeless fuel in the Report of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council for the year ended 31st October, 1970; and what steps he proposes to take.

The steps which the Government have taken were described in the reply I gave to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Fylde (Mr. Gardner) on 22nd July, and since then restrictions on imports have been removed. As a result of these measures, taken with the relatively mild weather to date, there is now reasonable ground for hoping that shortages during the present winter will be avoided.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Report referred to put the blame for the shortage of solid smokeless fuels last year squarely on the shoulders of the Labour Government? Will he accept my congratulations on improving the situation?

I happily accept any congratulations that my hon. Friend wishes to send my way. He is quite right in saying that a developing shortage on the solid smokeless fuel front has been apparent for a long time.

Can be have published in HANSARD a detailed list of the number of tons dug by each Minister since right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite have been in office?

Not without a disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to refer the pricing policy of a nationalised industry to the Monopolies Commission.

As I told the House on 17th December, I shall be ready to seek information and assistance from the Commission on the operations of the nationalised industries, in appropriate cases. But I have no present plans to do so in respect of their pricing policy.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is an abuse of the monopoly powers of nationalised industries such as the Post Office and the railways to grant inflationary wage demands which can be met only by imposing increased prices on the consumer, and that many hon. Members would welcome the reference of such increases to the Commission?

My hon. Friend will realise that references to the Commission in relation to the nationalised industries must be on a strictly voluntary basis for the time being. I fully appreciate the danger of granting inflationary wage increases and their impact on price levels.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been stated that he is interfering actively with the pricing policies of the electricity boards? In the circumstances, is it necessary for any price increases to go to the Monopolies Commission?

Interference is a matter of interpretation. The Chairman of the Electricity Council is good enough to consult me, and certainly I take that consultation very seriously. However, I would hardly call that interference. I prefer to call it taking a reasonable interest in the welfare of a very important industry.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no need for intervention in any proposed price increase in a nationalised industry since the whole question was dealt with "at a stroke"?

Taking that question seriously, I believe that it is necessary for there to be consultation and an under standing between the industries and the Minister responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make an official visit to Bathgate.

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have plans at present to do so.

Is the Minister aware that in the Bathgate area, as in many other engineering districts, there is grave concern this weekend about what is to happen to sub-contractors who may be involved in Rolls-Royce? Will he do his best to ensure that either the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Minister of Aviation Supply clarifies the position in the following debate?

I am sure that that will be done, and I give the undertaking for which the hon. Gentleman asks.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of Australian exports came to, and imports came from, Great Britain in 1960 and 1970.

The proportion of exports was 24 per cent. in 1960 and 11 per cent. in the year ended October, 1970; for imports, the corresponding proportions were 33 per cent. and 20 per cent.

Can my right hon. Friend say how these sharply reducing trends compare with those for Australia's other major trading partners, such as Japan and the United States?

In general terms, exports have gone very much more readily both to the U.S.A., mainly in meat and wool, and to Japan, in minerals and commodities of that sort. That has been the pattern for a number of years, and probably it suits the Australian market quite well.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he now has for the British Steel Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to be able to announce the Government's policy on the selling off to private interests of parts of the British Steel Corporation and, in particular, that part of the industry which is in Corby, Northamptonshire.

I will make a statement as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Is not it high time that the right hon. Gentleman ended the present uncertainty in the steel industry? Can he assure the House that he will not hive off the profitable sections of the B.S.C. and, furthermore, that the Corporation will be allowed to go ahead with the proposed greenfield steel complex?

When the hon. Gentleman talks about it being high time, he seems to take little account of the fact that this enormous industry requires careful study to ensure its future prosperity. I do not propose to make precipitate statements before having a good understanding of that towards which the future is best directed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great apprehension among the steel workers of Corby in that they are still under the threat of being handed over to speculators? Is not it time that they knew their fate?

I am sorry about the doubts that there may be, but I am disinclined to accept that the expression "speculators" is appropriate to this case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of hon. Members raised this matter in July of last year, when it was indicated that the Minister was carefully preparing plans? There seems to be a difference of emphasis between the Secretary of State and the Minister for Industry, which is causing a great deal of apprehension. Certainly in my area it has given rise to a great deal of concern. Will the right hon. Gentleman complete his plans quickly, so that the future of the Scottish steel industry can be settled, once and for all?

There is no difference between my hon. Friend and me on this subject.

On three occasions today the Secretary of State has said that he is considering a matter: first, regional policy; second, competition policy; and now, the future of the nationalised in dustries. Should not he now be in a position to tell us about the Government's policy, right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite having been in power for seven or eight months?

I am disinclined to leap in and make precipitate judgments. I believe strongly that wiser judgments are made after deliberate and careful thought as opposed to many actions taken by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite when they were in office.

On a point of order. In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of those Answers, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjourment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to announce his decision on the inclusion of Edinburgh in the development area.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in the light of recent figures showing that, despite depopulation, unemployment in the Leith Employment Exchange area is at its highest level for 20 years, he will now expedite his review of Leith's development area status.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to their Questions on 9th November by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.—[Vol. 806, c. 5–6.]

Is the Minister aware that the people of Edinburgh are anxiously awaiting this decision? Can he assure us that he will take into account not only the sharp rise in unemployment in the Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello employment exchange areas but also that in employment exchange areas just outside Edinburgh?

I am aware of the need for an early decision on this matter. I hope that it will be taken fairly soon.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in view of the announcement about super-development area status for the Clyde valley, there is a risk of adverse repercussions on the east end of the central belt of Scotland and that these may be particularly bad in Leith, which does not have full development area status, and Edinburgh, which is denied development area status altogether? Would it not be more sensible to back this super-development area by making the whole of Scotland a development area?

A statement on the review of development area policy will be made before long. Although Edinburgh's employment situation has worsened in recent years, unemployment in the Edinburgh group as a whole is still well below the average for the Scottish development area. I am aware of the representations of the local authorities in that part of the country, and they will be taken fully into account.

Does not the welcome announcement last week about making West Central Scotland a special development area show the inconsistencies of Government policy? Have not they got themselves in a muddle? Should not they get the review completed as quickly as possible so that the uncertainties which exist throughout the region can be removed?

It shows that we are ready to make an announcement as soon as we have taken a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a White Paper on the methods of valuation of the shares and/or assets of public corporations which he is considering transferring to private enterprise.

No, Sir. But I shall, of course, see that the House is properly informed about any sales that engage my responsibilities.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that this is a matter of grave public importance and concern, in view of recent developments? Do not we need more information than has been given in the past and, in present circumstances, might possibly be given in the future? May I press the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider his answer and to give the House a White Paper setting out the terms upon which these vital assets might be sold to the private sector?

I am sympathetic to the hon. Gentleman's interest in the way in which these prices may be set in future. However, it is only fair to point out that the variety of problems in the industry is such that it makes the definition of all-embracing rules very difficult. I shall be concerned to see that this House is properly informed of the considerations applied in individual cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members on these Benches believe that the next Labour Government should take back, without compensation, the most profitable publicly-owned assets which the present Government propose to sell off and that if any speculators burn their fingers in this respect they have only themselves to blame?

I find this constant reference to the word "speculators" deplorable—[Interruption.] To start with, the hon. Gentleman is speaking of what are purely hypothetical, not practical, considerations. The hon. Gentleman makes vague menaces about the future on issues of which he has no precise knowledge and then implies that these are involved with speculators with whom, equally, he has no acquaintance whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the Government's holding in the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but will do so as soon as possible.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will the Secretary of State expedite the making of a statement on the Government's holding in U.C.S., because this vital industry to the West of Scotland requires reassurance in order to calm the fears which many people might have about further redundances in an area of already high unemployment?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will need to wait very little for this statement.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any recommendation for support from the Shipbuilding Industry Board, and can we expect a statement this week?

I am not certain whether the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the broad issue arising from engaging the Shipbuilding Industry Board or the particular issue arising from the Question. On the particular issue arising from the Question, close consultation has taken place with the Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his hands at present lies the future safety of 8,000 employees of U.C.S.? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that those jobs and their future are in safe keeping?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will be prepared to await my statement. I can very clearly assure the hon. Gentleman that the difficult problem involved in this situation are very much alive in my mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to stimulate and expand Great Britain's trade with eastern Europe, in the light of West Germany's improved relations with Poland and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The Government will continue to offer the full range of export services to all British exporters, on whom responsibility for the expansion of trade with Eastern Europe chiefly depends.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, which is reasonably encouraging. If the right hon. Gentleman asked his right hon. Friend about his experiences in his previous job, no doubt he could tell him that the West Germans work very hard in Eastern Europe and, even at a time when their relationship with the Soviet Union was less favourable than now, were in fact doing a great deal more trade in all the Eastern European countries than we ever did. Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, bear in mind that this is a very profitable and expanding market for British industry—[Interruption.]

Order. The hon. Lady had already asked one supplementary question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, give special attention to this matter, particularly in view of the drop in engineering orders which we have recently experienced?

I assure the hon. Lady that trade with all these countries has been increasing at a satisfactory rate. I shall, of course, consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about any tips which he can give to encourage our people to work as hard as the West Germans.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that expanding trade with Eastern Europe often means taking horticultural or agricultural produce which is already in surplus in this country?

I am certain that my hon. Friend knows how well briefed I am on this matter by many of my hon. Friends. It is true that some horticultural products are taken. The figure is about 2 per cent. to 2·5 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the resulting increase in cost of the average package tour if night charter flights were abandoned between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

By a substantial amount, although I cannot give a figure.

Will my right hon. Friend comment on the one figure which I have seen, an increase of only £9, coming from a very distinguished member of the industry? If it is a figure of this order, does it not mean that the air fare for a holiday is very little more than the air fare for a normal flight, in which case there would be very little hardship for the traveller compared with the extreme hardship for those who have to live underneath these night flights?

I accept my hon. Friend's worries about the hardship from noise, and so on. It is very difficult to give an accurate figure. We know that it would mean utilising aircraft about 25 per cent. less at the peak period of the year, but this is very difficult to calculate. However, even £9, if the particular tour is in the £25 to £30 bracket, is a pretty steep increase.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish in Trade and Industry an article summarising his Department's plans for implementing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development agreements on generalised preferences for developing countries.