asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about his recent official talks with the Minister of External Affairs for the Republic of Ireland.

Dr. Hillery called to see me on 25th February. The details of our discussions are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid is now being given or planned for Cambodia.

A gift of material for building bridges worth £100,000 will be shipped there very soon. Eight students are learning English in this country before post-graduate courses in engineering, and three more are expected shortly.We have agreed to establish an English Language unit in Phnom Penh, and to provide the services of an adviser to the National Radio.The Khmer authorities know that we are ready to consider any other requests for technical assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what allocation of aid he proposes to make to Greece.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is proposing to take to encourage voluntary organisations to contribute to the objectives of the United Nations Second Development Decade.

This is primarily a matter for the voluntary organisations themselves. The Voluntary Committee on Overseas Aid and Development is convening a meeting on 29th March with a view to setting up a Standing Conference for the Second Development Decade, and I have agreed to address this meeting. I also propose to increase our grant to V.C.O.A.D. by £5,500 to a total of £13,000 for the calendar year 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to complete the details of the resumed aid programme to Tanzania.

I cannot yet say when my discussions will be completed, but I will make a statement as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the aid budget for 31st March, 1970, to 31st March, 1971, has so far been spent, and how much underspending remains at this date.

At the end of February approximately £150 million of the basic programme of £212 million and nearly £13 million of the additional items estimated at £17·1 mililon had been disbursed. Disbursements are normally high in March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the question of arms sales to South Africa has been considered by the Western European Union.

The proceedings of the Western European Union are, of course, confidential. The House can take it that foreign policy issues of interest to member States are raised there.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further requests for military equipment have now been received from the South African Government additional to the proposed supply of helicopters.

I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 22nd February.—[Vol. 812, c. 34–43.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to pay an official visit to Zambia to explain why the Government have decided to sell arms to South Africa.

The Government's position was explained to the Zambian Government at the highest level at the recent Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in Singapore. I should be happy to pay a visit to Zambia if a mutually convenient time can be found.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the effect on trade between the United Kingdom and African countries of Her Majesty's Government's decision to sell arms to South Africa.

I have no evidence that trade has been affected by Her Majesty's Government's statement of their intention to meet their legal obligations under the Simonstown Agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Commonwealth countries have publicly indicated support for Her Majesty's Government's policy of supplying arms to South Africa; and how many have publicly registered formal disagreement.

Various Governments have made public announcements but that is not the way Governments address each other.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what correspondence he has had with General Gowon regarding the withdrawal of Nigeria from the Eight Nation Study Group upon the sale of arms to South Africa set up by the Commonwealth Conference in Singapore.

None. I would also remind the hon. Gentleman that the Study Group is not to examine the sale of arms to South Africa but to con- sider in the broadest sense the factors affecting the security of maritime trade routes of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he consulted the Common Market countries before reaching his decision about arms sales to South Africa.

No. The decision on the sale of helicopters to South Africa was one for Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have received from the Common Market countries about proposed United Kingdom arms sales to South Africa; and what replies he has sent.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Ilkeston (Mr. Raymond Fletcher) and Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been publicly made to Her Majesty's Government by African Governments concerning Her Majesty's Government's decision to sell arms to South Africa; and what replies he has made.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions concerning apartheid at the Simonstown base he attached to his sales of arms to South Africa.

None. Paragraph 4 of the Base Agreement of 1955 already requires the South African Government not to discriminate on grounds of colour in their employment practice in the dockyard.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what views have been stated by all parties to the European Economic Community negotiations on whether New Zealand exports of dairy products to the United Kingdom should continue indefinitely at approximately the present volume.

Her Majesty's Government has made proposals to the European Economic Community for continuing arrangements, subject to review, for the export of New Zealand dairy products to an enlarged Community. The European Economic Community has not yet responded to these proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the negotiations for entry into the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

I have nothing to add to my statement of 18th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 1659–62.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what suggestions he has now made in the current negotiations concerning the length of a transitional period before the United Kingdom has to adopt the European Economic Community common fisheries policy.

The Government have not so far put proposals to the European Economic Community on the common fisheries policy. The Government have reserved their position on that policy, and are proceeding with a detailed examination of the national and regional implications of the policy, certain details of which have not yet been formulated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the officials of the Commission of the European Economic Community and of the member Governments of the European Economic Community to which the answers submitted by Her Majesty's Government with respect to the questionnaire on the United Kingdom's economic prospects of the future role of sterling were asked to treat those answers as confidential.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will institute an inquiry into the leakage of information in the week ended 26th February, 1971, with respect to the answers submitted to the European Economic Community's questionnaire on the United Kingdom's economic prospects of the future role of sterling.

No. I am satisfied that what has appeared in the Press on this subject did not leak from a British source.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the contribution to Le Figaro on 19th February, 1971, by Her Majesty's Ambassador to France on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community was made with his authority.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will next attend meetings of the ten Foreign Ministers of the European Economic Community and applicant countries.

The next meeting of the ten Foreign Ministers of the European Economic Community and applicant countries is planned for 18th May. I hope to attend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the visit to London of Dr. Malfatti, President of the Commission of the European Economic Community.

Dr. Malfatti, President of the Commission of the European Communities, visited London from 2nd to 5th March. During his visit he met Her Majesty The Queen, my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State, and the Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition as well as myself. He also had meetings with the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress. There was a very useful exchange of views on subjects connected with Her Majesty's Government's application for entry into the European Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has made to publicise Her Majesty's Government's policy on entry into the European Economic Community in the countries of the Community.

The full range of Her Majesty's Government's Overseas Information Services is available for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which developing countries he has now had discussions concerning the implications for their development policies if Great Britain joins the European Economic Community; and whether he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government has had full discussions, which have in most cases included discussion of development policies, with many members of the Commonwealth on the implications of Britain's membership of the European Economic Community. There was also opportunity at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference for all Commonwealth Governments to raise this subject, and the representatives of several Governments did so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the attitude being adopted by the French delegates to the European Economic Community negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the Common Market as expressed in Brussels on Tuesday, 2nd February, he will give the reasons why he will not withdraw Great Britain's application and cease negotiations for any terms of entry.

Her Majesty's Government continue to believe that entry to the European Communities, if it can be achieved on satisfactory terms, is the right course. We believe that it is entirely reasonable and possible that we should reach agreement on the main issues at or shortly after the next Ministerial meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now give an estimate whether the negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community are proceeding speedily enough to ensure that Her Majesty's Government will be able to put before Parliament full details of possible terms and conditions of entry before the commencement of the summer recess; and whether, as an interim, he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full list of all conditions of entry which Her Majesty's Government have so far accepted.

We believe that it is possible that agreement on the main issues should be reached at or shortly after the next Ministerial meeting. In answer to the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my periodic statements on the negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present progress of the negotiations relating to Great Britain's application to join the European Economic Community.

I have nothing to add to my statement of 18th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 1659–62.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the light of recent developments in Norway, he will initiate joint talks with that country and with Eire and Denmark in order to discuss alternatives to entry into the European Economic Community.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will have further talks with the new Norwegian Government in regard to the application by both countries to join the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.

We are in regular contact with the Norwegian Government at Ministerial and official level about matters of mutual interest. Contacts of this sort will continue with the new Norwegian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated number of Commonwealth workers in the United Kingdom who will have to register as citizens in order to be acceptable as community workers in the European Economic Community in the event of Great Britain joining.

I cannot at this stage provide such an estimate. The categories which will be eligible under the Community provisions on free movement of labour have not yet been clarified in discussions with the Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps are being taken, in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, to ensure a market in the United Kingdom for New Zealand fruit.

We hope to negotiate an adequate transitional period to ensure that there is no sudden change in the United Kingdom market for New Zealand fruit.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken, in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, to safeguard the market in the United Kingdom of New Zealand lamb, 91 per cent. of whose exports are taken by Great Britain.

We have explained to the Six the dependence of New Zealand on the British market for its exports of lamb. Provided the Communities do not introduce a sheepmeat regulation unfavourable to New Zealand, in which case we would have to re-open the matter, we see no difficulty about New Zealand's exports of meat.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the policy of Her Majesty's Government that a United Kingdom contribution of 13 per cent. to 15 per cent. of the Community budget in the final year of any transition period would be equitable, what is his estimate of an equitable United Kingdom share in the first year after the end of any transition period.

After the transitional period our contribution will depend on the size and shape of the budget at that time. Under our proposals that would be nearly 10 years hence, as we have requested a three-year period of correctives after the five years of transition, on the basis the Six have agreed to apply among themselves. Estimates therefore vary and are necessarily speculative. We have also asked for an agreement to reflect the Community's own idea that if an unacceptable situation were to arise the Community's survival would demand equitable solutions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that Norway is unwilling to enter the European Economic Community unless the Community fisheries policy is changed; and whether he will now press for appropriate changes.

I cannot answer for the Norwegian Government. But Her Majesty's Government have reserved their position on the common fisheries policy of the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has now had with the European Economic Community about a timetable for the removal of United Kingdom exchange controls during any transitional period before the United Kingdom becomes a European Economic Community member.

If the negotiations succeed the United Kingdom will, of course, be a full member of the Community from the beginning of the transitional period. Our discussions with the Six on exchange controls in the context of capital movements are at present confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has now had from Norway, as a European Free Trade Association partner, about the European Economic Community policy on fisheries; and what reply he has made.

We maintain close consultation with the Norwegian Government on matters of mutual interest. The details of these exchanges must remain confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now publish forecasts of the expected growth rate in the United Kingdom economy if Great Britain should join the Common Market, in the light of recent estimates that German economic growth in 1971 will be no higher than that of the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty's Goverment's efforts are directed towards measures to improve growth performance. We believe that membership of the European Economic Community is a factor likely to increase the growth rate, but it would not be realistic to produce forecasts at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the latest developments in negotiations for British entry into the European Economic Community.

I have nothing to add to my statement of 18th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 1659–62.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the British delegation's response to the proposal made in Brussels on Tuesday, 23rd February, that Great Britain should pay, in addition to the £125 million to the share capital of the European Investment Bank, a contribution to the bank's reserves; what amount was specified for such a contribution; and whether he will make a statement.

The question of a British contribution to the reserves of the European Investment Bank is still under discussion. The discussions are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the discussions which ensued at Brussels on Tuesday, 23rd February; how long these discussions took; what subjects in addition to Great Britain's contribution to the reserves of the European Investment Bank, the conditions for the free movement of capital between Great Britain and the Six and the timing of certain tariff adjustments were raised; and what were the results.

I covered the subjects dealt with at recent meetings of Deputies in my statement to the House on 18th March. The discussions on the subjects mentioned in the Question and the others set out at the beginning of my statement have not been concluded.—[Vol. 813, c. 1659–62.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the new evidence of the negative attitude being adopted towards Great Britain's negotiators for entry into the European Economic Community by the French representatives as witnessed by the events which occurred in Brussels on Monday, 15th March, he will now withdraw Great Britain's application for entry into the European Economic Community.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is yet able to announce the exact date on which the result of the European Economic Community negotiations will be known.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to amend the regulations so that a wife or widow may use a joint passport unilaterally.

No. To do so would be contrary to international recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has initiated discussions with governments which are party to the Spandau Agreement to secure the release of Rudolf Hess; and what has been the result.

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary gave to the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 15th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 206–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the result of his inquiries into the case of Mr. Francis James, believed to be detained by the Chinese People's Republic.

At the request of the Australian Government, we have raised Mr. James' case with the Chinese authorities in Peking on several occasions. We have been given no information about him. We remain in touch with the Australian Government on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the Beira blockade has cost since its inception; and if he will now order its termination.

Just over £2 million. We are exploring the possibilities of a just settlement in Rhodesia and meanwhile, as I have said before, sanctions including the Beira Patrol will be continued.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will ratify the treaty to ban the emplacement of weapons of mass destruction on the sea floor; and whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to work towards an international agreement for the complete demilitarisation of the seabed.

Her Majesty's Government propose to ratify the Treaty when the customary parliamentary procedures have been completed. We expect this to be during this summer.We consider the denuclearisation of the seabed to be the most important objective of arms control in this environment. But we remain ready to consider any specific proposals for further measures of seabed arms control on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Polish Government concerning the inadequacy of the arrangements made by their official travel agency, Orbis, for British visitors to Poland.

No. I know of no evidence that British visitors to Poland are treated any differently from other foreign visitors to that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for the installation and use of computers in his Department.

Studies are being made of the feasibility of installing a computer to deal with part of the Department's communications network, Diplomatic Service officers' records, indexing methods, the dissemination and retrieval of information, and part of the work of the Passport Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for ensuring the confidentiality of personal information stored on computers in his Department.

There are at present no computers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The studies which are being made of their possible application will cover the question of the confidentiality of personal information which might be stored on them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Spanish Government on the subject of Gibraltar.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there have been any further negotiations with Spain regarding the future political and economic status of Gibraltar.

No formal discussions with the Spanish Government have taken place; but we continue to keep in touch through the diplomatic channel and to press the Spanish Government to lift their restrictions on Gibraltar.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's official visit to the United States of America.

I gave an account of my visit to the United States in my statement of 18th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 1661–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will call on the Security Council to condemn the construction of large blocks of suburban flats for Jewish people in Arab Jerusalem, as an act injurious to peace and violating the principle, asserted in Resolution No. 242 of the Security Council, of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory through conquest.

The Security Council, by its Resolution No. 267 of 3rd July, 1969, passed unanimously, has already censured, in the strongest terms, all measures unilaterally taken to change the status of the city of Jerusalem. The status of Jerusalem must fall to be discussed as an important aspect of the settlement which Her Majesty's Government are most anxious to see achieved in the Middle East as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects to be in a position to make a further statement on talks with the Rhodesian Government.

I am not able to forecast the timing of a further statement at this stage. I will of course inform the House when there is something of substance to report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to stop the harassment of the Tangwena tribe by the Smith régime in Rhodesia.

None. The position of the Tangwena tribe gives cause for concern, but, as the House is aware, we have no power on the ground in Southern Rhodesia to intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is now able to make a statement on his approaches to the illegal régime in Rhodesia; and when he expects to reopen official talks with this régime.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Evelyn King).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the nature of the message from the Race Relations Board to the Government of Australia which he passed to them in connection with a complaint about Australian conduct and practice; and when the message was sent.

On 28th September last the Race Relations Board asked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to forward to the Australian High Commission the substance of a complaint made by Mr. Jan Augustine St. Clair Allen against the application of the Australian Assisted Migration Scheme. This was passed on to the Australian High Commission on 10th October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place regarding a world disaster fund; what action has been taken for the resettlement of the victims in known disaster areas; and if he will make a statement.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council proposed the establishment of a world disaster fund last July, and will consider next July a report by the Secretary-General on the co-ordination of international disaster relief.The resettlement of victims of natural disasters is primarily a matter for the Government of the territory concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with the formation of the Union of Arab Emirates; and whether he intends to arrange a Ministerial visit to the Gulf.

Consultations are proceeding, both between the Rulers themselves, and between the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti Governments, who are considering how best to follow up the visit of the joint Saudi-Kuwaiti mission to the Lower Gulf earlier this year. My right hon. Friend is keeping in mind the possibility of a British Ministerial visit to the area.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additions, or replacements, have been made to the staff of Her Majesty's Embassy in Pretoria, in view of the discussions with the diplomatic representative of Rhodesia.

None. The British Ambassador and Mr. Smith's representative in South Africa have simply acted as a channel for communications.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the increased copra production in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1970 was in accordance with his expectations; and what are his plans for increasing production in 1971.

No, it was badly affected by the drought of 1968. The current copra development programme is inevitably long-term, and its effect will not be apparent for four to five years at least. No substantial increase in production is expected in 1971, but further incentive arrangements are being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects his United Kingdom representative on the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to visit the refugee settlements of Southern Sudanese in Uganda.

Subject to the agreement of the Government of Uganda, my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Mr. Neave) would hope to visit these settlements during the next 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the memorandum submitted to him by the Parliamentary Group for World Government and the British Association for World Government, he will reconsider his refusal to amend the United Kingdom working paper submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Seabed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to recast the working paper presented by the Foreign Office to the United Nations Seabed Committee on 4th August, 1970; and whether he will make a statement.

As the Parliamentary Group for World Government and the British Association for Wold Government have been informed, the United Kingdom Working Paper is an exploratory document to which Her Majesty's Government are not committed. It is not a negotiating document. Her Majesty's Government will be considering whether another working paper should be tabled in the future, though there are no plans for this at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what, during the most recent convenient five-year period, was the number of requests received from developing countries for volunteers; how many of them were for people with technical and practical qualifications; and to what extent it has been possible to fulfil the requests.

The information will take some time to collect, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the details of the five-year development programme designed to increase the economic potential of the New Hebrides.

1. The Development Plan was prepared on the basis of recommendations by planning committees which included representatives of the Advisory Council and the private sector. It was endorsed by the Advisory Council in November, 1970. Wherever possible, emphasis is given in the plan to projects which will either help increase production or encourage new production.2. The programme is divided into the following four sectors:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the aid allocations to each recipient country for 1970–71 and those planned for 1971–72 and 1972–73.

The information for 1970–71 can be found in the Estimates and Supplementary Estimates. For the later years, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East, and Christchurch (Mr. Cordle) on 2nd March. —[Vol. 812, c. 400.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why he attended the recent meeting of the Action Committee for a United States of Europe.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to make arrangements to meet representatives of the member countries of the Commonwealth Study Group on Southern Africa.

No. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Mr. Lane) earlier today, the arrangements for the Study Group are in the hands of the Commonwealth Secretary General.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give the reasons why, in the knowledge that a Parliamentary Question on the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's speech made on Tuesday, 2nd March, was on the House of Commons Order Paper on Wednesday, 3rd March, his Department issued a statement on Thursday, 4th March, replying to the Parliamentary Question, and thus circumventing the Member's rights in Parliament; and whether he will take action to prevent this in the future.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has frequent routine contacts with the Press on a wide range of subjects. In the course of these, officials have responded to questions from the Press about my broadcast on 2nd March. I am not aware of anything which has occurred in these exchanges which in any way restricts the rights of hon. Members to ask and obtain answers to Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, during his projected visit to Egypt this summer, he will seek an opportunity of visiting Israel.

I confirm that I have accepted an invitation from the Government of the United Arab Republic to visit Cairo later this year. I have also accepted in principle an invitation from the Israel Government to visit Israel, at a date to be agreed between our two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek an early opportunity to pay an official visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to discuss with the Soviet Government outstanding political and economic problems and the situation in the Middle East, so far as it affects the position of Israel and countries of the Arab bloc of nations.

Last October I discussed all these subjects with Mr. Gromyko, and our exchanges have continued at official level since then. I look forward to taking advantage at an appropriate time of an invitation to visit Moscow, which I have already accepted in principle, to resume discussion of these and other subjects with the Russians.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give, for the most convenient stated period of time, the amount expended on official dinners at his official residence.

Seventeen official dinners were held at No. 1 Carlton Gardens in 1970. The total cost was £3,223·59.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the Welsh local authorities who have applied for help from the Large Projects Pool, the amount asked for in each case, and the actual amount granted.

:The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware that the waiting time for in-patient orthopaedic treatment in South-West Wales hospitals is 14 months, that for tonsils and adenoids in adults it is 13 to 14 months, that for gynaecology it is 10 months at Carmarthen and 17 months at Haverfordwest and that for general surgery it is eight months at Carmarthen and 14 months at Haverfordwest; and how these times compare with other areas in Wales and with the average waiting times in England and Wales.

Yes. The Welsh Hospital Board and South-West Wales Hospital Management Committee are considering how best to improve the position. Comparable figures for other areas in England and Wales are not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will increase the minor works allocations to those local education authorities which have special needs.

Yes. I am increasing the allocation for 1971–72 by £0·125 million. I will shortly notify those authorities which will receive additional resources because of their special needs. These additional resources will cover also minor works at aided schools, which are administered directly by my Department. The allocation for 1972–73 which I shall be announcing later this year will be similarly increased by £0·125 million. The total school building programme for Wales at the present cost limits will now

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give a list of the oil drilling companies who have been granted exploration rights to bore for oil and gas on land in the United Kingdom and the names of the areas allocated; and if he will make a statement on future policy.

36 companies, individually or in groups, hold 174 licences in various areas. The details are below. It is our policy to encourage the exploration for petroleum and to continue to grant licences to acceptable applicants.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms have been shown over the Leven advance factory No. 2; and, in view of the long time it has been empty, whether he will make a statement.

28 industrialists have viewed the Leven No. 2 advance factory, and although varying degrees of interest have been expressed, no suitable occupier has yet been found.

aske the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, on average, is the margin of preference applying to the importation

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, by value, are the 12 major imports from Canada to the United Kingdom; and what tariff or quotas apply to such imports.

The Answer is given in the following table. Imports of the twelve major items from Canada are not subject to quotas.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the number of industrial development certificates granted in Wales in January and February, respectively; the number of jobs anticipated as a consequence; and how these figures compare with those for January and February, 1970.

In 1971 in Wales, 7 industrial development certificates were issued in January and 10 in February. These were estimated by the applicants to provide 500 and 760 jobs respectively. The comparable figures for 1970 are 29 certificates in January and 27 certificates in February, estimated to provide 920 and 2,040 jobs respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants and loans for shipbuilding and shipping operations at what interest rates have been given to the Cunard Steam-Ship Company since 1955.

Two agreements made with Cunard in 1968 under the Industrial Expansion Act, 1968, provided for governmental loans of up to £24 million towards the cost of completing the "Queen Elizabeth 2". £19½ million of this was actually taken up, of which £7½ million was lent to the Cunard Steam-Ship Company at the rate of 4½ per cent., while £12 million was lent to the subsidiary Cunard Line Ltd. at a rate of 4½ per cent. until 1972, the rate of interest thereafter on the outstanding balance of the loan to be the subject of negotiation. It is not the practice to disclose whether and to what extent investment grants have been paid to individual companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants and loans have been given to the Cunard Steam-Ship Company to assist in its air operations.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what compensation is to be made to countries sending beef, veal, mutton, lamb, cereals and minor dairy products to the United Kingdom, because of the imposition of import levies announced by the Minister of Agriculture on 17th March.

The question of compensation does not at present arise. Some countries to which we have obligations have agreed to suspend their rights, and others to waive our obligations to them while reserving the right, in the light of the adverse effects if any on their trade and after due consultation to take measures to restore the balance of advantage under their trade agreements with us.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the decision will be announced on the Central Electricity Generating Board's proposal to build a nuclear power station at Portskewett, near Chepstow.

Not for some months; arrangements are being made for a hearing in late June to hear objections to the proposal and to the C.E.G.B.'s compulsory purchase order for part of the site. A decision will be made when the Inspector's report of the hearing and his recommendations have been considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in deciding to impose import levies on agricultural imports from European Free Trade Association countries, he took into account the United Kingdom's obligations as a European Free Trade Association member.

In the discussions held with the E.F.T.A. countries concerned the Government took fully into account the United Kingdom's obligation as a member of E.F.T.A.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the rising prices of imported oil, what is Her Majesty's Government's policy concerning a reorientation of indigenous fuel policy.

I have noted the recent changes in prices of fuels, which are relevant to my continuing interest in the supply of energy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration is he giving to the location of an international airport in northern England in place of the sites considered by the Roskill Commission.

All relevant possibilities including that mentioned by the right hon. Member are being included in the Government's consideration of the Roskill Commission's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the full benefits for the attraction of industry now available to the urban dis-

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the loss of 5,000 jobs in Wales since 1st January, 1971, what are his plans for increasing the rate of capital investment in Welsh industry.

Firms in these districts are eligible to receive the allowances for taxation purposes that are available to industry on a national basis, and derelict land clearance schemes in these districts qualify for 75 per cent. grants where this will contribute to the development of industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, by value, are the 12 major exports from the United Kingdom to Canada; and what tariffs or quotas apply in Canada to such imports.

The following is the information:

The Government's national and regional economic policies are designed to put the economy on a sounder footing and to encourage industrial investment, both in Wales and elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, in view of the fact that first-class mail is taking two days to travel between London and the provinces, if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to expedite the delivery of first-class mail.

No. A general direction would not be appropriate.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will introduce legislation to provide a statutory obligation on the governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation similar to that placed on the Independent Television Authority by Section 3(1)(a) of the Television Act, 1964, with the addition of an embargo on the participation in programmes of anonymous criminals.

No. The B.B.C. recognises that it is under the same obligations as those imposed on the I.T.A. under the subsection quoted by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will use his powers under paragraph 14(4) of the British Broadcasting Corporation's Licence and Agreement and Section 3(1)(a) of the Television Act, 1964, to require the broadcasting authorities not to show anonymous Irish Republican Army gunmen.

No, it would not be appropriate for me to use my reserve powers to veto the broadcasting of any matter for such a purpose. Programme content is the responsibility of the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. alone, and I do not intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the measurable extent of pollution of the atmosphere of Warrington caused by the Howley power station; and if he will now take steps to bring about the closure of the station in view of the incidence of chest disease in the county borough;(2) what steps he is taking to prevent emissions from the Howley power station; and to what extent these steps are preventing pollution of the atmosphere in Warrington.

As I said in answer to the hon. Member on 17th February. I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry that it will not be possible to close this power station for some time. With the active supervision and help of the Alkali Inspectorate, however, the management are complying with the statutory requirements to use the best practicable methods to control emissions, and these prevent a great deal of pollution. It is not practicable to calculate the proportion of air pollution in Warrington attributable to the power station.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the provision of lay-bys and service roads in urban development, particularly along existing roads carrying bus routes.

Recommendations in regard to provision of lay-bys in Urban Areas are contained in the Department's Manual "Roads in Urban Areas" (H.M.S.O. 1966). I am sending an extract of the relevant section to the hon. Member. This memorandum also recommends that where space permits bus bays should be provided at bus stops.It is a matter for the local authorities concerned to decide the circumstances in which the provision of a service road may be appropriate. Where practicable a secondary means of access to enable goods and service vehicles to load or unload at the rear of shops or other premises is preferable. Where this is impracticable service roads or long lay-bys may be provided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether local authorities affected by the provisions of the Mines and Quarries (Valuation) Order, 1971, will receive full compensation by way of increased rate support grant to take account of the reduced hereditaments of mines and quarries.

Local authorities which qualify for a share of the resources element of the rate support grant will be compensated for their loss of mineral rateable value by an increase in their share of that element.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the total rates payable, in the last year, for an exactly similar, average, domestic dwelling, levelling the parish contribution, in the boroughs, urban districts and rural districts of the present County of Somerset, the Cities of Bristol and Bath, the Urban District of Kings-wood and Mangotsfield and the Rural Districts of Sodbury, Thornbury and Warmby.

I regret that this information is not available. But in 1970–71 the amounts payable in rates in each of these areas for a house of the average rateable value for the area were as follows: