asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what percentage total poll tax on employees, whether paid by employer or employee, has been increased since 1964; and if, in the interest of stable prices, he will seek to reduce the total of National Insurance contributions, selective employment tax and all other imposts which tax a man's job.

There is no poll tax. Taking taxes and contributions together, the net total (including S.E.T.) collected through the N.I. machinery increased by about 110 per cent. between 1964 and 1970. For the future, we have undertaken to abolish S.E.T., and to put N.I. contributions on a fully earnings-related basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the Index of Retail Prices between the third quarter of 1964, the second quarter of 1970 and the latest convenient date, of devaluation, changes in taxation, and changes in nationalised industry prices, respectively.

Following is the information:

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE RISE IN RETAIL PRICES
(percentages)
	Third quarter 1964 to second quarter 1970	Third quarter 1964 to fourth quarter 1970	Third quarter 1964 to fourth quarter 1970
Rise in retail price index	+29½	+33¾	+3¼
Estimated effects:
Devaluation	+2–3	+2–3	Nil
Indirect taxation	+7–8	+7–8	Nil
Nationalised industry prices	+3	+4	+¾

These estimates take no account of possible secondary repercussions on prices which could arise from the effect on wages of the initial rise in prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect would the British proposals, starting with a 3 per cent. opening contribution to the European Economic Community budget, have on the public expenditure programme outlined in the White Paper, Command Paper No. 4578.

It is too early to make worthwhile estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table, showing the average annual growth-rate of the European Economic Community since its formation, compared with the average annual growth of the component European Economic Community countries before the formation of the Community over a similar period with comparative figures for the United Kingdom.

The information is given in the table below. The figures for the separate countries are given for the longest periods for which comparable information is available from O.E.C.D.

AVERAGE ANNUAL RATES OF GROWTH OF GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT AT 1963 MARKET PRICES
			Period covered	Average annual percentage increase
European Economic Community			1958–69	5·5
United Kingdom	…	…	1958–69	3·1
Belgium	…	…	1953–58	2·6
France	…	…	1950–58	4·5
Germany	…	…	1950–58	7·8
Italy	…	…	1951–58	5·3
Netherlands	…	…	1950–58	4·2
United Kingdom	…	…	1950–58	2·3

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of a reduction of income tax on the lower-taxed incomes on unemployment and industrial investment.

Provided it was appropriate from the point of view of responsible demand-management, any reduction in income tax would tend to make unemployment lower, and industrial investment higher, than would otherwise be the case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much a single man, and a married man with one, two or three children under 11 years of age

		Earnings 1970–71
Earnings 1964–65	Single man	Married man with one child	Married man with two children	Married man with three children
£	£	£	£	£
500	667	638	618	599
800	1,083	1,077	1,074	1,052
1,000	1,345	1,362	1,369	1,375
1,500	2,002	2,018	2,038	2,060
2,000	2,658	2,675	2,694	2,716
3,000	3,971	3,987	4,011	4,038

The figures exclude family allowance but where appropriate family allowance and claw-back have been taken into account in calculating the tax and the man's net income. National Insurance contributions have not been taken into account.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange for the value of works of art given to public art galleries to be deductible from the gross income of the donor before tax assessment for the relevant year.

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in his Budget, he will take steps to permit occupational pension schemes without loss of their permitted tax reliefs to pay to members who withdraw before the normal age of retirement, lump sums in part commutation of their eventual entitlement to retirement benefits.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total personal income was taken in the years of assessment 1951, 1964, 1970, needed to earn in June, 1970, to offset the increase in the cost of living compared with men in similar circumstances earning, respectively, £500, £800, £1,000, £1,500, £2,000 and £3,000 a year in October, 1964, taking into account changes in the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling, income tax, surtax and family allowances.

The following is the information:The figures are:and, as far as can be estimated, 1971, respectively, using seasonally adjusted figures where necessary, by direct personal taxation, and by direct personal taxation combined with employees' National Insurance, etc., contributions.

I cannot make an estimate for 1971. Following is the information for the other years:

Percentage of total personal income*
	1951	1964	1970
Taxes on income paid by personal sector	9·7	10·1	14·0
Taxes on income plus national insurance, etc. contributions paid by insured persons†	11·8	12·9	17·0
* The figures are based on data from the National Income Blue Book, 1970 and the White Paper "Preliminary Estimates of National Income and Balance of Payments, 1965 to 1970 "published on 25th March and follow the definitions used in those documents. Figures for 1971 are not available.
† Including contributions paid by self-employed and non-employed persons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to free the Bank of England from Government control.

Co-operation, not control, is the essence of the relationship of the Government to the Bank; this we intend to continue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce tax allowances for British printers who use British-made paper, similar to those given by the Finnish Government to their printers using Finnish-made paper, details of which have been sent to him.

I am not aware of any special tax concessions for Finnish paper users and printers. However, I am writing to my hon. Friend and am arranging for further inquiries to be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will recommend the minting of a 25 pence piece.

I am not aware of any significant demand at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the value added tax applied in accordance with the regulations of the Treaty of Rome would be charged on food.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 22nd March.—[Vol. 814, c. 44.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the maximum rate of value added tax that the United Kingdom would be liable to contribute to the Community budget if Great Britain should join the European Economic Community.The figures requested are given in the table below. Estimates of the change in purchasing power are available up to February, 1971, but the figures for changes in wages cannot at present be given beyond December, 1970. The percentage changes in prices are therefore given for both dates.

		To February, 1971		To December, 1970
From		Purchasing power of¢*	Increase in prices (per cent.)	Increase in prices† (per cent.)	Increase in earnings per head‡ (per cent.)
April, 1970	…	94p	+6·3	+4·2	+9·9
April, 1965	…	77p	+30·2	+27·8	+52·9
April, 1960	…	65p	+53·4	+50·5	+105·0
* Compared with 100p at the date in the first column.
† Based on the movement in the Consumer Price Index for calendar years, adjusted by the changes in the Index of Retail Prices for the months at the beginning and end of each period.
‡ Changes in the earnings of full-time male manual workers up to 1969 and of all employees thereafter.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 9th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 223.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount per £1 received of the administrative costs of assessing and collecting capital gains tax.

The marginal cost of assessing and collecting the longterm capital gains tax on individuals has been estimated for 1969–70 at 2.69 new pence per £1.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the revenue gained last year from selective employment tax; and what he expects will be the yield, assuming the same rate, during the current year.

The net revenue from S.E.T. in 1969–70 was £527 million; the comparable figure for 1970–71 will be published in today's Financial Statement and Budget Report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of the £ sterling in terms of purchasing power compared to 1st April, 1970, 1st April, 1965, 1st April, 1960; and if he will express this change as a percentage, and compare it with the change in wages over the same period.

Following is the reply:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a White Paper outlining the Government's responses to the economic policy proposals put forward by the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider calling together representatives of the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry to discuss with himself and the Treasury and Trade Ministers economic and industrial problems.

No. The meetings of the National Economic Development Council provide ample opportunity for such discussions. The economic situation will be discussed at the meeting on 7th April. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has recently held separate meetings with the C.B.I., the T.U.C. and the Scottish T.U.C. to discuss economic matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now state to what extent he has taken or intends to take action to change the Government's economic programme, to ensure a halt, and eventual reduction, in the growing number of unemployed.

My right hon. Friend will be reviewing the economic situation and announcing his Budget proposals later this afternoon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the general practice of the Treasury when a decision has been given by a court involving a change in the classification of a commodity in regard to purchase tax; what period of time the Treasury takes in considering whether or not to appeal against such decisions; and what steps are taken to protect the manufacturers and consumers of such commodities against hardship caused by the length of time involved in such consideration of appeals.

These matters are for the Commissioners of Customs and Excise who have the same rights in this respect as other civil litigants. They deal with such cases as promptly as possible and are mindful of the interests of those who are not parties to the action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange to provide in the forthcoming Finance Bill that men living with their common law wives are treated on the same basis as married men for the purposes of tax allowances.

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the introduction of capital depreciation allowances against tax for new hotel buildings which satisfy the industrial qualification of the Development of Tourism Act.

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of his administration towards the acquisition by overseas investors of important sectors of the British economy.

Cases are considered on their merits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list giving the rise in prices and costs of items of goods or services for which he has to give Ministerial approval or sanction, which has taken place between 18th June, 1970, and Thursday, 11th March, 1971, where such information is readily available.

There is nothing I can usefully add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 18th March.— 813, c. 384–5.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Board of Inland Revenue have decided that pension funds set up for the benefit of employees of charities are not charitable and are therefore henceforward to be subjected to income tax; whether he is aware that these funds will therefore be taxed twice when received by the pensioner; and what action he proposes to take to protect pensioners from this double taxation.

Yes, but it is open to such funds to apply for Revenue approval as superannuation funds if they make any necessary changes in their rules. I do not think that the question of double taxation should arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now remove tobacco tax from cigarettes made from lettuce leaves or other ingredients which do not contain nicotine.

Any question of a change in the duty on tobacco substitutes must await the outcome of the further research which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services announced on 16th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 1190–91.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to compel banks to stock sixpenny pieces in all their branches in towns where these coins are required for parking meters.

Banks have adequate supplies of sixpences and will issue them on demand to those customers who require them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total net weekly income of a man, with a wife and two children under 11 years of age, assuming a weekly wage of £15, £20, £25 and £30, respectively, and no other income except relevant tax repayments and any welfare benefits, in the following circumstances, namely, for a week's work after five weeks at the appropriate rate, and when unemployed, in any week after five weeks' employment.

The figures are:

		Weekly Wage	Net income for Net one week at work after five weeks at work	Net income for first week of unemployment after five weeks at work in the same tax year
£15	…	…	£14·72	£11·20
£20	…	…	£18·06	£16·05
£25	…	…	£21·30	£16·05
£30	…	…	£23·15	£16·05

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) in each of the years for which information is available, how many shortfall directions have been made on close companies that are treated as trading companies for corporation tax purposes; and what proportion this represents of the total close companies assessed each year;(2) in each of the years for which the information is available, how many close companies that are treated as trading companies for corporation tax purposes, have paid a dividend; and what proportion this represents of the total close companies assessed each year.

The information is not available in the form requested. However, in a survey covering the year to 30th June, 1970, 7 per cent. of the close trading companies reviewed were liable to shortfall and 40 per cent. paid dividends. The review covered only companies with distributable profits exceeding £100.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the subject of trustee status stocks since the statement of Her Majesty's Government on the financial position of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board; and if he will make a statement.

We have received five letters on this subject. The trustee status of investments in which trustees are authorised to invest by the Trustee Investments Act, 1961, is not affected by developments concerning the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of hot money that has flowed into the United Kingdom this year to date; and what proportion of that money has been invested in Government securities.

It is not possible to quantify the factors behind the recent inflow.Statistics of overseas purchases of Government stock in recent months are not yet available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate total of taxes levied on strike pay and benefits paid to strikers duringThe information available is given in the table below. Figures for 1945 are not available and those for 1970 are at present incomplete. The table therefore includes figures for 1948 and 1969.

	1948	1950	1955	1960	1965	1969	1970
National income*	9,669	10,784	15,522	20,884	28,645	35,219	38,535
Trading profits of companies*	1,312	1,363	2,251	2,899	3,407	2,832	¨
Payments of dividends on ordinary shares	397	406	579	1,040	1,735	1,754	1,701
Undistributed income of companies after taxation* †	500	582	1,221	1,459	1,896	511	¨
Rent, dividends and net interest received by personal sector	1,099	1,147	1,371	2,202	3,416	4,155	¨
Income from self-employment*	1,133	1,193	1,429	1,759	2,194	2,658	¨
Income from employment	6,785	7,627	11,244	15,174	21,261	27,141	30,426
Expressed as a percentage of national income
Trading profits of companies*	13·6	12·6	14·5	13·9	11·9	8·0	¨
Payments of dividends on ordinary shares	4·1	3·8	3·7	5·0	6·1	5·0	4·4
Undistributed income of companies after taxation* †	5·2	5·4	7·9	7·0	6·6	1·5	¨
Rent, dividends and net interest received by personal sector ‡	11·4	10·6	8·8	10·5	11·9	11·8	¨
Income from self-employment*	11·7	11·1	9·2	8·4	7·7	7·5	¨
Income from employment	70·2	70·7	72·4	72·7	74·2	77·1	79·0
* After deducting stock appreciation and capital consumption.
† Excluding additions to dividend and tax reserves.
‡ Including receipts by life assurance and pension funds and by private non-profit-making bodies.

Strike pay and supplementary benefits are not taxable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate total value of taxes refunded to strikers, both official and unofficial, in the first quarter of 1971; how this figure corresponds with that for each quarter in 1970, and in the previous five years; and whether he will express the current rate of refund per head per week.

I am afraid that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is now the national income; if he will give the breakdown of this expressed by value and as a percentage of the whole by categories including profits, distributed profits, ploughedback profits, interest, rent, earnings from the self-employed, wage earners and salaried has changed since 1st April, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950, and 1945, respectively.

Following is the reply:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of the national wealth, not in public ownership, if he will tabulate the number of people, and percentage of the population, holding 10 per cent., 25 per cent., 50 per cent, and 75 per cent.;The estimates of the wealth of individuals, a summary of which is published in Table 130 of Inland Revenue statistics, 1971, show the following:—

	1960		1965		1969
Percentage of total recorded wealth held	Number of persons '000	Percentage of population	Number of persons'000	Percentage of population	Number of persons'000	Percentage of population
10	15	0·03	38	0·1	37	0·1
25	140	0·3	200	0·4	220	0·4
50	807	1·6	1,140	2·1	1,410	2·6
75	3,250	6·4	3,800	7·2	6,400	11·8

The basis and limitations of these figures are described in the notes accompanying the table. The corresponding figures for 1970, 1955 and 1945 are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of the national wealth, not in public ownership, if he will tabulate the value and percentage held by 10 percent., 25 per cent., 50 per cent. and 75 per cent, of the population; and how thisThe estimates mentioned in the previous question show that about one-third of the population held the total recorded wealth in 1960, 1965 and 1969. Information about the holdings of larger proportions than this are not therefore meaningful. The figures that can be given are as follows:—

Amounts £ thousand million
	1960		1965		1969
Wealthiest slice of total population	Amount	Percentage of total	Amount	Percentage of total	Amount	Percentage of total
10%	43	83	60	81	72	79
25%	50	97	72	97	89	97

The corresponding figures for 1945, 1950, 1955 and 1970 are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost to the Exchequer for the last year of mortgage interest tax relief, payable to persons earning respectively less than £1,000 per year, between £1,000 and £2,000, between £2,000 and £3,000, between £3,000 and £5,000, between £5,000 and £10,000, and more than £10,000, respectively.

Information is not available about the mortgage interest relief allowed to mortgagors in particular earnings ranges.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the present system of mortgage interest tax reliefs were replaced by a flat rate relief payable to all existing mortgages, at what level this relief would and how this differs from the position on 1st April, 1970, 1968, 1960, 1955 and 1945, respectively.

Following are the figures:differs from the position on 1st April, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1950, and 1945, respectively.

Following are the figures:be pitched if the Exchequer were to make neither gain nor loss from the change; and by how much mortgagors would gain or lose who have current earnings of less than £1,000, between £1,000 and £2,000, between £2,000 and £3,000, between £3,000 and £5,000, between £5,000 and £10,000, and more than £10,000 respectively.

As I explained in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 18th December, 1970, the average amount of tax relief on mortgage interest for the year 1969–70, the latest year for which figures are available, was £47. I cannot provide estimates on the second part of the Question, for information is not available about the mortgage interest paid by taxpayers in particular earnings ranges.—[Vol. 808, c. 524–5.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is his estimate of the book value of the nation's assets in land, property, plant, manufacturing capacity, and transport, exchange, and distribution facilities; how much of this is held by the state, or by local authorities, and how much in private hands; and how the position has changed since 1st April, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955. 1950 and 1945, respectively;(2) what is his estimate of the book value of the nation's assets in land, property, plant, manufacturing capacity, and transport, exchange and distribution facilities; what estimate he has made of the current market value; and how the position has changed since 1st April, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950 and 1945, respectively.

The only comprehensive official figures of the value of the nation's assets are those for the net capital stock at current replacement cost published annually in the National Income Blue Book. These cover assets in the form of vehicles, plant, machinery and buildings but exclude land, works of art and all buildings more than 100 years old, financial assets and working capital. Assets are valued at current replacement cost less accumulated capital consumption (depreciation) and can thus be taken as an approximation to market value. Figures are not available before 1955 and those for 1970 will not be ready until later in the year. The figures for 1955–1969 are given in the table below.

NET CAPITAL STOCK AT CURRENT REPLACEMENT COST*
£ thousand million
	1955	1960	1965	1969
Central Government	2·0	2·8	2·8	4·2
Local authorities	9·5	11·9	16·9	24·4
Public Corporations	5·2	7·1	12·0	18·4
Private Sector	23·6	30·8	45·0	55·5
Total	40·3	52·6	76·7	102·5
*As defined for Table 61 of National Income and Expenditure 1970. Figures relate to end of year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a direction to the Bank of England under Section 4(1) of the Bank of England Act, 1946 to furnish him with information concerning cases where the Bank has reason to suspect tax evasion.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount and the proportion by which the purchasing power of the single retirement pensioner has fallen since 1st July, 1970.

As measured by the General Index of Retail Prices, the purchasing power of the single retirement pension rate fell between July, 1970, and February, 1971, by £0·23 at July, 1970, prices—a decrease of 4·7 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reasons were given to him by the London borough of Brent when they informed him that expenditure on the registered disabled by that local health authority has fallen from £4,758 per 100 in 1966–67 to £4,366 per 100 in 1968–69.

Local authorities do not inform my right hon. Friend of reasons for changes in their annual expenditure on services for the disabled.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action the Government is taking in order to create a public awareness of the disease of alcoholism, to promote a study of the disease and research into its cause and effect, and to promote, in particular, a study of alcoholism by appropriate medical colleges and faculties of sociology.

With regard to public education, the Scottish Health Education Unit conducted a campaign last year the results of which are being evaluated and further publicity is planned during this year. In the field of research, financial support is being given to four projects being undertaken by the Addiction Research Unit of the Institute of Psychiatry in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names and addresses of the members of the North-West Regional Hospital Board; and if he will consider the hon. Member for Islington, North, for the next vacancy on this Board.

The members of the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board as at 1st April, 1971, are listed below. I will bear the hon. Member's interest among many others in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients from the areas of Helmsly, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Malton Rural District Councils have been accommodated in Whitby hospitals during the last 12 months.

33 during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he will take to ease hardship to families in the city of Norwich and district due to the abolition of concessionary fares for school children.

I take it that the hon. Member has in mind the children of people receiving supplementary benefit. The normal levels of this benefit provide a margin for such expenses, among other things, as fares to school.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he can yet make a statement on the future of the Harrow Chest Clinic.

It is the intention of the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, in accordance with their general policy for the development of chest services, that the service at present provided by the Harrow Chest Clinic should eventually be absorbed into the district general hospitals serving the area, but no alteration in present arrangements is likely for some time.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are receiving pensions under the National Health Service superannuation scheme at reduced level in view of continuing part-time or full-time employment in the National Health Service.

At 31st December, 1970, the pensions of 1,288 out of a total of 91,180 National Health Service superannuation scheme pensioners were reduced or totally abated on account of re-employment in the public service. The vast majority of such re-employments were in the National Health Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people receiving a pension under the National Health Service superannuation scheme are in full-time or part-time work outside the Health Service.

I regret that the information is not available. Re-employed National Health Service pensioners are required to notify re-employment only if remunerated from public funds.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many elderly people requiring nursing care are resident in Part III accommodation provided by local authorities in England and Wales.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what investigations he made before deciding that the Board of Governors of the United Bristol Hospital had reasonable grounds for taking action in the case of an employee whose name is in his possession.

A detailed report, including the evidence considered by a disciplinary committee and a committee of appeal was obtained from the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will have the speed limit signs replaced at Northwick Park Hospital, as these are marked in killometres per hour and thereby cause confusion, since a decision has been announced by the Government that speed limit signs on the roads will remain in miles per hour.

The hospital authority are being reminded of the Government's policy on the metrication of speed limits.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of health centres in the London Borough of Wandsworth, the capital cost of each building and the number of general practitioners in each centre.

None at present, but schedules of accommodation for three centres at Battersea (Bridge Lane), Balham (Larch Road) and Earlsfield (Brocklebank) which would accommodate four, six and five general practitioners respectively, have been approved by my Department. Preliminary estimates suggest that the centres on which the authority hope to start building in 1971–72, would cost about £85,000, £85,000 and £150,000 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made on including automatic volume control in Medresco hearing aids and if any of the new models shortly to be produced will include this feature.

The Medical Research Council conducted a study into this matter but it produced no conclusive evidence to justify the inclusion of automatic volume control as a standard feature of any Medresco hearing aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend the appropriate regulations in order to provide a right of appeal to the Secretary of State against a decision by a medical service committee on the reasonableness of delay in lodging a complaint.

I am today writing to my hon. Friend in reply to his recent letter on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting list of 1,057 at 31st December, 1970 for beds at the Royal Northern Hospital, Holloway, N.19; and if he will make a statement.

The North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board is considering proposals for an immediate increase in the number of beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he will take in relation to those local authorities which refuse to spend the proportion of the rate support grant allocated to them for the purpose of implementing the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

No proportion is so allocated, though the Rate Support Grant Order as a whole allowed for appreciable development, over the next two years, of services for the chronically sick and disabled.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new arrangements he has now made to keep inshore fishing interests fully appraised of development in negotiations concerned with adapting the European Economic Community fisheries policy to take account of essential British interests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is proposing to have with representatives of the inshore fishing fleet regarding the progress in negotiations with the European Economic Community upon fisheries policy.

We will continue to discuss with the fishing industry the implications for the United Kingdom of the E.E.C's. Common Fisheries Policy and any developments arising out of the negotiations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to complete his detailed examination of the national and regional implications for the United Kingdom of the European Economic Community common fisheries policy before the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster next meets the European Economic Community Council of Ministers; and if, in any event, he will undertake to complete such examination before any agreement with the European Economic Community is presented to Parliament for approval.

The examination of the implications for the United Kingdom of the European Economic Community's common fisheries policy will be completed as soon as possible. It must however take into account certain important aspects of that policy which are still in the process of formulation. It is certainly our intention to have it completed before the results of the entry negotiations are presented to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what request was received by his Department to send an official spokesman to the Southern Sea Fisheries District Conference on the Common Market and United Kingdom Inshore Fisheries which took place in Southampton on Friday, 19th March, 1971; what reply was sent; and whether he will make a statement.

The Southern Sea Fisheries Committee sent a number of letters inviting the Ministry to be represented at their meeting on 19th March. The invitations were declined for reasons which were fully explained in a letter, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the British trawling industry upon his review of subsidy policy; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon Member and the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 2nd March, 1971, but he is making contact with the industry this week.—[Vol. 812, c. 1384–5.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what date he now plans to withdraw diphenyl-trichloro-ethane and other harmful pesticides from horticultural use; and whether he will make a statement.

After 30th September this year no organochlorine pesticides will be supplied by their manufacturers for horticultural uses for which adequate less persistent alternatives are available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation for the control of pesticides, as recommended in the First Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

My right hon. Friend is considering this recommendation with his colleagues.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further studies have been made on meta-tartaric acid as a food additive since the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee reported in 1968 that the toxicological information on it was inadequate; and what has been the result of these further studies.

Further studies on metatartaric acid are being under- taken by the British Industrial Biological Research Association, but the results are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in his next television broadcast, he will deal exclusively with Her Majesty's Government's policies in the development areas.

Not exclusively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on the Leeds / Bradford Airport.

The application for the extension of the runway at Yeadon airport has been determined and cannot be reopened. Although an applicant may always submit a fresh application, before doing so any such applicant would be well advised to consider whether circumstances have changed significantly.I have suggested that the planning authorities in Yorkshire and Humberside should consider together the airport needs of the region and how these might best be met.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many public appointments other than those supervised by the Civil Service Commission depend on his nomination; what is the annual cost of the consequential emoluments chargeable to public funds; and whether he will publish a schedule of the offices within his gift, other than those which are supervised by the Civil Service Commission.

267 paid appointments depend on the nomination of the Secretary of State for the Environment, in some cases after consultations with his colleagues. Not all these appointments are chargeable to public funds; the annual cost of those which are so chargeable is £255,000.

APPOINTMENTS PAID FROM PUBLIC FUNDS (as at 1st March, 1971)
Organisation	Appointments
Water Resources Board	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	Director
	5 Members
National Building Agency	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	Managing Director
	10 Members
Housing Corporation	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	6 Members
Location of Offices Bureau	Chairman
	3 Members
Commission for the New Town	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	7 Members
New Town Development Corporations	16 Chairmen
	16 Deputy Chairmen
	101 Members
Countryside Commission	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	Chairman of Welsh Committee
Historic Building Council	Chairman
Regional Economic Planning Councils	8 Chairmen
Transport Tribunal	Chairman
Freight Integration Council	Chairman
Agrement Board	Chairman
	8 Members

APPOINTMENTS NOT CHARGEABLE TO PUBLIC FUNDS
Organisation	Appointments
British Railways Board	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	Vice Chairman
	10 Members
British Transport Docks Board	Chairman
	Vice Chairman
	7 Members
British Waterways Board	Chairman
	Vice Chairman
	6 Members
Transport Holding Company	Chairman
	4 Directors
National Bus Company	Chairman
	Chief Executive
	6 Members
National Freight Corporation	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	6 Members
National Ports Council	Chairman
	Deputy Chairman
	8 Members
Letchworth Garden City corporation	Chairman
	3 Members
Sutton Dwellings Trust	Chairman
	3 Members

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now introduce legislation to see that a compulsory archaeological survey is included as a condition of any planning permission in development projects; and, dependent on the outcome of such a survey, if he will take steps to make mandatory the necessary term of time for a properly conducted excavation to take place.

My right hon. Friend does not consider it necessary to reinforce by further planning powers the protection given by the Ancient Monuments Acts. Planning authorities can take into account evidence that archaeological remains may exist and can refuse permission or impose conditions to safeguard known archaeological remains. They could, also, consider whether it would be reasonable in particular circumstances to refuse permission in order to give an opportunity to interested bodies to make arrangements with the developers for exploratory or other excavations before development took place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what matters relating to Merseyside were raised with him by the deputation from the North-West Industrial Development Association which he saw on 8th March, 1971; what replies he gave; and if he will now make a statement of his plans for assisting the Merseyside Development Area, in view of the high unemployment and the fact that the Government has not created any special development areas on Merseyside.

As my hon. Friend explained in reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 12th March, the deputation raised the current economic and employment situation and the environmental problems of the North West. We have confirmed that the full range of development area assistance remains available for Merseyside. The situation and needs of Merseyside will be kept under close watch.—[Vol. 813, c. 202]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the findings as to the features of design and construction likely to cause accidents in the home, detailed in a monograph, "Safety Hazards Observed in New Housing", published by the Department of Building of the University of Aston in Birmingham, a copy of which has been sent to him, he will arrange for every local authority in the country to be provided with a copy.

No. I am informed that the monograph is readily available to local authorities and others on purchase from the university.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Camden Council regarding the proposed National Library building; and what reply he has sent.

I have now received a copy of the council's resolution on this subject and am considering it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what requests have been made by the authorities connected with the organisation of the countries of the Six that Great Britain should, as a means of facilitating Great Britain's entry into the Six, and to assist in selling in the United Kingdom the cars manufactured by the Six, change to driving on the right; what action he proposes to take in this connection; to what extent he has estimated the total cost of such a change; and whether he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the Answer my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 25th March.—[Vol. 814. c. 205.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of publicity by Her Majesty's Government on road accident prevention in 1970.

£1,034,000 in 1970–71.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will seek powers to match money raised by public subscription in respect of paintings or other works of art which have been purchased by foreign buyers and whose export has been postponed on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art.

No. The Government have sufficient powers to make, with the approval of the House, special grants where this is desirable, on such conditions as they think appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she proposes to take in the next few years regarding the older schools in the Borough of Carlisle; if there is adequate accommodation for all pupils on the raising of the school leaving age; and if she will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend will consider proposals by the Carlisle Local Education Authority for the improvement or replacement of the three remaining pre-1903 primary schools not yet in a building programme. The authority has received allocations of £121,000 for the provision of the extra school places required to meet the raising of the school leaving age.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give a breakdown of the age groups, both male and female, signing on at the employment exchange in the borough of Carlisle at the latest available date.

The numbers registered as wholly unemployed, but not those temporarily stopped, are analysed by age groups in January and July each year. Following is the information for January, 1971:

NUMBERS REGISTERED AS WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED AT 11TH JANUARY, 1971 IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE CARLISLE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE ANALYSED BY AGE GROUPS
			Males	Females
Under 18	…	…	20	12
18–19	…	…	76	30
20–24	…	…	164	35
25–29	…	…	103	16
30–34	…	…	75	19
35–39	…	…	71	9
40–14	…	…	84	10
45–49	…	…	88	11
50–54	…	…	65	15
55–59	…	…	66	17
60–64	…	…	188	—
65 and over	…	…	4
Total	…	…	1,004	174

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are still out of work arising from the closure of Hadrian's Camp; and if he will make a statement as to their future employment.

Only five of the employees who lost their jobs as a result of the closure of Hadrian's Camp are currently registered as unemployed. My Department is continuing its efforts to find them employment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the representations he has received on the Immigration Bill from the Race Relations Board and the Community Relations Commission.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the resolution of the Bronte Youth and Community Centre concerning young people and smoking, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Exchange.

The resolution asks for legislation to stop sweet shops selling loose cigarettes to children. It is already an offence for any person to sell cigarettes, loose or not, to a person apparently under the age of 16. The other suggestions made in the correspondence forwarded by the hon. Member are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who has a copy of it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the lowest and the highest number of hours overtime worked by a prison officer at Wandsworth Prison for the week ended 20th February, 1971.

Half an hour. 29 hours.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the date of the last visit made by a prison director to Wandsworth Prison; what report was made by him as to conditions within the prison; what dis- cussion took place during the visit between the director and representatives of the local Prison Officers Association; and what subjects were discussed.

Wandsworth, like other Prison Department establishments, is visited from time to time by senior officers from headquarters and the regional office. These visits are made in pursuance of a continuing managerial responsibility and are not the subject of formal reports. On one such recent visit by the Regional Director, various staffing matters raised by the local branch of the Prison Officers' Association were discussed with their representatives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of hours overtime worked per week by prison officers at Wandsworth Prison since the beginning of this year.

Eleven-and-a-half hours.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take in view of the increases of drug cases in the Cumbria area; and if he will make a statement.

The number of persons convicted of drug offences in the Cumbria area increased from 18 in 1969 to 31 in 1970. The police are continuing to give close attention to the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received relating to the granting of planning permission for new private dwellings in the Carmyle area of Glasgow of the kind indicated in the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Bothwell.

None. The granting of planning permission is a matter for the county council in the first place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the decline in the number of housing starts in the last six months of 1970, as compared with the last six months of 1969.

The decline which started in 1968 continued in 1970. No doubt it reflects the response of local authorities to their housing needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what were the figures for starts in local authority building for each quarter since June, 1970;(2) what were the figures for starts in private house building for each quarter since June, 1970.