asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now seek powers to impose additional restrictions on pollution of the air through dust and filth emanating from foundries.

I do not need further powers. However, I am awaiting a report from the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service on emissions from various individual processes including foundries, and in the light of this I shall decide whether to make further use of my powers under Section 2 of the Clean Air Act, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will be in a position to annnounce a date for the commencement of construction of an underpass at the Burnt Tree Island roundabout, Dudley.

No realistic date can be forecast until the scheme is accepted in the firm programme and I am unable to reach a decision on this until the conclusions of the West Midlands Transportation Study become available. These are expected in early 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will review the policy of building pedestrian subways, in view of the dangers their use presents to certain sections of the population.

No. I am sure that if they are well designed, lit and maintained subways can be of great benefit to pedestrians at very busy sites.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has considered the representations made to him by the Skelton Village Trust on the proposed alteration to the line of the A19 near the village of Skelton; and whether he will hold a local public inquiry so that the advantages of the alternative line suggested by the Village Trust may be fully investigated.

The representation made by the Skelton Village Trust is one of several under examination to consider, among other things, whether a public inquiry should be held. This examination was delayed, the final date of 4th February for receipt of the further representations invited from objectors being extended because of the postal strike, but it will be completed and an announcement made as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the areas between the carriageways in Park Lane and Hyde Park are kept clear of litter.

The cleansing and upkeep of the Hyde Park carriageway, including the central reservations, is the responsibility of Westminster City Council. I am informed that litter is cleared from the central reservations every day in the summer, and at least twice a week during the rest of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can now give an up-to-date figure for rate increases on an average basis for 1971–72 in terms of new pence, shillings and pence and as a percentage of the previous year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the average rate increases for England and Wales imposed for the present financial year; and whether he will list the reasons for these increases.

From the returns so far received the average increase in rates is estimated to be 1s. 10d. or 9p for domestic ratepayers and 2s. 1d. or 10p for the remainder. In both cases this is an increase of about 14 per cent. Local authorities determine the rates in the light of all the varying local circumstances, but it is evident that they have taken account of the cost and particularly the wage inflation experienced over the whole of the past year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in respect of local authorities in Wales, he will give the estimated percentage change in rates for the year 1971–72, together with the comparative figures for the years 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70 and 1970–71.

Returns so far received suggest that average rate poundages in Wales in 1971–72 will increase by between 16 per cent. and 17 per cent. In previous years increases have ranged from 0·6 per cent. to 10·4 per cent.Following is the information.

AVERAGE RATE POUNDAGES (WALES) INCREASE (PERCENTAGE)
			Domestic	Non-domestic
1965–66	…	…	10·4	10·4
1966–67	…	…	9·5	9·5
1967–68	…	…	0·6	3·7
1968–69	…	…	1·8	4·8
1969–70	…	…	3·0	5·7
1970–71	…	…	5·3	7·5

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to prevent the use of good land for providing in-fill material for civil engineering projects, and to ensure that both contractors and local authorities make use of waste material for these purposes.

The opening up of new borrow pits is already subject to control under the Town and Country Planning Acts. An official working party considering the use of waste material as road fill will report shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the Thames Flood Barrier.

Although there are no developments of which the House has not been informed in answer to various Questions during the past few months, it may nevertheless be helpful to hon. Members if I summarise the present position in a statement.Following is the Statement: The Government agree with the view of the Greater London Council that the right place for a moveable barrier is at Silvertown in Woolwich Reach and that it should be of the rising sector gate type, normally power-operated but capable of being closed without power. Areas downstream of Silvertown will be effectively protected by riparian works which will be co-ordinated with the construction of the barrier. The council are proceeding urgently with trial borings on the sites of the piers and are about to begin detailed design work.As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries said on 23rd March in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Tugendhat), grant at a special flat rate of 65 per cent. will be paid towards the approved cost of the barrier itself, of the associated permanent raising of river walls downstream and of the raising of the walls of the Thames in London as an interim measure of protection. It is at present estimated that the barrier will take about two years to design and it should therefore become possible to start work during 1973. At least four years will be necessary for completion.I expect to receive the council's second report of studies shortly and shall, with their agreement, place copies in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial and advisory assistance he will give to the local authorities engaged in the Tame Valley (Lancashire) Improvement Scheme, to lessen the pollution of the river.

My Department will give the authorities whatever assistance it can if a request is made for advice; financial assistance is provided from rate support grant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made with the review of the machinery and terms of compensation in cases of planning blight; and if he will make a statement.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster (Mrs. Kellett) on 10th March, good progress is being made on our review but it is too soon to make a statement about our proposals.—[Vol. 813, c. 400.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will pay an official visit to Derby.

I have at present no plans to make an official visit to Derby.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the large numbers of people who feel wronged by planning decisions of local authorities, he will bear this fact in mind in his consultations on the advisability of setting up regional ombudsmen.

The consultations are with representatives of the local authorities for the improvement of arrangements for investigating citizens' complaints. Although planning procedures will come under consideration I would expect the consultations to deal only with complaints of maladministration by local authorities and not with matters for which there is a right of appeal (as there is in planning cases).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take environmental and social considerations as well as economic ones into account when he deals with the proposal for closing the Epping-Ongar section of the Central London line.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his proposals for financing the second Dartford Tunnel.

The Dartford Tunnel Joint Committee intend to borrow the money through local authority channels and repay it from toll revenue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to encourage private enterprise house building in new towns.

I am discussing with development corporations and the Commission for the New Towns measures designed to give private house builders greater freedom in new towns. This should enable them to make the maximum contribution to new town development that market conditions permit. I am delighted that many existing tenants of new towns are contemplating purchasing their homes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the date for the commencement of the construction of the North Orbital Extension.

The scheme has not yet been programmed, but it is hoped that construction can start in 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the growth of long-distance traffic on trunk roads in East Anglia during the 1970's.

It is expected to grow on average by about 4 per cent. a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to start his talks with the local authority associations on his proposals for the reform of local government in England; and what form he expects these talks to take.

I have already met deputations from the Association of Municipal Corporations, the Rural District Councils Association and the Urban District Councils Association. I shall be meeting the County Councils Association within the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the local authority associations since the publication of the White Paper, "Local Government in England", and if he will make a statement.

All the associations have agreed with the need for reorganisation and welcomed our intention to end the uncertainty which has hung over local government for so long. They have informed me of their general views on the White Paper and consultations on detailed aspects of our proposals have begun.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what criteria it is suggested in his White Paper that the new county councils would be better experienced and equipped than the new county district councils to carry out functions with respect to traffic management, street lighting and road safety.

Paragraphs 11 and 19 of the White Paper are especially relevant.Units responsible for transportation functions must be adequate in size and in resources to operate with a sensible external independence and internal cohesion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will reconsider the proposal in his White Paper that the administration of building regulations should be vested in the new county councils rather than in the new county district councils, while, at the same time, the complementary responsibilities of development contract will be vested in the new county district councils;(2) if he will reconsider the proposal that responsibility for clean air, refuse disposal and food and drugs functions should be vested in the new county councils as opposed to the new county district councils;

As promised in the White Paper, my right hon. Friend has begun consultations with the local authority associations on details of the final distribution of functions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has had on the proposed unified staffing of planning departments of district and county authorities in the reorganised local government structure; and if he will make a statement;(2) what representations he has had on the powers proposed to be given to district councils in the reorganisation of local government both to prepare and approve local plans; and whether he can make a statement on the subject.

A number of local authority associations, individual local authorities and other bodies have commented on the White Paper proposals for planning. The Government will shortly be developing these proposals in consultations with the local authority associations and other bodies concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation requiring the Noise Advisory Council to publish annual or periodic reports.

I prefer the Council to be free to publish their views at any time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is considering the introduction of legislation to enable local authorities to declare noise control areas, following the example of the Clean Air Acts.

I would prefer not to anticipate the recommendations for strengthening the Noise Abatement Act, 1960 which the Noise Advisory Council are preparing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the setting up of a National Water Authority for Great Britain.

The Government are studying the future organisation of water services in England and Wales in the light of the Central Advisory Water Committee's Report, which was published last week. They expect to announce their conclusions shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give details of the number of official visits he, or his Ministers, have made to the London Borough of Newham since June, 1970; when these took place; for what purposes; when the next visit is due to take place; and whether he will give similar details for discussions which he has held with representatives of the London Borough of Newham in his London offices.

Neither I nor any other Ministers of the Department of the Environment have visited the London Borough of Newham since June, 1970. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction met representatives of the Council in his office on 2nd April to discuss certain aspects of the Francis Committee Report. A further meeting will be taking place in due course.On 27th April I myself met representatives of the Borough, with representatives of other London Boroughs, to discuss the future of the London Dock Area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much, for a married worker with three children aged three, seven and 12 years, the income ceiling has been increased for eligibility for rate rebates since these were introduced; what were the dates of each increase; and what were the new income levels established on each occasion.

For a married couple with three children the income limit governing eligibility for full rebate was £14·50 in 1966, was increased to £17·00 from 1st October, 1968 and again, to £18·25, from 1st October, 1970. Some rebate may still be payable when income slightly exceeds this figure, depending on the size of the rate bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has now completed his review of the compensation code for public works, including motorways; when he expects to publish a White Paper on his proposals; and if he intends to introduce legislation early next session.

It would be premature to settle a date for introducing new legislation in advance of the conclusion of our comprehensive review. Details of our proposals will be published after the review is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that the cuts in expenditure by local authorities exclude expenditure on road safety and, in particular, street lighting.

No cuts have been proposed by the Government, who are constantly urging local authorities to a bigger road safety effort. The level of expenditure by particular authorities is a matter for local decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement about a motorway from Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Doncaster and Sheffield to Manchester, Liverpool and Wales, and indicate what priority this will have in relation to the proposed motorway between Stoke, Derby and Nottingham.

The results of a study into the feasibility of a new high standard route linking Sheffield and Manchester are under consideration. A new motorway to link the M1, near Derby, with the M6, near Stoke, was included in the preparation pool in February, 1971, but it will be some long time before it is ready to be considered for inclusion in the firm programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Local Government Boundary Commission associated with local government reform will conduct its inquiries in public.

I am now consulting the local authority associations about the arrangements for the Local Government Boundary Commission and will make an announcement later.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the report of his Department's inquiry into the voluntary housing movement; and if he will make a statement.

The report, based on the evidence gathered by the Cohen Committee, was submitted to the Central Housing Advisory Committee this week. I hope that the Report, which will be published shortly, will prove a basis for discussion about housing associations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the capital expenditure on sewerage and sewage disposal in England over the last five years for which figures are available; and what is the anticipated expenditure for the next five years.

In the five years to 31st March 1970, about £430 million at outturn prices; for the five years following in terms of current prices expenditure can be expected to be about £750 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were his reasons for deferring the starting date of the Dartford to Swanley link section of the D Ring Motorway; and what is the revised starting date.

The priority for this scheme is closely linked with decisions on the duplication of the Dartford Tunnel and other complementary schemes in the area. As announced today, my right hon. Friend has decided to authorise the construction of a second Dartford Tunnel and it is now planned to start the Swanley Link scheme to match the completion of the tunnel.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the capital expenditure on local authority water undertakings in England during the five-year period 1965–70; and what expenditure he anticipates under this heading for the next five years.

Expenditure by local authority water undertakings in England in the period 1965–70 was £221 million. Similar expenditure in the next five years is expected to be about £350 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the study of the A6 road in Northamptonshire will be published.

Various studies are in hand, but it is not yet possible to say when they will be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now state when he will be able to publish the preferred route for the Preston northly bypass.

Draft proposals will be published on Friday this week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for redevelopment of London docklands; and whether he will make a statement.

As the London Port activities move down-river a unique opportunity for redevelopment of the dockland riverside area is opening up. Within a few miles of the City a massive riverside area is becoming available in which dis-used docks, decaying and derelict industrial and commercial properties and outworn housing can be replaced with an exciting and imaginative development that could transform the quality of the environment to the east of Central London.I am determined that this opportunity shall not be lost by allowing haphazard development. I have discussed this with the Leader of the G.L.C. and with the Leaders of the London Boroughs concerned, and we are agreed on the importance and urgency of a comprehensive approach. I am arranging that my Department and the G.L.C. jointly commission an urgent and comprehensive study of the potentialities for redevelopment of the whole of the riverside area—from London and Surrey Docks in the west to Beckton in the east. The study will examine, in an objective and practical way, the possibilities for comprehensive redevelopment and the cost of the various options which may be open to us. The broad aim will be to achieve a balanced development and, above all, to improve for those living in the area the quality of their environment.This study will be undertaken by a team of experts including engineers, planners, valuers, and other skills headed by Mr. Alfred Goldstein of R. Travers Morgan and Partners. They will retain Messrs. Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners to advise on the planning and environmental aspects of the study. The study is expected to be finished next year.Urgent redevelopment proposals will need to be specially dealt with while the study is in progress, in a manner that is consistent with this comprehensive approach. I have therefore asked the London Boroughs concerned to consult the G.L.C. on all the planning applications which they receive for development within the study area. The G.L.C. will thus be able to consider the wider implications of these planning applications before any decisions are issued on them. I am glad to say that the London Boroughs are most willing to co-operate in this arrangement—an arrangement that will not, however, prevent progress with urgently needed housing, public utility, and other schemes.I have discussed these proposals with the Port of London Authority who will be consulted throughout the study. They welcome the comprehensive approach to this problem. They are aware that an approach that deals properly with the outdated and inadequate transport facilities of the area, and with the social and economic problems may well enhance the potential of the resources that they own within the area concerned.While the study is in progress I shall also be considering with the G.L.C., the Boroughs, the P.L.A. and other authorities concerned, the machinery necessary to implement speedily emerging redevelopment proposals.I hope that the study will be the start of a process that will help to transform the quality of the environment for a community that has, for too long, been deprived of good housing, fine buildings and proper amenities, and I believe that it will lay the foundations for one of the most exciting developments of the century.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to arrange for an official of his Department to visit the sports centre now being run in "A" site hangar of Royal Air Force, Tern Hill to study the consequences of using this hangar in order to store Civil Defence vehicles.

None at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost of providing sports facilities on another site in the Market Drayton area similar to those available in "A" site hangar at Royal Air Force, Tern Hill.

No proposal has been made to me and I cannot, therefore, provide any estimate of costs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he uses before agreeing that traffic on roads for which he is responsible shall be restricted to 30 miles per hour; what evidence a local authority has to present; and what information has to be provided by local police.

Detailed criteria are set out in the circular I have sent the hon. Member. They include the accident record, the density of the frontage development, and the current speed of traffic, all of which are needed to establish whether a 30 m.p.h. limit is justified and is the right level. The police are consulted and supply the accident record.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to compel motorcars to be manufactured complete with an anti-thief device.

Manufacturers already fit anti-theft devices voluntarily on all new cars.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement on the proposed further increases in National Health Service charges; and what consultations he has had with interested organisations on the matter.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and I are considering the replies received from the bodies representative of the pharmaceutical and medical professions to whom we have outlined our preliminary thinking on measures to enable prescription charges to be related to a proportion of the cost of the individual prescription.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in the last four months concerning rising unemployment; and what reply he has given.

References to unemployment occur in communications I have received from hon. Members, local authorities and other correspondents. Where appropriate, my replies have referred to the Government's regional policy measures and to the measures proposed in the Budget to improve economic growth.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many requests he has received from tenants' associations for information of the Government's housing policies.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, as Chairman of the Scottish Economic Council, he will propose that it should issue an early invitation to the Prime Minister to address the Council on matters for which the Prime Minister has responsibility.

My right hon. Friend had an informal and wide-ranging discussion with members of the Scottish Economic Council in Glasgow on 26th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to make an official visit to the Royal Burgh of Dunfermline.

I have no immediate plans to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what hospital accommodation is available in Ayrshire for the young chronic sick.

26 young chronic sick patients are accommodated in Ayrshire hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will expedite the start of the proposed 50-bed extension at Biggart Hospital, Prestwick; and if he will make a statement.

The decision as to the priority of this scheme in relation to other desirable schemes in the region is for the Western Regional Hospital Board. I understand that it is in the Board's programme to start in 1974–75 but planning is proceeding to allow an earlier start if resources permit.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of persons in Scotland at present employed as probation officers, and the number of males and females, respectively, in this service.

As stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis) on 13th January, no social workers have been designated as probation officers in Scotland since local authorities assumed the responsibility for probation in November, 1969 as part of their responsibility for social work.—[Vol. 809, c. 39.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what inquiries he has received from steel makers in Europe about setting up plants in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Irrespective of the type of projects involved, it is not the practice to give details about inquiries by industrialists who may be contemplating the establishment of new plant.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take in the provision of centres, arising from the recent report of the Scottish health education unit, concerning alcoholism, with particular reference to teenage addicts.

Treatment facilities for alcoholism are provided by hospital authorities, who I am sure will develop them as the need arises and so far as other urgent needs permit. As to young people, the main need is for education; the Scottish Health Education Unit is conducting a campaign to educate the public in the problems of alcoholism.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what returns he has asked for from local authorities, in the provision of services for disabled persons covered by Section 12 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act; what degree of uniformity of treatment has been achieved; and if he will make a statement.

For the calendar year 1970, local authorities have been asked to complete an annual return on the services they provide or arrange under the Social Work (Scotland) Act, 1968. This includes information about the numbers of disabled persons who started to receive care or assistance from the local authority during the year, and those receiving care at the end of the year, with separate figures for different categories. Information about the numbers of disabled persons placed in residential accommodation during the year, and the numbers there at the end of the year, together with information about attendance at day centres, is also requested.I have not yet received these returns from all local authorities, but I hope that figures for the whole of Scotland will be available this summer. I shall analyse these returns in order to see whether they indicate any serious disparity between the services provided by different authorities.I intend shortly to ask local authorities to let me know of their proposals for development of their social work services, including their services for the disabled. As indicated in the White Paper on Public Expenditure 1969–70 to 1974–75 (Cmnd. 4578), the Government have been able to make available additional funds for the development of the social work services over the next few years. Provision for the continued expansion of the services has also been made in the Rate Support Grant Order for 1971–73.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will enumerate the areas in which he has direct responsibilty for charges and prices; and what steps he has taken in the last nine months to control them.

I have certain responsibility for a wide variety of charges. All are kept under constant review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet made an estimate of the average increase in council house rents consequent on his new policy relating to housing finance.

No useful estimate can be made until the consultations with the local authority associations about our proposals have been concluded.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated percentage increase in rates for the forthcoming year; and what were the comparable figures for each of the last five years.

I cannot make a forecast for 1971–72 until some months hence, when local councils have fixed their rate poundages. The increases in rates collected in previous years were 17·7 per cent. in 1966–67, 1·9 per cent. in 1967–68, 8·9 per cent. in 1968–69, 8·7 per cent. in 1969–70 and 15·3 per cent. in 1970–71.

HOUSES STARTED
(all categories)
Month			1964–65	1965–66	1966–67	1967–68	1968–69	1969–70	1970–71
October	…	…	2,537	4,057	3,076	3,253	3,344	3,393	3,028
November	…	…	2,203	2,697	2,624	3,680	3,521	3,430	2,427
December	…	…	2,779	2,704	3,097	4,412	5,463	2,925	3,169
January	…	…	2,355	1,515	2,608	2,086	2,115	2,165	1,396
February	…	…	3,815	1,560	3,439	2,765	2,611	2,126	2,548
March	…	…	4,561	3,692	4,436	4,706	3,544	2,921	2,417

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to sanction the beginning of a new general hospital in West Fife.

As I informed the hon. Member in my reply on 7th April a new district general hospital for West Fife is in the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board's list of desirable projects but within the resources available it could not be included in the programme for the period after 1971–72 which was announced on 20th April, 1970; this is still the position. Provision has, however, been made in the programme for the geriatric and psycho-geriatric unit in West Fife which it is intended to build on the site to be acquired for the district general hospital.—[Vol. 865, c. 138.]

asked the Sectary of State for Scotland how many new factories he has opened officially in the last nine months; and how many invitations he has accepted for similar ceremonies in the course of the next year.

The Minister of State and I have each opened one factory in the period mentioned. I have received a number of invitations to open other factories and extensions which I was unable to accept owing to engagements

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses were begun in each of the last six months; and what were the comparable figures for each of the last six years.

The information is as follows:elsewhere. I have so far been able to accept one for a date later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the services for mentally handicapped children.

Education and social work authorities will be undertaking a substantial programme of new building and replacement of existing premises in the next five years. This will include some 30 new special schools, and occupational centres, for mentally handicapped children.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he will not cease the present practice whereby his Department keep under constant review the prices and charges for which he has responsibility and initiate a system of monthly reviews of such prices and charges to enable him to show from month to month to what extent since June, 1970 the Government's policy of reducing prices and costs is operating so far as it affects his departmental responsibilities; and whether he will make a statement.

Because I judge the present practice to be more efficient.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his plans to encourage home ownership.

We have removed the limit on local authority lending for house purchase and have told authorities that they are free to sell council houses. Stamp duty on mortgages for house purchase is to be abolished, and other measures announced by my right hon. Friend in his Budget statement will also help. We will announce further measures in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to ensure that Scottish teachers serving in fee-paying or selective schools do not suffer any discrimination in regard to promotion.

The appointment of teachers is a matter for the educational authority and I am confident that no authority would discriminate against any particular group of teachers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the difficulties being encountered by the Manchester and Salford Probation and After-Care Committee in seeking to recruit and retain suitable staff for the Probation Service; and what action he proposes to take to help reverse this development.

I am aware that a number of untrained officers have been appointed in recent months and that there are still vacancies. But the Committee should benefit from the increased number of probation students expected to complete their training in 1971 and from a new course in Manchester starting this year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all vehicles plying for passenger-hire are registered with local authorities.

There is already statutory provision enabling boroughs and urban district councils to license vehicles which ply for hire and to make byelaws regulating their use. Where this power has been exercised it is an offence for an unlicensed vehicle to ply for hire.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is yet in a position to estimate the increase in council house rents in Wales following the introduction of the Government's new policies in relation to housing finance.

No; discussions with local authorities are still proceeding but the progression towards fair rents will be accompanied by rent rebates for tenants who need them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his estimate of the increase in the forecast cost of the pig guarantee for 1971–72 resulting from the lower prices in the 1971–72 National Bacon Pig Contract in relation to the standard price for pigs;(2) what is his estimate of the reduction in the cost of the bacon stabilisation arrangements for 1971–72 resulting from the latest changes in the stabilisation scheme; what part of such reduction will be attributable to the reduction in National Bacon Pig Contract prices for 1971–72 in relation to the standard price for pigs; and what part of such reduction will be attributable to the reduced level of support per hundredweight of bacon.

The outturn cannot be precisely estimated since it depends on the market situation and on the industry's response to the new conditions. As a direct effect, at the level of home bacon production in 1971–72 provided for under the Bacon Market Sharing Understanding, adjusting the contract price would save about £2·1 million a year on the cost of the Stabilisation Scheme and increase the cost of the pig guarantee by about £1 million. The new formula for assessing the bacon price, if applied to the recent production and market situation, would have represented a further annual saving of about £1·6 million. The outturn should however reflect still further savings, compared with what the cost would otherwise have been, because the changes will stimulate the industry to pay closer attention to market conditions.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the number of civil servants who work in the London area; and what is the number and work location, by area, of those civil servants employed outside London.

The following table gives the estimated numbers of non-industrial civil servants by location of employment at 1st January, 1971:

Location	Estimated Number in Thousands
Inner London	102·8
Outer London	46·7
Remainder of South-Eastern Economic Planning Region	80·3
Other Economic Planning Regions in Great Britain:
Northern	31·5
Yorkshire and Humberside	23·4
East Midlands	17·0
East Anglia	10·8
South-Western	40·7
Wales and Monmouthshire	19·5
West Midlands	23·6
North-Western	44·4
Scotland	41·4
Northern Ireland	3·6
Elsewhere	14·3

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what plans he has to transfer centrally situated units to suitable locations in development areas.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 2nd December, 1970, and to my hon. Friend the Member for King's Lynn (Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler) on 3rd February, 1971.—[Vol. 807, c. 395; Vol. 810, c. 375.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the total cost of the launch which accompanied the launch "Stork" and which was damaged recently by the Irish Republican Army in Baltimore Harbour, County Cork; what was the extent of the damage; where she was built; and on what date she was launched.

The R.N. Survey Launch "Puffin" was built by Camper Nicholson Ltd. in the Isle of Wight at a cost of about £3,500 and entered service in 1964. The amount of damage she incurred in the recent incident was negligible.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the total cost of the hydrographic survey launch "Stork" which was sunk recently by the Irish Republican Army in Baltimore Harbour, County Cork; where she was built; and on what date she was launched.

The R.N. Survey Launch "Stork" was built by Saro Ltd. in Beaumaris, Anglesey, at a cost of about £14,000 and entered service in 1964.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what survey equipment was lost or damaged as the result of the recent sinking of the launch "Stork" and the damage to her accompanying launch; and what the value was of this equipment.

Most of the equipment on board the "Stork" at the time of the incident was salvaged by a working party from H.M.S. "Hecate" on 22nd April. Some of this equipment was damaged and requires repair, but the exact cost of making good the damage is still to be assessed. The only major piece of equipment lost was the precision echo-sounding set, valued at about £2,000.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the estimated time that the particular survey project on which the launch "Stork" was engaged will be delayed as the result of her sinking.

None. This particular survey had already been completed.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many hydro-graphic survey launches the Royal Navy has in operation; where they were built; and when they were launched.

There are a total of 41 hydrographic survey launches in the Royal Navy, of which 4 are in reserve. They have been constructed in various commercial boat yards in the United Kingdom over the past 20 years or so.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will take urgent steps to suppress a newly formed armed force of 100 Roman Catholics trained in the use of arms by both wings of the Irish Republican Army in the Brytson Street-Seaforde Street area of the Newtownards Road, Belfast, in view of the fact that they are responsible for the shooting of a young Protestant boy and three Protestant men in that area on the early evening of Tuesday, 13th April.

I have no knowledge of a force such as that referred to by the hon. Member. The security forces will continue to make every effort to bring to justice all criminal elements in Northern Ireland. I hope the hon. Member will let me have any information at his disposal that may assist them in this task.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is aware that one eighth of the total force recruited into the Ulster Defence Regiment has resigned, and that, in particular in the County of Londonderry, almost one fourth has resigned, in Belfast one sixth has resigned; to what causes he attributes these resignations; and what steps he proposes to alter the situation.

The resignation rates for the Ulster Defence Regi- ment are not exceptional for such a part-time volunteer force. Members resign for a variety of private business and personal reasons and losses are more than made up by new recruitment.

asked the Minister of State for Defence upon whose orders and for what reasons a barricade was erected and left unmanned at the gates near Bryson Street of St. Matthews Roman Catholic Chapel, Newtownards Road, Belfast on the night of Tuesday, 13th April, 1971.

I have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend on 22nd April.—[Vol. 126, c. 424–425.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much money from Government sources in 1970 was directed to research in applied science, and how much to research in pure science; and how the figures compare with the last five years.

No figures are available on the extent to which Government money spent in support of research is expended in the field of applied science or pure science.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make provision for students on clinical studies to receive grants at an additional rate, in view of the fact that they are unable to earn money during vacations.

This proposal is the subject of representation by the students' associations which we are studying in connection with the current review of student grants.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the pupil-teacher ratio in maintained secondary schools, maintained primary schools and recognised independent schools for the years 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72 and the proposed ratio for the next three years.

The figures are as follows:

PUPILS PER TEACHER (INCLUDING UNQUALIFIED TEACHERS)
	January 1969	January, 1970
Maintained Primary schools	27·0	27·4
Maintained Secondary schools	17·9	17·8
Independent schools recognised as efficient (a)	12·7	12·8

Figures for 1971 are not yet available but the ratios in maintained schools have improved substantially this year and will continue to improve except in 1973–4 when they should be roughly stationary.Over half the schools at (

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what priority she is giving to primary education in the field of teachers' pay.Mrs. Thatcher: The pay of schoolteachers in England and Wales is negotiated in the Burnham Committee. The pay scales do not in general terms distinguish between particular types of schools, but the new structure proposed by the management panel for introduction this year, which I support, would benefit primary school teachers in a number of important ways.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what priority she is giving to primary education in the field of teacher supply.

The distribution of teachers between primary and secondary schools is a matter for local education authorities. It is estimated that pupil-teacher ratios for 1971 will show a considerably larger improvement over 1970 in primary schools than in secondary schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much, for a married worker with three children aged three, seven and 12 years, the income ceilings have been increased for eligibility, respectively, for free school meals, uniform grants and education and maintenance allowances since 1950; what were the dates of each increase; and what were the new income levels established on each occasion.

1. The national remission scale to determine eligibility for free school meals was first introduced in 1964. Until then remission arrangements, including income scales, were the responsibility of individual local education authorities.2. The amounts shown in the table are the national remission scale net income ceilings (see Note) for a family with three dependent children. Where the family's net income is less than a given amount, the figure at the top of the appropriate column indicates the number of its children at school entitled to free school meals.

New income levels established	1	2	3
	£p	£p	£p
Autumn Term 1964	9·93	9·67	9·43
Summer Term 1965	11·73	11·47	11·23
Spring Term 1967	12·30	12·05	11·80
Summer Term 1968	13·45	13·20	12·65
7th October, 1968	14·25	13·85	13·45
3rd November, 1969	14·95	14·55	14·15
Summer Term 1970	15·10	14·65	14·20
2nd November, 1970	16·25	15·80	15·35
Summer Term 1971	17·45	16·85	16·25

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many building trade workers are presently unemployed.

At 5th April, 1971, there were 128,453 persons registered as unemployed in Great Britain who last worked in the construction industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to assist unemployed skilled building trade craftsmen in the Edinburgh and Lothians area to find employment.

All the facilities of my Department's employment services are available to those needing fresh employment and my officers are doing their best to help any who seek their assistance. The building industry in Edinburgh, as in other parts of the country, should benefit from the measures announced in my right hon. Friend's Budget.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the number of days lost through strikes, and the number of strikes to date in 1971; and how this compares with the some position to date last year.

9,502,000 working days were lost in all industrial stoppages in progress in the three months ending 31st March, 1971, and the number of stoppages which began in this period was 595. These figures are provisional. Corresponding figures for the same period in 1970 are 2,201,000 days lost and 1,212 stoppages.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if machinery is available to enable the Government to make a manpower projection for the next five years covering either the whole economy or major sectors of it; and if he will make a statement.

Projections of the total working population are prepared periodically by the Department of Employment in collaboration with other Government Departments. The most recent was published in the March, 1969, issue of the Employment and Productivity Gazette which contains a description of the methods used. Work is at present in progress on a new projection which will be published later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what are the mean, median and modal wages of, respectively, males and females, in the Huddersfield employment exchange area;(2) what are the mean, median and modal wages of, respectively, males and females, in the woollen textile industry at the latest convenient date;(3) what are the mean, median and modal wages of, respectively, males and females, in the Yorkshire and Humberside region;(4) what are the mean, median and modal wages of, respectively, males and females, in the cotton textile industry at the latest convenient date.

The following, obtained from the regular October, 1970, inquiry, are the latest available estimates of average weekly earnings of full-time manual adults.Estimates of median earnings relating to April, 1970, were included in the results of the New Earnings Survey, 1970, published in the Department's

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence he has of wage increases causing unemployment, and whether he will list the factories in which he has been notified that this was the cause.

The Government's contacts with industry are usually on a confidential basis and I would not be justified in disclosing the names of individual firms.It has become increasingly clear in recent months, however, that the rise in production costs, of which the present high level of wage settlements has formed a substantial part, has been a direct cause of limiting sales and therefore of output. This is projected into future prospects and so reduces investment for creating extra capacity. In addition, rising labour costs intensify the pressure on firms to economise in the use of manpower and while this may be a healthy pressure in the long run, its immediate effect is to reduce the volume of employment.

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply, why he will not cease the present practice whereby his Department keep under constant review the prices and charges for which he has responsibility and initiate a system of monthly reviews of such prices and charges to enable him to show from month to month to what extent since June, 1970 the Government's policy of reducing prices and costs is operating so far as it affects his departmental responsibilities; and whether he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.As has been explained earlier, the Ministry of Aviation Supply is mainly concerned with long-term contracts for complex equipments. Monthly reviews of prices would therefore serve no useful purpose.—[Vol. 815, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of total United Kingdom aid in each beneficiary country was given to promote population control in each of the last three years.

In the Dominican Republic, expenditure under United Kingdom bilateral assistance for family planning and population activities was nearly 90 per cent. of total United Kingdom bilateral aid disbursements to that country in 1970. In the Gilbert and Ellice Islands it was a little over 1 per cent. in 1970. Other countries to which United Kingdom bilateral assistance in this field has been less than 1 per cent. of their total United Kingdom aid in recent years were listed in a reply given to the right hon. Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart) on 15th March, 1971.The scale of British aid in this field in any particular country depends on that country's policy in relation to population questions and the extent to which it decides to seek assistance from this country.British aid for these activities has so far been overwhelmingly given through multilateral agencies such as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, but I should be glad to consider a substantial increase in bilateral aid if developing countries want it.—[Vol. 813, c. 206.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an account of the work done by the Centre for Educational Development Overseas during 1970–71; and what is the Centre's programme for 1971–72.

The Centre for Educational Development Overseas was set up up 1st April, 1970, by amalgamating the Centre for Educational Television Overseas, the Centre for Curriculum Renewal and Educational Development Overseas and the Overseas Visual Aid Centre. The Centre is continuing, expanding and integrating the work undertaken by the three previous bodies.During 1970–71 its officers visited many developing countries to advise on curriculum development and educational technology and to assist and review current projects. Consultancies were also undertaken for U.N.I.C.E.F. and F.A.O. The Centre conducted 23 courses in the United Kingdom in the use of audiovisual aids to education and educational television and radio, as well as some courses overseas. During the year it expanded its educational broadcasting activities to include radio broadcasting.During 1971–72 the Centre will continue to develop its existing range of activities and will also extend them into the important field of teacher education. It will launch a new journal, "Educational Resources International", which will deal with audio visual aids and curriculum development.Its estimated expenditure in 1970–71 was about £360,000 and in 1971–72 is about £475,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an account of the work of the Inter-University Council for Higher Education in 1970–71; and what is the council's programme for 1971–72.

The Inter-University Council consists of representatives of all British universities and was incorporated as an independent legal body in October. 1970. with a view to its staff and activities being strengthened. The purpose of its expenditure of £954,000 during 1970–71 was to assist overseas universities, mainly in Commonwealth countries, principally in the following ways: recruitment of staff, advisory visits by British academics, assistance with local staff development, and training overseas staff in this country.The Council is also the main source of advice to the Overseas Development Administration over the whole field of financial and technical aid to universities associated with it. During the present financial year it will receive a grant-in-aid of £1,148,000 for the purpose of continuing and expanding its activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new financial assistance is being provided for Turkey.

A loan agreement was signed yesterday in Ankara under which Britain is to lend Turkey £6·7 millions for the supply of British equipment and services for the construction of fertiliser plant. This project will have an im portant place in Turkey's development programme. The new loan is provided as part of Britain's continuing aid to Turkey as a member of the O.E.C.D.'s Aid to Turkey Consortium.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the list of European factsheets available at post offices will include ones on the effect on the Commonwealth, on the problems or disadvantages of accession to the Treaty of Rome and on alternative courses open to Great Britain.

The series of Factsheets being issued and made available in Post Offices will cover these subjects in one way or another.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the increase in overseas student accommodation which resulted from the Overseas Students' Welfare Expansion Programme, and the anticipated loss of accommodation which will result from the closing down by the British Council of its student hostels.

The total number of completed student places is 4,756. Certain, as yet unfinished, hostels will give a further 1,146 places—a grand total of 5,902. The closing down of the British Council hostels in London, will mean a loss of 306 places.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with the Government of the Irish Republic about compensation for the launch "Stork" and her accompanying launch; and what amount of compensation he will be seeking from that Government.

The Government of the Irish Republic have already offered to pay compensation for the damage. As my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 26th April, the exact cost of making good the damage has still to be assessed.—[Vol. 816, c. 52–31.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protest he has lodged with the Government of the Republic of Ireland about the sinking of the Royal Naval launch "Stork" and the damage to an accompanying small launch in Baltimore Harbour, County Cork, recently.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to my hon. Friend the Member for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 26th April.—[Vol. 816, c. 19.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether members of the Census organisation are themselves limited to the staff of his Department and whether the same penalties for disclosure of information apply to them as to enumerators.

The Census organisation consists of members of the staff of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and the General Register Office, Scotland, together with the field staff of census supervisors, census officers, assistant census officers and enumerators. The penalties which apply to enumerators apply to all persons employed in taking a Census.