asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving particulars of the number of occasions, and on what dates, he received requests from Mr. Martin Moir, and his associates, the hon. Member for West Ham, North, and other stated persons, for action to enforce the Companies Act against the Vehicle and General Insurance Group, Dollar Land Holdings and other stated companies; what action was eventually taken; what delay ensued before such action was taken; and what were the reasons for the delay.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to him on 3rd May about requests relating to Dollar Land Holdings Limited. Requests relating to the Vehicle and General Insurance Company Ltd., have not been for the enforcement of the Companies Acts.—[Vol. 816, c. 262–3.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what statutory authority he bases his refusal to take action to enforce the Companies Act when, as in the case of the Dollar Land Company Limited, signed evidence submitted by the directors of the company that they have broken the Act for several years has been submitted to his Department.

The Companies Acts permit the Department to decide whether action which it has power to take would in the circumstances of a particular case be appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new inquiries regarding industrial development in the north-east of England have been made since the declaration of further special development areas; and what contribution they are estimated to make to relieve the mounting total of unemployed.

Thirty-one. It is too early to say how many jobs may arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications he has received for industrial development certificates from Birmingham in the first three months of 1971.

Twelve industrial development certificates were approved and four refused.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total factory area provision arising from industrial development certificates in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971, to the latest available date, in the Northern Region and the development areas taken together.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial certificates for over 50,000 square feet have been applied for in respect of industry in Corby New Town, Northamptonshire, during the last two years, and how many have been granted.

In the Corby employment exchange area, two industrial development certificates for over 50,000 square feet were applied for, one of which was approved.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial development certificates were applied for and granted for the Northern Region in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971, respectively, to the latest available date; and what are the figures for the same years for the development areas taken together.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to his earlier Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he intends to take to meet the representations of the Church of Scotland, Hamilton Presbytery, for action to reduce unemployment, a copy of which has been sent to him by the Members of Parliament for Lanarkshire.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office, is writing to the Presbytery of Hamilton and I will send a copy of that letter to the hon. Member as well as to other Members who have written to me on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, having regard to the aggregate trading profits of the 14 major steel companies for their varying financial years, ending in the calendar year 1961, amounting to £104 million after depreciation but before interest and taxation, and prospective losses of the British Steel Corporation, 10 to 12 years later, what special further steps he now proposes to take to restore profitability to the nationalised steel industry.

The financial position of the British Steel Corporation is the subject of the Review which I announced to the House on 18th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is now able to make a statement about the financial structure of the steel industry.

No. I hope to make a statement soon on my Review of the Corporation's short-term financial position, but this is not a matter of financial structure.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what total tonnage of steel was produced by the British steel industry in each of the years 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969 and 1970.

The figures requested are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what productivity increase the British steel industry has achieved in the last 25 years.

In the 22 years to 1970—a period for which statistics are readily available—United Kingdom steel output per man increased by 60 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will direct the gas boards to discontinue the practice of making a charge for emergency services.

No. This is a matter for which the area gas boards are responsible. I am asking the Chairman of the Gas Council to explain to the hon. Member their policies and practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest date by which companies which made donations to political parties before 18th June, 1970 must report them to the Companies' Office.

In the normal case, 10½ months, or if the company has interests abroad 13½ months, after the end of the financial year of the company in which the donation was made.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will take steps to reintroduce the obligatory wearing by merchant seamen of the red torches carried during war-time, in order to save life at sea.

This matter has been studied both nationally and internationally several times since the war and I should want more evidence that safety would be materially enhanced before taking such steps.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he intends to take, following the publication of the National Board for Prices and Incomes Report 153, Coal Prices; and whether he will make a statement.

Most of the report concerns matters of primary concern to the National Coal Board and I have no doubt it will take suitable account of what it says. I shall do the same so far as I am responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to enable the National Coal Board to introduce lower coal prices for retired miners; and if he will make a statement.

No. This is not a matter for legislation but for negotiation between the National Coal Board and the appropriate trade unions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of Great Britain's export trade was with the sterling area in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970, respectively.

Thirty per cent. in 1967 and 28 per cent. in the other years.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of British exports went to the European Economic Community and the Commonwealth, respectively, in 1967, 1968 and 1970.

Exports to the European Economic Community accounted for 20, 20 and 22 per cent., respectively, and to the Commonwealth 24, 22 and 21 per cent., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much Great Britain's exports to North America and the European Economic Community, respectively, changed in 1970 in comparison with 1969.

They increased by 1 per cent. and 15 per cent., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what proposals he now has to provide compensation to persons who suffered loss through the insolvency of the Vehicle and General Insurance Group.

There is nothing which I can usefully add to earlier statements about this Group's insolvency.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek to hold discussions with other European Governments about the establishment of a European Air Transportation Association.

Perhaps my hon. Friend would write, giving further details of what he has in mind, to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider taking steps to transfer responsibility for the Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate from his Department to the Aycliffe Development Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

I would certainly be prepared to consider together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment any representations the hon. Member might care to make on this issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken within the European Free Trade Association countries to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade.

E.F.T.A. is doing a great deal of useful work in this field, particularly in regard to technical barriers. Agreements for reciprocal recognition of national tests on pressure vessels and ships equipment have recently been signed and similar agreements for gas appliances and agricultural machinery are in course of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now in a position to make a statement concerning worker shares in Rolls-Royce.

I cannot at present add to my answer to the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead) on 29th March and to my earlier statements on this subject.—[Vol. 814, c. 293–4.]

asked the" Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Rolls-Royce Limited.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at what date he expects offers to be entertained for the purchase of the motor car division of Rolls-Royce Limited.

Disposal of the motor car division of Rolls-Royce is a matter for the Receiver.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the Concorde.

I would refer to the reply given today to a Question by the hon. Member for Heywood and Royton (Mr. Barnett).

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make arrangements that no further flights of the Concorde aircraft will take place over the west coast of Scotland.

No. These flights are an essential part of the Concorde programme. The route down the West Coast was chosen after very careful examination of all the alternatives, and remains the one best meeting the technical, safety and air traffic control demands whilst affecting the fewest people.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the representations made to the Scandinavian members of the European Free Trade Association concerning their competition with the British paper industry.

The representations already made to the Governments concerned have not yet produced any positive result. In the light of recent developments, we consider that the matter must be pursued further and we are considering urgently with the British industry the most effective way of doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in respect of which nuclear power station sites he has authorised the construction of the first phase but not the second phase where the Central Electricity Generating Board holds planning permission for a two phase project.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the earlier answer given to her today.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with the Central Electricity Generating Board in connection with the Board's forward development and construction programme regarding the relative advantages of the high temperature helium-cooled reactor and the advanced gas-cooled reactor.

Together with the Generating Board, the Atomic Energy Authority and the nuclear design and construction companies, we are examining the choice of thermal nuclear reactors for further development in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the administrative arrangements in his Department for supervising the solvency requirements imposed by the Stock Exchange on its member firms.

I have no statutory responsibility for the rules of the Stock Exchange, London.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement about recent trends in trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Our trade with the Soviet Union has been expanding in recent years and reached a record total of £322 million in 1970 but there has been no increase in the level of our exports since 1968. This gives some cause for concern.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent developments there have been in collaboration with other European countries on nuclear energy matters.

No special developments have taken place. Satisfactory progress is being made with the establishment of the tripartite centrifuge companies and with the Euratom negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a further statement on the Linesman Mediator and its contribution in reducing air traffic congestion.

The Mediator system is operating satisfactorily and further improvements are planned. Since the initial period there have been no serious delays attributable to Mediator, although the London Air Traffic Control Centre handled 20 per cent. more traffic last March than it did in March, 1970. We have every hope of maintaining that record through the peak summer period so far as delays under our own control are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has assessed the consequences of Great Britain's trade with the developing countries of the decision by the European Economic Community to introduce a generalised preference scheme in favour of the developing countries on 1st July this year.

The generalised preference schemes of the European Economic Community and of other O.E.C.D. countries are intended to increase trade with developing countries, which should benefit the developed countries including the United Kingdom. The agreed aim is to bring all the schemes into effect during this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that the exclusion of Queensland, Australia, from any agreement on sugar negotiated with the European Economic Community would have serious consequences for the world free market price for sugar; and if he will seek in the European Economic Community negotiations to secure separate arrangements.

My right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on 22nd April that we have put proposals to the Community on the treatment of Australian sugar during the transitional period. These proposals take account of the world market situation and other factors appropriate to this particular case.—[Vol. 815, c. 433.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of textile goods imported into the United Kingdom from the present Common Market countries in the last two years for which figures are available; and what increase is anticipated if Great Britain joins the Common Market.

Figures are published in Volume II of the Annual Statement of Trade for 1969 and in the December, 1970, issue of Overseas Trade Statistics. I should prefer not to venture a forecast of the effect of joining the Common Market on imports of textile goods.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further statement he will now make concerning the British motor vehicles' industry, prospective increases in exports and relaxation of hire purchase restrictions to stimulate home trade for motor vehicles with consequential stabilisation of costs and prices.

I have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member on 8th March, 1971, about home demand and exports. The total domestic demand for cans is at present reasonably buoyant.—[Vol. 813, c. 1–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from Edinburgh Town Council following his decision to grant intermediate area status to the employment exchange areas of Edinburgh and Portobello.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the report of his inquiry into the crash of the Dan-air Comet at Barcelona on 3rd July, 1970.

This is not our inquiry. By international agreement, accident investigations rest with the State where the accident occurs—in this case Spain. The Chief Inspector of Accidents has been informed that their report should be in the hands of the Spanish Air Minister very shortly and that representatives of the Accidents Investigation Branch will he invited to Madrid before the end of the month to discuss it with the Spanish authorities, who are already aware that we wish to publish it here.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Scottish firms were awarded the Queen's Award to Industry in the years 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970; and if he will make a statement.

Ten, seven, four, six and three, respectively. There is no quota of awards for any particular area. Each application is considered on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a table showing by main categories the level of tariffs against British exports today under the European Economic Community's Common External Tariff, and the level at which they will stand after the full implementation on 1st January, 1972, of the reductions following the Kennedy Round of negotiations.

A copy of the Common External Tariff of the Community is available in the Library. This shows in detail the level of duties on British exports both before and after 1st January, 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many airmiss reports have been received by his Department since 1st January of this year; and if he will indicate their location.

Forty-four reports of airmisses involving civil aircraft in United Kingdom airspace have been received since 1st February, 1971. Two of the reported incidents were over Scotland, one over Wales, two over the sea and the remainder widely scattered over England.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his intention, in view of the rising unemployment in the Northern Region, to introduce a winter work programme this year; and if he will make a statement about the size of such a programme.

I have been asked to reply.The Government are keeping under close watch the employment situation and outlook in the development areas, including the position of the construction industry.

asked the Secretary for State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for re-locating Government offices in the North East to alleviate the problem of rising unemployment in the region.

I have been asked to reply.I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Pentland) on 22nd February. The review is under way, but it is too early to say which areas will be chosen for any dispersal resulting from it.—[Vol. 812, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with the present working of the BS 9000 system of quality assurance and inspection for electronic equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The BS 9000 Scheme for electronic components is being implemented by the British Standards Institution, with Government support, and is making good progress.The administrative framework of the Scheme is complete and is working well. So far, 42 manufacturers, 13 distributors and eight test laboratories have been approved and about another 50 firms have applied for approval.The Scheme is already being used wherever practicable for defence procurement and for procurement by several of the nationalised industries. Government specifications for electronic components are progressively being withdrawn as specifications issued under the BS 9000 Scheme become available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the officially approved trade missions that have had to postpone their visits abroad because of the reduction in financial aid to be given by his Department during 1971.

None of the missions that have received formal approval from B.N.E.C. by 7th April, when the announcement about the new arrangements was made, have had to be postponed. A number of sponsoring bodies, who have been in touch with B.N.E.C. about missions during 1971, have been asked to defer their proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many inquiries have been received from industrialists concerning the possibility of their establishing a factory in the Gunnislake district of the area covered by the Plymouth exchange area since it was given intermediate area status; and how many of these possible projects needed an industrial development certificate.

None so far, but the Department's officers are continuing to draw the attention of industrialists to suitable sites in the Gunnislake district.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to make it incumbent on supermarkets to provide cloakroom and locker facilities for their customers, in order to reduce the danger of people inadvertently putting merchandise in their own receptacles, rather than in the trolleys provided.

I think the decision whether to provide such facilities is best left to the commercial judgment of individual companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish a White Paper setting out the scientific data relating to smoke emission and noise caused by supersonic flight.

The available evidence does not suggest that smoke emission is at all likely to present environmental problems since Concorde's engines will in service emit considerably less smoke than many existing subsonic types. As to the noise, I have nothing to add to what I have already told the House on previous occasions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what orders were gained by Scottish trade missions in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970; and what is his future policy concerning these trade missions.

It is impossible to put a precise figure on orders gained by Scottish trade missions in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970. I expect such missions to continue, but on a more selective basis, to enable the overall cost to be contained within the proposed financial provision.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made in the industrial application of the super-conducting electric motor developed at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, under the sponsorship of the National Research Development Corporation.

Last month, this motor successfully completed its first run at full power at Fawley power station, Southampton, where it is still in service. Other applications at home and abroad are being considered by N.R.D.C. with the International Research and Development Company Limited who developed the motor.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement about the renegotiation of the RB211 contract with Lockheed Aviation.

I would refer to the statement I made this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent his assessment of the performance of the RB.211 engine coincides with that given by Mr. John Connally, Secretary to the Treasury, in evidence to the United States Senate, a copy of which evidence is in his possession.

I agree with Mr. Connally's assessment, although the RB.211 will come into service later than its competitors.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the reasons why it took his Department 10 minutes to reply to a telephone call at 3.15 p.m. on Friday, 30th April, 1971; and whether he will take action to ensure that such calls are acknowledged in periods less than 10 to 15 minutes.

I am sorry about this delay. The switchboard has been overloaded but the work of extending it is virtually completed and I expect the service to improve.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of his official engagements for Saturday, 5th June, 1971.

It is not the practice to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions he has received requests for action under the Companies Act concerning Three Ways Nurseries Limited, Hartley Baird Limited, Hide Brown Limited, Equitable Industrial Scotland Limited, De Vies Industrial Diamonds, Daws Limited and Mins Limited; and what action he took in each instance.

It is not possible without an undue expenditure of time to provide the information asked for in the first part of the Question. We are still pressing Three Ways Nurseries Limited for their 1969 accounts. The Hartley Baird Limited matter is again under consideration by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. Equitable Industrial Company of Scotland Limited and Hide & Co. Limited were the subject of inquiries by inspectors. The report on Hide & Co. Limited was published. Winding-up Orders were made against De Vries Industrial Diamonds Limited, Daws Limited and Mias (Holdings) Limited and their affairs were investigated by the Official Receiver.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what grounds he considered an application for investigation into Dollar Land Holdings was vexatious; and whether he will make a statement.

On the ground that the matters specified in the application, which was made under Section 172 of the Companies Act, 1948, had no relevance to the purpose of the Section.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what investigations he has made of the effects of aircraft noise on the health of the community living under the glidepath to London Airport (Heathrow).

No country has yet carried out the sort of long-term study which, in the absence of any conclusive evidence so far, would alone show if aircraft noise affected health. I am considering a proposal for such a study which the International Civil Aviation Organisation has recommended.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he proposes to take to ensure that after the winding-up of the Textile Council the Shirley Institute is in receipt of adequate funds to enable it to carry on its work.

The Shirley Institute's future lies in the hands of the textile companies. I understand that it is examining the question urgently.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the report of the inspector into the affairs of Pinnock Finance (Great Britain).

No. The liquidators of Pinnock Finance Company (Great Britain) Limited and of its associated companies are considering the question of civil proceedings. As for criminal proceedings this is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he publishes the White Paper on Metrication, if he will tabulate those industries and activities which have now adopted metric units and standards in which to reverse the transition would be to increase costs and cause confusion; and if he will indicate those areas where the transition can be slowed down and old units retained without causing added costs and confusion.

No, this would not be practicable, but much of the information my hon. Friend seeks on the rate of progress of different industries can be found in the recently published Report of the Metrication Board. The White Paper will give the Government's policy in regard to metrication.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he now expects to publish the White Paper on Metrication.

I cannot yet give a firm date but I hope to be able to publish it soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what date his Department first became aware that the Tulketh Group was in serious financial difficulties;(2) on what date his Department first became aware that the Phoenix Assurance Company Limited was interested in obtaining control of the Bradford and Pennine Insurance Company;

In matters of this kind no useful purpose is normally served by publishing an analysis of information reaching my Department, some of which must in any case be treated as confidential. I do not regard this case as an exception to that general principle.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps were taken by his Department to preserve the employment of the employees of the Tulketh Group prior to the appointment of a receiver.

The wool industry has been undergoing a process of rationalisation necessary to meet changing trading conditions. The process was foreseen by the Wool Textile E.D.C. and has not yet run its course. It would be contrary to Government policy and a disservice to the industry, which has a substantial future, to seek to intervene in this rationalisation process.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to limit the spread of unemployment in the Yorkshire region, following the decision to appoint a receiver for the Tulketh Group and other closures.

The Yorkshire region, including the wool textile industry, will benefit from the general economic measures which the Government has announced. As to any special help for the wool textile industry, I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry to the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Lomas), on 30th November last.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, and to what extent, his Department keeps a check on the financial situation of non-insurance companies within commercial groups which include one or more insurance companies.

In exercising supervision over insurance companies carrying on insurance business in Great Britain, all relevant factors are so far as possible taken into account. If it appeared that the affairs of an insurance company were likely to be adversely affected by the financial situation of a parent or fellow subsidiary this would be taken into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new firms have been established in Mid-Wales since June, 1970; and how this figure compares with the total for the last five years.

Three new factories are known to have opened in the five Mid-Wales counties since June 1970 and another is expected to open shortly. In the period 1st January, 1966, to 30th June, 1970, the number was 35.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what in his latest estimate of the number of new jobs which will be created in Cardiganshire in the next five years.

I know of no new jobs in prospect in manufacturing industry at the present time but cannot speculate about the future nor have I information about other sectors. My Department will of course continue to bring the financial incentives available in Cardiganshire to the attention of suitable firms.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total tonnage and value of imported coal from South Africa since the lifting of the ban, 12th November, 1970, to 31st March, 1971.

3,000 tons valued at £57,000 for the period December, 1970, the month in which the restrictions were removed, to March, 1971. inclusive.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in light of the conditional and permissive character of the provisions of regional policy contained in Article 92(3) of the Treaty of Rome, he will seek an explicit declaration by the Six, prior to British entry, about their future intentions in this field.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking in negotiations with the European Economic Community to ensure the continuance of the International Sugar Agreement in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.

The continuation of the International Sugar Agreement of 1968 does not depend upon Britain's negotiations with the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to have the response from the European Economic Community on his proposals for some form of continuing arrangements, subject to review, so far as New Zealand's exports of dairy products are concerned; and whether he will publish this reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

We hope the Community will be in a position to reply in the near future. The details must remain confidential during the negotiations but I shall keep the House informed of developments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will explain in more detail the type of sheepmeat regulation affecting exports of lamb, which would be unfavourable to New Zealand, and which would necessitate him reopening the matter with the countries of the Six.

We have consistently emphasised to the Community the ex- treme dependence of New Zealand on her exports of certain products, including lamb. I do not think it would be useful to speculate in detail on a future regulation. If, however, the Community proposed to introduce a regulation which would inflict serious damage on New Zealand exports of lamb to an enlarged Community, this would have to be raised with them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement giving full details as to how Parliament will continue to exercise Sovereign powers in most areas of policy, except those delegated to European institutions on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; on what basis of Parliamentary consent these delegated powers to European institutions will be arranged; and whether British Members of Parliament will have the right to participate in the day-to-day work of all of these European institutions.

If we enter the European Economic Community, Parliament will, in most areas of policy, continue to exercise its powers in the same way as it does today.After our accession it would be open to our Parliament, as it is to the Parliaments of other member States, to debate, before their enactment, those Community instruments to be submitted by the Commission to the Council of Ministers for approval. We shall be represented in all the Community institutions, including the European Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to hold an official meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand so as to discuss with him the results of recent meetings between him and the governments of the European Economic Community countries, in particular France.

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have immediate plans to do so. The position was discussed in full with Sir Keith Holyoake during his recent visit to London and the process of consultation with the New Zealand authorities will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give for the longest convenient period of time up to 8th May 1971, the number of letters and cards sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, forwarded from his constituents, in support of and against Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and what action he proposes to take to satisfy the requests made by the hon. Members' constituents.

The hon. Gentleman has sent me over 300 letters and cards in the last month. The contents of all of them have been noted and replies have been or will be sent to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for the longest convenient stated period of time what was the number of letters, postcards and other communications received by him supporting and opposing Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and whether he will give details of the number in each category.

In March and April, I received between 200 and 250 written communications from members of the public about Britain's entry into the European Community. Some of these were in favour of entry, some were against and some were straightforward requests for information. It would not be possible to put them into precise categories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent he estimates the worsening of the economic situation in the countries of the Six during the current year will adversely affect Great Britain's economy on any known terms of entry into the European Economic Community.

There is no reason to suppose that the changes in the economic situation in the Six, which are not particular to the Six and are not necessarily more than temporary in character, will adversely affect the United Kingdom if we join the European Economic Community on satisfactory terms.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, as the Commission of the European Communities have had draft directives on non-life insurance in preparation since 1966, what action Her Majesty's Government have taken, or intend taking, to reach a settlement of this question before agreeing to enter the European Economic Community.

We have looked at various versions of the draft directives on non-life insurance since 1966 and have made our views about them known to the Community. As they are still in draft form, and we do not yet know what the substance of the final versions will be, we are not at present in a position to take this matter further with the Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what technical assistance his Department gave to the Government of India to enable them to proceed in the planning and construction of two fertiliser factories to produce nitrogen fertilisers from coal.

None. No request for such assistance has been received from the Indian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will state the average difference between the education allowances for boarding education for children of members of the Foreign Service and Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service, respectively, over each of the last nine years;(2) what action he proposes to bring education allowances for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service up to the real value of 1961 allowances, since which date boarding school fees have risen by 200 per cent.

The Government is now reviewing the rates of education allowance for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service, among others. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the information for the nine years 1961–70 for which my hon. Friend has asked. Published statistics show that fees roughly doubled in those nine years.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total staff of, respectively, the European Economic Commission, including the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, the European Free Trade Association headquarters and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The 1971 European Economic Community budget provides for 5,123 personnel for the Commission of the Community. The figures for the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament are 556 and 520, respectively. The staff

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that the European Movement is currently running a national Press publicity campaign in favour of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, stating that the cost is being met by funds raised by supporters of the European Movement; and, as Her Majesty's Government are making a £7,000 per annum grant-in-aid to this organisation, if he will insist that this information is published on all of their propaganda as a condition of receiving Government financial support.

No. The purposes for which the Grant-in-Aid to the European Movement is made are as published in the Supply Estimates 1971–72 and as I stated in reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) on 16th November, 1970. Further publication concerning the Grant-in-Aid, as suggested by the hon. Member, is not necessary, and would indeed be irregular.—[Vol. 806, c. 833–4.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conclusions the Government have reached on the United States of America's proposals for an international regime for the area of the sea bed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Sea Bed.

We have examined the United States proposals put forward as a draft Convention in August, 1970, and have decided that we can support the concepts of a 200-metre depth limit to national jurisdiction and a trusteeship area, within which coastal States would have certain entrenched rights by international agreement. However, much detailed work remains to be done, and it is too early in the Committee's work to say what decision will eventually emerge. We consider it important that the eventual solution should be acceptable to the international community as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of all primary and secondary schools built before 1903, grouped in their local education authority areas, as reported in the 1962 survey and in the most recent survey.

The latest comprehensive survey was in 1962. At that time, 1,327 primary and 128 secondary schools in Wales occupied main buildings built before 1903. Since 1962, a number of these schools have been closed, replaced or modernised. The 1962 list no longer reflects the present situation. Its publication in the OFFICIAL REPORT Would not therefore serve a useful purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of outbreaks in Wales and in Flintshire of fowl pest in the recent outbreak to date; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.There have been 88 outbreaks of fowl pest in Wales since 26th October, 1970, and 17 of these were in Flintshire. By comparison with many other areas, therefore, the Principality has remained relatively free of disease. If this is to be maintained, it is essential that vaccination should be undertaken on the widest possible scale.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish the Report on Government Activities in Wales; and whether he will make a statement.

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to my reply on 8th February to a Question by the hon. Member for Barry (Mr. Gower).—[Vol. 811, c. 80.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses were completed in the first quarter of 1971; how many were under construction; how many new starts were made; and how these figures compare with the previous four quarters.

In the first quarter of 1971, 3,682 houses were completed; 16,138 were under construction; and 3,211 new starts were made. The comparable figures for the previous four quarters are:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what building development he expects to take place at Aberystwyth Hospital within the next five years.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 2nd December, 1970. Current plans include new staff residential accommodation at Bronglais Hospital, the building of which has already started, and an extension to the X-ray department.—[Vol. 807, c. 414.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what increase or decrease there was in the number of persons employed in agriculture and forestry in Wales in 1970.

It is estimated that the numbers of persons, excluding employers and self-employed, in employment in agriculture, horticulture and forestry in Wales fell by about 1,000 from 13,500 in June, 1969, to 12,500 in June, 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on office development permits in Dartford.

My right hon. Friend is prepared to issue office development permits in Dartford in suitable cases in accordance with the policy, which he announced on 7th December last, of seeking to encourage dispersal from London of office activities which can be equally effectively carried out elsewhere in the region, and channelling the growth to areas capable of sustaining it.—[Vol. 808, c. 44–5.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total expenditure to date on grants for the reclamation of derelict land; and what is now the estimated expenditure in the coming year.

Derelict land grants to local authorities in England since 1960 amount to £2,895,796. Grants during 1971–72 should exceed the £1,384,025 paid during 1970–71.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to which new industrial processes he proposes to apply the Alkali Acts.

The draft Order to which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State referred in his answer of 10th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet) relates to primary aluminium smelting, petroleum, mineral, di-isocyanates and acrylates works. I have now completed my consideration of the Inspector's report of the public inquiry and shall be announcing my decision shortly.—[Vol. 811; c. 169.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses have been built by the London Borough of Richmond in the Twickenham area during each of the years 1968–70.

The hon. Member should apply for this information to the London Borough of Richmond. The published statistics do not show separate details for the Twickenham area of the Borough.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals have been submitted to his Department by the London Borough of Richmond for local authority housing in the Twickenham area for each of the next five years.

No specific programme for the Twickenham area has been submitted by the London Borough of Richmond for the next five years.

asked the Seretary of State for the Environment (1) how many three, four, and five bedroom houses the Huddersfield Corporation has built in each year from 1964 to the latest available date;(2) how many council houses have been built by the Huddersfield local authority since 1960 to the latest available date; and if he will show the number of bedrooms available in each completion.

During the years 1961 to 1970, 2,210 houses and flats were completed for the authority; of these, 2,055 had one bedroom, 102 two bedrooms and 53 three bedrooms. Of the three-bedroom dwellings, 12 were completed in 1966, one in 1967 and four in 1969; no other dwellings with three or more bedrooms were completed in the years 1964 to 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses at the latest available date in Huddersfield do not have an inside toilet and/or a bath; and what action he is recommending should be taken to alleviate the position.

The latest available information about lack of these amenities is published in the 1966 Sample Census Report for Yorkshire (West Riding). As the hon. Member will know substantial grants are available towards the costs of improving houses in these and other ways. The Council are to hold a local "house improvement month" starting on 7th June to encourage more owners to take advantage of this assistance. I have accepted an invitation to visit Huddersfield during the course of this local campaign.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information his Department has received from the Greater London Council in its submission of the Greater London Develop- ment Plan of the number of properties with an estimated life of less than 15 years, and the number of properties with a longer estimated life which are substandard and in need of modernisation and improvement.

Information on these points, together with other relevant information about housing and population is contained in Section 3 of the Statement and Chapter 2 of the Report of Studies on the G.L.D.P. which has been submitted to the Secretary of State.