asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff in his Department are involved in computer projects, and what training have they been given.

There are 10 officers engaged in studying the feasibility of installing a computer in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They are receiving a balanced training within and outside of the Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he now has to discuss with the Governments of the other applicant countries the common fisheries policy of the European Economic Community.

I have no present plan for formal discussions but Her Majesty's Government take a close interest in the attitudes of other applicant countries and have had contacts with them about matters of common interest arising from the common fisheries policy of the European Economic Community generally.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the current monetary difficulties amongst the Six, he will withdraw the United Kingdom's application to join the European Economic Community.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why, in the light of the conditional and permissive character of the provisions for regional policy contained in Article 92(3) of the Treaty of Rome, he will not seek an explicit declaration by the Six, prior to British entry, about their future intentions in this field.

Regional policy has not yet been developed far on a Community basis. A wide range of regional aid policies are implemented by governments of the Six and Her Majesty's Government have no reason to expect that their regional aid policies will encounter any fundamental difficulties arising from Article 92(3) of the Treaty of Rome.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest proposals for sugar by the European Economic Community Commission; what representation he has received from the Commonwealth sugar-producing countries arising from them; and what reply he has given.

I shall be covering fully the Community proposals on sugar from the developing Commonwealth in my statement later this afternoon. As I have explained to the Community I look forward to consultations with governments of Commonwealth sugar-producing countries to, obtain their reactions to these proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will take steps, in negotiations with the European Economic Community, to ensure that no discriminatory restrictions are imposed, under Articles 48 to 66 of the Treaty of Rome, on the freedom of movement within the Community of persons having British nationality, and already established in the United Kingdom, on the ground of their racial or national origin;(2) if he will take steps, in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, to ensure that no discriminatory restrictions are imposed, under Articles 48 to 66 of the Treaty of Rome, on the freedom of movement within the Community of Commonwealth citizens, who may become entitled to establishment in the United Kingdom under present or future United Kingdom legislation, on the ground of their racial or national origin.

The categories of British national who may benefit from the provisions of the Treaty of Rome referred to are the subject of discussions with the Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding acceptance after the end of the transitional period of the European Economic Community system for financial contributions to the Community Budget.

Her Majesty's Government accept the financial system of the Community. The size of Her Majesty's Government's contribution to the Community budget after the end of the transitional period remains a matter for negotiation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations for Great Britain to join the European Economic Community.

I shall be making a statement on last week's negotiating meetings in Brussels later today.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the New Zealand Government regarding the terms offered for New Zealand produce in the recent meeting at Brussels.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the New Zealand Government about the recent European Economic Community proposals for the treatment of New Zealand dairy products in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.

The Community has not made any proposal to us on the treatment of New Zealand products. Her Majesty's Government maintain the closest consultation with the New Zealand Government about the negotiations for entry into the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals have been made for associate membership of the European Economic Community for Sweden and Finland, if Great Britain should join the European Economic Community.

Both Finland and Sweden, like other E.F.T.A. members who are not applicants for membership of the European Economic Community, are holding talks with the Community with a view to some form of arrangement with the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the role of sterling was discussed at the most recent meeting in Brussels on Great Britain's proposed entry to the European Economic Community.

I made a statement at the meeting on 12th May, but there was no discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the European Economic Community countries and the Commonwealth concerning the registration of immigrants pursuant to the requirements of the Immigration Bill; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions with the European Economic Community on the implementation of detailed aspects of Community provisions on the freedom of movement of persons are in progress. Community legislation allows Member States considerable latitude in deciding procedures for the registration of persons exercising rights of freedom of movement under the Treaty of Rome. There have not been consultations with the Commonwealth on these provisions of the Immigration Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to achieve for Jamaica in addition to the Windward Islands, European Economic Community Associated Territory status.

The question of association for Jamaica and a number of the independent Commonwealth countries was discussed in the negotiations in Brussels last week and will be referred to in my statement to the House later this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the authentic English text of the Treaty of Rome will be available to the public.

The authentic English text of the Treaty of Rome will be available to the public shortly. An informal translation of the Treaty of Rome prepared by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been available through Her Majesty's Stationery Office since 1962.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will arrange to hold a public meeting in Westminster on Saturday, 5th June, 1971, to explain the Government's policies in relation to entering the European Economic Community, in the light of the Ministerial meeting in Brussels between 11th and 14th May.

No, but Her Majesty's Government will continue to keep the House, and through it the Press and public, fully informed about their policy on entry into the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for increasing the information available to members of the public on the economic and political consequences of entry into the European Economic Community.

The Government are issuing a series of factual broadsheets, known as factsheets, about the European Communities, about Britain's negotiations for entry, and about the implications for Britain if we join. Four of these have been issued and 10 more are planned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the future of low-interest loans to developing countries of the Commonwealth should the United Kingdom join the European Economic Community, in the light of the latest negotiations.

There is no common E.E.C. policy on the terms of aid and our entry into the Community should not in itself affect the terms of aid loans to these countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Commonwealth sugar-producing countries about additional aid to encourage diversification of their agricultural industries.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy, in the event of Communist China being admitted to the United Nations, to her having a place on the Security Council.

Her Majesty's Government consider that the Government of the People's Republic of China should represent China in all organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he gave to the British Council in connection with the appointment of the new Chairman of the British Council; and what are the total emoluments of that office.

Before the Executive Committee of the British Council made this appointment they were informed of my right hon. Friend's approval of the choice of Sir Leslie Rowan, as required by Byelaw No. 20 of the Schedule to the Council's Charter. The Chairman receives an annual honorarium of£1,000 and also entertainment and travelling expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the present state of public support for entry into the Common Market in both the United Kingdom and Denmark were discussed during his meetings with his European Free Trade Association associates in Reykjavik.

These subjects were not formally discussed at the meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official visits he proposes to make to the Commonwealth in 1971.

I am considering my programme of visits for the rest of this year and for 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has now had with African Commonwealth States about the resumption of negotiations with the Smith regime in Rhodesia.

None. All Commonwealth leaders were informed before and at the Singapore Conference that we are seeking to establish whether a basis can be found for negotiations under the Five Principles.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on further developments in the proposed supply of arms from Great Britain to South Africa.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for York (Mr. Alexander W. Lyon) earlier this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he discussed recent changes in the currency parities of Austria and Switzerland with their ministerial representatives at the recent European Free Trade Association conference in Reykjavik.

These matters were not formally discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest position regarding the draft international convention to prevent the hijacking of aircraft.

The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft was concluded on 16th December, 1970. It has so far been signed by nearly 60 countries and ratified by one. It will come into force when it has been ratified by 10 signatories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the total number of outbreaks of fire, domestic and other, which have occurred in Hong Kong since 1st January, 1971, to the nearest convenient date, and the number of people injured, rendered homeless, or killed as a result; and what improved methods of preventing such outbreaks have been adopted.

Between 1st January and 14th May, 1971, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department recorded 2,782 fires of all types. Of these approximately 531 were domestic. Altogether 159 persons were injured, 32 were killed and 4,120 were rendered homeless.Improvements to fire prevention methods recently introduced include an improved procedure for the enforcement of legislation for the abatement of fire hazards, improved methods of publicising fire prevention knowledge, and the extension of the installation of systems for early detection of fire.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will obtain from the Secretary-General of the United Nations an estimate of the number of people employed in trying to enforce Resolution No. 253 of the Security Council of 1968 initiating mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia.

The implementation of Security Council Resolution No. 253 is the responsibility of all members of the United Nations. An estimate of this kind would involve an inquiry of all of them, which is not thought to be practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the names of the 26 members of the United Nations, other than South Africa, and the four specialised agencies which, up till 6th June, 1969, had failed to reply to any communication of the Secretary-General of the United Nations requesting information on measures taken to implement Security Council Resolution No. 253 of 1968 as stated in the Third Report of the Committee established in pursuance of the Resolution dated 15th June, 1970.

The 26 Members of the United Nations who had not replied up till 15th June, 1970 to the Secretary-General's communications regarding implementation of Security Council Resolution No. 253 were as follows:

Afghanistan, Barbados, Bolivia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Ceylon, Chad, Dominican Republic. El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia. Guinea. Guyana, Honduras, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia. Mauritania, People's Republic of the Congo, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Southern Yemen, Uruguay, Yemen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he supports for freeing the Suez Canal for shipping of all nations, as a step towards a peace settlement in the Middle East.

We are prepared to support any arrangement for opening the Suez Canal that appears to be soundly based and that can be agreed between the parties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, since 26th April, 1971, he has arranged any official engagements for Saturday, 5th June, 1971; and whether he will give details of same.

I have nothing to add to my earlier answer. Should I undertake any official engagements they will be announced in accordance with my normal practice.—[Vol. 816. c. 15.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the safety of British subjects in Ceylon.

We have had no reports of injury to United Kingdom Nationals other than the unfortunate incident referred to in my reply to a Private Notice Question in the House on 26th April.—[Vol. 816, c. 33–4.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to sanction the commencement of the dual carriageway from Sealand to Shot-wick, A55; what is the estimated cost of this dualling; and what is the estimated completion date.

It is too soon yet to forecast a starting date for this scheme. The estimated cost of the work is£1 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the proposed commencement date, estimated cost and length of the proposed dual carriageway on the A548 at Connahs Quay, Kelaterton.

I understand that work started last month. The scheme will cost approximately£94,000 and provide 0·63 miles of dual carriageway.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to announce his decision on the choice of a gypsy site for Swansea.

I hope to announce my decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the number of pupils on roll and number of school meals taken in schools under the West Glamorgan Education Authority on the last available date this month compared with the same period in 1970.

Numbers for the West Glamorgan Divisional Executive are:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the new roundabout at the junction of the A4048 and A4072, Pontllanfraith, Monmouthshire, to be completed.

I understand from Monmouthshire County Council, which is the responsible highway authority, that work on this scheme is expected to be completed by August next.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the ratio of general medical practitioners to patients in Wales and the Mynyddislwyn Urban District Council area, respectively.

At 1st October, 1970, the latest date for which firm figures are available for the whole of Wales, the ratio of general medical practitioners to patients in Wales was 1:2,192 and for the Mynyddislwyn U.D.C. area was then estimated to be 1: 2,590. The resignation of a doctor recently has currently increased the number of patients per doctor there.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many laboratories in South Wales are equipped to carry out estimation of heavy metal atmospheric contamination.

It is not clear whether the hon. Member is referring to chemical analysis or to the collection of samples and I am writing to the hon. Member about this.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what communication his Department has received from Magor and St. Mellons Rural District Council on the subject of heavy metal contamination; and what reply has been sent.

The Medical Officer of Health of Magor and St. Mellons Rural District Council has been in touch with my Department on this subject. I am writing to the hon. Member about it.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action has been taken by his Department to combat the high incidence of bronchitis in children in South Wales as reported in the British Medical Journal, a copy of which has been sent to him.

We do not yet have reliable evidence upon which to base special action to combat this disease but in the meantime I am satisfied that the medical services available in South Wales are adequate to provide the necessary treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications were made to his Department in 1970–71 for assistance with discretionary and other home improvement grants by the Bedwellty, Mynyddislwyn, Risca and Bedwas and Machen urban district councils, respectively.

The following tables show the number of local authority dwellings for which Exchequer assistance was approved and the number of other dwellings for which grants were paid by the named authorities during 1970 and 1971 to the latest date for which figures are available.Approval for Exchequer assistance towards the improvement of local

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how it is proposed to promote factory development by private enterprise in Llantrisant New Town; and in what way this will differ from present methods used in Wales.

The establishment of a new town in this area served by a development corporation will be an important stimulus to industrial development by private enterprise.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when it is anticipated that the New Town Corporation for Llantrisant will be set up; and when he proposes to name its membership.

This will depend on the progress made in the designation of the new town area, a statutory process which involves consultation with local authorities and other interests and arrangements for a public inquiry into objections.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish his study dealing with continuing dereliction in Wales.

The study of means of improving information about dereliction has been commenced but it is bound to be a lengthy process involving a series of discussions with local planning authorities. The result cannot be expected for a considerable time.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations and reports he has now received from municipal bus undertakings regarding establishment of a passenger transport authority in South-East Wales.

I informed the House on 1st February of my decision not to establish a passenger transport authority in South-East Wales. The Area Association of Public Passenger Transport Operators, representing the nine municipal bus undertakings in South-East Wales, has subsequently conveyed to me the strong desire of the municipal operators in the area to retain local control of their undertakings.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for encouraging members of the public in Wales to make greater use of the Welsh language versions of official forms.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynoro Jones) on 3rd March, 1971, The information film is being made. The list of forms is at an advanced stage of editing in preparation for printing and distribution to libraries.—[Vol. 812, c. c. 491–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what use is at present made by the general public in Wales of the Welsh versions of official forms.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 7th December 1970.I regret that I have no more recent information from the various Departments, but I have no reason to think that the position has significantly changed. —[Vol. 808, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will discuss with the Eire Minister of Agriculture problems which will be common to both Eire and Wales in the event of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland entering the European Economic Community.

I have no plans for such discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new industries and jobs were provided in Hartlepool between 1964 and 1970; and what are the equivalent figures for the area since it became a special development area.

79 industrial development certificates, which were estimated by the companies concerned to provide nearly 7,400 additional jobs when the projects are complete and fully manned, were issued in the Hartlepools Group of Employment Exchange Areas. One certificate has been issued since the area became a special development area. I regret that I cannot disclose details of individual cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will ask the European Free Trade Association Council to initiate a full and detailed investigation into the trading practices of the Scandinavian pulp and paper manufacturers and paper producers in the United Kingdom market.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will request the European Free Trade Association Council to initiate a full and detailed investigation into the trading practices of the Scandinavian pulp and paper producers in the United Kingdom market.

I took the opportunity of the E.F.T.A. Ministerial meeting last week to discuss this matter with Ministers of the countries concerned. We have agreed that there should be bilateral discussions in the first instance. I very much hope that these discussions will result in a satisfactory solution but if they do not I will consider initiating action by the E.F.T.A. Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the unfair trading advantage conferred upon Scandinavian paper and pulp producers by subsidised fuel costs; and what steps he has taken to investigate such matters.

I have received no such representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) by what amounts, and by what percentages, the prices of mechanical pulp and chemical pulp imported from Scandinavia have increased since 1967;(2) by what amount, and by what percentage, the price of newsprint and other finished paper imported from Scandinavia has increased since 1967.

Information is not available in the form requested but figures are given below showing, for selected items, the increases in the average value per ton as recorded in the Overseas Trade Statistics. Average values are not true prices and may be influenced by changes in the quality of goods imported and other factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the United Kingdom consumption of paper and board was imported in 1960 and 1970 respectively.

About 29 per cent. and 37 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the coverage of the proposed tariff on cotton textiles from the Commonwealth Preference Area due to come into effect on 1st January, 1972.

Broadly speaking, our intention is to impose the new duties, generally at 85 per cent. of the mfn rates, on those goods which are now subject to quota restrictions when imported from certain countries. I hope to publish details of the proposed tariff subheadings in Trade and Industry next month and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why his Department has required payment of£92·40 instead of£15·40 previously per half year for a passenger certificate for "Gaiety", a craft of 22 tons, and 144 passenger capacity, plying on the River Avon in smooth waters in daylight, except when the river is in flood, from Evesham to Fladbury; whether he is raising charges by 500 per cent. generally in this trade; and whether he will make a statement.

The increase results from a revision of the Department's marine survey fees on 1st May. These fees, which previously were intended to recover 50 per cent. of the cost of providing the surveys but were failing to do so, have been increased so as to recover the full cost in accordance with Government policy. On average they have risen by 330 per cent. but the actual increase varies for different classes of survey.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many countries other than the United Kingdom have not adopted the metric system; and which countries have indicated that they do not intend to convert, from information available from international sources.

So far as we are aware there are 14 independent states in which non-metric units are principally or exclusively used. There are also the remaining British dependent territories.So far as we are aware there is no country which has committed itself not to convert to metric units.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what countries, now using the metric system, have decided to convert into the Systeme Internationale d'Unites, from information available from international sources.

According to our information out of the 130 or so countries which employ the metric system 19 have formally adopted the International System of Units and another five are currently preparing the necessary legislation.Following are the two lists:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider delaying the proposed closure of the General Engineering Division at Short Brothers and Harland Limited pending an inquiry to ascertain whether it is viable or can be made viable.

No. This is a matter for the commercial judgment of the company's management.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the effectiveness of the incentives on the new intermediate areas announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 18th February, 1971; and if he will list by each area the number of industrial development certificates issued since the announcement and the number of inquiries about industrial expansion in these areas since that date.

It is too early to assess the effect of measures announced as recently as 18th February. Neverthe- less our records show that two idc's were approved for Bridlington and Filey in the period 1st February to 30th April. As to enquiries, while of course many are of a general nature I have been able to trace 11 specifically related to Okehampton and Tavistock, six to Oswestry and one to Edinburgh and Portobello.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made in Brussels about the possible effects on the British paper industry of associate membership of the European Economic Community for Sweden.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made in Brussels about the possible effects on the British paper industry of associate membership of the European Economic Community for Finland.

None. It is not possible at this stage to foresee the effects of the arrangements which Sweden and Finland will conclude with the European Economic Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Common Market countries scheme to allow duty-free imports on a quota basis of cotton textiles is due to commence; and if Great Britain proposes to harmonise its arrangements for this commodity by not imposing the proposed levying duty.

The E.E.C. have said they intend to introduce certain duty-free quotas for cotton textiles and other goods on 1st July. I have no changes to propose in the arrangements already announced for introducing a duty on imports into the United Kingdom of Commonwealth cotton yarn and woven cotton textiles on 1st January next, and at the same time terminating all quota restrictions on such goods.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if woodpulp imported from Canada would remain free of tariff if Great Britain should sign the Treaty of Rome.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement being made today on the subject by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the pre-

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made in consulting the trawling industry before making rules under the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act, 1970, and before taking action on Holland-Martin recommendations; and if he will make a statement.

Consultative documents which will serve as the basis for discussions with the industry on the scope of regulations to be made under the Act should be ready for issue shortly. Consultations on other recommendations of the Holland-Martin Report are already in progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the United Kingdom paper and the United Kingdom printing industry about unfair trading advantages conferred upon foreign printers, particularly of colour printing; and what steps he has taken to remedy the position.

No evidence has been sent to me to substantiate a view that unfair trading advantages are conferred upon foreign printers.

The table below shows the rates in force in the calendar year 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much the average price of finished paper in the United Kingdom market has risen since 1967.

Between the first quarters of 1967 and 1971, the wholesale price index for home market sales of coated and uncoated paper produced in the United Kingdom rose by 29 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many paper mills and machines were closed during 1970 and during the first quarter of 1971.

I have been advised of the closure of five paper mills during 1970 and five during the first quarter of 1971. The number of machines involved was seven and 19 respectively. One mill, closed in 1971, has temporarily reopened.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage the maintenance in the United Kingdom of a paper industry of approximately the same size as at the present time.

The Government's economic and industrial policies are aimed at encouraging the growth and prosperity of industry generally. The size of any individual industry must depend on the size of the markets for its products, here and overseas, and on its ability to compete.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies he has made of the potential of home-based forestry to supply pulp to the United Kingdom paper and board industry.

The review of forest policy announced on 11th May by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will take this matter into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current rate of return on capital of the United Kingdom paper and board making industry.

Precise figures are not available, but I am writing to my hon. Friend giving him such information as I have.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will remove the import tariff of 105 per cent, on airships.

If an adequate case is made out by the main United Kingdom interests concerned for removal or temporary suspension of this duty, I am willing to consider it in the usual way against the criteria laid down in the Import Duties Act, 1958.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that the supersonic boom caused by Concorde on 30th April has caused distress to many on the west coast of Britain; and whether he will now give his decision as to whether to ban regular supersonic flights by civil aircraft overland.

Nineteen complaints and 17 claims for damage have been received following Concorde's flight on 30th April. It is intended that a decision will be taken on regular civil super-sonic flights over the United Kingdom well before Concorde enters commercial service.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the areas and categories of research and development carried out by Government and United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority laboratories in each laboratory under their respective control.

The areas of activity of the Department's six Industrial Research Establishments are set out in their last Annual Reports.The principal areas of activity of each of the Atomic Energy Authority's Research and Development establishments are listed in Appendix V of the authority's last Annual Report. These cover the development of reactor systems for the generation of electricity and supporting basic and applied research, research and development on nuclear weapons on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, and a variety of nuclear and non-nuclear programmes in support of British industry.I am sending the hon. Member copies of the Annual Reports in question.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the actual cost of pleasure-boat surveys and licensing in respect of the years 1968, 1969 and 1970; and how much of this was recovered by direct charges on pleasure-boat operators.

I regret that the information sought in the first part of the Question is not available and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort.As regards the second part of the Question, the fees charged for marine surveys before 1st May, 1971, were intended overall to recover half the cost of providing the fee-earning services but were in fact recovering a substantially smaller proportion.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why licensing fees for pleasure-boats have now risen, in some cases by 600 per cent., from£22 to£134.

The fee in question is for the survey of a ship under 50 tons with a view to the issue of a passenger certificate.Marine survey fees generally have been increased so as to recover, in accordance with Government policy, the full costs of providing the fee-earning services. Previously they had been intended to recover only half these costs but, because of cost increases since they were last revised in 1967, they had been failing to do even that. The average increase needed to achieve full recovery was 330 per cent, but in accordance with our policy of ensuring that each class of survey recovers its own costs, the increase in fees for passenger ship surveys is 510 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what dates was prior notice given to pleasure-boat operators that increases in licence fees would come into effect on and after 1st May, 1971;(2) what consultations took place with the trade before the increases in pleasure-boat licence fees were imposed.

The marine survey fees apply to the shipping industry as a whole and separate consultation with every sector of the industry is impracticable. The United Kingdom Chamber of Shipping and a number of other representative national bodies were informed on 11th April, 1969, of the Department's intention to increase these fees, on a date to be announced, to levels at which they would recover the full cost of providing the fee-earning services. The effective date of 1st May, 1971, was notified to those organisations on 26th March, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will indemnify any boat-owner from prosecution in cases where the 1971 summer fares were estimated and assessed before the substantial nature of the survey and licensing fees became known and the operator publicly advertised in local guides and through other media set excursion fares which will now have to be revised in an upward direction.

No. I assume the Question relates to prosecution under the Trade Descriptions Act. Prosecutions under this Act are not generally brought by this Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the average time taken in surveying a passenger-boat in the 13 to 40 passenger category.

The time spent on the actual survey of a typical ship of this kind would average about half a day. Considerable time can be spent by surveyors in travelling to and from ships, especially in the remoter parts of the country. In order to avoid wide variations, standard fees are charged. These allow for travelling time and cost, surveyor's accommodation and associated services and a number of other items of an overhead nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it obligatory for retailers of furniture to indicate when any items of furniture are made or partly made with chip board or other wood substitute.

No. I have received no suggestion that such information would be of significant benefit to the consumer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firm inquiries for industrial development in Hartlepool he has received since investment grants were terminated by Her Majesty's Government.

Inquiries seldom specify a particular town, but Hartlepool was suggested to 15 companies seeking locations in the Northern Region.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether as a result of the recent meeting of the board of Dollar Land Company Limited convened to consider the 1969 accounts he has received information which will cause him to reconsider his decision not to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of this company.

The meeting was postponed and will, I am informed by the company, take place later this month.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will change the practice now adopted by his Department to that operated by other Departments of State so as to enable him to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of his official engagements for Saturday, 5th June, 1971.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial aid was made available to trade missions of all kinds in the years 1963, 1969 and 1970; how many missions took place in those years; what financial aid has been provided for 1971; what is the number of missions involved; and in what countries.

The Missions Scheme administered by B.N.E.C. did not come into operation until 1965. In the financial years 1969–70 and 1970–71 the financial estimates were£750,000 for each year. The money spent on trade missions of all kinds totalled£512,624 and£497,527 respectively. The numbers of missions which took place in those years were 296 and 313. The budget provision for 1971–72 is£650,000 and the projected number of missions total 117 worldwide.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he now expects to complete his review of the financial position of the British Steel Corporation.

My right hon. Friend hopes to announce his conclusions on the first phase of the Review as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the number of jobs which were expected to be created in the Pontypridd travel-to-work area in June, 1970; and what number is in prospect now;(2) what was the number of jobs expected to be created in the Llantrisant travel-to-work area in June, 1970; and what is the number in prospect at present.

At mid-May, 1971, 2,100 jobs were expected to arise over the next four years in the Ponty-pridd Group of Employment Exchange Areas, which includes Llantrisant, in authorised new industrial buildings, and industrial buildings taken over by manufacturing industry. The number at June, 1970 for the then succeeding four years was 1,500. I regret that separate figures for Llantrisant are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will take steps to change the patent law on the lines of the Australian law, a copy of which has been sent to him, so that the Comptroller-General of Patents will be enabled, in a future postal strike, to safeguard the rights of applicants whose complete patent specifications due to be filed during the strike contain developments of an invention over what is described in their provisional specification or other priority document.

As is clear from the Report of the Banks Committee, there are disadvantages in conferring powers to extend time limits. I am, however, prepared to consult the Standing Advisory Committee on Patents on the possibility of future legislation containing limited powers of this sort.During the recent postal strike the Comptroller-General of Patents took, after consultation with the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, such steps as were open to him to alleviate hardship to applicants for patents.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many letters he has received since 18th June about political bias in the British Broadcasting Corporation programmes.

194. 173 allege bias against the Conservative Party, 6 against the Labour Party, and the remainder allege bias of other sorts.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, what is his policy on the provision of local radio stations for Wales; and if he will make a statement.

The Government's plans for the future of local radio, which include the retention of the Welsh national version of Radio 4, are described in a White Paper (Cmnd. 4636).The White Paper envisages introducing local radio stations under the control of an Independent Broadcasting Authority throughout the United Kingdom; it will be primarily for the I.B.A. to decide where the new stations will be located.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications to what extent since the establishment of the Post Office Board there has been a saving in salary, staff and office expenses of his Department.

None. The Ministry and the new Post Office were both established on 1st October, 1969.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is aware that the hon. Member for West Ham, North, wrote to him on 20th and 26th April complaining of the neglect on the part of the Chairman of the Post Office Board regarding the discharge of duties; and whether he will therefore dismiss this Chairman.

The letters were about postal delays. The operation of the postal service is a matter for the Post Office Corporation. I understand it has investigated the hon. Member's complaints and has written to him. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No".

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the average scales currently adopted for educational maintenance allowances by local education authorities in England and Wales; and what are the main variations from these average regulations.

Circular 327 authorised L.E.A.s to adopt revised scales for educational maintenance allowances within limits specified in the circular. Following the passing of the Local Government Act, 1958, authorities were informed in Circular 350 that they would no longer be required to obtain approval to their arrangements for payments of these allowances, and Circular 327 was then cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes have taken place in approved scales for educational maintenance allowances payable by local education authorities since the issue of circular No. 327 on 12th July, 1957.

Information recently collected from authorities indicates that many have increased the maximum rates at which they will pay these allowances but it is not feasible to indicate an average scale or variations from such a scale because the actual rate of allowance also depends on the income scale used by the authority to assess parental need.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will seek powers to give parents the right to decide whether or not their children shall receive sex education in schools.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 1st April.—[Vol. 814, c. 417.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will arrange for the publication of a booklet for use in schools, covering the subject of sex education in simple terms based on the Christian ethic.

The Department's publications on health education already contain advice on this subject. The selection of teaching material rests with local education authorities and the schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the level of illiteracy among secondary school leavers.

"Illiteracy" cannot be exactly defined. The surveys commissioned by the Department have been in terms of the general level of reading ability of pupils aged 15, and also of pupils aged 11. The improvement in standards since 1948 is described in the Department's pamphlet "Progress in Reading". The results of the latest survey, being carried out by the National Foundation for Education Research, will be available later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total amount spent on remedial teaching in junior schools and in secondary schools, respectively.

This information is not available. Since there is no clear boundary between remedial teaching and other teaching, the expenditure could not be distinguished.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what level of demand for remedial teaching in primary and secondary schools remains unsatisfied.

The need for "remedial teaching" cannot be exactly measured, but there is a growing recognition that suitable provision for slower pupils, particularly at the secondary stage, is required.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what demand is made by each nursery class opened on the rate support grant.

Information is not available in this form. The totals of relevant expenditure on education taken into account for the rate support grant settlement for 1971–73 provided for the expected growth of expenditure on nursery education but this was calculated by reference to overall numbers, not additional classes.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies are being carried out by her Department on the special needs for nursery education of children living in tall flats and in rural areas.

My right hon. Friend is aware of these needs. The Department of the Environment hopes to issue before the end of the year a design bulletin about play spaces and other facilities which should be provided for children in both new and existing housing areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice she will be giving to local education authorities about the future expansion of nursery education, in view of the need for nursery education to be part of the state system.

As the hon. Lady is aware, our first priority for the present is the improvement of primary schools for children of compulsory school age. Later I hope that we shall be able to turn to the needs of nursery education, which will continue to benefit from the urban programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries to report on the question of the display of pictures belonging to national collections but not on public view.

My noble Friend expects the advice of the Standing Commission shortly.