asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have the pedestrian crossing in the Motherwell Road, Bellshill, resited; and if he will give permission for a footbridge to be constructed.

It is for Lanarkshire County Council to decide whether this crossing should be resited, and whether it wishes to construct a footbridge.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reconsidered forestry policy in Scotland in the light of increasing imports of wood and wood products; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend received yesterday from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage co-operate organisations particularly in agriculture and fishing with a view to our entry into the Common Market.

The Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation, the Herring Industry Board and the White Fish Authority give financial assistance to these organisations. The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, which also promotes co-operation, is grant-aided by my right hon. Friend's Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officials of the Department of Fisheries for Scotland are permanently or temporarily attached to the British negotiating team in Brussels.

None is attached permanently, but officials of my right hon. Friend's Department have visited Brussels from time to time and will continue to do so as necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to set up a working party of industrialists, agriculturists and fishing representatives to carry out contingency planning for our entry into the Common Market.

It is primarily for industry to undertake its own planning, and there is evidence that this is being done. The Economic Development Committee for Agriculture is also considering the implications of entry: and, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have reserved our position on fisheries policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nursery schools there are in Lanarkshire; how many are being constructed; how many are required to meet the needs of the county; and if he will make a statement.

In January, 1971, there were two nursery schools and one nursery class attached to a primary school in Lanarkshire. No nursery school is under construction but approval has been given for the payment of grant under the urban programme of 75 per cent. of the cost of providing 140 new places in nursery schools and classes. I would welcome any further proposals but it is for the education authority to assess the needs of the county.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will request his Economic Advisory Services to examine the operations of multi-national companies in Scotland.

The Economics and Statistics Unit of the Scottish Office keeps all aspects of the Scottish economy under review, including those concerning the operation of overseas companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on his proposals for the use and control of guard dogs.

I cannot yet add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 3rd May.—[Vol. 816, c. 296.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many school-children have stopped taking school meals since the charges were raised.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Members for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) and Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 19th May.—[Vol. 817, c. 311.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Tourist Board in respect of the licensing laws.

My right hon. Friend has received no representations from the Scottish Tourist Board, but I understand that it has a working party studying the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage change in transport costs over last year borne by local authorities for the conveyance of children to school.

In 1969–70, the latest year for which information is available, actual expenditure on school transport was 8·6 per cent. higher than in the previous year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the crime rise, particularly of vandalism, in Edinburgh, he will call for a report from the chief constable on the strength of both mobile patrols and police on the beat; and if he will make a statement.

The organisation of patrol duties is a matter for the chief constable. I will bring to his notice my hon. Friend's concern about this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the evidence on which he has come to the conclusion that the pupil/teacher ratio of 14·5: I used in forecasting demand for teachers in secondary schools is too generous.

Yes. My right hon. Friend will publish it with his proposals for revised staffing standards on completion of the staffing studies to which he referred in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat) on 13th May.—[Vol. 817. c. 166–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ask for a report from Lanark County Council on the steps it has taken to implement the provisions laid down in Scottish Development Department Circular 63/1968 "Allocating Council Houses", section, "Other Applicants"; and if he will make a statement.

This is primarily a matter for the county council. I hope local authorities will adopt the recommendations in Scottish Development Department Circular 63/1968. I would ask the hon. Member to approach the council for information about the steps which it has taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will provide a table showing separately for each of the four cities and the rest of Scotland, at any recent convenient date, the number of injured treated in their casualty wards; how many of these were under the influence of alcohol on entry; and, in the public interest, if he will ask the Committee on Licensing Laws to inquire into this matter;(2) whether the admission records to casualty wards of hospitals, particularly in Glasgow, enable him to state the number of admissions who at entry were under the influence of alcohol; if he will consult the hospital authorities with a view to collating such information; and if he will ask the Licensing Laws Review Body to bear this matter in mind during its deliberations.

The records of patients admitted to hospital through accident and emergency departments do not enable the number who were under the influence of alcohol to be stated. Even if such information were collected, there would be considerable difficulties in interpretation, and I should not feel justified at this stage in asking hospital authorities to collect it. All implications of the licensing law of Scotland are

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money is being allocated to improve facilities in provincial museums in Scotland for the next three years; and to what museums.

The improvement of facilities is the responsibility of the museum authorities, and detailed figures are not available, but the forecasts on which rate support grant is based allow for an increase in local authority expenditure on libraries, museums and galleries of over 20 per cent. between already matters for consideration by the Clayson Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is within the terms of reference to the Committee on Licensing Laws to consider the admitted relationship between the consumption of alcohol and crime, particularly crimes of violence.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many males and females, respectively, under the age of 21 years have been convicted for drunkenness in each year since 1951.

The information is as follows:1969–70 and 1972–73. £8,000 has been allocated in 1971–72 for Exchequer grants to provincial museums and galleries for approved purchases and £3,500 to the Scottish Council for Museums and Galleries for advisory services. As was indicated in the recent White Paper (Cmnd. 4676), the Government propose to undertake a review of the needs of provincial museums and galleries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public work projects have been brought forward during the last six months in order to deal with the unemployment situation in Scotland; and if he will list them, giving proposed and actual starting dates.

The accelerated winter works scheme has had the effect of relieving unemployment. I refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 7th April and to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 25th May.—[Vol. 815, c. 135; Vol. 818, c. 92.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the improvement of the environment of railway sidings in Scotland.

Where disused railway sidings have become derelict, neglected or unsightly, Government assistance is available to local authorities towards their rehabilitation, and I am always ready to consider any such proposals. Approved schemes would normally attract grant at 85 per cent. of the net cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for alterations in the minor works grants to local education authorities in Scotland.

I am considering whether alternative arrangements for

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the consultations he is having with local authorities and other interested parties on the proposed boundaries for the reorganised units of local government in Scotland.

I have received nearly 160 written observations relating to 82 suggested boundary adjustments. These are now being carefully examined, and where it seems necessary or desirable I will arrange local discussions to give those concerned an opportunity to develop their views.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the number of motorised fishing vessels registered in the ports of Buckie, Banff and Macduff by categories in each of the past seven years to the nearest convenient date.

Figures for registrations by ports are not available, registrations being by fishery districts. The relevant figures are:given in the table below. The port of Banff is not now used.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute a special inquiry to look into the needs of handicapped and backward children; and if he will make a statement.

There have been several inquires in Scotland in recent years relating to particular groups of handicapped children. We have two committees at present considering particular aspects of the educational needs of handicapped children—the Committee on the Training of Occupational Centre Instructors and the Committee on the Secondary Education of Physically Handicapped Children. I see no reason, therefore, for a wide-ranging inquiry of the kind suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the criminal law in Scotland with a view to proposing increased minimum sentences for those convicted of drug and vandalism offences.

There are no minimum sentences for drug and vandalism offences; and such sentences are objectionable in principle. It is for the court to decide sentence in the light of all the circumstances of the individual offence and offender. I have no reason to suppose that the maximum powers of penalty of the courts in vandalism offences require revision; those in drug offences are at present being revised in the Misuse of Drugs Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the planning requirements for the new air terminal building for Edinburgh Airport.

None so far, but the proposals have only recently been formally advertised.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he now has for the further development of Edinburgh Airport; what their nature is; and whether they involve a public inquiry.

The British Airports Authority has applied for planning permissions for a new runway and new terminal facilities at this airport, and I have directed that the applications be referred to me for decision. As has been advertised in the Press, interested persons or organisations may lodge representations before 6th July; and I shall decide thereafter whether to arrange a public local inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of houses completed in the private sector in the first quarter of 1971; and how this compares with the numbers completed in each of the past two years.

2,647; compared with 1,765 and 2,157 in the first quarters of 1969 and 1970 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now publish a White Paper showing the effect of his policies in reducing unemployment and such prices as are within his responsibility.

No.The Government's objectives are to combat inflation and secure the expansion of the economy on a sound basis. Progress is being made towards these objectives.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the fall in Scotland's unemployment during the last six weeks; and what steps he proposes taking to keep the total of unemployed below 150,000.

The total number of unemployed in Scotland dropped by 2,300 between the April and May counts. The Government's policies are having effect in restraining inflation and in providing for future economic growth on a sound basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the fact that trained nurses within the National Health Service are being offered salaries of at least £3,700 per annum for a five-day week, with double pay on public holidays, by representatives from United States hospitals, he will take steps to review the salaries of nurses with a view to discouraging a loss of nurses from the National Health Service to the United States of America.

The salaries of nurses and midwives in the National Health Service are a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an official visit to Ayrshire in the near future, including Girvan on his itinerary.

I shall be glad to visit Girvan and other parts of Ayrshire when Parliamentary and other calls on my time enable me to include them in my programme, which at present includes a visit to Irvine New Town later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the extent of the reduction in the number of schoolchildren taking school meals since 1st April; and what was the comparable reduction at the same time in each of the last five years.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) on 19th May.—[Vol 817; c. 311.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will postpone making a decision on the proposal to convert Portobello power station from coal to oil firing as long as male unemployment in the Edinburgh travel-to-work area exceeds 5 per cent.

A decision, one way or the other, is needed soon, and in making it I will take into account all the relevant factors, including the possible effects on employment in the Edinburgh area and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the final inspection of Corsbie Hall private school for mentally-retarded children has yet been made; and what was the result.

The school will be inspected again within the next few days. In the light of the inspectors' report I will then consider whether a decision can be reached on the final registration of the school.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will introduce legislation to set up a standing committee with representation from the British Broadcasting Corporation the Independent Television Authority and the Arts Council in order to promote the transmission of regular television programmes from those theatres and opera houses which receive subsidies from the Arts Council.

No. Responsibility for programme content rests with the broadcasting authorities, and it would not be appropriate for the Government to try to influence them in the way my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, in view of the continuing mistakes being made by Giro and the large losses being incurred, whether he will take action to introduce the necessary legislation to close down Giro.

I would ask the hon. Member to await the outcome of my review of Giro.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is to be the future role of the local radio councils for the British Broadcasting Corporation local radio stations.

The local radio councils will continue to advise the B.B.C. local station managers. After 1st June appointments to the councils, like appointments to other B.B.C. advisory bodies, will be made by the B.B.C. Board of Governors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider setting up a computer-based national exchange bureau for council house tenancies.

Investigation has shown that such a bureau would necessitate heavy expense which could not be justified by the results likely to be obtained from it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what meetings he proposes to hold between his Department and the newly-elected councils in Greater London where there has been a change of party control to discuss the revision of the municipal housing provision planned for London by the outgoing councils affected by such change of control; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend looks forward to working in partnership with all London housing authorities in a renewed attack upon London's housing problems, and with this aim in view he is hoping to arrange a meeting with representatives of all London boroughs and the G.L.C. in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend the Rent Acts so as to impose an obligation on landlords to collect the rent of a house at regular intervals, in view of the difficulty caused to old age pensioners and others when substantial rent arrears are allowed to accumulate.

I recognise the human problem that could be caused in this way, especially to old people, but I doubt whether legislation of the kind suggested would be justified. If my hon. Friend has details of any cases, perhaps he would let me have them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he proposes to take to provide for suburban local authorities to help further in solving the housing problems of the major conurbations;(2) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the surveys being undertaken in outer city areas to establish what acreage and sites are available for housing purposes.

Housing problems are not the same in every conurbation and the remedies will vary according to circumstances. I recognise the importance of gaining the assistance of the outer city areas wherever this is necessary and possible, and have urged the London boroughs on many occasions to co-operate in this way. I shall shortly be calling a conference of all the London housing authorities.The Greater London Council is making a comprehensive land availability survey in connection with the Greater London Development Plan. In the West Midlands the report of the Planning Authorities Conference Study team will be published shortly.More generally, we have drawn the attention of all local authorities to their responsibilities and powers for ensuring an adequate supply of land for housing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many letters his Department has received about the local government reorganisation proposals from residents living in the proposed West Midlands Metropolitan County; and if he will break this number down by constituencies.

Four hundred and twenty-nine, of which 264 are from Brierley Hill, 152 from Meriden, 10 from West Bromwich and three from Dudley.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what Government grants have been given to the Kingston-upon-Hull City Council to tackle the problem of industrial dereliction; and if he will specify what purticular schemes have been put up to him for approval.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a statement on the setting up of a National Water Authority for England and Wales in the light of the Central Advisory Water Committee's Report.

The Government are studying the Committee's Report and hope to announce their conclusions shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment who will pay the extra £83.90 for the charter of a helicopter to convey the Minister for Housing and Construction to Blackburn on Monday, 10th May, 1971; and on what Vote this will be carried.

The payment will be made by the Department of the Environment and charged to Vote 1, sub-head A.2(i).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to give his decision following the public

Grant at the rate of 75 per cent. is payable in approved cases on the net loss incurred. One scheme has been given final approval for grant purposes, thus allowing work by the local authority to start. Five other projects have been approved in principle and submission of detailed schemes is awaited. The information is as follows:inquiry into the proposed development at Ravensbourne, Westerham Road, Keston.

I hope it may be possible to give a decision in the not too distant future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to give his decision following the public inquiry into the proposed development on Shortlands Golf Course, Bromley.

Shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to reveal his decisions on the Humber Bridge and South Humberside feasibility study.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement over developments regarding the Humber Bridge, including the financial arrangements for the bridge and its approach roads.

asked the Sectary of State for the Environment if he can now give his decision regarding the financial conditions for building the Humber Bridge and the future starting date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now announce the starting date for the Humber Bridge project and the arrangements that the Government have made with the Humber Bridge Board for the financing of the project.

Following discussions with the Humber Bridge Board, I have agreed that the bridge should go ahead, starting construction next year and that the Government should lend the board 75 per cent. of the cost, the whole cost to be repaid from tolls.I have also today authorised the addition to the trunk road preparation pool of a new high class road linking Scunthorpe with Grimsby. This will connect with the improved road already in preparation between the M18 at Thorne and Scunthorpe. I am also prepared, if Lindsey County Council concurs, to include in the principal road preparation list a scheme for an improved route from this new east-west road to the Humber Bridge, and a new spur to Immingham.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now hold an inquiry into the conduct of the previous Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take the necessary steps to upgrade Dundee to a Special Development Area, in view of the rate of unemployment and the current economic prospects, including the contraction of the jute industry.

No. Dundee is already eligible for the full range of development area assistance, and, while I recognise the difficulties being experienced there, I do not think that a change to S.D.A. status could be justified at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that the Dundee Chamber of Commerce Trade Missions to Japan have been cancelled at short notice after having been approved; and what was the reason for this action.

No. The Dundee Chamber's mission has not been cancelled but, rather, postponed until early next year. This was one of a number of projects which the B.N.E.C. has put back because the ceiling limit on missions expenditure for the current financial year has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will issue a general direction to the Scottish Gas Board to review the prepaid meter charges to retirement pensioners.

No. I have no reason to believe these charges to be out of line with the relevant costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will inquire into the reasons which are preventing major international firms from investing in Scotland.

I do not think that an inquiry on these lines is necessary. Major international firms are aware of the advantages of investment in Scotland and the other development areas and that the Government welcome it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish a list of those countries currently enjoying duty free entry into the United Kingdom for industrial goods that would face a tariff if Great Britain were to enter the European Economic Community, showing in each case the volume of imports in 1970 and the amount of the Community tariff;(2) what was the value of industrial imports, imported duty free into the United Kingdom in 1970, which would be subject to tariff if Great Britain were to sign the Treaty of Rome.

The total value of goods falling in Standard Industrial Trade Classification (Revised) Sections 2–9 imported duty-free into the United Kingdom in 1969–70 was £4,641 million. (These Sections include all goods except food, live animals, beverages and tobacco.) Goods imported duty-free from all sources accounted for about two-thirds of this total and imports from the Commonwealth preference area and the European Free Trade Association accounted for most of the balance. It would not be possible without disproportionate expenditure to break down the above figure by source, commodity and duty liability under the Common External Tariff of the European Economic Community, but it is clear that Britain's entry into the Community would involve little or no change in duty liability over very large areas of trade. Many industrial goods enter the European Economic Community free of duty. Certain countries in the Commonwealth preference area and the European Free Trade Association are seeking entry to, or association with, the Community and it can be assumed, if they succeed, that the bulk of our industrial imports from them will enter free of duty. In addition, a wide range of industrial imports from developing countries generally would be eligible for duty-free entry under the generalised preference arrangements of the enlarged Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Greece, Spain and Turkey are regarded as developing States for the purposes of the scheme of generalised preferences put forward by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

This question is still under discussion at the O.E.C.D.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a list of the products against which the Eire Government levy a tariff on entry into the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland, together with a note of the present level of those tariffs.

At present most goods entering the Republic from Northern Ireland are still subject to some duty. Apart from certain primary and processed agricultural and fishery products, however, as from 1st July next the duty will be payable at only 40 per cent. of that payable on 1st March, 1966, and as from 1st July, 1975, it will have been eliminated.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the Eire Government in 1971 about accelerating the reduction in tariffs levied on United Kingdom products entering the Republic; and what changes have been negotiated.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the products entering the United Kingdom from the Republic of Ireland on which the United Kingdom levies a tariff.

The United Kingdom does not charge protective import duty on any goods which are regarded as originating in the Irish Republic in accordance with the terms of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. The main classes of goods subject to revenue duties are beer, wine, spirits (including perfumed spirits), hydrocarbon oil, tobacco, matches and mechanical lighters.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of building the M4 road from Tongwynlais to Capel Llanilterne; and how this compares with the estimated cost of the Llantrisant radial road.

£5 million. The Llantrisant radial road would cost £6¾ million on the river route and nearly £7¾ million on the railway route.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the passenger car units per day that will use the M4 from Tong wynlais to Capel Llanilterne, and the Llantrisant radial road, respectively.

These flows will depend on the road network within Cardiff, but assuming only one of the routes is provided, the flows would be about 42,000 p.c.u. per 16-hour day on the Llantrisant radial road and something over 18,000 per day on the M4.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will institute an inquiry into the death rate in Wales with special reference to the valleys of East Glamorgan and West Monmouthshire.

My right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the higher than average death rate for certain conditions particularly in industrial South Wales. Studies of particular problems are proceeding and he is awaiting their findings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reply has been sent to the letter dated 5th January, 1971, written to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury by Mr. P. T. Layzell alleging both a large-scale evasion of estate duty and a looseness of financial control in the transfer of assets into the sterling area for which a payment of 63,196,000 Swiss francs was approved in June, 1969.

I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will propose changes in duty to encourage high mileage operators to convert vehicles to the use of liquefied petroleum gas in place of petrol, in order to make a contribution towards the reduction of pollution.

No. The case for such an incentive has not been made out.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the rate of tariff on imported cars and vehicles; the percentage of purchase tax levied on cars and vehicles sold on the home market; and if, in the event of tariff reductions on imported vehicles, he will reduce by the same amount the purchase tax levied on the sale of United Kingdom produced vehicles.

The full rates of import duty on motor vehicles range from 9 per cent. to 22 per cent. of their value. Full details are published in chapter 87 of H.M. Customs and Excise Tariff, a copy of which is available in the Library.The rate of purchase tax levied on those passenger vehicles which are chargeable is 36⅔ per cent. of their wholesale value: this applies to passenger vehicles produced in the United Kingdom and imported passenger vehicles alike. As to the last part of the Question, such a discriminatory reduction would involve a breach of our international treaty obligations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of the tax concessions in the Budget on incomes of over £40,000 per annum; and what proportion this represents of the total tax concessions.

About £4 million or 0·6 per cent. of the total tax concessions of about £680 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many students born in the United Kingdom have qualified in medical schools in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years; and how many of these have since left the United Kingdom for work elsewhere.

The numbers of British-based students, not necessarily all of them British-born, who qualified in the years 1966 to 1970 were 1,821, 1,879, 2,083, 2,112 and 2,119 respectively; figures are not available showing the number of these who have left, but the annual net loss by migration of all British doctors is in the region of 400.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made in reducing the dependence of the National Health Service on doctors from overseas.

Last year the number of British and Irish-born doctors in the National Health Service in England and Wales rose by 516, compared with a rise of 237 in the number of doctors born elsewhere. The gain of British doctors was about twice that of other recent years. More British doctors are expected so qualify each year as the capacity of British medical schools builds up towards the target intake of 4,100 by the late 1970s, which I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury and Radcliffe (Mr. Fidler) on 16th December.—[Vol. 808, c. 389.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the Government's policy of reducing the dependence of the National Health Service on doctors from overseas, how many extra such doctors he estimates the service will need in each of the next five years, taking into account the annual outflow.

Because many variables are involved, including the rate of loss by emigration of British doctors, no firm estimate can be made. The net addition, in 1969–70, of 237 to the total number of overseas-born doctors in the National Health Service in England and Wales was exceptionally low and the figure for 1970–71 may be somewhat higher, but in general I expect the figure to remain below the level of 700 reached in the late 1960s and progressively to diminish.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the circumstances under which charter flights are being organised to bring in passengers from the Continent for abortions; and if he can identify the clinics participating in this traffic.

Giving abortions to women from abroad is not illegal as such but if the arrangements implied that insufficient regard was being paid to the criteria for legal abortions and there was evidence linking an approved clinic with those arrangements, I would consider withdrawing the approval.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients in psychiatric hospitals are deaf and dumb.

This information is not available centrally for all psychiatric patients, but some data collected in a recent census of mentally handicapped patients is at present being analysed.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which local health authorities employ the Family Planning Association's National Family Planning Agency scheme; which application of the scheme each of those authorities employs; and at what annual cost to each authority.

Discussions are still continuing between the Family Planning Association and some authorities. I understand from the Association that so far 100 local health authorities in England have adopted the various applications of the scheme as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) to what extent he expects the Northern Ireland Milk Marketing Board will be able to exercise all its present functions in the event of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community; and what changes he anticipates will have to be made in its structure and operation to make it compatible with European Economic Community regulations;(2) to what extent he expects the Northern Ireland Seed Potato Marketing Board will be able to exercise all its present functions in the event of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community; and what changes he anticipates will have to be made in its structure and operation to make it compatible with European Economic Community regulations;(3) to what extent he expects the Northern Ireland Pigs Marketing Board will be able to exercise all its present functions in the event of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community; and what changes he anticipates will have to be made in its structure and operation to make it compatible with European Economic Community regulations;(4) to what extent he expects the Northern Ireland Livestock Marketing Commission will be able to exercise all its present functions in the event of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community; and what changes he anticipates will have to be made in its structure and operation to make it compatible with European Economic Community regulations.

All these four bodies are the responsibility of the Government of Northern Ireland. In the event of United Kingdom accession to the European Economic Community I would expect the position of the three marketing boards to be similar to that of marketing boards set up under United Kingdom legislation. On this, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's statement during the debate on the European Economic Community on 21st January. I see no reason why the Livestock Marketing Commission for Northern Ireland should not be permitted to continue its present functions.—[Vol. 809, c. 1323–4.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the prospects for pig production in the coming year.

The latest forecast of pig numbers, covering the 12 months to March, 1972, falls within the range of 1505 million to 15·35 million and shows a big increase on the corresponding forecast made in February. Although market prices have been somewhat firmer of late, they are still well below what they were a year ago, and deficiency payments have been running at 60p or more per score.Our policy is for steady expansion of pigmeat production in line with the requirements of the market.In making our determinations following this year's Annual Review, when we confirmed the increase in the middle band of the flexible guarantee for pigs to 13·35 to 14·75 million certifications, we said we would review this figure later in the year if circumstances made it appropriate. We have decided, after examining the relevant considerations, that we should not be justified in making any change now. In accordance with the forecast of numbers to which I have just referred, there will therefore be an automatic reduction of 9p per score in the basic guaranteed price as from next week. We shall review the position again when the results of the June census are available and we shall not hesitate to take further action in regard to the flexible guarantee if we are satisfied that market demand warrants it.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many members of the Home Civil Service and the Diplomatic Service, respectively, have retired prematurely in each of the last five years on grounds of limited efficiency and on structural grounds, unrelated to personal efficiency, respectively.

Hitherto there have been no powers to retire prematurely members of the Home Civil Service for reasons of limited efficiency or on structural grounds. The hon. Member will be aware of new arrangements in this respect which I announced to the House on 12th May, 1971. In the Diplomatic Service there are some cases of premature retirement in which no precise distinction is made between limited efficiency and structural grounds as a basis for retirement. But the total figures for retirements in the public interest under Section 45 of the Superannuation Act, 1965, which might be considered to fall within one or both of the categories mentioned above were:

asked the Minister for the Civil Service on how many occasions he has provided by means of a reply to a Parliamentary Question information which he acknowledged some duty to report to Parliament whether he had been asked for it or not.

I am not aware of any occasions on which I have failed to keep the House informed when it has been necessary to do so. A change in the present policy is a matter for the Procedure Committee.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many civil servants, industrial and non-industrial, were employed in Scotland on 1st May; and how these figures compare with those for last year.

Information in respect of 1st May is not available. On 1st January, 1971, there were 41,450 non-industrial civil servants employed in Scotland compared with 39,053 at 1st January, 1970. On 1st July, 1970, the number of industrials was 21,205 compared with 21,756 at 1st July, 1969.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will make a statement on the Public Trustee Office.

The Government have decided to set up an inquiry into the role played by the Public Trustee Office in modern conditions, including the extent to which its continued existence is justifiable given the alternative facilities now available. The position of existing trusts will, of course, be safeguarded. The inquiry will be undertaken by Mr. H. R. Hutton, formerly a Director of Hambro's Bank, at present on secondment to the Civil Service Department, Mr. D. J. W. Dryburgh, a senior partner in Taylor and Humbert, Solicitors, and Sir Clifford Jarrett, until recently Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Security.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to examine the home of Royal Ulster Constabulary Detective Sergeant Albert Simpson of Dungannon, Northern Ireland, after it had been bombed by Irish Republican Army terrorists on Saturday night, 22nd May; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

On 23rd May, shortly after midnight, an explosion initiated by persons yet to be identified occurred in the garage of Detective Sergeant Simpson's house. An Army ammunition technical officer reported that the damage caused was consistent with a charge of approximately 10 lb. of high explosives, but he was unable to determine the means of initiation. A search of the immediate area was carried out, but no arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to examine Pomeroy Royal Ulster Constabulary Station, Northern Ireland, after it had been bombed by Irish Republican Army terrorists on Saturday night, 22nd May; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

Shortly before 1.45 p.m. on 22nd May approximately 10 lb. of explosive was thrown over the wall of this R.U.C. Station. An Army ammunition technical officer reported that initiation may have been by means of a safety fuse. A search of the immediate area was carried out, and some cardboard found at the scene of the explosion has been sent to the R.U.C. Forensic Department. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to examine the home of resident magistrate Mr. Paddy Maxwell of Londonderry after it had been bombed by Irish Republican Army terrorists on Sunday morning, 23rd May; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

At 2.30 a.m. on 23rd May an explosion was caused by persons not yet identified at the home of Mr. Maxwell. An Army ammunition technical officer's findings were that between three and five lb. of uncased high explosive were used. A search was made of the immediate area by the Army and 9 ft. of safety fuse was found at the scene of the explosion. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Corporal Bankier was shot dead in the markets area of Belfast on Saturday morning, 22nd May; how many persons took part in the ambush; how many shots they fired; what sort of guns they used; whether they belonged to any organisation; how many soldiers were involved; how many were injured; what return of fire the Army made; what injuries this inflicted; what searches were carried out; what was the result of the searches; and how many arrests were made;

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the death of Corporal Robert Bankier in Logan Street, Belfast, on the night of 21st-22nd May, and on the ensuing search of the Market area of Belfast.

Very early in the morning of 22nd May a mobile patrol of four men of 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets went to the assistance of a military police patrol of four men which was under attack from a gang of youths in Cromac Square, Belfast. On the arrival of the Royal Green Jackets patrol, the youths ran off. The patrol gave chase on foot but came under attack from at least three gunmen who fired about 11 shots from a sub-machine gun. The patrol fired five shots in return without, it is believed, inflicting injury. During this exchange of fire Corporal Bankier, the leader of the patrol, received fatal wounds but no other injuries were sustained by the military patrols. A large scale cordon and search operation was instituted. All the streets and about 240 houses in the area were searched. Three shotguns, one Thompson sub-machine gun, one ·45 pistol, one 9 m.m. Luger pistol, one nail grenade and nine 9 m.m. rounds were found lying in an alley-way. No arrests in connection with the shooting have so far been made, and it is not therefore known whether the assailants belonged to any organisation.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what were the circumstances surrounding the ambush of an Army land rover on the Ml near Belfast on Saturday, 22nd May; how many persons took part in the attack; what sort of guns were used; how many shots were fired; whether the gunmen belonged to any organisation; how many soldiers were involved; how many were injured; what was the nature of their injuries; whether the fire was returned; what searches were carried out; with what result; and how many arrests were made.

Shortly after 11.30 a.m. an 22nd May an Army land rover with two soldiers inside, which was returning to Lisburn from Belfast on the Ml, was overtaken near the Stockman's Lane exit by a civilian car believed to contain two people. Eighteen shots from a ·45 automatic fired from the car hit the land rover. There was no opportunity to return fire. The driver of the land rover was wounded in the leg, shoulder, and stomach, but his passenger was unhurt. The car escaped by the motorway exit and was subsequently found abandoned after having been set alight. Part of the motorway was searched for evidence; there have so far been no arrests, and it is not known therefore whether the occupants of the car belonged to any organisation.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army expert was called to examine the Mountain View Tavern, Shankill Road, Belfast, after it had been bombed by Irish Republic Army members on Monday, 24th May, causing injury to 18 persons; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the bomb attack on the Mountainview Bar, Shankill Road, Belfast, on 23rd May.

Shortly before noon on 24th May an explosion initiated by persons yet to be identified severely damaged the Mountain View Tavern. The Army ammunition technical officer's findings were that between 18 and 20 lb. of high explosives had been used and that initiation was probably by means of a safety fuse. The tavern was subsequently searched by an explosive ordnance disposal team. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances a shot was fired at soldiers setting up a road block at the junction of Foyle Road and the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge, Londonderry, on Sunday morning, 23rd May; if the soldiers returned the fire; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

Shortly before 2.30 a.m. on 23rd May a civilian car passed this road block and a passenger in the car fired one round at the patrol. There was no opportunity to return fire. An immediate search of the area was carried out and a general call was put out for the car, whose registration number had been noted. The car, which had been stolen, was found abandoned l½ miles south of Londonderry. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to examine a policeman's car parked outside Mountpottinger Royal Ulster Constabulary Station, Belfast, after it had been bombed by Irish Republic Army terrorists on Sunday night, 23rd May; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on 23rd May an explosion damaged the car belonging to a policeman outside Mount Pottinger R.U.C. Station. An Army ammunition technical officer reported that the charge consisted of approximately I lb. of high explosive which had been placed under the bonnet of the car. An extensive search of the area was carried out by a platoon of Royal Highland Fusiliers accompanied by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. During this search an unknown gunman jumped out of hiding, and shots were exchanged with a member of the Army patrol before the man escaped. Subsequent searches resulted in the finding of four ·38 and two 9 mm. cartridge cases. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to examine the British Legion Hall at Suffolk, Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, after it had been bombed by Irish Republic Army terrorists when occupied by over 200 persons early on Saturday, 22nd May; what were the findings of his investigations; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

At around 1.30 a.m. on 22nd May an explosion caused by persons not yet identified resulted in major structural damage to the wall of the British Legion Hall at Suffolk, Dunmurry. An Army ammunition technical officer's search for evidence revealed that 5–10 lbs. of high explosive had been placed on a widow ledge of the hall and had been initiated by a safety fuse. No arrests have so far been made.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the attacks on Army personnel in Belfast during the weekend of 21st May.

I would refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) today.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what rates of payment are applicable to the temporary civil servants who produce the Admiralty Sailing Directions; what improvements are contemplated for the task of rewriting these directions; and whether he will make a statement.

The Revisers of Admiralty Sailing Directions are paid at the rate of 59p per hour plus an allowance of 2½p per hour for setting aside a room in their home as a working space. These rates are currently under review.The system of revision of Admiralty Sailing Directions by part-time workers, working in their own homes is a well-tried one that has been in existence for many years. It is considered to be well suited to the task and no alteration in the system is currently contemplated.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he is aware of the concern regarding the continued moth-balling of Royal Air Force Syerston, Nottinghamshir:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what changes he proposes to make in the administration of the Employment Voucher Scheme.

As announced by the Home Secretary today, the Government have decided to take steps to reduce the annual rate of admission of employment voucher holders from the Commonwealth from 4,000 to about 2,000. The new arrangements will come into effect on 1st June.The maximum rate at which vouchers may be issued will be reduced from 8,500 to 2,700 a year. This will include special allocations of 600 vouchers for Malta, compared with 1,000 at present, and 400 vouchers for the dependent territories, compared with 600 at present, of which no more than 50 per cent. may go to any one territory. These special allocations may be taken up in either Category A or Category B.

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member on 15th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total public expenditure on primary and secondary education, respectively, in the years 1954–55, 1959–60, 1964–65 and 1969–70; and what is the estimated expenditure on each category in 1972–73 at constant prices.

The information is as follows for both capital and current expenditure in England and Wales:The number of vouchers available for the independent Commonwealth countries other than Malta will be reduced from 6,900 to 1,700. A maximum of 700 will be available in Category A, compared with the present 1,700, of which not more than 15 per cent. will be issued to any one country. A maximum of 1,000 will be available in Category B, compared with the present 5,200; but special arrangements are being introduced for doctors and dentists, who will no longer need vouchers.Vouchers in Category A will not be issued where suitable resident labour is available; and in order to reduce the intake of unskilled and semi-skilled workers, and to help prevent the formation of long waiting lists, vouchers in this category for the independent Commonwealth countries, other than Malta, will be issued only for:—

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what increase in the Retail Price Index has occurred since 18th June, 1970.

The General Index of Retail Prices rose from 139·9 at 16th June, 1970, to 152·2 at 20th April, 1971; that is, by 12·3 points or 88 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many firms declared redundancies in the Glasgow travel-to-work area in the last two quarters of 1970 and the first quarter of 1971; what were the numbers involved in each case; how many firms have given notice of future redundancies; and how many workpeople are involved.