asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the loss of annual earnings paid in the Cupar area resulting from the decision to close the Cupar factory of the British Sugar Corporation at the end of 1971.

I regret that it is not the custom to disclose information of this nature in relation to individual firms.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from the Association of Butter Makers, Blenders and Packers on the subject of United Kingdom membership of the European Economic Community; and what replies he gave.

The Association has given its views, principally in a memorandum at the beginning of January, on a number of issues. In particular, it was concerned about the possibility of butter blending in an enlarged European Economic Community and also about a compositional standard for butter, although there are no regulations in force in the Community on these questions. My Department's officials had discussed these and other points with representatives of the Association in December, as part of our continuing consultation on the implications of United Kingdom membership of the European Economic Community.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, under the existing Common Market rules, continental European fishing boats are permitted to fish in the territorial waters of the member States; and what special arrangements it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to call for in relation to fisheries in the Irish Sea in the negotiations for entry to the European Economic Community.

The European Economic Community regulation on a common structural policy for fisheries provides in general for common access to the waters of member States, but, as my hon. Friend will see from the copy which I am sending him, this is subject to a number of qualifications. So far as the entry negotiations are concerned, the position is as stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his reply of 17th May, 1971, to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol. 817, c. 852–3.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the existing arrangements for the examination of cattle imported into this country from the Republic of Eire, particularly with regard to cattle infected with warbles; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied with the inspection arrangement in Great Britain. Those in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Government.

asked the Attorney-General whether the free legal aid system embraces costs incurred in trials involving British citizens as defendants which take place outside the United Kingdom; and what the costs have been in each of the last two financial years, for each country separately.

Neither the criminal nor civil legal aid schemes relate to trials outside the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of personnel in each of the main Departments of State in June, 1970, and at the present time, with such adjustments as are necessary to reflect the consolidation of Departments in 1970; and whether, alongside the present numbers, he will list where public announcements have so far been made of

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Medical Research Council co-ordinates all the cancer research undertaken in the United Kingdom.

No. The co-ordination of research in the cancer field is chiefly in the hands of the Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research set up jointly in July, 1970, by the Medical Research Council, the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. The Committee includes representatives of the three founding bodies, the directors of the three major cancer research institutes in the United Kingdom which receive grants from the founding bodies, and observers from the health departments. The Medical Research Council keeps in close touch with the work which is being carried out in universities and

The information is as follows:other centres, both nationally and internationally, which does not fall within the scope of the joint co-ordinating committee

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the latest figures of unemployed coalminers in the Barnsley area and in the South Yorkshire coalfield, respectively, specifying how many of these are 55 years of age and over.

At 10th May the provisional numbers of males last employed in coalmining who were registered as unemployed in the area covered by the Barnsley employment exchange and in the Yorkshire coalfield subdivision of the Yorkshire and Humberside region were 526 and 2,873, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the number of employees who have been declared redundant as a consequence of the closing down of firms operating in the Northern Region of England, since 18th June, 1970;(2) what is the number of employees who have been declared redundant as a consequence of firms reducing their labour force in the Northern Region of England, since 18th June, 1970.

Not all redundancies are notified to my Department. However, records show that since 1st July, 1970, the nearest convenient date, redundancies involving 16,700 workpeople have taken place as a result of closures or reductions in labour forces by firms operating in the Northern Region.Precise figures are not readily available but it is estimated that just under 50 per cent. of this number lost their employment as a consequence of closures.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many strikes took place in Scotland in the first quarter of 1971, and how this compares with the number of strikes during the same period last year.

Official statistics of stoppages of work due to industrial disputes for Scotland are not compiled for periods shorter than six months ending each June and December.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the rise in unemployment figures, he will now consider taking steps to make the notification of employment vacancies in employment exchanges compulsory to all employers.

No, but ways of improving the flow of vacancies to employment exchanges are constantly under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of staff employed by the National Board for Prices and Incomes before its dissolution, and the number of staff originally projected for the Office of Manpower Economics at the time of its formation; how many people are now working for the Office of Manpower Economics; how many people are likely to be working for the Office of Manpower Economics by December, 1971; and, of such numbers, how many were previously employed as members of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

There were 219 staff in post at the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 2nd November, 1970, when the House was informed of its proposed dissolution.At the time the Office of Manpower Economics was established it was expected that its staff would total about 75 when it became fully operational. It is expected that most of these will be in post by December, 1971.At 1st May, 1971, there were 45 staff in post in the Office, of whom 43 were formerly employed by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the percentage of wholly unemployed under 40 years of age registered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively, to the latest convenient date;(2) what was the percentage of wholly unemployed under 40 years of age registered in the United Kingdom at 11th January, 1971.

The numbers registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain, but not in Northern Ireland, are analysed by age in January and July each year. The following table shows for England, Scotland, Wales and Great Britain the proportions under 40 years of age:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the total numbers of unemployed registered in the employment exchange area of Woolwich in the month of May for each of the years 1961 to 1971; and what numbers were women.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of job opportunities available in Cardiganshire.

At 5th May there were 152 notified vacancies remaining unfilled at employment exchanges and careers offices in Cardiganshire. The figure relates only to notified vacancies remaining unfilled and does not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to ensure greater accountability of the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents for grants made to it; and whether he will make a statement.

Grants or payments made by my Department to RoSPA are fully accountable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now able to make a statement about the payment of grant aid for the Stranraer-Euston boat train.

The current grant undertaking terminates at the end of June. But the service will continue unless and until I give consent to its withdrawal. It is for the Railways Board to decide whether or when to publish a statutory closure notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies, apart from that on public parcels services are being conducted by the Freight Integration Council.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive the second report of the Freight Integration Council.

Later this summer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be in a position to make a further statement about the sale of Thomas Cook and Son Limited.

Not until the proposed Bill is introduced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is his policy to require the introduction of tachographs into certain classes of commercial vehicles.

Not at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will reduce the criteria for the counts of traffic and pedestrians in relation to the provision of crossing places; and what is the nature of his reply to Hemsworth Rural District Council in connection therewith.

I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the growth in the demand for water, he is satisfied with the present method of charging users a price which does not relate directly to the quantities consumed; and whether he will set up an inquiry into the desirability of introducing a more equitable and rational system of charging.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the dereliction clearance schemes that have been approved in the South Yorkshire intermediate area, specifying the type of scheme, at what total cost and how much these schemes have benefited from Government aid.

In the Yorkshire coalfield intermediate area the following

The water rate is not an ideal method of charging for domestic supplies but it is cheap and convenient to administer and other methods are not free from disadvantages. However. I shall be considering methods of charge in the context of the future organisation of water supply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the dereliction clearance schemes that have been approved in the Barnsley area, specifying the type of dereliction, the total cost, and how much these schemes have benefited from Government aid.

The following derelict land reclamation scheme has been given final approval for grant purposes in the area of the Barnsley county borough council, thus allowing the council to start work. Grant at 75 per cent. of the net eligible cost is payable under the Local Employment Act, 1970.derelict land reclamation schemes have been given final approval for grant purposes, thus allowing local authorities to start work. Grant at 75 per cent. of the net eligible cost is payable under the Local Employment Act, 1970, except for the schemes marked

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what authority and for what reason dispensation was granted to the deputy mayor of Hemel Hempstead to vote for his own election as mayor, in view of the existing provisions regarding pecuniary benefit.

Subsection (8) of Section 76 of the Local Government Act, 1933, enables the Minister by dispensation to remove any disability on a member of a local authority imposed by the Section when it appears to him to be in the interests of the inhabitants of the area to do so. It appeared to the Secretary of State to be in the interests of the inhabitants of the area to give a dispensation in this case since not to do so could have resulted in a voting deadlock, which could have been resolved only by the election to mayor of a nominee from outside the council. The disability was removed not only for the deputy mayor but also for a prospective candidate sitting on the opposite side of the council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take, in view of the inconvenience and danger to pedestrians, especially elderly ones, caused by failure on the part of statutory authorities to restore footways and highways to the required standards on completion of necessary works.

None. Highway authorities already have powers under the Public Utilities Street Works Act, 1950, to ensure that on completion of their works statutory undertakers restore highways and footways to their proper condition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the future use of derelict horticultural land in and near London.

It is for the local planning authorities to judge in the first instance how such land might be used bearing in mind London's urgent housing need and the dictates of good planning.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why a Friday evening was chosen to resurface a few yards of the A30 from kerb to kerb outside the Crickets' Inn at Bagshot, thus causing many miles of stationary traffic on this main exit from London on 21st May.

It is essential to complete the improvement of the A30/A322 junction before the M3 to the Light-water interchange opens in June. On Friday, 21st May, work was confined to half of the carriageway in turn between 10 a.m. and 12 noon and 2 and 3 p.m.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has now been taken, since the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, became law, to make the House of Commons more accessible to severely disabled people, and to provide necessary facilities for them, in keeping with the spirit of the new legislation; and if he will make a statement.

It has been possible for the severely disabled to get to the main public areas of the Palace of Westminster by using the existing lifts. Since the Act my Department has constructed two ramps in Star Chamber Court to provide still better access for wheelchairs at the northern end of the building. Specially designed and constructed lavatory facilities for the disabled have also been provided in a central position off the Lower Waiting Hall.I would be glad to consider any particular proposals which the right hon. Member may have in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes there were in the stock of dwellings in London between 1961 and 1966 and between 1966 and the latest dales for which estimates are available.

Between the census of 1961 and 1966, 130,000 dwellings were completed in London, 32,000 were closed or demolished in slum clearance action and there was a net loss of 17,000 from other causes, giving a net increase of over 70,000. Between April, 1966, and the end of 1970, 158,000 dwellings were completed, and there were 35,000 losses from slum clearance and 16,000 other losses, net, so that the total stock increased by about 105,000. Details are shown below.Comparison of the numbers of dwellings enumerated in the 1961 census and the 1966 sample census, 2·41 million and 2·35 million, would indicate a reduction rather than an increase, but it is known that dwellings were over-estimated in 1961 and under-estimated in 1966. My officials estimate the amount of the error in London as about 90,000 in 1961 and 50,000 in 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce his decision on the detailed plans of the Flockton bypass scheme which were submitted to him last November.

Examination of the scheme is not yet complete. My right hon. Friend will give a decision as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make representations to the Russian authorities concerning the trial of Jews now taking place in Riga, and in particular regarding the non-admission of the British Press thereto.

We have made no secret of the concern we feel about the position of some Soviet Jews, and have been watching recent developments closely. But any attempt by Her Majesty's Government to intervene in matters in which we have no proper standing would almost certainly do more harm than good. We deplore the non-admission of the Press to the trials in question; but Her Majesty's Government have no control over the practice of Soviet courts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money is to be spent by the Foreign Office on information leaflets, etc., in the attempt to inform the British people that joining the European Economic Community will benefit Great Britain.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, Southwest (Mr. Powell) on 27th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 219–20.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if European Economic Community associated status for Commonwealth developing countries means that they have a guaranteed outlet within an enlarged European Economic Community for products covered by the common agricultural policy of the European Economic Community.

The terms of the association arrangements for Commonwealth countries for which the alternatives in the Community's 1963 Declaration of Intent has been renewed remain to be negotiated.With the exception of sugar, which is to be the subject of separate arrangements, the agricultural commodities exported by these countries are not in general covered by the Commonwealth Agricultural Policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what differences there have been of interpretation between the United Kingdom and France regarding the recent agreement with the European Economic Community on sugar.

I am not aware of any differences in interpretation of the assurance proposed by the Community on sugar. It was reaffirmed in the final paragraph of the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the recent discussions between the President of the French Republic and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.—[Vol. 818, c. 48–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make approaches to the Government of the Republic of Eire with a view to securing the withdrawal of the claim by that country to exercise jurisdiction over a part of the territory of the United Kingdom.

No. Her Majesty's Government have made it clear on many occasions that they do not accept the claim in the Constitution of the Irish Republic to territory, or jurisdiction over territory, forming part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions were given to the British representative at the Annual Assembly of the World Health Organisation as to how the United Kingdom vote was to be cast on the resolution accusing the Israeli occupying authorities of blocking the distribution of medicaments by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The operative paragraph to which the Question refers formed part of a longer resolution, adopted by the World Health Assembly on 15th May, on which the United Kingdom delegation were instructed to abstain.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the Minister for Overseas Development has provided by means of a reply to a Parliamentary Question information which he acknowledges 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 Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of a campaign of intimidation in Great Britain being carried on against prominent people visiting Northern Ireland which has resulted in the cancellation of the visit of the London Festival Ballet to Belfast, the threat to the life of the golf star Tony Jacklin and the possible cancellation of his participation in Ulster '71 Open Tournament at Malone, Belfast; and what steps he is taking to bring to an end this subversive activity.

My right hon. Friend deplores these incidents but has no evidence that they are part of a concerted campaign.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the fact that British Midlands Airways has withdrawn its five times a week service to Seattle, United States of America, from Castle Donnington, due to inadequate immigration facilities at the East Midlands Airport, what urgent action he is taking to improve such facilities in order to ensure that expansion of airport services is not retarded.

Immigration control arrangements have been made to cover this service. The Home Office has not received any complaint that they are inadequate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many meetings of the Police Advisory Board have been held since its inception; on what dates these meetings were held; when the next meeting is to take place; if he will consider holding meetings of the board at intervals of not more than six months; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he is satisfied that the Police Advisory Board is working effectively as a consultative forum for the police service; and if he will make a statement.

Ten meetings have been held—in 1966 on 31st January, 24th October and 7th December; in 1967 on 1st February, 8th May, 24th July and 11th December; on 22nd May, 1968, 3rd March, 1969, and 20th October, 1970. The next meeting has been arranged for 19th July.The board and the working parties established under it seem to me to operate effectively and to meet often enough to discharge the business. But if any of the bodies represented on the board thought that specific subjects needed to be discussed I would gladly consider whether to arrange extra meetings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration the Police Advisory Board has given to police uniforms; when this matter was first considered; what action has been taken in consequence of the board's deliberations; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that in March, 1969, the Police Advisory Board asked that trials should be initiated in various parts of the country. The results of the first full year's trial are now being studied and will be reported to the board in July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Police Advisory Board will be considering the Police Federation's view of the effect on force boundaries in England and Wales of the proposed reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a statement.

I have not yet received formal notification of the Police Federation's views. I have asked for the comments of all interested bodies by the end of May, and when I receive them I shall consider what further consultations are necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his, recent official meeting with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

I was glad to have the opportunity, as part of the continuing process of exchanges between the Northern Ireland and United Kingdom Governments, to meet Mr. Faulkner on 24th May when he was in London and to have a general discussion with him on matters concerning Northern Ireland.In the course of our discussion we agreed on the following terms of reference for the economic and social review which, as previously announced, is to be carried out in Northern Ireland: "To review the prospects for economic and social development as envisaged in the development programme with particular reference to the present and expected levels of investment in Northern Ireland and to recommend to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Governments any further measures which might be adopted". The names of the people to carry out the review will be announced shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that the Metropolitan Police co-operated with the British Broadcasting Corporation in making a film of the McKay murder case, whilst an appeal was pending and in process of being heard, he will give the reasons why he will not prohibit such action in the future as a safeguard against prejudicing proceedings actually in progress.

It is for the chief officer of police to decide what facilities he should give in such a case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances Mohammad Nazir, an alleged illegal immigrant, has been held in Canterbury Gaol since July, 1970, without any charges being brought against him.

Mr. Nazir, who claims to be a citizen of India, arrived at Dover as a stowaway on 30th June, 1970. He was detained in prison, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 to the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962, while his identity and country of origin were established. Despite inquiries in this country and in India extending over many months, it has proved impossible to confirm Mr. Nazir's claim to Indian citizenship. He was released from prison yesterday and admitted to this country for six months while further consideration is given to his case.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is satisfied that an hon. Member dependent for his mobility on a wheelchair may have full access to, and suitable facilities within, the House of Commons; and if he will make a statement.

Previous experience has shown that an hon. Member, dependent for his mobility on a wheelchair, has no difficulty in fulfilling his Parliamentary duties within the House of Commons.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce any further appointments to the Commission on Industrial Relations.

Yes. The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Leonard Francis Neal, Esq., as Chairman of the Commission on Industrial Relations, in succession to the right hon. George Woodcock, C.B.E., and of Conrad Frederick Heron, Esq., C.B., O.B.E., as Deputy Chairman of the Commission.

asked the Prime Minister if he will require all Government Departments to instruct their employees who have regular contact with

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he is making for celebrating the centenary of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872.

I am looking into this matter and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of classes in English and mathematics in the first and second years of secondary schools of over 300 pupils, and the number of such classes which have one to 10 pupils, 10 to 20 pupils, 21 to 30 pupils, 31 to 35 pupils, 36 to 40 pupils, and over 40 pupils, respectively, at the latest convenient date.

The following are the figures:of classes have more than 35 pupils and in Mathematics 29·9 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many qualified teachers were employed in education authority secondary schools in January in 1968 and suceeding years.

The figures are given in the following table:

The Study Group which I set up under the chairmanship of Dr. H. Stewart Mackintosh, former Director of Education of Glasgow, to advise on the form which the celebrations might take has now reported and I have commended its suggestions to education authorities and others by a circular which was issued on 25th May. The Study Group recommended that the centenary should be celebrated locally and nationally. The national celebrations will include an exhibition to be held in Edinburgh, a new film on Scottish education and a tape/slides competition for schools and youth clubs. I am very glad to say that Dr. Mackintosh has accepted my invitation to co-ordinate and advise on the national celebrations.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the 105,000 enumerators employed during the Census had been unemployed immediately before their engagement for that purpose.

The precise figure asked for is not immediately available, although it is estimated at about 1,000. Arrangements are being made to have the information extracted from the appropriate documents when they have been collated centrally later in the summer.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the policy and procedures of retaining census forms for 100 years in the custody of the Public Record Office were last reviewed; to what extent previous census forms are on average consulted and for what official purposes; and what are the practices in relation to the final disposal of the forms, including their availability to social and historical workers and to genealogists.

All the information required is not immediately available and I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the fact that the income guide published as part of the national advertisement compaign for free welfare services has misled the public as to their entitlement, he will cause the guide to be withdrawn.

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply on 13th May, 1971, to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Mr. Forrester) and to my replies to similar Questions on 25th May.—Vol. 817, c. 153–4; Vol. 818, c. 216–17, 218–19; Vol. 818, c. 57.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost incurred by his Department in connection with the administration, preparation and publication of the British Pharmacopoeia during each of the years beginning 1st March, 1968, to 1st March, 1970, inclusive.

Before 1st March, 1970, the General Medical Council was responsible for the British Pharmacopoeia. None of the costs mentioned fell on my Department. Information for the year beginning 1st March, 1970, is not readily ascertainable. After that date the rent, rates and cost of maintenance of the premises and provision of electricity, gas and water have been met by the Department of the Environment. The net direct cost to my Department for the financial year 1st April, 1970, to 31st March, 1971, after taking into account recepits from sales, is expected to be about £3,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether persons receiving supplementary benefit are paid additional amounts to cover the cost of visits to children of young persons in prison, in local authority care, and to such dependants as spastic children in hospital.

Payment to enable persons receiving supplementary benefit to visit their children in these places can be made when necessary, except in the case of children in the care of local authorities, who have their own arrangements for parents to make visits.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the most recent estimate of the cost of the new St. Helen Hospital in Barnsley; and by what date he estimates it will be completed.

Total building and engineering costs of St. Helen's Hospital, Barnsley, are currently estimated at just over £7 million. Commissioning of the second and final phase is expected early in 1976.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many centres are at present used for supplementary benefit appeals tribunals, and how many will be used when the current reorganisation is complete.

Prior to the current reorganisation, 203 centres were used, some infrequently. As from 1st July, next, tribunals will sit regularly at 140 centres. Additional centres will be used if the number of appeals in other areas makes this necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of appellants attend in person cases heard by supplementary benefit tribunals.

The most recent available figures covering the last six months of 1968 show this proportion to be 46·2 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the approximate cost during 1970 of the social security advisory committees, and if he will break down the sum into its main components and publish a summary of the replies received from these committees concerning their future rô1e.

The estimated annual cost of the social security local advisory committees made in 1970 was £130,000. This was made up of £125,000 departmental staff costs and £5,000 travelling and subsistence expenses of local advisory committee members.The replies received from local advisory committees in response to an inquiry sent to them last year contained few positive proposals for their future role. The main suggestions made were that local advisory committees should consider items of proposed legislation before reference to the National Insurance Advisory Committee, that local advisory committee members should interview more claimants to supplementary benefit, and that the existence of local advisory committees should be more widely publicised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from bronchial asthma of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(2) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic bronchitis of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(3) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from emphysema of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(4) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(5) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic tonsillitis of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(6) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic sinusitis of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(7) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic otitis media and externa of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(8) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic labyrinthitis of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(9) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from from Menière's Disease of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(10) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from vertigo of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the gen eral practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(11) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from deafness of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(12) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from mouth ulcers of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(13) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic eczema of each prescription given on Form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(14) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic skin sensitivities of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(15) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic psoriasis of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Pavitt) on 25th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 72–81.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what basis he compiled the income table contained in Leaflet P.C.11 and the example of income for free prescriptions for a married couple at £16·45.

The illustrative income limit for a married couple is made up as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the deaths which occured in public swimming baths and pools in 1970.

Details, so far as known, are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is the practice of his Department when considering the standard of qualification obtained by a doctor trained abroad to examine the syllabus, the staffing, entry conditions and standards and the equipment of the training establishment; and whether visits are made to the establishments concerned to check on these matters.

The recognition of overseas medical qualifications and the arrangement of any related visits, are matters for the General Medical Council; the Council is undertaking a review of the present arrangements for the registration in this country of doctors who have qualified overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will institute an inquiry into Rentavilla Limited, Piccadilly, under the Companies Act.

No trace can be found of a company named Rentavilla Ltd. I assume that the hon. Member is referring to Rentavilla Overseas Property Sales and Investments Ltd. Proceedings have been started against that company under Section 14 of the Prevention of Frauds (Investments) Act, 1958.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in the light of information arising from the investigation into the affairs of the Pinnock Finance Company from 1964 to 1967 by the Board of Trade, whether he will take steps to strengthen the appropriate section of his Department so that the interests of small savers are better protected.

Full account will be taken of any lessons to be learned.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total number of people now employed by his Department, compared with the total number of people of the underlying Departments which together were joined to make his present Department at the time of its formation; and what plans he has to bring about a reduction in personnel in his Department in accordance with Government policy.

24,550 non-industrial and 1,679 industrials on 1st April, 1971, compared with 24,645 and 1,727 on 1st November, 1970. The ending of the investment grants scheme will lead to substantial staff savings, and we expect other savings to be found as a result of the review we are making of a number of the Department's activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he proposes to hold talks with the Minister for Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Eire about the effect on the footwear industry of the Anglo-Eire Free Trade Agreement; and if he will give an assurance that the interests of the footwear industry of Northern Ireland will be properly safeguarded;(2) whether he proposes to enter into consultations with the Government of the Republic of Eire about the operations of the Anglo-Eire Free Trade Agreement; and whether he will consider inviting the Northern Ireland Minister of Commerce to attend in order to protect the interests of Northern Ireland.

Preliminary exchanges of an exploratory character are now taking place between officials of the two parties to the agreement under which joint consideration must be given as to whether its operation is causing difficulties in any particular sectors of industry in the Republic of a kind which would call for special action. It is too soon to identify particular industries and therefore to know whether the interests of Northern Ireland would be affected but I should naturally keep closely in touch with the Northern Ireland Government and an official of the Northern Ireland Government is associated with the present talks.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the inquiries into the affairs of the International Investors Group were conducted by his Department; what report was made to him; and whether he will make a statement.

Inquiries have been made by the Department under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967. In view of the provisions of Section 111 of that Act, we cannot publish or disclose the information so obtained. Further inquiries are being made but we cannot at present make a statement about them.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the White Paper on Metrication will contain a major section on education, particularly in connection with the continuation of teaching of, and examinations in, traditional forms of weights and measures.

Perhaps my hon. Friend would care to wait for the White Paper, which will certainly contain a chapter on education.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Steering Committee carrying out the review of the financial state of the British Steel Corporation have given consideration to the pending wage claim by the Iron and Steel Trades Corporation

The review has taken into account all relevant circumstances. As we have promised, we shall make a statement on the 1971–72 position shortly after Whitsun.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms, having employees in the London Borough of Islington, have gone bankrupt in the last year; and what is his estimate of the number of redundancies which ensued.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now institute an inquiry into the tax position of deserted wives.

No. I do not consider one to be necessary. The tax position of many separated and divorced wives will be improved under the new personal tax system which is to start in 1973–74.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to require each National Economic Development Office to publish financial league tables for its own industry.

No. As the hon. Member will know, information of this type is already published by some Economic Development Committees. It is for each committee to decide whether the publication of such information would be helpful to the industry which it represents.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from bronchial asthma of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;(2) what is his estimate of the cost to a chronically sick patient suffering from chronic bronchitis of each prescription given on form E.C.10, assuming that the general practitioner prescribes the normal quantities, in the event of a system of payment being instituted in which the patient would pay half of the cost of the prescription, graded in 2½p steps, with a minimum charge of 10p and a maximum of 25p per prescription;

I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Rhondda, West (Mr. Alec Jones) on 25th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 136–46.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total amount of annual rateable value of installations situated in Wales owned by water undertakings whose main areas of distribution lie outside Wales.

The total rateable value attributable to those parts within Wales of water undertakings whose main areas of distribution lie outside Wales is £367,578.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the relationship between supply and demand of water for either human consumption or industrial use in Wales by 1980.

The statutory responsibility for making such estimates rests with the respective river authorities under the general guidance of the Water Resources Board, which advises me in these matters. Later this year, I expect to receive the board's report on its Wales and Midlands study. This report should provide comprehensive information about future water supply and demand in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what change there was in the number of children attending primary schools in Cardiganshire in 1970 compared with 1965.

The number of pupils attending maintained primary schools in Cardiganshire increased from 4,733 in 1965 to 5,265 in 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what change there was in the resident population of Cardiganshire in 1970 compared with 1965.

The resident (home) population of Cardiganshire fell by 460 (0·9 per cent.) between 1965 and 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now name the members of the reconstituted Welsh Council.