asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further consultations are planned with the Confederation of British Industry on the subject of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

My Department continues to hold regular discussions with the C.B.I. at which all aspects of the negotiations are discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether it is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government to ensure that no tariff barriers will be erected between those members of the European Free Trade Association which might join the European Economic Community and those which will stay out.

At the last Ministerial meeting of E.F.T.A., we reaffirmed the strong interest of all E.F.T.A. members in avoiding the re-erection of tariff barriers between the present members of E.F.T.A. after the enlargement of the European Economic Community. We hope that the arrangement currently under discussion between the Community and other E.F.T.A. countries will reflect this.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further consultations are planned with trades union leaders on the subject of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

My Department had discussions with trade union officials last

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total amount of coal produced in each of the countries of the European Economic Community.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide details showing per capita private consumption in 1970, compared with 1963, in the United Kingdom, the European Economic Community as a whole, and individual European Economic Community countries, respectively.

In 1963 private consumption per capita was higher in the United Kingdom than in the European Economic Community as a whole but the reverse was true in 1969, the latest year for which figures are available.Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will provide details of the increase in trade from 1958 to the latest year for which statistics are available, between the Yaoundé States and the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community, respectively.

The following table shows that there has been a substantial increase in trade since 1958 although the United Kingdom remains relatively unimportant in the trade of these states:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the amount of steel produced and the number of workers employed in the steel industry in each of the European Economic Community countries during the last year for which figures are available.

Details of steel production and steel industry work force of the European Coal and Steel Community countries for 1970 are given below:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the liquidation of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited; and what replies he has sent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the nature of the representations he has received so far regarding the liquidation of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited; what is the nature of his replies; and if he will make a statement.

Besides the meetings with trade union representatives listed in the reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Bridgeton (Mr. James Bennett) on 28th June, my right hon. Friend was with the Prime Minister when he met the Lord Provost of Glasgow on 24th June. We have also received over 75 letters or telegrams relating to the liquidation of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd. Replies to individual letters have depended on the subject matter but in general we have explained the Government's aims in relation to shipbuilding on the Upper Clyde and the action which the Government have taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give an estimate of the redundancies at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited after the forthcoming reorganisation.

At this stage it is not possible to forecast the position after reconstruction.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he made between 1st November, 1970, and 14th June, 1971, to be kept informed about the affairs of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited.

I have nothing to add to my replies to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Craigton (Mr. Millan), to the hon. Member for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire (Mr. Douglas) and other hon. Members on 28th June.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what expert advice was available to him in dealing with the affairs of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited before its liquidation.

Technical, financial and legal advice was available to me from within the resources of the Department and of the Government generally, and also from the Shipbuilding Industry Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what official discussions he has had with the provisional liquidator of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited.

When 1 met the provisional liquidator on 17th June he agreed, subject to his responsibilities to the company's creditors, to co-operate in the arrangements the Government were making. My Department remains in close touch with him, and I shall be meeting him again in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the steps taken by his Department to achieve a capital reconstruction of Upper Clyde Ship builders Limited.

Discussions over the period November, 1970, to January, 1971, led to our being prepared to participate in a capital reconstruction of U.C.S. It was for the company to translate this into action; but this was not achieved before it petitioned for liquidation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about employment prospects at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Springburn (Mr. Buchanan).

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to improve the machinery whereby he gets advance warning of situations, such as Upper Clyde Ship builders Limited, in which the Government have a substantial proportion of the shares.

We are satisfied with the detailed arrangements for obtaining information which, in relation to U.C.S. Ltd. were set out in my right hon. Friend's answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Craigton (Mr. Millan) on 28th June, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates since 1st October, 1970,. Mr. Mackenzie, the Shipbuilding Industry Board Director of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited, has had meetings with Ministers or officials of his Department; and what matters were discussed.

Meetings at which both. Mr. Mackenzie and Ministers or officials of my Department were present took place on 14th and 27th October, 19th and 26th November and 23rd December, 1970, and 5th and 14th January, 23rd March, 14th April, 5th May and 8th June, 1971. At all of these meetings the position and progress of the company were discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reply he has sent to the request by the Presbytery of Greenock that there should be a full-scale inquiry into the liquidation of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited.

I have told the Prestbytery of Greenock that I do not consider that a public inquiry would add significantly to the information already made public.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the terms of reference of the Shipbuilding Industry Board's director on Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.

The director nominated to the Board of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd. by the Shipbuilding Industry Board had the same formal responsibilities as any other director of the Company. In addition, he was expected to keep the Shipbuilding Industry Board generally informed of the affairs of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd., and did so.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will state the information available to his Department regarding the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders which enabled the shipbuilding guarantees to be resumed on 3rd February, 1971;(2) what information was supplied to him by the Shipbuilding Industry Board's director on the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders' Board which enabled the shipowners' credits to be resumed on 3rd February, 1971.

I had a copy of the survey made by the company of its financial position on 18th November, 1970. which included cash flow forecasts, profit and loss projections and net assets projections. The company subsequently informed me of its success in negotiating increased prices from shipowners, and, as I announced to the House on 11th February, was confident of its ability to achieve a viable future.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost of the advertisement in The Times newspaper on Wednesday, 23rd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial development certificates for what number of jobs were issued for the Northern Region during the last six months.

In the period 1st December, 1970, to 31st May, 66 certificates were issued. The companies concerned estimated that nearly 3,600 additional

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on when he

£561.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of Government investment in industrial development under the Local Employment Acts for each completed quarter from March, 1970; and what are the separate regional figures.

Following is the information:jobs were likely to arise when these projects are fully manned.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial development certificates were issued for the Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West, constituency, for Tyneside and for the Northern Region, respectively, during the last 12 months and the comparable figures for the previous 12 months.

The following is the information:now expects Concorde to enter airline service.

The manufacturers are at present reviewing the overall programme with the object of achieving the earliest target date for entry into airline service.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the future of Concorde with particular reference to the total cost of the project to date, the share of such costs borne by Her Majesty's Government, the number of provisional orders or options entered into, and the number of cancellations of such orders or options; and what is his policy regarding requests from the British Overseas Airways Corporation for capital sanction to purchase these aircraft.

Expenditure on Concorde to 30th June, 1971, totalled about £550 million on development and £20 million on current production. The share borne by the United Kingdom Government was £290 million and £10 million, respectively. Options, none of which has been cancelled, have been taken on 74 Concordes. Request from B.O.A.C. for capital sanction to purchase Concorde will be considered in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state the revised pay load of the Concorde aircraft for it to be an economic proposition in the light of present projected operational costs; and what level of fares he estimates would be required to make it commercially viable.

Since 1964 Concorde's target payload has remained at 20,000 lbs. between Paris and New York on entry into service, rising to 25,000 lbs. on the same route after two years. The level of fares is for airlines to decide in the light of their commercial judgment of how Concorde can most profitably be operated.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation on exclusion clauses in contracts for the sale of goods or services.

Although we hope to legislate on exclusion clauses in the sale of goods in due course, I have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend said on 5 th April in answer to the hon. Member about services.—[Vol. 815, c. 19.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is proposed to insure British investments abroad against political risks such as nationalisation or expropriation.

The Government's decision to introduce a scheme for insuring new British investment overseas against the political risks of expropriation, war damage and restrictions on remittances was announced in the White Paper "British Private Investment in Developing Countries" (Cmnd. 4656) published in April, 1971. Legislation to enable the Export Credits Guarantee Department to introduce the scheme will be brought before Parliament as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason an industrial development certificate was refused in 1970 to a plas tics manufacturer's firm which would have given employment to approximately 60 workers in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Because the proposed development was not consistent with the proper distribution of industry. The firm concerned is now considering establishing a project in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reply he has sent to. Mr. Pacey, a constituent of the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester, concerning problems of export to Nigeria.

My right hon Friend has sent my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of his reply to. Mr. Pacey.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that Fine Tubes Limited of Plymouth has, in contravention of Section 124 of the Companies Act, 1948, filed no annual return for the calendar year 1970; and whether he will prosecute the company for this breach of the Act.

The company has now filed its annual return.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present position of stocks of smokeless fuel and other solid fuels.

Stocks of solid smokeless fuels are substantially higher than a year ago. Total stocks of coal are at about the same level as a year ago and are increasing.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the list of provisions and practices existing in the United Kingdom coal and steel industries which are contrary to the European Coal and

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what price increases have been announced during the past 12 months in the nationalised industries with which his Department is concerned.

Following is the information:Steel Community Treaty and its implementing regulations which was handed to the United Kingdom representatives at the 19th Meeting of the Conference at deputy level on 4th and 5th May, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications he has received from the European Coal and Steel Community conveying its views as to the provisions and practices in the British steel industry which are contrary to the European Coal and Steel Community treaty and regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish a list of the provisions and practices existing in the British coal industry which are contrary to the European Coal and Steel Community treaty and its regulations;(2) what details the European Coal and Steel Community has given to him of the provisions and practices to which the National Coal Board must conform, assuming British entry into the European Economic Community;(3) what communications he has received from the European Coal and Steel Community conveying its views as to the provisions and practices in the United Kingdom coal industry which are contrary to the European Coal and Steel Community treaty and its regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provisions of the Steel Nationalisation Act are contrary to the provisions of the European Coal and Steel Community treaty and regulations; and whether he will issue a White Paper containing a list of those items.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what memorandum the European Economic Community has delivered to Her Majesty's Government to the effect that Her Majesty's Government would require to relinquish the power to give general directives to the National Coal Board upon entry to the European Economic Community; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on this matter.

I regret that it is not possible to publish Brussels Conference documents. This matter will, however, be dealt with in the forthcoming White Paper on Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether investments in the steel industry will continue to be approved by him, assuming the United Kingdom enters the European Coal and Steel Community.

I shall continue to approve the Corporation's general programme of investment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish a White Paper on the effects that the European Coal and Steel Community treaty and its regulations will have on the British coal industry, assuming that the United Kingdom enters the European Coal and Steel Community.

A section on coal and steel will be included in the White Paper to be published shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect entry into the European Coal and Steel Community would have on the borrowing powers of the National Coal Board.

It would not affect the Board's existing borrowing powers. The Board would, however, in addition be able to take advantage of the lending facilities of the European Commission, including loans for capital investment and loans at low rates of interest for housing projects for coal miners.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average payment made per worker rendered redundant in the coal-mining, iron-ore mining and iron and steel industries between 1967–68 and 1969–70 under the European Coal and Steel Community's social plan.

Commitments^* incurred by the Commission† for assistance under Article 56·2 of the Treaty of Paris were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what import duties are imposed on British cars when entering those countries to which they are currently exported.

The British car industry exports virtually world-wide. Some countries impose no import duty; the import duties imposed by other countries range from 1 per cent. to 450 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ask Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited to take over the responsibility of workers' shares in the previous Rolls-Royce Company.

As my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend the Member for

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of total United Kingdom energy consumption was supplied by oil products in 1951, 1961 and, according to his latest estimate, 1971, respectively.

The answer is 11 per cent., 27 per cent. and an estimated 46 per cent. respectively in terms of coal equivalent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the refusal of the Stock Exchange to permit member firms to advertise to the Monopolies Commission.

We are considering these practices, and other restrictive practices of professional bodies, in the light of the Monopolies Commission's report on Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost) on 28th June, the possibility of affording some form of special treatment to the holders of workers' shares in Rolls-Royce Ltd. is still being explored.—[Vol. 820, c. 6.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total number of new jobs estimated to arise from industrial development certificate approvals at the latest available date; and what are the proportionate figures for males, females and young people under 18 years of age.

I regret that this information is not available. However, I circulate below details of jobs estimated to arise over the next four years in manufacturing industry in the Northern Region, Scotland and Wales.the professions, and of the replies received to my right hon. Friend's subsequent letter inviting the bodies concerned to re-examine their practices. It is likely to be some time before we reach a conclusion on any further action which may be needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the amount of revenue lost by electricity boards on the basis that the ownership and control of showrooms, contracting and similar other activities in the electrical utilisation field were removed from them and of the effect of this on the price of electricity.

The net revenue after all charges as recorded in the accounts for 1969–70 was £4·5 million before allowing for interest on capital employed. The turnover of the boards in the same year on all their operations was £1,460 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the recommendations of the latest report of the West Midlands Economic Planning Council Report, "The West Midlands—An Economic Appraisal".

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 21st June by my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Development to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding).—[Vol. 819, c. 212–18.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional employment for males is in prospect over the next three months in Glasgow and Clydebank.

4,600 jobs for males are estimated to arise in the Glasgow travel-to-work area, of which Clydebank is a part, over the next four years in authorised new industrial buildings and in buildings taken over by manufacturing industry. It is not possible to say how many of these will arise in the next three months.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the RB211.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a further statement about the agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Lockheed Aviation over the funding of the RB211 engine.

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Derby, South (Mr. Walter Johnson) and West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell).

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is intended that Her Majesty's Govern-men should, on the issue of the RB211 engine, tender evidence to any select committee of either the Senate or House of Representatives of the United States of America which had not already been given to this Parliament.

That is not our intention.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on funding the development of a British or collaborative vertical take-off and landing civil airliner.

The Department has had extensive discussions with all the bodies concerned with V/STOL, and background studies are continuing. I will shortly be discussing with the manufacturers their STOL and RTOL proposals, and I think it would be best to complete these discussions before making a further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the Vinter Committee on choice of nuclear reactors to report.

At present 1 have nothing to add to the reply which my hon. Friend gave on 14th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn).—[Vol. 819, c. 4.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs have been created in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West, constituency, on Tyneside and in the Northern Region, respectively, during the last 12 months by the opening of new plant factories &c.

I regret that the information is not available. aoF]v?fihstt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimated cost of implementing the Holland-Martin safety requirements in the fishing fleet; and what proportion of this cost is borne by the owners and the Government, respectively.

It has been estimated that the capital outlay would amount to some £1·5 million and the additional annual running costs to some £2·6 million. My right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland are discussing with the industry how these costs should be borne, and no final decision has yet been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent he estimates the latest retail price index has been affected by the implementation of his policies.

I have no doubt that the stimulation we have given to competition and our close scrutiny of prices in the nationalised industries have kept the index from reflecting fully the legacy of wage inflation which we inherited.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the actual dates since the end of 1970 when his Department approached the Dollar Land Company Limited for the publication of their 1969 accounts; what were the reasons given for the failure of the company to carry out the Companies Act requirement with regard to the publication of these accounts; and what action he has taken or intends taking to ensure that these accounts are published in accordance with the Companies Act.

Approaches were made to the company on a number of occasions. We are in close touch with the directors to try to ensure publication as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the fact that the circumstances of the sale of the Death of Actæon at Christie's are contrary to the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act, 1927, what steps he intends to take in prosecuting those responsible and concerning the sale.

If the hon. Member has evidence that an offence has been committed he should bring it to the notice of the police. Enforcement of the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act, 1927, is not the responsibility of my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the continuing record of fatal accidents from domestic gas heating appliances, he will give general directions to the gas boards to supply ducted air venting or other direct air supply which does not cause draughts in the living area of the house.

No. The gas industry, I understand, is working to bring ventilation up to present day standards, but the particular form of improvement for the various installations it finds is a matter for individual area boards to decide in the light of the requirements of the customer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs were created in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West, constituency, on Tyne-side and in the Northern Region, respectively, during the 12 months ended 18th June, 1970, by the opening of new plant, factories, &c.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received a copy of the Scottish Council Development and Industry's Report, "Direct International Air Services—a Demand Study", what action he is taking on the conclusions of the report; and if he will make a statement.

I have received this interesting and useful report, which concludes that the action now required is the successful marketing of international air services from Scotland. The report does not propose or require Government action.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now grant the county of Flint development area status; and if he will make a statement.

No. The circumstances of the area do not warrant assisted status.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will commission a comparative cost benefit analysis of the work of the industrial research associations, the research establishments for which he has full responsibility, and the other advisory services to industry provided by his Department.

I am reviewing policies in these fields. But a formal cost benefit analysis in the terms of the question would not be feasible, because the range of activities is too diverse. We do, of course, use the techniques of cost benefit analysis as a management tool when considering particular programmes within these fields.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is now taking to attract industry to Wales; and if he will make a statement.

The Government's national and regional policies are designed to secure a sound basis for industrial investment and growth in all parts of the country, including Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement concerning the closer integration of service helicopter services with air/sea rescue services in Mid and South-West Wales.

There is already close co-ordination between the Services and the civil marine rescue authorities in this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to stimulate the machine tool industry in view of the sharp decline in orders.

Measures introduced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor both in the Budget and earlier are designed to encourage capital investment generally and, as these take effect, should stimulate demand for machine tools.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial aid Her Majesty's Government has given to the British Aircraft Corporation since 1964; how much of this was launching aid; how much was recuperable; how much has been recuperated; and how much he expects to recuperate during the next five years.

Leaving aside Concorde, £11 million since 1964. This was all launching aid, for the VC10 and BAC 1–11 aircraft. It is recoverable as a levy on sales. Total launching aid for these aircraft was £29 million. About £3·5 million has been recovered and we expect to recover approximately £3 million more over the next five years.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now take steps to remove terms control over hire purchase contracts for motor vehicles and tractors, as recommended by the Committee under Lord Crowther, having regard to the high level of unemployment in the Midlands and under-production in the vehicles industry.

No. I cannot add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr. Hordern) on 15th June by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his discussions with the British Insurance Association regarding the compensation of victims of the insolvency of the Vehicle and General Insurance Company are now concluded; and what compensation will be paid.

Yes. Over and above compensation to other injured third parties, payable by the Motor Insurers' Bureau, a fund is being set up to help injured passengers.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the refusal of the Stock Exchange to admit women as members to the Monopolies Commision.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply given to him earlier today.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications he has received from representatives of the Systems International Trust Fund; and what action he has taken to help employees of Systems International Limited dismissed with one hour's notice and without pay in lieu of notice.

A letter dated 19th June, 1971. The company is in liquidation, and employees' claims are a matter for the liquidators, who hope to make payment of the preferential claims shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will undertake, in conjunction with the proposals for the further expansion of Swindon, to take measures to encourage new industries to establish themselves in the area that will promote and sustain a properly balanced and full employment situation in the town.

The development and intermediate areas must continue to have priority. Subject to this, I am prepared to grant I.D.C.s for the reasonable expansion of local firms and for suitable firms moving to Swindon from London under the overspill arrangements with the G.L.C.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will order an inquiry into the affairs of the Cunard Steamship Company, following the recent dealings in that company's shares.

I see no reason to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the new Chairman of the National Coal Board on the rôle coal is to play in the fuel economy during the next 10 years; and if he will publish the results of the discussions.

I have had, and shall continue to have, discussions on this matter with the new Chairman. The future rôle of the coal industry, however, depends on its ability to meet the demands of the market.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he has now given to the proposals of the West Riding County Council and the Thorne Rural District Council for developing a major airport near Thorne.

Such proposals are in the first instance for local interests to consider.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on Government policy following the ruling of the International Court of Justice on South-West Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make representations to the Government of South Africa concerning the future of South-West Africa based on the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice.

The text of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice is being carefully studied in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I am not yet in a position to comment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish a map giving an authoritative delineation of British protected fishing grounds consequential on his recent proposals to the European Economic Community and how that delineation varies from the 1964 Agreement.

Her Majesty's Government's proposals on fisheries were explained in my statement of 9th June. Maps placed in the Libraries of the House show the delineation of the fishing limits on which these proposals are based. The need for further explanatory maps will depend upon progress in the futher negotiations on fisheries.—[Vol. 818, c. 1045.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek powers to require all organisations incurring expenditure in seeking to influence public opinion on the question of entry into the European Economic Community to declare their sources of income.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs if he will include in the White Paper on proposed entry to the European Economic Community a statement indicating the position of British horticulture and identifying the form and extent of compensation or other help which Her Majesty's Government would be premitted to provide and would propose to provide.

The forthcoming White Paper will set out the arrangements made in the negotiations for British horticulture. Any further domestic arrangements would be matters for my right honourable Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs if he will include in the White Paper on proposed entry to the European Economic Community a statetext of value-added tax, making clear the ment of the position of food in the con extent of any obligation upon Her Majesty's Government arising out of the principle of harmonisation.

No. I have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Treasury gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 25th June.—[Vol. 819, c. 371.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what would be the estimated increase in the price of steel to Harland and Wolff under European Economic Community regulations regarding payment of transport costs.

I have been asked to reply. The E.C.S.C. Treaty does not have the effect of fixing steel prices, which remain a commercial matter for undertakings. Such an estimate, therefore, would be inappropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current total number of rules and regulations, Commission and Council of Ministers' edicts and enactments which Great Britain will have to adopt on entry into the European Economic Community; and if he will provide a general survey on what subjects and matters of national policy these concern, and in what way.

Upon accession to the European Communities, the United Kingdom would have to adopt all regulations, decisions and directives in force at the date of accession subject to derogations agreed in the negotiations. In their present non-consolidated form their total number is around 3,000. As a part of our negotiations for entry, this Community legislation is being examined in Brussels and modified where necessary to apply to an enlarged Community. Until this operation is complete it will not be possible to list the United Kingdom legislation which would be affected. All European Community legislation is enacted under the authority of the Treaties of Rome and Paris and the subject matter is limited to the areas with which the Treaties are concerned. The White Paper (Cmnd. 3301) published in May, 1967, provides a general survey, which is still valid, of the effect of Community legislation and the aspects of national policy covered by the treaties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now state the terms of agreement entered into with the European Coal and Steel Community, so far as the future of the United Kingdom coal and steel industries are concerned.

Pending the forthcoming White Paper on the negotiations with the Community, I have nothing to add to my statement of 24th June.—[Vol. 819, c. 1605].

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will, before accepting the Rome Treaty and entry into the Europen Economic Community, insist that Sweden and Switzerland be invited to join the Community.

No. If Sweden and Switzerland wished to become full members of the Community they would apply to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis on Great Britain's possible entry into the European Economic Community the 24 British representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee will be democratically elected or appointed; and whether he will make a statement.

The basis on which the 24 British representatives on the Economic and Social Committee of the Community will be selected has yet to be decided. Article 193 of the Treaty of Rome defines the fields of economic and social activity from which representatives shall be drawn. In practice the Committee's membership is composed of one third representatives of employees, one third representatives of employers and one third representatives of the general interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) to what extent British Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty's Government to the Common Market Commission on Great Britain's possible entry into the European Economic Community will, if Members of Parliament, in addition to their Parliamentary salaries, be able to draw the £15,000 per annum salaries as paid by the European Economic Community to these Commissioners; and whether he will make a statement;(2) how many British members of the Common Market Commission will be appointed on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and whether these will be career diplomats, ex-Ministers and/or Members of Parliament, or existing Members of either House of Parliament; and whether he will make a statement.

The nomination of Commissioners to the Commission of the European Economic Community is not a matter which need be decided until it is clear that Britain will join the Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent British Directors General appointed by Her Majesty's Government to the Common Market Commission on Great Britain's possible entry into the European Economic Community will, if Members of Parliament, be able to draw, in addition to their parliamentary salaries, the £10,000 per annum to £12,000 per annum salaries, as paid by the European Economic Community to these Directors General; and whether he will make a statement.

The appointment of British staff to the Commission of the European Economic Community is not a matter which need be decided until it is clear that Britain will join the Communities. The posts referred to are full-time positions which require the virtually permanent presence of the holder.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will ensure that, in the White Papers on the terms for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, he will state on what basis the procedure of electing British members to the European Parliament will take place; whether this will be on a universal suffrage basis, or by Members of Parliament being elected by the House of Commons; and to what extent Members of the House of Lords will be entitled to stand for selection.

No. The composition of the delegation to the European Parliament from Westminster is not a matter which need be decided until it is clear that Britain will join the Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether in his proposed White Paper on the terms and conditions for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community he will give a fully documented explanation as to how Great Britain's existing sovereignty will be affected.

The forthcoming White Paper will set out in detail the arrangements agreed in the negotiations with the European Economic Community and Her Majesty's Government's conclusions on whether they constitute a satisfactory basis for joining the Communities, including a discussion of the question of sovereignty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in his forthcoming White Paper on the terms and conditions for Great Britain's possible entry into the European Economic Community, he will set out the way in which Commonwealth interests in general and those of the sugar-producing countries and New Zealand and Australia, in particular, will be safeguarded by the proposed delay in the implementation of the full effects of Great Britain's entry.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on his policy towards associate membership for democratic States of an enlarged European Economic Community.

Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome enables the Community to conclude association agreements with third countries. Any application for an association would be treated by the Community, whether enlarged or not, on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on his policy towards representative methods of government in the enlarged European Economic Community which will replace the current system of administration.

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in his statement on 24th May about the development of satisfactory parliamentary institutions in Europe.—[Vol. 818, c. 44.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official approach he has received from Australia's High Commissioner in London, on Australia's attitude to Great Britain's possible entry into the Common Market and his view of Great Britain's negotiations; and whether he will publish details of the views of the Australian Government in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The Australian Government has always understood and supported the reasons for Britain's application to join the European Economic Community. Over the period of the negotiations, there have been exchanges and consultations on a number of aspects which affected Australia's interests. I visited Australia to discuss the implications of British membership last autumn. More recently. Mr. Anthony, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Commerce, has visited the United Kingdom. He had useful meetings with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and myself at which Australia's interest in Britain's entry into the European Economic Community were fully discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much, up until 24th June, has been spent on printing and circulating fact sheets on Great Britain and Europe; how much of this money has been spent on newspaper advertisements advertising these sheets; what was the amount paid to each stated newspaper; and whether he will ensure that these fact sheets in future contain the information which is factual on the adverse effects of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

The amount spent on printing and circulating Factsheets, up until 24th June, was £49,600. No newspaper advertising for the Factsheets was undertaken up until that date. The Fact-sheets already contain relevant factual material on the adverse effects.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to reach a conclusion with the European Economic Community concerning matters affecting the flow of capital to the countries of the European Economic Community; and whether full details of these negotiations will be reported in his forthcoming White Paper.

As these matters are still under negotiation, it is impossible to give a firm answer to the first part of the Question; as for the second I must ask the hon. Member to await publication of the forthcoming White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, as the Government have now agreed to the principle of entry into the European Economic Community, he will arrange for Members of Parliament who wish to do so to visit the Brussels Headquarters of the European Economic Community.

I am certain that there will be opportunities for hon. Members to visit the institutions of the Community, but arrangements for those will not necessarily fall within the province of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent he is attempting to obtain the benefits of entry into the Common Market for the Channel Islands; and what discussions have ensued on this subject in general and Jersey in particular during recent discussions with the authorities in the European Economic Community.

After close consultation between Her Majesty's Government and Island authorities, the United Kingdom delegation in Brussels has invited the Community to examine the question of the future relationship of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man with the European Economic Community with a view to a form of relationship that would best suit the needs and wishes of the Island's inhabitants. The Community's response is awaited.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has now been able to obtain the full text of the speech made by President Pompidou in St. Flour on Saturday, 26th June, 1971; and when he expects to place this with an English translation in the Library.

A French language text of the parts of President Pompidou's speech relating to the European Economic Community negotiations is being placed in the Library today and an English translation will be made available as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek further discussion with representatives of the Government of New Zealand on the latest circumstances affecting Great Britain's approach to entry into the European Economic Community so far as it affects the New Zealand dairy industry.

There has been close and continuous consultation with representatives of the New Zealand Government throughout the negotiations, and, if Britain joins the Communities, this will be maintained during the implementation of the arrangements outlined in my statement of 24th June.—[Vol. 819, c. 1606–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is yet in a position to state how the shortened version of the White Paper on the European Economic Community negotiations is to be distributed.

The shortened version of the White Paper is to be distributed in the same way as the Government's Factsheets on "Britain and Europe", including being made available to the public, free of charge, at post offices.