asked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has for making a further official visit to Northern Ireland.

I have no plans to make a further visit to Northern Ireland in the immediate future ; however, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army did so on 5th–7th July.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many separate incidents involving the use by terrorists of explosives, incendiary devices and firearms have been investigated by the security forces acting under the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland since 1st January, 1970 ; how many arrests have been made ; how many convictions obtained ; and in how many cases it has been established that members of known Republican groups have been concerned.

I regret that the information requested in the first part of the Question could not be provided without the expenditure of undue time and effort. I can say, however, that the total number of persons arrested and handed over to the civil authority by the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland between 1st January, 1971, and 9th July, 1971, was 860. I understand that 456 convictions have so far resulted. I am not aware that any of these convictions was for membership of an illegal organisation.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has relating to the number of troops on active service in Northern Ireland ; and if he will make a statement.

The plans are to maintain military forces in Northern Ireland at a level appropriate to the security situation, and to this end they are kept under continual review.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many searches for illegal arms and ammunition have been carried out by the Army in Northern Ireland between 1st July, 1969, to 1st July, 1970, and the same period in 1970 to 1971 ; how many arms and explosives were found ; how many arrests were made and convictions obtained in connection with the possession thereof when the Army prosecuted ; and in how many cases it was established that the arms were in the possession of members of known Republican organisations in each period, respectively.

I regret that the information is not readily available in the form requested. Between 1st January, 1971, and 30th June, 1971, searches were as follows :

Vehicles	346,385
Unoccupied buildings	5,793
Occupied buildings	1,234
Open areas	1,505
Quarries	41

Arms finds in the whole of 1970 were :

108	pistols.
84	rifles.
10	automatic weapons.
28	grenades.
543	lbs. of explosive.
50,166	rounds of ammunition.
1,739	detonators and primers.

In the period 1st January, 1971, to 1st July, 1971, arms finds amounted to :

75	pistols.
49	rifles.
2	automatic weapons.
50	grenades.
710	lbs. of explosive.
35,619	rounds of ammunition.
1,288	detonators and primers.

Between 4th July, 1970, and 31st December, 1970, there were 94 arrests by the Armed Services for possession of arms, explosives and petrol bombs ; those arrested were handed over to the civil authorities on whom the responsibility rests for prosecution. I understand that 22 convictions resulted. Between 1st January, 1971, and 9th July, 1971, there were 49 arrests in the same category, which have so far, I understand, resulted in 19 convictions. In no case, it is understood, was there a conviction for membership of an illegal organisation.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many arrests the Army have made in Northern Ireland since 1st January, 1971.

In the period 1st January, 1971, to 9th July, 1971, a total of 860 persons were arrested by the Army in Northern Ireland and handed over to the civil authority.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many shots were fired against the Army in Londonderry during the week beginning 4th July ; and what fire was returned.

During the week in question about 130 rounds were fired against the Army in Londonderry. In addition, numerous bomb and other attacks were made on the Army. In responding to these assaults a total of five shots was fired.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the arms finds by members of Her Majesty's Forces in Northern Ireland during the last two weeks of June.

During this period arms and explosives found by the Army were as follows :

11	Firearms.
1,221	Rounds of ammunition.
205	lb. of gelignite.
194	Detonators.
827	ft. of fuse.
19	Pipe and nail bombs.
8	Grenades.
14	Booby traps.
30	Incendiary devices.
100	ft. of electric cable.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many arrests have been made by the Army in Londonderry since 1st January, 1971.

In the period 1st January, 1971, to 9th July, 1971, a total of 43 persons were arrested by the Army in Londonderry and handed over to the civil authority.

asked the Minister of State for Defence who issued the warning to youths on the night of Wednesday 7th–8th July prior to the shooting by the Army in Northern Ireland of Seamus Cusack ; and at what time and in what manner such warning was issued.

If the hon. Member is referring to the shooting incident which occurred in Londonderry early in the morning of 8th July, I have nothing to add to the statement of the Minister of State for Defence on 12th July.—[Vol. 821, c. 32.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence who authorised the shooting by the Army in Northern Ireland of Seamus Cusack on the night of 7th July ; and at what time and in what manner the authorisation was given.

If the hon. Member is referring to the shooting incident which occurred in Londonderry in the morning of 8th July, the soldier who fired acted on his own responsibility under his Common Law duty.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what soldier in Northern Ireland on 7th–8th July fired the shot which fatally wounded Seamus Cusack ; at what time this order was carried out ; and from what range Seamus Cusack was fired on.

I am not aware that it has been established that Seamus Cusack was fatally wounded when shot. On the contrary, reports suggest that his death may have been the result of his being removed to the Republic of Ireland without being given proper medical attention.

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) on what evidence the Army in Northern Ireland on 7th–8th July assumed Seamus Cusack to be carrying a weapon ;(2) what soldier or soldiers in Northern Ireland on 7th–8th July identified the weapon which was alleged to have been carried by Seamus Cusack as a rifle ;(3) what kind of rifle it is alleged by the Army in Northern Ireland that Seamus Cusack was carrying when shot on 7th–8th July.

If the hon. Member is referring to the shooting incident which occurred in Londonderry early in the morning of 8th July, the evidence available to the Army has been provided to the Royal Ulster Constabulary as the proper authority in this matter. The Army will continue to co-operate fully with the Royal Ulster Constabulary in its inquiries.

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) on what evidence the Army base the statement that the man, now identified as George Beatty, was throwing a nail-bomb when fired on, and fatally wounded, by soldiers in the vicinity of Fox's Corner on 8th July, 1971 ;(2) what injuries were received by George Beatty when he was shot by British soldiers.

It would be premature to deal with the points raised in these questions before an inquest has been held.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether soldiers giving evidence during the inquests on the deaths of Seamus Cusack and George Beatty have been instructed to volunteer to identify themselves publicly.

No.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many members of the British Army in Northern Ireland have recently joined the Orange Order ; and whether it is the policy of his Department to permit soldiers serving in Northern Ireland to become members of the Orange Order.

I cannot say ; this is a matter for the individual Serviceman.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what arrangements he has made to fulfil nuclear submarine commitments while British submarines are laid up for refit.

No special arrangements are made or needed. When Fleet plans are drawn up to meet operational commitments, the need for periodic refits is taken into account.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his consideration of the future of Her Majesty's Government's defence agreement with Malta.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs earlier today.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about his consideration of the future of British and allied defence arrangements with Malta.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs earlier today.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, excluding members of the newly raised units required for the rôle of an uncommitted reserve ; and what percentage of them is classed as fully trained.

About 49,000. 75 per cent. of these are trained members, but this percentage is increasing as the in-camp training season proceeds.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Territorial Army ; how is recruitment progressing ; and if he will make a statement.

The strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve on 31st May, 1971, was 50,178. There has been an increase in strength of nearly 2,500 in the old units since 1st April, 1970. The new units, formed on 1st April this year, already have a volunteer strength of over 3,000, and recruiting for them is going well.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present strength of the newly raised Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve Armoured Car Regiment.

About 160. In addition, about 130 applicants are awaiting formal documentation and final acceptance.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will alter the regulations concerning the informing of next-of-kin, by military units overseas, of illness of, or accident to, serving personnel.

No.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what discussions are now going on about an increase in Service pay in order to take account of the recent rise in the cost-of-living.

The newly appointed Armed Forces Pay Review Body has begun its work.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the adequacy of the supply arrangements for the Beira Patrol ; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The patrol is supplied from afloat support and these arrangements are quite satisfactory.

asked the Minister of State for Defence why a 27 ft. high corrugated iron garage was erected by the Army close to the back of houses in Ashdene Drive, Belfast, thereby destroying the view, interfering with chimneys and television reception, and harming the amenities of the area ; and if he will have the garage moved to another site.

The garage was built by the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Association for Northern Ireland to house armoured vehicles of the North Irish Horse Squadron of the Royal Yeomanry Regiment. The position was chosen because a suitable access road, a concrete base and hardstandings already existed there. Although the Association is formally exempt from the requirement to obtain planning approval, this was in fact sought in accordance with normal arrangements from the Belfast City Planning Department, which offered no objection from a planning aspect to the erection of the garage on its present site. I do not propose to have the garage moved to another site

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) if he will arrange for one of the Ministers in the Defence Department, when next in Belfast, to visit Ashdene Drive, to see the 27-feet high corrugated iron garage which has been erected by his Department, and the damage which it has done to the environment ;(2) what was the total cost of the garage erected by the Army at the rear of houses in Ashdene Drive, Belfast ;(3) what consultation the Army authorities had with the residents of Ashdene Drive, Belfast, before they erected a 27-feet high corrugated iron garage behind the houses of the residents in this area.

I do not consider it necessary for a Minister to visit Ashdene Drive. The cost of the garage erected by the TAVR Association was £7,300. The local residents were not consulted by the association.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present shortfall in officer cadets under training for the British Army at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

At present, Sandhurst has 475 officer cadets under training for the British Army. This is something over half of its potential. We are continuing to take steps to improve our officer recruiting and we expect the next intake to Sandhurst in September to show an improvement.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the decision not to send 41 Marine Commando to Malta.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 13th July.—[Vol. 821, c. 61–62.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future employment of 41 Commando Group Royal Marines.

As I explained in answer to my hon. Friend's Question on 13th July, the scheduled deployment of 41 Commando Group to Malta has been suspended. A decision on its future employment has not yet been taken.—[Vol. 821, c. 61–62.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was his most recent request to Barrow-in-Furness County Borough Council for the provision of residential properties for naval personnel.

The Council was asked on 30th December, 1970—and has since agreed—to lease progressively 20 rising to 40 properties for the accommodation of naval personnel engaged on the submarine and Type 42 frigate construction programme at Barrow-in-Furness, for the period 1971–73.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what final arrangements have been made with France to cover the purchase of the Exocet missile ; and how much of its production will be carried out in this country.

A contract has now been signed between Her Majesty's Government and Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale—S.N.I.A.S.—for the purchase of a number of Exocet missiles and associated equipments and services ; and also a Memorandum of Understanding between Britain and France, in which the French Government have underwritten the fulfilment of the contract terms. A substantial proportion of the British order will be manufactured in the United Kingdom ; and British firms will participate in the production of Exocet equipments for other customer countries.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Eropean Defence Improvement Programme.

The United Kingdom supports the European Defence Improvement Programme and is contributing to it.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the development of the S.R.A.A.M. 100 missile.

The future provision of an air to air weapon for use by the Royal Air Force is under consideration. A number of possible solutions, including a proposal by Hawker Siddeley Dynamics are being examined but no decision has yet been taken.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the suitability of the Harrier for operations from ships of the Fleet.

I have nothing to add to the reply given today to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) and my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Wilkinson).

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on the purchase of medium/heavy lift helicopters for the Royal Air Force.

I have at present nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Tebbit) on 13th May.—[Vol. 817, c. 600.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many allegations of discrimination in the law relating to women serving on juries have been made in the last 12 months to his Department ; and if he will make a statement.

Nine communications have been received directly, or by implication, representing that the law on jury service discriminates against women.As stated in reply to a Question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Fylde (Mr. Gardner) on 18th March, my right hon. Friend is considering the implementation of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Jury Service as a possible subject for legislation when pressures on parliamentary time permit. He has much in mind the effect of the present law as regards jury service by women.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men and boys and how many women and girls under the age of 21

			No. aged under 14		No. aged 14 and under 17		No. aged 17 and under 21
Year			Proceeded against	Convicted	Proceeded against	Convicted	Proceeded against	Convicted
1968
Male	…	…	5	4	295	278	2,374	2,212
Female	…	…	4	4	77	66	317	257
1969
Male	…	…	11	10	307	291	3,116	2,903
Female	…	…	1	1	77	73	453	405
1970
Male	…	…	11	10	364	337	3,944	3,701
Female	…	…	—	—	129	144	625	533

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funds are made available by his Department for research in the field of race relations ; to what extent these funds have been used as a result of recommendations made by the Race Relations Research Committee set up by his Department under the chairmanship of Professor Kenneth Little ; and for what purposes such funds were used.

In 1970–71, £15,000 was set aside under Section 26 of the Race Relations Act to supplement research by various agencies. Expenditure amounting to £2,745 has so far been incurred on two projects in the light of the Committee's advice, one on the information available about immigrants in selected areas, and one on the attitudes of social workers to minority groups. A grant of £850 has also recently been given for a project at Leeds University on the problems of teenage Asian girls. In addition, a grant of £1,500 a year is made to the library of the Institute of Race Relations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the Race Relations Research Committee set up by his Department under the chairmanship of Professor Kenneth Little met during 1970–71 ; how many members attended each meeting ; and what report of their deliberations is available.

Four times. Between six and nine of the 10 members attended, have been charged with, and how many convicted of, offences involving drugs during each of the latest three years for which records are available.

Following are the figures relating to England and Wales :—along with representatives of other bodies. Professor Little had to resign for health reasons, but Professor Marie Jahoda has accepted appointment as Chairman in his place. It is not envisaged that the Committee's deliberations will normally be the subject of formal published reports, but if at any time publication of its views on particular topics seems desirable, this will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he received a communication dated 3rd July from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, asking him to take action to enable fire engines and ambulances and other public service vehicles free access on the roads and streets in the London Borough of Newham ; and what action he proposes to take.

On 5th July. As I have explained to the hon. Member in my reply, the Commissioner of Police informs me that he has received no complaints from any of these services of difficulties caused to them by parked vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Mr. Girish Sovjani arrived at Heathrow airport ; on what date he was placed in detention pending inquiries ; on what date the Home Office despatched their first inquiry to the British diplomatie mission in Kampala ; whether that inquiry was sent by telegram or by bag ; on what date the necessary information was despatched by the mission to the Home Office ; by what means ; and on what date the Home Office gave instructions for Mr. Sovjani's release.

Mr. Sovjani arrived at Gatwick airport on 8th June and was moved to detention at Harmondsworth on 11th June. A telegram was sent to the British High Commission on 9th June. A telegram in reply, received on 5th July, said that Mr. Sovjani's family were not prepared to apply for his re-admission to Uganda. He was released on 6th July. The exceptional delay was due to difficulty in getting into touch with his family.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give for the latest and most convenient stated date the short-fall in the number of police ; to what extent the inter-changeability of manpower if Great Britain enters the Common Market will affect the recruitment of police ; whether the German, French and other natives of the Six will be able to enter the British police force without restriction ; and how the wages, salaries and conditions of employment of the British police force compare with those of the Six.

The number was 14,982 in England and Wales on 31st May ; not at all ; no ; I do not have full details on which to base the extremely complicated comparison asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received from the Jockey Club their request to receive a delegation to present their proposals for implementing the Benson Report ; when the delegation will be received ; and whether he will publish the result of the discussions.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received such a request ; the remaining questions do not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many places are available in prisons in the South-West Region, itemised by categories.

There are 2,252 places in local prisons and remand centres in the Prison Department, South-West Region. In addition, there are 698 places in a Category B training prison, 485 in Category C training prisons and 466 in Category D training prisons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons normally resident in the South-West Region are serving sentences outside the region because of overcrowding, itemised by categories.

Information about the home addresses of prisoners is not collated centrally. In general, however, prisoners sentenced in the Prison Department, South-West Region serve their sentences in that Region, and are not transferred to prisons in other Regions solely to relieve the overcrowding in the South-West.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable as to what is the authorised strength of the Liverpool and Bootle police force ; what is the present strength ; what steps are being taken to attract a full complement of police ; and if he will make a statement.

The authorised strength is 2,564. On 30th June, 1971, 2,062. Since 1969 the police authority has made an annual allocation of £8,000 for recruitment publicity and in 1970–71 this was assisted by a special subvention from central funds. The Chief Constable has organised a number of activities designed to arouse interest in the police service including "evening patrols" in which potential recruits are invited to an evening tour of inspection of the work of the force. In the past 12 months the strength of the force has increased by 56.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable as to whether, following arms amnesties during recent years, an internal police investigation or other investigation was initiated to discover whether firearms surrendered under amnesty terms had been sold to a gun dealer in Huddersfield, and when such investigations commenced ; for how long these continued ; and whether any policemen or gun dealers were prosecuted, or are to be prosecuted, as a result.

Following investigations by the West Yorkshire Constabulary in 1969, a police officer was in that year convicted of theft of a number of weapons, some of which had been surrendered during the amnesty the previous year, and a registered firearms dealer, whose premises were not in Huddersfield, was convicted of receiving.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought against licensed gun dealers in Huddersfield in each of the last five years in connection with the sale of arms and other substances controlled by firearms legislation.

The following are the numbers of registered firearms dealers in Huddersfield who were charged with offences under the firearms legislation in the years shown :

1966:	None.
1967:	None.
1968:	None.
1969:	One.
1970:	None.
1971:	(so far): One.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been convicted and given prison sentences during each of the past three years in respect of vandalism ; and whether, in view of the continued nuisance from vandalism, he will consider introducing legislation to raise the penalties.

A table showing the number of persons in England and Wales convicted and given prison sentences, including suspended sentences, in respect of offences classified as malicious injuries to property or malicious damage is set out below. These figures comprise both indictable and summary offences.

Year	Number of persons convicted at all courts	Number sentenced to immediate imprisonment	Number given a suspended sentence of imprisonment
1968	18,687	834	476
1969	19,308	816	477
1970	21,502	919	542

The Criminal Damage Act, which received Royal Assent on 14th July, consolidates the law relating to offences of malicious damage and provides in general for a maximum penalty on conviction on indictment of 10 years' imprisonment.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of employees in the textile industry in the Oldham district in each of the years 1950, 1960 and 1970.

The latest employment estimates for local areas are for 1969 and the earliest on a broadly comparable basis are for 1952. The estimated numbers of those, employed and unemployed, in the textile industries in the area covered by the Oldham and Chadderton and Failsworth employment exchanges were about 26,000 in June, 1952, about 16,000 in June, 1960 and just under 11,000 in June, 1969.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make an official visit to the Remploy factory in Oldham.

Yes, if a suitable opportunity arises.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of males unemployed in the South Yorkshire intermediate area at the latest available date ; and what was the number 12 months ago.

In the Yorkshire coalfield intermediate area the numbers of males registered as unemployed at June 1971 and June 1970 were 17,756 and 15,247 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons employed in the steel industry in Wales have been made redundant in the last 12 months ; and what estimate he has made of the number likely to be made redundant in the next two years under the reorganisation plans of the British Steel Corporation.

In the past 12 months, 1,600 employees in the steel industry in Wales have been made redundant. Reorganisation plans already announced by the British Steel Corporation include proposals involving the loss of 859 jobs in Wales during the next two years, though the number of consequent redundancies is likely to be somewhat lower.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what re quests have been made by the West German Government for the provision of official assistance for the recruitment of workers in Great Britain for employment in the steel industry of West Germany.

Following recent talks between officials of my Department and the German Federal Institute of Labour, arrangements have been made for vacancies with West German firms likely to be of interest to British workers to be circulated to employment exchanges in this country. These arrangements will apply to steelworkers as to others.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to find work for the unemployed registered at the Mexborough and Wombwell employment exchanges.

All the facilities of my Department's employment services are available to unemployed workers registered at the Mexborough and Wombwell employment exchanges, and my Department's officers are doing their best to assist by providing information and advice about job and training opportunities.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of unemployed persons in Batley and Morley, respectively, at the latest convenient date ; what percentage of the local working population they are ; and how these figures compare with those of 12 months, previously.

Following is the available information :

NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED AND RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE AREAS COVERED BY THE BATLEY AND MORLEY EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES
	Number nemployed	Percentage rate of unemployment*
Batley
June, 1971	687	3·3
June, 1970	470	2·4
Morley
June, 1971	351	3·2
June, 1970	238	2·2
* Rates of unemployment can be calculated for the whole of a travel-to-work area but not separately for its constituent parts. The rates shown are for the Dewsbury, Batley and Spen Valley travel-to-work area and for the Leeds, Horsforth, Morley, Rothwell, Seacroft and Stanningley travel-to-work area.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many training places are now available at Government training centres in Scotland and England, respectively.

There are 1,314 in Scotland and 8,536 in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will estimate the extra revenue likely to accrue on the basis of a rise in the entrance charge for adults at museums and galleries of 20p for three months in the year.

The effects of charging 20p to adults for months in addition to July and August are difficult to forecast with accuracy since it is impossible to know what the impact might be on attendance and on the purchase of season tickets. In round figures an increase in revenue of £60,000–£70,000 a month might be obtained during the summer months by charging adults 20p.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, how much money she expects to raise, respectively, from museum and gallery entrance charges levied on children not in organised parties, and from old age pensioners.

The numbers of children and pensioners who visit museums and galleries are not known but from those estimates that can be made I expect that about £150,000 will be received in a year from children not in organised parties. I cannot give a useful figure for pensioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will institute an inquiry into the passes and grades awarded by various examining Boards at the General Certificate of Education "A" level examination.

The Schools Council, which advises me on examination matters and the G.C.E. Examining Boards have set up a joint Working Party to consider the comparability of standards of "A" level examinations.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children took school meals within the county borough of Oldham for each of the last 12 months ; and when price increases in school meals became effective.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 5th July to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Angus Maude). I have no information about the take-up of meals on other dates over the last 12 months. The most recent price increase took place in April, 1971.—[Vol. 820, c. 299–310.]

asked the Secretaryof State for Education and Science on what date she received a communication sent on 29th June, 1971, from Mr. Kenneth Brill, the General Secretary of the British Association of Social Workers, on the Goverment's Education (Milk) Bill ; what was the nature of this communication ; and what was her reply.

The letter to my right hon. Friend from the General Secretary of the British Association of Social Workers, which was copied to all hon. Members, reached her on 30th June. It included a number of criticisms of the Bill which received its Third Reading in this House yesterday. My right hon. Friend has replied explaining the Bill's provisions against the background of the Government's broad plans for establishing more sensible policies in public expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why she will not seek to obtain from the European Economic Community details of the amounts of subsidies and payments made towards free and cheap meals, milk, etc., which are paid in each of the countries of the Six, and publish these in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The information is not the responsibility of my Department, nor is it relevant to current deliberations about Britain's joining the Common Market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to establish a national nutrition foundation to commemorate the life and work of Lord Boyd Orr.

No. While I recognise the outstanding contributions to nutrition of the late Lord Boyd Orr, there is already a British Nutrition Foundation and a number of other organisations which undertake nutritional investigations and give nutritional advice. These include Government Departments, the research councils, research associations and research institutes, one of which, the Rowett Research Institute, will be associated with Lord Boyd Orr for all time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give further details of the arrangements with the Government of the Republic of Ireland under which imports from that country are to be exempted from the new import levy schemes for beef, veal, mutton and lamb.

The Government of the Irish Republic have agreed that if our deficiency payments on fat cattle are reduced in any week because the average market price is below the target indicator price, an equivalent reduction will be made in the rate of Irish carcase beef export support ; that they will not reduce the differential between the rate of our deficiency payment and their export support below its present minimum of 1¼d. (0·5208p) per lb. without prior consultation with us with a view to agreeing on the maintenance of an appropriate relationship between our respective support arrangements ; that they will impose an export charge, of any amount by which their carcase beef export support is reduced below 1¾d. (0·7292p) per lb., on exports of fat cattle to this country should they reach a total of 200 head in any week when levies are in force on beef supplies from third countries ; and that the level of their support for carcase mutton and lamb exports to this country will not, save for agreed seasonal adjustments, exceed the rate of our deficiency payments on fat sheep. The Government of the Republic have further assured us that since they do not permit imports of fatstock or carcase meat from third countries there can be no question of re-exports to the United Kingdom. These arrangements will be kept under review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to pay an official visit to the World Bank.

My right hon. Friend is looking forward to attending the Annual Meeting of the World Bank and of the I.M.F. in September.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether building societies in the United Kingdom would be permitted to lend money in other member countries of the European Economic Community if Great Britain were to enter.

The Building Societies Act, 1962, states that one of the purposes of a society established under the Act is the making of advances to members upon security by way of mortgage of freehold or leasehold estate, or its equivalent in Scotland. It has been generally accepted that this excludes lending on security outside the United Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of British entry to the European Economic Community on interest rates for house purchasers in the United Kingdom ; and if he will make a statement.

Interest rates for house purchasers will continue to depend on the general level of interest rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has Britain's entry to the European Economic Community will have upon the legislation governing building societies ; and what modifications to such legislation will be necessary.

It is anticipated that little, if any, amendment to building society legislation will be necessary when Britain enters the European Economic Community.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the approximate cost to the Treasury of making tax free the allowances to lifeboatmen for saving lives at sea.

About £10,000 a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what method of analysis is used to assess the future demand schedule for Government publications in Leeds ; and how the evidence is collected.

The Stationery Office has assessed future demand for Government publications on the basis of the known trend of sales through post trade by its own bookshops, its Leeds agents and other local booksellers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of civil servants employed by the Central Office of Information on 1st April, 1971, together with a breakdown of such employees under the heading of professional and scientific, administrative and industrial.

The total number of civil servants employed by the Central Office of Information on 1st April, 1971, was 1,494. Of this number, 706 can be classified as professional, scientific and technical ; 719 as administrative (which includes ancillary support staff such as typists and messengers) ; and 69 as industrial.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on the basis of the latest information available to him, what percentage drop he now calculates will occur in the cost-of-living index as a result of halving selective employment tax.

The variables are such that I do not think that I could usefully make a quantitative estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now say when the decimal currency transitional period will be brought to an end ; and what arrangements are to be made about the shillings and pence coins which are still in circulation.

The Decimal Currency Board, having consulted a wide variety of representative organisations, has recommended that the transitional period should be ended on 31st August, 1971.We have accepted this recommendation, and, accordingly, an Order has today been laid before both Houses of Parliament under Section 16 of the Decimal Currency Act, 1969, providing that the transitional period shall end with 31st August, 1971.As regards coins of the old currency, my right hon. Friend proposes to advise Her Majesty the Queen to issue a Royal Proclamation under Section 15 of the Decimal Currency Act, 1969, to redesignate the crown, the double-florin, the florin, the shilling and the sixpence respectively as being 25p, 20p, 10p, 5p and 2½p. The threepence and the penny of the old currency will cease to be legal tender after the end of the transitional period.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to provide that planning authorities, before granting planning consents, consult river authorities in order to avoid the consequences of storm water.

Local planning authorities were asked in Circular 52 of 1962 to consult river authorities on planning applications where flooding might be a problem. Circular 94 of 1969 dealt with the particular problem of runoff of surface water from proposed development. I am currently consulting the local authority and river authority associations about the adequacy of the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the estimated total value of road schemes to be transferred from the preparation pool to the firm road programme for each year to 1975–76, or as far ahead as convenient.

Over £1,300 million worth of the trunk road schemes now in preparation are expected to be programmed by the end of the financial year 1975–76 but the rate at which they are transferred to the firm programme will vary from year to year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to publish the findings of the public inquiry regarding the use of land at Thruxton for a motor racing circuit together with his decision thereon.

The decision will be made as soon as possible : I am sorry I cannot be more precise at present. The Inspector's report of the inquiry will be issued together with the decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further consultations he proposes to hold with local authorities in England on the areas of the new counties and metropolitan districts.

I have received suggestions or representations from some 1.600 local authorities—including 600 parish councils—500 other bodies and over 3,000 private individuals. All these views are now under consideration.In most cases it will be possible to reach conclusions on the basis of the written statements, but where I think it desirable, in order to supplement the information already available, I shall invite local authorities to meet me or one of my Ministerial colleagues in order to discuss the issues involved. I shall take the initiative in arranging such meetings, which I do not expect will be needed in more than a very limited number of cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about pollution in the Mersey Estuary.

Recently my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths), toured the Mersey Estuary under the auspices of the Mersey and Weaver River Authority and had meetings with representatives of the local authorities and of the industrialists in the area. The river authority stated its proposals, to be realised in a reasonable period of time, of getting rid of the gross pollution of the beaches in the lower part of the estuary and, by an increase in the oxygen level, of eliminating offensive smells in the upper part of the estuary. I consider these to be attainable objectives.The local authorities decided to set up a joint working party with the Mersey and Weaver River Authority and the industrialists to plan the joint actions, the priorities, the phasing and the costing of a realistic progressive cleaning-up programme for the estuary ; and they have invited my Department to join in the technical work. I think this is a major step forward. I welcome it and I am happy to accept the invitation to the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment since there are many owners of vehicles who have not licensed them for some time, and as the road fund licence form is worded who must admit an offence since the expiry of the last licence thus becoming liable to penalties, if, in order to encourage these persons to licence their vehicles, he will give the reasons why he will not seek to provide a two-month moratorium on penalties if a licence is applied for within this period.

Because I see no reason to expect that the revenue would benefit, and it would be unfair to those who comply with the law. Anyone who is using a motor vehicle without an excise licence should, in his own as well as the general interest, apply for one without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what expected saving will be made by local authorities from the reduction of selective employment tax on a house costing £5,000, £4,500 and £4,000, respectively.

It has been estimated that the reduction of selective employment tax will reduce building costs by between 1 and 2 per cent. It is thought that most local authority contracts for house building have tax fluctuation clauses. The actual savings to local authorities in respect of existing contracts will depend on how long the contract has to run.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions or consultations he has had with the London Borough of Harrow and other London local authorities where policy changes on the sale of council houses to sitting tenants may have obstructed prospective purchasers from proceeding with their plans to buy their houses.

I have had no special discussion with the Harrow Borough Council about this. My view is perfectly clear, and follows the view taken by my predecessors in the last Government. It is that public faith, once pledged, should be honoured

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many retirement pensioners or younger disabled persons, respectively at the present time are receiving weekly additions for extra heating needs amounting to 25, 50, and 75p, respectively ; and what has been the rate of take-up of this benefit as the new increased levels during each of the last six months.

I regret that the information requested is not available and cannot be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest number of young chronic sick in North Staffordshire and the number of beds provided for their special accommodation.

Information about the number of persons below age 65 who may be described as younger chronic sick and who are resident in particular communities is not available. Information about numbers in hospital is at present only recorded in respect of those in wards normally used wholly or mainly for the care of elderly patients. At 31st December, 1970, there were 70 chronic sick patients under the age of 65 in such wards in hospitals administered by the North Staffordshire Hospital Management Committee. The Fanny Deakin Memorial Hospital, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, reopened on 6th July after conversion to a special unit for the younger chronic sick with accommodation for 27 patients. Not all younger chronic sick hospital patients need or wish to be in special units.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has now received the advice of the Committee on Safety of Drugs about the list of products published by the United States Food and Drug Administration in November, 1970 in respect of which that Administration announced its intention to withdraw approval ; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The terms of its advice, which I accept, follow. This does not cover the cosmetic and toilet preparations in the list but I am advised that no health hazard could arise from the use of these. No further action by me seems called for.

"The Committee on Safety of Drugs has considered the list of 369 drugs notified by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America in November, 1970 as being subject to withdrawal on the grounds that they 'lack substantial evidence of effectiveness or that an unfavourable benefit to risk ratio exists'.

The Committee noted that the list contains a small number of cosmetic and toilet preparations which do not come within its terms of reference.

A large number of the remaining products are not marketed in the United Kingdom. The Committee has, however, been able to identify 90 products which are known to be available here and which are identical with or very similar to products in the F.D.A. list.

In many cases, the F.D.A. withdrawal notices were issued because there was not considered to be substantial evidence that the products were effective for the purposes for which they are marketed in the U.S.A. In other cases, certain combinations of drugs were regarded as 'ineffective as fixed combinations', irrespective of the merits of the individual components.

The Committee on Safety of Drugs, in accordance with its terms of reference, considers the efficacy of drugs only in relation to their safety and it has considered the F.D.A. list in this light.

Very few drugs are entirely without some toxicity, and for this reason the Committee has always stressed the need for doctors to report serious or unforeseen reactions which are suspected to be caused by the use of particular drugs. Since 1964 the Committee has collected and assessed reports of adverse reactions to medicines on the market in the United Kingdom and has received similar information from other drug control authorities.

On the evidence available to it about the products which are included in the list and are on sale in this country, the Committee has concluded that those products on sale directly to the public do not present any hazards sufficiently serious to justify their withdrawal from the market, and that those which are available only on prescription present no special hazards not already well documented and known to the medical and pharmaceutical professions.

Any product to be brought on to the market in future will of course need clearance by the Committee, on or after the first Appointed Day, to fulfil licensing requirements."

asked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received about unemployment and prices since the publication of the latest unemployment figures and index of price rises.

asked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received expressing concern about the likely rise in prices if Great Britain enters the Common Market ; and what replies he has sent.

Detailed figures are not available. The replies to letters about prices and the Common Market make the points set out in paragraphs 88 to 90 of the White Paper on the United Kingdom and the European Communities.

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to take the chair at a meeting of the National Economic Development Council.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is Chairman of the Council, although I shall continue to take the chair myself from time to time.

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the public speech he made at Douglas, Isle of Man, on 25th June, on economic policy.

I did so on 28th June.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement about the inquiry, undertaken by the committee chaired by Sir John Mallabar, into the organisation and systems of control and accountability of large-scale Civil Service establishments engaged in production.

The two Reports of the Committee have today been published as a Command Paper—Command 4713. The Interim Report is concerned with the Ministry of Defence Royal Ordnance Factories, which will fall within the scope of the new Defence Procurement Executive ; it has been referred to Mr. Derek Rayner, the Chief Executive designate of the Procurement Executive, who will be considering as part of the planning of the Procurement Executive whether there is a case for some alteration in the present rôle of the Royal Ordnance Factories. The Second Report deals with the Royal Dockyards, which are outside the scope of the new Procurement Executive ; the Government accept the broad principles of its recommendations and are considering how best to implement them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT those consumer goods which are likely to be reduced in price, and those which are likely to be increased, in the event of Great Britain entering the European Economic Community.

Prices of consumer goods would be affected by a number of factors in the event of Britain joining the Communities. It would not be appropriate to specify individual items since the overall result will depend upon the relative effect of removal of tariffs, and, to some extent, on how individual manufacturers respond to the opportunities in an enlarged Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received the letter from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament on the European Economic Community and defence, dated 22nd June, 1971 ; and if he will publish his answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 13th July to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis).—[Vol. 821, c. 69.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on house prices consequent upon the 50 per cent. reduction in selective employment tax.

It is estimated that the halving of selective employment tax will result in a decrease of between 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. in building costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the Forestry Commission output over a convenient recent period of years was represented by the commission's operation in Scotland.

The proportion was 40 per cent. over the four-and-a-half years ended 31st March, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of Forestry Commission land is in Scotland.

Fifty-three per cent. of the Commission's forest land is in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the Forestry Commission's employment of office, forestry, and other staff, respectively, is in Scotland.

About 25 per cent., 39 per cent. and 44 per cent respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when education authorities will be informed of the project that can be started in 1972–73 with the extra £4½ million that is being made available for primary school improvements ; and if he will make a statement.

As a consequence of the additional public works programme which I announced on 13th July I am enlarging and accelerating the primary school improvement programme to enable work to the value of £9½illion to be started in the remainder of 1971–72 and in 1972–73. The enlarged programme will include 88 projects, with an average cost of £108,000, to improve or replace unsatisfactory existing primary schools or to provide accommodation needed to reduce class sizes. Education authorities will be given details this week.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to re-introduce standard specifications for materials used in furniture manufacture, epsecially wood frames, interior materials and covers, enabling finished products to be stamped confirming compliance with minimum standards.

There are British Standards, published by the British Standards Institution, covering a wide range of furniture materials. Manufacturers may be licensed to use B.S.I.'s Kitemark certifying conformity to these standards.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total sum of money to which the Government are committed in respect of hotel development grants under the hotel development incentive scheme ; what is the number of projects involved ; and what is the breakdown by regions.

Although only projects started before 31st March, 1971, are eligible applications to the tourist boards may be made up to 31st March, 1973. The final commitment is, therefore, not known at this stage. Full information about the position as at 31st March, 1971, will, however, be given in the annual reports of the boards for the year 1970–71. These reports will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what use is being made of the Trawler Support Ship "Miranda" in the traffic survey in the English Channel.

The vessel is currently being used, from a number of offshore positions, to plot the movements of marine traffic in the English Channel as part of the study of traffic flows being conducted by the National Physical Laboratory. Provision for the cost of the "Miranda" has been included in the new service "Navigation in the English Channel" which was presented to Parliament in the context of the summer supplementary estimates. In the meantime application is being made to the contingencies fund.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what approaches were made by his Department to Upper Clyde Shipbuilders regarding the delay in achieving the capital reconstruction of the company between January, 1971, and the date of liquidation ;(2) if he will publish the Government's proposals to the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders on capital reconstruction put forward in the discussions which took place between November, 1970, and January, 1971;(3) on what date the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders informed his Department of its success in negotiating price increases with its shipowner customers ;(4) on what date his Department received the report on the financial position of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders on 18th November, 1970.

The sequence of events was as follows :

14th October—Mr. Mackenzie, the S.I.B. Director on the Board of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, told the Department that he doubted whether the company could be profitable in the long term and therefore whether it should continue trading.

27th October—As a result of the above, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Industry told the Chairman of U.C.S. that until the Government were satisfied as to the future viability of the company new credit guarantees could not be issued to shipowners.

19th November—The Chairman gave the Parliamentary Under Secretary a financial report on U.C.S. which stated that in the opinion of the Board the company had a reasonable prospect of success and was justified in continuing to trade. This report included the assumption that there could be a capital reconstruction involving the writing down of loans. The P.U.S. agreed to examine this report.

17th December—The Secretary of State told Board members of U.C.S. that the financial statement had not reassured the Government as to viability sufficiently to enable them to resume issuing guarantees.

18th December—Members of the U.C.S. Board indicated the possibility of renegotiating prices with shipowner customers as an additional element of support of the company.

23rd December—Members of the U.C.S. Board reported that certain shipowners were prepared in principle to pay increased prices provided U.C.S. indebtedness to the Government was substantially reduced. The Secretary of State agreed to consider some modification of the capital structure.

5th January—The Secretary of State met shipowner customers at their request.

5th January—Members of the Board of U.C.S. reported to the Secretary of State their agreement in principle with the shipowner customers, subject to finalisation of details.

14th January—The Chairman of U.C.S. told the Secretary of State that the Board had decided it would be wrong to accept contributions from shipowners until the separation of Yarrow (Shipbuilders) had been achieved. At the same meeting U.C.S. reported on brief proposals prepared by accountants for the reconstruction of the company's capital which the Secretary of State agreed were satisfactory in the circumstances.

2nd February—The Secretary of State saw the Chairman of Yarrows and agreed the hiving-off arrangements of Yarrow (Shipbuilders).

3rd February—The Secretary of State had a further discussion with the Chairman of U.C.S. at which he told him of the agreement over Yarrow (Shipbuilders). He also agreed that credit guarantees would be resumed within two to three weeks.

11th February—The Secretary of State was finally able to inform the House of the hiving of Yarrow (Shipbuilders) ; the arrangements made with shipowners ; and agreement on the broad lines of capital reconstruction of which the precise details remained to be worked out.

19th February—Issue of credit guarantees resumed on completion of the arrangements for increased contributions from shipowners.

12th March— U.C.S forwarded to the Department management accounts for the period ending 18th December, 1970.

3rd May—U.C.S. forwarded management returns for the three months ended 12th March. The covering letter indicated that trading results were showing a most encouraging trend although the cash position continued to be acutely difficult.

5th May—The accountants considering the capital reconstruction informed the Secretary of State that they were awaiting essential information from the company to enable them to report further.

7th May—New cash and profits forecast commissioned by the U.C.S. Board. The Secretary of State was notified that the reconstruction proposals were held up awaiting this new forecast.

7th June—The profits forecast received by U.C.S. Board indicated insolvency as a result of which the Board concluded that it could no longer continue to trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now announce further plans for increasing expenditure on infrastructure projects.

A sum of £14 million will be available for additional work on such projects in development and intermediate areas. This forms part of the increased expenditure of £100 million announced yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and will relate to projects which can be substantially completed before March, 1973.