asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if trends in the national pig herd are a relevant factor to be taken into consideration when the bacon stabilisation arrangements are reviewed.

I have nothing to add to my reply of 29th November, 1971.—[Vol. 827, c. 32.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence what provision is made by way of travel allowances to the dependants of soldiers serving in Northern Ireland, who are at school in England.

Dependants of Servicemen have no entitlement in

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many schools in Northern Ireland have been searched by the Army since 1st January, 1971; what are the names and addresses of the schools; and what arms, ammunition and subversive material were impounded, and from which schools.

Eleven schools have been searched. Their names and addresses are given below, together with details of the arms, ammunition and other material discovered in their buildings or their grounds:

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many incidents there have been in 1971 on the frontiers between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Eire, involving the Army and the Army of the Republic of Eire or the Eire police.

I regret that to give a full answer to this Question would involve a disproportionate amount of effort. However from 9th August to 6th December there have been 25 incidents involving the British Army-including shootings and civil disturbances-at which the Gardai or Army of the Republic of Ireland have been reported present or have arrived on the scene subsequently. In none of these incidents, of course, were any shots exchanged between British soldiers and the Gardai or Army of the Republic.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what complaints have been made by the Principal of St. Paul's Voluntary Primary School, Belfast, following a search of the premises by the Army on 26th November, 1971; what arms, ammunition and subversive material was discovered, and where; and what reply has been made to the complaint.

I have received no complaint from the Principal of the School. The following items were discovered in the ceiling of a changing room:

• 1 rifle.
• 5 pistols/revolvers.
• 188 rounds of ammunition.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give, by industry and year, the numbers of people employed in the five industries in the East Midlands Region employing most labour for the last 10 years.

The East Midlands standard region was introduced in April, 1965. The following table shows for each mid-year from 1965 to 1970 the numbers employed in the five industries in the East Midlands region with the greatest number of employees at June, 1970, the latest date for which information is available:

Estimated numbers of employees in employment in certain industries in the East Midlands Region

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that solicitors should produce and submit accounts to chartered accountants.

Legislation requiring solicitors' accounts to be annually examined by qualified accountants has been on the statute book for over 30 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the number of primary and junior schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth that still have no inside toilet facilities for use by children attending such schools.

This information is not now available in the Department. It may be obtainable from the Inner London Education Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representation has been made to her Department by parent teacher organisations, in the London Borough of Wandsworth, relating to financing the improvement of toilet facilities at primary or junior schools in the borough.

No representations have been received. The Inner London Education Authority and the managers of voluntary aided schools decide how to use their allocations for minor works at primary schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what, in the last year for which statistics are available, is the cost of training a teacher at a college of education.

The average annual cost of training a teacher at a

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what request for financial assistance has been made by the Inner London Education Authority to her Department to improve toilet facilities at primary and junior schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth; and what decision she has given.

My right hon. Friend has received no such request.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary and junior schools in the country have no inside toilet facilities for use by the children attending such schools; to what extent they will be provided by rebuilding programmes currently authorised; and by what approximate date.

This information is not available in the Department. Some of it may be obtained from local education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of persons accepted into colleges of education in each of the last five years had ordinary level passes in English and mathematics, respectively.

Of the non-graduate students holding G.C.E. or equivalent qualifications who were admitted to initial courses at colleges of education in England and Wales in the past five academic years, the percentages who had "O" level passes—or equivalent—in English language and mathematics were as follows:college of education in 1969–70 was £805 excluding capital expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the numbers of primary and of secondary pupils, respectively, in independent schools recognised as efficient and in other independent schools, respectively.

The numbers in January, 1971, were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the number of sub-standard pre-1903 infant and junior school buildings in England and Wales, and the number which will be replaced, and the number which will be improved, respectively, in each of the years 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, according to the Government's programme of capital expenditure on primary schools covering this period.

According to the latest returns made by local education authorities, there are about 6,800 primary schools in England and Wales built before 1903 not approved for replacement in building programmes up to and including 1971–72 which require replacing or improving and for which there is a continuing need. 460 of these will be replaced or improved by major projects in 1972–73 at a cost of about £44 million and another 595 in 1973–74 at a cost of £48 million. It is not possible without disproportionate expenditure of money and manpower to distinguish the minority of schools which will be improved rather than replaced. A further £48 million will be allocated for this purpose in 1974–75 and individual proposals from local education authorities are now under consideration. In addition to this total of £140 million over three years authorities are able to use for improvements costing up to £40,000 each part of their minor works allocations of over £30 million a year.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that the procedure followed by Massey-Ferguson, Coventry, by which 39 employees, including those who had been responsible for the planning and laying out of the new plant at Banner Lane, would become redundant on 31st December, is in accordance with the Code of Industrial Conduct recommended by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The company have done their best to follow the guidance given in the consultative document to the Code of Industrial Relations Practice. It is a matter for regret that the trade union concerned was not prepared to enter into consultation with the company.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number and percentage of unemployed persons in Great Britain who, in his estimate, are unemployed due to disruption and destruction in Northern Ireland.

No such estimate has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, of the total number unemployed, what number and percentage, in his estimate, is due to an unwillingness to take on new opportunities in either different skills and activities, or different regional and employment areas, and in these instances where alternative opportunities offer a lower rate of remuneration, respectively, and in total.

I regret that it is not possible to make any meaningful estimates on the lines requested.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundancies were declared in the Rhondda travel-to-work area in 1970 and for the first 11 months of 1971.

Not all redundancies are notified to my Department and it is not the practice to keep records of every minor redundancy. However, our records show that redundancies involving about 1,100 workpeople were declared in the Pontypridd travel-to-work area (which includes the Rhondda Valley) in 1970 and about 1,800 in the first 11 months of 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many disabled people are registered unemployed in the Rhondda travel-to-work area; and how this compares with the same period of 1970, 1969, and 1968.

In November, 1971, 705 registered disabled people were unemployed in the Rhondda travel-to-work area. This compared with 572 in November, 1970, 585 in November, 1969 and 537 in November, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what objections were made to the draft regulations for the storage of inflammable liquids in factories, and by whom.

Written objections to the draft Highly Flammable Liquids Regulations were submitted by the following organisations:

• Barent and Johnson.
• British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association.
• British Electrical & Allied Manufacturers' Association Ltd.
• British Oxygen Co., Ltd.
• British Petroleum Group.
• British Polish Manufacturers' Association.
• British Railways Board.
• British Steel Corporation.
• Central Electricity Generating Board.
• Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom.
• Chief Fire Officers' Association.
• Confederation of British Industry.
• Dock and Harbour Authorities Association.
• Electricity Council.
• Fire Brigades Union.
• Fire Officers' Committee.
• Gas Council.
• Glaxo Group of Companies.
• Greater London Council.
• E. Hardman, Son & Co., Ltd.
• Liquified Petroleum Gas Industry Technical Association.
• Mastic Asphalt Council and Employers' Federation.
• National Association of Port Employers.
• National Federation of Builders and Plumbers Merchants.
• Paintmakers Association of Great Britain Ltd.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to amend the Equal Pay Act to ensure the full implementation of equal pay before 1st January, 1973, in order to conform to Article 119 of the Treaty of Rome.

No. We understand that the provisions of the Equal Pay Act will satisfy the requirements of Article 119.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what forecast his Department has made of the employment opportunities for manual workers over the next decade.

My Department has published in the last few years reports on manpower in the electronics, printing and publishing, and hotel industries, and it will be publishing a report on catering. The information on which these reports were based made it necessary to confine to five years in the main the period over which estimates of likely future demand for certain grades of manual workers were made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to complete the crash-barriers on the M3 motorway between Lightwater and Basingstoke.

Barriers are now being installed on three miles between Blackwater and Lightwater and will be installed on a further seven miles in 1972–74. The remaining 16 miles are not included in the current programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take to relieve the increasing congestion of the A638 road in the borough of Doncaster, and particularly the bottleneck at Cantley Bridge.

Doncaster County Borough Council, which is the highway authority for the A638 within the borough, has proposed, at the northern end, dualling of North Bridge Road and, near the southern end, an improvement of the junction with Cantley Lane, near Cantley Bridge. These schemes are being considered for the principal road preparation list. The central section will be relieved by the Inner Ring Road, the first stage of which, from North Bridge Road to Cleveland Street, is already open to traffic. The remaining stage, from Cleveland Street to Bennetthorpe, and schemes to provide flyovers at the junctions with North Bridge Road and Cleveland Street are in preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those public inquiries in respect of road schemes costing more than £1 million in respect of which he has not yet announced his decision, giving the date each public inquiry was held.

The list is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he took to test the feelings of local people and to obtain the opinions of leading conservationists in the area, before he approved the proposal to take 60 acres of Edlington Wood out of a tree preservation order.

The modification to this tree preservation order, which was made by Doncaster Rural District Council, was requested by the council following objections from the owners. The council took into account the amenity considerations and my right hon. Friend did not consider it necessary to seek any further views before confirming the modified order.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that local authorities in priority areas have sufficient technical resources at their disposal to reach their ten-year derelict land clearance targets; and what technical expertise is available for this purpose in his Department.

Yes. The larger authorities in the worst affected areas have set up their own specialist teams. Others may prefer to employ consultants. Professional and consultancy fees are eligible for grant. A wide range of skills and experience within the Department is readily available to help local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties on the owners of foreign ships which contravene the Clean Air Act, 1956.

As my right hon. Friend said in answer to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Cormack) on 24th November, he expects to complete soon his review of the statutory penalties for all pollution offences. Maximum fines on summary conviction will be increased substantially and we are sure that the new scales will provide real deterrence to all offenders including foreign ships.—[Vol. 826, c. 328–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will state the lengths of existing and new motorway on which it is proposed to install lighting; and whether he will provide details of the proposed programme to this effect during the next few years.

18·7 miles of motorway lighting are currently being installed as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will state the criteria applied when deciding on which lengths of motorway lighting is to be installed.

Lighting is provided only in cases of special need including complicated interchanges, urban sections with frequent junctions and lengths of motorway where because of particular circumstances, e.g. graded sections the night accident rate is expected to be significantly above average unless lit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received the report of the assessors of the architectural competition for the new parliamentary building; and what arrangements he is making for the announcement of results and for the display of winning entries.

I have in the last few days received the Report of the Assessors under the chairmanship of Sir Robert Matthew. The proposed Parliamentary Building is one of exceptional importance and I intend that all the designs which reached the final stage should be presented for the inspection of Parliament and the public. The material prepared for the purpose of the competition itself was of a specialist character composed of architectural drawings and small balsawood models. Sir Robert Matthew, his colleagues and I all felt that this material would not give Members and the public a sufficiently clear idea of the schemes. I am, therefore, arranging urgently for further material in relation to these final-stage designs to be prepared. As soon as this material is ready, I will publish the Report of the Assessors, together with the names of the prize-winners they have selected, and will arrange an exhibition of all final-stage designs. I take this opportunity of thanking the Assessors on behalf of the House for the thoroughness and expertise which they brought to bear on what must have been a very difficult task, covering as it did a total of 246 entries. Finally, I express the sympathy of the House on the death of one of their members, Mr. Robin Boyd of Australia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the proportions of United Kingdom bilateral and multilateral aid, respectively, in 1970 donated for the specific purpose of promoting and implementing programmes of population control.

Apart from expenditure on family planning through the Medical/Health Sector which is not readily identifiable, less than 0·1 per cent. of British bilateral aid—which includes loans as well as grants and is allocated in accordance with the priorities established by the recipients—and about 1·8 per cent. of British multilateral aid—including in the present context aid to the International Planned Parenthood Federation—was provided in the calendar year 1970 in support of population and family planning activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has now completed its draft scheme for the untying of aid; and if he intends to make a statement before Christmas.

Substantial progress has been made in the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on a draft Agreement for the reciprocal untying of aid, but the work is not complete, partly because of recent developments in the international trade and monetary field. The Development Assistance Committee is meanwhile studying the possibilities of limited action on a reciprocal basis in order to reduce the scope of aid tying.I do not expect to be in a position to make a further statement before next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries currently receiving bilateral aid from the United Kingdom which do not operate population policies or programmes.

It is difficult to provide a definite list because of our incomplete knowledge of these countries' domestic policies, and because no definition of a population policy or programme is yet accepted internationally. As far as I know, 24 countries with about 72 per cent. of the population of the developing world, have an official family planning programme; another 23, with 9 per cent. of the population, give some support to family planning activities; 55 other countries give little or no support to family planning activities and have no official policy for limiting their population growth. Some form of British bilateral aid for development is at present being given to most of these 102 countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list current research projects relevant to the problems of developing countries which are receiving financial aid from the Government, stating the sums involved.

As the number of such research projects is very large, I am arranging for a list to be prepared and I will send it to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as E2 European Economic Community E. 2202 Financing are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(2) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as E2 European Economic Community E.2200 Common Provisions are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(3) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as E2 European Economic Community E220 General Provisions are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(4) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community E2; E.22 Agriculture to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(5) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community E.2; E.213 Quantitative Restrictions to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(6) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community E.2; E.212 Charges Having the Equivalent Effect of Customs Duties to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(7) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as the European Coal and Steel Community E.1; E.174 Court of Justice of the European Coal and Steel Community are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(8) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as the European Coal and Steel Community E.1; E.173 Unit of Accounts are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(9) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community so far as the European Coal and Steel Community E.1; E.172 Budgets are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament;(10) whether he can now state when he will have available enough copies of the authenticated agreed translations of the Classified Index of Laws and Regulations of the European Economic Community E.2; E.210 Trade are concerned to enable him to supply a copy to each Member of Parliament.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the honourable Member on 7th December.—[Vol. 827, c. 281–285.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the agreement with the European Economic Community that only the measures necessary for the establishment and proper functioning of the trade régime will be rendered applicable to the Channel Islands within the framework of Article 227 of the Treaty of Rome, and that all other provisions of the Treaty will be excluded.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the sixth paragraph of the statement I made to the House on 11th November.—[Vol. 825, c. 1238.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that, if Great Britain joins the European Economic Community, all members of the Commission will maintain complete political impartiality and will not make public any partisan political views.

Members of the European Economic Community Commission are and will be bound by the terms of Article 157 of the European Economic Community Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what diplomatic protests have been made to the Government of the Republic of Eire in view of the shooting and killing of British citizens by terrorists from the territory of the Republic of Eire; and what compensation has been offered by the Eire Government.

We exchange views with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on a number of matters. Details must remain confidential, but I can assure my hon. Friend that our representations covered those occasions when British citizens have been shot by terrorists operating from the territory of the Republic of Ireland.The Government of the Republic of Ireland have not offered compensation. A Government does not normally have international responsibility for paying compensation for the criminal acts of their citizens but this is a difficult question which depends on the facts of each case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice is given by his Department when issuing a passport regarding the desirability of providing insurance cover against unforeseen medical expenses incurred whilst abroad.

With each passport issued, renewed or serviced in any other way, the Passport Office encloses a copy of the Essential Information booklet which includes strong and detailed advice to the traveller to take out adequate insurance cover against medical or other expenses which might be incurred abroad. I am arranging for copies of this booklet to be made available in the Library of the House.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will consider an expert examination of ways of improving access by the public to the House of Commons gallery and precincts, including those proposals contained in the letter sent recently by the hon. Member for Harrow, East.

I will ask the Services Committee to examine the proposals of the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the number of retirement pensioners currently obtaining television licences at the concessionary rate.

At 31st October, 1971, there were 151,765 retired persons of pensionable age listed on old persons' homes licences currently in force.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is aware of the continuing unsatisfactory television reception in the area of Llanrwst; and what steps he intends to take to improve it.

I am aware that reception in the area will not be very good until transmissions begin from Betws-y-Coed. The B.B.C. which is primarily responsible for the extension of cover age of its services tells me that because of delays in the supply of equipment, it does not now expect the B.B.C.2 service to start from there until next spring.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the publication of non-departmental research projects financed by him is subject to Crown copyright.

The position regarding Crown copyright has been given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary.Arrangements made by my Department have normally specified that the researcher is free to publish his findings, except in respect of work on equipment when the Department's consent may be required before publication in order to safeguard the rights and interests of commercial firms.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what requirements he imposes regarding the completion of non-departmental research projects which he finances; whether he is satisfied that these requirements are adhered to; whether there is non-productive expenditure; and how much.

Commissions placed by my Department for research projects specify the scope and methods of the research, the time in which it is to be carried out, and among other conditions, the requirements for progress and final reports on the work to be made to the Department. Liaison or project officers are appointed to all projects, whose function is to ensure that the requirements are met. I must advise the hon. Member however that not all commissions in the heath or social services are for formal projects. In some cases longer-term arrangements are made with established research directors to enable them to train and hold research teams for sustained inquiry in areas of particular interest. These arrangements are subject to oversight by steering committees, including independent experts, through whom reports on proposed programmes of work and results are received by the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will seek powers to bring the emergency service operated voluntarily by doctors in some parts of the country within the National Health Service;(2) whether he will make available to doctors operating emergency accident services funds for capital equipment.

I remain convinced that the first concern is to provide swift and speedy conveyance of road accident cases to centres staffed and equipped to provide effective treatment. To secure that the patients are properly cared for at the scene of the accident and in transit, the training of ambulance personnel has been improved in recent years and further improvement is in prospect. This appears to be the most effective approach. Emergency schemes operated by doctors must vary according to circumstances and are more appropriately run on a voluntary basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the high incidence of tuberculosis among immigrants from India and Pakistan, he will, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, take steps to require those arriving for permanent residence to undergo tuberculin testing on arrival and regular chest radiography.

Immigrants coming here from India and Pakistan to settle are normally examined either in their country or origin or at our ports of entry and in the majority of cases this includes an X-ray examination for tuberculosis. Port medical inspectors advise medical officers of health of immigrants settling in their areas and medical officers of health may arrange, if they consider it necessary, for tuberculin testing and regular chest radiography. The present arrangements are in most cases working satisfactorily and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department and I consider that we could not reasonably introduce legislation to compel immigrants once resident here to submit to medical examinations which do not apply to the public generally unless there were clear evidence that the present proceedings were causing a wholly unacceptable risk to public health.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have died during each of the last 10 years as a result of drinking paraquat.

In the past 10 years in England and Wales deaths where paraquat was mentioned numbered one in 1966; four in 1968; 11 in 1969; and (provisionally) three in 1970. Of these 19 deaths, six are known to have been accidental.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in order to enable the consequences of entry into the European Economic Community to be judged, he will publish the information in his possession concerning the principal pharmaceutical companies in the United Kingdom, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, giving, in each case, the number of people employed, annual turnover and net profits for the most recent year for which figures are available.

Information in the form requested is not available. I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the numbers of people entitled to family income supplement, the numbers actually drawing this benefit at the same date, and the percentage that recipients form of those estimated to be entitled to the benefit.

The most recent estimate is that about 160,000 families may be eligible far family income supplements. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) on 18th November, however, this estimate is subject to wide margins of error and may be on the high side. Over 66,000 families—or over 41 per cent.—are now receiving supplements. This figure does not take account of claims awaiting decision, nor does it include the families receiving additional supplementary benefit because their wage-stop is modified by section 13 of the Family Income Supplements Act.—[Vol. 826, c. 203–4.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates, at the latest convenient date, to be the numbers of people entitled to benefit, the numbers actually drawing the benefit, where appropriate on an average frequency, at the same basis date, and the percentage that recipients form of those entitled, in respect of free welfare milk, free vitamin tablets and orange juice, the refund of prescription charges, the refund of dental charges and the refund of hospital fares.

Reliable complete estimates of the numbers entitled to these benefits are not possible because of the many variable factors involved.The estimated number of persons in Great Britain who were in receipt of tokens for free welfare milk in October, 1971, was about 590,000 and I estimate that of these about 440,000 were also entitled to tokens for free vitamin preparations (vitamin tablets for mothers, children's vitamin drops and orange juice) but the number who have taken advantage of this provision cannot be estimated.On prescription charges I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor) on 26th October and my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 9th December.There were 36,000 payments of supplementary benefit in respect of dental charges in the four weeks ended 19th October, 1971.I regret that information about refunds of hospital fares is not available.—[Vol. 823, c. 296; Vol. 872, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total number of girls attending approved schools, remand homes and attendance centres in England and Wales in 1960 and 1970, respectively; what percentage absconded in each of those years; and what was the percentage that absconded in 1970 on more than one occasion.

Information about approved schools and remand homes is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of young people absconding from approved schools, remand homes and attendance centres in England and Wales during 1970 were charged with this offence before a magistrates' court under Section 82 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933.

Of the 6,221 boys and girls who absconded from approved schools in 1970 (counting all absences without leave, however short, and including failures to return on time from authorised leave), three were brought before court under Section 82 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933. This Section could be invoked only in respect of children and young persons ordered to be sent to approved schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the figures quoted on 23rd February, 1971, covered only the general classes of the physically handicapped, thus excluding the blind, partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing; if he is satisfied with the figure showing reduced expenditure per person by the county borough of Bolton during 1969–70; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The return of expenditure from Bolton County Borough for 1969–70 was not complete; the revised figure is £18·18.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on his action with regard to the assets and activities of the International Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of International Overseas Services.

The International Life Insurance Company (U.K.) Ltd., has been required since July, 1971, in exercise of powers under Section 80 of the Companies Act, 1967, to maintain in the United Kingdom assets of equivalent value to the company's domestic liabilities and to place these assets or documents of title to them in the care of an approved custodian. Such assets or documents of title thereto may not be withdrawn from that custody without the written consent of my right hon. Friend and none have been so withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in order to enable the conseqnuences of entry into the European Economic Community to be correctly assessed, he will publish the information in his possession concerning the leading steel companies in each of the six Common Market countries, and giving details of the number of people employed, annual production of steel, annual turnover and net profits for the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will list the Community regulations and directives which apply to the marketing of steel.

Information in the form asked for on leading steel companies in the Common Market countries is not available from official sources but I am writing to the hon. Member.The Community decisions which apply to the marketing of steel are:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will appoint an independent committee of inquiry to ascertain how a national newspaper was able to publish full details of the appointment of the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority in advance of any public statement by him.

No. I have no evidence to suggest such an inquiry is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms which have ceased to operate in the Greater London area in the past 10 years and have opened up premises outside London, following payment of appropriate compensation, have subsequently closed down altogether.

I regret that the information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the full report on the inquiry into the affairs of the Pergamon Press will be published; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) on 27th October, 1971. I regret I am unable at present to say when the full report will be ready.The question of publication cannot be considered before reports are received.—[Vol. 823, c. 359–60.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department's inspector investigating the affairs of Pergamon Press Limited and associated companies is covering in so far as they are relevant the affairs of foreign associated and/or subsidiary companies.

The inspectors will enquire into the affairs of foreign associated or subsidiary companies which are or have been carrying on business in the United Kingdom so far as this is necessary for the purpose of their investigations and consistent with their powers under the Companies Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of members of public boards of a non-commercial character, with salaries, together with dates of appointment and date of expiry of appointment, and listing those holding more than one appointment.

No. To assemble this information would incur disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further efforts have been made by his Department to secure a new tenant for the factory at Penygroes, Caernarvon-shire; how many prospective tenants have now visited the site since its closure in 1970; what recent improvements have been effected in the buildings at Penygroes; and if he will make a statement.

The Department is continuing to bring the factory to the notice of all suitable industrialists but no prospective tenant has yet visited it. Renovation currently in hand will make the factory suitable for a wide range of industrial users.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many known contraventions of Section 44 of the Companies Act, 1948, took place in 1970, and to the latest available date in 1971.

No contraventions of Section 44 have been established in 1970 or so far in 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will institute proceedings under Section 44 of the Companies Act, 1948, against the authors of a prospectus of Muldivo Computers Limited, details of which have been sent to him.

Inquiries are proceeding to establish whether a contravention has taken place.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in respect of which companies during 1970, and to date this year, respectively, his Department granted dispensations under Section 76 of the Companies Act, 1967.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the reports of inspectors appointed by his Department since 1948 under Sections 164 or 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, have dealt with the affairs of foreign subsidiary or associated companies in so far as these have been relevant to a full understanding of the subject British parent company's affairs.

Reports deal with the affairs of foreign subsidiary or associated companies in so far as they affect the matters being enquired into in the main company; and die powers of investigation are confined to companies which are or have been carrying on business in the United Kingdom. It is not possible, without undue expenditure, to identify the proportion of all reports which have found it necessary to consider such companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action his Department takes in relation to those responsible for persistent breaches of the Companies Acts.

It depends upon the nature of the breaches.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the procedure followed by his Department when it receives an application supported under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 1948, in relation to a public company.

The application is considered in the light of the evidence provided pursuant to Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 1948 and, where necessary, additional information is sought.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the procedure followed by his Department when it receives an application under Section 172(3) of the Companies Act, 1948, in relation to a public company.

The application is considered and inspectors are appointed if the identity of the persons able to exercise control over the company is not known.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what enforceable sections of the Companies Acts he will not enforce.

In principle, none.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of his Department's discretionary powers under the Companies Acts are invoked regularly without applications first being made.

The Department relies on complaints from members of the public and on its own information in varying degrees.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what power his Department's inspectors have investigated and reported upon the affairs of relevant foreign associated and/or subsidiary companies, when appointed to investigate the affairs of the parent British company.

The Department's powers are provided by Sections 165–171 and 175 of the Companies Act, 1948 as amended by Section 42 of the Companies Act, 1967, but in respect of foreign companies are limited to those which are or have at any time been carrying on business in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which provisions in the Companies Acts have been chiefly contravened, in the latest period for which information is available, by public and private companies, respectively.

Most convictions have been obtained for contraventions of Section 126 of the Companies Act, 1948.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will list all his Department's insurance and companies powers that have never been used.

As far as can be ascertained, powers under the following Sections have not hitherto been used: Sections 65, 174, 210 and Schedule 8 (paragraph 24) of the Companies Act, 1948, Schedule 2 (paragraph 9) of the Insurance Companies Act, 1958, Section 12 of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, 1958, Sections 17 and 26 of the Protection of Depositors Act, 1963, and Sections 32, 48, 60, 76 and 91 of the Companies Act, 1967.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to strengthen his powers in relation to the deliberate misrepresentation of the assets of companies for the purposes of sales of shares, the practice known as debt-dumping.

I have no evidence that my present powers are inadequate to deal with it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek to set up a tribunal of inquiry to investigate whether any of his officials were negligent in the case of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited, and whether damage was caused to policyholders thereby.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his relevant official will make a report to the court in relation to the case of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited, that will enable the court, if it thinks fit, to order a public examination under Section 270 of the Companies Act, 1948.

No. Section 270 of the Companies Act, 1948, does not apply to companies in voluntary liquidation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what dates it came to the notice of his Department that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited appeared to be in contravention of specific requirements of the Companies Acts or the Insurance Companies Acts; and what requirements were involved on each such date;(2) under what Sections of the Insurance Companies Acts. 1958, and 1967, other than 68, 80 and 109, his Department considered taking action in respect of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited;(3) on what date his Department first ceased to be satisfied that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited had the statutory solvency margin;(4) on what date it first came to the notice of his Department that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited might have failed to satisfy an obligation to which it was subject by virtue of the Insurance Companies Acts, 1958 and 1967;(5) on what date his Department ceased to be wholly satisfied about the position and control of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited;(6) whether, in connection with his Department's duties under the Insurance Companies Acts, 1958 and 1967, it ever appeared to it that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited was so conducting its business that there was a risk of the Company's becoming insolvent; and what was the first date that it so appeared;(7) up to what date his Department was satisfied that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited was not conducting its business in a manner which gave rise to a risk of the Company's becoming insolvent.

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 10th November.[Vol. 825, c. 184–5.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what consideration his Department has given, and when, as to the applicability of Section 89 of the Companies Act, 1967, to the position of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited;(2) on what date his Department first considered the applicability of Section 37 of the Companies Act, 1967, to the position of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited.

On the information available Sections 89 and 37 of the Companies Act, 1967, have not been regarded as applicable to this case.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the date on which consideration was first given by his Department to using Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, in respect of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited;(2) what was the date upon which a recommendation was first made in his Department for the use of Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, in respect of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited;(3) what was the date upon which the decision was made in his Department to use Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, in respect of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited.

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 10th November.—[Vol. 823, c. 181.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates his Department received reports or complaints that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited was not paying claims satisfactorily.

Until April. 1971 no complaints were received of a kind justifying doubts about the satisfactory settlement of claims by the company.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date it first appeared to his Department that the Competitive Insurance Company Limited's statistics and ratios did not measure up to the industry norms; what action he then took to investigate the position; and with what results.

The company did not resume insurance business on a substantial scale until July, 1969. The application of tests of the kind suggested by the hon. Member to companies just starting business is of doubtful value.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates his Department received police or other official reports in respect of the Competitive Insurance Company Limited.

No police or other official report was received.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates the Competitive Insurance Company Limited supplied his Department with satisfactory run-off statements in response to his exercise on 22nd April, 1971, of his powers under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967.

The inspectors were obtaining the information they required of the company up to the time of its going into voluntary liquidation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date his Department took action against the Competitive Insurance Company Limited or its associates under Sections 82 and 83 of the Companies Act, 1967.

I am not aware of any infringement of the Sections in respect of the company or of its holding company.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will instruct his Insurance and Companies Branch to use its investigatory and interventionist powers more often when approached by small shareholders in publicly quoted companies with prima facie valid complaints, whose financial means are insufficient to give them access to the protection of the law on their own.

I wish to continue to consider requests for exercise of my powers on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates his Department received police or other official reports in respect of Hartley Baird Limited.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) from what other authorities than the Exchange Control authorities has his Department received representations relating directly or indirectly to the Hartley Baird case, and on what dates; and what action has his Department then taken, and on what dates;(2) on what date his Department first was informed of an exchange control offence involving the controlling shareholding of Hartley Baird Limited; what action was taken; and on what date.

We have not received any representations from the Exchange Control Authorities in regard to Hartley Baird Limited. During 1967 and 1968 the Metropolitan Police made inquiries as to possible Exchange Control offences and they reported the result of their enquiries to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Responsibility for any action is a matter for my right hon. and learned friend the Attorney-General. Reports from the police are confidential and I do not propose to disclose their dates or contents.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent his Department's Section 173 investigation established the accuracy and completeness of Hartley Baird Limited's statutory registers.

That was not the purpose of the inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information his Department's Section 173 investigation of Hartley Baird Limited sought any information not contained in the Company's statutory registers, and what information it succeeded in obtaining.

That the persons interested in the majority shareholdings and able to control the company's policy were Dr. Wallersteiner and his mother, Mrs. Stoss.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department's inspectors' report into the affairs of Pinnock Finance Company (Great Britain) Limited covered in so far as they were relevant the affairs of associated and/or subsidiary companies outside the United Kingdom.

Yes, so far as this was necesssary to explain the transactions carried out by Pinnock Finance Company (Great Britain) Limited and where the overseas companies had carried on business in the United Kingdom and records were available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department's inspectors' report into the affairs of the Fire Auto and Marine Insurance Company Limited covered in so far as they were relevant tte affairs of associated and/or subsidiary companies outside the United Kingdom.

The Department did not appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of Fire Auto and Marine Insurance Company Ltd.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his procedure for investigating complaints of negligence made to him in relation to any part of his Department.

They are thoroughly investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department's inspectors in the Rolls-Royce case will include in their investigations affairs of the company and its subsidiaries which took place in the United States of America under United States law.

The inspectors investigating the affairs of Rolls-Royce Limited may inquire into the affairs of subsidiary companies which are or have at any time been carrying on business in the United Kingdom insofar as they are relevant to the subject of this inquiry.

(1) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the publication of non-departmental research projects financed by him is subject to Crown copyright;(2) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the publication of non-departmental research projects financed by him is subject to Crown copyright.

I have been asked to reply.Under the terms of Section 39 of the Copyright Act, 1956, all literary works made or first published by or under the direction or control of Her Majesty or a Government Department are the subject of Crown copyright. The degree to which Government financing or part-financing of any particular research project brings it within the scope of Crown copyright depends on the circumstances of the case. The Crown can and does relax or waive its rights in appropriate cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions he has given the Board of Inland Revenue as to their exercise of the powers given them by Section 481 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act, 1970 to avoid submitting taxpayers to irrelevant questioning.

None. The power given to the Board of Inland Revenue under Section 481 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act, 1970, is to require such particulars as it thinks necessary for the purposes of the provisions relating to transfers of assets abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many starts have been made on health centres in Wales in 1971; and how many were completed in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971, to the latest date.

Work started on 12 health centres in Wales in 1971. Two health centres were completed in 1967, four in 1968, five in 1969, seven in 1970 and 10 in 1971 up to the end of November.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the measures taken by his Department to combat Dutch Elm Disease; and if he will make a statement.

The measures which have been announced should make an effective contribution to controlling the spread of the disease.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service of the total Civil Service establishment now working in London how many are in the policy-making or former administrative grades and how many are in the functional or former executive and clerical grades not directly involved in policy making.

The Fulton Report recognised that the distinction between the former Administrative and Executive Classes had become increasingly blurred in recent years. These two classes were combined at the beginning of 1971 to form, with the former Clerical Class, the new Administration Group. Many staff of this group, together with professional staff in other occupational streams, are closely concerned with policy-making, the junior grades providing necessary support and services for Ministers and the higher Civil Services grades. The differences between the three former classes are not now distinguishable in Civil Service statistics. My hon. Friend might find helpful the recently published manpower figures, which show in detail a breakdown between various categories of staff, although they do not distinguish between London staff and staff elsewhere.—[Vol. 825, c. 130–40; Vol. 826, c. 390–8.]

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he has now abandoned the possibility of transferring or placing a Government Department in Peterlee; and if he will make a statement.

As part of the current dispersal review, the Government are considering a wide range of possible locations for work which might be dispersed from London. It is unlikely that the Government could disperse work to all of the places under consideration and it would be wrong of me to make promises in respect of any particular place at this stage.