asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a further statement on the effect of the coal miners' strike and picketing on electricity supplies and industrial activity.

In accordance with last Thursday's statement by my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry, the directions prohibiting the use of electricity by industry on three weekdays and on Sundays were revoked with effect from midnight last night. Industry, however, like other consumers, is still subject to rota disconnections and I hope it will be possible for a further statement on the future of these and other restrictions to be made before the end of this week.—[Vol. 831, c. 1505.]

Is it not clear that inconvenience to the community has been minimised by the superb work of those engaged in electricity supply and by the adaptability of industry generally? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Government's decision to give priority to industry during this recovery period is widely accepted by the public?

Yes, I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I would add that the work which has been done in shifting coal from pithead sites to the generating industry has also been a remarkable achievement. The reasons for deciding to stress the earliest possible return to work by industry, even in preference to the interests of household consumers are well known to the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even while picketing was in progress, conversions were taking place at four power stations in the North and that equipment was being smuggled in to allow conversion to oil? [An HON. MEMBER: "Quite right, too."] I understand the hon. Member's feelings. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if it is not made abundantly clear by the Government and the C.E.G.B. together that this oil conversion is of a temporary and not of a permanent nature, further picketing will take place and there will be further trouble for the Secretary of State and for the Government?

Disgraceful.

No; all those proposals are entirely wide of the mark. There is a later Question on this matter on the Order paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the proportion of United Kingdom vehicle production exported, the level of tariff protection given to the United Kingdom motor car industry, and the proportion of the United Kingdom domestic motor car market supplied by imported vehicles, in the latest year for which statistics are available; and what information he has from international sources concerning the corresponding figures for the Federal German Republic.

In 1970, the latest year for which we have corresponding figures, cars exported from the United Kingdom and the Federal German Republic represented 42 per cent. and 55 per cent. of production; the import penetrations were 14 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively. From 1st January, 1972, the tariff in both countries has been 11 per cent.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for confirming that the German motor car industry enjoys both a higher level of exports than the British motor car industry and also greater penetration of its markets by foreign cars. Is there not a moral for us in this country, in particular at a time when trade union leaders in the industry seem to be behaving as if international competition was not a factor to be considered? Will my hon. Friend look again at the proposals, which were announced last year by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for unilateral tariff cuts in advance of our entry into the Common Market?

I agree with my hon. Friend that the motor car industry has to be internationally competitive; indeed, we are all in agreement about that. It is possible that unilateral tariffs cuts might be desirable in some circumstances. However, I do not think this would be appropriate at the present time.

Will the hon. Gentleman caution his hon. Friend the Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) that, having failed in his attempts to incite the miners in their dispute, he should not now attempt to incite the car workers at Bathgate when the position there is delicately poised and when interference of this kind is undesirable and could lead to aggravation of the situation?

I do not think it is for me to say anything of the sort to my hon. Friend.

Would the hon. Gentleman clearly confirm that the Government have no intention of making unilateral tariff cuts on imported motor cars along the lines announced by the Secretary of State last year?

The right hon. Gentleman has not been paying attention to what I said, and for his benefit I will repeat it. I said that unilateral tariff cuts might be desirable in some circumstances but I do not think this would be appropriate at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he hopes to come to a decision about the Bolton Committee recommendation for setting up a chain of advisory bureaux to help small firms.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has concluded his consideration of the proposal in the Bolton Report on small firms, that there should be a number of small firms advisory bureaux set up in key commercial centres; and if he will make a statement.

We hope to reach decisions by the summer on as many as possible of the Bolton Report's recommendations including the proposal for a network of advisory bueaux. A statement will be made in due course.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that amongst the many excellent recommendations in the Bolton Report this one has given rise to most doubt? Will he consider whether the functions of the proposed bureaux might more effectively be carried out in the private sector by professional organisations, banks, chambers of commerce and the like?

We will certainly take into consideration what my hon. Friend has said. We are consulting a wide range of organisations, including trade associations, chambers of commerce, other Departments and many institutions dealing with small firms, as well as small firms themselves. We will take all these views into consideration before reaching a decision.

Will my hon. Friend add the Secretary of State for Employment to the list of those with whom he will consult to consider whether this service might best be provided through the new training initiative which is about to be undertaken by that Department, because it would appear to fall within the scope of management training and, therefore, to fit into that sphere?

Will well certainly consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment on this matter.

Does the Under-Secretary realise that the setting up of a chain of advisory bureaux is of little use unless there is somewhere to channel the advice? Does he also realise that in regions, particularly like Wales, which depend on small to medium-sized firms, the withdrawal of the former range of regional incentives is the very thing which is preventing encouragement to go into those regions? Will he, as quickly as possible, announce any new policies which the Government may envisage—we have heard some whispers—about a change in regional policies?

That point does not arise from the original Question. There is another Question on the Order Paper on that subject. There are many small firms in Wales and the Bolton Committee took them into consideration in its recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will examine the recent proposals, a copy of which has been sent to him, presented by the Association of British Travel Agents to its member firms in the travel trade in regard to the association's plans for an independent arbitration scheme to deal with complaints from holidaymakers and the travelling public; and if he will make a statement.

I welcome arrangements which help to resolve difficulties between holidaymakers and tour operators. It is too early to judge how effective this scheme will be in practice.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we share his interest in this matter—indeed, it would be difficult not to do so—because we forwarded the idea of this scheme to the Association of British Travel Agents four years ago? Does he realise that it will be necessary to have talks with the travel trade about the exclusion clauses in its agreements with the holidaymaking public in order to make a real success of a scheme of this kind?

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's interest in and, indeed, considerable knowledge of this matter. I am sure that what he has said will be taken into careful consideration. The scheme has only just been announced and we must see how it works. However, I congratulate the industry on a commendable and responsible initative.

While welcoming the initiative of the association, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that it is being suggested that this year again we are liable to have the situation which came to our notice last year of hotels not being ready for holidaymakers who had booked many months previously on the basis of an artist's impression? Is it not vital, if the good image of the travel trade is to be preserved, that the A.B.T.A. and others do their best to eliminate this extreme irritant to the public?

I agree that the practice to which my hon. Friend refers is deplorable. I believe that the A.B.T.A. has this matter very much in mind and is anxious that as many of its members as possible should participate in the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he is making to ensure that Central Electricity Generating Board power stations become adequately supplied with reserve stocks of all essential materials required to maintain full production for a long enough period to meet any future emergencies.

I am satisfied that the C.E.G.B. is making every endeavour to rebuild its stocks of all essential materials.

While welcoming that reply, may I ask whether my hon. Friend agrees that the recent illegal picketing of some of our power stations has revealed a weakness in our national security? Will the Government ensure that, in the national interest, all power stations are now adequately stocked with the necessary materials, including alternative sources of fuel, to insure against any prolonged disruption of supplies of materials to those power stations?

Questions about the law on picketing are for my right hon. Friends more directly concerned with these matters. I am certain that in its contingency plans we can expect the C.E.G.B. to take account of its recent experiences.

Will the Minister arrange, within the next 12 hours, for an investigation into what is taking place at Agecroft power station, the second biggest in the North West, on the fringe of my constituency? Is he aware that I went there yesterday with two of my constituents who are employed there who showed me that, despite ample supplies of coal and fuel, that power station has not worked for two days, that these men allege that the C.E.G.B. is making more serious cuts than are necessary and that they think this is because it wishes to discredit the miners?

I completely rebut the more general accusations which the hon. Gentleman has made. Coal stocks are extremely tight at present—

Not there.

—and fully justify a retention of the restrictive measures.

I have seen them.

The hon. Gentleman asked me about a particular power station. I will certainly look into the point that he raised. However, I assure him that every possible endeavour is being made by the electricity supply industry to ensure the speediest possible return to normality.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that hon. Members in all parts of the House are most anxious to penetrate the mind of my right hon. Friend with regard to future policy for fuel supplies at generating stations, the extent to which we are now embarked on dual firing, coal-oil or oil or coal or nuclear, and what is to be the balance between these fuels in future? Could we not have a White Paper setting out all these important details?

My hon. Friend has a later Question about that matter on the Order Paper. Fuel policy implications from what we have just been through are under urgent consideration.

Would not the Minister be wiser, when questioned about a specific case by my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun), to assure the House that he will look into it before denying as confidently as he does that there is any cause for complaint? Secondly, will he seek to discourage the more belligerent of his hon. Friends—

I am not belligerent.

I was not referring to the question by the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro)—at a time when we should be trying to bind up the wounds caused by the strike and to restore good relations between management and men, from provocative and aggressive remarks of the kind which have been featured this afternoon?

The hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) asked two questions. One was of a generalised nature making sweeping allegations which were wholly without foundation. The other related to a particular situation which I said I would look into.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the adequacy of coal stocks for power stations.

Deliveries of coal to power stations are increasing daily and restrictions on consumption of electricity are being relaxed as quickly as the generating position permits. In this situation the stock position is subject to fluctuation but it should permit the fairly early resumption of normal supplies of electricity.

In view of their inexcusable errors of judgment, both during and before the coal strike, which have caused total disruption of industry and prolonged public inconvenience, should not the right hon. Gentleman and, more particularly, his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment give serious consideration to resigning?

The hon. Gentleman's premise is incorrect and the conclusion entirely inconsequent.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it has always been the law that when goods are sold the purchaser should have the free use of and the right to use those goods? Would he further agree that the action in previous weeks of picketing goods which did not belong to the National Coal Board was a violation of the law?

Rubbish.

The whole matter of the laws affecting picketing, as my right hon. Friend has said, now needs to be seen in the light of the recent events. It is undesirable at this point for me to try to comment on the questions to which my hon. Friend has referred.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that as the flow of coal into power stations over the last three or four days has exceeded the consumption of coal, stocks are building up and, therefore, apart from peak load times, should there not be an early relaxation of the present hardship being suffered by the public?

No, the assumption made by the hon. Gentleman is incorrect, Stocks are still being marginally drawn down despite the deliveries of coal. But the C.E.G.B. has recently indicated that it hopes to be back to normal output within 10 to 14 days.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what companies are currently in receipt of aid from his Department to promote machine tool development projects; and how much they are receiving.

In the current financial year 21 companies are getting support amounting to £445,000. I will circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Also four companies are receiving a total of £375.000 this year under contracts from the N.R.D.C.

Is the Minister aware that, though I am grateful that at last I have been able to get some kind of information like that, there is a great deal of concern among the workers in the industry that much of this money is spent on imported machine tools? Will the hon. Gentleman now give us an idea of the percentage of this money from the Government which is spent on imported machine tools and say whether his Department has any new initiative for the machine tool industry?

If I can identify, in the detailed form the hon. Gentleman requires, the kind of information for which he has asked, I will certainly let him have it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the cost of oil per ton purchased by the Central Electricity Generating Board over each of this past 10 years.

The exact price paid is a commercial matter between the C.E.G.B. and its suppliers, but some information on average prices paid by the electricity industry as a whole is available in Table 99 of the Department's Digest of Energy Statistics, 1971.

May I thank the Minister for not giving the information? Is he aware that the price of oil is bound to rise during the next 10 years and that because the situation in the Arab States is unstable there is a danger of oil supplies being cut off? Will the hon. Gentleman do whatever he can to rebuff the pressures from his right hon. Friend who is trying to teach the miners a lesson by changing over some coal-fired power stations to oil? Let me warn the Government that if that happens the recent incidents during the picketing will be such as might have happened at a kindergarten, because the miners will fight tenaciously, with vigour and with strength, against any contraction of their industry.

The hon. Gentleman should consult himself about who is making threats. The whole question of the security of supplies is important. It affects both coal and oil. But the C.E.G.B. advises me that oil is marginally cheaper than coal for base-load generation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with present progress on research on pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases affecting miners; and if he will make a statement.

Obviously one cannot be satisfied until these diseases are eliminated. The most pressing problem at present is dust control and the research effort on it has recently been increased. Since the introduction of the present interim gravimetric dust standard in March, 1970, there has been a significant improvement in dust control and I hope that this will continue.

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no complacency in this matter? Is he aware that in its current report the National Coal Board says that the favourable trend in the number of pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed for the first time has slowed down appreciably? "Appreciably" is the board's word, not mine. That is a serious development. Will the hon. Gentleman assure us that all resources will be devoted to curing this not only crippling but killing disease?

I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no complacency in this matter. The latest Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics shows that the incidence of new certifications of pneumoconiosis for the purpose of disablement benefit in 1970 was the highest for seven years, but that does not reflect current working conditions, as the hon. Gentleman knows.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the total investment by companies investing in North Sea gas and oil.

About £300 million to date. This figure covers both exploration and the cost of producing the gas and oil discovered.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he concedes that he ought to address his mind to two matters? First, will he look at the adequacy in present circumstances, of the Continental Shelf Act, 1964, and his specific reports there-under to this House? Secondly, in view of the developments in the North Sea, will he quickly review and produce a White Paper on fuel policy?

I shall consider the first point made by the hon. Gentleman. With regard to the second point, the whole question whether to publish a White Paper, or in what form to make observations about fuel policy, and the implications on it of recent events, is under consideration.

Is my hon. Friend aware that despite the remarkable finds of gas and oil referred to, Scottish consumers are still paying on average 25 per cent. more for gas supplies than is paid by the average consumer in England and Wales? Does my hon. Friend think that these additional supplies of natural gas might reduce the differential?

The matter deal with in the first part of my hon. Friend's question is one for the gas board concerned. As regards the degree to which Scotland will benefit from development on the Continental Shelf, Scotland like the rest of the United Kingdom, of whose economy it forms a part, will benefit substantially.

Is it not a fact that the country as a whole is not likely to benefit from these reserves of gas and oil to anything like the extent that it should? Is it not also a fact that the royalty of 15 per cent. for the gas from these fields is one of the lowest in the world? What attempt is being made by the Minister to find the true costs of producing gas and oil so that when gas boards and other bodies place their orders they will be in a rather more advantageous position than they are now in assessing the price they ought to pay?

Exploration expenditure can be anything from £500,000 to £2 million. Production and development costs vary between fields, depending on the size of field, well productivity, distance from shore and other factors. The most important thing is to ensure that resources are discovered and developed as rapidly as possible, and that is taking place now. We know that possibly oil production will amount to 25 million tons a year by the mid-1970s, possibly trebling by the early 1980s.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation to ban the practice of double-pricing of bedding, in view of the fact that this practice misleads consumers and avoids the effects of the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968.

I understand that the practice referred to involves listing goods with an unrealistically high "recommended" price, in order to exaggerate the apparent size of the discount offered by the retailer. If specific evidence were available of a particular case in which the price recommended implied a mark-up significantly greater than the range normally applied in that trade, I would certainly be prepared to consider the possibility of a prosecution under the Trade Descriptions Act.

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for that assurance. Will he give an assurance that if he receives information that this practice is widespread in the bedding or other industries he will institute an inquiry into a practice that is causing considerable concern in the trades concerned? Meanwhile, will he issue a warning to the public of the effects of this totally fictitious mark-down?

On the last point, the reply that I have given should indicate the concern with which the Government view the matters raised by the hon. and learned Gentleman. As to a wider inquiry, if there is any evidence of such a practice in any industry, let alone that of bedding, we shall look at it carefully having regard to the terms of the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the increase in volume of total retail sales in 1971 compared with 1970; and whether he will make a statement.

There was an increase between the two years of about ½ per cent. This comparison includes the low sales at the time of the postal strike in the first quarter of 1971, as well as the strong rate of increase since the measures announced last July. Between the second and fourth quarters the growth in volume was at an annual rate of 6 per cent.

Those figures are encouraging, but will my right hon. Friend impress on his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer the need to do everything possible to stimulate the economy? Will he impress on the Chancellor of the Exchequer the need also to have further reductions in both purchase tax and S.E.T. in the Budget?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has those matters very much in mind. The economy is expanding at about the rate foreseen by my right hon. Friend at the time of his July measures.

As the figures given by the right hon. Gentleman are not encouraging but lamentable, will he make sure that he advises his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to base his Budget on the hard facts of the situation and not on the euphoric moonshine that is being propagated by hon. Gentlemen on the Government side?

That again is a case of somewhat immoderate language. The fact is that a 6 per cent. increase in consumer sales between the second and fourth quarters is neither moonshine nor negligible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the likely course of trade between the United Kingdom and the United States of America in 1972.

Economic expansion in both countries and the settlement of exchange parities should lead to continued growth in United Kingdom exports to and imports from the United States.

Is it not a fact that the United States is regularly in surplus on its visible trade with this country, as with the rest of the world? Is my right hon. Friend aware that in spite of that fact there are proposals before the United States Congress in at least two Bills which would further cut down exports to the United States from the rest of the world? Does not my right hon. Friend agree that if the proposals were passed in their present form they would have an adverse effect on world trade, with consequent bad effects for everybody, including the United States?

As regards the general question of balance of trade, my hon. Friend will of course be aware that in the last year trade between the two countries was virtually in balance, with a slight margin of advantage lying with us, if anything. On the specific question, the two Bills to which he is referring are the Dent and Hartke-Burke Bills, either one of which would constitute a very grave setback to the cause of the development of world trade. For these reasons I shall be watching the progress of these Bills very attentively and will take such action as seems necessary if they seem likely to be passed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that all cans of tinned fruit indicate clearly the net weight of liquid and fruit, respectively.

I accept that such a declaration would be useful to the consumer but measurement and enforcement raise serious technical problems. I am hopeful that a solution that takes account of likely developments in Europe will be found.

What is the use of hoping? That is no consolation to the housewife who is being continually and comprehensively deceived in these and other matters relating to other foodstuffs. The Continent deals with this problem much better than we do, since there the proportion of fruit and syrup in the tin is clearly indicated. Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that independent investigations over a whole range of tinned fruit in this country have shown that in far too many instances there is more water than food in the tin?

I am aware that the main interest of consumers in the relationship between the total net weight and the drained weight of the contents of the can is that it gives an indication that the can has been filled to a reasonable standard. This aspect of the problem is being discussed internationally in the context of standards for new foods by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Would my hon. Friend give this matter very serious consideration, as many of us on this side feel that there are legislative loopholes of which people can take advantage? Rather than have piecemeal legislation, will my hon. Friend consider a survey of the whole problem?

I will certainly look into that latter point. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are studying this very detailed matter carefully and urgently.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that those airlines which are now ready to place orders for Concorde are not being hindered from so doing through protracted negotiations by earlier option holders.

Negotiations with the early option holders are proceeding as quickly as can be expected and are not hindering negotiations with other potential customers.

I am grateful for that assurance. Can my hon. Friend confirm that the option positions of B.A.O.C. and Air France were first set up nine years ago, since when there has been a substantial change in the situation? Is he not aware that there is a possibility that these early option holders could use delaying tactics, by having a grip on the early order positions, to prevent those who are now ready to place order immediately from so doing? Will he consider fixing a time limit under which B.O.A.C. and Air France will have a date by which, if they have not placed firm orders, airlines which have not so far done so will have a chance to do so?

If an airline sought an early place in the queue, this would be a matter for negotiation between the manufacturers and the relevant option holders. It has not arisen in this case.

Can the hon. Gentleman give a firm indication when the orders are likely to be placed and what is the latest date of entry into service for B.O.A.C. Concordes?

I have no further information on the second part of the question. On the first part, the right hon. Gentleman is presumably referring to the orders of B.O.A.C. and Air France. The answer is, I hope within the next few months.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to arrest the movement of industry out of the West London area.

Although the structure of its industry is changing, West London's employment prospects generally remain good. Also, as the economy responds to the measures the Government have taken, firms should have less cause to consider closures in the area.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what he has just said does not measure up to the facts and that since I put down this Question it appears that another large firm employing thousands of men is likely to leave the area? Will he please not be so complacent? This movement of firms within the West London area may be in line with the Government's policy, which is to create unemployment, but it is resisted and resented by the people who work in West London.

On the contrary, so far from it being the Government's policy, our policy is to encourage industry to areas where the hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends come from, which have a much higher rate of unemployment than Ealing. The loss of jobs in manufacturing industry in West London has been offset by increased employment in the service industries.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the number of unemployed in London and the South-East is almost as large as it is in the whole of Scotland, and that that is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs?

The hon. Gentleman is flying in the face of reality if he supposes that the problem of unemployment in London is anything like the problem in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the value to the United Kingdom aerospace industry of the British components and spares required during the anticipated operational life of a Lockheed 1011 aircraft as compared with those required for an A300B aircraft.

Typical values, including spares during the life of the aircraft, are about £3 million for the L1011 and about £¾ million for the A300B, at 1971 price levels. The precise figures will vary with the type of airline operation and the aircraft service life, and with individual airlines' choice of equipment.

Does it not follow logically from that that the success of the 1011 must be a matter of much higher national priority for this country than the success of the A300B? Will my hon. Friend undertake that this simple fact is not lost sight of among any other secondary considerations which may affect the placing of an order for an airbus by B.E.A.?

I am sure that the information I have given the House will satisfy my hon. Friend's criteria.

Would the hon. Gentleman accept that, heartening as the figures which he has given for the Lockheed 1011 are, the position of the 1011 would be much improved if the Government would now authorised the go-ahead for an updated version of the RB211 engine?

The hon. Member has a subsequent Question on the Order Paper on that very subject.

Is my hon. Friend aware that if the comparison is made in terms of man hours, it is even more favourable for the RB211 in terms of employment for this country?

Part of the basic difference is that the 1011 is a larger aircraft. We also have the engine content where the replacement opportunities are far greater than in the case of the A300B wings, which on the whole are not replaced.

As well as ensuring that these figures are properly taken into account by the British Airways Board before deciding on a replacement, will the Minister impress on the board the desirability of coming to a decision soon so that uncertainty on this matter can be removed?

I am sure that the board is giving this matter urgent consideration, but these aircraft are not strictly comparable. There is an overlap in performance, but the A300B is a shorter range aircraft than the Tristar and has a smaller seating capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the sales of petrol, oil and accessories together with receipts from servicing and repairs were worth in December, 1971, compared with December, 1970; and whether he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the turnover in the motor trades in the latest month in which figures are available compared with the comparable month for the preceding year; and whether he will make a statement.

The information was published in a Press notice on 14th February. A copy is in the Library. It shows that in December, 1971, the total turnover of the motor trades was 17 per cent. more, at current prices, than in December, 1970. For sales of petrol, oil and accessories, plus receipts from servicing and repairs, the increase was 5 per cent.

I am very much obliged to my hon. Friend for that answer. Can he give an idea of his estimate for the trend of sales in the next year and also of the number of vehicles currently on the road and anticipated to be on the road by the end of next year, and the possible effect of V.A.T. in the new system?

I cannot give all the figures for which my hon. Friend asks without notice, but the trend in sales, hopefully, will continue to be upward as the economy continues to expand.

What proportion of the sales of oil and accessories were made at independent outlets? Will the hon. Gentleman look into the growing tendency to restrict consumer choice in respect of oil and accessories and also the growing tendency to restrict the sales of certain oils and accessories at tied garages or garages owned by petroleum companies? Will he consider action against monopolies in that respect?

In reply to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the turnover statistics for the motor trades are based on a monthly sample inquiry to motor dealers, repairers, filling stations, tyre dealers, caravan dealers and wholesalers. It is not possible from these to pick out the detailed information for which the hon. Gentleman asks. On the second part of the question, provision is already made for looking at possible cases of monopoly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will instruct the British Standards Institution to draw up appropriate standards and codes of practice for using reinforced composite materials.

Because the British Standards Institution is an independent body, we have no authority to instruct it to produce standards or codes of practice.

Is the Minister aware that there is a serious lack of authenticated design and performance data for these new materials and that design work and certification, therefore, has nothing on which it can be based, that this puts our modern industries at a disadvantage and embarrasses assurance companies and other certifying bodies? Is he also aware that some Continental countries, particularly Germany, are now beginning to move ahead of us in this respect? Does he not agree that the by now extensive industries in this field would be greatly encouraged by an official lead?

The hon. Gentleman is not correct. In fields such as polyester resins, for instance, standards are laid down by the B.S.I. I suspect from the Question that the hon. Gentleman has in mind carbon fibre. Possibly he could write to me about it. With great respect to him, he simply is not right. I shall not detain the House by quoting B.S.I. standards for a number of materials in this enormous complex called reinforced composite fibres. If the hon. Gentleman would write to me about the particular composites he has in mind, I shall do my best to give the fullest answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a further statement on the review of regional policy.

I have nothing to add to the answer my hon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member on 21st February.—[Vol. 831, c. 195.]

Is the Secretary of State aware that it is now quite clear that the replacement of grants by allowances has seriously damaged the development areas? Is he further aware that there is now overwhelming support for a complete restructuring of development area aid? In view of the plight of places such as my constituency, Sunderland, will he treat this as a matter of the gravest urgency?

Yes, I am very well aware of the many comments which have been made on the lines the right hon. Gentleman mentions. He may rest assured that I am certainly treating this as a matter of the very greatest urgency.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a meeting of the North East Development Council on 10th March? As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister promised me that we should not have to wait much longer for some of the main matters to be decided, will he please get a little speed on, because action is necessary? I should like some action, so be cheerful and let us have it.

I can reassure my hon. Friend that speed is very much the essence of the contract, but it will not perhaps, I fear, be at a rate to satisfy the North East Development Council by 10th March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that now that the C.B.I. has published its recommendations and the T.U.C. Economic Review has also come out with recommendations, and the Press says that the National Economic Development Council is to discuss regional policy at its next meeting, with a Government paper presented, could not that paper be published as a Green Paper or something else so that we could have an opportunity of knowing the line of Government thinking and hon. Members from the regions would be able to contribute their views before the Government view comes forward in their long awaited, long overdue proposals?

I am sure the right hon. Gentleman knows that it needs no publication on the Government's side in order to ensure that views are represented to us from the regions and from many other interests including the C.B.I. and the T.U.C. I reassure the right hon. Gentleman, if he has need of it, that there is no lack of advice and guidance given to the Government on those subjects.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the worth of Government investments in private industry realised since June, 1970; and whether he will make a statement.

Industrial Reorganisation Corporation investments which cost about £39 million have been disposed of to date. I am continuing to realise I.R.C. assets.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he feel that this is moving fast enough? Did not the forcing of mergers by the I.R.C. contribute greatly to our unemployment figures, particularly in places such as Lancashire?

The realisation is proceeding entirely in line with what I told the House last July, when I said that in disposing of Government held shares or assets for which I am responsible, I should have regard to market values, the need to safeguard public funds, the industrial logic of the sale and, where necessary, any special factors that might be involved; also, expert advice where appropriate. I take note of my hon. Friend's remarks on the subject of the effect on unemployment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that a large number of Members of the House, including myself and all my hon. Friends, do not agree that it is sound public finance to dispose of profitable Government investments to the private sector when the Government are still continuing to hold the losing sections of it and the State is responsible for the losing, difficult sections while the profitable sections are being hived off to private investment? This is surely no policy in the present state of our affairs.

The criteria I have just stated as being those which guide me do not at all lend themselves to the kind of interpretation the hon. Gentleman has given.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider varying export credit guarantee interest rates in favour of the development areas.

I share the hon. Member's wish for additional orders for the development areas, but I do not think it appropriate, given the interdependence of any sectors of industry, to introduce different interest rates for different parts of the country.

Does my hon. Friend consider that rates are flexible enough, and will he consider an annual review?

Interest rates generally are kept very carefully under review, and it is the general desire of the Government to be in the middle range of export credits. On the question relating to different rates for different areas, this would cause difficulties which would not exactly help British exports, when we reflect that a firm may have components made in one part of the country which is not a development area and other parts of the operation are carried out in a development area. This would be over-complex and would not work.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Gas Council, following complaints by consumers of the difficulties and financial cost they have experienced as a result of gas conversion.

The Gas Council is well aware of my concern that this major programme should cause minimum inconvenience to the consumers. This is also the aim of the area boards, which are responsible for carrying it out.

In spite of that reply, the Minister will be fully aware of the widespread criticism which is being made throughout the country by consumers about the difficulties, and especially the additional financial cost, that conversion causes. Should not the Minister impress on gas boards that they should judge each case on its merits and get away from the practice of the standard compensation claim which in many cases is totally inadequate to meet the additional costs that consumers have had to face?

What the individual area boards do in cases where compensation is justified is a matter for them. My statutory powers of intervention are fairly limited. Questions of hardship are for consideration by the Supplementary Benefits Commission and I know that it takes these matters very much into account.

Has my hon. Friend had any discussions with the Gas Council about the deteriorating standards of service and civility being experienced certainly by consumers in the North Thames Gas Board area? Is my hon. Friend aware that the introduction of computer accounting, for example, leads to many errors of accounting followed by a failure to answer consumers' inquiries and threats to cut off the gas supply and that, in the case of elderly people living alone, this causes great distress and anxiety? Will my hon. Friend investigate this scandalous state of affairs?

Those representations which have been made to me, as well as letters which come to me from hon. Members, are passed on to the area boards concerned as these are matters within their management responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the progress of his review of company law.

We are pressing ahead with the work as fast as possible, with a view to making proposals for legislation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the high regard in which British company law is held in Europe? Will he do his best to ensure that it forms the basis of any company law in the E.E.C.?

Yes, what my hon. Friend says is absolutely correct. British company law is held in very high regard in Europe. The Community looks forward to the contribution that Britain can make to its thinking on Community company law.

Is it true that the Government have no intention of introducing a new Companies Bill for at least two years? If so, does that mean that there will be further delay in improving the requirements regarding financial disclosure?

I think it improbable that there will be any early introduction of a Bill on company law matters—at least not a wide-ranging one. It is therefore possible that there will be some delay, but it is my earnest hope to introduce a Companies Bill during the course of this Parliament.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the existing company law gives him certain statutory rights and imposes duties on him and that his Department has consistently failed to carry out the law? There are hundreds of companies fleecing the public and taking money out of shareholders' pockets because the Secretary of State refuses to see that they carry out the law. Will he deal with about 30 cases that are on his files and have been sent to him by hon. Members on both sides?

I am very conscious of the statutory rights and duties that the British company law gives me. I am also conscious of the fact that they are dealt with with efficiency and dispatch.

What about V. and G.?

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will examine the effects on small firms of entry into the European Economic Community.

The Bolton Committee recommended that we should study the effect of entry upon small firms in order to help them take advantage of the opportunities in the E.E.C. This study is well under way and we expect to decide by summer whether special steps are needed to supplement the comprehensive campaign which we have already launched. We have much information available for those who seek it.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that small firms in Europe have benefited considerably since the E.E.C. has been in being? Will he make a real effort to ensure that these facts are well known in Britain, so as to reassure and allay the fears of our small businesses once we follow suit and go into the Common Market?

Yes, there is plenty of evidence to support what my hon. Friend says. For example, figures quoted by the C.B.I. show that in Western Germany between 1960 and 1967 small firms' sales rose by 50 per cent. while those of industry as a whole rose by only 40 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of the ball bearing industry from unfair Japanese competition.

A recent request by the industry for the Government to ask the Japanese Government to limit voluntarily the growth of bearings sales to this country is under urgent consideration. We await further information which industry has been asked to provide.

In view of the impact that these Japanese imports are having on future employment prospects in the industry, will my hon. Friend urge upon the industry the necessity for a quick answer and then get weaving himself when he has got it?

I can give my hon. Friend an assurance on both those points. The sooner we get the additional information we have asked for, the sooner we can move quickly.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the serious danger to the employment prospects of many thousands of employees in the ball bearing and machine tool industry? Will he accept the urgency of making the strongest possible representations on this issue?

Certainly, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will request the industry to give us the information as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will exercise his powers under the Weights and Measures Act, 1963, so as to require jam, honey and marmalade to be sold in prescribed quantities.

Under the provisions of the Act, jam, honey and marmalade, with unimportant exceptions, are already required to be sold, when prepacked, in a prescribed range of quantities.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is a very strange range that is allowed and that I am only sorry I did not bring a pot to show him?

I hope that my hon. Friend will take an early opportunity of doing so.

Do not both this Question and the matters raised in Questions Nos. 13 and 20 indicate strongly that the watchdog of the public—namely, the Consumer Council—should be recreated?

I am aware of the general consumer interest in ensuring that what people believe they are buying they in fact buy.

May I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that on 14th March I shall seek to introduce a Unit Pricing Bill, and may I express the hope that this will meet with Government support?

I take note of what my hon. Friend says.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial development certificates were granted in the County of Derbyshire during 1971.

Seventy-five.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in grey areas and areas that are not development areas the I.D.C. policy at present pursued is more liable to be a deterrent than anything else? Will my hon. Friend institute with my right hon. Friend an urgent review of the policy, because it is crippling in areas such as my part of Derbyshire, where increased industry is required urgently?

I assure my hon. Friend that the regional policy is under review. Meanwhile we shall operate the I.D.C. policy as flexibly and sympathetically as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take to amend the law relating to insurance.

In pursuance of the review which I announced last March, extensive consultations with the insurers and other interested parties are in progress. I shall of course take into account the report of the V. & G. Tribunal. I hope to reach conclusions as to the nature of any amendments to the Insurance Companies Acts which may be necessary during the early summer.

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the difficulties that insurance brokers find under the present state of the law when insurance companies become insolvent or are placed under restriction in pursuance of the operation of his powers under the Companies Act?

I am indeed very conscious of this problem and am in close consultation with the organisations representing the insurance broking interests on matters such as this.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one piece of hiving off which would be welcome is that of the Insurance and Companies Division of his Department, making it instead a statutory agency? Is that possibility being considered during the right hon. Gentleman's present review?

The matters that I have specifically under review in relation to insurance do not at the moment envisage the hiving off of that activity, though I am not necessarily averse to considering any such proposition if it is put before me.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to prevent the resale of electricity at a profit to tenants of rooms, flats, caravans and similar accommodation.

Suggestions have been made that charging more than the statutory maximum price should be made a criminal offence, but I have decided that legislation to this effect would not be justified as it would be unlikely to be significantly more effective than the present law. But I am in touch with the consultative councils and the electricity boards about mounting a publicity campaign designed to ensure that those concerned are made better aware of the maximum prices laid down and the present means of enforcement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many instances where electricity is resold the charge per unit does not vary according to the amount of power consumed, even though the supplying electricity board may have a considerably reduced rate above a certain level of consumption? Will the hon. Gentleman bear this change of rate particularly in mind in any discussions he has?

Yes, I certainly will.

Would the Minister bear in mind that the practices of electricity boards have been brought into grave doubt in the public mind in recent months, including the whole of the nefarious practice of estimating people's accounts even 300, 400 or 500 per cent. more than the actual amount? Should not the Minister impress a code of conduct on electricity boards in the interests of millions of defenceless consumers?

My hon. Friend the Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) and I have already discussed this matter in debate in the House. He therefore knows that it is under very active study by the Electricity Council and the electricity boards.

Is it not a fact that any landlord can resell gas or electricity through a check meter to a tenant at any price he cares to charge, and should not this practice be tackled and controlled?

We have considered whether legislation should make this a criminal offence and decided it would not materially advance the protection of the consumer. The consumer wants to know exactly what his rights are. It is to this end that a major publicity campaign is being prepared.