Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Thursday, 2nd March, 1972

Employment

Youth Employment Service

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he proposes to have in Wales before any action is taken to change the structure of the Youth Employment Service.

The Welsh Joint Education Committee and other associations representing local authorities in Wales have been fully represented in discussions with my Department on the changes planned for the Youth Employment Service.

Minimum Wage

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the failure of wages councils and other statutory bodies to maintain an adequate wage, he will introduce legislation to provide a statutory minimum earnings level for all able-bodied adult workers.

I have no present plans to introduce minimum wage legislation. The Government's policy is to foster voluntary collective bargaining and I have referred 15 wages councils to the Commission on Industrial Relations for its advice on whether abolition or variation of scope would be appropriate.

Dudley And Stourbridge

13.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the figures of unemployed males and of vacancies for males in the Dudley and Stourbridge travel-to-work areas, respectively; and how many further redundancies have been notified to him in respect of these areas.

Last month, in the area covered by the Dudley employment exchange there were provisionally 2,970 males registered as unemployed, of whom 1,522 were wholly unemployed, and 96 notified vacancies for males remained unfilled. The corresponding figures for Stourbridge were 6,877; 1,119 and 200.In these areas redundancies involving about 400 workpeople have so far been notified as due to occur this year.

Trade Unions

15.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many trade unions have indicated their intention to remain registered under the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act; how many in addition are still on the provisional register; and what is the total number of members represented in each of these categories.

I am informed by the Registrar that as at 25th February, 99 organisations of workers had been registered as trade unions; 84 of these were previously registered, and their approximate membership is 340,000. 178 organisations remain on the provisional register, of which 105, with an approximate membership of 3,000,000, were previously registered. The membership of organisations registered other than by transfer' from the register maintained under the Trade Union Acts is not known.

57.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list those trade unions which he has invited to his Department since 18th June, 1970, to meet him for general discussions about the problems of their separate industries.

It has not been the practice of any of my predecessors to convene general meetings of this sort, but I am very ready to meet any union which might wish to discuss its problems with me.

European Economic Community

18.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he is giving to the preparation of schemes for the retraining or resettlement of workers and for supplementation of their income which will be eligible for assistance from the European Social Fund after Great Britain's entry to the European Economic Community.

Officials are engaged in detailed discussions with the commission to establish how the United Kingdom will be able to secure full benefit from the fund.

Scotland

20.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the ratio of vacancies for male jobs in Scotland to the number of unemployed males.

In February there were 3·1 notified vacancies for males remaining unfilled in Scotland to every 100 males registered as wholly unemployed. Vacancy statistics relate only to those vacancies notified to my Department and do not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.

78.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment for how many consecutive months unemployment in Scotland has exceeded 100,000; and what was the last occasion on which the figures were above 100,000 for a similar consecutive period of months.

The total number registered as unemployed in Scotland exceeded 100,000 in each of the last 15 months and throughout the period December, 1922, to October, 1940.

Disabled Persons

21.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many disabled persons are registered as unemployed in the Stirling and Falkirk employment exchange areas.

On 6th December last, 407 registered disabled people were unemployed in the Stirling and Falkirk area.

46.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of registered disabled persons is unemployed at present; and if he will make a statement.

The proportion of those people who have chosen to register under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act of 1944 who were unemployed on 10th January was 14·6 per cent.An improvement in job opportunities for disabled people depends upon an upturn in employment generally, but there are signs that the measures which I announced in the House on 25th March last year are having a beneficial effect. More than 60,000 jobs have been found for people registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act. It should also be remembered that there are many substantially handicapped people in employment who prefer not to register under the Act and so are not reflected in the figures I have quoted.

Wage Settlements

22.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what he estimates to be the current average rate of wage settlements; and how this compares with the rate a year ago.

It is not possible to give estimates of the precise average rate of settlements, but in recent months many settlements have been made at around 7 per cent.-8 per cent.; a year ago most settlements were in the 10 per cent.-15 per cent. range.

Manufacturing Industry

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further estimates he has now made of the effect of the coal dispute on the level of employment in manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement.

On the basis of ad hoc reports from regions I estimate that the average number of workers in manufacturing industry laid off daily because of the power cuts consequent upon the coal dispute in the period 14th–25th February was of the order of 1,300,000. The latest position is that yesterday the number was down to around 500,000 and I would expect this to decrease rapidly as industry gets back to normal working.

33.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of future manpower requirements in the manufacturing industries.

It is not possible to make a reliable estimate.

Interviews (Travel Vouchers)

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce a system of free travel vouchers to be issued by employment exchanges when sending unemployed men for interviews with prospective employers.

My right hon. Friend is considering whether a scheme can be introduced to cover the travelling expenses of those sent for interviews with prospective employers.

"Training For The Future"

25.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, what response he has so far received from the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress on his proposals embodied in "Training for the Future".

As yet none.

60.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to get the view of industry generally and small businesses in particular on the booklet, "Training for the Future".

Wide publicity was given to the proposals in "Training for the Future" following my statement in the House on 1st February. Copies of the booklet have been sent to the major interested organisations, including those concerned with industry and with small businesses, and copies are available in local employment offices of my Department. Written comments should be sent to my Department before the end of May.

Arbitration Procedures

26.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is considering a review of arbitration methods and procedures in both the nationalised and private industries; and if he will make a statement.

No. It is for each industry to decide what procedures can best serve and how they should be observed. There has been a welcome increase in the use made of arbitration in recent months.

South-West Durham

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest unemployment figures for the South-West Durham area.

At 14th February, the provisional number of people registered as wholly unemployed in the South- West Durham travel-to-work area was 3,241. In addition, 1,519 temporarily stopped workers were registered as unemployed.

71.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what new training arrangements he is making to relieve unemployment in South-West Durham.

158 additional places will be provided at the Government training centres at Durham and Darlington and in an annexe to the Durham centre. Greater use will be made of spare training capacity in employers' establishments and colleges of further education.

Vacancies And Skilled Labour

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will undertake an inquiry in depth into the employment vacancies and available skills in a selected area with a view to establishing the relationship between the figures of vacancies as issued by the Department and the actual availability of jobs, and the skills, if any, which are, or may shortly become, in short supply.

I have already undertaken special inquiries in the Peterborough and Swansea areas which revealed that on 5th January, 1972, the number of unfilled vacancies recorded at the employment exchanges represented between one-third and one-half of those available with the principal employers.The question of future shortages of skilled labour is one of the aspects of manpower resources which are currently under consideration by the National Economic Development Council.

Factory Closures (Harlesden)

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will institute an inquiry into the employment situation which has developed as a result of factory closures on the Park Royal Estate and elsewhere in the Harlesden area, with a view to finding a use for the buildings becoming derelict.

No. The unemployment rate for London is less than half that for Great Britain and the future use of empty industrial premises is for the owners to consider in the first instance, in consultation with the local planning authority as appropriate.

Wages And Prices

30.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in national average earnings above their 1960 level up to the latest date for which information is available; and what has been the corresponding percentage increase over the same period in the index of retail prices and in the lowest decile of earnings.

The latest information about the lowest decile of earnings relates to April, 1971. Between October, 1960, and April, 1971, the average earnings of full-time manual men in manufacturing industries increased by 101 per cent., the lowest decile of their earnings increased by 101 per cent. and the index of retail prices increased by 60·5 per cent.

Training

31.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to encourage people to retrain for employment in new industries, particularly the tourist industry.

Most such retraining is provided by industry but the massive expansion of training facilities described by my right hon. Friend in his Consultative Document "Training for the Future" published on 1st February will provide increased opportunities for men and women to retrain for employment in new and expanding industries.

32.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to increase the number of places available for skilled craftsmen in the building trade in the expansion of Government training centres.

Full provision will be made for construction trades when planning the new centres. Meanwhile, an additional 900 places will be made available as soon as possible, mainly in unused industrial premises, which have already been identified.

35.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the number of places that exist for industrial retraining in inner London.

423 training places are available within the Inner London Education Authority area.

36.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of Government centre trainees in the years 1970 and 1971 was in the category of unemployed persons over the ages of 40 and 50, respectively.

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested. However, in June, 1970, 15 per cent. of trainees at Government training centres were aged 40 or over and 2 per cent. aged 50 or over. In September, 1971, 66 per cent. of applicants accepted for training were unemployed compared with 51 per cent. in September, 1970.

54.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees he anticipates being trained in Government training centres in the Northern Region in 1972.

About 2,750 compared with about 2,000 in 1971.

Unemployment

34.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by how much unemployment has increased since June, 1970.

Between June, 1970, and February, 1972, the total number of people registered as unemployed in Great Britain increased by 1,025,000. This figure included an increase of 622,000 in the number of temporarily stopped, mainly as a result of the power cuts.

41.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest Scottish unemployment figure.

At 14th February the provisional number of people registered as wholly unemployed in Scotland was 148,823. In addition, 69,229 temporarily stopped workers were registered as unemployed.

70.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements he has made for meeting in London unemployed young persons from the depressed regions to discuss their employment prospects.

I have made no such arrangements but if I receive a request for a meeting I will give the matter careful consideration.

72.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the latest unemployment figures published by his Department.

The total of 1,571,000 at 14th February included 645,000 temporarily stopped, mainly due to the restrictions on the supply of power. It is encouraging that the upward movement in the underlying trend has begun to flatten out, and the seasonally-adjusted figure of wholly unemployed was only a thousand higher than the January figure.

Accidents

37.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many accidents, fatal and otherwise, arising from fires at premises storing inflammable substances not subject to regulations, were reported in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

The figures are as follows:

	Fatal	Others
1969	22	919
1970	18	1,027
1971	20	1,244

47.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many reportable accidents in factories in 1970 arose from cellulose; and how many from other flammable liquids.

In 1970 there were 28 reportable accidents—none fatal—arising from the use of cellulose solutions and 458 reportable accidents—including 13 fatal—arising from the use of other flammable liquids.

Prices (London)

38.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the level of prices in the Greater London area, compared with the rest of the country.

No index comparing the level of prices in the Greater London area with that in the rest of the country is available.

Apprenticeships

39.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates he has made of the number of apprenticeship places currently available in the engineering industry in Scotland and the forecasts for July, 1972.

I am informed by the Engineering Industrial Training Board that in mid-February 2,918 places for first-year craft and technician training were currently approved in Scotland, of which 2,388 were occupied. It is, however, too early to judge the number of places which will be taken up in July.

Industrial Relations Act

40.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the effects which the Industrial Relations Act has had to date on industrial relations generally.

It is too early to judge the effect of provisions, many of which have been in operation only a few days, but there is no doubt that the Act and the Code of Practice have already caused both management and unions, and others concerned with industrial relations, to review thoroughly their procedures and practices and see how they can be improved.

44.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations have been made to him on the subject of Part V of the Industrial Relations Act, 1971.

A number of inquiries have been received about the effect of these provisions, which came into force on 28th February, and how they might have applied in circumstances such as those of the recent coalmining strike.

Sheltered Workshops

42.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of the rule that sheltered workshops must be financially viable, if he will now alter the requirement that sheltered workshops can only employ those incapable of employment in industry.

There is no such rule. Trading deficits of sheltered workshops met from central and local government funds in the year ended 31st March, 1970, amounted to no less than £8·2 million. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Police And Fire Services (Vacancies)

43.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many vacancies have been notified to him in the police force and the fire brigade service which are open to applicants over 35 years of age.

I regret that available statistical data does not give this information, but because of age limits laid down in Police and Fire Service Regulations there are probably none.

Building Industry (Scotland)

45.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest figure for unemployment in the building industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

At 10th January, the latest date for which information is available, 31,124 people who last worked in the construction industry were registered as unemployed in Scotland.I am well aware that this figure is indicative of a very unsatisfactory situation, but I am confident that employment opportunities in the construction industry in Scotland will improve as a result of the exceptional range of measures which the Government has taken, both directly and indirectly, to stimulate employment in Scotland.

Rotherham, Maltby And Darrington

48.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the rate of male unemployment in the Rotherham, Maltby and Darrington exchange areas at the latest available date, and the increase in each area since the equivalent date in 1970.

Based on the total numbers registered as unemployed, including the temporarily stopped, the provisional percentage rates of unemployment at 14th February for males in the Rotherham, Maltby and Dinnington employment exchange areas were 13·6, 11·7 and 24·7 respectively. The temporarily stopped included substantial numbers of workers laid off because of restrictions on the use of power. Between February, 1970, and February, 1972, the numbers of males registered as wholly unemployed in these areas increased by 1,470, 107 and 216, respectively. Based only on those wholly unemployed, the rates for males on 14th February were provisionally 8·8, 10·9 and 11·9 respectively.

Picketing

49.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will analyse the methods of picketing developed and used in the United Kingdom since 1st January, 1972, to the latest convenient date, with a view to using the analysis as a basis for legislation on the subject.

53.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek additional powers to those contained in the Industrial Relations Act to deal with the relationship between unions and Government policy.

56 and 74.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will now introduce legislation to prevent resources or materials being stopped by picketing from reaching companies or industries not involved in a trade dispute;(2) if he will now introduce legislation to prevent picketing in trade disputes being used to deny persons not involved in a dispute the opportunity to work.

73.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce legislation to amend those sections of the Industrial Relations Act, 1971, which deal with picketing.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave earlier today.

Coal Industry

51.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications were made through local employment exchanges for work in coal mining during the course of the recent strike in that industry.

Precise information is not available, but so far as can be ascertained, no such applications were made.

65.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications were made through the local employment exchanges situated within or covering the areas covered by the Westminster, Marylebone, Chelsea and City of London area exchanges to work in the coal mining industry during the course of the recent strike in that industry.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how, prior to the recent industrial dispute, absenteeism amongst the employees of the National Coal Board compared with absenteeism in manufacturing industry as a whole.

My Department does not collect information on absenteeism in manufacturing industry which could be compared with National Coal Board information.

Toxic Materials

59.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors there are in the Industrial Hygiene Division; how many will be required to ensure that no place of work exceeded the maximum level for toxic materials above which it is not safe to go.

There are 26 specialist inspectors of factories supported by 23 scientific staff engaged full-time on industrial hygiene work. In addition, all factory inspectors devote a proportion of their time to this work.The responsibility for ensuring that concentrations of toxic materials which may be dangerous are not exceeded rests with the factory occupier, on whom the Factories Act places the general responsibility for the safety and health of his employees. It would neither be practicable nor in accordance with the law to transfer this responsibility to the Factory Inspectorate.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ask the Robens Committee to examine the merits of legislation to enforce the maximum levels for toxic materials in factories and other places of work above which it is not safe to go.

This is within the terms of reference of the Robens Committee and I have drawn its attention to the Question.

Unemployment Benefit (Fraudulent Claims)

61.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what effect the inquiries made concerning false claims for social and other benefits in Southend had upon the unemployment statistics there; what conclusions he has drawn; and what action he now proposes to take.

I expect the publicity given to the detection of a number of cases of fraud at Southend recently to have had some deterrent effect, but this cannot be quantified. As to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. John Page) on 9th February, 1972.—[Vol. 830, c. 380.]

Industrial Concentration

62.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of the scientific and technological advances and of rationalisation consequent upon industrial concentration now taking place, he will initiate studies to consider the effects of these on future employment prospects.

The development of better manpower intelligence is to be one of the specific tasks of the improved employment service.

Oil Exploration (Scotland)

63.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the new employment in the north-east of Scotland directly created by the start of the oil exploration season this year; and how many jobs will be created indirectly in service industries.

My Department estimates that over 350 workers in the North-East Planning Region of Scotland are now directly employed on exploration for, and the exploitation of, North Sea oil and a further 500 or so on various ancillary activities. It is difficult to assess future manpower requirements since developments are likely to be spread over a considerable period and firms' plans may be affected by unforeseen factors. However, various projects of which my Department is aware are expected to provide a further 1,400 jobs. This figure could increase considerably if other projects which are now being considered materialise. In addition, the laying of the oil pipeline from Cruden Bay to Grangemouth should provide a substantial number of construction jobs.

Manchester

64.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will now pay an official visit to Manchester to discuss with those affected growing unemployment in the city.

I have no plans at present to visit Manchester, but I share the hon. Member's concern about the city's unemployment problems and am most con-

					Primary industries	Manufacturing industries	Services, including construction, and gas, electricity and water
June, 1961	…	…	…	…	179·7	449·4	652·2
June, 1964—
(a)	…	…	…	…	151·8	435·4	685·1
(b)	…	…	…	…	152·3	437·5	686·4
June, 1966—
(a)	…	…	…	…	130·5	458·3	720·0
(b)	…	…	…	…	129·8	465·3	713·6
June, 1969—
(a)	…	…	…	…	89·0	462·4	702·0
(b)	…	…	…	…	89·1	462·5	706·0
June, 1971	…	…	…	…	82·8	468·4	691·2

Notes:

(1) Estimates for June, 1964( b) and later dates are on a revised basis of calculation and are not strictly comparable with those for June, 1964( a) and earlier dates.

(2) Between June, 1966 and June, 1967 the industrial classifications of many establishments were corrected. Estimates for June, 1966 are shown on both bases, that is ( a) excluding and ( b) including the effects of reclassifications.

(3) Estimates for June, 1969( a) and earlier dates are classified according to the 1958 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification and are not fully comparable with those for June, 1969( b) and later dates which are classified according to the 1968 edition. The industrial contents of the groups shown above are:

							1958 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification for June, 1969(a) and earlier dates	1968 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification for June, 1969(b) and earlier dates
Primary	…	…	…	…	…	…	Orders I and II	Orders I and II
Manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	…	Orders III to XVI	Orders III to XIX
Services, including construction and gas, electricity and water							Orders XVII to XXIV	Orders XX to XXVII

Unemployed Persons (Benefit)

67.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons included in the unemployed total receive neither unemployment benefit or supplementary allowances; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which this occurs.

scious of the personal hardship which the present unacceptable level of unemployment involves for people who are out of work and their families. Manchester should benefit from the extensive measures we have introduced to stimulate the national economy. We will continue to make every effort to reduce unemployment there and throughout the country.

Northern Region

68.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the numbers of people employed in the Northern Region in the primary, manufacturing and service groups of industries at the latest available date and in 1961, respectively.

Following is the information:

For the figures, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him today. There are a number of reasons why on any given day a count of those registered as unemployed will show some persons to be receiving neither unemployment benefit nor supplementary allowances. Title to benefit will not have been determined in respect of substantial numbers of people who become unemployed shortly before the day of count. Others will have exhausted their title to benefit or may be disallowed or disqualified from the receipt of benefit at the time the count is taken. There will also be a number who have no wish to claim or have no entitlement because they do not satisfy the contributions conditions; this applies in particular to some married women and school leavers.

"People And Jobs"

66.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations about the policy paper, "People and Jobs", he has had from the staff and students of the Kent Training College for the youth employment service; and what replies he has sent.

My right hon. Friend has received a memorandum from the staff and students of the Kent Training College, to which a reply was sent.

National Training Agency

69.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what particular consideration his Department is giving to the needs of development areas in the consultations under way to establish the proposed National Training Agency.

The decision on whether a National Training Agency should be established will not be made until the end of the consultative period. It is recognised in "Training for the Future" that the industrial organisation of the training boards does not equip them to meet regional labour market needs. The proposed National Training Agency would complement and co-ordinate the work of the boards in this field. The Government have invited comments on their proposals from interested organisations and individuals. I will consider any proposals designed to meet the training needs of development areas.

Mine Workers (Retraining)

75.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many mineworkers were accepted for retraining in the last full year for which figures are available; and how many applied unsuccessfully for such training.

I regret the information is not available in the form requested. However, 609 application were received from mine workers in the 12 months ending September, 1971, and 289 were accepted. The difference between the two figures is largely accounted for by applicants who withdrew their application between the time they were made and the selection panel.

Oil Technology

76.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he will take to ensure that more British citizens get the opportunity to equip themselves with the detailed skills of modern oil technology.

This is a question primarily for the Petroleum Industrial Training Board which I understand is surveying national training needs for senior operational staff in oil technology.

Irish Citizens

77.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many citizens of the Irish Republic are employed in the United Kingdom.

I regret that I can give no current figures. These are obtained only from the population census, and the results of the census taken in 1971 will not be available until the end of the year.

Industrial Practices (Co Durham)

79.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is aware that the management of a firm at Stanley, County Durham, the name of which is in his possession, are infringeing the unfair practices provisions of the Industiral Relations Act by locking-out their employees; and what action he will take.

The Act enables an aggrieved party to make a complaint to the National Industrial Relations Court if it considers that an unfair industrial practice has been committed. In his reply on 24th February, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State made it clear that officers of my Department are ready to give any assistance acceptable to both the parties to this dispute.

Commission On Industrial Relations

80.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the references currently before the Com-

	Date
References by the Secretary of State under Section 121 of the Industrial Relations Act 1971 concerning:	(Date in brackets relate to the original references to the Royal Commission on Industrial Relations)
Disclosure of information by employers to union representatives.	4th November, 1971 (29th May, 1970)
Industrial Relations Training	4th November, 1971 (29th May, 1970)
Industrial communications	4th November, 1971 (16th November, 1970)
The roles in industrial relations of (a) boards of directors, (b) personnel and line management and (c) consultants.	4th November, 1971 (4th May, 1971)
Negotiating machinery for multi-plant undertakings	8th November, 1971
The hotel and catering industry^*	4th November, 1971 (5th November, 1969)
Alcan Smelter site, Lynemouth	4th November, 1971 (16th November, 1970)
John Bamber Engineering Ltd., Kings Lynn	4th November, 1971 (4th May, 1971)
^* Report No. 23, Part One: Hotels and Restaurants, published 6th October, 1971.

References by the Secretary of State under the Wages Councils Act 1959 (as amended by the Industrial Relations Act 1971) concerning abolition or variation of the field of operation of:			Date
The Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring Wages Council	…	…	31st January, 1972
The Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing Wages Council (England and Wales).
The Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing Wages Council (Scotland)		…
The Wholesale Mantle and Costume Wages Council	…	…
The Shirtmaking Wages Council	…	…
The Hat, Cap and Millinery Wages Council	…	…
The Corset Wages Council	…	…
The Retail Bespoke Tailoring Wages Council (England and Wales)	…	…
The Retail Bespoke Tailoring Wages Council (Scotland)	…	…
The Rubber Proofed Garment Making Industry Wages Council	…	…
The Stamped or Pressed Metal-Wares Wages Council	…	…	31st January, 1972
The Hollow-ware Wages Council	…	…
The Pin, Hook and Eye and Snap Fastener Wages Council	…	…
The Keg and Drum Wages Council	…	…
The Coffin Furniture and Cerement Making Wages Council	…	…

Reference by the National Industrial Relations Court under Section 46 of the Industrial Relations Act 1971 concerning:	Date
The appropriate bargaining units and agents among certain staff grades employed by C. A. Parsons and Co. Ltd. and associated companies.	1st March, 1972

Newcastle-Under-Lyme

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons were unemployed in Newcastle-under-Lyme at the latest date.

In the area covered by the Newcastle-under-Lyme employment exchange, the provisional number of people registered as wholly unemployed at 14th February was 1,370. In addition, 4,510 temporarily stopped workers were registered as unemployed

Women

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from the National

mission on Industrial Relations, and on what dates they were made.

The Commission on Industrial Relations is currently dealing with the following:Council of Women of Great Britain asking for action by Her Majesty's Government to make illegal discrimination in employment on grounds of sex and for securing for women equal opportunities as well as equal pay; and what reply he has sent.

Representations on the lines indicated have been received from the National Council of Women of Great Britain. I am sending to the hon. Member a copy of my reply.

Lower-Paid Workers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT lists showing the basic minimum wages for the lowest graded workers up to the present time for underground workers in coal mining since 6th June, 1966, labourers in the provinces in gas supply since 5th September, 1965, labourers in the Provinces in

MINIMUM BASIC RATES OF WAGES FOR MEN FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK
Industry and Grade	Reference date	Subsequent changes in rates
	6.6.1966	30.10.1967	1.11.1968	1.11.1969	1.11.1970
Coalmining:
Underground workers Grade IV.	44s. 2d. a shift	46s. 3d. a shift	48s. 9d. a shift	53s. 4d. a shift	£19 a week
[Grades III and IV amalgamated in November 1970.] (Shift rates until November 1970^*)
	5.9.1965	3.1.1967	3.3.1968	2.3.1969
Gas Supply:
Labourers (provinces) (hourly rates)	5s. 10d.	6s. 1½d.	6s. 5d.	6s. 8½d.
					18.1.1970	17.1.1971	16.1.1972
Mains and Service Assistants (new structure) (hourly rates)	—	—	—	—	7s. 9d.	8s. 9d.	47·75p
	1.2.1966	1.7.1967	23.9.1968	22.9.1969	21.9.1970	20.9.1971
Electricity Supply:
Group A (provinces) (annual rates)	£635†‡	£663 10s.†‡	£727 10s.‡	£800 10s.‡	£905·50‡	£991·50‡
	4.10.1965	6.3.1967
Railways:
Drivers British Rail Group 12 (provincial areas) (weekly rates)§	304s 0d.	315s. 0d.
New structure August 1968
			12.8.1968	4.8.1969	4.5.1970	3.8.1970	3.5.1971
Drivers	—	—	379s. 0d.	399s. 0d.	431s. 0d.	£22·15	£25·70
Senior secondmen after 18 years' service	—	—	360s. 0d.	378s. 0d.	408s. 0d.	£21·00	£24·40
Senior secondmen (weekly rates)§	—	—	340s. 0d.	357s. 0d.	386s. 0d.	£19·80	£23·10
^* National standard shift rates of wages—workers working five qualifying shifts in a week receive an attendance bonus of an extra shift payment.
† Plus 10s. 6d. a week productivity allowance.
‡Plus £25 a year incidental overtime allowance.
§ Mileage payments are also made.

North-West Region

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make an official visit to the North-West Region.

I have no plans at the moment to visit the region.

Industrial Disputes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed statement giving the monthly number of industrial disputes, the number of workers electricity supply since 1st February, 1966, and railway engine drivers since 4th October, 1965, respectively.

Following is the information:on strike, the number of days work lost, the estimated cost for each month since June, 1970, and similar details for the same period of time prior to June, 1970.

I regret that official estimates of the cost of lost production due to industrial stoppages are not available. The remainder of the information is published in the Department of Employment Gazette (Table 133 of the regular statistical time series).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many working days have been lost in the last three months due to strikes; what were the comparable figures for each of the last five years; and what steps he intends to take to deal with the problem.

For the three months ending 21st January, 1972, 6,311,000. For corresponding periods in earlier years the figures are: 1971, 3,953,000; 1970, 1,374,000; 1969, 768,000; 1968, 593,000; and 1967, 325,000. I am confident that the number of strikes the most important indicator will continue to show a reduction as a result of the progressive improvement in all industrial relations which the Industrial Relations Act and the Code of Practice will bring about.

Manpower And Economic Division

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he will now take to strengthen and activate the manpower and economic division in his Department; and if he will give directions to the division to review regularly all incomes, including salaries, wages, minimum wage levels, hours worked, and holidays overall, in each industrial group, respectively, and to make reports.

EARNINGS AND HOURS OF MEN MANUAL WORKERS—UNITED KINGDOM
12 industries with highest average weekly earnings October, 1966
1958 Standard Industrial Classification						Average weekly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average hourly earnings
						£		p
Printing, publishing of newspapers and periodicals			…	…	…	28·06	44·4	63·20
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	25·58	43·6	58·67
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	25·46	45·6	55·83
Cement	…	…	…	…	…	24·29	54·6	44·49
Sugar	…	…	…	…	…	23·59	50·7	46·53
Other printing, publishing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	23·38	44·3	52·78
Aircraft manufacturing and repairing	…	…	…	…	…	22·91	44·8	51·14
Shop and office fitting	…	…	…	…	…	22·52	50·5	44·59
Vegetable and animal oils, fats, soap and detergents			…	…	…	22·45	48·6	46·19
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	22·39	44·7	50·09
Other transport and communication	…	…	…	…	…	22·22	45·1	49·27
Metal-working machine tools	…	…	…	…	…	22·00	45·2	48·67

October, 1970
1968 Standard Industrial Classification						Average weekly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average hourly earnings
						£		p
Printing, publishing of periodicals	…	…	…	…	…	45·96	42·0	109·42
Printing, publishing of newspapers	…	…	…	…	…	39·55	44·3	89·28
Sugar	…	…	…	…	…	36·88	52·6	70·11
Wheeled tractor or manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	36·63	42·5	86·19
Port and inland water transport	…	…	…	…	…	36·28	43·9	82·64
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	35·66	44·5	80·13
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	34·38	42·0	81·86
Motor vehicle manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	33·30	42·1	79·10
Other printing, publishing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	32·52	44·6	72·91
Insulated wires and cables	…	…	…	…	…	32·48	47·9	67·81
Cement	…	…	…	…	…	32·38	49·4	65·55
Soap and detergents	…	…	…	…	…	32·23	47·2	68·28

I will continue to ensure that the Office of Manpower Economics has the resources necessary to perform its functions as secretariat to the pay review bodies, ad hoc inquiries, and studies on more general pay matters. It is currently studying measured day work, and equal pay, and reviewing research on the relationship between wage determination and earnings movement. I see no present need for it to undertake reviews on the lines suggested.

Wages

asked the Secretary of State for Employment which 12 industrial groups of wage earners now receive remuneration at the highest hourly and weekly rate; which receive the lowest hourly and weekly rate; and what are the weekly and hourly rates, together with the average hours worked in each case indicating how the position has altered from last year and five years ago.

Following is the information for the industrial groups—Minimum List Headings—covered by my Department's regular October inquiries:

OCTOBER, 1971
1968 Standard Industrial Classification						Average weekly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average hourly earnings
						£		p
Printing, publishing of periodicals	…	…	…	…	…	44·24	42·7	103·61
Printing, publishing of newspapers	…	…	…	…	…	43·83	43·9	99·84
Sugar	…	…	…	…	…	40·41	52·4	77·12
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	40·17	43·5	92·34
Port and inland water transport	…	…	…	…	…	37·79	41·2	91·72
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	37·63	41·3	91·11
Cement	…	…	…	…	…	36·75	50·1	73·35
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	36·70	43·3	84·76
Motor vehicle manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	36·68	41·2	89·03
Insulated wires and cables	…	…	…	…	…	35·80	45·7	78·34
Production of man-made fibres	…	…	…	…	…	35·54	42·2	84·22
Brewing and malting	…	…	…	…	…	35·35	44·1	80·16

12 industries with highest hourly earnings. October, 1966
1958 Standard Industrial Classification						Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
						p		£
Printing, publishing of newspapers and periodicals			…	…	…	63·20	44·4	28·06
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	58·67	43·6	25·58
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	55·83	45·6	25·46
Motor vehicle manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	54·66	39·7	21·70
Other printing, publishing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	52·78	44·3	23·38
Aircraft manufacturing and repairing	…	…	…	…	…	51·14	44·8	22·91
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	50·09	44·7	22·39
Light metals	…	…	…	…	…	49·80	44·1	21·96
Iron and steel (general)	…	…	…	…	…	49·32	44·3	21·85
Other transport and communication	…	…	…	…	…	49·27	45·1	22·22
Production of man-made fibres	…	…	…	…	…	49·22	41·1	20·23
Motor-cycle, three-wheel vehicle and pedal cycle manufacturing					…	49·12	44·5	21·86

OCTOBER, 1970
1968 Standard Industrial Classification						Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
						p		£
Printing, publishing of periodicals	…	…	…	…	…	109·42	42·0	45·96
Printing, publishing of newspapers	…	…	…	…	…	89·28	44·3	39·55
Wheeled tractor manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	86·19	42·5	36·63
Port and inland water transport	…	…	…	…	…	82·64	43·9	36·28
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	81·86	42·0	34·38
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	80·13	44·5	35·66
Motor vehicle manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	79·10	42·1	33·30
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	73·14	44·0	32·18
Other printing, publishing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	72·91	44·6	32·52
Aerospace equipment manufacturing and repairing			…	…	…	70·21	43·0	30·19
Sugar	…	…	…	…	…	70·11	52·6	36·88
Production of man-made fibres	…	…	…	…	…	70·02	43·3	30·32

OCTOBER, 1971
1968 Standard Industrial Classification						Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
						p		£
Printing, publishing of periodicals	…	…	…	…	…	103·61	42·7	44·24
Printing, publishing of newspapers	…	…	…	…	…	99·84	43·9	43·83
Air transport	…	…	…	…	…	92·34	43·5	40·17
Port and inland water transport	…	…	…	…	…	91·72	41·2	37·79
Mineral oil refining	…	…	…	…	…	91·11	41·3	37·63
Motor vehicle manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	89·03	41·2	36·68
Wheeled tractor manufacturing	…	…	…	…	…	87·35	35·5	31·01
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	84·76	43·3	36·70
Production of man-made fibres	…	…	…	…	…	84·22	42·2	35·54
Brewing and malting	…	…	…	…	…	80·16	44·1	35·35
General chemicals	…	…	…	…	…	79·24	43·6	34·55
Synthetic resins and plastics materials and synthetic rubber				…	…	78·94	42·6	33·63

12 industries with the lowest average weekly earnings October 1966
OCTOBER, 1966
1968 Standard Industrial Classification							Average Weekly earnings	Average Weekly hours Worked	Average hourly earnings
							£		p
Dress industries n.e.s	…	…	…	…	…	…	47·03	44·0	38·70
Weatherproof outerwear	…	…	…	…	…	…	17·02	42·4	40·14
Spinning and doubling of cotton flax and man-made fibres					…	…	16·98	45·9	36·99
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·80	46·7	35·97
National Health Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·63	44·6	37·29
Overalls and men's shirts, etc	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·60	44·3	37·47
Hats, caps and millinery	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·58	41·1	40·34
Jute	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·56	46·3	35·77
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·34	46·3	35·29
Repair of boots and shoes	…	…	…	…	…	…	15·68	43·3	36·21
National government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	15·64	44·5	35·15
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	15·64	43·4	36·04

OCTOBER 1970
1968 Standard Industrial Classification							Average weekly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average hourly earnings
							£		p
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·62	45·9	49·28
Brushes and brooms	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·62	43·7	51·76
Rope, twine and net	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·59	45·4	49·76
Weatherproof outerwear	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·23	42·0	52·93
Jute	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·20	44·1	50·34
Dress industries n.e.s.	…	…	…	…	…	…	22·14	43·9	50·43
National Health Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	21·95	45·3	48·45
Dry cleaning, job dyeing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	…	21·82	44·1	49·48
Leather goods	…	…	…	…	…	…	21·77	43·2	50·39
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	21·73	45·5	47·76
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	20·97	43·4	48·32
Repair of boots and shoes	…	…	…	…	…	…	20·29	43·4	46·75

OCTOBER 1971
1968 Standard Industrial Classification							Average weekly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average hourly earnings
							£		p
National government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	24·97	43·8	57·01
Dry cleaning, job dyeing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	…	24·96	45·0	55·47
Men's and boys' tailored outerwear		…	…	…	…	…	24·84	40·9	60·73
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	24·35	43·4	56·11
Weatherproof outerwear	…	…	…	…	…	…	24·03	42·1	57·08
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	23·88	45·5	52·48
Hats, caps and millinery	…	…	…	…	…	…	23·87	41·3	57·80
Leather goods	…	…	…	…	…	…	23·66	42·8	55·28
Dress industries n.e.s	…	…	…	…	…	…	23·50	42·6	55·16
Overalls and men's shirts etc.		…	…	…	…	…	23·22	42·9	54·13
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	23·03	43·7	52·70
Repair of boots and shoes		…	…	…	…	…	21·96	43·8	50·14

12 industries with the lowest average hourly earnings
OCTOBER, 1966
1958 Standard Industrial Classification							Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
							p		£
National Health Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	37·29	44·6	16·63
Stone and state quarrying and mining		…	…	…	…	…	37·21	52·6	19·57
Woollen and worsted	…	…	…	…	…	…	37·06	48·3	17·90
Spinning and doubling of cotton, flax and man-made fibre					…	…	36·99	45·9	16·98
Milk products	…	…	…	…	…	…	36·91	48·9	18·05
Rope, twine and net	…	…	…	…	…	…	36·52	48·0	17·53
Repair of boots and shoes	…	…	…	…	…	…	36·21	43·3	15·68
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	36·04	43·4	15·64
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	35·97	46·7	16·80
Jute	…	…	…	…	…	…	35·77	46·3	16·56
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	35·29	46·3	16·34
National government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	35·15	44·5	15·64

OCTOBER, 1970
1968 Standard Industrial Classification							Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
							p		£
Overalls and men's shirts, etc.		…	…	…	…	…	51·70	44·2	22·85
Woollen and worsted	…	…	…	…	…	…	50·99	45·6	23·25
Dress industries n.e.s.	…	…	…	…	…	…	50·43	43·9	22·14
Leather goods	…	…	…	…	…	…	50·39	43·2	21·77
Jute	…	…	…	…	…	…	50·34	44·1	22·20
Rope, twine and net	…	…	…	…	…	…	49·76	45·4	22·59
Dry cleaning, job dyeing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	…	49·48	44·1	21·82
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	49·28	45·9	22·62
National Health Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	48·45	45·3	21·95
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	48·32	43·4	20·97
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	47·76	45·5	21·73
Repair of boots and shoes	…	…	…	…	…	…	46·75	43·4	20·29

OCTOBER, 1971
1968 Standard Industrial Classification							Average hourly earnings	Average weekly hours worked	Average weekly earnings
							p		£
National government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	57·01	43·8	24·97
National Health Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	56·65	45·1	25·55
Local government service	…	…	…	…	…	…	56·11	43·4	24·35
Jute	…	…	…	…	…	…	55·72	44·9	25·02
Dry cleaning, job dyeing, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	…	55·47	45·0	24·96
Leather goods	…	…	…	…	…	…	55·28	42·8	23·66
Rope, twine and net	…	…	…	…	…	…	55·19	45·3	25·00
Dress industries n.e.s.	…	…	…	…	…	…	55·16	42·6	23·50
Overalls and men's shirts, etc.	…	…	…	…	…	…	54·13	42·9	23·22
Made-up textiles	…	…	…	…	…	…	52·70	43·7	23·03
Laundries	…	…	…	…	…	…	52·48	45·5	23·88
Repair of boots and shoes	…	…	…	…	…	…	50·14	43·8	21·96

Education And Science

Minor Works (Lancashire)

81.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what amounts have been approved for minor works for the Manchester and Lancashire Education Authorities for 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1972–73.

The amounts are as follows at 1971 prices:

	1970–71	1971–72	1972–73
	£000s	£000s	£000s
Manchester	319	319	226
Lancashire	1,019	1,182	1,319

Correspondence

82.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is her practice with regard to letters addressed to her on education and science matters.

I, or one of my Under-Secretaries of State, reply to some, including those from Members of Parliament, and others are dealt with by officials of the Department.

Comprehensive And Coeducational Schools (London)

83.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in the Inner London Education Authority area are comprehensive, and coeducational, respectively and how many of the presiding head teachers are women.

In January, 1971 the figures were 89 and 61, respectively. Thirty-two of the comprehensive schools, and seven of the mixed schools, had headmistresses.

Works Of Art (Conservation)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in the light of the Report of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation on the conservation of works of art, a copy of which is in her possession, she will make a statement on Government policy towards the future training of conservationists.

The report raises a number of major issues which require careful study in relation to the conservation policy of the national institutions. My noble Friend is not yet ready to make a statement.

Schools (Building Standards)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will seek to introduce legislation to impose the same minimum standards in buildings and physical conditions for pupils and teachers in schools as apply to shop assistants, office workers and other workers under the Shops, Offices and Railway Premises Act.

Substantial safeguards for teachers and pupils are already provided under existing law but I shall consider this matter when the Committee on Safety and Health at Work has reported.

Primary Schools, Derbyshire

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has accepted the list of priority replacement of primary schools sent to her by Derbyshire Education Committee.

My right hon. Friend hopes to include in the 1974–75 school building programme all the projects for the replacement of primary schools submitted to her by the Derbyshire Education Authority on 6th December, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pre-1903 primary schools are in present use in the Bolsover constituency; and what steps are being taken by her Department and the Derbyshire Education Committee to replace them.

The Department collects information about schools and school building by reference to complete local education authorities' areas, not parliamentary constituencies. The information requested may be obtainable from the Derbyshire local education authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many Derbyshire primary schools, at present in use, were built before 1903; and how long it will take to replace them all.

About 200, excluding those whose replacement is already programmed. It is too early to say how long it will take for them all to be replaced.

Home Department

Road Fatality, Forest Gate

84.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the police have taken regarding the accident in Upton Lane, Forest Gate, London, E.1, where a schoolboy was killed as a result of a road accident; and whether they have prosecuted under Regulation 76 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1969.

Proceedings have been instituted under Regulation 76(2) of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1969.

Immigration

85 and 36.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what security checks are made by the Immigration Department on doctors and nurses from overseas accepted by the National Health Service for employment in this country;(2) what security checks are made into applications from residents overseas to enter British universities or whether their entry is automatic if they obtain a place.

People who are subject to immigration control are not admitted to the United Kingdom if there are grounds for believing that admission would be contrary to the interests of national security.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration officers are employed in his Department and how many of these are women.

979; 11.

Detention In Custody

86.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the information supplied to magistrates' courts in May, 1971, of administrative measures to reduce the period for which guilty persons are held in custody for the purpose of medical and other reports.

No; but I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular, and there is also one in the Library of the House.

School Crossings Supervisors (Advertising)

87.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the 14 advertisements placed by the police in local newspapers inviting applications for appointment as school crossings supervisors in the London Borough of Islington.

£246·40.

Urban Aid Programme (Lambeth)

88.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the application of the London Borough of Lambeth under the urban aid programme was cut from £101,000 for 24 projects to £13,000 for five projects.

There has to be some limit on the total amount of new expenditure approved each year under this grant-aided programme, and this means being selective. Lambeth have fared no worse in this respect than most other authorities.

Northern Ireland

89.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now take the necessary legislative action to replace Stormont by a commission based on proportional representation to represent all communities in Northern Ireland in Government.

I am not at present in a position to add to what I said in the debate on 23rd February.

Irish Residents

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated number of Eire citizens living in the United Kingdom.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. William Shelton) on 7th February.—[Vol. 830, c. 265–6.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Eire citizens have entered the United Kingdom as immigrants in each of the last five years; and how this compares over the same years with the number of Commonwealth citizens who have come to live in the United Kingdom.

The information available relates to people coming from the Irish Republic and registering and reregistering for National Insurance in Great Britain. The figures, which include people coming here for seasonal and other temporary employment, are as follows:

	New registrations	Re-registrations
1967	33,896	15,372
1968	30,929	13,351
1969	27,699	11,268
1970	27,872	11,396
1971	20,020	8,531

NOTES:(i) In general men and single women are required to register for national insurance on entering employment in Great Britain or at the end of six months' residence, whichever is the earlier. Married women are not required to register unless they enter employment.(ii) Persons re-registering for insurance include those who left Great Britain (perhaps to take up employment abroad) but subsequently returned (excluding those whose insurance was maintained in their absence) and also those who at some earlier date came from abroad, registered and left again.During the same years the numbers of Commonwealth citizens settlement were:

1967	61,377
1968	53,069
1969	36,557
1970	29,886
1971	26,655

These figures do not include United Kingdom passport holders from East Africa. Since they became subject to control on 1st March, 1968 the numbers admitted for settlement have been:

1st March, 1968–31st December, 1968—6,043
1st January, 1969–31st December, 1969—6,249
1st January, 1970–31st December, 1970–6,839.
1st January, 1971–31st December, 1971—11,564.

Fraud

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, now that the figures are available, he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the table of figures in his possession of the persons found guilty, and their sentences, in the Metropolitan Police district during 1970 for fraud why the figures for 1971 are not yet available; when these will become available; and why details are not available for areas other than in the Metropolitan Police area.

Following is the information:

Sentences imposed on persons four in 1970 in the Metropolitan Police District of offences classified as fraud
Absolute discharge	18
Conditional discharge	472
Probation	274
Fine	1,347
Imprisonment (immediate)	420
Otherwise dealt with	813
Total persons found guilty	3,344

Corresponding figures are available for the rest of England and Wales.The processing of information relating to persons dealt with by the courts in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police District, takes some time. I hope the statistics for 1971 will be available in the summer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details in his possession of the amounts involved in offences of fraud investigated by the Metropolitan and City Police during 1970.

The annual report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis shows that the Metropolitan and City of London Police Company Fraud Squad investigated 258 serious cases of alleged fraud in 1970 involving approximately £36 million.

Mr Twedlyn Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will agree to meet the hon. Member for West Ham, North, and his constituent Mr. Twedlyn Davies, of 42 Mark Street, E.15, and discuss the question of the latter's arrest by the police and the attacks made upon his home and person by the police when carrying out this arrest.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his Question on 27th January. I am not persuaded that a meeting with his constituent would serve any useful purpose.—[Vol. 829, c. 495.]

Ashford Remand Centre

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report of the recent inquiry into allegations of brutality at Ashford Remand Centre; and whether he will make a statement.

Three young men who had been in custody at Ashford Remand Centre during the period February to May, 1971, subsequently complained to the Sunday Times about the treatment they had received at the centre. These complains, which included allegations of brutality by the staff, were communicated to the Home Office and later appeared in an article in the Sunday Times on 13th June, 1971.I asked the chairman of the visiting committee at Ashford if the committee would arrange for the complaints to be investigated. A full investigation has now been carried out by a board consisting of the chairman and another member of the visiting committee, together with the chairman of the visiting committee at another London prison. The board investigated the complains in detail and received oral and written evidence. I have now considered its report. Some of the allegations were that there had been misconduct on the part of individual officers at Ashford; others were that there had be maladministration on the part of the remand centre authorities. The board's unanimous conclusion is that in no case were they able to find any firm substance in the allegations. I much regret the anxiety and distress which these unjustified allegations have caused to members of the prison service at the remand centre.I should like to express my appreciation to the board for the care with which it carried out this inquiry and the time which it devoted to it.

Trade And Industry

Shipping (River Humber)

90 and 91.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what regulation issued by his Department concerning load lines covers vessels using the River Humber; and what are the limits placed upon them;(2) if he will make regulations to ensure that all river craft using the River Humber between the Apex Light and the mouth comply with Board of Trade regulations concerning load lines.

The provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1967, and of the rules made thereunder apply only to vessels which go to sea. With regard to the River Humber, this means in summer to seaward of a line drawn from Patrington Church to Cleethorpes Pier and in winter of a line from Paull to New Holland. There is no present proposal to change these limits.

Coal-Fired Power Stations (Conversion)

92.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the total number of coal-fired power stations by name which have recently undergone a change of firing which has necessitated the increased use of light fuel oil; what has been the estimated cost of these operations; and if he will now specify exactly when these stations will revert to coal burning only.

I am asking the Chairman of the C.E.G.B. to write to the right hon. Member. How long the operation will continue will depend on how quickly coal stocks can be built up.

Advance Factories (Mid-Glamorgan)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the dates of the authorisation for each of the advance factories in the mid-Glamorgan area.

The information is as follows:

Maesteg 1—September, 1965.
Maesteg 2—May, 1966.
Maesteg 3—November, 1966.
Maesteg 4—December, 1969.
Kenfig 1—November, 1966.
Kenfig 2—June, 1967.
Bridgend 1—November, 1966.
Bridgend 2—January, 1969.
Waterton—March, 1970.

Jute Products (Imports)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the latest annual figures for imports of jute products from India and Pakistan, respectively.

£2·2 million and £4·1 million respectively in 1971.

Cardigan Bay (Oil And Natural Gas)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish an up-to-date report of the results obtained from drilling for oil and natural gas in Cardigan Bay.

As yet no petroleum exploration wells have been drilled in Cardigan Bay.

Small Firms (Power Cuts)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to assist small firms whose financial position was damaged by the power cuts subsequent upon the coal strike.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on television on Sunday evening we are all losers from this unhappy event, it would be neither possible nor appropriate to single out any particular sector of the industrial and commercial community for special help.

Cotton Textiles (Imports)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the latest annual figures for imports of cotton textiles from India, the United Arab Republic, the Republic of China, Pakistan and South Korea, respectively.

Following is the information for 1971 covering yarns, cloths and made-up textiles:

	£ thousands (c.i.f.)
India	14,142
United Arab Republic	676
Republic of China (Taiwan)	762
Pakistan	8,224
South Korea	770
People's Republic of China (mainland China)	2,387

Motor Insurance

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many motor insurance companies failed to file with the appropriate authority their annual accounts in the years 1969, 1970 and 1971; how many are still outstanding; and if he will list them by name in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In 1969 and 1970 no motor insurance companies failed to deposit the accounts required under the Insurance Companies Acts. In 1971 one company—Australia and International Insurances Ltd.—failed to supply accounts due on 31st December, 1971. We are pressing this company about this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that all current motor insurance policyholders are in no immediate danger of losing their cover as a result of insolvency of their insurers; and if he will make a statement.

It is not our practice to comment on the solvency of insurers except when action has been taken under the Insurance Companies Acts of a kind which has to be published.

Cunard Steamship Company (Loans)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public money has been loaned to the Cunard Steamship Company; and how much specifically for the construction of Queen Elizabeth 2 under the Shipbuilding Credit Act, 1964, and the Industrial Expansion Act, 1968.

Two agreements made with Cunard in 1968 under the Industrial Expansion Act, 1968, provided for governmental loans of up to £24 million towards the cost of completing the Queen Elizabeth 2. £19½ million of this was actually taken up, of which £7½ million was lent to the Cunard Steamship Company at the rate of 4½ per cent., while £12 million was lent to the subsidiary Cunard Line Ltd. at a rate of 4½ per cent. until 1972, the rate of interest thereafter on the outstanding balance of the loan to be the subject of negotiation. No loans were made to Cunard under the Shipbuilding Credit Act, 1964.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of the public loans made to the Cunard Steamship Company has been repaid and at what rate of interest; what amounts remain outstanding at what rate of interest and for how long they have been outstanding.

Two loans have been made to Cunard. £7½ million was to the parent company to be repaid in five years and of this £5·75 million has been repaid. The rate of interest on this loan is 4½ per cent. £12 million was lent to the subsidiary Cunard Line Ltd. This loan is due to be repaid at the rate of £1 million a year and is being repaid at that rate; £9½ million remains outstanding. The rate of interest is 4½ per cent. until April, 1972, and has to be renegotiated after that.

Marine Surveyors

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many marine surveyors are presently employed by his Department; in which ports they are employed; and how this compares with the same ports five and 10 years ago, respectively.

Two hundred and ninty-nine marine surveyors are employed in the Department. Apart from those at headquarters, they are based at ports as follows:

Port	1962	1967	1972
Aberdeen	6	6	5
Barrow	2	1	1
Belfast	11	10	8
Blyth	1	1	—
Bristol	3	3	2
Cardiff	10	10	10
Dundee	2	2	2
Falmouth	2	2	2
Fleetwood	1	1	1
Glasgow	29	26	26
Great Yarmouth	2	2	2
Greenock	6	7	9
Grimsby	2	2	3
Hull	12	12	14
Leith	8	8	9
Liverpool	29	27	23
London	34	33	37
Middlesbrough	4	5	5
Milford Haven	1	1	2
Newcastle	22	27	24
Newport	1	1	1
Plymouth	3	3	3
Southampton	16	18	21
Sunderland	6	5	4
Swansea	2	2	1
West Hartlepool	1	—	—

Ms "Blue Calypso"

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a marine surveyor of his Department visited the vessel m.s. "Blue Calypso" while she was berthed in Grimsby; and what steps he is to take to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in which unsafe ships have operated from British ports.

No. Control over foreign ships entering British ports with valid certificates issued under the authority of a contracting Government to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1960, is exercised in the manner prescribed in Regulation 19 of Chapter 1 of the Convention. There was no reason for marine surveyors of the Department to suppose, in advance of its arrival in Grimsby, that the condition of the "Blue Calypso" or its equipment did not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate. Foreign ships are liable to general inspection in British ports but it is only practicable to carry out such inspections in a limited number of cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department have called for a report from Lloyd's Register of Shipping into the reasons why they issued a safety certificate to the vessel "Blue Calypso" despite the state of her steering gear, lifeboats and their launching equipment, deck and lifejackets, constituting a contravention of Regulation 19 of Chapter 1 of the Safety at Sea Convention and Section 2 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906.

In the case of the "Blue Calypso", which is registered in Cyprus, we understand that Lloyd's Register of Shipping was acting for the Government of Cyprus, whose responsibility it would be to inquire into allegations of non-compliance with the terms of any certificate issued on its behalf in accordance with the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1960.

Mining Industry (Royal Commission)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission on the mining industry to investigate the hours, wages, conditions and status of all who work within the industry.

No.

Govan Shipbuilding

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the Hill, Samuel feasibility study of Govan shipbuilding.

This study will be published by H.M.S.O. on Friday, 3rd March.

National Finance

Unemployment

93.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list all the measures which the Government have taken in order to reduce the level of unemployment.

Following is the information:

Measures to reduce unemployment have taken the form primarily of cuts in taxation, with the object of stimulating demand, and increases in short-term Government expenditure.

2. The tax cuts amount to £1,400 million a year and include, amongst other things, cuts in income tax, corporation tax, purchase tax and S.E.T. We have also increased allowances on capital expenditure and extended the scope of free depreciation.

3. Increases in short-term public expenditure stimulating employment have totalled nearly £900 million. The main items are:

acceleration of nationalised industries' investment (just over £200 million), infrastructure in assisted areas (£164 million), repayment of post-war credits, naval ship-building, finance for RB211, housing improvement grants in assisted areas and road maintenance.

4. Other measures which will have the effect of increasing demand have included:
(a) Increases in social security payments for example, introduction of old persons' pensions, higher supplementary benefits, introduction of Family Income Supplement, etc.;
(b) Bank Rate reduced to 6 per cent, on 1st April, 1971, and to 5 per cent. on 2nd September, 1971;
(c) Hire purchase terms controls removed in July, 1971.

5. Other measures to improve the employment situation have included:
(a) Measures to improve training and retraining facilities, including the major reorganisation of industrial training announced at the beginning of February;
(b) Creation of new special development areas;
(c) Miscellaneous measures such as a pilot scheme for employing young people on community jobs.

6. Apart from these specific measures, the Government's policy of encouraging a reduction in the high level of wage settlements in both the public and private sectors, which have been one of the causes of unemployment is important.

Value-Added Tax Centre, Southend

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is yet in a position to state the number of persons expected to be employed at the Value-added Tax Centre at Southend; and if if will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pembroke (Mr. Nicholas Edwards) on 22nd December. It has not yet been decided how many staff will be located at Southend.

Overtime (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider in his forthcoming Budget exempting overtime earnings from income tax.

No.

Imported Candles (Kent County Council)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Kent County Council, having purchased from Holland 100,000 candles for distribution to elderly people dependent upon electricity for their power supplies, were unable to take delivery at Tilbury on Tuesday as Customs and Excise officials insisted on opening every box to ascertain their colour and whether they were subject to purchase tax, as a result of which delivery was delayed for two days; and if he will investigate and make a statement.

My information is that these candles did not arrive until Wednesday and that they were cleared by Customs and Excise on the same day about four hours after the import documents were produced.

Disabled Persons (Vehicles)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of the new ruling by the Secretary of State for Social Services that vehicles run with the assistance of the new £100 allowance are to be exempt from vehicle excise duty, he will now consider amending Section 7 of the Finance Act, 1971, to make a similar dispensation for disabled passengers.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider exempting from purchase tax or any future value-added tax vehicles for disabled drivers if the medical criteria are satisfied and the vehicles are positively adapted for use by a disabled driver.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Child Tax Allowance

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the net after-tax value of the child tax allowance was for one child, not over 11 years of age, to a married couple having the average in, come; and what it was as a percentage of the net after-tax income of a childless married couple having the average income, in 1948, 1960, 1970, and the latest financial year.

The figures are:

	Value of child allowance	Value of child allowance as percentage of average income after tax of a childless couple
	£p	%
1948–49	16·86	4·8
1960–61	31·25	4·4
1970–71	47·44	3·9
1971–72	60·06	4·4

NOTE: The average incomes used are the annual equivalent of average weekly earnings of males aged 21 and over in manufacturing and certain other industries at October of each year.

Energy Policy (Departmental Co-Ordination)

Q7.

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the degree of co-ordination between the Scottish Office and the Departmental of Trade and Industry with regard to energy policy.

Yes. There is already close co-operation between the two Departments both at ministerial and official level.

President Pompidou (Discussions)

Q9.

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with President Pompidou on defence matters at his recent meeting.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier today to a Question from the hon. Member for Dudley (Dr. Gilbert).

Social And Economic Policy (Government Statistics)

Q11.

aked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the range and quality of Government statistics regarding the joint area of social and economic policy; and what steps he proposes to improve them.

Yes. I believe that the range and quality of Government statistics in this area are good; and improvements will continue to be made wherever possible.

Confederation Of British Industry

Q12.

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to hold a meeting with the Confederation of British Industry.

I last met representatives of the C.B.I. on 23rd February. There are at present no plans for further meetings.

Post-Apollo Programme (British Participation)

asked the Prime Minister which Department is responsible for formulating a reply to the United States offer of British participation in the post-Apollo programme; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.My Department is leading for the United Kingdom in the discussions on the post-Apollo programme at the European Space Conference. The E.S.C. will be making a collective reply to the United States in accordance with the latter's expressed preference when offering participation to European countries.

House Of Commons

Lobbying

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will now provide better facilities for those attending mass lobbies at the House of Commons.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) yesterday.—[Vol. 832, c. 405.]

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Labour Costs

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion labour costs have been of the total production costs for the Price Review in 1950–51, 1955–56, 1960–61. 1965–66 and 1970–71, respectively.

Labour costs as a proportion of total production costs are as follows:

United Kingdom June-May year
	Per cent.
1950–51	32
1955–56	25
1960–61	24
1965–66	20
1970–71	18

Bacon Industry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he proposes to protect the interests of the United Kingdom bacon industry and contracting bacon pig producers with effect from 1st January, 1973.

The detailed arrangements for bacon in an enlarged Community are a matter which we shall be discussing with the European Commission and our prospective Community partners during the course of this year. The Community has, however, already recognised during the negotiations about our entry, the benefits that a stable bacon market in this country would bring to pig production throughout the enlarged Community.

Agricultural Workers (Output)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the percentage increase in output per agricultural worker per man year: has been each year during the past decade; and how this compares with labour productivity in industry during this period.

Changes in productivity are as follows:

		United Kingdom
	Per cent. increase in output per man over the previous year
Year	Agriculture^*	Industry
1962	6·6	1·3
1963	6·0	4·6
1964	8·6	6·5
1965	8·4	2·1
1966	4·2	1·6
1967	9·1	3·4
1968	2·3	6·7
1969	5·0	2·6
1970	9·2	2·6
1971	7·3	Not available
^* Measured in terms of output per man engaged in agriculture and horticulture which include both farmers and farm workers. No reliable estimates can be made of changes in working hours.

Defence

Correspondence

asked the Minister of State for Defence what action he intends to take concerning the fact that letters sent to officers in Ulster and to the Home Office, since forwarded to him by the

OFFICE DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Thousand sq.ft. of Floor space
		Local Authority
		City				Westminster
Year		Number of permits	Gross	Floorspace Relinquishments	Net	Number of Permits	Gross	Floorspace Relinquishments	Net
Aug.-Dec. 1965	…	8	514	204	310	11	241	185	56
1966	…	7	238	139	99	41	349	184	165
1967	…	11	825	487	338	42	543	201	342
1968	…	26	3,198	1,903	1,295	67	2,259	1,316	943
1969	…	41	2,410	807	1,603	62	1,225	612	613
1970	…	67	4,233	2,515	1,718	125	3,685	1,623	2,062
1971	…	75	6,833	2,832	4,001	88	4,618	2,357	2,261

hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley, were not disclosed to him.

None. There is no reason why letters sent to officers in Northern Ireland or to the Home Office should necessarily be disclosed to me.

Environment

Office Development Permits (London)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many office development permits were granted in the City of London, the City of Westminster. the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Borough of Camden in each of the years since the introduction of the Office Development Permit System; what footage of office space they represented in each borough: and what proportion represented additional office space, modernisation or replacement of existing office space, and additions to existing offices, respectively.

The number of office development permits granted in the City of London, City of Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Camden for each of the years since the introduction of the office development permit system, is shown in the table below. The gross and net floorspace covered by the permits is also shown along with the floorspace relinquished by permit holders through demolition or change to non-office use. Information on what proportion represented additional office space, modernisation, or replacement of existing office space, and additions to existing offices is not available.

Thousand sq. ft. of Floorspac
		Local Authority
		Kensington and Chelsea				Camden
Year		Number of Permits	Gross	Floorspace Relinquishments	Net	Number	Cross	Floorspace Relinquishments	Net
Aug.-Dec.,1965	…	4	44	35	9	8	122	64	58
1966	…	2	43	7	36	9	320	242	78
1967	…	14	257	136	121	16	174	31	143
1968	…	7	97	46	51	12	152	11	141
1969	…	9	143	29	114	23	634	157	477
1970	…	11	121	23	98	41	1,954	295	1,659
1971	…	7	273	63	210	32	1,263	593	670

Old Buildings (Preservation)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is in a position to indicate his attitude to the National Buildings Conservation Fund proposed in the report prepared by the Civic Trust, a copy of which is in his possession, entitled "Financing the Preservation of Old Buildings".

The idea of a National Buildings Conservation Fund has my general support and I shall be ready to consider what part the Government should take in it when proposals for the financial structure of the fund have been worked out fully.

Housing (New Towns)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses were completed in new towns in the period between 1st January, 1971, and 31st December, 1971, and how many were vacant on the first and last stated date.

In the English new towns the development corporation and the Commission for the New Towns completed 9,080 dwellings in 1971. On 31st December, 1970, the number of unoccupied dwellings which it had available for letting or sale was 1,232; and on 31st December, 1971, 2,169.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Timothy Davey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further representations he has made to the Turkish authorities concerning 14-year-old Timothy Davey, a British subject; and if he will seek to obtain his transfer to the United Kingdom in view of his age.

As the House will know Timothy Davey was on 1st March sentenced to 6 years 3 months imprisonment and a fine of about £4,200. I understand that his lawyer has lodged an appeal against the sentence. The case is therefore sub judice.This is a most distressing case and everyone will deplore the plight of a child caught up in this sordid business.We have been and shall continue to be in close though informal touch with the Turkish authorities here and in Ankara. They are well aware of the views of Her Majesty's Government and the strength of public feeling in Britain about this case.United Kingdom law does not provide for a sentence imposed by a foreign court to be served in this country.

Scotland

Oil Exploration

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration is being given to the development of roads north of Aberdeen to meet the possibly heavy extra loads put upon them by the exploration and exploitation of the North Sea oil industry.

It is too early to assess the full implications of the North Sea oil industry for road development. I am however in touch with the companies concerned and I will give the highest priority to the identification and execution of any additional road works which may be necessary.

Social Services

Strikers (Benefit)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost of payments to those involved in the miners' strike and their dependants to date to the Supplementary Benefits Commission, including the cost of administrative arrangements necessitated thereby.

The total cost from the beginning of the dispute to 22nd February was £4,910,394. The administrative cost is not yet known.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the final cost to the Supplementary Benefits Commission of the Chrysler Linwood strike, including administrative arrangements and payments after return to work.

The final cost in supplementary benefit of the dispute at Chrysler Linwood was £106,980 including payments after return to work. The administrative cost of paying supplementary benefit in this dispute was about £4,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost of payments made to those involved in the British Leyland strike at Bathgate and their dependants to the Supplementary Benefits Commission, including administrative arrangements necessitated thereby.

The amount paid up to 22nd February in the dispute at British Leyland, Bathgate, was £7 to strikers themselves and £27,403 for dependants. This dispute is still on. The administrative cost of paying supplementary benefit in this dispute is not yet known.

Children (Accidental Poisoning)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what he attributes the doubling in one year of the number of children admitted to hospital in Leicester because they were suffering from accidental poisoning.

As indicated in my reply to the hon. and learned Gentleman, on 18th February the figures for Leicester have shown considerable fluctuation in recent years, and it is not possible to draw firm conclusions from a change in any one year.—[Vol. 831, c. 182–3.]

Unemployment Benefit (Eire Residents)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims for unemployment benefit were payable to persons resident in the Republic of Eire out of the British National Insurance Fund for the financial year 1970–71; what was the total cost; and what efforts he has made in consultation with the paying authorities in the Republic of Ireland to ensure that cases of fraud are kept to a minimum.

British unemployment benefit is not paid in respect of persons who are outside Great Britain. Claims in the Republic of Ireland are subject to that country's legislation and control, but under the terms of a reciprocal agreement between the two countries, an adjusting payment of about £8,000 was made in respect of the year 1970 to the Republic. This related to the extent to which British National Insurance contributions were used to give entitlement to unemployment benefit to persons in the Republic.

Family Planning Services

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide for a free family planning service within the National Health Service.

In medical cases family planning supplies are already free, subject to payment of the prescription charge where appropriate, advice is free in non-medical cases but it is usually necessary to pay for the cost of supplies except in a few local authority areas. We are currently engaged in a wide-ranging review of policy for family planning services, and I cannot anticipate its conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the effect on the family planning services of local government reorganisation.

We intend that family planning services should become the responsibility of the new area health authorities when the reorganisation of local government and the National Health Service takes place. It would then be easier to provide a co-ordinated service.

Vasectomy

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average waiting time in the Newport and East Monmouthshire, North Monmouthshire and Merthyr and Aberdare Hospital Management Committee groups, respectively, for sterilisation by vasectomy operation under the National Health Service.

The numbers awaiting such operations in the three areas mentioned are 24, 7 and 11 respectively. It is not possible to give an average waiting time as this will depend on the length of individual consultants' lists for general surgery, and on the priority which must be accorded to other cases on these lists as well as to emergency cases.

Volume 832: debated on Thursday 2 March 1972

Written Answers To Questions

Employment

Youth Employment Service

Minimum Wage

Dudley And Stourbridge

Trade Unions

European Economic Community

Scotland

Disabled Persons

Wage Settlements

Manufacturing Industry

Interviews (Travel Vouchers)

"Training For The Future"

Arbitration Procedures

South-West Durham

Vacancies And Skilled Labour

Factory Closures (Harlesden)

Wages And Prices

Training

Unemployment

Accidents

Prices (London)

Apprenticeships

Industrial Relations Act

Sheltered Workshops

Police And Fire Services (Vacancies)

Building Industry (Scotland)

Rotherham, Maltby And Darrington

Picketing

Coal Industry

Toxic Materials

Unemployment Benefit (Fraudulent Claims)

Industrial Concentration

Oil Exploration (Scotland)

Manchester

Unemployed Persons (Benefit)

Northern Region

"People And Jobs"

National Training Agency

Mine Workers (Retraining)

Oil Technology

Irish Citizens

Industrial Practices (Co Durham)

Commission On Industrial Relations

Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Women

Lower-Paid Workers

North-West Region

Industrial Disputes

Manpower And Economic Division

Wages

Education And Science

Minor Works (Lancashire)

Correspondence

Comprehensive And Coeducational Schools (London)

Works Of Art (Conservation)

Schools (Building Standards)

Primary Schools, Derbyshire

Home Department

Road Fatality, Forest Gate

Immigration

Detention In Custody

School Crossings Supervisors (Advertising)

Urban Aid Programme (Lambeth)

Northern Ireland

Irish Residents

Fraud

Mr Twedlyn Davies

Ashford Remand Centre

Trade And Industry

Shipping (River Humber)

Coal-Fired Power Stations (Conversion)

Advance Factories (Mid-Glamorgan)

Jute Products (Imports)

Cardigan Bay (Oil And Natural Gas)

Small Firms (Power Cuts)

Cotton Textiles (Imports)

Motor Insurance