asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students have now registered in the Open University since its inception.

In 1971, about 24,000 students registered provisionally and about 19,000 finally. For 1972, a further 20,500 students registered provisionally. Final registration figures will not be available until later this month but are expected to be between 15,000 and 16,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she now has for introducing major changes to the Education Act 1944.

I have nothing to add to my reply of 9th March to the Question by the hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. R. C. Mitchell).—[Vol. 832, c. 1638.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many projects there were for replacement of rural primary schools in 1968–69 and 1972–73: and how many there will be in 1974–75.

One. 74 and 163.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will give guidance to local education authorities on the reorganisation of primary schools in rural areas.

Local circumstances vary too much to justify general policy guidance and I examine, on its merits and in the light of any objections, each proposal of this kind by a local education authority. The view was expressed in the Plowden Report that primary schools covering the full age range 5–11 should not contain less than about 50 pupils.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many colleges of education are now training students in the education of preschool children; and how many such trained teachers will be leaving colleges this year.

There are 43 colleges providing training specifically for teachers of pre-school children, and some 1,300 teachers are expected to complete such training this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the progress of her consultations on her proposals for the financing of student unions.

Some 20 organisations have been represented at meetings held to discuss the proposals. Consultations are continuing with the parties principally concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she will next make a ministerial broadcast.

At present I see no reason why they should be more frequent in the future than in the past.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the adequacy of provision of nursery education in the City of Manchester; and if she will make a statement.

In January, 1972, there were 5,170 children, equivalent to nearly 30 per cent. of the combined 3- and 4-year-old age groups, in nursery schools and classes in Manchester. Although this proportion is several times the national average, my right hon. Friend would like to see it increased when resources allow.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to receive the Russell Report on Adult Education.

Towards the end of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current annual cost of the Schools Council and the main current allocations of its expenditure.

The estimated expenditure for the current year is £1,641,000. The main allocations of expenditure are published in its annual report. About 60 per cent. goes on research and development.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response she has received to her offer of discussions with the teachers and local education authorities to establish facts about indiscipline, violence and vandalism in schools.

So far, 10 out of the 11 organisations to which I wrote have replied expressing their willingness to take part in joint discussions, and I propose to arrange a meeting as soon as practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what improvements in the accommodation for staff and students at Clifton Primary School, Swindon, have been included in the local education authority's approved building programme.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has yet agreed on the plan for the reorganisation of secondary education in Matlock, Derbyshire; and if she will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has just received formal proposals from the local education authority for the reorganisation of secondary education in Matlock.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will commission a survey to obtain information about the need for pre-school facilities for the under-fives.

The Central Advisory Council for Education (England) estimated in 1966 that there was a demand for places for about 90 per cent. of 4 year olds and 50 per cent. of 3 year olds. I doubt whether a further survey would yield more reliable information.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the numbers of oversized infant and junior school classes in Warwickshire.

In January, 1971. 87 classes with 41 or more pupils.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from the Vice-Chancellors Committee on Graduate Employment: and what action she is taking on the vice-chancellors' advice that the level of graduate provision should not be determined by short-term considerations of graduate under-employment.

The Vice-Chancellors Committee expressed the view described by the hon. Member in a general memorandum recently submitted to my right hon. Friend. She is now considering the advice of the University Grants Committee on the development of the universities in the next quinquennium.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many graduates from teacher training colleges in 1971 have left the teaching profession.

I regret that figures are not availble in this form.About 38,000 students, including 32,000 in colleges of education, successfully completed training in 1970. Of these, about 32,500 had entered maintained schools by February, 1971. About half of the remainder were studying for the B.Ed.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why she did not obtain the consent in principle of the Boards of Trustees of the National Museums and Galleries before the Government's announcement of 27th October, 1970, was made and before the consequent discussions of the practical problems involved, that the trustees would impose admission charges on their authority.

The decision to impose admission charges was part of a group of decisions relating to public finance, and it is for the Government to decide what consultations are desirable or necessary in such circumstances before a public announcement is made. Once the decision has been taken that charges should be made, they have to be made on the authority of the Trustees whose powers must therefore be adequate for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science from information available from international sources, what percentage of the national income of the Netherlands was devoted to current expenditure on pre-school and primary education in the most recent year for which statistics are available; and how this compares with the percentage in the United Kingdom for the same year.

In 1967–68 current expenditure on pre-school and first level education amounted to an estimated 1·7 per cent. of gross national product in the Netherlands and to an estimated 1·0 per cent. in the United Kingdom. The Netherlands figure, unlike the United Kingdom, includes, however, a share of administrative expenditure and the education systems have salient differences that can affect the comparability of these figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when approval will be given for the alterations and improvements to Hunslet Church of England aided school to enable middle school education to be given to children of this area.

My right hon. Friend will consider the managers' proposals for alterations and improvements as soon as she has taken a decision on the proposals made to her under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944 (as amended) for the reorganisation of County and Church of England schools in the East Hunslet area. She hopes to announce her decision on the statutory proposals shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has studied the Report by the Council for Educational Advance, "Willing the Means ", a copy of which has been sent to her; and if she will make a statement.

I have read the Report with interest. While I do not accept all the calculations and conclusions, the Report makes an interesting contribution to the public discussion of educational priorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is estimated to be the average income ceiling for eligibility for free school meals in the case of a married man with, respectively, one, two, three, four and five children.

A parent is entitled to free school meals for all his children at school if his net weekly income does not exceed £13·25, £15·75, £18·25, £20·75 and £23·75 in the case of one, two, three, four and five-child families respectively. Partial entitlement is retained in the case of two, three, four and five-child families while the net weekly income is below £16·35, £19·45, £22·55 and £25·65 respectively. Net income is gross income including family allowances, but excluding certain other resources, reduced by income tax, national insurance contributions, rent or mortgage payments, rates, life assurance premiums, superannuation, trade union subscriptions and other expenses of employment. These items vary considerably from one family to another, and it could be misleading to state average income ceilings which purported to reflect corresponding net income points for free school meals eligibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why her Department declined to consider the projected new secondary school in the Bordon-Liphook area for 800 pupils. whose construction would fall within the five-year period.

A proposal for a 600-place instalment of a new secondary school for Liphook was carefully considered for inclusion in the recently announced Preliminary List but there were a number of other secondary school projects with more pressing claims on the resources available.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will list the steps taken to eliminate discrimination on grounds of sex from those fields of law and administration which are within the control of his Department; and in which matters such steps have not yet been taken.

The conditions of service of women in the Armed Forces are based as far as possible on those of men, but there are certain necessary differences. If the hon. Member has some particular point in mind I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to incorporate the Isle of Man into the United Kingdom.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of his study of proposals for rehabilitating persons who after an initial conviction have committed no offence for a period of not less than five years since their original offence and conviction, he will introduce legislation absolving such persons from the necessity of declaring their original conviction or convictions in cases where they are at present required to do so by Statute or otherwise, and making it unlawful for such a previous conviction or convictions in these circumstances to be published by other persons or bodies.

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which I gave on 23rd March to a Question by the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher).— [Vol. 833, c. 346].

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to prevent film companies from using advertisements which purport to be police notices.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were remanded in custody pending trial or sentence during the most recent available year who were subsequently found to be not guilty or were not sentenced to immediate terms of imprisonment.

In England and Wales in 1970, 2,472 such persons were found not guilty and 29,267 others did not receive an immediate custodial sentence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many magistrates' courts in the North-West have been built since 1945, and how many use buildings created before 1922.

Twelve have been built since 1953. The information before this is not readily available, but few court houses were built between 1945 and 1953. It is likely that most of the remaining court houses were built before 1922.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were charged with murder in 1971; how many were found guilty; and if he will give the comparable figures in each of the previous years since 1956.

So far as concerns England and Wales, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to his Question on 19th January. The murder figures for 1971 are not yet available.—[Vol. 829, c. 204.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now announce the postponed date for the elections for the new county councils.

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member on 4th May.—[Vol. 836, c. 186.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the steps taken to eliminate discrimination on grounds of sex from those fields of law and administration which are within the control of his Department; and in which matters such steps have not yet been taken.

The list of measures taken, or in process of being taken, is lengthy, and is shown below. Other fields of law which may be thought to contain an element of discrimination and are under examination from that aspect in my Department are those relating to change of name, street offences, and the acquisition through a parent of citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies by children born abroad.Following are the measures taken, or in process of being taken, to eliminate unwarranted discrimination on grounds of sex from fields of law and administration within the responsibility of the Home Office, or with which the Home Office is closely associated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were prosecuted in 1971, or the latest convenient period, for conspiring or assisting to land immigrants illegally into the United Kingdom; what penalties were imposed; and if he will make a statement.

My information is that during the 12 months ended 30th April, 1972, 16 persons were prosecuted for offences connected with assisting illegal entry, 13 were convicted and one awaits trial. The table below shows the penalties imposed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were prosecuted in 1971 or the latest convenient period for trying to enter the United Kingdom illegally; how many were deported; and if he will make a statement.

My information is that in the 12 months ended 30th April, 1972, 10 persons were prosecuted for offences in connection with their illegal entry into the United Kingdom. All were returned to their countries of origin. Fifty-six others detected entering illegally were returned without prosecution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent he intends to make use of his powers under Section 12(1)(e) of the Fire Precautions Act, 1971 to insist upon the use of fire proof furnishing materials in certain buildings where the fire risk is high.

The principal instrument of control under the Act is the fire certificate, by means of which fire authorities may impose such requirements relating to furnishing materials as are appropriate in particular cases. The need for regulations embodying general fire service practice in this matter will be determined in the light of experience.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what improvements have been effected at Risley Remand Centre during 1970 and 1971 in respect of conditions and overcrowding.

Prisoners can now spend more time out of their cells, and the arrangements for recreation and physical education have been improved. The daily average population in 1971 was slightly less than in 1970 but the centre is still overcrowded. New accommodation for 50 males will be available in 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full list of changes in personnel, appointments and organisation within the Metro. politan Police.

I have approved the following changes:(

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now state the nature of the complaints procedure to be employed by the Metropolitan Police.

I have approved organisational changes under which, from 1st June, 1972, serious complaints will be investigated by officers of a new branch based at New Scotland Yard, as foreshadowed in the statement I made in the House on 2nd December last. As I then made clear, in appropriate cases the inquiries will be carried out by officers from other forces. Less serious complaints will, as now, be investigated by divisional officers. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Police Act and the Discipline Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints were made against the Metropolitan Police force during the most recent year available; and how many led to investigation and apology, respectively.

The Police Act, 1964, requires all complaints against the police to be investigated. In 1971, investigations were completed into 4,314 complaints which had been made against members of the Metropolitan police. Of those, 1,149 were withdrawn by the complainant; in a further 280 cases the complainant was unwilling to proceed with the complaint. A further 2,619 were not substantiated. There were 266 which were substantiated, and in these cases an apology was made.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will state the following statistics for each of the years 1947 to 1971, namely, the annual output of bituminous coal in Great Britain, as an aggregate of deep mined and open cast, the annual fatalities in the coal industry, the annual capital investment, the annual average pithead price of coal per ton, and the annual average manpower; and what is his estimate under each of the above headings for 1972.

The information for past years is available in the series of annual publications of energy statistics, the latest of which is the Department of Trade and Industry Digest of Energy Statistics, 1971, or in the reports and accounts of the National Coal Board. Estimates are subject to many uncertainties and, in the light of changing circumstances, are kept under constant review by the National Coal Board and the Department. It would be misleading to select for publications any one set of forecasts.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to amend the Trade Description Act to make it £ specific offence for a water authority to supply dirty water.

No. There is already a statutory obligation on local authorities to provide or secure a wholesome supply of water within their districts.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent the recently announced statement on financial aid to Harland and Wolff Limited will be affected in the event of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; whether, under present terms of entry, Her Majesty's Government will be enabled to offer financial aid and subsidies to this and other shipbuilding companies without reference to or the agreement of the Community; and whether he will make £ statement.

Financial aid already announced to Harland and Wolff will not be affected by entry into the EEC. The future extent to which the Government would or would not be able to aid the shipbuilding industry will depend on what relevant Community provisions are in force at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance was provided by Her Majesty's. Government, to the British Steel Corporation during the negotiations for the agreement under which the Corporation became technical and operations adviser to the projected £180 million steel works in Mexico; and whether he will make a statement.

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for drawing attention to this notable success by the British Steel Corporation. In face of intense international competition, and after complicated negotiations, BSC has been chosen as technical and operating adviser for the construction and commissioning of a major integrated steel works at Las Truchas in Mexico. Two leading British consultants, W.S. Atkins & Partners and McLellan & Partners, will be associated in this task with the Corporation. The British firm of consulting engineers, John Miles & Partners, moreover, carried out the original feasibility study for the steel plant.This Department and others have provided the usual export facilities and have been kept in touch throughout. HM Ambassador in Mexico City and his staff have supported the BSC has expressed its gratitude for the official help we have given, but credit for the Corporation's success must largely go to its own negotiators and technicians.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of scheduled aircraft movements from London Heathrow is under 300 miles, between 300 and 400 miles, and between 400 and 500 miles, respectively.

The proportions in respect of route lengths of all scheduled air transport movements at Heathrow, for the calendar year 1971, are approximately:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he has not replied to the request made in March by the hon. Members for Doncaster and Don Valley for a meeting to discuss local unemployment.

An interim reply was sent to the hon. Members on 7th April. I hope to arrange a meeting shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the inquiry into the practice of pyramid selling under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967 has been completed; and what action he proposes to take.

Inquiries have been made on three occasions into individual companies said to be operating pyramid selling schemes; the position of two more is being considered. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, information gained by the use of Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, can only be disclosed in the circumstances prescribed by Section 111, but I hope that the findings will assist us in our consideration of whether more general action is needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation to render void terms in insurance policies whereby the same are automatically cancelled in the event of the assured making a claim.

No. It is not the Government's policy to regulate terms in insurance policies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Government-owned factories in Wales which are without tenants at the latest available date.

The Department is seeking tenants or negotiating with prospective tenants for 26 Government-owned factories currently standing empty at the following locations:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what are the expected cross-wind limitations on Concorde and Boeing 747 aircraft landing at Maplin Airport on dry runways, wet runways and icy runways;(2) what are the expected cross-wind limitations on Concorde and Boeing 747 aircraft making automatic landings at Maplin Airport on dry runways, wet runways and icy runways.

The Concorde is designed to operate in cross winds of at least 30 knots for manual landings and 15 knots for automatic landings. The precise cross-wind limitations will not be known until flight testing has been completed. The demonstrated cross-wind capability of the Boeing 747 is 30 knots for manual landings. The approved limit is 15 knots for automatic landings. It is normal practice to reduce the manual but not the automatic landing figures by half for landings on wet or icy runways. Crosswind limitations depend on the aircraft characteristics and will be no different at Maplin from elsewhere.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue he has estimated receiving in 1972–73 from purchase tax and selective employment tax on each of the following foodstuffs and soft drinks, namely, sweets and confectionary, soft drinks, potato crips, roasted peanuts and other edible nuts, pet foods, and convenience foods other than those above; and the aggregate of purchase and selective employment tax estimated revenue in 1972–73 from all the above.

As I told my hon. Friend on 25th April, the purchase tax yield from taxable foodstuffs and soft drinks is estimated to be of the order of £150 million, and no corresponding estimate can be made for SET.—[Vol. 835, c. 1266.]The further information requested is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representa- tions he has now received that all admission charges for association football matches shall receive a nil assessment for the purposes of value added tax; and what replies he has sent.

My right hon. Friend has received 27 representations about the impact of VAT on association football. The replies explained that my right hon. Friend gave careful consideration to the views put forward but did not feel able to propose any form of relief from VAT for admissions to sporting events. Clubs whose turnover in taxable goods and services does not exceed £5,000 per annum will be exempt from tax under the small trader exemption.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has now received that all admission charges for rugby football matches shall receive a nil assessment for the purposes of value added tax; and what replies he has sent.

My right hon. Friend has received eight representations about the impact of VAT on rugby football. The replies explained that my right hon. Friend gave careful consideration to the views put forward but did not feel able to propose any form of relief from VAT for admissions to sporting events. Clubs whose turnover in taxable goods and services does not exceed £5,000 per annum will be exempt from tax under the small trade exemptions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost to the Exchequer in 1973–74 of substituting £5,000 for £2,000 in Clause 64(b), page 44, line 8 of the Finance Bill.

No estimate can be made for the cost in 1973–74 but on the basis of estimated 1972–73 incomes, the cost for a full year would be about £70 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage rise of average incomes per head in Great Britain between 1958 and 1971; and how this compares with the countries of the European Economic Community taken as a whole and individually, from information available from international sources.

The information available is given in the table below. Except where shown, the information has been taken from the National Accounts publications of the Statistical Office of the European Communities. Apart from the United Kingdom, figures for 1971 on a

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward the date of the proposed reduction in stamp duty on house purchase from 1st August so that completions are not delayed with the object of avoiding the present rate of duty.

I am afraid that this is not possible.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now invite the Prime Minister of Japan officially to visit Great Britain to discuss the trading practices operated by Japan to the detriment of British manufacturers.

No. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of comparable basis are not yet available, and a consistent series of figures for all the main countries in the European Economic Community is available only from 1961. The figures are affected by the rate of inflation; the official exchange rates used to convert the figures for the member countries of the European Economic Community to a common currency do not necessarily reflect differences in internal purchasing power.State for Trade and Industry will be visiting Tokyo at the end of this month for trade talks with Japanese Ministers.

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of his public speech about savings to the Tenth International Savings Bank Congress in London on 25th April.

I did so on 26th April.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make an official visit to Barford, Warwickshire.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Employment has invited me to visit Barford, which is in his constituency and not in that of the hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr. Atkinson). It would be particularly appropriate in the centenary year of the founding of the National Agricultural Labourers' Union by Joseph Arch of Barford, but I regret, like the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, that neither of us can be present at the celebrations on 29th May. I understand that the principal guest speaker at the rally will be that experienced agriculturalist, the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Michael Foot).

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland on regional development matters; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The White Paper on Industrial and Regional Development (Cmnd. 4942) makes it clear that the Minister for Industrial Development, under the broad direction of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, will work in particularly close association with the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the English and Scottish Law Officers on questions of law reform.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with regard to the siting of oil terminals; and if he will make a statement.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Department of Employment concerning low wage earners and social security benefits; and if he will make a statement.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination of responsibility between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Department of Education and Science on the care of preschool children; and if he will make a statement.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the responsibilities of junior Ministers in each Department.

It is for the Minister in charge of each Department to allocate responsibilities to junior Ministers, and to make these known by whatever steps seem to him appropriate.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has completed his consideration of the question of publishing the code of conduct for interrogation of prisoners by the security services; and whether he will make a statement.

This matter is still under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the various appointments he is to make to institutions, etc., connected with the European Economic Community on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; in how many cases such positions will be filled by Members of Parliament and at what salaries and expenses; and whether the rule of office of profit under the Crown will apply in these cases.

These matters are still under consideration and no decisions have yet been taken.

asked the Attorney-General when the opportunity of a transfer of trusts to banks, insurance companies and others, free of expense to the trust and its beneficiaries, as envisaged in the White Paper on the Future of the Public Trustee Office, Command Paper No. 4913, will be available to those willing to avail themselves of it.

As stated in the White Paper, full implementation of this proposal will depend on the outcome of discussions with the corporate trustees. It will also require legislation. If the Public Trustee retires from a trust in the meantime, the legal and other costs will have to be met out of the trust funds.A withdrawal fee will also normally be due to the Public Trustee, who however, has power under paragraph 8 of the Public Trustee (Fees) Order 1969 (S.I. 1969 No. 513) to remit fees in certain circumstances with the consent of the Treasury. On the occasion of any transfer of his trusteeship in advance of the contemplated legislation it would be for the Public Trustee to decide whether any or all of the withdrawal fee should be remitted. I understand that, in regard to trusts transferred in anticipation of the proposed legislation, the Public Trustee will consider sympathetically applications for the waiving of this fee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will announce the arrangements he proposes to adopt to implement his decision to introduce charges for certain services provided by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.

As I announced on 28th March, 1972, these charges will come into effect on 1st June. I have today laid an Order under Section 103 of the Agriculture Act providing for them. Details of the services subject to charge, the rates for each and the arrangements generally will be set out in a leaflet to be issued to farmers. I have arranged for the text of the leaflet to be placed in the Library of the House. The charging scheme does not apply to advice given by my Department's Agricultural Development and Advisory Service. That will continue to be available free of charge.—[Vol. 834, c. 48–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of the fact that female employment has remained static in the past seven years while male employment has reduced, if he will publish separate figures in future monthly returns.

Monthly estimates of employees in employment for production industries in Great Britain are published regularly in the Department of Employment Gazette. The most recent provisional figures giving separate estimates of males and females for months up to and including February, 1972, were published on pages 368–371 of the April, 1972, issue of the Gazette. Quarterly estimates showing the numbers of males and females employed in the whole economy and more detailed annual estimates of the numbers employed in June are also published.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average rate of unemployment in the United Kingdom in the periods 1945 to 1951, 1952 to 1964, 1965 to 1970, and since.

Following is the information from 1948 when the current series of employment and unemployment statistics started.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce regulations about the use of protective clothing to be warn by hairdressing apprentices for protection against shampoo dermatitis.

The information available to me does not suggest that the problem of dermatitis in hairdressing establishments is so serious as to warrant the introduction of regulations on protective clothing. However, I understand that the Hairdressers' Registration Council, of which the hon. Lady is a member, hope to carry out a survey to assess the extent of the problem and my right hon. Friend would be very willing to consider any recommendations they may wish to make when the results of their survey are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what support his Department is giving to the Engineering Employers' Federation's national campaign to cut industrial accidents in the engineering industry.

My right hon. Friend has accepted an invitation to address a national conference which the Federation is to hold in October next. The Chief Inspector of Factories will also speak. In addition, he has made it known that he is prepared to provide speakers at regional meetings organised by constituent associations, and an engineering inspector addressed a conference held by the West Midland Engineering Employers' Association in March last.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will order a full inquiry into the accident which occurred at 20.55 hours on Monday, 8th May at Chester Station when a train comprising oil tanker vehicles crashed into stationary rolling stock causing injuries and a fire.

I have ordered an inquiry into this accident. It will open at Chester on 2nd June, 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which organisations have agreed to support the Government's Tree Planting Year in 1973.

I am glad to say that so far the following organisations have indicated support and willingness to co-operate as appropriate in the arrangements. These include, in addition to organisations approached by the Department, others who have offered their support.County Councils Association.Association of Municipal Corporations.Urban District Councils Association.Rural District Councils Association.London Boroughs Association.Horticultural Trades Association.Scottish Seed and Nursery Trades Association.National Farmers' Union.National Farmers' Union of Scotland.Civic Trust.Council for the Protection of Rural England.Council for the Protection of Rural Wales.Arboricultural Association.Men of the Trees.Royal Forestry Society of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Royal Horticultural Society.National Union of Townswomen's Guilds.Metropolitan Public Gardens Association.Association of Professional Foresters.Game Conservancy.Independent Order of Foresters.Institute of Park and Recreation Administration.Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London.Methodist Youth Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for increased participation by British private mapping companies in the mapping and survey work for developing countries at present carried out mainly by the Directorate of Overseas Surveys.

I have recently reviewed the respective roles of the public and private sectors in carrying out survey and mapping projects under the Aid Programme. This work is at present largely done by the Directorate of Overseas Surveys, which is within my Department, but part of the work, including all the aerial photography and some mapping work, is put out to competitive tender.I have decided that in future the private sector should have greater opportunities to take on some of this work. The mapping capacity of the Directorate, particularly in the spheres of instrumental plotting and cartography, will therefore be reduced progressively over the next two years. An increasing proportion of this work will be offered to the private sector. This is expected to lead to a reduction of 118 posts in the non-industrial staff of the Directorate by April, 1974: details of how the reduction would apply will be discussed as appropriate with the Staff Side.There will shortly be meetings with representatives of the private mapping companies in order to discuss the new arrangements with them. The situation will be reviewed not later than April, 1977, but I will look at the position in the middle of 1975 to see if the date of the review could usefully be brought forward.The Directorate of Overseas Surveys has an international reputation for the quality and integrity of its mapping work and I have decided that it will be maintained as a viable organisation at least until April, 1979.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is the Government's policy to seek European unification as a first step to ultimate world government and order; and to what extent Her Majesty's Government have taken, or intend taking, action towards these ends.

The objectives of Her Majesty's Government in advocating entry to the European Communities were set out in the White Paper, Command 4715, and in particular in paragraphs 32–39.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange to fly Commonwealth flags in Parliament Square to celebrate Commonwealth Day for a similar period of time as the European flags are being flown.

Flags of all Commonwealth countries are customarily flown down the Horse Guards approach roads on Commonwealth Day, the same day as Her Majesty The Queen celebrates Her Official Birthday, and on which the Trooping of the Colour takes place.They are also flown on the Saturday preceding Commonwealth Day on which the Trooping of the Colour is rehearsed. But I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion and will write to him when I have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will prevent Post Office vans from entering areas where they are regularly subject to being stopped and searched at Irish Republican Army road blocks; and if he will make a statement.

No. The Post Office will continue to provide postal services throughout Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake an examination of the emergency services in operation after an explosion to see if these can be further improved, and in particular if arrangements can be made to simplify the procedure in dealing with small claims for damage, also extending the scheme to loss below £20.

I am very glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the manner in which those operating the emergency services have responded to the serious problems created by the bombing campaign. The position will be kept under review so that if services can be improved this will be done.There is a simplified procedure for dealing with small claims for compensation for damage to property caused by bomb explosions. There is no £20 limit in the case of such damage.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake a survey of housing to establish how many privately-owned houses are occupied by squatters and how many houses in areas of tension cannot be sold by the owners; and if he will introduce a scheme whereby such dwellings may be bought by the Housing Executive and let to tenants.

A survey carried out in March, 1972, indicated that some 107 privately-owned houses were occupied by squatters. The number of houses in areas of tension which cannot be sold would be difficult to determine but consultations are taking place between the Ministry of Development and the Housing Executive regarding the problems of private owners in certain areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to collect outstanding rents.

Through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is making use of Section 1 of the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland), 1971, whereby social security benefits can be allocated to meet the liabilities of defaulters.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about recruitment to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and reserve since the suspension of Stormont.

During the month of April, 41 recruits were enrolled in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and 79 in the RUC Reserve, compared with 42 and 106 during March; these recruits had applied before the suspension of the Northern Ireland Government on 30th March. There were 175 and 170 applications for the RUC and the RUC Reserve respectively in April compared with 138 and 289 in March. More recruitment publicity and advertising is being arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what evidence he satisfies himself that voluntary schools whose management committees contain representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and which are maintained in part by grants from local education authorities have admitted children both of whose parents do not attend the Roman Catholic Church.

It has not been thought necessary or appropriate to seek evidence on this matter. But if my hon. Friend will provide details of cases in which he has reason to believe there has been injustice these will be examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list the new housing estates in Northern Ireland in which a Government primary or secondary school has been opened in the last 10 years and where an equivalent Roman Catholic voluntary school has been built on a site serving the same area.

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information is not readily available and could not be provided without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to study education in Northern Ireland, with particular reference to the effect on children of the sectarian division between some voluntary schools and maintained schools.

No. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the appointment of a Royal Commission for this purpose would be appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will take steps to prevent political parties in Northern Ireland receiving money from foreign Governments.

No. It is a matter for the parties concerned to decide from whom they will accept funds.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will state the total number of internees released by him to date; and how many of these have been involved in subsequent crimes.

As at 10th May, 1972, 182 internees have been released as a result of the review my right hon. Friend is carrying out. My information is that none of these has been involved in subsequent crimes.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has yet reached a decision arising out of the representations which he has received from the Belfast City Centre Ratepayers' Association in respect of financial assistance on compensation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 4th May.—[Vol. 836, c. 174–5.]

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to secure the United Kingdom-Republic of Ireland Border against terrorist infiltration and the escape of terrorists from the United Kingdom to the Republic of Ireland.

The security forces will continue their efforts to exercise control on the border against terrorist infiltration, and to prevent terrorists from escaping across the border. Her Majesty's Government are continuing to impress on the Government of the Republic the need for action to ensure that terrorists should not be able to operate in the North from a refuge in the South.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about his plans for channelling economic aid to Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland economy is receiving urgent attention. The Government will continue to implement the 1970–75 Development Plan and the further acceleration of investment announced by the Minister of Finance at Stormont in January, 1972.The massive expansion scheme of the Harland and Wolff Shipyard and the scheme of rate grants for the city centres of Belfast, Londonderry and Newry, announced on 4th May, are indications of the Government's concern and determination to take whatever measures it considers to be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been detained for questioning under the Special Powers Act since 24th March, 1972.

As at 10th May, 113 persons had been detained for questioning under the Special Powers Act. since 24th March, 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the no-go areas in Northern Ireland first came into existence; how long they have remained no-go areas; and during what periods since they were first recognised as no-go areas law and order has been restored, police patrols resumed and writs and police summonses served.

I would refer my hon. Friend to a reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 25th April.—[Vol. 835, c. 268.]

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many writs and police summonses have been issued and have not been served since August, 1969, in respect of persons residing in the Ballymurphy, New Barnsley, Ardoyne, Falls and New Lodge Road districts of Belfast; and how many of these writs and summonses have been outstanding for more than 12 months.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the security forces in Northern Ireland to arrest men seen to parade or stand openly in the streets with fire-arms and/or seen to be wearing uniforms associated with either wing of the Irish Republican Army.

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to the present situation in the Bogside and Creggan areas of Londonderry. Action is taken where practicable against the persons described but in present circumstances Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to initiate military action which could lead to a large number of civilian casualties.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a further statement on the impact of value-added tax on the finances of the Post Office Corporation.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 10th May to the hon. Member for Manchester, Openshaw (Mr. Charles R. Morris). The Bill would apply the standard rate of tax to telecommunications and exempt posts. The selection of particular goods and services for exemption or zero-rating is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. But in the case of telecommunications, with its large investment programme, exemption would also be onerous because it does not allow rebating. This is the opposite to the reply which I regret I gave incorrectly yesterday to my hon. Friend's supplementary question which arose from the question asked by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding) about VAT and telephone calling rates. In the case of posts which would be exempt the indirect effect on the finances of the business—and hence on postal charges—because of the unrebated tax payments on purchases, would be relatively small.—[Vol. 836, c. 1298–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much he estimates that the 4 per cent. contribution to the proposed Reserve Scheme must be increased if the accrued retirement pension as forecast in the White Paper, Strategy for Pensions, is payable during any period in which a member is entitled to invalidity pension under the basic National Insurance Scheme.

If such provision were to be made, the contribution for men would probably need to be increased to between 4¼ per cent. and 4½ per cent. But, as counterpart, occupational schemes would have to be required to provide invalidity cover for employees exempted from the reserve scheme and I am not sat fled that this would be practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of shampoo dermatitis have been notified to consultant dermatologists in National Health Service hospitals each year since 1968 to the last convenient date.

The information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the total cost of social security benefits paid to victims and their dependants of industrial accidents taking place within the Bolton travel-to-work area for the last year for which figures are available.

I regret that information is not available on which an estimate could be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the most recent figure of awards granted under family income supplement; and what percentage take-up this represents.

At the end of April, the latest date for which information is available, the number of families receiving family income supplement was 65,000 and there were about 10,000 awards in the process of being made. This represents a take-up rate of approximately one half. The latest available figures for take-up for various rates of benefit relate to the end of March; at that time 75 per cent. of those entitled to £2 or more were in receipt of the benefit, 50 per cent. of those entitled to between £1 and £2 and 30 per cent. of those entitled to under £1.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the total administrative costs so far for the family income supplement.

The estimated administrative costs up to the end of the 1971–72 financial year were £460,000. This figure excludes publicity costs, but includes the cost of setting up the scheme in 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current average weekly payment of family income supplement to those families that qualify in each of the regions.

Following are the regional averages at the end of April: