asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now grant full development area status to North-East Lancashire.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has of interest or increased industrial activity in the Yorkshire and Humberside Region, following the announcement of new regional incentives in the Budget.

Our regional office has received an increased number of inquiries about industrial sites or premises in the region. Another encouraging sign is that the number of unemployed fell substantially last month.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's assessment of the number of United Kingdom shipyards capable of building liquefied natural gas carriers.

The technical capabilities of individual shipbuilding companies are a commercial matter. However, two companies, Harland & Wolff and Vickers Limited, have each built a liquid natural gas carrier of 26,000 cubic metre capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further plans he now has to improve the prospects for fairer trading conditions for the textile industry.

I am currently considering a number of issues affecting trading conditions in the textile industry. In reaching conclusions I intend to take account of all the interests involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take action under Article 135 of the Accession Treaty to ensure that the European Commission authorizes measures to protect the United Kingdom cotton textile industry.

As I explained in my answer to the Member for Heywood and Royston (Mr. Joel Barnett) on 10th May, we could seek to take protective measures under Article 135 of the Treaty of Accession only if difficulties arose during the transitional period, which starts on the date of accession.—[Vol. 836, c. 399. ]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations took place with the British textile industry or the textile trade unions as to the likely impact which joining the European Economic Community may have for the yarn and cotton spinning sections of the industry, prior to signing the Treaty of Accession.

We have held several discussions with representatives of the British textile industry, including the unions, on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he made of the effect of unemployment in Lancashire arising out of his decision to allow quotas on imports of cotton textiles to cease on 1st January, 1973; and if he will make a statement.

We have not taken any decision to allow quotas on imports of cotton textiles to cease on 1st January, 1973. We are discussing with the Commission of the EEC the arrangements that will be needed in order to align our textile import régime with that of the EEC which operates quantitative restrictions on imports of low-cost cotton textiles. In their formulation of textile import policy the Government pay particular attention to the likely effects on employment in Lancashire.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions with officials of the European Economic Community on imports of cotton textiles:

We are currently considering a number of issues with the Commission on imports of cotton textiles. My Department will keep the industry and the House informed at appropriate times.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for providing additional Government support for the computer industry; and if he will make a statement.

The recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology about aid to the computer industry are being considered. An announcement will be made as soon as is practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the percentage of British oil requirements which will be able to be met by North Sea production in 1975 and 1980.

It is possible that we may be getting a quarter of our needs from the North Sea by about 1975. However, it is obvious that at this stage any forecast beyond that date must be highly speculative.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has completed his consultations with the National Association of Glove Manufacturers about the import of leather gloves from Hong Kong.

Discussions will take place on 12th June, the date proposed by the National Association of Glove Manufacturers.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that, because electricity supply restrictions were imposed by Her Majesty's Government during the coal industry dispute, industrial and commercial consumers charged on the maximum demand tariff suffered financially through the average electricity prices being inflated because they were deprived of the benefit of units at the cheaper rates; and if he will now pay compensation to the electricity boards to enable them to make reductions in the appropriate consumers' accounts.

To the first part of the Question, the answer is "Yes"; to the second part "No". Nearly every consumer suffered financially or in some other way as a result of the restrictions. It has already been made clear that it would be neither possible nor appropriate to single out any particular group for special help.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to control the sale of debts to debt-collecting agencies; and if he will make a statement.

As part of my consideration of major reform of the law relating to consumer credit generally, I have in mind the possibility of making debt collectors subject to licensing arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the initiative he is taking with the European Economic Community and European countries regarding co-operation with the United States of America in the development of space shuttles.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace took part in the informal meeting on 19th May of Ministers of the European Space Conference which discussed further the question of possible European participation in the post-Apollo programme and helped to prepare the ground for a formal meeting of Ministers being planned for July.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the British Aircraft Corporation regarding the need for Her Majesty's Government to decide at an early date its space shuttle policy with the United States of America; and what reply he has sent.

Numerous representations have been received from the British Aircraft Corporation and from other sections of the space industry on the question of participation in the post-Apollo programme. The industry is well aware that its views are being taken fully into account in the Government's consideration of this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what amount he has contributed to the space shuttle studies conducted by the British Aircraft Corporation and Hawker Siddeley with North American Rockwell and McDonnel Douglas; and what is his policy regarding future development programme contributions.

The governmental contribution to the studies amounts to £¼ million. Policy in relation to the development programme is under consideration jointly with our European partners.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy to seek direct bilateral agreement on space shuttle development with the United States of America; and when he intends to announce his decision.

The Government are examining the merits of participation jointly with our European partners in accordance with the American authorities' expressed preference for a collective response. The European Space Conference is planning to hold a meeting in July. No bilateral discussions are taking place.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to explain to Parliament and to the public how the first supersonic commercial aircraft was built in the United Kingdom and at what cost; and what its prospects are of sales and further development.

The House has been and will be kept informed about progress and the estimated development costs. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace announced to the House on 25th May.—[Vol. 837, c. 1646–54.]—BOAC has decided to order five aircraft. An Air France order is expected shortly. Contract negotiations will follow with other airlines. On future development, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the right hon. Member on 15th May.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the present position regarding airline orders for Concorde.

As my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace informed the House on 25th May, BOAC will shortly be placing an order for five Concordes. The manufacturers are pursuing then-negotiations with Air France and will shortly be starting contract negotiations with other option holders.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has now concluded his negotiations with the British Aircraft Corporation and the British Overseas Airways Corporation concerning sales of the Concorde aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace on 25th May, 1972.—[Vol. 837, c. 1646–54.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the first of the five Concordes now on order for British Overseas Airways Corporation will come into service; whether as a result of the order a further batch of production aircraft will be sanctioned; and what effect the British Overseas Airways Corporation order will have on the numbers of persons employed in the project.

BOAC intends to start Concorde services in spring, 1975. Its order will not have an immediate effect on the production programme or the numbers employed on the project since 16 production aircraft are already under construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has decided to take regarding the prosecution of the owner of the abandoned British vessel "Festivity" for a breach of Section 458 of the Merchant Shipping Act.

The Department has ordered a formal investigation into the abandonment of the "Festivity". Any further action will be decided in the light of the findings of that inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why Great Britain abstained from voting on the committee resolution on insurance, which was passed without other dissent by 71 countries, at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development at Santiago.

Because this resolution conflicted with the principles which we believe should, in the interests of all parties concerned, govern what is essentially an international industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will assist BOCM, Silcock to avoid redundancies due to the proposed closure of two mills.

My regional director has been in touch with the company but the latter has made no application for assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in setting up a development unit within the Industrial Development Executive.

It is hoped to appoint the director of the unit soon. Recruitment of other staff is in progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek to amend the Com- panies Act, 1948, and Companies (Winding-up) Rules, 1949, to ensure that all existing policy holders in insurance companies that go into liquidation are informed by letter at the earliest possible moment that they are no longer covered for insurance.

As my hon. Friend knows, there are considerable practical difficulties. However, I will consider whether some amendment of existing provisions is desirable and practicable during the course of the current review of company and insurance law.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will accept the recommendation of the English Tourist Board with regard to the registration of tourist accommodation; and if he will make a statement.

I am considering the English Tourist Board's proposals and will announce a decision as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning misleading advertising for alleged slimming remedies; and what replies he has given.

I have had only one complaint about such advertisements since the beginning of 1971. The complainant's attention was drawn to the responsibility of local weights and measures authorities for enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, and to other means of pursuing her complaint.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many prosecutions have been instituted against firms or individuals for advertising misleading alleged slimming remedies.

I am aware of one prosecution under the Trade Descriptions Act in which the slimming properties of the goods were in question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Transport and General Workers' Union to convene a meeting with representatives of the Governments of Iceland and West Germany and Her Majesty's Government, together with representatives of the unions and employers in the fishing industries of their countries, together with fish experts and scientists, to come to an interim agreement over fishing on the Icelandic continental shelf until the present limits dispute has been settled by the International Court of Justice or the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference has completed its deliberations.

The General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union and other trade union representatives have called on my noble Friend the Minister of State to discuss the Icelandic fisheries question. The possibility of a tripartite meeting of the kind referred to is being considered, but for the present bilateral discussions with the Icelandic Government on an interim arrangement for British fishing off Iceland are continuing in the form described in the answer of my hon. Friend the Undersecretary of State to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 26th May.—[Vol. 837, c. 522–3. ]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his discussions with Icelandic Ministers regarding fisheries limits.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 26th May.—[Vol. 837, c. 522–3. ]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the yearly amount of aid, in terms of the percentage of gross national product, given by Great Britain to the developing countries in each of the last five years; and how this compares with the contributions made by other developed countries.

In all these years our official aid as a percentage of gross national product exceeded the average of the aid given by the members of the Development Assistance Committee.The following is the information:

British Aid
Year	Net Official Flows	Percentage of GNP	DAC Average as percentage of GNP
	£ millions
1967	179·0	0·45	0·42
1968	178·5	0·42	0·38
1969	178·5	0·39	0·36
1970	188·9	0·37	0·34
1971	235·4	0·42	0·34*
* Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when British recognition of the German Democratic Republic is to take place in view of recent treaties now ratified by the West German Republic.

The British position on recognition of the German Democratic Republic is not affected by ratification of the Federal Republic's treaties with the Soviet Union and Poland.While the Federal Government of Germany are seeking to normalise relations with the German Democratic Republic it would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to recognise the German Democratic Republic. We should also have to be satisfied that our special responsibilities for Berlin and Germany as a whole were unaffected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication he has received from Mr. Ian Smith since the Pearce Report was published.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what approaches he has had from the Smith régime on the claim for diplomatic representation of the illegal Rhodesian régime; and to what extent these have concerned Her Majesty's Government's representation in Rhodesia.

I have been in touch with Mr. Smith about various matters arising as a result of the Pearce Commission's Report, including the question of an appropriate channel of communication, but the contents of these exchanges must remain confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) why, although Part 2, Commercial Policy, Regulation 160/72/EEC was available on 25th January, 1972, the English translation was not available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that such documents are made available to hon. Members nearer to the first date of publication in Brussels;

(2) why, although Part 5, Customs Questions, Regulation 2861/71/EEC was available on 20thDecember, 1971, the English translation was not available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(3) why, although Part 3 of Community Institution Regulation 2533/71/Euratom was available on 22nd November, 1971, the English translation was not available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(4) why the English translation of Part 28, Fruit and Vegetables Regulation 55/72/EEC of 10th January, 1972, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(5) why the English translation of Part 28, Fruit and Vegetables Regulation 2839/71/EEC of 24th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(6) why the English translation of Part 21, Cereals Regulation 2764/71/EEC, as amended, of 23rd December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(7) why the English translation of Part 21, Cereals Regulation 2706/71/EEC of 23rd December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(8) why the English translation of Part 20, Beef and Veal Regulation 2725/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(9) why the English translation of Part 20, Beef and Veal Regulation 2838/71/EEC of 24th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(10) why the English translation of Part 14, Agricultural Finance FEOGA Regulation 2705/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(11) why the English translation of Part 26, Food Standards Directive 72/2/EEC of 20th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(12) why the English translation of Part 24, Fisheries Regulation 2451/71/EEC of 15th November, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(13) why the English translation of Part 23, Eggs and Albumins Regulation 2502/71/EEC of 22nd November, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(14) why the English translation of Part 21, Cereals Regulation 2806/71/EEC of 23rd December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(15) why the English translation of Part 23, Oils and Fats, 269/71/EEC of 17th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(16) why the English translation of Part 31, Live Plants and Flowers Regulation 2520/71/EEC of 24th November, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(17) why the English translation of Part 39, Sugar Regulation 2829/71/EEC of 24th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(18) why the English translation of Part 39, Sugar Regulation 2863/71/EEC of 30th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(19) why the English translation of Part 20, Beef and Veal Regulation 2810/71/EEC of 23rd December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(20) why the English translation of Part 4, Competition Regulation 2822/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, did not become available to Members of Parliament until 5th May, 1972;

(21) whether he will take steps to expedite the publication of the English translations of the European Economic Community regulations in the future;

(22) why, in view of the fact that Part 4, Competition Regulation No. 2821/71/EEC was made on 20th December, 1971, the English text was not available to hon. Members until 12th May, 1972.

The selection of those Community instruments which will apply to the United Kingdom on our accession to the Community requires careful study; and it is equally important that translations should be as accurate as we can make them. But I am satisfied that every effort is made to publish these texts as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the English translation of Regulation 2822/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, amplifying the provisions of Regulation No. 17 implementing Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty became available to Members of Parliament.

The English translation of the instrument was published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on 5th May and became available to hon. Members through the Vote Office on that day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the Milk and Milk Products Regulation No. 2732/71/EEC Amending Regulation (EEC) No. 876/68 concerning adjustments to be made to refunds fixed in advance for milk and milk products printed and issued by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in May, 1972, is dated December, 1972.

The error on the cover of the text in question is regretted. However the date of the regulation is correctly given in the text itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what grounds unemployment benefit is disqualified where unemployment has been caused by a lock-out, the cause of which is the refusal to undertake piecework when no contractual obligation to do piecework already exists.

The National Insurance Act, 1965, provides that unemployment benefit shall not be payable to persons involved in any trade dispute. There is no power to make a distinction between a strike and a lock-out for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of paying invalidity allowance at the higher rate for all in receipt of invalidity pension.

At the rates proposed in the National Insurance Bill the annual cost would be about £15 million gross or £10 million net after adjustments of supplementary benefit had been taken into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research he has undertaken into the health hazards of printing ink which rubs off newspapers.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many applications for a constant attendance allowance have been approved in the departmental region which includes the London Borough of Wands worth;

(2) how many appeals against the refusal to grant constant attendance have been successful in the departmental region which includes the London Borough of Wands worth;

(3) how many applications for a constant attendance allowance have been refused in the departmental region which includes the London Borough of Wands worth.

Up to 7th April, the latest date for which regional figures are available, 9,200 successful claims to the attendance allowance had been made in the Department's London South region, which includes the London Borough of Wands worth, and 4,500 claims had been rejected. These figures take account of some 600 successful applications for review.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has now reached a decision on the request of the National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital for a departmental committee of inquiry into the living conditions of mentally and physically handicapped children in long-stay; and if he will make a statement.

I replied to the president of the association today and am sending the hon. Member a copy of my letter.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of dependent wives aged 60–64 years of men aged 65 years and over.

In 1966, the latest year for which figures are available, about 340,000 women aged 60–64 years were married to men aged 65 and over. In December, 1971, 317,000 such wives were receiving retirement pensions on their husband's insurance, but there were in addition an unknown number with pensions by right of their own insurance.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether a Telex can be installed in the Palace of Westminster for the use of hon. Members.

A Telex machine for sending outgoing messages is already available in the Central Lobby Post Office. Considerable difficulties would have to be overcome if this machine was to be used for receiving incoming messages.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate roll-on/roll-off facilities are provided in South Wales ports for trade between Wales and the Common Market countries.

This is a matter for the British Transport Docks Board which owns and operates the South Wales group of ports.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the present policy of rationalising speed limits; and if he will make a statement.

Yes; but I am always glad to consider ways of making it more effective.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many disabled persons live in Berkshire; and how many are applying for the four dwellings for the disabled which have been constructed there.

I do not have the information requested. It is for the local authorities to assess the demand for accommodation by disabled persons and to make provision accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has made to the European Economic Community in relation to its decision to raise the maximum load per axle for lorries.

I cannot add to my answer of 24th May to the hon. Member.—[Vol. 837, c. 390. ]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the cost of strengthening the roads and bridges in the United Kingdom in order to comply with the European Economic Community decision to increase axle loads for lorries to 11 tons.

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of 25th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten).—[Vol. 837, c. 469. ]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the hardship caused to members of the public, traders, van drivers, etc., by his recent mandatory ban on urban parking at road junctions; and what action he will take to improve the position.

This ban is not yet in force. I announced revised proposals on 20th April which much reduce the inconvenience it will cause.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how and in what way the adoption of Part 39, Sugar Regulation No. 2719/71/EEC of 21st December, 1971, will affect British industry engaged in these activities; and whether he will make a statement.

The provision of the Community's sugar régime to which this regulation relates is at present applicable only in Belgium and the Netherlands. Whether this will affect United Kingdom sugar manufacturers will depend on whether or not the "mixed price" system is adopted.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the approximate amount of grant that he will give to the fishing ports of Great Britain; what proportion will be coming to Hull; and what applications for schemes to improve St. Andrew's Dock, Hull, have so far been made.

The amount of grant will depend upon the extent of the schemes proposed, and none has so far been received. The harbour authorities concerned and the fishing industry have been asked to agree on the nature and location of the necessary works and to submit plans without delay.

asked the Minister of State for Defence, in view of the complex transactions between the Receivers of Handley Page Limited, and Handley Page Aircraft Limited, the Craven Corporation, the Mercantile Trust Company of St. Louis and other concerns, if he is satisfied that there is a clear and inalienable title to the design and manufacturing rights to the Jet stream; and if he will make a statement.

Scottish Aviation Limited has satisfied the Department of its ability to fulfil its contractual obligations.

asked the Minister of State for Defence why those tendering for the new jet trainer for the Royal Air Force were informed that an unrestricted British or American certificate of airworthiness was essential while at the same time the decision to buy the Jetstream was announced officially before the model to be ordered had received such a certificate.

Tenderers were informed that each aircraft should be delivered with an unrestricted certificate of airworthiness. The Jetstream was chosen with every confidence that this condition would be met.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what estimate he made of the effect of purchasing the NAR690 on offset purchases in the United Kingdom employment in the United Kingdom and the balance of payments, before ordering the Jetstream.

Before the Jetstream was selected, all relevant factors were considered, including the North American Rockwell Corporation's proposals to use its best endeavours to provide offset purchases in the event of the NAR690 being chosen.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what are the officially approved hours before overhaul for the Astazou XVI engines in the Jetstream and the Garrett TPE331, respectively.

The number of hours before overhaul of a military aircraft engine is determined in the light of experience in service. There are, there-for, no officially approved figures for either the Astazou XVI or the Garrett TPE331 engines in the multi-engine pilot training rôle.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the decision to order the Jetstream aircraft involves the purchasing of secondhand Jetstream from Canada or the United States of America.

Three existing Jetstream aircraft will be included in those supplied to the Royal Air Force: two of these have been obtained from the USA. They had not been used since initial delivery and will be modified and refurbished as necessary to bring them up to the required standard.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the required delivery date for the Jetstream aircraft.

Delivery of Jetstream aircraft to the RAF will commence in 1973.

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Irish Ranger William Best, while on leave from Germany at his home in the Creggan, Londonderry, was kidnapped, tried by an Irish Republican Army court, and murdered; what wounds and marks were found on his body; and how it is proposed that his murder be investigated when neither Army nor police can enter the Creggan area.

I have been asked to reply.At 6.55 a.m. on Sunday, 21st May, 1972, the body of William James Best was found on waste ground in William Street, Londonderry. The circumstances in which he met his death and the nature of his injuries are matters which the coroner will wish to investigate. Police inquiries are proceeding notwithstanding the existence of the no-go areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many objections she has received to the notices issued by the West Riding Education Committee with relation to Saddle-worth Secondary School.

One.

MAJOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMMES INCLUDING ALLOCATIONS FOR RAISING THE SCHOOL LEAVING AGE(ENGLAND AND WALES AUTHORISED STARTS IN £M., AT CONSTANT 1972 PRICES)
Programme Year			Basic Needs Secondary		Improvements/Replacements			Raising School Leaving Age
		Primary		Total	Primary	Secondary	Total			Total
1965–66	…	40·2	40·4	80·6	9·7	38·5	48·2	—	128·8
1966–67	…	39·8	35·2	75·0	12·2	33·7	45·9	—	120·9
1967–68	…	52·6	57·0	109·6	16·4	15·1	31·5	—	141·1
1968–69	…	36·0	51·7	87·7	8·6	10·0	18·6	—	106·3
1969–70	…	45·4	76·5	121·9	16·7	13·2	29·9	—	151·8
1970–71	…	49·4	85·7	135·1	13·2	2·3	15·5	35·7	186·3
1971–72	…	46·6	89·7	136·3	19·0	2·9	21·9	50·0	208·2
1972–73	…	30·9	63·3	94·2	50·0	—	50·0	61·5	205·7
1973–74	…	23·6	82·2	105·8	53·5	—	53·5	—	159·3

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the further education building programme for each of the years 1965–66 to 1973–74.

The figures are:

MAJOR FURTHER EDUCATION BUILDING PROGRAMMES
(England and Wales, Authorised Starts in £ million at constant 1972 prices)
Programme Year	Value of Starts
	£ million
1965–66	15·8
1966–67	25·6
1967–68	39·7
1968–69	26·6
1969–70	32·9
1970–71	31·2
1971–72	26·8
1972–73	25·4 (estimate)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the totals of the minor works programmes for England and Wales in respect of schools and further education for each of the years 1965–66 to 1973–74.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will set out in tabular form the major school building programmes for England and Wales, divided into basic needs and improvements and replacements, at constant prices and taking account of changes in cost limits for each of the years 1965–66 to 1973–74.

Following is the information:

The figures are:

MINOR WORKS ALLOCATIONS
England and Wales 1972 prices
	£ million
1965–66	36·8
1966–67	38·5
1967–68	41·1
1968–69	39·1
1969–70	34·5
1970–71	34·5
1971–72	42·2
1972–73	67·9*
1973–74	24·2*
* Allowing for £18·4 million to be brought forward from 1973–74 to 1972–73.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage of the gross national product spent on education in Great Britain in 1971–72; and what are the corresponding figures for member countries of the European Economic Community.

The figures for 1971–72 are not available. For comparison with the latest figures for the EEC countries given in the 1970 UNESCO Statistical Yearbook and listed below, the percentage of the gross national product spent on education in the United Kingdom in 1968 has been estimated at 5·7.

	Expenditure on education as % of g.n.p.
Belgium (1968)	5·0
France (1968)	4·4
Germany (1968)	3·6
Italy (1968)	4·8
Luxembourg (1968)	5·3
Netherlands (1967	6·9

The education systems of the various countries have salient differences which can affect the comparability of these figures, and care should be exercised in any use made of them.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundancies in the textile industry have been announced in Lancashire since June, 1970; and if he will give the breakdown of these figures between the different travel-to-work areas.

Redundancies involving 17,797 workpeople in the textile industry have been notified to my Department in Lancashire between 1st June, 1970, and 26th May, 1972.A breakdown of this figure by travel-to-work area is set out below.

TEXTILE REDUNDANCIES IN LANCASHIRE: 1ST JUNE TO 26TH MAY, 1972
Travel-to-work	Number of workpeople involved
Blackpool	223
Lancaster	251
Preston	2,298
Accrington	562
Blackburn	1,042
Burnley	1,125
Nelson	640
Rawtenstall	648
*Liverpool	370
Ormskirk	87
Leigh	392
Wigan	161
Warrington	128
*Manchester	1,984
*Ashton-under-Lyne	497
Bolton	3,065
Bury	1,275
*Oldham	1,360
Rochdale	1,523
Shaw	166
* Numbers relating to local office areas within these travel-to-work areas but which lie outside the County of Lancashire have been omitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish the total number of man-hours lost through sickness and industrial injury in the last five years; and what are the latest figures.

I have been asked to reply.The only information available relates to days of certified incapacity notified to the Department of Health and Social Security in connection with claims to sickness or injury benefit. The number of such days in each of the last five years for which figures are available is given below. The figures rebate to statistical years, beginning on the first Monday in June.

DAYS OF CERTIFIED INCAPACITY GREAT BRITAIN
				Millions
		Sickness
Year	All incapacity	Incapacity lasting throughout year	Incapacity not lasting throughout year	Industrial injury
1966–67	301	101	200	23
1967–68	328	106	222	23
1968–69	329	106	223	23
1969–70	342	107	235	23
1970–71*	314	108	206	20
* 53 weeks.
† Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons in England and Wales in rank order of number of prisoners per cell, starting with that one in which the number of prisoners per cell is greatest.

The following table lists all the prisons and remand centres in England and Wales in which the bulk of the accommodation is cellular. It shows the accommodation available—in terms of the number of prisoners the institution would hold if all available places were in use, but there was no overcrowding of cells or dormitories—and the population on 30th April:

Male Prisons and Remand Centres	Accommodation	Population
Leeds	594	1,019
*Thorp Arch	101	171
Canterbury	235	375
Lancaster	168	267
Lincoln	318	505
Oxford	159	253
*Low Newton	79	125
Preston	448	683
Bedford	175	265
Leicester	238	358
Cardiff	306	444
Manchester	821	1,166
Liverpool	1,112	1,557
Nottingham	206	286
*Risley	547	755
Birmingham	596	817
Camp Hill	351	481
* Remand Centres.

Male Prisons and Remand Centres	Accommodation	Population
Brixton	707	956
Durham	732	988
Shepton Mallet	165	220
Wormwood Scrubs	1,006	1,310
Bristol	402	521
Exeter	298	388
Stafford	691	892
Northallerton	148	178
Winchester	535	629
*Ashford	400	467
Chelmsford	256	295
*Latchmere House	130	148
Pentonville	958	1,095
Dorchester	173	196
Maidstone	472	529
Gloucester	229	253
Norwich	328	354
Shrewsbury	179	192
*Pucklechurch	56	58
Wandsworth	1,268	1,299
Hull	305	307
Blundeston	304	303
Gartree	374	371
The Verne	320	312
Albany	360	354
Long Lartin	328	315
Swansea	252	241
Aylesbury	292	277
*Brockhill	176	164
Wakefield	876	796
Coldingley	296	258
Reading	105	86
Dartmoor	697	552
Lewes	318	247
Swinfen Hall	182	141
Parkhurst	687	419
Grendon	291	175
Kingston (Portsmouth	93	56
* Remand Centres.

Female Prisons and Remand Centres	Accommodation	Population
*Pucklechurch	37	51
Holloway	295	298
*Risley	91	91
*Low Newton	23	20
* Remand Centres.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what general consultation he is proposing to hold with the Prison Officers Association following the recent disturbances by prisoners in certain prisons.

The hon. Member no doubt has in mind recent demonstrations by groups of prisoners at certain prisons in England and Wales. My right hon. Friend would be ready to consider any representations the Prison Officers Association may wish to make arising out of these incidents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Prison Officers Association regarding the safety of prison officers and their families.

No formal discussions. But this is a matter my right hon. Friend has very much in mind; and, as the hon. Member will be aware, precautions at one particular prison were recently revised in consultation with the local staff.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name the prisons at which sit-downs by prisoners have recently taken place.

During the past four weeks sit-down demonstrations by prisoners have taken place at the following prisons: Brixton, Wormwood Scrubs, Manchester, Gartree, Shepton Mallet, Oxford, Albany, Liverpool, Leeds, Stafford, Canterbury, Wakefield and Camp Hill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the proposed Speaker's Conference on matters concerned with electoral registration and qualifications of parliamentary candidates will be held.

The usual consultations are taking place about the terms of reference to be proposed for the conference. When these have been put to Mr. Speaker it will be for him to decide when the conference should start work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for bigamy there have been each year since three years before prosecutions were left to the discretion of chief constables; and if he will indicate when the decision about prosecutions was made.

In England and Wales, the chief constable's discretion has been unfettered since at least 1861, when the current statutory provision was enacted. The numbers of persons convicted in recent years were:

1967	78
1968	58
1969	52
1970	54
1971	30

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to give the tax relief figures on mortgages for 1971–72.

Provisionally about £340 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his intention to adjust the rates of revenue duties on wines and spirits on the introduction of value added tax, he will take similar action in connection with the revenue duties on matches and lighters.

Clause 59 of the Finance Bill contains powers to reduce the revenue duties on matches and mechanical lighters before value added tax comes into operation: but as paragraph 27(b) of the VAT White Paper made clear, whether any of the revenue duties are altered will depend on the total revenue required from those duties in 1973–74.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Willesden, West will receive a reply to his letter addressed to the Chief Sec- retary to the Treasury dated 24th April requesting information needed for the Committee stage of the Finance Bill.

I wrote to the hon. Member on 31st May.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will compare the net incomes of single persons of 67 years of age when in receipt, respectively, of national insurance pension, of full unemployment benefit, flat rate, when they have other unearned regular income of £5, £10 and £15 per week, respectively, and when this income has remained the same for over 12 months, showing any tax deductions in each calculation;(2) if he will compare the net incomes of men of 67 years of age with wives not earning and with no income of their own and with no other dependants when in receipt, respectively, of national insurance pension, when in receipt of full unemployment benefit, flat rate, and when they have unearned income of £5, £10 and £15 per week, respectively, and when this income has remained the same for more than one year, showing any tax deductions in each calculation.

The figures are:

	Net weekly income
	Single person	Married man
Source of Income	£	£
National Insurance retirement pension	6·00	9·70
Unemployment benefit (flat rate)	6·00	9·70
Investment income of:
(a) £5.00 per week	5·00	5·00
(b) £10·00 per week	10·00	10·00
(c) £15·00 per week	13·90*	15·00
* After tax of £1·10 using 1972–73 rates of tax and allowances. No tax is due in any other case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value per head of the population in each planning region of public investment in new construction, including dwellings, at the latest convenient date.

Figures for public investment in new construction for each of the new standard regions for the years 1966–67 to 1970–71 are given in Table 37 of the Abstract of Regional Statistics (No. 7, 1971). Estimates of the population analysed in the same way for the years 1968 to 1971 appear in Tables 5 and 9 of the same publication.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to send the Sales Department of the Royal Mint from London to South Wales.

No plans have been made to transfer this department to South Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he now has for ending the rent and rates strike; and if he will make a statement.

I fully understand my hon. Friend's concern, and that of those who have regularly paid their rent and rates. We must exercise patience over the problem, which is under active review but is, of course, only one of the many facing us. Meanwhile, as has been pointed out previously, substantial recoveries are being made in the majority of cases from allocations of social benefits.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are his plans for recovering the increasing sum of arrears of rent and rates from persons who are currently withholding such payments, and who are not in receipt of any form of State benefit; and if he will give an assurance that he will not grant an amnesty to these persons.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to his Question on 18th May and in respect of amnesty to the answer given to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher), on 4th May.—[Vol. 837, c. 196, and Vol. 836, c. 563.]

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many armed robberies of banks there have been since 24th March, 1972; and what was the total amount stolen.

Nineteen, involving £34,104.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been granted an amnesty in relation to contempt of court.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in apprehending the murderers of Ranger William Best of the Royal Irish Rangers whose body was discovered in Londonderry on Sunday, 21st May, 1972.

Police inquiries are continuing but no arrests have yet been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has about cattle rustlers in South Armagh having been shot by the Irish Republican Army.

There have been a number of cases of calves being stolen in the South Armagh area recently. Four civilians have been wounded in shooting incidents in the same area in the last two weeks but there is no firm evidence of connection between these events.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the disturbances at Mellish borstal on 15th May.

On the evening of Sunday, 14th May, 35 trainees barricaded themselves in two dormitories, climbed on the roof of the building and threw missiles at the staff. The governor and his staff eventually succeeded in restoring order without the use of force but not before the trainees had done a considerable amount of damage. The cost of making good the damage has not yet been assessed. One trainee absconded from the institution during the clearing-up operation after the end of the disturbance but has since been recaptured. One trainee cut his arm accidently while on the roof; no other injuries requiring treatment were sustained by either the trainees or the staff. The majority of the trainees who took part in the disturbance were transferred to another establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prison officers from Great Britain are currently serving in Northern Ireland as a temporary measure.

The total number of members of the prison service from Great Britain who are currently serving periods of temporary detached duty in Northern Ireland is 151.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the incidence of spina bifid a in Scotland by area and in total; and if he will show in which areas the incidence of this condition is highest.

Figures of incidence are not available. Figures of hospital discharges can be provided, however, and I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as these are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent he has examined the problem of aphasic children in Wales in relation to educational facilities; and if he will state what special provisions are made now, or would be made in the future, for residential schools for such children.

I am looking into the problem of aphasic children as part of my wider examination of children who suffer from communication difficulties. Two residential schools for such children are being provided to serve North and South Wales, respectively, and I am considering the possibility of a further unit to serve West Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to announce the names of persons appointed to serve on rent scrutiny boards in Wales

After the Housing Finance Bill has become law.