asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence has been discovered of the presence of Amasperfillus Fumigatus in the Tinsley Viaduct, Sheffield; and if he will make a statement on the significance of this discovery.

The significance of the discovery of a number of types of fungus including Aspergillus (not Amasperfillus) Fumigatus inside the box girders during aroutine inspection of Tinsley Viaduct, I fully explained during the Adjournment debate on 12th May, 1972.—[Vol. 836, c. 1814–15.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will place a time limit after which proposals for alternative routes will not be accepted prior to a public inquiry on the route of a proposed trunk road.

Alternative routes are now required to be notified at least 14 days prior to inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what inquiries he has made, and of what housing authorities, and what guidance he received, in arriving at what he estimates to be provisional fair rent for tenants of municipally-owned houses, following the implementation of the Housing Finance Act.

Under the Housing Finance Bill the provisional assessment of fair rent is the responsibility of each housing authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decision he has reached regarding the requests of certain housing authorities to vary the amount of fair rent to be paid by their tenants in the light of their estimated costs of rebates to those tenants entitled to them.

No such requests have been received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest assessment of the effect of development at Maplin on industrial development on the Medway estuary coast.

Developments at Maplin are not likely of themselves to have any significant effect on industrial development on the Medway coast.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to announce a decision on the exact siting of the runway at Maplin airport; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is considering the various representations made and hopes to announce a decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of air pollution in the United Kingdom is attributable to the internal-combustion engine, and to aircraft, respectively; and if he is satisfied that sufficient pressure is being put upon motor manufacturers to take steps to reduce environmental pollution, particularly that caused by fumes from diesel vehicles.

The answer to the first part of the Question is the same as that given to my hon. Friend on 9th February. Regulations were laid before the House on 6th June to control diesel smoke emissions. Consultations will be starting shortly with interested organisations including motor manufacturers on proposals to control emissions from petrol-engined vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the progress being made on the road construction programme; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The programme for completing a primary network of about 3,500 miles of high-quality strategic trunk routes by the early 1980s, announced by my right hon. Friend a year ago, is well on target. Expenditure this financial year will be 14 per cent. greater than last year at constant prices.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that the value at constant prices of work in progress on road construction in Great Britain was lower in the last quarter of 1971 than in any quarter since 1967; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

The Government's intentions for public expenditure on road construction, set out in the White Paper "Public Expenditure to 1975–76", indicate expenditure rising to a level higher than any year in the preceding decade and on new and improved major roads in England in 1972–73 is expected to be 14 per cent. higher at constant prices than in 1971–72. In pursuance of that a total of £4,500 million worth of schemes are in preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the estimated cost of the trunk road schemes in the preparation pool at 31st March, 1972.

Some £1,615 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to ensure that any new mining activities within national parks must receive the approval of Parliament.

No. All development in national parks, including mineral working, is subject to planning control. I see no reason to alter that position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to extend the rent allowance scheme to tenants of furnished accom- modation; and if he will make a statement.

As I explained to the House on 24th April, the Government wish to extend the rent allowance scheme to furnished tenancies. I am in consultation with the local authority associations with the object of devising a workable scheme.

asked the Secretary of Stale for the Environment how many starts in local authority housing in the greater London area have taken place in 1971 and up to the present time in 1972; and if he will make a statement.

The number of starts by local authorities in greater London was 21,678 in 1971 and 5,931 in the first quarter of 1972. I am very hopeful that the total number of starts in 1972 will show a substantial increase over 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the increasing use of rural roads in Kent by heavy container lorries, car transporters and other vehicles in connection with the use of originally agricultural premises for general commercial purposes; and what action he proposes to take.

My right hon. Friend has received a petition over one particular case but local authorities already have adequate powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1967, to restrict classes of vehicles from using their roads.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the progress of the planning of the Beverley south-west bypass and the new Hull—Beverley trunk road.

Recent investigations have shown a need for dual carriageways on this route and alternative lines are now being studied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sites, with their respective acreage and densities, which have been released for housing inner Londoners, by each of the outer London boroughs, as a result of approaches from his Department since 18th June, 1970.

It is not practicable to define the assistance given by outer London in the solution of inner London's housing problems by reference to particular sites. London's problems have to be considered and dealt with as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the rating revaluation next year will affect the rateable value ceiling of £200 for Rent Act protection.

As my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Development pointed out in an answer on 29th March, 1972, the 1973 revaluation will not remove from any tenant the protection he enjoys under the Rent Act. The relevant rateable value for the Rent Act is that shown in the valuation list on 23rdMarch, 1965, or the first entry if it is after that date. A clarifying Amendment to the Housing Finance Bill in another place will remove any remaining doubts on this point.—[Vol. 834, c. 81.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many solid and other pollutants are emitted daily from electricity generating stations in the United Kingdom; what Government action is being taken to reduce this; and when the process of reduction will be completed.

Figures for daily emissions are not available, but annual emissions for all electricity generating stations throughout England and Wales are estimated at about 2½ million tons of sulphur dioxide and 200,000 tons of particulate matter. These figures are too high; they nevertheless reveal a marked improvement during recent years, bearing in mind the increase in fuel consumption. Further reductions will be achieved as new stations replace older ones but this is a continuing process and there is no completion date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when, and if he will make a statement about his policy on the proposals the London Action Group have submitted to him regarding solving the special housing problems of inner London.

The Action Group on London Housing will shortly be submitting its first report to my right hon. Friend. This will include a report on its survey of land availability and a statement will be made on this as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will expedite the negotiations which have been taking place since 1969 with his Department in regard to the salaries of clerks and deputy clerks of local valuation panels, with a view to achieving an early and satisfactory settlement.

I would refer my right hon. and learned Friend to the replies I gave on Thursday, 25th May, to the Questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles) and the hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Raphael Tuck), and on Thursday, 8th June, to my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor(Dr. Glyn).—[Vol. 837, c. 471–2; Vol. 838, c. 142.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how he proposes to monitor the efficacy of the Code of Loading Practice for heavy goods vehicles.

Precise monitoring of the code's effects will not be feasible but accident records will be watched.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his policy to call in, with a view to public inquiry, proposals to grant planning permission which will involve the loss of the use of Shepperton Studios for film purposes.

This depends on the planning implications of the proposals and the objections if any raised to the planning application which has not yet been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to exercise his powers available under the Road Traffic (Foreign Vehicles) Act, 1972, to prevent vehicles over 32 tons in weight from entering the United Kingdom.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what action he will take to implement the recommendations in the report sent to him by the North-East Islington Community Project concerning the need for more extensive use of compulsory purchase powers by local authorities and for more rapid confirmation of such orders by his Department;(2) if he will now issue a further circular, on the lines of Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular 51/64, to local authorities re-emphasising the desirability of compulsory purchase where exploitation of houses in multiple occupation is causing a threat of homelessness; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has held two conferences with the inner London boroughs to discuss action in areas of housing stress. Our officials are considering what more we should do. The problems considered by the Islington report, including those resulting from multi-occupation, are being tackled. Local authorities have a number of powers for dealing with difficulties in tenanted property and I consider that a flexible use of those varied powers will achieve the best results.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to end the exemption of Crown property from bye-law and planning controls.

New arrangements on planning were brought in by circular 80/71 last October. I am considering the question of Crown exemption in relation to building regulations—other than in inner London—for which my right hon. Friend is responsible. The constructional byelaws which apply in inner London are the responsibility of the Greater London Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses were sold by local authorities in England and Wales during 1971.

Local authorities in England and Wales reported selling 16,900 council houses during 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in supplementation of his forthcoming circular on the subject, he will introduce legislation to make sure that every local authority offers a substantial number of its houses for sale to sitting tenants at reasonable discounts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet issued his circular to local authorities on the sale of council houses.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement I made yesterday after Question Time—[Vol. 838, c. 1263–70.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a general direction to British Railways to publish the cost of its Press campaign during the railway pay dispute.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what purposes his Department are issuing forms for persons to complete who are purchasing new cars; why the list of questions contain requests for the person's sex, age, occupation and whether the vehicle is being bought by cash or credit; what are the costs involved in issuing these circulars; and under what statutory authority these circulars are being issued.

It was thought that the new form would be helpful to Government, industry and customer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the names of the organisations which have now made representations opposing his plans to abolish the British Waterways Board.

No. Organisations are of course free to publish their own comments, but it would not be appropriate for me to give the names of those which have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will name the various sports which have received grants from the Sports Council since its inception; and if he will state the total amount each has received.

No. For information about matters within the discretion of the Sports Council it is better for the council to be approached direct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now encourage the building of additional service and restaurant areas on the M1 and M6 motorways.

Service area requirements on these and all other motorways are under constant review. On the M1 a new service area is programmed to open early in 1974 at Rothersthorpe. On the M6 facilities at Tebay West are programmed to open later this month and at South-waite nextmonth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what instructions he has given to contractors carrying out repairs to the surface of motorways so far as the closure of two lanes of a three-lane motorway are concerned.

None, except to the extent that instructions are contained in contract documents prepared by agent authorities and have regard to local conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will put in hand studies of the best ways of guiding vehicles on motorways into two-lane and single lane flows to ensure the minimum delay to traffic when repairs to the carriageway are in progress.

The Transport and Road Research Laboratory has such studies in hand. Interim results will be available within the next few weeks. The full results will be published at a future date when evaluation is complete. I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give guidance to highway authorities on the best ways of controlling traffic so as to minimise delays when road repairs are in progress.

Guidance is already contained in the Traffic Safety Code for Roadworks and in recently issued pamphlets based on chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual which will be published shortly. Additionally, interim advice based on new departmental work will be available within the next few weeks. I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of central crash barriers are now installed; and if he will give a date for completion of them for the whole motorway system.

At the end of January, 1972, approximately 300 miles of central reserve safety barrier had been erected. I am in the course of collecting from the responsible authorities information to bring this figure up to date. The current programme of work is due for completion in 1974 when over 1,000 miles of motorway will be so equipped.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he is conducting into the social and psychological effects of living in high-rise flats; and when he expects to be able to give advice to local authorities on the desirability or otherwise of continuing to build this type of housing.

My Department has for a number of years been carrying out and publishing user studies of all forms of housing. I am sending my hon. Friend some recent publications on the subject he has raised.I have always advised that families with children are better housed on the ground, but our studies also show that many adult households like living in high-rise flats. At high densities our evidence shows that the elderly are happier living off the ground, certainly up to about the sixth floor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision he is making in the design and execution of the M40 motorway at Denham for the permanent screening of additional noise from the village of Denham.

None. Traffic on the motorway is not likely to cause any appreciable increase in the noise level in Denham; as a result of the motorway there will be a considerable reduction of traffic and therefore of noise on the A40 through Denham.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the proposal to dump industrial toxic waste materials underground at Silks worth Colliery; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has received a total of 10 letters and there have also been references to the proposal in this House. Replies to these representations have stated that officials of the Department are willing to give advice if so requested by the parties involved, but that this must be without prejudice to the decision on any application under the Water Resources Act, 1963, or the Town and Country Planning Acts which may come formally before me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many disused mineshafts are currently being used for the disposal of industrial toxic waste materials; where they are sited; and if he is satisfied that public health and safety are fully safeguarded in all cases.

No such comprehensive information is available but in circular 37/22 I announced the arrangements for a national review of waste disposal facilities and explained that information about tipping sites within the ownership of the National Coal Board would be obtained directly by the Department. Discussions with it over detailed arrangements for this are in hand and these discussions will of course cover the use of disused mines for industrial waste disposal.A proposal to use mineshafts for waste disposal would require planning permission. This is a matter for the local planning authority which would undoubtedly have regard to public health and safety factors in coming to a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the National Coal Board on the use of disused coal mines for disposal of industrial toxic waste materials; and what has been the outcome.

Consultations are at an early stage. Both the National Coal Board and the Department of the Environment are concerned that disused mines shall be used for the disposal of toxic waste materials only when this can be done with safety; and that all proposals shall be assessed in the light of expert technical advice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if it is his intention to act upon the advice tendered to him by the Institution of Chemical Engineers to prohibit the depositing of industrial toxic waste materials in old underground workings;(2) what is his policy in respect of present and future applications relating to proposals to deposit industrial toxic waste materials in old underground workings.

The provisional code of practice for the disposal of wastes issued by the Institution of Chemical Engineers contained a recommendation that underground disposal should be discouraged. It must be recognised, however, that there are other views which need to be taken into account. The Department's Technical Committee on the Disposal of Solid Toxic Wastes suggested that there could be safe and successful use of disused mineshafts provided they were both deep and dry and that given these conditions and good operation this could well be the most rewarding use after mining has been abandoned. As geological and operational conditions can vary greatly, each proposal must be treated on its merits within the framework of existing legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the measure of progress so far achieved in discussion with industry on the recycling of industrial toxic waste materials.

The recycling of industrial wastes is, of course, primarily a matter for the industries concerned. I hope that the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act, 1972, will stimulate industry to consider all opportunities for the recycling of wastes or for their detoxification before disposal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure prevention of spillage from vehicles when toxic waste is being transported to dumping grounds.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933, certain poisons may not be consigned for transport without adequate packing to avoid spillages, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is considering the possibility of wider controls in the context of the conveyance of dangerous substances by road generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has received for the disturbance of the existing environment of Edlington Wood; what his intentions are for the protection of this area from despoliation; and if he will make a statement.

There are no current proposals before me to disturb Edlington Wood. I have confirmed a tree preservation order for 240 acres and an archaeological survey is being made. Enforcement of a tree preservation order is the job of the local authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the current shortage of bricks for the building industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has with the National Federation of Building Trades Employers regarding the shortage of building materials and components in the industry; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which building materials are in short supply; whether there are regional deficiences of any particular materials; and what action his Department is taking to overcome the shortages.

I have received reports of varying delays in the supply of bricks and I have discussed this problem with representatives of the Brick Development Association and the National Federation of Building Trades Employees together. The brick makers consider that now that the effects of the coal strike have been overcome and with the new plant coming into operation their brick producing capacity should enable them to meet present and likely future demand. The National Federation of Building Trades Employees' informal soundings of its members suggest that the situation is already slightly easier than it was three months ago. Nevertheless I am keeping in close touch with both the brick makers and the builders.

My inquiries suggest that shortages of other materials are not widespread.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to increase the supply of building materials.

My officials and I are in constant touch with producers and merchants over the supply of building materials.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in his discussions with the brick producers when they told him that they were introducing increased capacity which should result in productive capacity adequate to meet the expected demand for bricks, he was informed of the proposals of a brick company, whose name has been sent to him, to introduce a form of rationing for supplies of bricks; and if he will make a statement.

My Department was informed in April that the London Brick Company was introducing a system which endeavours to allocate supplies fairly among its customers while there are some difficulties over meeting demands.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will visit the Banstead Urban District Council in order to discuss the proposed merger with Reigate;(2) who proposed that the Banstead and Reigate areas should be merged under one district; and what are the advantages of doing this.

The proposal to merge the two areas is one of the draft proposals of the Local Government Boundary Commission—designate published as a basis for consultation between the commission and those concerned. It would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend at this stage to comment on the commission's draft proposals or discuss them with local authorities. After considering representations the commission will be formulating final proposals to include in its report, in the light of which my right hon. Friend will be making an order for submission to Parliament for decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what statutory planning powers local authorities, when considering applications for mixed development, may automatically impose a condition that any residential accommodation included in such a scheme should be completed and occupied prior to the occupation of business accommodation; and what is his policy towards the imposition of such conditions.

Where the provision of the housing accommodation in a mixed development is important on planning grounds, a condition of this kind may be appropriate and could be imposed under Section 29 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. But this cannot be done automatically and must be justified by the facts of the case. In principle I would be prepared to uphold a condition of this kind if the evidence on appeal so warranted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what purposes the Liverpool and Leeds Canal is used on the stretches between Aintree and Bootle and Liverpool; how much has been spent on this stretch of canal since vesting day by local authorities and by the British Waterways Board; and if he will make a statement.

This length of the canal is used for recreational and water supply purposes and meets land drainage needs. My Department has no information about expenditure by local authorities in connection with it but in the three years to 1971 the British Waterways Board spent about £24,000 on maintaining and operating it. The future of the length is a matter for the board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on his consultations with the European Economic Community on the maximum axle weight for commercial vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on the progress of negotiations in the European Economic Community towards a maximum gross weight and maximum axle weight for heavy goods vehicles.

Consultations on the EEC proposals specified in my answer to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. David Clark) on 24th May have now been formally requested, but have not yet taken place.—[Vol. 837, c. 390.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the procedures for obtaining planning consent and safeguarding amenity are varied when a Government Department rather than a private person is to do the developing.

Very little. The arrangements in circular 80/71 for consulting the local planning authorities and dealing with objections follow the statutory procedures very closely.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to stop the practice of charging premiums upon unfurnished rented accommodation.

The Rent Act already prohibits or, in the few cases where a premium was originally legally charged, severely restricts the charging of premiums for protected tenancies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to test out the new factory methods of disposal of sew age, information on which has been passed to his Department.

I am considering a tender for the construction of a plant of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has arranged to consider the appropriate controls over uses of pesticides outside agriculture and food storage; and if he will make a statement.

A scientist is to be seconded to my Department specifically to undertake a survey of the nature and extent of non-agricultural uses of pesticides and the possible need for appropriate controls.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will order an inquiry into the proposed building of the 186 ft. high office block to be constructed overlooking St. James's Park.

The then Ministry of Housing and Local Government was informed of the proposed development before Westminster City Council granted planning permission in April, 1969. It was not then considered appropriate to call in the application for the Minister's decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many mooring buoys are maintained in United Kingdom waters for war emergency and other use; how much use is made of these moorings as a percentage of time; and what is the annual cost of provision, replacement and maintenance.

136 moorings, of which 20 are permanently occupied, but for the rest no useful assessment of commercial use on a time basis can be made. Costs in 1971–72 amounted to £186.600

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the work of the Alkali Inspectorate; and if he will take steps to ensure the publication of its findings.

The answer to the first part is "Yes". With regard to the second part, as my right hon. Friend said in answer to the hon. Member for Salford, West (Mr. Orme) on 25th May, he is holding discussions with industry with a view to releasing more information to the public—[Vol. 837, c. 476.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the increase of traffic on the M1 between London and the M45 and M6 turn-offs as compared with the opening of the route.

Between 1960—the first full year after opening for which information is available—and 1971 the traffic flow on the M1 section south of Luton increased by 170 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent Great Britain will be affected by Part 13 Transport of Regulation No. 72/135/EEC of 7th March, 1972.

Very little.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the trade unions, the Confederation of British Industry, local authority organisations and other interested parties on the draft European Economic Community Council resolution on pollution (Com. (72) 333), dated 22nd March, 1972.

I am aware of the views on environmental policy of the bodies to which the hon. Member refers. I see no need at the moment to seek consultations specifically on the proposals in Com. (72) 333.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how the European Economic Community programme to reduce pollution and nuisances (Com. (72) 333) can be obtained by the public in an English translation; and if he will make a statement.

This document produced by the Commission of the European Communities is still at the draft stage and intended for further discussion between Governments and other interested parties before publication is considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the research to replace non-biodegradable materials by easily destructible materials.

On the understanding that my hon. Friend is referring to degradable plastics, my information from the Science Research Council is that research at Aston University, supported by the council, is continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to expedite the extension of the London Underground system to Greenwich, Woolwich and Thames mead.

The Government and the local authorities concerned are collaborating in an intensive study of the development potential of the Dockland area of East London. The possibility of improving communications will be part of this study.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give an undertaking that, having decided that the Huntingdon bypass should be on a north-south route, he will not allow an east-west route also to be built.

I am satisfied that the north-south bypass will bring the significant benefits to Huntingdon and God-manchester at the present time. I would not want to anticipate whether any further road improvements will be needed at a later date or what they would be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is aware that part of the M6 adjacent to Stafford has been reduced to single line working in a southerly direction owing to surface repairs, and that these repairs have been taking place over the past four months; and for what further period he anticipates this part of the M6 will be reduced to single line working for these repairs;

Traffic on the M6 in Stafford shire over the past 10 years has necessitated essential resurfacing work by the agent authority, Stafford shire County Council, between junctions 13, 14 and 15.This work began on 15th March and will be completed on 23rd June. Arrangements for minimising traffic delays, having regard to the safety of motorway users, have been made by Staffordshire Council Council and the police in consultation with my Department.Access to the site and the necessity to alter road markings often require the closure of two lanes over considerable distance.I am evaluating the procedures used with a view to applying the experience to further works.I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the increase of traffic on the M6 motorway between the North Midlands and Manchester as compared with the opening of the route.

The route between the North Midlands and Manchester was opened in 1964 and measurements taken on the Cheshire section of M6 show that average traffic flows per day had increased by 90 per cent. between 1964 and 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, as part of his plan to make a record of all land in public ownership that might be released for housing, he will seek information from the North Thames Gas Board.

I approached the board last autumn with a request to review its land holdings in the London area for the purpose of releasing surplus land for-housing. It is currently negotiating with the authorities concerned for the disposal of some 20 acres for housing purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can yet make a further statement on his plans further to improve the compensation rights of individuals affected by public developments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects his review of the compensation code to be completed.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Rye (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine) on 26th January.—[Vol. 829, c. 453.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he hopes to complete his discussions with representatives of industry, on the question of providing for the wider publication of information on pollution, collected by the Alkali Inspectorate and local authorities.

Soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider making a specific allocation of funds for the construction of non-principal roads to supplement his proposals for bypassing of historic towns.

No. Local authorities are free to decide what they spend on non-principal roads within the capital resources allocated to them for locally determined needs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the likely effect of the new link up of the M1 and M6 motorways in relation to the volume of direct London to Manchester or northwest traffic and the need for additional service and refreshment facilities.

Arrangements have been made to study the effect on traffic flows of the completion of the Midland link. This study will show how the volume of traffic between the South East and the North West is changed. However we will not have reliable estimates until new traffic patterns have been established.On the second part of the Question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer to his previous Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he hopes to receive the next report of the working group of the Noise Advisory Council.

Reports by working groups are presented to the council as they are completed. There is no fixed timetable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he proposes to take action to prohibit tipping of colliery shale on Durham beaches; and if he will make a statement;(2) what representations he has received regarding alternative means of disposal of colliery shale; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

I have now received the report of the working party which was set up to examine the financial implications of disposing at sea of the waste at present tipped on the Durham beaches. I am meeting a deputation from the Durham County Council and Easing-ton RDC on 21st June as part of the further consideration of this problem.About 5 million tons of colliery shale is used annually for roadfill and its increased use for that purpose is being encouraged. The use of waste material for land reclamation is always borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the Government Hospitality Fund does not expend money on beef for use at official dinners and banquets.

I am confident that the Government Hospitality Fund will exer- cise its customary care and discretion in the selection of menus for official dinners and banquets, bearing in mind the current prices and availability of supplies on the market.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when it is estimated the Inland Revenue office in Bootle will be completed.

Because of the unofficial strike of electricians on the site I cannot say when the building will be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what dates and with whom he discussed with the trade unions the compulsory fitting of tachographs in 1976 on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Acton (Mr. Spearing) on 21st February. The trade unions know that I am willing to discuss this subject, or any other, with them at any time.—[Vol. 831, c. 222–3.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Road Traffic Acts in such a way that it is an offence to construct vehicles so that the driver cannot give hand signals.

I have considered the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am not persuaded that the measure which he suggests would be helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further representations he has had concerning the desirability of legislation requiring the levying of full rates on empty property; and if he will make a statement.

I have received representations both for and against the introduction of legislation requiring full rates to be paid on empty property. The Government are reviewing the statutory provisions for empty property rating as part of the current review of local government finance. Our conclusions will be announced in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will cause an immediate investigation by his Department into the source of the oil slick in Liverpool Bay, sighted on 6th June, 1972, which threatens the beaches of Mersey-side and the Lancashire coast.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has caused an urgent investigation to be made into the source of the oil, which now appears to have dispersed. He expects to receive the results of the investigation shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will send out a circular to road traffic licensing authorities drawing their attention to the concessions contained in the Finance Act, 1971, to disabled drivers and their exemption from vehicle taxation if the vehicle is driven by another person primarily for the needs of the disabled person.

The local taxation offices have been kept fully informed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the progress being made with regard to tree planting schemes and landscaping adjacent to the M62, both where it is in use and for parts which are under construction; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that landscaping on the M62 is progressing satisfactorily with the design and construction of the motorway. As part of my Department's achievement of currently planting over a million trees and shrubs each year on motorways and trunk roads, I am satisfied too that the planting is being carried out on the M62 at the proper time, mainly during the planting season following the completion of the engineering works.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce a starting date for the commencement of construction of the Scorrier—Camborne bypass A30; and what is now the estimated cost of this improvement.

About the end of the year at an estimated cost of more than £5 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many compulsory purchase orders were sought by Islington Borough Council in cases where it was considered that exploitation was causing a threat of homelessness, as described in Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular 51/64, in each of the years from 1964 to 1972; and how many orders in each of those years were confirmed.

None, so far as can be ascertained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many compulsory purchase orders were sought by the local authorities in the inner London area in cases where it was considered that exploitation was causing a threat of homelessness, as described in Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular 51/64, in each of the years from 1954 to 1972; and how many orders in each of those years were confirmed.

Comprehensive information is not readily available, but in recent years only one compulsory purchase order can be traced which clearly fits the description in the circular. This was made by the London Borough of Hammersmith in 1966 but was not confirmed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends that Great Britain should be represented on the proposed European Agency for the Rhine Basin.

I am aware that the Commission of the European Communities has said that it may propose the creation of such an agency. The Government will consider their attitude in relation to any definite proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has decided which local authority sites will be designated under the Caravan Sites Act, 1968; and when he expects to make an announcement.

My right hon. Friend will lay before the House in due course any orders designating local authority areas that he considers justified in accordance with Section 12 of the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many hotel and boarding house proprietors in Glasgow have failed to apply for fire certificates as required by the new Fire Precautions Act; and what steps he proposes taking on this matter in the interests of public safety;(2) what steps he intends taking to compel hotel and boarding house proprietors to apply the provisions of the Fire Precautions Act in the interests of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The information sought in the first half of the first Question is not available. We have recently arranged for additional publicity. The number of applications lodged with the fire authorities, particularly in the last few days, indicates that this publicity is having an effect. I would urge all proprietors who have not already done so to make application without delay and I hope that their co-operation will avoid the need for further measures.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many special chairs have been supplied to the very severely disabled in Scotland; and what is the cost of each chair.

13,033 wheelchairs of various types were on issue in Scotland on 31st December, 1971. It is not possible to say how many of them have special features or modifications to suit individual needs or how many of the users could be regarded as very severely disabled.It is not the practice to disclose prices negotiated under Government contract.Details of numbers of the various categories of chair on issue as at 31st December, 1971, are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Barratt folding wheelchairs have been supplied to the disabled in Scotland; and what is the cost of each one.

39; it is not the practice to disclose prices negotiated under Government contract.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those local authorities which have not yet completed housing surveys in their area under Section 1(2) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1969.

The statutory requirement is that every local authority shall from time to time cause to be made such a survey or inspection as may be necessary in order to enable it to perform its duty in relation to houses which do not meet the tolerable standard, or in order to ascertain the availability of alternative housing accommodation. Councils are not therefore required by Statute to make surveys in all circumstances or by a specified date. The authorities which have not yet formally reported the results of surveys to me are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether copies of the report of the Local Government Finance Advisory Panel will be made available to hon. Members.

When my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office, met representatives of the Scottish local authority associations last October to discuss the Green Paper "The Future Shape of Local Government Finance"(Cmnd. 4741) it was agreed that the associations would nominate officials to act in a personal capacity, together with officials of the Scottish departments, as members of a panel to assist the departments in drawing up advice to the Secretary of State on the financial aspects of the proposed Bill dealing with local government reorganisation. The panel has recently submitted a report giving advice on a number of issues, many of a technical nature. Copies have been sent to the association, which have been invited to give their comments before any decisions are taken. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any proposals for a change in the Scottish system of collecting aliment under civil decree; and if he will make a statement.

I have no proposals at present to change the Scottish system of collecting aliment under civil decree. This system is only one aspect—although a very important one—of the Scottish Law Commission's current examination of the law of diligence in Scotland. This is a wide-ranging inquiry and it is still too early to say when the commission's report may be expected.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will institute an inquiry into the situation where residents in Willesden, West are being asked to alter the flues attached to water heaters consequent upon dangers which may arise from the conversion to natural gas combustion.

No. I understand that the dangers to which the hon. Member refers do not arise from conversion to natural gas. This problem existed already and has merely been brought to light during the pre-conversion survey.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what percentage the exports of the United States of America, to Rhodesia have grown in each of the years 1965 to 1972 inclusive.

I have been asked to reply.The following figures were published in the Fourth Report of the Committee established in pursuance of Security Council Resolution 253; they provide details up to 1970. Percentage changes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was, for each year since 1969, the total amount of financial assistance provided for the tourist industry; and if he will itemise the principal forms of Government aid to the industry.

The tourist industry received direct financial assistance amounting to approximately £1 million in 1969–70 and £3·5 million in 1970–71. Comparable figures for 1971–72 are not yet available.The principal forms of direct Government aid to the industry are:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the principle that when investment grants have been claimed on plant and machinery at the development area rate and these assets are moved outside a development area within a period of three years, the Department seeks a repayment of the difference between the higher development area rate and the national rate, if he will state the number of firms who have been called upon to make a repayment in the last three years and the amount involved.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he proposes to take to reduce the level of unemployment in the Skelmersdale New Town.

Skelmersdale will benefit from the general stimulation to the economy already provided by the Government and the proposals now before the House in the Industry Bill designed to provide powerful inducements to encourage industrial development in assisted areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what public funds are made available for research into the perfecting of electric cars and other vehicles.

Since 1967 the Department of Trade and Industry and related agencies have spent about £160,000 on research and development on electric vehicles, including advanced batteries. Further expenditure on new projects in collaboration with industry may be authorised in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs were provided by the issuing of 58 industrial development certificates in the West Riding of Yorkshire in the three months ended 31st March, 1972.