asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry approximately how many families had the supply of electricity cut off because of arrears of payments nationally in the last 12 months and in the last three months to a convenient date; if he is aware of the danger of fires where candles are used for lighting; and if he will give a general direction to the Central Electricity Generating Board to put forward proposals to prevent families being put into serious difficulties because of lack of electricity.

I am asking the Chairman of the Electricity Council to write to the hon. Member about the first part of the Question.The answer to the second part is "Yes".The answer to the third part is "No" Domestic supplies are given by area electricity boards which already have good liaison arrangements with the statutory welfare authorities for dealing with hardship cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made to obtain orders for the Concorde supersonic aircraft.

It is the responsibility of the manufacturers to negotiate orders. But since BOAC announced its decision to order five aircraft on 25th May Iran Air has declared its intention to order three and discussions are in progress with a number of other airlines to which Concorde is being demonstrated on its present tour. Negotiations with Air France are well advanced and an order is expected soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made for a viable Concorde sales programme following the Far Eastern tour.

The manufacturers' sales policy aims to secure the earliest orders in the light of commitments to option-holders, and the developing interest among other airlines including those to which Concorde is being demonstrated on the present tour. We and the French Government are in close touch with the manufacturers and will give them our fullest support.I am impressed by the results so far of the Concorde visit to the Far East and Australia. This is part of the sales programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next proposes to make a statement about investment in the steel industry.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 19th June.—[Vol. 839. c. 9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will order a departmental inquiry into the practice known as asset stripping.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will initiate a study of the incidence of asset stripping by which financiers acquire commercial and industrial undertakings with a view to closing them down for their site value, with a view to seeking powers to enable him to protect the interests of manufacturing in such circumstances.

No I think it right that, broadly speaking, resources should be employed in a rational and economic manner, as the market dictates. I am not aware that rationalisation is currently being carried out in an irresponsible manner.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, from information available from inter national sources, are the comparative figures for steel output per man employed in the United Kingdom compared with the United States, Japan and France, and how these figures have altered compared with 10 years ago; and what are the similar figures in relation to capital employed in the steel industries in these countries.

There are no generally accepted international sources for the information requested, but a past study indicated that in 1965, with account taken of the different pattern of products produced, output per man was in the United States about twice as great as in the United Kingdom; in France about the same as in the United Kingdom; and in Japan about one and a half times greater. It is estimated that in 1971 the output per man was in the United States still about twice that in the United Kingdom; in France marginally higher than in the United Kingdom; and in Japan about three times higher than in the United Kingdom.I must warn my hon. Friend that this is a very difficult field statistically because the patterns of production and scope of employment statistics vary in each country.Similar comparisons for capital employed are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of increased productivity in Northumberland and other British coalfields, he will now terminate the arrangements made for coal imports into the United Kingdom.

No. Imports have dropped significantly since the immediate post-strike period. Recent improvements in productivity are certainly encouraging and should strengthen the competitiveness of British coal.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now in a position to make a statement following the inquiry into the crash last year of the Paper Cub aircraft G-AYPN.

No. The inspector's report has not yet been submitted to me. However, I understand that the stage has been reached where, in accordance with the accident investigation regulations, certain interested parties have been given the opportunity to make representations about appropriate sections of the draft report.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received the report from the British Airways Board outlining proposals for a rationalisation of British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has had from the Institute of Weights and Measures Administration about the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, as it affects package holidays; and what action his Department is taking as a result.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 23rd May.—[Vol. 837, c. 343.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, as it affects package holidays; and if he will make a statement.

A number of successful prosecutions have shown that the Act can and does work in relation to statements about package holidays. As he has already made clear, my right hon. Friend will be ready to consider what improvements might be made in the Act when the time comes to review it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now make a statement on his recent negotiations with the Federation of Small Mines.

I am still waiting for the federation to provide information which is essential for the proper consideration of its claim for assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent British investment in Japan is being restricted by Japanese Government measures; and if he will make a statement.

It is difficult to estimate to what extent Japanese restrictions have inhibited British companies from establishing operations in Japan. In my recent discussions with Japanese Ministers I stressed the relatively low level of investment by each country in the other as compared with the levels existing between most industrialised countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made on the consultations in connection with, and the preparation of, legislation on monopolies and restrictive practices for next Session.

I have nothing to add at present to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie) on 25th March, when I said that I hope to introduce legislation next Session.—[Vol. 833, c. 55.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement about the exports of the British car industry and their contribution to the current account of the balance of payments.

In the period January to April this year exports of motor vehicles, engines and parts were valued at £287 million; this represented 9 per cent. of total exports of goods.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present financial commitment of Her Majesty's Government to Britten Norman; and if he make a statement.

I expect to receive shortly repayment of our debenture of £260,000. Her Majesty's Government are also an unsecured creditor for commercial exploitation levies of more than £100,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that during the first four months of 1972 the number of foreign cars registered in Great Britain increased by 104 per cent. to 9,200 compared with the same period last year and that for the whole period 1971 the figures were 22,500, or more than 215 per cent. over 1970; to what extent these cars carried import tariffs from the countries of the Six; and to what extent on Great Britain's entry into the Common Market these import tariffs will have to be reduced or abolished.

The number of foreign cars registered in 1971 and in the first for months of 1972 were 248,000 and 123,000, respectively. These showed increases of 61 per cent. and 63 per cent., respectively, over the corresponding periods one year earlier. All were liable to import duty. Duties between the acceding and the original member states will be progressively abolished in accordance with Article 32 of the Act of Accession.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the European Commission and member Governments of the European Community regarding the operation of official restraints on the pricing policy of the British Steel Corporation.

As explained in paragraph 157 of the White Paper on the United Kingdom and the European Communities—Cmnd. 4715—it was accepted in the course of the negotiations that my right hon. Friend's powers to give a direction on prices arising out of a recommendation of the Iron and Steel Consumers' Council would need to be repealed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the pricing policy of the British Steel Corporation to be brought into line with that of the European Economic Communities for similar products.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Cockeram) on 4th May.I now understand the corporation intends to put the basing point system into effect on 1st January, 1973.—[Vol. 836, c,

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now set up an independent inquiry into the future of the ship-repair industry in Great Britain.

No. I am not convinced that an inquiry into the industry is necessary at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that oil from the North Sea is used to replace imported fuel, and not indigenous coal.

North Sea oil will meet an increasing part of our total primary energy needs, which themselves are growing. It will compete with other fuels on grounds of price, security of supply and suitability.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, as concerted international action and discussions have not succeeded in preventing or limiting the hijacking of aircraft, whether he will now take steps to refuse facilities at British airports to the air craft of any country which has given refuge and comfort to hijackers of air craft, as suggested to him by the hon. Member for Shrewsbury in November, 1970.

Refusal of facilities by the United Kingdom alone would not be effective and could bring harmful reactions. Only concerted international action might be effective, and Her Majesty's Government have supported consideration of an international agreement to provide a framework. The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation last week decided to pursue consideration of a convention for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrial development certificates were issued in Sunderland during the latest 12-month period; and what were the numbers for each of the two previous similar periods.

Five in the year to 31st May, 1972, and ten and twelve, respectively, in the two previous similar periods. The figures are not comparable since the exemption limit was raised from 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. in December, 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications for industrial development certificates have been received for projects in Wales and Rhondda, separately; and how many have been granted, refused or withdrawn in each of the past five years.

No industrial development certificate application for Wales has been refused or withdrawn in the past five years. Figures of approvals are as follows:

Year			Wales	Rhondda*
1967	…	…	223	6
1968	…	…	277	4
1969	…	…	315	6
1970	…	…	280	6
1971	…	…	85	4
* The figures relate to the employment exchange areas of Tonypandy, Ferndale and Treorchy. The exemption limit for IDCs was raised from 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. in December, 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the increase in the volume of retail sales between the first quarter of 1971 and the first quarter of 1972.

There was an increase of about 3½ per cent., after allowing for the reduced level of mail order business in the first quarter of 1971 due to the postal strike.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many firms which have transferred part or all of their production or business to European Economic Community countries from the United Kingdom have taken the machinery, for which grants have been paid to them by the British Government; and if he will make a statement;(2) how many firms have transferred part, or all of their production or business to European Economic Community countries from development areas and non-development areas in the United Kingdom, respectively; how many of them which have transferred the whole, or part of, their businesses from development areas within the United Kingdom have returned the building grants, investment grants, and training grants, to the respective departments responsible for their grants; and what this amounts to in cash terms.

The information is not available. Recovery of investment grant wholly or in part is made if a grant-aided asset is disposed of abroad before completion of three years of use. Similarly building grant becomes repayable if within a five-year period the grantee ceases to carry on the undertaking in the grant-aided building or changes the nature of the undertaking. Training grants are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce a decision on the reference of cross-Channel ferry services to the Monopolies Commission.

I hope to announce a decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he proposes to publish the report of the Monopolies Commission on gas and electricity charges; and whether he will make a statement on his policy on that report.

I expect to publish the report and to make a statement on it shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

(1) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT each occasion over the last five years on which there has been a wage settlement in the coal industry, the percentage increase and the average wage paid resulting from this, and the date on which there has been an adjustment in the price of coal to meet this wage increase, giving the percentage charge and the average price of pit head coal resulting from this;

(2) what is now the average pit head price of the main grades of coal, and the consequent cost to the consumer; and on which dates this price has changed over the past 18 months, indicating by how much and from what figure relating this where appropriate to major wage settlements.

Many factors enter into the extent and timing of price increases, of which wage increases, although important, are only one. However, I am asking the Chairman of the National Coal Board to write to my hon. Friend giving details of wage settlements and price increases in the coal industry over the relevant periods.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many new jobs have been created in the Yorkshire coalfield since 18th June, 1970; and how many of such jobs were for men.

I regret that a figure of jobs created is not available from industrial development certificates approved since 1st July, 1970, over 6,800 jobs, 4,000 of which were for men, were estimated by the applicants to arise when the projects were complete and fully manned. This does not take account of jobs created in the service sector.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Her Majesty's Government will publish the restrictions placed on the Japanese home market which help exclude foreign competitors.

The Japanese tariff is available for inspection in the Export Intelligence library at Export House. A full list of the remaining items subject to import quota in Japan was published in Trade and Industry on 8th June, 1972. I am proposing to publish an up-to-date statement of Japanese regulations in repect of inward investment in an early edition of Trade and Industry bringing up to date the information contained in the issue of 4th November, 1971. Non-tariff barriers operated by Japan and notified by the United Kingdom to the GATT include regulations concerning the import of liquid gold and jewellery; discriminatory domestic tax on whisky; restrictions on credit for importers; state trading in tobacco; control of activities on foreign companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further measures he is now taking to control Japanese imports of ball and roller bearings at dumping prices in view of the announcement of 1,500 redundancies in the Ransome Hoffmann Pollard Group.

In my recent discussions with Japanese Ministers I brought forcefully to their attention the effect on the British ball and roller bearing industry of increasing imports from Japan. Further discussions have since taken place between the British and Japanese industries. The position will be considered further in the light of those discussions and a general review covering a wider range of products will be made in September.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state the date upon which the Joint Steering Group, which was set up to consider the British Steel Corporation, last met; and if he will give an undertaking that it will not be brought into existence again to consider the British Steel Corporation's strategic plan due to be announced later this year.

The final report of the steering group was submitted during February. The group has not met since then and, as my hon. Friend said on 23rd May, has been stood down absolutely and completely.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the discussion between the United Kingdom and European shipbuilding industry and the Japanese industry regarding the future supply position of very large crude oil carriers.

No. I am aware that there have been discussions between some sections of the European and Japanese shipbuilding industry but it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he can now announce the Government's decision on the proposals put to him by Lockheed Aviation and Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited for an up-rated RB211 engine.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, in view of increased productivity in the coal industry, is Her Majesty's Government's policy in regard to the continuance and extension of coal-fired power stations throughout Great Britain.

Proposals relating to the fuelling of power stations are a matter for the generating boards. I expect coal to continue to meet a major part of the nation's energy requirements, and I welcome improved productivity in the coal industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of financial assistance given to private industry in the form of loans, grants and other aids, in each of the last 10 years; and what is the estimated comparable figure for each year up to 1975, inclusive.

Information for the financial years 1962–63 to 1972–73 is given below. Estimates for future years are contained in the annual White Papers on public expenditure. Up-to-date figures will be included in the next paper in this series, which will be published in the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, having regard to the deliberations by the Electricity Council into electricity billing since the recent suicide which arose from a deliberately inflated bill submitted to Mrs. Ann Hemmingway by the East Midlands Electricity Board, what steps have now been reported to him by the Electricity Council, in accordance with his earlier request to avoid the recurrence of such a calamity.

I do not accept the implication in the Question that this unfortunate incident was the direct result of action by the East Midlands Electricity Board.As my hon. Friend knows, I have an assurance from the Electricity Council that the practice of exaggerated and deliberate inflation of accounts is not being and will not be followed by any board.The Electricity Council's review covers billing and collection procedures generally and I have received a progress report. Details of measures being or to be adopted vary from board to board according to local circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give, for the latest and most convenient stated date, the number of registered public and private companies there were falling within the control of the Companies Acts; how many of these were in arrears with the annual returns of their companies in accordance with the Companies Acts; and how these figures compare with the past two years.

At the end of 1971 there were 527,643 companies on the register, of which 15,452 were public and 512,191 were private companies. It would not be possible to answer the second part of the Question without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the total textile consumption in the United Kingdom he expects from imports from developing countries once the United Kingdom is a full member of the European Economic Community.

This will depend on arrangements still to be made in consultation with the European Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from operators of vending machines and other coin-operated equipment, concerning the use of artificial non-monetary tokens and coins by members of the public; and if he will take steps to prevent this.

I have received a number of complaints from operators of vending machines and equipment about the fraudulent use in such machines of certain tokens issued for advertising purposes. I am concerned at the situation disclosed and propose to consult the interests concerned with a view to avoiding the future issue of tokens which can be used in this manner.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now make a statement about his discussions with International Computers Limited.

I shall make a statement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he now expects to present proposals for a capital reconstruction of the National Coal Board's finances.

I shall present my proposals as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give general directions to publicly owned industries for which he is responsible to move their headquarters offices to the development areas.

No, this is essentially a matter for the industries themselves, but I have recently written to the chairman asking them to bear the Government's dispersal policy in mind when considering the location of their-offices.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs, in total and for men and women, respectively, have been created in the Manchester travel-to-work area since June, 1970, and since 22nd March, 1972, respectively.

I regret that figures of jobs created are not available. From industrial development certificates approved between 1st July, 1970, and 21st June, 1972, 3,020 jobs, 1,890 for men and 1,130 for women, were estimated by the applicants to arise when the projects were complete and fully manned. This does not, of course, take into account jobs arising in the service sector and in existing industrial buildings. The corresponding figures for the period 22nd March to 21st June, 1972, were 930 jobs. 560 for men and 370 for women.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have taken place between his Department and Newton Chambers and Company regarding the latter's announcement to close its Ipswich subsidiary Ransome and Rapier, with the loss of 700 specialised jobs.

None, but my Department is now being kept informed. I understand that the management is proposing to hold detailed discussions with representatives and individuals about the closure.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is now able to make a statement regarding the Government's proposals to assist the British computer industry.

I shall make a statement on support for the computer industry as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has had from Atomic Energy of Canada on collaboration On nuclear power projects;

The Canadian Government have proposed that, if the United Kingdom adopts heavy water reactors for commercial use, as Canada has, the two countries should conclude an agreement on the exchange of relevant technical information. The Vinter Committee completed its work before this proposal came forward, but we are considering it carefully and will take it into account in our review of reactor policy. The Government's response to this proposal will depend on the outcome of that review. It would not be appropriate to publish it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what study he has made of 500 megawatt heavy water reactors;(2) what study he has made of the Candu nuclear system.

The Department has made a detailed study of the steam generating heavy water reactor, in collaboration with the generating boards and the atomic energy authority. The study has covered economic, technical, industrial and safety questions. Officials of the Department have visited Candu nuclear plants in Canada and have held talks with Canadian officials in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the total non-industrial civil servants employed by the Department in Wales have a working knowledge of the Welsh language; and what percentage this is of the total.

I regret the information is not readily available in the form requested and could not be obtained without undue expenditure of time and money.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what applications he has now received from British European Airways for financial approval to purchase the Lockheed TriStar powered by the Rolls-Royce RB211 engines; and if he will approve them.

I have not received any such application either from the British Airways Board or from British European Airways.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he is having with organisations outside the Government with reference to his proposed legislation on debt-collecting agencies; and if he will make a statement.

None at present, but technical discussions may be needed if it is finally decided to make debt colectors subject to licensing arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the amount and value of combed yarn of sheep or lambs wool imported from Japan in 1970, 1971 and the first four months of 1972;(2) what was the amount and value of combed yarn of sheep or lambs wool imported in 1970, 1971 and the first four months of 1972, respectively.

Information for January to April, 1972, about imports of yarn of combed sheep's or lambs' wool, not put up for retail sale, is given under heading SITC(R) 651.22 in Table III of the April, 1972, issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics. Following is the information for 1970 and 1971:

		1970		1971
		Kilo-grammes thousands	£ thousands cif	Kilo-grammes thousands	£ thousands cif
Total	…	1,005	1,655	796	1,241
Japan	…	64	167	110	217

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all major incidents in the United Kingdom affecting the safety of aircraft which are directly attributable to birds entering aircraft engines, during the last five years.

My hon. Friend should seek this information from the Civil Aviation Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to prevent birds causing danger to passengers in aircraft operating from United Kingdom airports.

This is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the engineering works within the British Steel Corporation which have been hived-off within the last 12 months, which are intended to be hived off and which will remain within the Corporation.

I understand that as part of its transaction with Thos. Firth & John Brown Limited about which I informed the House in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn) on 3rd May. the British Steel Corporation has disposed of certain forging operations at the River Don Works, Sheffield—together with associated assets there as well as at Openshaw, Manchester and at the Ickles Works, Rotherham. The Corporation has also announced agreement in principle to the sale of its tool-making businesses at Openshaw and at Holme Lane, Sheffield.As for the corporation's future intentions I cannot add to my right hon. Friend's statement on 28th June, 1971.—[Vol. 836, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that the Commission of the European Economic Community has ordered a ban on exclusive contracts which forbid the re-export or the sale to foreigners of cars; and to what extent such rulings will affect British car manufacturers on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

No such ban has been imposed by the European Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent Great Britain will be affected by Part 3 Community Institutions Decision 72/152/ECSC of 23rd March, 1972.

The Treaty of Accession provides for the size of the ECSC Consultative Committee to be increased to allow for United Kingdom membership. A further Council decision will be taken after the enlargement of the Community appointing representatives of United Kingdom interests to the committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed list of the Secondary Legislation of the Rules, Regulations and Decisions of the European Economic Community which will affect his Department and its ministerial responsibilities; in what way each such piece of legislation will affect his departmental activities; and to what extent he has met or intends to meet employers, trade unions, industrial representatives and trade associations to discuss the effects of such legislation on British industry in general and matters falling within his ministerial responsibilities.

I would refer the hon. Member to Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 25, 27 and 40 of the European Communities Secondary Legislation as published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office and to the article published in Trade and Industry on 27th January which I sent to the hon. Member on 17th April. Interested organisations and persons have been and will continue to be consulted as necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give the number of the staff of his Department who will be affected by the Boyle proposals to increase salaries by 20 per cent. to 25 per cent.; what salaries they now receive; and to what extent these will be raised on the implementation of the Boyle Report.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Top Salaries Review Body (Cmnd. 5001) which was published on 23rd June and to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply of 23rd June to my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Mr. William Clark). There are 89 staff in my Department whose pay is affected by the recommendations of the Review Body.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give for the latest most convenient stated date the number of male and female registered blind workers employed in his Department; and whether he will take whatever action may be open to him to increase this number as and when convenient and suitable vacancies become available.

At the present time, my Department employs 16 male and eight female registered blind workers. We shall continue to seek to increase this number as suitable vacancies arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, for those nationalised industries for which he is responsible, he will tabulate price increases resulting from wage increases over the past five years, indicating dates and the time lag in each instance.

I regret the information is not available. Many factors enter into the extent and timing of price increases, of which wage increases, although important, are only one. However, I am asking chairmen of nationalised boards for which I am responsible to write to my hon. Friend giving details of wage settlements and price increases in their industry over the last five years.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many helicopters owned by his Department are based in Scotland; and where they are based.

No helicopters are owned by the Department, but there are military and civil helicopters based in Scotland which can be made available for search and rescue purposes when needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has given consideration to the construction of ships lifeboats in aluminium as a protection against destruction by fire; and if he will make a statement.

Full-scale tests in fire conditions have proved glass reinforced plastic to be preferable to aluminium alloy in terms of resistance to fire. For this and for other reasons construction of ships' lifeboats is now almost exclusively carried out in glass-reinforced plastic.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give further details of study being undertaken into the problem of bird strike at Maplin Sands.

The study, which is being supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with the assistance of the Civil Aviation Authority, will begin in August. It will consist of a study of bird behaviour before any changes in land use and of reactions during the constructional phase. An assessment will then be made of the potential bird strike hazard together with recommendations on remedial measures.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that where a court order vesting the legal custody of a child in one parent is not produced, the signed consent of both parents shall be required for such passport formalities as at present require the signature of the father alone.

The present administrative regulations work well and I would not wish to disturb them. To require a minor, not the subject of a court order, to seek out and obtain the consent of both parents could in many cases cause unnecessary difficulties for him and for the Passport Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs whether he will make representations to the United Nations Organisation urging swift international aid to enable the Bihari community in Bangladesh, which is likely to be engulfed by monsoon flooding, to be moved to secure accommodation on higher ground.

The monsoon rains can certainly create considerable difficulties in Bangladesh, where many people of all communities are without permanent homes as a result of the war. The rains began about 10 days ago. There is a problem of drainage from the Bihari camps and indeed everywhere in Bangladesh where there is no high ground. Dacca is 18 ft. above sea level. The International Committee of the Red Cross is at present building a new camp, which should be ready by the end of this month, to take the worst housed of the Biharis from the existing camps. My right hon. Friend had talks with Sheikh Mujib last week, which included the questions of the minorities and relief aid for Bangladesh.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received as to the number and plight of non-Bengalis in Bangladesh; what steps he has taken as a result of such representations; and whether he will make a statement.

A number of reports have been received about the situation in Bangladesh, including the position of the 1–1½ million Biharis. My right hon. Friend had talks with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dacca on 23^rd–24th June. These talks included the questions of the minorities and relief aid for Bangladesh.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Uganda following the detention of a British VC10 aircraft in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Uganda for the release of the British Overseas Airways Corporation airliner at present detained in Uganda; and what further representations he intends to make.

Our Acting High Commissioner has made repeated representations to the Acting President of Uganda since 14th June. The matter was raised here with the Ugandan High Commissioner, and in Cairo with the Ugandan Foreign Minister, accompanying President Amin. We will continue to make every effort to gain the aircraft's early release.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many British subjects were expelled or made prohibited immigrants in Tanzania in 1971; and in how many cases protests were made by the British representative, and with what result;

From Tanzania 232, of whom 227 were Asians affected by Africanisation.From Uganda 121, all of Asian origin and affected by Africanisation.From Kenya 13.For the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his Question of 24th March.—[Vol. 833, c. 380.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed list of the Secondary Legislation of the Rules, Regulations and Decisions of the European Economic Community which will affect his Department and its ministerial responsibilities; in what way each such piece of legislation will affect his departmental activities; and to what extent he has met or intends to meet persons concerned, to discuss the effects of such legislation on matters falling within his ministerial responsibilities.

Although there is naturally some overlapping of departmental interests, the subject categories of the European Communities Secondary Legislation, as published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, broadly indicate the Departments which they primarily concern.My Department will take fully into account the rights and obligations created by this legislation. Interested organisations and other persons concerned have been, and will continue to be, consulted as necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give for the latest most convenient stated date the number of male and female registered blind workers employed in this Department; and whether he will take whatever action may be open to him to increase his number as and when convenient and suitable vacancies become available.

On 22nd June, 1972, the staff of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office included one female registered blind worker. No male blind worker was employed.I shall certainly consider whether there is any possibility of increasing this number, but the conditions of service in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office make for particular difficulties in the employment of registered blind workers.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many civil servants of the full rank of Per-

Date of Accident					Time of Day	Number and Severity of Casualties in the Accident
13th March, 1968	…	…	…	…	8.00 p.m.	2 slight injuries.
18th September, 1968	…	…	…	…	10.30 p.m.	2 slight injuries.
3rd May, 1969	…	…	…	…	2.45 a.m.	1 slight injury.
1st March, 1971	…	…	…	…	12.55 p.m.	1 serious injury.
6th February, 1972	…	…	…	…	8.50 p.m.	1 slight injury.
1st April, 1972	…	…	…	…	1.00 a.m.	1 serious injury and 1 slight injury

The figures are as follows:

Permanent Secretary	…	…	None
Deputy Secretary	…	…	1
Under-Secretary	…	…	7
Assistant Secretary	…	…	14

Additionally there are 11 professional officers of a rank equivalent to that of Assistant Secretary.The Civil Service head of the Welsh Office is a Deputy Secretary with a salary of £10,500 p.a.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what administrative grade staff for the Welsh Office is planned from 1st January, 1973, and what change this represents in the present staffing level.

It is planned that there will be 55 staff of principal rank and above in post on 1st January, 1973. There are at present 52.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many traffic accidents occurred on the A55 Chester-Hamden Road between the junctions of Moor Lane and Cross Tree Lane, Hawarden, in the years 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972, to the nearest convenient month; at what time of the day they occurred; what were the casualties; and if he will make a statement.

Eighteen road accidents were reported to the police during the period 1st January, 1968 to 31st May, 1972. Six of these involved personal injury and the details are given in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the new lighting scheme between the junction of Moor Lane and the Evloe Roundabout on the A55 will come into operation: and if he will make a statement.

The scheme is virtually complete and the lighting will come into operation in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the total non-industrial civil servants employed by the Welsh Office, in all divisions, have a working knowledge of the Welsh language; and what percentage this forms of the total.

About 130, which is 13·5 per cent. of the total non-industrial civil servants now in post.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many places are available in Wales providing holidays for the disabled and chronic sick; and how many such people can be accommodated at any one time.

Information about holiday establishments specialising in catering for the disabled and chronic sick is not centrally available. I understand however that the newly formed Wales Council for the Disabled is considering the collection and dissemination of such information.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those organisations in Wales which receive Government grants to provide holidays for chronic sick and disabled people; and if he will give details of such grants.

No organisation in Wales receives a Government grant specifically for holidays for chronically sick and disabled persons, but county and county borough councils are empowered to assist such persons to take a holiday. The expenditure incurred ranks for the Rate Support Grant.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many grit and dust monitoring stations similar to those in Monmouth shire have been established in other areas of South Wales, and where are they located.

Thirty-four, as follows:

Aberdare	…	4 sites
Aberthaw	…	7 sites
Cardiff	…	4 sites
Gelligaer	…	1 site
Llantrisant	…	1 site
Merthyr Tydfil	…	3 sites
Mountain Ash	…	4 sites
Pontypridd	…	1 site
Port Talbot	…	3 sites
Swansea	…	6 sites

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what materials have been found in the solid particles collected at the six dust monitoring gauges in Monmouth shire where more than 200 milligrammes per square metre were recorded in the atmosphere.

Comprehensive information on this subject is not available. I will write to the hon. Member further on this.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the readings at each of the six dust montitoring guages in Monmouth shire where more than 200 milligrammes per square metre of solid material were found in the atmosphere.

For the latest period available the average daily readings of grit and dust for the stations in question were as follows:

• Bishton Station No. 1–343 milligrammes per square metre.
• Magor & St. Mellons No. 1–422 milligrammes per square metre.
• Llanmartin No. 1–201 milligrammes per square metre.
• Nash No. 1–292 milligrammes per square metre.
• Ebbw Vale No. 1–638 milligrammes per square metre.
• Ebbw Vale No. 6–482 milligrammes per square metre.

The readings at these guages are highly localised and may be affected by factors such as the volume of traffic in the vicinity and the proximity of road works. They should therefore be interpreted with caution and in the light of local conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will request the Welsh Economic Council to study the problems of the development of manufacturing industry in Cardiganshire and ways in which these can be overcome.

I know that the Council has the problems of rural Wales very much in mind but I do not think it would be appropriate to invite it to undertake a study specifically related to Cardiganshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many bodies which are in receipt of public money are involved in the attraction of industry to Wales.

Apart from Government Departments, the Development Commission, local authorities and new town development corporations there are two: the Development Corporation for Wales and the Mid Wales Industrial Development Association. In addition the Welsh Tourist Board is concerned with the development of the tourist industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what notifications his Department has received of forthcoming redundancies in Wales in 1972.

Redundancies in Welsh industry notified to the Department of Employment so far in 1972 amount to 6,153.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will give for the latest most convenient stated date the number of male and female registered blind workers employed in his Department; and whether he will take whatever action may be open to him to increase this number as and when convenient and suitable vacancies become available.

No registered blind persons are employed in the Welsh Office. The Civil Service Department in consultation with establishment officers of all major Departments is actively considering what further action can be taken to increase the numbers of registered disabled people, including blind persons, employed in the Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will give the number of the staff in his Department who will be affected by the Boyle proposals to increase salaries by 20 per cent. to 25 per cent.; what salaries they now receive; and to what extent these will be raised on the implementation of the Boyle Report.

I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the Top Salaries Review Body (Cmnd. 5001) which was published on 23rd June and to the Prime Minister's reply of 23rd June to my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Mr. William Clark). There are eight staff at Under-Secretary level and above in my Department whose pay is affected by the recommendations of the Review Body.—[Vol. 839, c. 183.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the progress of implementation of the Equal Pay Act; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that there has been a considerable degree of progress towards equal pay across a wide sector of the economy. The report on equal pay by the Office of Manpower Economics, which my right hon. Friend expects to receive shortly, will however provide a fuller assessment of the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the concern about unemployment among young people, what specific study of the situation and what steps to remedy it he is now considering.

The unemployment position of young people is constantly studied by my Department. Already various measures to alleviate the position have been taken and the need for further measures is being kept closely under review. The particular problem of job opportunities for the less well qualified is already being studied by the National Youth Employment Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he has given to asking the Commission on Industrial Relations to carry out an independent inquiry into the management-pilot relationship in the aviation industry.

My right hon. Friend has under consideration the possibility of a reference to the Commission on Industrial Relations concerning indus-

CHANGES BETWEEN JUNE, 1969, AND JUNE 1971, IN THE ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT IN SCOTLAND
				Males	(Thousands) Females
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	…	…	…	-5·3	-1·0
Mining and quarrying	…	…	…	-2·5	-0·2
Food, drink and tobacco	…	…	…	-0·2	-0·1
Coal and petroleum products	…	…	…	-0·1	+0·1
Chemicals and allied industries	…	…	…	-1·4	-1·1
Metal manufacture	…	…	…	-1·5	+0·3
Mechanical engineering	…	…	…	-13·6	-2·8
Instrument engineering	…	…	…	+1·4	+0·7
Electrical engineering	…	…	…	+0·5	-1·2
Shipbuilding and marine engineering	…	…	…	-0·5	—
Vehicles	…	…	…	-2·6	-0·9
Metal goods not elsewhere specified	…	…	…	+0·3	+0·3
Textiles	…	…	…	-7·3	-9·8
Leather, leather goods and fur	…	…	…	-0·1	+0·1
Clothing and footwear	…	…	…	-0·4	+1·1
Bricks, pottery, glass, cement, etc	…	…	…	-2·0	-0·2
Timber, furniture, etc.	…	…	…	-0·9	-0·3
Paper, printing and publishing	…	…	…	-2·1	-1·2
Other manufacturing industries	…	…	…	-1·0	-0·1
Construction	…	…	…	-22·7	+0·1
Gas, electricity and water	…	…	…	-2·2	+0·7
Transport and communication	…	…	…	-4·7	—
Distributive trades	…	…	…	-10·8	-13·5
Insurance, banking, finance and business services	…	…	…	+3·1	+6·1
Professional and scientific service;	…	…	…	+3·1	+3·8
Miscellaneous services …	…	…	…	-1·5	+5·2
Public administration and defence	…	…	…	+4·0	+5·2
Total, all industries and services	…	…	…	-71·0	-9·0

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of male and female job losses or gains in each employment category in Scotland in the last three years to the nearest convenient date.

The precise in formation is not available, but an indication of net job gains and losses can be obtained by comparing levels of employment at different dates. The latest industrial employment estimates for Scotland are for June, 1971, and are analysed according to the 1968 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification. The earliest date for which the estimates were based on this edition of the Standard Industrial Classification was June, 1969,and the following table shows changes between June, 1969, and June, 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the percentage increase in male, female, and total unemployment in Scotland represented by the June, 1972, figure, over that of June, 1970.

Between June, 1970, and June, 1972, the total numbers registered as unemployed in Scotland increased by 53·9 per cent. The corresponding figures for males and females were 50·5 per cent. and 68·7 per cent., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundancies have been announced in the Manchester travel-to-work area since June, 1970, and since 22nd March, 1972, respectively.

Location of Workshop			1966	1968	1971	1972
Carlisle	…	…	24	18	15	16
Middlesbrough	…	…	63	58	60	56
Newcastle	…	…	98	90	62	63
Sunderland	…	…	64	59	49	44
Hartlepools	…	…	13	11	12	11
Barnsley	…	…	6	8	13	16
Dewsbury	…	…	22	17	12	10
Bradford	…	…	71	75	64	57
Scunthorpe	…	…	20	16	15	18
Halifax	…	…	16	13	9	8
Huddersfield	…	…	12	12	9	10
Hull	…	…	101	92	76	75
Leeds	…	…	77	67	55	53
Sheffield	…	…	60	56	49	45
Wakefield	…	…	6	5	Closed	Closed
York	…	…	36	30	33	31
Ipswich	…	…	10	10	9	9
Luton	…	…	29	28	29	30
Norwich	…	…	71	68	63	57
Oxford	…	…	3	5	5	4
Portsmouth	…	…	61	54	54	53
Brighton	…	…	8	6	Closed	Closed
Leatherhead	…	…	37	15	10	9
London, Waterloo Road	…	…	84	98	85	77
London, Peckham Road	…	…	65	49	39	44
London, Greenwich	…	…	29	24	21	17
London, Curtain Road	…	…	73	64	63	70
London, Newham	…	…	44	46	36	34
London, Salusbury Road	…	…	105	87	76	62
Bristol	…	…	76	68	61	64
Exeter	…	…	19	15	9	8
Plymouth	…	…	23	17	14	19
Cardiff	…	…	49	42	37	37
Llanelli	…	…	8	7	5	7
Merthyr Tydfil	…	…	23	19	17	19
Newport	…	…	25	24	20	19
Treforest, Glamorgan	…	…	17	14	11	11
Llwynypia, Glamorgan	…	…	39	39	29	27
Swansea	…	…	44	42	34	31
Birmingham	…	…	183	168	130	123
Stoke-on-Trent	…	…	79	75	62	59
Walsall	…	…	34	34	24	22
Wolverhampton	…	…	55	56	54	47
Leicester	…	…	88	82	72	69
Northampton	…	…	33	31	32	29