Written Answers To Questions
Wednesday, 12th July, 1972
Scotland
Northern Ireland Livestock (Importation)
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now review the regulations covering the importation of livestock from Northern Ireland.
My right hon. Friend is reviewing these regulations along with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Crofting Counties (Hotel Development Expenditure)
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what contributions have been made, and are currently envisaged, by the Highlands and Islands Development Board towards the cost of individual hotel developments in the crofting counties; and how many jobs have resulted to date, or are now expected to result from such developments.
Expenditure approved by the board up to 8th June, 1972, towards the cost of 212 individual hotel developments in the crofting counties was of the order of £3,100,000, which should directly create about 1,300 additional jobs. The Board has nine projects under consideration which could involve assistance of about £70,000.
National Plan
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now authorise the preparation of a National Plan for Scotland.
No. There are more realistic ways of planning for, or adjusting to, the changing situations which we have experienced, and must expect in the future.
Hunter Committee (Report And White Paper)
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he hopes to introduce legislation on the Hunter Committee Report and White Paper.
Since the White Paper was published last November consultations have been proceeding with all concerned. As a result, we expect to have legislation ready when the parliamentary programme provides an opportunity for it.
Housing (Price Increases)
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average increase in the price of houses for the years 1969–70, 1970–71, and 1971–72.
The increases over the previous year in prices of new and existing houses were 8·4 per cent. in 1969–70 and eight per cent. in 1970–71. Final figures for 1971–72 are not yet available, but provisionally an increase of about 10 per cent. is indicated.
Police Organisation (Border Region)
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take account of the representations of the Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk joint police board, the Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk constabulary, the local authorities in the proposed Border region and the Members of Parliament for the area before deciding on the new structure of police organisation within the region.
My right hon. Friend has taken full account of all the representations made to him on this matter before and after the publication of the White Paper on the Reform of Local Government in Scotland; but, as foreshadowed there, he has reached the view that there should be a combined police force for the Borders and South-East Regions.
Electricity Generation (Coal Prices)
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the need to reduce the price of coal in Scotland which is used for electricity generation.
My right hon. Friend has received representations from the South of Scotland Electricity Board and from the Electricity Consultative Councils for the North and South Districts.
Inner Ring Road, Glasgow
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Corporation of Glasgow on the route for the proposed eastern flank of the inner ring road; and if he will make a statement.
None. My right hon. Friend would not expect to have discussions of this kind with Glasgow Corporation until it has developed specific proposals for the eastern flank of the inner ring road and has put them to him.
Salmon And Freshwater Fisheries
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what opportunities will be made available to angling associations to submit their views on the White Paper for Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries in Scotland before legislation is drafted.
Since the publication of the Government's White Paper in 1971 there have been wide consultations with the national and regional angling bodies. I have also received representations from local angling associations, and I am ready to receive other views if such bodies wish to submit them.
Local Government Reorganisation
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with representatives of the National and Local Government Officers Association about the employment of their members following the reorganisation of local government.
The National and Local Government Officers Association has been brought into the Government's preliminary talks on the reorganisation legislation where staffing is concerned. Further discussions with the association on general matters will be held as necessary, but details of the future employment of staff are mainly for local consideration.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish local authorities have requested to meet him regarding the reorganisation of local government; how many he has agreed to meet; and how many he has refused to meet.
I have had a number of such requests, but I have explained that it is impracticable to have meetings with individual authorities. Ten Ministerial meetings have, however, been held with the local authority associations; and I am arranging two further meetings with authorities on specific points which have arisen since the discussions with the associations.
Schools (Western Isles)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schools built prior to 1903 are still used by education authorities in the Western Isles; and if he will specify them.
No central record is maintained of schools by date of construction. In connection with the primary school improvement programme, however, education authorities were asked about the primary schools which in their view should be considered for improvement or replacement in the course of the 1970's. Inverness and Ross and Cromarty education authorities included in their lists the following 13 schools in the Western Isles built before 1903:
| Primary Schools | |
| Achmore. | Grimsay. |
| Airidhantuim. | Lochboisdale. |
| Baleshare. | Lurebost. |
| Carinish. | Sandwickhill. |
| Fidigary. | Tolsta. |
| Garrynamonie. | |
| Primary Departments of Secondary Schools | |
| Scalpay. | Shawbost. |
Housing (Scotland) Act, 1969
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that all local authorities are meeting the statutory requirements under Section 1(2) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1969; and if he will make a statement.
I have no reason to believe that local authorities are not observing these requirements. It is normal practice for local authorities to offer alternative accommodation, in council houses, to persons displaced in slum clearance operations or for house improvement.
Nursery Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new nursery schools or classes have been opened in Scotland since 1960 to the latest convenient date.
Between January, 1960, and January, 1972, the numbers of nursery schools and classes increased by 28 and 76, respectively.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of three- to five-year-olds attend nursery schools or classes in each education authority in Scotland; and what is the percentage for Scotland as a whole.
It is provisionally estimated that at January, 1972, 5·8 per cent. of three-year-olds and 9·8 per cent. of four-year-olds, comprising 7·8 per cent. of the total population of three- and four-year-olds in Scotland, were attending nursery schools or classes in education authority and grant-aided schools. A very small proportion of five-year-olds (0·3 per cent.) were also receiving nursery education, but the great majority of this age were in primary schools. It is not possible to give the percentages for each education authority area in Scotland, since information about the population of each age group is not available by area.
Council House Sales
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authority
| HOUSE BUILDING PROPOSALS BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BEFORE 1ST DECEMBER, 1971 BUT NOT YET APPROVED AT THAT DATE | ||||||||
| Submitted* | Since Approved | Not yet Approved | ||||||
| Local Authority | Schemes | Houses | Schemes | Houses | Schemes | Houses | ||
| Counties | ||||||||
| Aberdeen | … | … | 28 | 926 | 27 | 876 | 1 | 50 |
| Angus | … | … | 4 | 50 | 4 | 50 | — | — |
| Argyll | … | … | 24 | 200 | 21 | 178 | 3 | 22 |
| Ayr1 | … | … | 28 | 452 | 28 | 452 | — | — |
| Berwick | … | … | 1 | 40 | 1 | 40 | — | — |
| Bute | … | … | 4 | 53 | 4 | 53 | — | — |
| Caithness | … | … | 4 | 16 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 4 |
houses have been sold in the period June. 1970 to June, 1972.
I have been notified that the sale of 154 local authority houses was completed during the period June, 1970, to June, 1972.
Housing Submissions
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a table indicating, respectively, the number of housing submissions by each local authority to meet the 1st December, 1971 deadline; how many of these submissions have now been approved and for what local authorities; and how many have still to be approved, indicating also the name of the local authorities involved;(2) how many housing submissions have been submitted for approval by Scottish local authorities in the period 1st January to 30th June, 1972.
At the beginning of December, 1971, 503 proposals (covering 27,704 houses) submitted by local authorities were with me for approval. Most had been submitted shortly before 1st December. It is not possible to say how many of these submissions had been made in the normal course, and how many specifically to meet the 1st December deadline.By 7th July, 1972, all but 28 proposals, for 3,463 houses, had been approved. Details, together with New Town and SSHA proposals, are given in the following table.From 1st January to 30th June, 1972, 35 proposals (492 houses) were submitted by local authorities. In addition, three proposals (429 houses) were submitted by new town development corporations and 19 proposals (707 houses) by local authorities in respect of housing association schemes.
Submitted*
| Since Approved
| Not yet Approved
| |||||
Local Authority
| Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| |
| Clackmannan | … | 1 | 221 | 1 | 221 | — | — |
| Dumfries | … | 14 | 125 | 14 | 125 | — | — |
| Dunbarton | … | 5 | 1,032 | 4 | 593 | 1 | 439 |
| East Lothian | … | 7 | 124 | 7 | 124 | — | — |
| Fife | … | 27 | 466 | 27 | 466 | — | — |
| Inverness | … | 5 | 74 | 4 | 68 | 1 | 6 |
| Kincardine | … | 3 | 48 | 3 | 48 | — | — |
| Kirkcudbright | … | 2 | 34 | 2 | 34 | — | — |
| Lanark | … | 3 | 121 | 3 | 121 | — | — |
| Midlothian | … | 3 | 43 | 3 | 43 | — | — |
| Moray | … | 1 | 6 | 1 | 6 | — | — |
| Nairn | … | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | — | — |
| Orkney | … | 1 | 8 | 1 | 8 | — | — |
| Perth | … | 15 | 182 | 13 | 166 | 2 | 16 |
| Renfrew | … | 4 | 131 | 4 | 131 | — | — |
| Ross and Cromarty | … | 3 | 74 | 3 | 74 | — | — |
| Roxburgh | … | 3 | 21 | 3 | 21 | — | — |
| Selkirk | … | 1 | 8 | 1 | 8 | — | — |
| Stirling | … | 3 | 35 | 3 | 35 | — | — |
| Sutherland | … | 14 | 86 | 14 | 86 | — | — |
| Zetland | … | 1 | 14 | 1 | 14 | — | — |
Total
| … | 210 | 4,594 | 201 | 4,057 | 9 | 537 |
Cities
| |||||||
| Aberdeen | … | 8 | 360 | 6 | 312 | 2 | 48 |
| Dundee | … | 4 | 634 | 4 | 634 | — | — |
| Edinburgh | … | 8 | 455 | 8 | 455 | — | — |
| Glasgow | … | 23 | 7,049 | 21 | 6,399 | 2 | 650 |
Total Cities
| … | 43 | 8,498 | 39 | 7,800 | 4 | 698 |
Large Burghs
| |||||||
| Arbroath. | … | 1 | 162 | 1 | 162 | — | — |
| Ayr | … | 5 | 924 | 5 | 924 | — | — |
| Clydebank | … | 6 | 670 | 5 | 346 | 1 | 324 |
| Coatbridge | … | 2 | 32 | — | — | 2 | 32 |
| Dumbarton | … | 5 | 259 | 3 | 39 | 2 | 220 |
| Dunfermline | … | 5 | 366 | 5 | 366 | — | — |
| Falkirk | … | 4 | 1,300 | 4 | 1,300 | — | — |
| Greenock | … | 6 | 469 | 5 | 69 | 1 | 400 |
| Hamilton | … | 5 | 485 | 5 | 485 | — | — |
| Kilmarnock | … | 4 | 387 | 4 | 387 | — | — |
| Kirkcaldy | … | 4 | 91 | 2 | 23 | 2 | 68 |
| Motherwell | … | 3 | 285 | 3 | 285 | — | — |
| Perth | … | 6 | 840 | 4 | 712 | 2 | 128 |
| Rutherglen | … | 4 | 557 | 4 | 557 | — | — |
| Stirling | … | 3 | 90 | 3 | 90 | — | — |
Total Large Burghs
| … | 63 | 6,917 | 53 | 5,745 | 10 | 1,172 |
Small Burghs
| |||||||
| Aberlour | … | 1 | 32 | 1 | 32 | — | — |
| Alloa | … | 2 | 46 | 2 | 46 | — | — |
| Alva | … | 1 | 37 | 1 | 37 | — | — |
| Annan | … | 2 | 38 | 2 | 38 | — | — |
| Ardrossan | … | 4 | 220 | 4 | 220 | — | — |
| Armadale | … | 1 | 64 | 1 | 64 | — | — |
| Ballater | … | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | — | — |
| Barrhead | … | 1 | 24 | 1 | 24 | — | — |
| Bathgate | … | 2 | 137 | 2 | 137 | — | — |
| Biggar | … | 2 | 27 | 2 | 27 | — | — |
| Blairgowrie | … | 1 | 10 | 1 | 10 | — | — |
| Bo'ness | … | 1 | 212 | 1 | 212 | — | — |
| Bonnyrigg | … | 1 | 10 | 1 | 10 | — | — |
| Brechin | … | 5 | 114 | 5 | 114 | — | — |
| Buckhaven | … | 3 | 249 | 3 | 249 | — | — |
| Buckie | … | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | — | — |
| Burntisland | … | 2 | 28 | 2 | 28 | — | — |
Submitted*
| Since Approved
| Not yet Approved
| |||||
Local Authority
| Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| |
| Campbeltown | … | 1 | 6 | 1 | 6 | — | — |
| Carnoustie | … | 7 | 213 | 7 | 213 | — | — |
| Castle Douglas | … | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | — | — |
| Cockenzie | … | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 | — | — |
| Coupar Angus | … | 5 | 135 | 3 | 19 | 2 | 116 |
| Cowdenbeath | … | 1 | 87 | 1 | 87 | — | — |
| Cumbernauld | … | 1 | 32 | 1 | 32 | — | — |
| Dalkeith | … | 2 | 316 | 2 | 316 | — | — |
| Darvel | … | 2 | 27 | 2 | 27 | — | — |
| Denny and Dunipace | 2 | 35 | 2 | 35 | — | — | |
| Dingwall | … | 1 | 56 | 1 | 56 | — | — |
| Dufftown | … | 3 | 71 | 3 | 71 | — | — |
| Dunblane | … | 1 | 27 | 1 | 27 | — | — |
| Dunoon | … | 4 | 50 | 4 | 50 | — | — |
| Elgin | … | 4 | 527 | 3 | 519 | 1 | 8 |
| Eyemouth | … | 2 | 103 | 2 | 103 | — | — |
| Falkland | … | 1 | 12 | 1 | 12 | — | — |
| Forfar | … | 5 | 147 | 5 | 147 | — | — |
| Fortrose | … | 2 | 28 | 2 | 28 | — | — |
| Fort William | … | 1 | 16 | 1 | 16 | — | — |
| Fraserburgh | … | 1 | 78 | 1 | 78 | — | — |
| Galashiels | … | 1 | 68 | 1 | 68 | — | — |
| Gatehouse | … | 1 | 56 | — | — | 1 | 56 |
| Girvan | … | 1 | 29 | 1 | 29 | — | — |
| Gourock | … | 1 | 12 | 1 | 12 | — | — |
| Grangemouth | … | 3 | 382 | 3 | 382 | — | — |
| Grantown-on-Spey | 1 | 8 | 1 | 8 | — | — | |
| Haddington | … | 1 | 30 | 1 | 30 | — | — |
| Hawick | … | 1 | 684 | 1 | 684 | — | — |
| Inverkeithing | … | 1 | 11 | 1 | 11 | — | — |
| Inverurie | … | 4 | 66 | 4 | 66 | — | — |
| Irvine | … | 3 | 146 | 3 | 146 | — | — |
| Jedburgh | … | 3 | 32 | 3 | 32 | — | — |
| Johnstone | … | 3 | 202 | 2 | 186 | 1 | 16 |
| Kelso | … | 1 | 76 | 1 | 76 | — | — |
| Kilsyth | … | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | — | — |
| Kinghorn | … | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | — |
| Kinross | … | 1 | 59 | 1 | 59 | — | — |
| Kirkcudbright | … | 1 | 28 | 1 | 28 | — | — |
| Kirkintilloch | … | 3 | 81 | 3 | 81 | — | — |
| Kirkwall | … | 1 | 20 | 1 | 20 | — | — |
| Kirriemuir | … | 3 | 27 | 3 | 27 | — | — |
| Lanark | … | 1 | 40 | 1 | 40 | — | — |
| Largs | … | 2 | 67 | 2 | 67 | — | — |
| Lerwick | … | 1 | 90 | 1 | 90 | — | — |
| Leslie | … | 2 | 64 | 2 | 64 | — | — |
| Linlithgow | … | 1 | 66 | 1 | 66 | — | — |
| Lochgelly | … | 1 | 84 | 1 | 84 | — | — |
| Lochgilphead | … | 2 | 54 | 2 | 54 | — | — |
| Maybole | … | 1 | 85 | 1 | 85 | — | — |
| Moffat | … | 1 | 62 | 1 | 62 | — | — |
| Montrose | … | 1 | 36 | 1 | 36 | — | — |
| Musselburgh | … | 3 | 92 | 3 | 92 | — | — |
| Nairn | … | 1 | 71 | 1 | 71 | — | — |
| Newport | … | 1 | 18 | 1 | 18 | — | — |
| Newton Stewart | … | 2 | 31 | 2 | 31 | — | — |
| Oban | … | 1 | 248 | — | — | 1 | 248 |
| Old Meldrum | … | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 | — | — |
| Peebles | … | 5 | 68 | 5 | 68 | — | — |
| Peterhead | … | 1 | 56 | 1 | 56 | — | — |
| Pitlochry | … | 2 | 43 | 2 | 43 | — | — |
| Prestonpans | … | 3 | 36 | 3 | 36 | — | — |
| Renfrew | … | 1 | 72 | 1 | 72 | — | — |
| Rothesay | … | 2 | 52 | 2 | 52 | — | — |
| St. Andrews | … | 1 | 72 | 1 | 72 | — | — |
| Saltcoats | … | 9 | 275 | 8 | 216 | 1 | 59 |
| Sanquhar | … | 3 | 20 | 3 | 20 | — | — |
| Selkirk | … | 1 | 22 | 1 | 22 | — | — |
| Stevenston | … | 3 | 188 | 3 | 188 | — | — |
| Stewarton | … | 2 | 54 | 2 | 54 | — | — |
| Stornoway | … | 2 | 17 | 2 | 17 | — | — |
| Stranraer | … | 4 | 69 | 4 | 69 | — | — |
Local Authority
| Submitted*
| Since Approved
| Not yet Approved
| ||||
Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| Schemes
| Houses
| ||
| Tain | … | 2 | 102 | 2 | 102 | — | — |
| Tranent | … | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 | — | — |
| Troon | … | 2 | 109 | 2 | 109 | — | — |
| Turriff | … | 2 | 10 | 2 | 10 | — | — |
| Wick | … | 4 | 30 | 4 | 30 | — | — |
Total Small Burghs
| 187 | 7,695 | 180 | 7,192 | 7 | 503 | |
Summary
| |||||||
| Local Authorities | 503 | 27,704 | 473 | 24,794 | 30 | 2,910 | |
| S.S.H.A. | … | 16 | 1,446 | 16 | 1,446 | — | — |
| New Towns | … | 8 | 2,213 | 8 | 2,213 | — | — |
Total
| … | 527 | 31,363 | 497 | 28,453 | 30 | 2,910 |
Notes *— | |||||||
| (a) Excludes schemes submitted, not in proper form, and returned accordingly to the authority. | |||||||
| (b) Excludes schemes submitted in proper form but subsequently withdrawn by the authorty. | |||||||
Rents And Rates
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report the names of the local authorities to whom he has recently written on the question of the fixing of rent and rate levels.
None.
School Building Programmes
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the consultations he has with education authorities on school building programmes.
Since the allocation of capital investment for the main programme of school building to start in 1973–74, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education has met two education authorities to discuss requests for increased allocations. My Department has had similar discussions with 12 others. The authorities' requests are under consideration.
Council House Building
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses in the public sector were completed in the first six months of 1972; and what estimate he has made of the total for the whole year.
The number completed in June is not yet known, but the provisional figure to the end of May is 9,275. I have not made a forecast
of the total which will be built by the authorities concerned in 1972.
Land And House Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the evidence in his possession of rising prices for houses and land in those areas most immediately affected by the discovery of North Sea oil.
Reliable information is not available about land and house prices in particular districts.
Building Industry (Employment)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for the Scottish Development Department to make an assessment of how many jobs have been created in the building industry, by the measures he has announced since June, 1970, to accelerate hospital and local authority building and rehabilitation programmes.
Because of the number of employing agencies involved, and the variety of schemes, it is impossible to make any useful estimate of the number of jobs created.
Civil Servant (Allegations)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances in which a senior civil servant within his Department accepted large monetary gifts from a person engaged in Government-financed contracts.
I cannot yet add to what my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House said in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Devon, North (Mr. Thorpe) last Thursday.—[Vol. 840, c. 757.]
Mr W G Pottinger
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what position is held by Mr. W. G. Pottinger; what his present salary is; how long he has held this position; and what previous appointments he held in the Civil Service, and on what dates.
Mr. Pottinger has been Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland since 1st November, 1971, with a recently revised annual salary of £10,500.Mr. Pottinger's earlier posts were in the former Scottish Home Department, where he was employed from 1939 to 1959 mainly on work in connection with local government, personnel and legal services; in the Scottish Development Department from 1962 to 1964 on local government, town and country planning, and tourism; from 1964 to 1968 mainly at the Scottish Office in London on a variety of duties including regional development and forestry; and in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland from 1968 on price and support policy and animal and plant health.Mr. Pottinger was on war service from 1939 to 1945. He was subsequently detached from departmental duties from 1950 to 1952 to act as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Scotland, and from 1952 to 1954 to act as Secretary to the Royal Commission on Scottish Affairs; and he was seconded from 1959 to 1962 to work under the auspices of the Scottish Tourist Board (in association with the late Lord Fraser of Allander—then Mr. Hugh Fraser) on the development of the tourist industry in the Highlands.
Roads (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimate of expenditure on Scottish roads in the current financial year; and what were the comparable figures three, five and 10 years previously.
Provision has been made in the Estimates for central Government expenditure of £56·1 million on roads in Scotland during 1972–73. Actual expenditure in 1969–70 was £39 million, in 1967–68, £37·9 million, and in 1962–63, £20·2 million.
Geriatric Beds
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital geriatric beds are available in the West of Scotland; and what is the present waiting list for such beds.
There were 5,141 staffed beds available for geriatric patients in the Western region in May this year, comprising 1,354 assessment beds and 3,787 long-stay beds. The number of patients on the waiting list for these beds was 656.
Universities (Governing Bodies)
36.
asked the Lord President of the Council if, when he approves the appointment of students to the supreme governing bodies of universities, he will arrange that the representation of university teachers is correspondingly reduced so as to ensure that lay representation constitutes at least two-thirds of the membership.
When amendments to the Statutes of Universities involving changes in the constitution of the governing bodies are submitted for Privy Council approval, the question of overall balance is always considered, and I can assure the hon. Member that I am conscious of the value of lay membership.
House Of Commons
Television
37.
asked the Lord President of the Council what is the latest estimate of the cost of an experimental period of three months of televising proceedings in the House of Commons.
The cost would depend on the nature of any experiment to which the House might agree.
Members' Spouses (Travel Facilities)
38.
asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will move to extend the conditions restricting the use of travel warrants for Members' spouses in view of their discrimination against single Members.
No. The reason for granting free travel facilities for the spouses of Members is that a Member's wife or husband is often expected to play an important part in his or her duties as a Member of Parliament.The same considerations do not normally apply to single Members.
asked the Lord President of the Council what estimates have been made of the total cost of extending the conditions governing the use of travel warrants for Members' spouses to include a companion of the opposite sex for single Members.
No such estimates have been made.
Council Of Europe
42.
asked the Lord President of the Council whether, now that he has received some claims for the costs involved in the visit of the four Members to the committee meeting of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on culture and education in Vienna from 29th June to 5th July, 1972, he will publish the total of expenses claimed.
The total of the claims so far received from Members who attended the meeting of the Culture and Education Committee of the Council of Europe is £402·16.
44.
asked the Lord President of the Council whether the attendance allowance for meetings of the Council of Europe and its Committees is payable up to the time of the earliest appropriate departing train or flight after the meeting in the case of Members who depart before the meeting ends; and what proportion of the payment of expense allowance has been in respect of days when the Members were not actually present at meetings.
With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's Question, the answer is no, as the allowance would only be payable up to the time of the delegate's departure.Allowances to delegates may, however, be properly payable in respect of certain days when a meeting does not take place; for example, in the case of any intervening weekend. The details requested by the hon. Member in the second part of his Question would therefore be misleading.
Security
43.
asked the Lord President of the Council how many Members of the House of Commons have had photograph identity cards issued to them at the Pass Control Office; and if he will list those Members of the Cabinet who are in this House who have done so.
It is not in the interests of security to make public detailed information relating to security matters.
Select Committees (Admission Of The Public)
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will take the necessary steps to allow admission of the public to sittings of all Select Committees.
Select Committees and their sub-committees already have power under Standing Order No. 83A to admit the public during the examination of witnesses if they wish; this follows the recommendation contained in paragraph 129 of the report of the Select Committee on Parliamentary Privilege. My understanding of the position is that Committees are generally anxious to admit the public whenever they can.
North Sea Oil (Scottish Committee)
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will propose the establishment of an all-party committee of Scottish Members to investigate all the implications of the discovery of North Sea oil.
No. In my view the present needs for parliamentary discussion can be met satisfactorily through existing Committees.
Royal College Of Veterinary Surgeons (Charter)
40.
asked the Lord President of the Council what request he has received for amendments of the Charter of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons designed to raise the qualifications for registration above the possession of a degree and the payment of a fee.
None. Consideration of amendment of the Charter of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is a matter for the College in the first instance.
Population (Panel)
asked the Lord President of the Council if, when he decided not to appoint an additional member of the Royal Commission on Population, he took into consideration the fact that there was no representative of women's organisations on the Commission; and if he will make a statement.
I would remind the lion. Member that what has been set up is not a Royal Commission with wide terms of reference, but a panel charged with a specific and fairly limited remit. As stated in the White Paper (Cmnd. 4748) the members have been appointed as individuals for their broad and relevant experience and for having the necessary qualities to do the job, and not in any representative capacity.
Life Sentences (Emslie Committee)
asked the Lord Advocate if he is satisfied with the present terms of reference of the Emslie Committee on sentences involving life imprisonment; and if he will make a statement.
The remit of the Emslie Committee is to examine the penalties for homicide and to suggest what considerations should govern any proposal for change. The Secretary of State and I know of no reason for dissatisfaction with the terms of the remit.
The Committee is nearing the end of its task and its report is expected before the end of the summer.
Lord Advocate's Department (Staff Pay)
asked the Lord Advocate whether he will give details of the salaries paid at present to the three members of his Department who will have their salaries increased retrospectively to January under the Boyle proposals; and what salaries they will receive on implementation of the Boyle Report.
In my Department there are one Deputy Secretary, who will have his salary increased from £9,000 to £10,500, and two Under-Secretaries, who will have their salaries increased from £6,750 to £8,250.
Environment
Road Design (Departmental Staff)
47.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many qualified persons of the following professions are employed in his Department on the design of motorways and trunk roads, namely, civil engineers, architects, town planners, and landscape architects; and what is his estimate of the proportion of their time spent on design, and on public inquiries.
My Department's Highways Directorate employs 456 civil engineers, two architect town planners, and three landscape architects. The Department also bears the full costs of the 1,633 qualified engineering staff employed in the road construction units organisation on motorway and trunk road design. A large number of other professional officers in the Department are also associated with this work as occasion requires. I regret that it is not possible to give a meaningful breakdown of the time spent by the Department's officers on design and on public inquiries.
Speed Limit, Havant
48.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will review the speed limit of 30 miles per hour recently imposed on the new dual carriageway traversing Leigh Park, Havant.
Yes.
Dual Carriageway Conversions (Speed Limit)
49.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of cases in which a reduction of speed limit from 40 to 30 miles per hour has followed the conversion of single-lane two ways roads to dual carriage-ways.
I know of no case other than that referred to by my hon. Friend earlier today.
Hostel Grants
50.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effect of current legislation on hostel grants pay able under Section 15 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958, as amended by Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1961, to Young Men's Christian Association hostels.
After further consideration the Government have decided not to phase out the hostel grants which are now in payment and the Housing Finance Bill is being amended accordingly.
Maplin (Under-Secretary's Visit)
51.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what purpose the Under-Secretary of State recently visited officially Foulness Island and Maplin Sands; and if he will make a statement.
I visited Maplin on 29th June primarily to inspect the airport site and to discuss the task of missile clearance. Among other things, I flew over the sands in order to examine possible sites for the runways and thereafter travelled over them in an amphibious vehicle. I also took the opportunity to examine various methods of clearing the missiles.I shall be making a further visit shortly in company with members of the Progress Review Committee.
Local Government Officials (Election)
52.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will state the position regarding the right of a local government official, who intends to retire from the service at the time of reorganisation, to stand for election to a new local authority in June, 1973.
It is the intention that, under the Local Government Bill in its present form, an individual who is an employee of an existing local authority would not for that reason be disqualified from standing for election as a member of a new authority. But if elected he would not be able to hold any paid appointment on the staff of the new authority while he remains a member of it and until a year after he ceases to be a member of it.
Third London Airport (Progress Review Committee)
53.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will define the terms of reference for the Progress Review Committee on the Third London Airport; and how soon and how often it will meet.
The Progress Review Committee is an advisory body comprising central and local government, the main executive agencies and expert outside advice. Its function is to keep the broad development of the Maplin project under review and discuss problems of mutual concern. It last met on 6th July.As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend in answer to his Question on 10th July, he anticipates it meeting about every two months.
Council Houses (Sale)
54.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend the advice he has given to local authorities on the question of the sale of council houses to existing tenants in order that provision can be made for any increase in price, arising from a delay in the valuation being made, which is not due to any fault on the part of the prospective buyer.
I have no reason to believe that there is a general problem of the kind suggested by the Question, but if the hon. Member has particular cases in mind I will be glad to look into them.
Central Heating Installation (Rating)
55.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions the current review of local government finance has come to about the need to prevent any increase in rating assessment when central heating has been installed in houses or flats; and if he will make a statement.
Consultations have taken place about the wide range of issues outlined in the Green Paper about local government finance, including the rating assessment of domestic property following the installation of central heating. The Government's proposals for the reform of local government finance will be published in due course.
Local Government Finance (Review)
56.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the review of local government finance has now been completed; when he intends to introduce legislation based upon it; and if he will make a statement.
Consultations have taken place about the Green Paper on local government finance. Legislation embodying the Government's proposals for the reform of local government finance will be introduced, I hope, for them to be in force from April, 1974.
Waste Utilisation
57.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to set up a National Waste Utilisation Board; and if he will make a statement.
The Government recognizes there are economic and environmental benefits in waste utilisation but further development of this principle is basically a matter for industry. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is watching the position and much material is already recovered from waste by the industries concerned.
Road Safety (Topcliffe And Asenby)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to impose road safety in the villages of Topcliffe and Asenby.
Double white lines to restrict overtaking are being provided between Dish forth and the bridge over the River Swale and a speed limit in both villages is being considered. The real answer to the problem is the construction of the planned bypass which is forecast for completion in May, 1976, subject to the satisfactory outcome of the necessary statutory procedures.
Local Government Reorganisation
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what economies of scale he expects will result from the reorganisation of local government.
There will certainly be economies of scale in many spheres of local government. But the purpose of reorganisation is to provide the long-term framework within which services can be more effectively administered and developed in the forthcoming decades. The full benefits from reorganisation cannot be immediately or exactly quantified.
Local Authorities (Management Services)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will assist local authorities in the provision of instruction in modern business practices for their officials.
The Local Authorities' Management Services and Computer Committee which was set up in 1967 by the local authority associations provides a very valuable national advisory and consultancy service for local authorities on management services and computers. My Department grant-aids this committee and maintains close links with its activities. My right hon. Friend and the associations of local authorities have also jointly set up a study group to prepare advice for the new authorities on their management structures. I hope that the group's report will be available in the near future.
A57 (Rother Valley)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the three places on the A57 in the Rother Valley constituency at which accidents are most likely to occur.
The sites of accidents cannot be predicted. Past experience is not a guide since local safety measures have been directed particularly at former "black spots".
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ascertain and publish the number of times officers of the West Yorkshire constabulary have been called to accidents on the A57 in the
| Number of casualties | |||||
| Aged (years) | Fatal | Serious | Slight | Total | |
| Less than 11 | … | 1 | — | 6 | 7 |
| 11–20 | … | 1 | 7 | 39 | 47 |
| 21–39 | … | 1 | 17 | 46 | 64 |
| 40–64 | … | 2 | 8 | 36 | 46 |
| 65 or more | … | 4 | — | 4 | 8 |
| Total | … | 9 | 32 | 131 | 172 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what were the numbers of accidents and persons killed or injured on the A57 in the Rother Valley constituency in the last five years;(2) what were the numbers of accidents and the number of persons killed or in-
| Number of casualties | ||||||
| District | Number of injury accidents | Fatal | Serious | Slight | Total | |
| Fence | … | 7 | — | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Swallownest | … | 34 | 1 | 7 | 44 | 52 |
| Aston | … | 21 | 1 | 3 | 20 | 24 |
| Tadwick | … | 8 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 17 |
| South Anston | … | 27 | 4 | 10 | 44 | 58 |
| Lindrick | … | 6 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 12 |
| Total | … | 103 | 9 | 32 | 131 | 172 |
Council House Sales (East Suffolk)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses were sold in East Suffolk during the first six months of 1972.
The figure for the first six months is not yet available. Sales of 28
Rother Valley constituency in the last three years.
The number of injury accidents attended by the police was as follows:
| 1969 | … | … | … | 32 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | 34 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | 37 |
| Total | … | … | … | 103 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the numbers of persons killed or injured on the A57 in the Rother Valley constituency in each of the age-groups under 10 years, 11 to 20 years, 21 to 39 years, 40–64 years and over 65 years, respectively.
Following are the figures for the three years 1969–71:jured on the A57 in each parish within the Rother Valley constituency in the last five years.
This information is not readily available for 1967 and 1968, but following are the figures for the three years 1969–71:council houses in the first quarter of the year have been reported.
House Building (East Suffolk)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of housing starts in both the public and private sectors in East Suffolk during the second quarter of each year since 1965.
Figures for the second quarter of 1972 are not yet available. Those for earlier years are as follows: —
| Dwellings started, East Suffolk | ||||
| Public sector* | Private sector | |||
| Second quarter of: | ||||
| 1965 | … | … | 128 | 524 |
| 1966 | … | … | 204 | 637 |
| 1967 | … | … | 186 | 912 |
| 1968 | … | … | 89 | 562 |
| 1969 | … | … | 153 | 547 |
| 1970 | … | … | 118 | 416 |
| 1971 | … | … | 220 | 521 |
| * Local authorities, housing associations and, from 1st January 1967, Government Departments. | ||||
Fire Precaution Drills (Ministry Buildings)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient period of time, the number and types of fire precaution drills that have taken place at all of the Ministry buildings coming within his control, and similar details for the Palace of Westminster.
Fire drills involving full evacuation of staff have taken place dur-
| Port | Scheme | Completed | ||
| Milford Haven | … | … | Gulf Oil Company Refinery Jetty | 1969 |
| B.P. Company Ocean Tanker Terminal | 1969 | |||
| Esso Company Marine Terminal | 1969 | |||
| Texaco Regent Terminal Jetty | 1969 | |||
| Milford Haven Conservancy Board—deepening of main channel | 1970 | |||
| Newport | … | … | New wharf on north side of South Dock | 1968 |
| Renewal of Entrance Lock | 1970 | |||
| Port Talbot | … | … | Construction of Tidal Harbour | 1970 |
| Swansea | … | … | Roll-on/roll-off Terminal, East Pier | 1969 |
| Reconstruction of West Pier | 1971 | |||
| Cardiff | … | … | Two dredgers for South Wales BTDB ports | 1966–67 |
| Queen Alexandra Dock—deepening of channel, alterations to lock and new berth south side | 1969 | |||
Planning Appeals
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) why it took him until 30th June, 1972, to reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North's communication of 20th January about a property company; why no explanation was then given as to the long delay; and whether he will investigate all aspects of this case and agree to meet the hon. Member to discuss it;
ing the past 12 months on 495 occasions at 98 establishments. Drills involving partial evacuation were held at four other establishments.
At the Palace of Westminster staff under my right hon. Friend's control conducted weekly fire precaution practices. Five joint exercises with the GLC fire brigade were held in the same period.
Ports (Wales)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much central Government money was spent on the ports in Wales in 1964, 1970 and 1971.
Assistance by way of port modernisation grants to ports in Wales under Section 12 of the Harbours Act 1964, has been as follows:
| 1964 | 1970 | 1971 |
| Nil | £2,079,000 | £1,513,445 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the major South Wales port schemes costing over £¼ million that were completed in the period 1965 to 1971.
The list is as follows:
I replied on 20th January to the hon. Member's letter of 12th January. I discussed the procedural position with him on 15th May. My letter of 30th June explained the decision and the time taken. The answers I gave the hon. Member on 17th and 24th May explained the delay over the inspector's report. Menlead Properties Limited applied to Camden London Borough Council for planning permission on 29th January, 1971. It appealed to me against refusal of permission on 27th May, 1971. An inquiry into the appeal was held on 6th and 7th January, 1972. The inspector's report dated 17th April reached my Department on 20th April. Two letters were received from the appellant's representatives, both before the inquiry and both of a procedural nature. After the inquiry telephone calls were received from time to time, and the appellants' representatives and the hon. Member were given such information as could properly be disclosed about the position reached on the appeal. I am writing again to the hon. Member.—[Vol. 837, c. 97. 393.]
Royal Parks (Commercial Vehicles)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the fact that the penalty of £5 for a person found guilty of using a commercial van in the Royal parks is no longer acting as a deterrent, whether he will now introduce legislation to increase the penalty to £20.
The maximum penalty was increased to£20 by Section 92(1) and Schedule 3 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1967. The revised figure will be shown on new parks notices which are now being prepared.
Heavy Vehicles (Code Of Loading)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the working of the code of loading practice for heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
The code has not yet been issued.
Emergency Services Vehicles (Right Of Way)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he will not issue an appeal to all road users to give way and facilitate the passage of vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines so that they have the right of way at all times, whether or not such vehicles are known to be engaged on life saving, so as to expedite their travel to and from their depôts, and thus assist in saving life and limb.
Adequate advice on giving way to emergency services is already in the Highway Code. I have no evidence that road users in general do not follow it.
M40 (Oxford-Birmingham)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the M40 route is to be extended from Oxford to Birmingham.
A scheme for an extension of M40 from Oxford to Birmingham has today been included in the trunk road preparation pool. The proposed motorway would run in a corridor from the presently planned northern end of the M40 at Water stock near Oxford, pass to the east of Banbury and to the west of Leamingtonand Warwick and would finally link with the proposed M42 Birmingham-Nottingham motorway near Umbers lade. Proposals on the line that might be followed will now be developed for public comment and for objections to be considered. The route would relieve existing roads of heavy traffic moving between Oxford and the West Midlands and ease increasing pressure on M1.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Diplomatic Privileges And Immunities
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that diplomatic privileges and immunities are not being used to avoid the orders and judgments of the courts of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
I am satisfied that diplomatic privileges and immunities, which play an essential rôle in diplomatic relations, are rarely abused. Persons who enjoy diplomatic immunity are not generally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts except where their immunity is waived. It follows that orders and judgments cannot be made against them. Such persons nevertheless are required to respect the United Kingdom law.
59.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have diplomatic privileges and immunities whose job does not normally require their residence in the United Kingdom.
There are 40 diplomatic agents appointed to eight missions who reside outside the United Kingdom. In accordance with a widely accepted practice, they are appointed to serve in more than one country.In addition, there is a similar number of senior officials of international organisations with their headquarters outside the United Kingdom who enjoy the same privileges and immunities as diplomatic agents.
European Economic Community
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he will give the reasons why the Part 41, Regulation No. 245/72 of the European Economic Community Secondary Legislation dealing with wine, dated 2nd February, 1972, was not published and made available to hon. Members until 24th June, 1972;
I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 5th June.—[Vol. 838, c. 18–20.]
Sir Lionel Luckhoo
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the circumstances in which Sir Lionel Luckhoo was granted diplomatic immunity; and whether he will make a statement.
Diplomatic immunity attaches, by virtue of the Diplomatic Privileges Act, 1964, to persons who are diplomatic agents at missions in the United Kingdom.In a letter of 23rd March, 1972, the High Commissioner for Guyana informed me that Sir Lionel Luckhoo had been appointed to the High Commission with effect from 17th March, 1972, and that he would be arriving in this country within a few days. The Head of the Protocol and Conference Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office replied to the High Commissioner for Guyana on 10th April accepting the appointment.
St Helena
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will cause an inquiry to be made in St. Helena into the erratic postal services between the United Kingdom and the island.
I am not aware that postal services between the United Kingdom and St. Helena are erratic. Mails are conveyed by steamers calling at the island at alternating intervals of three and four weeks on both outbound and home-bound runs and operating on a prearranged schedule. However, I will certainly look into any specific instances of delay if the hon. Member will provide me with details.
Social Services
Psychiatric Patients (Services)
60.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultation he has had upon the need for local authorities to provide buildings and staff for the care of patients who will be moved from psychiatric hospitals when the National Health Service reorganisation begins to operate in April, 1974; and what are his estimates of the cost to local authorities of meeting their new responsibilities in this field.
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question yesterday, to which I cannot usefully add at the present time.
Dental Care
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent dental caries is an infection; and what steps are being taken by his Department to prevent the spread of infection.
There is abundant experimental evidence to support the view that dental caries is an infection, but factors unique to the oral environment reduce its comparability with infections in other parts of the body. Oral hygiene instruction and advice as well as treatment of active caries are available through the general dental services. The need for the inclusion of additional measures is a matter which the Working Party on the Dental Services will be considering.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the overall economic cost of the short-term neglect of dental care and regular treatment, which results in a higher cost for extensive dental work and the treatment of dental emergencies.
I regret it is not practicable to make such an estimate. The new system of proportionate charges offers an incentive to patients to visit their dentists regularly and thereby to avoid the need for extensive care and many emergencies.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will monitor all changes in dental health and dental staffing that are following his changes in the financial basis of dental care within the National Health Service and publish separate reports at appropriate times.
I assured the British Dental Association that I would watch treatment statistics carefully following the introduction of the present system of charges, and consider with it at an appropriate time whether any changes were necessary. It is still too early to reach final conclusions on the effect of the system.
Mental Hospitals (Fire Precautions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent in his recent action to raise the standards of fire safety measures in mental hospitals he has insisted on the greater use of fireproof curtains and furnishings.
Standing guidance to hospital authorities on fire precautions gives detailed advice on the relative flammability of various textile materials. This advice is under continuous review by the Scientific and Technical Branch of the Department's Supply Division. Mandatory directions to use fireproof furnishings have not been issued because in many hospital situations they present unacceptable problems of cleaning and sterilisation.
National Health Service Employees
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are employed in the National Health Service; and if he will show the total under appropriate groupings.
In terms of whole-time equivalents, approximately 657,200 in England and Wales at 30th September, 1971. These consisted of (in thousands):
| Hospital service | ||
| Medical and dental | … | 24·6 |
| Nursing and Midwifery | … | 263·5 |
| Professional and technical | … | 36·8 |
| Administrative and clerical | … | 57·7 |
| Ancillary staff | … | 208·7 |
| Total hospital service | … | 591·3 |
| Executive Council service | |
| Staff of executive councils dental estimates board and joint pricing committees | 8·1 |
| Local Authority service | |
| Community health services | 57·8 |
Chicken Catchers
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department has instructed that chicken catchers working in groups dispatching poultry from farms to broiler factories shall be treated as self-employed persons.
The classification of persons in any occupation depends on the terms of their employment; I am looking into this matter and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Employment
Drax Power Station (Dispute)
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take about the industrial dispute involving construction workers at Drax power station.
I understand that four companies are involved in disputes—all unofficial—on this site. My officers are keeping in touch with developments but intervention on their part would not be helpful in the circumstances.
Redundancies (Manchester)
62.
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.
Redundancies involving 22,490 workpeople were notified to my Department in the Manchester travel-to-work area during the period 9th June, 1970–10th July, 1972, inclusive, and 1,390 during the period 22nd March—10th July, 1972.
Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in food prices in the City of Birmingham over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972, based on information collected by the Government in the City; and if he will provide a breakdown of the individual items.
I regret that the information available is insufficient to provide a reliable index for the City of Birmingham.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the percentage change in price of each of the individual items as listed in Appendix A of his Department's publication "Method of Construction and Calculation of the Index of Retail Prices" over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972.
The information collected by my Department in respect of some items, although sufficient for the calculation of a reliable all-items index, is insufficient for the calculation of reliable item indices.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what additions or deletions there have been to the items comprising the General Index of Retail Prices as set out in the Government publication "Method of Construction and Calculation of the Index of Retail Prices".
The following changes have been made:
Additions
- Bacon—Middle cut.
- Canned stewed steak.
- Fresh cream.
- Yoghourt.
- Mushrooms.
- Quick-frozen beans.
- Night storage heater.
- Nylon shirt.
- Pantihose.
- Charge for car test.
- Subscription to motoring association.
- Paper handkerchiefs.
- Launderette charges.
- Meals bought and consumed outside the home.
- State school meals.
- Meals, etc. in canteens, cafes and restaurants.
Deletions
- Flour, plain.
- Imported beef—
- Sirloin (without bone).
- Back ribs (with bone).
- Brisket (with bone).
- Fore ribs (with bone).
- Mutton, home-killed.
- Mutton, imported.
- Hake.
- Beetroot.
- Prunes.
- Coffee essence, liquid.
- Fully fashioned nylon stockings.
- Motor cycle tyre.
- Pedal cycle tyre.
- Radio licence.
- Bagwash.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in the Housing Group Index of the General Index of Retail Prices in the City of Birmingham over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972; and how the figure compares with the national average.
I regret that this information is not available.
Carlisle
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, following the takeover of Carr's Biscuit Works of Carlisle by United Biscuits Holdings Limited, he will take steps to ensure adequate prospects of employment in the city.
I am not aware that any significant change in employment at the Carr's Biscuit Works in Carlisle will result from the takeover by United Biscuit Holdings Ltd. The extensive reflationary measures which we have introduced are designed to improve employment opportunities throughout the country and especially in the development areas including Carlisle where the June unemployment rate was 2·9 per cent., somewhat below the national average of 3·5 per cent.
Wage Settlements
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now provide the information sought by the hon. Member for Don caster about
| Agreement | Approximate Number of Workers Involved | Estimated Percentage in Earnings Resulting from Settlement | Operative Date |
| Chief Fire Officers in England and Wales and Fire masters in Scotland | 142 | 11·7 | 1st January, 1972 |
Macclesfield
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of unfilled vacancies for women and girls in the clothing and footwear industry notified to his Department in the areas covered by the Macclesfield constituency at the most recent date.
At 7th June, the numbers of notified vacancies for women and girls remaining unfilled in the clothing and footwear industries were 18 in the Macclesfield employment exchange area and seven in the Congleton area. The figures relate only to notified vacancies remaining unfilled and do not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of vacancies in the textile industry notified to his Department in the areas covered by the Macclesfield constituency at the most recent date.
At 7th June the numbers of notified vacancies in the textiles industries remaining unfilled in the Macclesfield and Congleton employment exchange areas were 11 and two, respectively. The figures relate only to notified vacancies remaining unfilled and do not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of unfilled vacancies in the construction industry notified to his Department the five remaining public sector settlements.
There are four pay settlements concluded by individual authorities in the public sector which it would not be proper for me to publish without their consent. I am therefore seeking this consent and will write to the hon. Member. The following settlement should be added to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 22nd June, 1972.—[Vol. 839, c. 160–62.]in the areas covered by the Macclesfield constituency at the most recent date.
At 7th June the numbers of notified vacancies in the construction industry remaining unfilled in the Macclesfield and Congleton employment exchange areas were 12 and one, respectively. The figures relate only to notified vacancies remaining unfilled and do not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were unemployed at the most recent count in the employment areas in the Macclesfield constituency; and how these compared with those obtaining in March, 1972.
At 12th June, the numbers of people registered as unemployed in the areas covered by the Macclesfield and Congleton employment exchanges were 753 and 226, respectively. The corresponding figures for 13th March were 921 and 248.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of vacancies for employment as notified to him from the employment exchanges in the Macclesfield constituency, and what was the number of vacancies in March, 1972.
In the area covered by the Macclesfield and Congleton employment exchanges, the numbers of notified vacancies remaining unfilled at 7th June and 8th March, 1972, were 224 and 241 respectively. The figures relate only to notified vacancies remaining unfilled and do not purport to measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.
Perthshire
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the unemployment that will result from the closure of the Royal Navy Stores Depot at Almond bank, Perthshire; when these jobs will be lost; what alternative new employment is expected to be available in Perth; and if he will make a statement.
I understand that, while 400 jobs will be lost as a result of this closure, a number of the workers affected will be transferred to other posts within the Ministry of Defence. The first redundancies are likely to occur at about the end of this year and the rundown of the labour force is expected to continue throughout 1973.While it is not possible to make a precise estimate of the effects of unemployment, the phasing of the rundown over a long period and the considerable advance warning that has been given should do much to facilitate redeployment and all the resources of my Department will of course be available to assist. The total number of new jobs likely to arise in the Perth area depends upon various unforeseeable factors, but measures to help the economics of the development areas should benefit Perth.
Apprenticeships
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to improve the opportunities for school leavers to obtain apprenticeships.
The Government have agreed to share the cost again this year of an Engineering Industry Training Board scheme of awards for initial apprentice training in engineering. The number of awards will be related to the placing in employment of last year's award holders. One thousand five hundred places will be made available initially and the number will be reviewed in the light of experience.Other training boards have been asked to consider the scope for apprentice award schemes in their industries.
Trade And Industry
Manchester (New Jobs)
63.
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 would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26th June, 1972.—[Vol. 839, c. 231–2.]
Cargo Ship "London Statesman"
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what damage was sustained by the British vessel "London Statesman" arising out of an explosion off Saigon, Vietnam, or injury to her crew; and if he will make a statement.
I understand that the "London Statesman" was extensively damaged and partially sunk by two separate explosions in the early hours of 10th July (local time) whilst in Nha Trang Lightering Harbour, South Vietnam. The first explosion holed the engine room, and the second the number five hold. The stern of the ship has settled on the bottom of the shallow harbour, in about 36 feet of water. The cause of the explosions is not yet known, but the local authorities are conducting inquiries into this. I will consider, when the result is known, whether any inquiry under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, is necessary. I understand that all the officers and crew are safe, and uninjured, and that their next of kin have been so informed.
Hovercraft (Certification Fees)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the total certification fees of the British made HM2 Sidewall Hovercraft consequent upon the introduction of the Hovercraft (Fees) Regulations 1972; and how this compares with the equivalent fees for the Italian made H57 Hydrofoil.
The fees for a safety certificate for a HM2 hovercraft are now £540 for the initial issue and £432 for annual renewal. A fee based on the actual costs involved is also payable by the manufacturers for issue of a type certificate.A fee of £147·20 is charged, both initially and for annual renewal, of a ship's passenger certificate for a H57 hydrofoil; this includes, where necessary, a radio certificate. In addition, surveyor's attendance costs abroad, typically some £300, for the initial survey are charged.The hydrofoil fee does not fully reflect costs and is under consideration.
Coal Industry Act (Closures)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions he has had with the National Coal Board regarding amendments to the Coal Industry Act in relation to the problem of future pit closures; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he intends, either by fresh legislation, amendment of the Coal Industry Act or by Ministerial directive, to request the National Coal Board to begin a new pit closure programme during 1972–73.
We shall present proposals as soon as possible for dealing with the financial problems of the coal industry. But I can assure the right hon. Member now that we have no intention of instructing the board on the question of pit closures which are an essential part of the board's management responsibility.
Redundancies (Newport)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps is he taking to assist in the provision of alternative employment at Newport, Monmouth shire, to offset the loss of jobs due to the proposed closure of Stewart and Lloyds Tube Works and the redundancies at Whiteheads Steel Works, British Aluminium Limited and Black Clowson Limited.
Newport, with its excellent communications network, has many advantages, and will be well placed to take advantage of the proposed new arrangements for regional assistance.
Prime Minister (Royal Visitors)
asked the Prime Minister how many members of the Royal Family, and how many Royal personnel from overseas, he has officially received at number 10 Downing Street since June, 1970; and if he will list their names.
The following are the lists, in chronological order, of Royal visitors to No. 10 Downing Street since June, 1970:
Members of the Royal Family
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales—on a visit to see the operation of the Prime Minister's Office.
H.R.H. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon—for a Reception for the Victoria League on its 70th birthday.
H.R.H. Princess Alexandra and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy—on the occasion of a dinner for the Prime Minister of Singapore.
Members of Overseas Royal Families
H.R.H. Prince Fahd bin Abdul Aziz—Second Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia (also on a subsequent visit).
H.M. King Hussein of Jordan—during his visit to Britain.
H.R.H. Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan—during his visit to Britain.
H.H. Sultan of Brunei—during his visit to Britain.
H.M. Sultan Qabus of Oman—during his visit to Britain.
H.H. Shaikh Khalifah bin Hamad al Thani—then Deputy Ruler of Qatar.
H.I.H. Princess Ashraf of Iran—Delegate to the UN Convention on the Rights of Women.
H.I.M. Haile Selassie and members of his family—during his visit to Britain.
H.I.M. The Shah and H.I.M. The Shahbanou of Iran—during their visit to Britain.
Council Of Europe (United Kingdom Delegation)
asked the Prime Minister what changes have been made in the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The hon. Member for Ilkeston (Mr. Raymond Fletcher) has been appointed a substitute Member of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe in place of the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. Arthur Davidson).
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Lairage
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received from animal welfare societies and organisations about conditions in the United Kingdom lirages for livestock awaiting shipment to the European Economic Community; and what replies he has sent;(2) if he is satisfied with the lairage conditions at or near United Kingdom ports for all livestock awaiting shipment to Common Market countries; and if he will make a statement;(3) what checks at what intervals are made by his officials on United Kingdom lairages holding livestock awaiting shipment to the European Economic Community.
The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society has submitted a report on lairage facilities in the Dover area, and my right hon. Friend has discussed it with them. I have visited premises in and around Dover, including two lairages and I am satisfied that in general the arrangements for safeguarding welfare are acceptable.Veterinary staff inspect all lairages annually and there are other frequent checks when livestock are examined before export. Local authority inspectors visit lairages as part of their enforcement duties under the legislation. The Department's veterinary officers have been keeping a particularly close watch on export of livestock from Dover, with the full co-operation of the local authorities.
Virus Abortion
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that the new outbreak of rhinopneumonitis, virus abortion, in Ireland, does not spread to Great Britain.
This is a common disease of horses found in most countries of the world. Thoroughbred breeders take their own precautions and no official action is considered necessary.
Beef And Veal Imports (Non-Preferential Sources)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the duties on imports into this country of beef and veal from non-preferential sources will be reintroduced when the current period of suspension expires.
An order will be laid on 13th July extending until midnight on Saturday, 12th August, the present suspension of our duties on imports of beef and veal. The position thereafter will be subject to further review.
Mr Leonard J Crickmar (Repatriation)
asked the Attorney-General whether he is now able to give the actual costs involved in legal fees to his Department in attempting to obtain repayment from Mr. Leonard J. Crickmar of his repatriation debt of £169·08; what award of costs has been assessed to his Department; and what action he has taken or intends taking to obtain payment of these two amounts.
The costs to the Treasury Solicitor's Department in relation to this case are approximately £200. The court has ordered Mr. Crickmar to pay the Department £122·85 in costs. Mr. Crickmar has indicated his willingness to pay the costs due, together with the judgement debt. It is hoped to agree with him a rate for the payment, and if this does not prove possible, an application will be made to the court to make an order at a rate appropriate to his means.
Defence
Expenditure
asked the Minister of State for Defence what sums have been spent on the defence budget and on items legitimately chargeable to defence outside the defence budget, and including supplementary estimates, in each financial year since 1963–64, at current prices for each year of expenditure and at 1972 prices for each year of expenditure.
Defence budget expenditure and expenditure on "Other Military
| Current Prices £ million | 1972 Prices £ million | ||||||
| Defence Budget | Other Military Defence | Defence Budget | Other Military Defence | ||||
| 1963–64 | … | … | … | 1,811 | 100 | 3,323 | 184 |
| 1964–65 | … | … | … | 1,941 | 65 | 3,352 | 112 |
| 1965–66 | … | … | … | 2,058 | 65 | 3,390 | 107 |
| 1966–67 | … | … | … | 2,140 | 142 | 3,307 | 219 |
| 1967–68 | … | … | … | 2,236 | 196 | 3,367 | 295 |
| 1968–69 | … | … | … | 2,245 | 161 | 3,158 | 226 |
| 1969–70 | … | … | … | 2,214 | 92 | 2,917 | 121 |
| 1970–71 | … | … | … | 2,500 | 40 | 2,851 | 46 |
| 1971–72 | … | … | … | 2,803* | 55* | 2,881* | 57* |
| * Estimated. | |||||||
Sir Francis Chichester
asked the Minister of State for Defence how much public money was spent by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in operations involving Sir Francis Chichester.
The extra costs amounted to £3,000 approximately.
Civilian Employees (Industrial Action)
asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the current industrial action being taken by civilian workers in naval dockyards and other defence establishments.
Over the past few days there have been token strikes and other forms of industrial action at a number of Ministry of Defence establishments including the Royal Dockyards. These are said to arise from dissatisfaction with progress in the central negotiations for the pay of the Industrial Civil Service.
Education And Science
Handicapped Children (Facilities)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is prepared to implement the Tunbridge recommendation for a study to be made of the number of educational facilities for handicapped children throughout the year, and if she will make a statement.
The Tunbridge report was addressed to my right hon. Friend Defence", as defined for National Income and Expenditure purposes and explained in Annex B table 1 of the 1972 Statement on Defence Estimates, is as follows:the Secretary of State for Social Services, who will consult me about any recommendations affecting the education service.
Special Schools (Disabled Persons)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many special schools there are for the disabled; where they are situated; and how many teachers and doctors there are in each school.
In January, 1971, the numbers of special schools in England providing for the physically handicapped, and the teachers in them, were as follows:
| Schools | Teachers | ||
| Physcially handicapped | … | 72 | 568 |
| Physically handicapped and delicate | … | 72 | 518 |
| 144 | 1,086 |
National Gallery
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in view of the fact that extracts from the letter of 12th June from the Chairman of the National Gallery to the Paymaster-General have been published in this week's issue of Art and Antiques Weekly if she will now reconsider her refusal to publish the letter in the Official Report.
No.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will publish in the Official Report a statement concerning the discussions held between the Paymaster-General and the Chairman of the National Gallery in connection with that institution's decision in respect of a free day.
The publication of a statement will be considered when the discussions have been concluded.
Home Department
Younger Committee On Privacy (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the Report of the Younger Committee on Privacy; whether he has also received the report of the review of the privacy aspects of the use of Government computers to handle personal information; and if he will make a statement.
The Report of the Committee on Privacy, which was presented jointly to me and to my right hon. Friends the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Scotland, is published today. I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude to Sir Kenneth Younger and his colleagues for the work which has gone into the preparation of this most thorough Report. The Government are studying urgently the Committee's conclusions and recommendations, which cover a wide field and are of concern to many people. It is our intention to take public reaction and the views of those interested in this matter into account before announcing our conclusions.Meanwhile, as the House knows, the Government have been reviewing the categories of personal information held in Government computers and the rules governing its storage and use, and in due course we shall be publishing a White Paper setting out our own conclusions both on the Younger Committee Report and on our own review.
Attacks On Publicans
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will undertake a study into the increase in personal attacks upon publicans.
I share the hon. Member's concern about these, as well as other, violent offences. While I have no present plans for a special study of them, I am having some inquiries made.
Offences Involving Violence (Convictions)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of offences involving violence in 1971; and what was the figure in 1961.
The numbers of persons found guilty of an indictable offence of violence against the person in England and Wales in 1971 and 1961 were 26,266 and 11,519 respectively.
Legal Aid (Magistrates' Courts)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish in the Official Report statistics relating to the applications for grants and refusals of legal aid in magistrates' courts in the inner London area during 1971;(2) if he will publish in the Official Report statistics relating to the applications for grants and refusals of legal aid in magistrates' courts for all counties and county boroughs in England and Wales during 1971.
These statistics are not immediately available. I have written to the hon. Member.
Bail Hostels
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many bail hostels are to be planned during 1972–73; and if he will list the areas in which such bail hostels will be established.
Two or three. The only decided location is Sheffield.
Brixton Prison (Out-Patient Facilities)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government propose that out-patient facilities will be available at Her Majesty's Prison, Brixton, to enable courts in the London area to remand accused persons on bail for medical reports.
Facilities have been available to five magistrates' courts in South London since 20th June.
Remands In Custody
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons remanded in custody after committal proceedings, in 1969, 1970, 1971 and to date in 1972, respectively, were remanded for periods in excess of 84 days; and if he will specifiy in which prisons such persons were detained.
This information is not immediately available, but I am arranging for relevant information to be obtained and shall write to the hon. Member.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precise arrangements have been made by his Department for governors of remand homes and prisons to draw to the attention of administrators, under the Courts Act, cases in which a long period has been spent on remand; and if he will make a statement.
Governors of prisons and remand centres in England and Wales have been asked to send to circuit administrators and courts administrators a fortnightly list of persons under 21 who have been in custody for more than eight weeks while awaiting trial or sentence at the Crown Court.
National Finance
Gaming Machine Licence Duty
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury keeps records of information received regarding bankruptcies or the liquidation of companies whose activities make them liable to the payment of gaming machine licence duty; and what are the total number of liquidations and bankruptcies in each financial year since gaming machine licence duty was introduced.
No. This information is not available.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many premises, not having local authority approval, have gaming machine licences for more than two machines; and what would be the cost of exempting from gaming machine licence duty those machines not actually provided for use.
The latest available figure is 127. Where gaming machines are made available for play, all gaming machines on the premises are dutiable. This legal requirement is intended to protect the Revenue, and the direct cost of its repeal, which would be small, is therefore not the primary consideration.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of exempting penny machines from gaming licence duty.
About £1 million a year.
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the anticipated income from purchase tax on each category of goods of which a different rate of that tax is levied for the current financial year; and what would be the estimated receipts for the same volume of goods in each category if value added tax at 10 per cent. were substituted.
Purely arithmetical calculations making no allowance for changes in the pattern of consumption, and restricted to final sales of goods now subject to purchase tax, are as follows:
| Rate of purchase tax (per cent.) | Computed full year yield of purchase tax on 1972–73 expenditure | Computed full year yield of VAT on 1972–73 expenditure |
| £m. | £m. | |
| 11¼ | 370 | 430 |
| 18 | 150 | 110 |
| 25 | 755 | 470* |
| * Including car tax. | ||
Ministerial And Others Salaries Act
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a detailed list giving those, as mentioned in the Ministerial and Others Salaries Act, who in addition to their salaries and expenses are enabled to maintain radio and television fees, payments for writings and other moneys; and what salaries and expenses each of these receive from Treasury funds.
Ministers do not accept payment for official broadcasts or for any writings designed to inform the public about the work of their Departments.As for the other office holders mentioned in the Ministerial and other Salaries Act, 1972, this is a matter for the individuals concerned.
Football Clubs (Taxation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what details have been supplied to him by the Football Association about the relationship of the tax payments of member clubs to their net receipts, and the effects on them of the imposition of value added tax; and what reply he has sent.
My right hon. Friend has been sent an off-print of an article from the Football Association News, which gave no evidence of the effect on attendances and receipts of passing any net extra tax burden on in admission charges, and did not call for any reply.
Scottish Economy (Floating £)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what indications he now has of the effects on the Scottish economy of the floating of the £ sterling.
Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, should experience rapid economic growth as a result of the Government's reflationary measures. I see no reason for the floating of the £ sterling to affect this expansion to any significant degree.
Northern Ireland
Criminal Injuries Procedure
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Committee on the Simplification of the Criminal Injuries Procedure in Northern Ireland is due to report; and if he will make a statement.
It has not been found necessary to appoint a committee to review the procedure. A number of measures designed to speed up compensation payments have already been intro- duced, and the position is kept under continuous review. Small claims can now be settled without recourse to the court and interim advances can be made where the amount of compensation payable has been agreed in respect of any part of a claim. Additional staff have been engaged in an effort further to speed up the processing of claims.
Arrests
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been arrested in the areas known as Bogside and Creggan since 24th March, 1972; and how many persons living therein have been arrested since that date.
Three persons have been arrested in the Bogside since 24th March, 1972, but these arrests did not take place within the barricaded area. In the same period about 90 persons with addresses in the Bogside or Creggan have been arrested outside these areas.
Borstal Institutions
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have escaped from Borstal institutions in Northern Ireland since 1st April, 1972.
Five. Three boys were recaptured within 24 hours and a fourth within a week of absconding. The fifth, who absconded on 30th June, 1972, on his way back from a visit to his sick father, is still at large.
Posts And Telecommunications
Bbc (Chairman)
asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is now able to announce the name of the new Chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation; whether he will ensure that this person is not an active or formerly active professional politician; and whether he will ensure that such appointment will be announced in the House of Commons before the commencement of the Summer Recess.
The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Not yet"; to the second that the person Her Majesty will be recommended to appoint will be the most suitable available; to the third, that I shall certainly see that the announcement is made without unnecessary delay.
Television (Wales)
asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications when BBC1 and Harlech Television, respectively, will be receivable in ultra-high frequency in the Conway area.
The BBC hope to commence transmissions of BBC Wales from the Conway UHF relay station next summer; the IBA hope to bring HTV (Wales) on the air from this station towards the end of 1973.
asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what additional masts will be required to transmit programmes on the Fourth Channel in Wales, to supplement those already envisaged for the transmission of the existing British Broadcasting Corporation and Independent Television Authority services.
Provision of four channels was taken into account at the start of
| NUMBERS OF CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE IN THE CARE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN WALES AND MONMOUTH SHIRE ON 31ST MARCH | |||||||
| 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | ||
| Anglesey CC | … | 20 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 33 |
| Brecon CC | … | 25 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 25 | 25 |
| Caernarvon CC | … | 63 | 77 | 84 | 77 | 88 | 99 |
| Cardigan CC | … | 30 | 26 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 33 |
| Carmarthen CC | … | 66 | 67 | 68 | 63 | 74 | 88 |
| Denbigh CC | … | 135 | 147 | 154 | 144 | 139 | 157 |
| Flintshire CC | … | 103 | 110 | 131 | 128 | 128 | 121 |
| Glamorgan CC | … | 486 | 472 | 477 | 472 | 480 | 559 |
| Merioneth CC | … | 25 | 22 | 29 | 26 | 32 | 24 |
| Monmouth CC | … | 229 | 197 | 191 | 207 | 170 | 235 |
| Montgomery CC | … | 12 | 11 | 14 | 10 | 11 | 9 |
| Pembroke CC | … | 52 | 53 | 56 | 58 | 54 | 52 |
| Radnor CC | … | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 11 |
| Cardiff CBC | 225 | 264 | 251 | 250 | 249 | 372 | |
| Merthyr Tydfil CBC | … | 42 | 38 | 36 | 39 | 28 | 35 |
| Newport CBC | … | 115 | 126 | 141 | 138 | 142 | 154 |
| Swansea CBC | … | 96 | 103 | 86 | 95 | 96 | 96 |
| Wales and Monmouthshire | … | 1,761 | 1,761 | 1,797 | 1,781 | 1,770 | 2,103 |
| * The figures for 1971 are not directly comparable with those for earlier years, since on 1st January, 1971, the power of the courts to commit to approved school or to the care of a fit person was replaced by a power to commit to the care of a local authority, and all persons under 19 then subject to approved school orders or to supervision after release from approved school were deemed from that date to be subject to care orders. | |||||||
UHF planning so no additional masts would be needed for the purpose of activating a fourth channel.
Wales
European Economic Community (Booklet)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a short booklet in both English and in Welsh setting out the main consequences to Wales of Great Britain's entry into the Common Market.
No. A wide range of information and assessment is already available.
Children In Care
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many children between the ages of five to 15 years are in the care of local authorities in Wales, giving the figures for each authority; and how these figures compare with the figures for the last five years.
Following is the information:
School Building
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many secondary school building approvals were granted in Wales in every year from 1964 to 1971.
The number of secondary school major building projects approved in each year between 1st April, 1964, and 31st March, 1972, is as follows:
| 1964–65 | … | … | … | … | 15 |
| 1965–66 | … | … | … | … | 4 |
| 1966–67 | … | … | … | … | 7 |
| 1967–68 | … | … | … | … | 17 |
| 1968–69 | … | … | … | … | 18 |
| 1969–70 | … | … | … | … | 19 |
| 1970–71 | … | … | … | … | 36 |
| 1971–72 | … | … | … | … | 39 |
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many primary school building approvals were granted in Wales in 1964 and every year since, to date.
The number of primary school major building projects approved in each year between 1st April, 1964, and 31st March, 1972, is as follows:
| 1964–65 | … | … | … | … | 8 |
| 1965–66 | … | … | … | … | 20 |
| 1966–67 | … | … | … | … | 30 |
| 1967–68 | … | … | … | … | 42 |
| 1968–69 | … | … | … | … | 25 |
| 1969–70 | … | … | … | … | 25 |
| 1970–71 | … | … | … | … | 25 |
| 1971–72 | … | … | … | … | 25 |
M4 (Groes And Cornelly)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when it is now proposed to hold the public inquiry into the building of the M4 in the vicinity of Groes and Cornelly village.
In October or November, 1972.
School Places
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many new primary school places were created in Wales in every year from 1960 to the latest available date.
The number of new primary school places brought into use each year from 1960 to the end of 1971, the latest available date, is as follows:
| 1960 | … | … | … | … | 7,210 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | … | 3,435 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | … | 3,990 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | … | 7,450 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | … | 3,770 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 4,760 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 5,190 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 9,415 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 11,434 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 13,965 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 9,225 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 10,498 |
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many new secondary school places were created in Wales each year from 1960 to 1971.
The number of new secondary school places taken into use each year from 1960 to 1971 is as follows:
| 1960 | … | … | … | … | 8,360 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | … | 6,230 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | … | 6,930 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | … | 4,745 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | … | 10,480 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 10,005 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 5,205 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 6,600 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 4,440 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 7,955 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 12,550 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 10,360 |
Improvement Grants (Holiday Cottages)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a White Paper on the operation of the Housing Improvement Act, 1969 in Wales, with particular reference to the provision of grants for the improvement of holiday cottages.
Not at present. But I expect to receive a report from the Welsh Council on this and other aspects of housing in Wales later this year.
Timber (Processing)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the timber currently sold from Forestry Commission plantations in Wales is further processed in Wales and what plans he has to increase this percentage.
In the year ended 31st March, 1972, about 60 per cent, of the timber sold directly from the Forestry Commission's forests in Wales was processed in the Principality. The corresponding information is not available for the remainder of the timber produced by the Commission, which was sold to timber merchants.As supplies from the Commission's forests increase there will be more scope, in the longer term, for the expansion of processing in Wales, but this will necessarily depend upon the commercial judgement of potential investors.
House Building
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses in the private sector and public sector respectively were completed in Wales in the first six months of 1972.
Completion figures are so far only available for the first five months of 1972. These are:
| Public Sector | … | … | … | 1,873 |
| Private Sector | … | … | … | 4,010 |
| Total | … | … | … | 5,883 |