Written Answers To Questions
Wednesday, 15th November, 1972
Environment
Allotments
4.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will expedite new legislation concerning the provision of land for use as allotments and the administration of allotment matters so that it may become operative concurrently with the Local Government Act on 1st April, 1974.
The Local Government Act leaves the law on allotments as it is, except for changes on two points to bring it into line with our general policy on local government. As I announced in the House on 28th July, 1971, and reaffirmed in the debate on the Adjournment on 5th May, this year, it is the Government's intention to introduce in due course a measure to bring the legislation on allotments up to date. At the moment I cannot forecast when this will be possible.
Rent And Rate Rebates
8.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will reconsider the legislation which makes a deduction from the needs allowance for each child over the age of 18 years in respect of rent rebate but not in the case of the eldest child in respect of rate rebate.
There is no provision in the relevant legislation for deductions from either the needs allowances in the rent rebate scheme or the income limits for rate rebates. The hon. Member may have in mind the different ways in which the two schemes take account of non-dependent members of a household, but the rate rebate scheme makes no special provision for eldest children. I have no proposals for amending the rent rebate scheme, but I have under consideration that a new rate rebate scheme might be included in legislation upon local government finance which would be closely aligned with the rent rebate scheme.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish figures showing how many people have suffered a reduction in rent rebate as a result of the implementation of the Housing Finance Act, 1972.
I do not have this information, but I expect the number to be very small.
A30 And A303 (Improvements)
24.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of the A30 and A303, respectively, have been double-tracked between London and Sherborne and Win-canton, respectively, during the last year.
0·6 miles of A30 in Staines and 1 mile of A303 east of Andover Bypass in Hampshire, in addition to about 9 miles of existing dual carriageway on A30 and about 13½ miles on A303.
Driving Test Requirements
28.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the British School of Motoring, about drivers' eyesight requirements and the driving test; and what replies he has sent.
I received on 14th November and am considering representations that I should institute regular tests of driving ability, medical condition and eyesight.
Tenanted Property (Speculation)
29.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will seek powers to curb speculation in tenanted residential property;(2) whether he will take steps to encourage local authorities in areas where a substantial amount of speculation in tenanted property is taking place to acquire such properties themselves, compulsorily if necessary.
No.
M42 (Public Inquiry)
31.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will hold a public inquiry on the proposed route of the M42.
As announced on 3rd November, an inquiry into the Castle Donington Section of M42 will be held during the first half of 1973.
Action Group On London's Housing
32.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the selected individual London boroughs visited by the Action Group on London's Housing for the purpose of discussing their contribution to London's housing needs; and when he expects to be informed of the outcome of the discussions.
The Action Group has so far visited Hammersmith, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Richmond-upon-Thames. This is only part of a larger programme of visits which will be taking place during the next few months and it is too early to say when the Action Group will be reporting its discussions.
Parker Morris Standards
33.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to introduce and enforce minimum standards for new dwelling units constructed, with particular reference to room sizes, equipment and facilities as recommended in the Parker Morris Report "Homes for Today and Tomorrow" published in 1961.
All new local authority houses for rent are now built to minimum standards based on Parker Morris. Virtually all new houses built for sale comply with NHBRC standards, which are kept under review.
British Waterways Board
34.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now correct the inaccuracy in his initial statement on the reorganisation of water services concerning the future of the British Waterways Board.
I am not aware of any inaccuracy.
Motorways (Driving Standards)
35.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the standard of driving on motorways; and if he will make a statement.
No.
Motor Mechanics (Licensing)
36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a statutory system for the testing and licensing of motor mechanics.
No.
Transportation Studies
37.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a Green Paper on transportation when the present studies being undertaken by his Department and British Rail are complete.
I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. Walter Johnson) on 8th November.—[Vol. 845, c. 999–1000.]
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many studies on transportation are at present being undertaken by his Department.
It is not possible to give a figure but the number for which my Department is responsible or in which it participates is substantial.
Housing Finance Act
38.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority tenants have so far been awarded rent rebates under the Housing Finance Act irrespective of supplementary benefit recipients.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil (Mr. Row-lands) on 13th November.—[Vol. 846; c. 33.]
Slum Clearance
39.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will include compensation involving compulsory purchase orders for slum clearance and redevelopment in his forthcoming legislation on compensation.
The Land Compensation Bill now before Parliament improves the compensation, payable in such cases under the Land Compensation Act, 1961, and the Housing Act, 1969, by the provision relating to home loss disturbance and expenses payments, to the assessment of compensation for injurious affection, disabled persons' dwellings and business tenancies and to blighted property. An order is before the House for approval doubling the well-maintained payment in respect of tenanted houses required for demolition.
Planning Applications (London)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time taken for the determination of planning applications by planning authorities in the Greater London area.
I regret that this information is not available and could only be obtained from the planning authority only at disproportionate cost.
Improvement Grants
41.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will communicate with all appropriate local authorities seeking their comments on the operation at local level of the improvement grant system.
No. Local authorities were asked as recently as last May in circular 50/72 to inform my hon. Friend at any time of their suggestions for removing constraints on action and for improving procedures for dealing with older housing in their districts.
76.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute an immediate inquiry into the allocation of discretionary improvement grants in regard to the Northern Region and the county as a whole.
No, Sir. The approval of grants is a matter for individual local authorities in the light of their housing needs and conditions. They are in the best position to judge whether a grant should be given in any particular case.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement concerning the working of the system of improvement grants under the Housing Act, 1969.
There is nothing I can add at this stage to my right hon. Friend's speech during the recent debate on the Address in which he referred to the enormous impact of improvement grants in many parts of the country and estimated that this year nearly 300,000 old houses would be improved.
Intensive Husbandry (Pollution)
43.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to empower local authorities to protect rural villages from obnoxious smell, dust and noise from the processing of farm products or from intensive husbandry.
Proposals for strengthening the law on noise abatement are in preparation. For the rest I am satisfied that existing powers are adequate for local authorities to deal with this problem.
Nature Conservancy Council
44.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to introduce legislation to establish the proposed Nature Conservancy Council.
As soon as possible.
Parliamentary Building
45.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reply he has sent to the representations of the Greater London Council criticising the new parliamentary building and on related developments.
The Council was informed that decisions on the design would be made by the House; that its evidence was available in the Select Committee's Report; and that if it wished to make further points, there would no doubt be opportunities for London Members to speak in the debate.
Caravan Sites Act, 1968
42.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will detail the progress made in implementing Part II of the Caravan Sites Act 1968; and what proposals he has for speeding-up the provision of authorised sites so as to make all unlawful camping unnecessary.
Since October, 1970, when details were last obtained from local authorities, a further 28 sites
| GIPSY CARAVAN SITE PROVISION BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT OCTOBER, 1972 | |||||||||
| (October, 1970 figures shown in brackets) | |||||||||
| COUNTY COUNCILS | |||||||||
| Existing | Proposed | Total Provision | Remarks | ||||||
| Sites | Pitches | Sites | Pitches | Sites | Pitches | ||||
| Bedfordshire | … | … | 1 | 12 | 3 | 58 | 4 | 70 | |
| (—) | (—) | (4) | (40) | (4) | (40) | ||||
| Berkshire | … | … | 2 | 21 | 2 | 24 | 4 | 45 | Further site under consideration. |
| (2) | (21) | (2) | (21) | (4) | (42) | ||||
| Buckinghamshire | … | 1 | 25 | 2 | 40 | 3 | 65 | ||
| (1) | (25) | (4) | (100) | (5) | (125) | ||||
| Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely. | — | — | 3 | 52 | 3 | 52 | |||
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (32) | (2) | (32) | ||||
| Cheshire | … | … | — | — | 3 | 45 | 3 | 45 | |
| (—) | (—) | (3) | (36) | (3) | (36) | ||||
| Cornwall | … | … | 1 | 6 | 2 | 32 | 3 | 38 | |
| (—) | (—) | (3) | (58) | (3) | (58) | ||||
| Cumberland | … | … | — | — | 1 | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (10) | (1) | (10) | ||||
| Derbyshire | … | … | 1 | 10 | 2 | 20 | 3 | 30 | |
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (40) | (2) | (40) | ||||
| Devonshire | … | … | 1 | 8 | — | — | 1 | 8 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (8) | (1) | (8) | ||||
| Dorset | … | … | *2 | 47 | 5 | 54 | 7 | 101 | *One site of 25 pitches temporary. |
| (—) | (—) | (7) | (97) | (7) | (97) | ||||
| Durham | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Essex | … | … | 2 | 28 | 3 | 40 | 5 | 68 | |
| (1) | (12) | (4) | (63) | (5) | (75) | ||||
| Gloucestershire | … | … | 3 | 28 | — | — | 3 | 28 | Further sites under consideration. |
| (1) | (8) | (5) | (74) | (6) | (82) | ||||
| Hampshire | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Herefordshire | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | Possible sites being investigated. |
| (—) | (—) | (3) | (50) | (3) | (50) | ||||
| Hertfordshire | … | … | 5 | 78 | 4 | 38 | 9 | 116 | |
| (3) | (48) | (5) | (57) | (8) | (105) | ||||
| Huntingdonshire and Peterborough | — | — | 1 | 30 | 1 | 30 | Possible provision of transit site also. | ||
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (20) | (1) | (20) | ||||
| Isle of Wight | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Kent | … | … | 7 | 84 | 4 | 60 | 11 | 144 | Proposal to increase pitches on 6 existing sites. |
| (6) | (72) | (3) | (36) | (9) | (108) | ||||
| Lancashire | … | … | — | — | 5 | 75 | 5 | 75 | |
| (—) | (—) | (5) | (100) | (5) | (100) | ||||
| Leicestershire | … | … | — | 4 | 4 | 64 | 5 | 68 | |
| (—) | (—) | (4) | (60) | (5) | (60) | ||||
| Lincolnshire (Holland) | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Lincolnshire (Kesteven) | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |||
| (1) | (16) | (—) | (—) | (1) | (16) | ||||
| Lincolnshire (Lindsey) | … | *1 | 15 | 2 | 65 | 3 | 80 | *Provided by Spilsby RDC for Summer use. | |
| (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | (2) | (30) | ||||
| Norfolk | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | Joint site with Norwich CBC proposed. Further sites under consideration. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Northamptonshire | … | — | — | 3 | 44 | 3 | 44 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (30) | (1) | (30) | ||||
have been provided making a total of 58 sites. There are proposals for 106 more sites.
My right hon. and learned Friend is considering how best to encourage the early provision of more sites.
Following is the information:
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| Remarks
| ||||||
Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| ||||
| Northumberland | … | … | — | — | 2 | 25 | 2 | 25 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (24) | (1) | (24) | ||||
| Nottinghamshire | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | Further sites under consideration. |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Oxfordshire | … | … | 1 | 10 | — | — | 1 | 10 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Rutland | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Salop | … | … | — | — | 3 | 29 | 3 | 29 | |
| (—) | (—) | (3) | (29) | (3) | (29) | ||||
| Somerset | … | … | 1 | 8 | 3 | 29 | 4 | 37 | |
| (1) | (8) | (7) | (72) | (8) | (80) | ||||
| Staffordshire | … | … | — | — | 3 | 60 | 3 | 60 | |
| (—) | (—) | (4) | (80) | (4) | (80) | ||||
| Suffolk East | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Suffolk West | … | … | — | — | 1 | 16 | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Surrey | … | … | 1 | 51 | 2 | 58 | 3 | 109 | Further sites under consideration. |
| (2) | (61) | (2) | (60) | (4) | (121) | ||||
| Sussex East | … | … | 3 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 19 | |
| (3) | (13) | (4) | (19) | (7) | (32) | ||||
| Sussex West | … | … | — | — | 2 | 12 | 2 | 12 | |
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (12) | (2) | (12) | ||||
| Warwickshire | … | … | — | — | 1 | 16 | 1 | 16 | Joint site with Coventry CBC. |
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (32) | (2) | (32) | ||||
| Westmorland | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Wiltshire | … | … | — | — | 2 | 42 | 2 | 42 | |
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (42) | (2) | (42) | ||||
| Worcestershire | … | … | 1 | 12 | 3 | 46 | 4 | 58 | Further 2 sites under consideration. |
| (1) | (12) | (5) | (75) | (6) | (87) | ||||
| Yorkshire (East Riding) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Possible joint site with Kingston-upon-Hull CBC. | ||
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Yorkshire (North Riding) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (12) | (1) | (12) | ||||
| Yorkshire (West Riding) | — | — | 5 | 80 | 5 | 80 | |||
| (—) | (—) | (5) | (75) | (5) | (75) | ||||
| Total | … | … | 36 | 476 | 79 | 1,200 | 115 | 1,676 | |
| (23) | (311) | (102) | (1,524) | (125) | (1,835) | ||||
| COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCILS | |||||||||
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| Remarks
| ||||||
Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| ||||
| Birmingham | … | … | — | — | 1 | 16 | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Blackburn | … | … | — | — | *1 | 15 | *1 | 15 | *Already in use as temporary site. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Bolton | … | … | — | — | 1 | 16 | l | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (—) | (15) | ||||
| Bradford | … | … | — | — | 1 | 16 | l | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Bury | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | l | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (10) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Chester | … | … | *1 | 14 | — | — | *1 | 14 | *Temporary site. Joint site with Cheshire CC proposed. Claiming exemption under S. 6(2)(a) of Caravan Sites Act 1968. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||||
| Darlington | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Dewsbury | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Doncaster | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| Remarks
| ||||||
Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| ||||
| Dudley | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Exeter | … | … | — | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Claiming exemption under S. 6(2)(b) of 1968 Act. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Gloucester | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | Contributing to joint site with Gloucestershire CC. |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Huddersfield | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Kingston-upon-Hull | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | Possible joint site with Yorks ER CC. | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Leeds | … | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | |
| (1) | (22) | ( ) | ( ) | (1) | (22) | ||||
| Leicester | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Lincoln | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Liverpool | … | … | — | — | 1 | 25 | 1 | 25 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Luton | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Manchester | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (16) | (1) | (16) | ||||
| Newcastle on Tyne | … | — | — | 1 | 10 | 1 | 10 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Norwich | … | … | — | — | *1 | 16 | 1 | 16 | *Joint site with Norfolk CC. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Nottingham | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Oldham | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Oxford | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Plymouth | … | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (12) | (1) | (12) | ||||
| Rochdale | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| St. Helens | … | … | 1 | 12 | — | — | 1 | 12 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (12) | (1) | (12) | ||||
| Sheffield | … | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | |
| (1) | (15) | (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Stockport | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Stoke-on-Trent | … | … | 1 | 20 | — | — | 1 | 20 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (20) | (1) | (20) | ||||
| Teesside | … | … | — | — | 1 | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (20) | (1) | (20) | ||||
| Walsall | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| West Bromwich | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Wolverhampton | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (24) | (1) | (24) | ||||
| Yarmouth | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| York | … | … | *1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | *Temporary site. Exemption claimed under S. 6(2)(a) of 1968 Act. |
| (1) | (15) | — | — | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Total | … | … | 11 | 168 | 21 | 316 | 32 | 484 | |
| (3) | (52) | (16) | (249) | (19) | (301) | ||||
Exemptions: The following county boroughs have been granted exemption on the grounds that the number of gipsies resorting to the borough in the 5 years ending 1st May, 1968 was not such as to warrant provision being made (Section 6(2)(6) of Caravan Sites Act 1968).
| Barrow-in Furness | Hastings |
| Bath | Rotherham |
| Brighton | Southport |
| Burton-upon-Trent | Sunderland |
| Eastbourne | Torbay |
| Grimsby | Tynemouth |
| Hartlepool |
Applications for exemption: the following county boroughs have applied for exemption on grounds that suitable land is not available (Section 6(2)( a) of Act of 1968).
| Barnsley | *Luton | Wakefield |
| Bootle | *Newcastle on Tyne | Warley |
| Bristol | Preston | Wigan |
| Chester | Salford | York |
*Gateshead | *Southampton | |
* Site may be provided but application for exemption not withdrawn. | ||
The following county boroughs have applied for exemption on grounds that the number of gipsies to the Borough in the five years ending 1st May, 1968. was not such as to warrant provision being made (Section 6(2)( b) of Act of 1968).
| Birkenhead | Halifax |
| Blackpool | Ipswich |
| Bournemouth | Northampton |
| Burnley | Portsmouth |
| Canterbury | Reading |
| Carlisle | Solihull |
| Coventry | Southend-on-Sea |
| Derby | South Shields |
| Exeter | Wallasey |
| Gateshead | Warrington |
| Worcester |
| LONDON BOROUGH COUNCILS | |||||||||
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| Remarks
| ||||||
Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| ||||
| Barking | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Barnet | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Bexley | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Bromley | … | … | 1 | 12 | — | — | 1 | 12 | Proposal to increase to 15 pitches. |
| (1) | (121 | (—) | (—1 | (1) | (12) | ||||
| Camden | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | Under consideration. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Croydon | … | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Enfield | … | … | — | — | 1 | (15) | (1) | (15) | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Greenwich | … | … | — | — | 1 | 54 | 1 | 54 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Harrow | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Havering | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (1) | (27) | (1) | (16) | (1) | (16) | ||||
| Hillingdon | … | … | 1 | 26 | — | — | 1 | 26 | |
| (1) | (15) | (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Hounslow | … | … | *1 | 15 | — | — | *1 | 15 | *Temporary pending permanent provision. |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Kingston Upon Thames | … | — | — | 1 | 15 | 1 | 15 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Merton | … | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (2) | (15) | (2) | (15) | ||||
| Newham | … | … | 1 | 15 | — | — | 1 | 15 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Redbridge | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (1) | (16) | (—) | (—) | (1) | (16) | ||||
| Richmond-on-Thames | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | ||
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| Remarks
| ||||||
Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| ||||
| Sutton | … | … | *1 | 17 | — | — | *1 | 17 | *Temporary pending permanent provision. |
| (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | (—) | ||||
| Waltham Forest | … | … | 1 | 16 | — | — | 1 | 16 | |
| (—) | (—) | (1) | (15) | (1) | (15) | ||||
| Total | … | … | 11 | 180 | 6 | 129 | 17 | 309 | |
| (4) | (70) | (11) | (151) | (14) | (194) | ||||
Applications for exemption: the following London Boroughs (13) have applied for exemption on grounds that suitable land is not available. (Section 6(2)( a) of the Act of 1968).
| Brent | Islington | Tower Hamlets |
| Ealing | Kensington and Chelsea | Wandsworth |
| Hackney | Lambeth | Westminster |
| Hammersmith | Lewisham | |
| Haringey | Southwark |
| SUMMARY OF GIPSY CARAVAN SITE PROVISION BY LOCAL AUTHORITY AT OCTOBER, 1972 (October, 1970 figures shown in brackets) | |||||||
Existing
| Proposed
| Total Provision
| |||||
Local Authority
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| Sites
| Pitches
| |
| County Councils | … | 36 (23) | 476 (311) | 79 (102) | 1,200 (1,524) | 115 (125) | 1,676 (1,835) |
| County Boroughs | … | 11 (3) | 168 (52) | 21 (16) | 316 (249) | 32 (19) | 484 (301) |
| London Boroughs | … | 11 (4) | 180 (70) | 6 (11) | 129 (151) | 17 (14) | 309 (194) |
| Total | … | 58 (30) | 824 (433) | 106 (129) | 1,645 (1,924) | 164 (158) | 2,469 (2,330) |
Non-Registered Ports (Report)
46.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the report of the National Ports Council regarding the role of non-registered ports.
I have received a preliminary report which summarises the information collected. The council proposes to report more fully by the end of this year.
Local Government Service (Cbi Talks)
47.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the outcome of his talks with the Confederation of British Industry on the question of the release of employees for local government service.
My right hon. Friend was in correspondence with the CBI and other employers' associations on this subject some months ago. At that time the confederation recommended its members to release employees for local authority service wherever possible.
Shelter Paper 4
48.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the recent Shelter Paper 4, "Home Improvement—People and Profit", a copy of which is in his possession.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend to a similar Question by the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) on 8th November.—[Vol. 845. c. 995–7.]
Ringway 3
49.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make public the intended route of Ringway 3.
My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to publish proposals for the length between the A10 and the M11 early next year.
Railway Services (Subsidies)
50.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has completed his review of applications for grant renewals for railway services whose current subsidies run out at the end of the year; and if he will make a statement.
I do not expect to receive all the applications till early December. I will make a statement early in the New Year.
Railways (Wales)
51.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future rail pattern for Wales.
Not until the rail policy review is completed.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total mileage of track, and the total annual sum currently being paid by way of grants under the Transport Act, 1968, on account of loss-making railways in Wales.
Approximately 810 route miles and £4·7 million.
A604 (Spaldwick)
52.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when it is proposed to build a bypass for Spaldwick on the A604.
A scheme to improve A604 including a bypass of Spaldwick is in preparation but Huntingdon and Peterborough County Council, the local highway authority, is awaiting the outcome of studies for a new link between M1 and A1 before proceeding further.
Motorway Service Areas
53.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will take to see that contractors in motorway service areas maintain an adequate standard of service to the public.
The main responsibility for maintaining standards of service at motorway service areas must rest with the operators themselves. Considering the problems they face in providing a 24-hour service and dealing with sudden peak loads, I am satisfied that in general the standard is adequate. Nevertheless, I am considering with them whether more could be done to raise standards.
Concessionary Fares
54.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of widespread local variations, he will introduce a national concessionary fares scheme for elderly people.
No. These are matters best decided at local level.
Rochester Way, Eltham
55.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about traffic congestion on the part of the A2 known as Rochester Way in Eltham; and what discussions his Department will initiate with the responsible highways authority to relieve it.
Three letters have been received this year asking when traffic congestion on Rochester Way will be relieved by construction of the Dover Radial Route.It is for the Greater London Council as the responsible traffic and highway authority to consider what measures may be needed in Rochester Way.
A13 (Rainham)
56.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet considered the proposals submitted to him for the rerouting of the A13 road to bypass Rainham village; and if he will adopt those proposals.
The feasibility of a route across Rainham Marsh is being considered by consultants. My right hon. and learned Friend will not be able to judge what proposals merit adoption until a report has been received and considered.
Member's Correspondence
57.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why Mr. C. W. Backhouse of his Department sent a letter to the hon. Member for West Ham, North, signed as his private secretary when he does not hold this position; what is the rank and position of Mr. C. W. Backhouse; and whether he will see that when letters are sent out the signatory is properly designated.
I am writing to the hon. Member.
Derelict Land, Sunderland
59.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total acreage of derelict land in the county borough of Sunderland; and how many acres were cleared in 1970 and 1971, respectively.
There were 363 acres of derelict land in Sunderland justifying treatment at the end of 1971. Three acres were cleared in each of the years 1970 and 1971.
Greenwich Park (Traffic)
60.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement with regard to motorised traffic through Greenwich Park, now that the experimental period of closure of the park to through traffic is over.
It is too early to draw even preliminary conclusions from the experiment since the data gathered before and during the closure have yet to be evaluated by the Department, the Greater London Council and the Greenwich Borough Council. Representations by local associations and residents will be taken into consideration at this stage.
Water And Sewerage
61.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Association of Joint Sewage Boards was not invited to participate in the recent forum to discuss the Government's proposals on the reorganisation of water and sewage services.
The Association's request to join in our meetings with other local authority associations was acceptable to us, but not to the other local authority associations concerned.Mr. Roy Hughes asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in drawing up the Government's proposals for the reorganisation of water and sewerage services, he had consultations with the Association of Joint Sewage Boards; when such consultations took place; and what form they took.
Yes. The association has received all the consultation papers on water reorganisation. In addition my Department had a useful and constructive meeting with representatives of the association on 17th October, at which various subjects in the consultation papers were discussed, particularly the sewerage and sewage disposal functions and safeguards for staff.
House Prices
62.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the increase in house prices in the last 12 months.
I am already in continuous touch with those concerned with the private housing market through existing consultative machinery. Problems of housing supply and demand and house prices are kept under constant review.
A343, Middle Wallop
63.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will reconsider his decision concerning the provision of flashing warning lights at the crossing on the A343 opposite the primary school in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
Yes.
Mobile Homes
64.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new sites for mobile homes have been made available by local authorities since 1970.
This information is not available.
86.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the demand for mobile homes is being met at the moment; and if he will make a statement.
The Department does not keep any statistics indicating the balance of supply and demand for mobile homes. I am not, however, aware of any general shortfall of production.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue a circular to local authorities requesting them to increase land available for mobile homes.
I see no reason for issuing a circular on this specific aspect of land availability at the present time.
Tourists (London)
65.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has received concerning the likely increase in the number of tourists visiting London; and what plans he has for protecting the interests of the permanent residents.
The British Tourist Authority estimates that there will be some 6 million overseas visitors to London in 1972 and that there will be an increase of about 8 per cent. in 1973. The tourist boards are co-operating with the Greater London Council in assessing the extent of the problems involved.
Heavy Vehicles
66.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the position currently obtaining in respect of the negotiations regarding the permitted weights of heavy lorries in the European Economic Community.
67.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the discussions held to agree a uniform system of vehicle specifications for heavy goods vehicles within the European Economic Community.
I would refer my right hon. and learned Friend and the right hon. Member to the answer to a similar Question I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward Taylor).
88.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made in recent discussions with the European Economic Community concerning the damage done by heavy vehicles to the roads and environment.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a similar question I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward Taylor).
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on his recent discussions regarding the question of the entry of heavy lorries from countries of the European Economic Community.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to a similar question I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward Taylor).
Wimbledon And Putney Commons
68.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that there has been a deterioration in the maintenance of Wimbledon and Putney Commons; and if he will seek to abolish the Conservators established under the Act of 1871 and take the Commons into his care.
My right hon. and learned Friend is not aware of any deterioration in the maintenance of these commons and in any case he has no power to interfere in their management. The answer to the last part of the question is "No, Sir".
Motorways (Safety)
69.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further measures he intends to announce to improve safety on motorways.
I have already announced a number of measures. The biggest single contribution to motorway safety should come from sensible driving behaviour.
Road Construction Procedures
70.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will tabulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the procedures and stages which must now be completed for the survey, design, publication, tendering, construction and commencing of a new major road link.
The following is a list of the main steps to be taken between a major road scheme being included in the trunk road preparation pool and its opening to traffic.
List of main steps up to opening for traffic of major road schemes included in the trunk road preparation pool
* Route and Side Roads proposals may be taken concurrently or consecutively.
Council House Purchases
71.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have changed their policy so as to allow tenants to purchase houses owned by the local authorities as a result of his circular to them.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him earlier today in answer to a similar Question.
Council Houses
72.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of council houses started in the United Kingdom in the first three quarters of 1972, 1971 and 1970, respectively; and what steps he proposes to take to increase the number in future.
It is the responsibility of local authorities to look to the needs of their areas for new housing. The present Government, unlike the former Government, place no restriction on the total amount that local authorities may borrow to build houses, and they have created the financial framework in which the acutest needs may be more easily dealt with.
Driving Licences
73.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that as a result of recent legislation certain heavy goods vehicle licence holders are now obliged to undergo another driving test and that such tests involving the hiring of a suitable vehicle, the loss of wages and other costs; and whether he will take steps to eliminate this situation.
The licensing scheme for heavy goods vehicle drivers was reintroduced on 2nd February, 1970, following legislation in 1967.The requirements for certain drivers to pass a test before receiving a heavy goods vehicle driver's licence have applied from the outset. I have no proposals to change them.
74.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he held with representatives of driving instructors and driving test examiners before announcing his intention to introduce driving licences valid for life.
Seven national organisations representing driving instructors were among those whom I consulted about this proposal. No question about driving tests arose, and in any case, examiners are members of my Department.
Rented Housing (London)
75.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is available to his Department relating to changes over the last five years, or other convenient period, in the stock of housing available in the inner London area for renting from local authorities and housing associations and from private landlords, respectively.
The results of the 1971 Census will provide comprehensive information about changes since 1966 in the stock of the various forms of housing to rent. Meanwhile, the information requested is available only about the housing revenue account stock of the London boroughs and the GLC in inner London, which has increased by 43,000 dwellings between 1967 and 1972.
M5 (Additional Capacity)
77.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the construction of a third lane, or a relief motorway, for the M5 motorway between Lydiate Ash and the Ross Spur, M50; and when these will be implemented.
Crawler lanes are to be provided for heavy vehicles on two relatively steep gradients on the northbound carriageway, south of Lydiate Ash. These should be completed by 1975. In addition, the further needs of traffic in the M5 corridor are at present being assessed in the study of a proposed new route between Strensham and Solihull.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to construct climbing lanes where appropriate for heavy vehicles on the M5 motorway south of the Lydiate Ash junction.
Construction of two lengths of crawler lane for north-bound traffic two and 4½ miles south of Lydiate Ash should start in spring 1974.
Pollution
78.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what he is doing to measure and record the extent to which pollution is affecting estuaries;(2) what consideration he is giving to problems of estuarial pollution, raised by the Third Report of the Royal Commission, in the light of the fact that under the proposed local government reorganisation some estuaries do not come under unified control;(3) if he will send a circular to all local authorities, which have not already done
| ANNUAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON TRANSPORT | ||||||||
| (£ million) | ||||||||
| Rail Transport | Road Transport | |||||||
| Year | Vehicles | Track, Machinery etc. | Total | Vehicles* | Roads etc. | Total | ||
| 1962 | … | … | 65 | 53 | 118 | 319 | 146 | 465 |
| 1963 | … | … | 47 | 49 | 96 | 354 | 160 | 514 |
| 1964 | … | … | 39 | 69 | 108 | 419 | 209 | 628 |
| 1965 | … | … | 46 | 74 | 120 | 437 | 214 | 651 |
| 1966 | … | … | 36 | 73 | 109 | 448 | 233 | 681 |
| 1967 | … | … | 26 | 69 | 95 | 458 | 285 | 743 |
| 1968 | … | … | 29 | 71 | 100 | 506 | 330 | 836 |
| 1969 | … | … | 15 | 61 | 76 | 557 | 400 | 957 |
| 1970 | … | … | 22 | 66 | 88 | 605 | 488 | 1,093 |
| 1971 | … | … | 17 | 84 | 101 | 635 | 492 | 1,127 |
| * Goods vehicles, buses and cars for business use. | ||||||||
so, requesting them to make an inventory of pollutant discharge into rivers;
(4) what plans he is making for the provision of additional technical staff to help local authorities combat pollution;
(5) what plans he has for an integrated policy for waste disposal, taking into account the needs of improving estuaries, as outlined by the Third Report of the Royal Commission;
(6) what action he is taking to make sure that pollutants, which are not likely to be rendered harmless by natural processes in esuaries, are abated before discharge into rivers or tidal waters.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him earlier today in answer to a similar Question.
84.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, what powers he will now take to establish river authorities throughout England and Wales with adequate powers to cure existing pollution and prevent future pollution.
The Government have announced their intention to introduce suitable legislation the detailed provisions of which are still under discussion with the bodies affected.
Rail And Road Transport (Expenditure)
79.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, if he will produce figures showing the total annual capital expenditure, including vehicles, on rail transport and road transport over the past 10 years.
Following is the information:
Motorway Barriers
80.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether he is satisfied with the standard of motorway barriers approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
Yes, Sir. Our research to date has shown the tensioned beam type fence, which is normally used, to be the most practicable and effective.
Alkali Prosecutions
81.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, how many prosecutions have been brought by the Alkali Inspectorate during the last period of 12 months for which figures are available.
Five, Sir, between 1 November, 1971, and 31 October, 1972.
Flatlet Conversions (Sale)
82.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of flatlets converted from private houses.
No. These conversions are already subject to planning control.
Public Service Vehicles (Handicapped Persons)
83.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will send a circular to all road transport authorities suggesting that seats at the front of public service vehicles be reserved for elderly and disabled people.
A circular about the problems of handicapped travellers is in preparation.
Departmental Staff (Pay)
85.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department or for whom he has ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October, receiving salaries or wages of £28·40 per week; what were their grades or classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
It would not be possible to provide this information without undue cost.
Smoke Control (Northern Region)
87.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking in view of the report of the panel appointed to examine domestic smoke control in the Northern Region, particularly in view of the report's conclusions that smoke control should be extended and intensified for environmental reasons.
My right hon. and learned Friend will implement those recommendations where the initiative lies with him. Primarily, however, it is for the local authorities to act upon the report, and all who do will find my Department most prompt to help. The essential requirement is a new and vigorous approach to smoke control throughout the region and of this there are already encouraging signs.
Planning Appeal, Newbury Park
89.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will expedite his decision in the appeal against the refusal of planning permission in respect of 126 Lynn Road, Newbury Park, Ilford, Reference No. APP/4427/A/72657, in view of the fact that the appellant was misled in this matter by the Redbridge Borough Council, and is suffering financial hardship.
I will see that the appeal is dealt with as quickly as possible.
West Croydon—Wimbledon Railway
90.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, having regard to the recommendations of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee and the representations of the hon. Member for Croydon, South. he will now refuse his consent for the withdrawal of passenger and freight services on the West Croydon to Wimbledon railway line.
I am not yet in a position to reach a decision on this proposal.
Container Traffic
91.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what weighting is given to the volume of container traffic in cost benefit studies in regard to highway projects.
In appraising road projects and weighting given to heavy goods vehicles, including container traffic, varies greatly according to the existing road conditions, the composition of the traffic, and the time of day at which the bulk of the heavy traffic moves. Since this is a complex matter, I shall be writing to my right hon. and learned Friend.
A41 (Kings Langley—Tring Bypass)
92.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the result of the public inquiry into the route of the A41 bypass Kings Langley to Tring.
Shortly.
Rating (Chemical Plant)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the operation of the law as it affects the rating of chemical plant with a view to introducing proposals for removing anomalies and inequities.
The Committee on the Rating of Plant and Machinery has considered the effects of rating certain kinds of plant and machinery on the relative rate burdens of various types of industrial hereditaments. Its report has been received and it is being studied in the light of the forthcoming legislation upon local government finance.
A16 (Speed Limit)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will impose a speed limit on the A16 road through the village of Deeping St. Nicholas.
No. I have studied this request carefully but I do not think that a speed limit is justified. Development is sparse and the accident record, despite the recent unfortunate fatality, which I regret, is not bad enough to justify a breach of the general criteria applied in determining speed limits.
Downend And Mangotsfield (Traffic Conditions)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the noise and congestion in Downend and Mangotsfield attributable to growth in traffic since the opening of the M4; what steps he proposes to take to try to alleviate the congestion and to reduce the noise; what discussions he intends to hold with the Mangotsfield Urban District Council and the Gloucestershire County Council concerning this problem; and what consideration his Department has given to the creation of a new motorway access point.
I am aware of the concern expressed about the growth of traffic in these areas. The problem will be examined in the transportation study for the Bristol area which the city council has initiated. Also the Department is keeping the situation including the possible need for a further motorway junction under review with both the Mangotsfield Urban District and Gloucester County Council.
M1 (Signing)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, arising out of the review of motorway signing on the M1 consequent upon its connection with the M62, it is proposed to provide additional signposting indicating the location of Bradford.
The review of signing on the M1 is not yet complete.
Camborne-Redruth A30 Bypass
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the envisaged starting and completion dates for the Camborne-Redruth A30 bypass; at what estimated cost the work is to proceed; and what were the originally intended commencement and completion dates and cost.
Work on the revised scheme should start in January, 1973, and be completed in two years. The cost will be determined by consideration of tenders now being received. On the previous scheme it was hoped to start and finish work nine months earlier at an estimated cost of £5·6 million.
Sport
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy towards sport.
As I indicated when welcoming the Sport for All Campaign, I am supporting the sports councils in their efforts to get more people of all ages to engage in sport; to see that there are ample opportunities for every one, including especially facilities for the physically handicapped and for whole families to enjoy themselves together, to bring about the widest and fullest use of the existing facilities including wherever appropriate those belonging to schools, industry and the armed services; and to open up for recreational use more of the country's natural resources, including water space and forests. Not least, I support the increasing recognition by local authorities of the need to provide additional sports facilities at the local level. Local authority expenditure on such facilities is now running at a rate close to double that of five years ago.
A1, London (Noise)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for compensating owners of property on the A1 road in the inner London area, who, due to excessive traffic noise, have to double glaze all windows.
The White Paper "Development and Compensation—Putting People First" (Cmnd. 5124) describes my right hon. and learned Friend's plans for helping people adversely affected by road improvements opened to traffic on or after 17th October, 1969. Paragraphs 18 and 19, 22 to 27, 66 and 67 deal with sound insulation and compensation.
Manchester-Sheffield Roadway
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the stage which has now been reached with the Manchester to Sheffield roadway project.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him earlier today, in answer to a similar Question.
Railway Land
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated acreage of disused railway land to be made available to local authorities in the inner London area over the next five years.
Following the discussions referred to in the answer given on 9th August to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg), the British Railways Board expects to release about 118 acres of land to local authorities in the Inner London Area within the next three years, and are examining the possibility of further releases.
Car Rallies (Use Of Highways)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the public are adequately protected from inconvenience resulting from the use of highways for car rallies, especially at night; and if he will make a statement.
Yes, Sir, the control system strictly limits the number of events which can be held in any one area.
Motor Vehicles (Laminated Glass)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he will not take action to ensure that all new road vehicles are equipped with laminated glass as a safety measure.
The evidence is not sufficient to justify such a requirement.
Motor Vehicle Insurance (Green Cards)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent green cards to cover the insurance of their cars and passengers will be necessary after 1st January next for British motorists taking their cars to European Economic Community countries.
Present arrangements for green cards will not be changed until the directive on motor insurance becomes effective for the United Kingdom on 1st January, 1974.
Scotland
Medical Students
93.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the students who applied and were accepted in each of the medical faculties of Scottish universities in 1955, 1965, 1970 and 1971, respectively, were women.
Information about numbers of applicants is not available centrally. The information requested about entrants is set out in the table below:
| ENTRANTS TO FACULTIES OF MEDICINE* IN SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES | |||||||||||||
1955
| 1960
| 1964†
| 1970
| 1971
| |||||||||
Total entrants
| Women entrants
| Total entrants
| Women entrants
| Total entrants
| Women entrants
| Total entrants
| Women entrants
| Total entrants
| Women entrants
| ||||
| Aberdeen | … | … | … | 74 | 23 | 80 | 20 | 101 | 31 | 106 | 35 | 115 | 40 |
| Dundee‡ | … | … | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | 88 | 29 | 57 | 15 |
| Edinburgh | … | … | … | 226 | 68 | 172 | 39 | 178 | 45 | 156 | 49 | 155 | 55 |
| Glasgow | … | … | … | 166 | 42 | 160 | 51 | 214 | 58 | 217 | 79 | 205 | 57 |
| St. Andrews‡ | … | … | 76 | 20 | 76 | 24 | 96 | 21 | 51 | 20 | 66 | 31 | |
* The figures do not include students following courses in dentistry. | |||||||||||||
| † Compatible figures for 1965 are not available. | |||||||||||||
| ‡ In 1967 Queen's College, Dundee became the University of Dundee by separation from St. Andrews, and the Faculty of Medicine previously forming part of St. Andrews University became part of Dundee University. At St. Andrews however it remains possible for students to take classes leading to an ordinary or honours degree of B.Sc. (Medical Science), these classes forming a pre-clinical course which qualifies students to proceed to clinical studies and the degree of M.B., B.S. in the University of Manchester. | |||||||||||||
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the numbers of students who applied and how many were accepted in each of the medical faculties of Scottish universities in 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1971, broken down into their schools of origin in terms of independent, grant-aided local authority selective and local authority.
Information on numbers of applicants to Scottish universities is not available centrally. The information available on numbers of entrants does not include such particulars as their schools of origin. I have set out the total numbers of students who entered each of the medical faculties of Scottish universities for the first time at undergraduate level in 1955, 1960, 1964 and 1970 in my answer to the hon. Member's question about women entrants.
Fish Landings
94.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what fall or increase there has been in each month of this year in the landings of fish by weight in Scottish ports.
The information is contained in the following table. Total landings vary from month to month but up to the end of September, the total weight of all fish landed by British vessels was some 52,000 cwt. more than in the corresponding period last year.
| TOTAL OF ALL FISH LANDED BY BRITISH VESSELS IN SCOTLAND DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER, 1971 AND 1972 (BY WEIGHT) | |||
| Increase or decrease over | |||
| Month | 1971 Cwt. | 1972 Cwt. | 1971 Cwt. |
| January | 857,637 | 949,258 | + 91,621 |
| February | 795,243 | 941,043 | + 145,800 |
| March | 697,571 | 701,213 | + 3,642 |
| April | 564,768 | 497,186 | - 67,582 |
| May | 550,647 | 561,785 | + 11,138 |
| June | 743,484 | 693,911 | - 49,573 |
| July | 730,045 | 684,443 | - 45,602 |
| August | 781,701 | 759,835 | - 21,866 |
| September | 684,545 | 669,324 | - 15,221 |
Licensing Laws
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the report from the committee considering the licensing laws of Scotland to be published.
I hope to receive the report early next year.
Oil Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table indicating how many inquiries he has received to date from firms wishing to participate in the oil industry; how many were from Scottish firms; how many inquiries have resulted in the firm actually setting up in Scotland; and how many inquiries are still being processed.
Since February, my office has dealt with some 30 inquiries from firms about possible developments in the oil industry. Most of them were requests for information and about-two-thirds of them have been from Scottish companies. None is under consideration at present. Inquiries are also received by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), the North East of Scotland Development Authority and the Highlands and Islands Development Board.It is not possible to identify companies which have set up in Scotland in consequence of these inquiries.
Departmental Staff (Pay)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department or for whom he has ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October, receiving salaries or wages of £28·40 per week; what were their grades or classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
It would not be possible to provide this information without undue cost.
Trade And Industry
Electricity Supply Line, West Burton Power Station
95.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will order a public inquiry into the decision by the Central Electricity Generating Board to erect a further overhead supply line and pylons from West Burton power station over the village of Bole, near Retford, in view of the effect on the environment and television reception.
I have received no application from the board to erect further overhead lines in the vicinity of the West Burton power station. However if an application were made the question of a public inquiry would depend on the nature and volume of objections.
Pyramid Selling
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will conduct an investigation into the activities of organisations operating the pyramid system of business.
| NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES APPROVED AND REFUSED FOR SCHEMES OF 15,000 SQUARE FEET AND OVER, 1ST OCTOBER, 1971–30TH SEPTEMBER, 1972 | |||||||||||||
| APPROVALS | |||||||||||||
| 1971 | 1972 | ||||||||||||
| Region | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | |
| North | … | 7 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 2* | Nil* | Nil* |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 13 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 12 | 14 | |
| East Midlands | … | 6 | 12 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 9 | 14 | 11 |
| East Anglia | … | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 7 |
| South East | … | 29 | 30 | 27 | 26 | 21 | 33 | 43 | 35 | 43 | 36 | 47 | 23 |
| South West | … | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 8* | 10* | 11* |
| Wales | … | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 2* | Nil* | 6* |
| West Midlands | … | 9 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 10 | 11 | 13 |
| North West | … | 10 | 15 | 14 | 20 | 20 | 13 | 12 | 23 | 29 | 17* | 18* | 11* |
| Scotland | … | 6 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 18 | 3* | Nil* | Nil* |
| REFUSALS | |||||||||||||
| 1971 | 1972 | ||||||||||||
| Region | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | |
| North | … | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil* | Nil* | Nil* |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
| East Midlands | … | Nil | Nil | 4 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | 1 | Nil |
| East Anglia | … | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| South East | … | 3 | 2 | 3 | Nil | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| South West | … | 1 | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 2* | 2* | Nil* |
| Wales | … | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil* | Nil* | Nil* |
| West Midlands | … | Nil | 1 | 1 | 2 | Nil | 1 | 3 | 1 | Nil | 2 | 1 | Nil |
| NorthWest | … | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil* | Nil* | Nil* |
| Scotland | … | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil* | Nil* | Nil* |
| * These Planning Regions include Development Areas exempt from IDC Control from 20th July, 1972. | |||||||||||||
Coal Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the number of tons of coal imported into Great Britain in 1972 to the latest available date; and what was the average cost per ton.
Figures of imports for January to September, 1972, the latest
Nine companies engaged in pyramid selling have been or are being investigated under the powers provided by Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967. I am considering urgently what other action may be necessary to deal with this method of marketing.
Industrial Development Certificates
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list, by planning region, the number of industrial development certificates applied for, and the number of applications rejected, in each of the last 12 months.
Following are the details:—period available, are published in Table III of the September, 1972, issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom. The average cif value per metric tonne for this period was £9·62. It must be realised that this figure is influenced by varying qualities of coal, transport costs to United Kingdom ports and other factors.
Coal Stocks
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the present level of coal stocks; whether he is satisfied with the amount; and if he will make a statement.
The latest figures are published in the Department's Weekly Statistical Statement, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Stocks have been rebuilt since the miners' strike earlier this year but in total are still below the level at this time last year. Distributed stocks are generally satisfactory in relation to those held in past years and to the demands which may be expected. Undistributed stocks are still below the average levels of recent years.
Accidents (Scottish Coalfield)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many men have been killed or seriously injured in the Scottish coalfield in the first nine months of this year.
I regret to have to record that six men were killed and 51 seriously injured.
European Economic Community
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will bring to the notice of all limited companies in the United Kingdom the provisions of Section 9(7) of the European Communities Act, 1972, with regard to the printing of various particulars on their business letters and order forms, in order to facilitate the bringing of these provisions into force at the entry date of 1st January, 1973.
The provisions were explained in an article in Trade and Industry for 19th October and in a Press notice dated 24th October. Copies of the article are sent out with all copies of "Britain and the EEC".
M45h Aero Engine
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support Her Majesty's Government is giving to the M45H aero-engine project.
On 21st January my predecessor informed the House that provided satisfactory arrangements could be concluded between the firms, Her Majesty's Government would provide up to £11 million launching aid to Rolls Royce (1971) Ltd. to enable the company, in collaboration with SNECMA, to complete the development and undertake production of the M45H aero-engine for the VFW Fokker 614 aircraft.Signature of contracts was unhappily delayed by the crash of the first prototype aircraft on 1st February. However negotiations both between the firms and also between the British and German Governments have now led to satisfactory arrangements for the project's continuation and contracts were signed between the firms on 31st October.Her Majesty's Government have agreed to a request by Rolls Royce (1971) Ltd. to increase the maximum for their launching aid to £13·6 million. The increase is to cover the United Kingdom share of future additional costs, particularly those arising from the delay to the production programme caused by the prototype crash.Provision will, as normal, be made in the launching aid agreement with Rolls Royce (1971) Ltd. for the Government to recover its investment through a share in the revenue from M45H sales. There is more uncertainty than usual whether this aid will be fully recovered. This was originally a private venture entered upon by Rolls Royce Ltd. and SNECMA, and in the special circumstances following the collapse of Rolls Royce Ltd. the Government have decided to accept this uncertainty.—[Vol. 829, c.
296.]
Home Department
Ugandan Asians
96.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total cost incurred since 1st January, 1972, in Uganda, the United Kingdom and by way of commitment to other countries, in respect of the documentation, movement, reception and resettlement in the United Kingdom or elsewhere of persons of Asiatic extraction recently resident in Uganda.
As regards the expenditure of the Uganda Resettlement Board, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 9th November. It is still too soon to be able to give estimates for the other items.—[Vol. 845, c. 209.]
Alcoholic Drinks (Television Advertising)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose banning the advertising of alcoholic drinks on television, in view of the prevalence of offences involving alcohol.
No. I am not persuaded that such a ban would significantly reduce the number of these offences.
Swordsticks
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were convicted during each of the last five 12-month periods for which records are available for offences involving the carrying or use of sword-sticks.
I regret that this information is not available.
Prisoners (Good Conduct Remission)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the maximum and minimum periods of loss of good conduct remission given to prisoners held in Her Majesty's Prisons during each of the last five years; and how many prisoners were sentenced to each period of loss of remission ordered;(2) how many persons due to be released from Her Majesty's Prisons during each of the last five years failed to qualify for the whole of their one-third remission for good conduct; and what proportion this was of the total.
I regret that this information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
Crown Court Committals
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were committed to the Crown Court or its equivalent for trial in each year since 1965 for which figures are available.
The numbers—for England and Wales—are as follows:
| 1965 | 29,632 |
| 1966 | 32,192 |
| 1967 | 33,687 |
| 1968 | 36,091 |
| 1969 | 43,367 |
| 1970 | 50,441 |
| 1971 | 53,770 |
Squatters (Eviction)
97.
asked the Attorney-General whether lie will introduce legislation to make it easier to evict squatters from council-owned and private properties.
This matter has already been dealt with by the expedited and improved procedure introduced by Order 113 of the Rules of the Supreme Court and Order 26 of the County Court Rules. My noble and learned Friend has also asked the Law Commission to examine the Statutes of forcible entry and relevant common law offences and recommend any relevant changes in legislation.
Courts, Cornwall
asked the Attorney-General what long-term proposals he has for the first-tier centre of the higher courts in Cornwall.
After consulting local interests, my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has decided to accept the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions that the location of the first tier centre in Cornwall should be changed from Bodmin to Truro. The change will take place when the necessary accommodation can be built at Truro.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Pollution (Working Party)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representatives from his Department have been appointed to a working party on pollution formed by Bristol City Council; how many meetings of this working party have been held; and what is the attendance record of his representatives.
There are two representatives of my Department on this working party. With one exception they have attended all meetings to which they were invited. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is giving the hon. Member details of the number of meetings.
Metrication
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what controls he has taken to prevent exploitation of the consumers when the change to metric measures takes place; and if he will make a statement.
The timetable for the application of metrication to food is not yet settled. It will be the Government's intention to work out beforehand in consultation with all concerned, including, of course, consumer interests, satisfactory arrangements which will avoid the risk to which the Question refers.
Animals (Transit)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many alleged breaches of the Balfour Assurances committed in the past three years have been reported to him; what action he has taken; and whether he will make a statement.
In the past three years there have been reports by welfare organisations on four occasions about alleged breaches of the Balfour Assurances. These involved numerous individual infringements. The last two of these reports related to sheep exported to Belgium and re-exported to France earlier this year. Appropriate action to prevent a repetition of the contraventions has been taken on each occasion. My hon. Friend the Minister of State made a statement on 8th December, 1970, on the incidents reported at that time and my predecessor, the Parliamentary Secretary, made a statement on 8th August about the incidents earlier this year. I have nothing to add to these statements.—[Vol. 808, c. 227–229; Vol. 842, c. 343–344.]
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is doing into the export of farm animals and ensuring compliance with the Balfour Assurances.
My Department receives information from veterinary officers who examine farm animals before export, and who check on welfare conditions in transit. As regards the enforcement of the Balfour Assurances I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Wiggin) on 8th August, 1972, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 26th October, 1972. The revised arrangements referred to are now in operation.—[Vol. 842, c. 343–4; Vol. 843, c. 408.]
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress has been made towards the ratification of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport; and how soon he now expects to ratify the Convention.
Additional powers have been taken under Section 2 of the Agriculture, (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1972. These will enable regulations, necessary before the convention can be ratified, to be made.Preparatory work on the regulations to cover a wide variety of animals and birds is proceeding. This will involve extensive consultations with trade interests, carriers, animal welfare organisations and others. I cannot yet say when we shall be in a position to ratify the convention.
Food Prices
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many complaints have been received to date by his Department concerning increases in prices between Friday, 3rd November and Saturday, 11th November; how many staff have been allocated to deal with such complaints; and what action has so far been taken to inquire into the complaints.
Between 6th and 13th November my Department was told by the public of 1,037 apparent increases in prices. A considerable number of the notifications were of apparent increases by the same retailers and in many cases the public could not identify the exact date of the increase. Twenty-seven staff are dealing with inquiries from the public on the price of food and drink. Cases are being followed up in the manner most appropriate to each complaint.
European Economic Community
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the existing United Kingdom tariff on imported mutton and lamb; what is the existing European Economic Community tariff on imported mutton and lamb; and on what date and by what amount he expects to make the first adjustment of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community tariff.
The present United Kingdom tariff on mutton and lamb, other than whole bone-in mutton carcases, is £0·9335 per cwt. For whole mutton carcases the tariff is £0·4667 per cwt. The common external tariff is 20 per cent. The first adjustment towards the common external tariff by the United Kingdom against third countries is due on 1st January, 1974, when the tariff on mutton and lamb, other than whole bone-in mutton carcases, will be £0·5601 per cwt. plus 8 per cent. ad valorem and the tariff on whole mutton carcases will be £0·2800 per cwt. plus 8 per cent. ad valorem.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the existing United Kingdom market prices for wheat, barley and maize per long ton; in what month must the first increase be made to adjust United Kingdom prices to the agreed European Economic Community level for intervention prices; and what will be the new price levels in July, 1973.
The ex-farm market prices in the United Kingdom for the week ended 26th October were £32·00 for wheat and £28·20 for barley per long ton. The import price for maize—October shipment—was £30·45 per long ton cif United Kingdom port. The first step towards EEC intervention price levels will be taken on 1st August, 1973. United Kingdom intervention prices in July, 1973, will be the EEC August prices less the compensatory amounts agreed last July; United Kingdom market prices in July will depend to a large extent on supply and demand at that time.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the sterling guide prices per pound weight for calves and adult bovine animals in the European Economic Community for the marketing year 1972–73; and what were the corresponding prices for the two preceding years.
The information requested is as follows:
| p per lb. liveweight | ||
| Adult Cattle | Calves | |
| 1972–73 Season | ||
| 15th September, 1972 to date | 14·7 | 18·2 |
| 1st April, 1972 to 14th September | 14·2 | 17·8 |
| 1971–72 Season | ||
| 1st August, 1971 to 31st March, 1972 | 13·6 | 17·8 |
| 1st April, 1971 to 31st July, 1971 | 12·8 | 17·3 |
| 1970–71 Season | ||
| 1st April, 1970 to 31st March, 1971 | 12·8 | 17·3 |
| Conversion rate: 2·40 u/as = £1. | ||
Marine Pollution
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation to implement the Oslo Convention on the Control of Marine Pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft in the North-East Atlantic.
Yes. As I have made clear, legislation to control dumping at sea will be introduced when parliamentary time permits.—[Vol. 843, c. 16–17.]
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has that persistent substances, such as heavy metals, are accumulating in the North Sea; and if he will make a statement.
My Department's Fisheries Research Laboratories examine seawater for the presence of heavy metals, and also fish and shellfish for these metals and other persistent substances, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine residues. Concentrations of heavy metals in seawater decrease rapidly as distance from the coast increases. In coastal areas where concentrations are highest the data show that in general there have been no significant changes in recent years. Analyses give no indication that the levels of persistent substances in fish and shellfish are increasing, but monitoring is continuing in order to keep the situation under review. The United Kingdom is co-operating with other North European countries in a study, under the auspices of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, to establish the present levels of persistent substances in fish and shellfish from the North Sea, so that these can be used as baselines for later studies.
Redundant Church (Demolition)
asked the hon. Member for Chelsea, as the Second Church Estates Commissioner, why the Church Commissioners have decided to demolish a redundant church rather than allow it to be used by Moslems.
Under the Pastoral Measure, 1968, the Church Commissioners have the duty to consider any representations against draft schemes proposing uses for redundant churches. The Commissioners received a number of representations, mainly from local people, against the appropriation of St. Mary's Savile Town to use in accordance with the rites and customs of the Moslem religion. After taking into account all relevant factors the Commissioners decided not to proceed with the draft scheme but to issue another draft scheme to authorise the demolition of the building and the disposal of the site.
Civil Service
Departmental Staff (Pay)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department, or for whom he has ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October, receiving salaries or wages of £28·40 per week; what were their grades and classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
It would not be possible to provide this information without undue cost.
Pensioners
asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as much detailed information as may be available giving the number of retired civil servants who were, on 23rd October, in receipt of pensions of £28·40 per week; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were additionally paid.
Detailed information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Civil Service pension scheme does not provide for the payment of rent allowances.
Price Rises (Complaints)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will arrange that all Government publications, Press, radio and television advertisements carry details of the telephone numbers 01–839 7711 and 01–834 2299 and advise on how these should be used to complain of the rise in the price of food and other items, respectively.
It is impracticable to include details of these telephone numbers in all Government publicity material, but advertisements giving these and other relevant telephone numbers, together with advice on how to use them, are appearing in national and provincial newspapers this week.
Non-Industrial Civil Service (Women)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT those posts in the non-industrial Civil Service which were considered unsuitable and from which women were excluded as at June, 1970, and which are now considered suitable posts for women; and if he will continue to review and reduce the list of exclusions.
The posts in the non-industrial part of the Home Civil Service which have been opened to women since June, 1970, are listed below. Considerable progress has been made and I will continue, in consulta-
| Department | Post | ||
| Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | … | Calf Certifying Officer. | |
| Fatstock Technical Officer. | |||
| Investigation Officer. | |||
| Central Office of Information | … | … | Installation Officers (Exhibitions Division). |
| Paperkeepers. | |||
| Civil Service Department | … | … | Government Butler. |
| Foreign Service Allowance Inspector and Assistant. | |||
| Customs and Excise | … | … | Customs and Excise Officers |
| Preventive Officer Class. | |||
| Irish Land Boundary Control Unit Staff. | |||
| Some Investigation Branch and Technical Branch Staff. | |||
| Coast Preventive Man. | |||
| Land Preventive Man. | |||
| Launch Service. | |||
| Watcher. | |||
| Watcher/Constable. | |||
| Deputy Superintendent of Mercantile Marine. | |||
| Deputy Receiver of Wrecks | |||
| Departmental posts in docks and warehouses. | |||
| Ministry of Defence | … | … | All messengers. |
| Some Civilian Instructors. | |||
| Chef Instructors. | |||
| Civilian Assistant Operations Officers. | |||
| Security Officers (including ex Ministry of Av ation Supply Staff). | |||
| Most Meteorological Office posts. | |||
| Retired Officers serving with Air Training Corps | |||
| Reproduction Class Grade A | |||
| Diplomatic Wireless Service | … | … | All Messengers. |
| Security Officers. | |||
| Stores Supervisory Grades. | |||
| Process and General Supervisory Grades. | |||
| Operator Technicians. | |||
| Telecommunications Technical Officers. | |||
| Engineer Technicians. | |||
| Radio Technicians. | |||
| Department of Education and Science | … | … | Museum warders. |
| Department of the Environment | … | … | Resident Governors (Tower of London). |
| Deputy Governors (Security). | |||
| Security Officer. | |||
| Jewel House Warder | |||
| Attendant Cleaner. | |||
| Yeoman warders. | |||
| Custodians in the Houses of Parliament. | |||
| Traffic Examiner Grades. | |||
| Forestry Commission | … | … | Foresters. |
| Estate Clerks of Works. | |||
| All Civil and Mechanical Engineering Grades. | |||
| General Register Office | … | … | District Examiner. |
| Assistant District Examiners | |||
| Government Communications Headquarters | … | Radio Operators. | |
| Security Officers. | |||
| Department of Health and Social Security | … | Special Investigators (Supplementary Benefits). | |
| Home Office | … | … | Immigration Service. |
| Inland Revenue | … | … | Stamping Officer Class |
| Land Registry | … | … | All Messengers. |
| Lord Chancellor's Office | … | … | Pursebearer and Trainbearer to the Lord Chancellor. |
| Clerks to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. | |||
| Clerks to the Lands Tribunal. | |||
| Clerks to Judges of the High Court. | |||
| National Debt Office | … | … | All Messengers. |
| Office of Population Censuses and Surveys | … | All Clerical Assistants. | |
| Messengers. | |||
| Paperkeepers. | |||
| Ordnance Survey | … | … | Cartographic Surveyors. |
| Reproduction Class A. | |||
tion with my colleagues, to review the few posts from which women are still excluded with a view to reducing them.
Department
| Post
| ||
| Scottish Office | … | … | Engineer and Radio Officers on fishery cruisers and research ships. |
| Prison Service: Principal and Senior Welfare Officer. | |||
| Mental Health Inspector. | |||
| Motor Transport Officer. | |||
| Communications Officer. | |||
| Wireless Technicians. | |||
| Technical Officers. | |||
| Stationery Office | … | … | Warehouse and Bookshop Manager. |
| Principal Transport Officer. | |||
| Printing Press and Bindery Management. | |||
| Supervisory posts in: | |||
| bookshops. | |||
| warehouses. | |||
| presses and binderies. | |||
| Department of Trade and Industry | … | … | Marine Surveyors. |
| Inspectorate of ships provisions. | |||
| Marine Survey Assistants. | |||
| Mercantile Marine Assistants. | |||
| Regional Export Visiting Officers. | |||
| Posts in anti-dumping work. | |||
| Treasury | … | … | Treasury Security Guard. |
NOTE: This list excludes travelling senior photographer posts in the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England) which were closed to women in June, 1970, but are now open.
Defence
Ulster Defence Regiment
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many persons have
| Date | Recruited | Protestants | Roman Catholics | Others | ||||
| 1970 | ||||||||
| April | … | … | … | … | 497 | 391 | 101 | 5 |
| May | … | … | … | … | 636 | 557 | 77 | 2 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 465 | 364 | 98 | 3 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 245 | 205 | 39 | 1 |
| August | … | … | … | … | 214 | 177 | 51 | —* |
| September | … | … | … | … | 146 | 116 | 21 | 9 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 219 | 187 | 31 | 1 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 159 | 140 | 18 | 1 |
| December | … | … | … | … | 120 | 95 | 20 | 5 |
| 1971 | ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 115 | 96 | 18 | 1 |
| February | … | … | … | … | 68 | 61 | 7 | — |
| March | … | … | … | … | 55 | 45 | 9 | 1 |
| April | … | … | … | … | 146 | 129 | 17 | — |
| May | … | … | … | … | 129 | 116 | 11 | 2 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 117 | 101 | 15 | 1 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 199 | 181 | 18 | — |
| August | … | … | … | … | 130 | 115 | 12 | 3 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 137 | 131 | 6 | — |
| October | … | … | … | … | 447 | 428 | 10 | 9 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 976 | 949 | 8 | 19 |
| December | … | … | … | … | 1,027 | 988 | 16 | 23 |
| 1972 | ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 672 | 651 | 10 | 11 |
| February | … | … | … | … | 587 | 561 | 17 | 9 |
| March | … | … | … | … | 639 | 624 | 9 | 6 |
| April | … | … | … | … | 337 | 326 | 2 | 9 |
| May | … | … | … | … | 450 | 435 | 12 | 3 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 241 | 227 | 7 | 7 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 143 | 140 | 1 | 2 |
| August | … | … | … | … | 253 | 244 | 6 | 3 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 158 | 154 | 1 | 3 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 313 | 303 | 4 | 6 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 131 | 129 | 1 | 1 |
| * Breakdown includes 17 existing soldiers previously classified as "other religions" | ||||||||
been recruited into the Ulster Defence Regiment, and how many have resigned, in each month since the regiment was established, divided according to religion.
The figures are as follows:
Date
| Resigned
| Protestants
| Roman Catholics
| Others
| ||||
1970
| ||||||||
| April | … | … | … | … | — | — | — | — |
| May | … | … | … | … | 31 | 26 | 5 | — |
| June | … | … | … | … | 53 | 43 | 10 | — |
| July | … | … | … | … | 41 | 26 | 15 | — |
| August | … | … | … | … | 103 | 76 | 24 | 3 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 48 | 26 | 22 | — |
| October | … | … | … | … | 74 | 52 | 21 | 1 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 55 | 39 | 14 | 2 |
| December | … | … | … | … | 40 | 30 | 10 | — |
1971
| ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 68 | 55 | 12 | 1 |
| February | … | … | … | … | 44 | 35 | 9 | — |
| March | … | … | … | … | 46 | 29 | 16 | 1 |
| April | … | … | … | … | 66 | 51 | 14 | 1 |
| May | … | … | … | … | 84 | 59 | 24 | 1 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 104 | 73 | 30 | 1 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 137 | 115 | 21 | 1 |
| August | … | … | … | … | 93 | 65 | 28 | — |
| September | … | … | … | … | 87 | 46 | 40 | 1 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 101 | 60 | 41 | — |
| November | … | … | … | … | 56 | 40 | 16 | — |
| December | … | … | … | … | 62 | 43 | 19 | — |
1972
| ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 75 | 58 | 17 | — |
| February | … | … | … | … | 43 | 38 | 5 | — |
| March | … | … | … | … | 59 | 46 | 13 | — |
| April | … | … | … | … | 64 | 53 | 10 | 1 |
| May | … | … | … | … | 104 | 91 | 12 | 1 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 43 | 36 | 6 | 1 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 78 | 63 | 9 | 6 |
| August | … | … | … | … | 107 | 91 | 15 | 1 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 91 | 83 | 7 | 1 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 155 | 140 | 12 | 3 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 64 | 56 | 6 | 2 |
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applicants for the Ulster Defence Regiment have been rejected, divided according to reli-
| Number Rejected | Protestants | Roman Catholics | Others | |||||
| 1970 | ||||||||
| April | … | … | … | … | — | — | — | — |
| May | … | … | … | … | 92 | 60 | 30 | 2 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 82 | 54 | 26 | 2 |
| July | … | … | … | … | 49 | 34 | 15 | — |
| August | … | … | … | … | 44 | 30 | 13 | 1 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 36 | 28 | 7 | 1 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 25 | 17 | 7 | 1 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 31 | 19 | 12 | — |
| December | … | … | … | … | 21 | 14 | 7 | — |
| 1971 | ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 27 | 20 | 5 | 2 |
| February | … | … | … | … | 16 | 13 | 3 | — |
| March | … | … | … | … | 17 | 14 | 3 | — |
| April | … | … | … | … | 22 | 18 | 4 | — |
| May | … | … | … | … | 26 | 25 | 1 | — |
| June | … | … | … | … | 16 | 14 | 2 | — |
| July | … | … | … | … | 26 | 23 | 3 | — |
| August | … | … | … | … | 25 | 21 | 4 | — |
| September | … | … | … | … | 18 | 16 | 1 | 1 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 102 | 93 | 7 | 2 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 95 | 86 | 6 | 3 |
| December | … | … | … | … | 93 | 86 | 5 | 2 |
gion, in each month since the Regiment was established.
The figure are as follows:
Number Rejected
| Protestants
| Roman Catholics
| Others
| |||||
1972
| ||||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 108 | 105 | 1 | 2 |
| February | … | … | … | … | 68 | 63 | 2 | 3 |
| March | … | … | … | … | 63 | 58 | 1 | 4 |
| April | … | … | … | … | 59 | 59 | — | — |
| May | … | … | … | … | 69 | 66 | 2 | 1 |
| June | … | … | … | … | 53 | 50 | 3 | — |
| July | … | … | … | … | 43 | 37 | 2 | 4 |
| August | … | … | … | … | 58 | 54 | 3 | 1 |
| September | … | … | … | … | 91 | 89 | — | 2 |
| October | … | … | … | … | 83 | 81 | — | 2 |
| November | … | … | … | … | 30 | 27 | 3 | — |
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many resignations from the Ulster Defence Regiment were received during August, September and October, respectively; and what percentages were from Roman Catholics.
One hundred and seven, 91 and 155 of which 14 per cent., 7·7 per cent. and 12·9 per cent., respectively, were from Roman Catholics.
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment were accepted during August, September and October, respectively; and what percentages were from Roman Catholics.
Two hundred and fifty-three, 158 and 313 of which 2·4 per cent., 0·6 per cent. and 1·3 per cent. were from Roman Catholics.
asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the numerical strength of the Ulster Defence Regiment on 31st August, 30th September and 31st October, respectively; and what percentage of the membership was Roman Catholics on those dates.
Eight thousand, nine hundred and sixty-nine, 8,998 and 9,102 of whom 4·3 per cent., 4·1 per cent. and 3·9 per cent., respectively, were Roman Catholics.
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment were rejected during August, September and October, respectively; and what percentages were from Roman Catholics.
Fifty-eight, 91 and 83 of which 5·2 per cent., 0 per cent. and 0 per cent., respectively, were from Roman Catholics.
asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment were received during August, September and October, respectively; and what percentage of the applications were from Roman Catholics.
Six hundred and nineteen, 269 and 277 of which 1·6 per cent. 4·4 per cent. and 2·9 per cent., respectively were from Roman Catholics.
Education And Science
Modern Languages (Teaching)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, through Her Majesty's Inspectorate, she will increase the amount of advice and training of teachers on the subject of teaching modern languages, to meet the increased need for such teaching.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate is engaged in an expanding programme of short in-service courses for teachers of modern languages. It has encouraged the establishment at a number of institutions of intensive one-term courses for teachers of French. It also provides advice on the solution of teaching problems through informal contacts with local education authorities, schools and teachers' centres.
Open University
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will state the number and percentage of men and women applying for courses each year since the establishment of the Open University. the comparable figures of enrolled students in this period, and the percentages of men and women, respectively,
| 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | ||||
| 1. Applications | 42,982 | 34,226 | 32,046 | |||
| Men | … | 22,936 | Men | 20,061 | ||
| (67 per cent.) | (63 percent.) | |||||
| Women | … | 11,290 | Women | 11,985 | ||
| (33 per cent.) | (37 per cent. | |||||
| 2. Provisional registrations | 24,122 | 20,498 | ||||
| Men | … | 13,775 | — | |||
| (67 per cent.) | ||||||
| Women | … | 6,723 | — | |||
| (33 per cent.) | ||||||
| 3. Final registrations | 19,300 | 15,686 | ||||
| Men | … | 10,349 | — | |||
| (66 per cent.) | ||||||
| Women | … | 5,337 | — | |||
| (34 per cent.) | ||||||
| 4. Finally registered students who have subsequently withdrawn. | 3,477 | 881* | ||||
| (18 per cent.) | Men | … | 592 | |||
| (5·7percent.)† | ||||||
| Women | … | 289 | ||||
| (5·4 percent.) | ||||||
| Notes: | ||||||
| * This figure represents students who had withdrawn before the end-of-course examinations in November and is, therefore, not comparable with the 1971 figure. | ||||||
| † The percentages are of the totals, of men and of women, finally registered for the 1972 courses. | ||||||
Maladjusted And Handicapped Children
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (I) how many teachers have taken a specialist qualification in the education of maladjusted children in each of the last five years and the number enrolled for courses in the current year;(2) how many teachers have taken a specialist qualification in the teaching of educationally sub-normal children in each of the last three years; and what is the
| 1967–68 | 1968–69 | 1969–70 | 1970–71 | 1971–72 | ||
| 1. ESN children | … | 72 | 57 | 73 | 98 | 85 |
| 2. Maladjusted children | … | 75 | 105 | 76 | 83 | 75 |
| 3. ESN and maladjusted children | … | 142 | 122 | 146 | 134 | 123 |
| 4. Other relevant specialist courses | … | 155 | 168 | 164 | 173 | 181 |
| 5. TOTAL | … | 444 | 452 | 459 | 488 | 464 |
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent proposals have been made to her by the Advisory Committee on Handicapped Children for increasing the pro-
who did not complete the courses for the same period.
The available information about undergraduate students by academic years, is as follows: —number enrolled for courses in the current year.
Teachers of maladjusted or of educationally sub-normal children are not required to have a specialist teaching qualification in addition to their general initial teacher training qualification. They may, however, be seconded to one-year courses, almost all of which lead to a specialist diploma or certificate. The numbers of teachers attending such courses in each of the past five academic years were as follows:vision for special education; and if she will make a statement.
None. Evidence of the need for increased provision for special education derives mainly from local education authorities. I am awaiting their annual bids for forthcoming building programmes.
Wallace Collection
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to complete her discussions with the trustees of the Wallace Collection in respect of a free day at that institution when museum admission charges are introduced.
I have nothing to add to the replies given to Questions by the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Guy Barnett) on 17th October and 9th November.—[Vol. 843, c. 53; Vol. 845. c. 228–9.]
Teachers' Superannuation Fund
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the funds used by the Government Actuary in his calculations for the funding of that part of the Superannuation Fund for teachers known as the new entrant scheme, together with the performance of each fund.
The Government Actuary has regard not only to the funds to which he gives professional and therefore confidential advice, but also to the general body of actuarial knowledge and practice including the consensus as to the limits within which sound practice lies.
Employment
Knitting, Lace And Net Industry Training Board
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the number of men and women, respectively, whom he has recently appointed to the Knitting, Lace and Net Industry Training Board; and how this ratio compares with the number of men and women employees in the industry covered by the board.
My right hon. Friend appointed 19 men and one woman to the board, in addition to the chairman, when it was reconstituted on 18th March, 1973. This was after consultation with appropriate employers' and employees' organisations and, in the case of the educational members, with my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and Scotland. There are 56,000 men and 94,000 women employees in the industry covered.
Northern Region
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many unemployed men and boys there are for every registered vacancy in each of the employment exchange areas in the Northern Region.
Following is the information.
| AT OCTOBER, 1972, NUMBER OF MALES REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED, EXCEPT TEMPORARILY STOPPED WORKERS, TO EVERY MALE VACANCY REMAINING UNFILLED, IN THE NORTH REGION IN EMPLOY EXCHANGE OR, WHERE APPROPRIATE, TRAVEL-TO-WORK AREAS | |
| Alnwick | 21·1 |
| Amble | 21·3 |
| Ashington | 52·4 |
| Barnard Castle | 6·2 |
| Bedlington | 29·0 |
| Berwick-on-Tweed | 5·6 |
| Blyth | 47·3 |
| Durham | 5·8 |
| Haltwhistle | 15·5 |
| Hexham | 9·9 |
| Kendal | 1·9 |
| Keswick | 2·7 |
| Malton | 4·8 |
| Millom | 12·9 |
| Morpeth | 15·5 |
| Northallerton | 2·0 |
| Penrith | 1·3 |
| Pickering | 3·2 |
| Richmond | 1·7 |
| Scarborough | 29·3 |
| Seaton Delaval | 12·4 |
| Thirsk | 3·4 |
| Whitby | 13·6 |
| Carlisle* | 5·0 |
| Chester-le-Street* | 25·4 |
| Consett* | 16·5 |
| Darlington* | 4·6 |
| Bishop Auckland* | 13·3 |
| Hartlepool* | 72·2 |
| Peterlee* | 72·0 |
| Teesside* | 15·0 |
| Tyneside* | 15·5 |
| Wearside* | 19·4 |
| Whitehaven* | 17·0 |
| Workington* | 9·7 |
| * Travel-to-work area. | |
Falmouth
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what, at the most recent convenient date, was the percentage and total of male unemployment for the Falmouth area; on what occasions since 1945 it has been higher; and what towns of similar size in the United Kingdom currently show a higher percentage of male unemployed.
At 9th October, the number of males registered as unemployed in the area covered by the Falmouth exchange was 1,429, including 922 who were temporarily stopped. The total including the temporarily stopped represented 24 per cent, of all male employees; excluding the temporarily stopped the percentage would have been 8·5. The rate of 24 per cent, was exceeded between April and August, 1972; for areas in Great Britain with over 8,000 and up to 10,000 employees, this rate was the highest.
Oil Industry (North-East Scotland)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many notified unfilled vacancies his Department currently has on file within its offices in North-East Scotland for jobs in the oil industry.
On 13th November our local offices in the North-East Scotland and in the Highlands planning regions held 15 and 23 unfilled vacancies, respectively, relating to work in the oil industry.
Coal Miners (Easington)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many coal miners are presently unemployed in the Easington constituency; and what is the number aged 55 years and over.
At 9th October, 671 males who last worked in coalmining were registered as unemployed in the area covered by the Peterlee and Wingate employment exchanges, which approximates broadly to the Easington constituency. There is no age analysis of this figure but a special quarterly return in September of colliery workers unemployed through the contraction of the coalmining industry showed that 502 such workers, including 431 aged 55 and over, were unemployed in this area.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
European Communities Act
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why he will not repeal the European Communities Act and provide for a poll in the United Kingdom on the issue of United Kingdom membership of the European Economic Community on the lines of the poll to be held in Northern Ireland.
It is the long established tradition in this country that decisions of this kind should be taken by the elected representatives of the people in Parliament, and the European Communities Act, 1972, was passed after extensive consideration by Parliament in accordance with normal procedures.
European Parliament
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his practice to refer to the European Assembly rather than to the European Parliament.
No. Although the European Economic Community Treaty refers to the "Assembly" and although for the sake of consistency later treaties also use this term, the institution itself prefers to be known as the "European Parliament" and adopted a resolution to this effect on 30th March, 1962.
Berlin
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the outcome of the latest four-Power talks on Berlin.
The four Powers reached agreement on the text of a quadripartite declaration affirming that four-Power rights and responsibilities would be unaffected by the entry of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic into the United Nations. The declaration was published in capitals on 9th November and is in the following terms:DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND.
THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the USSR and the USA, having been represented by their Ambassadors who held a series of meetings in the building formerly occupied by the Allied Control Council, are in agreement that they will support the applications for membership in the UN when submitted by the FRG and GDR, and affirm in this connexion that this membership shall in no way affect the rights and responsibilities related Quadripartite agreements, decisions of the Four Powers and the corresponding, and practices.
Lord President's Department (Staff Pay)
asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department or for whom he has Ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October, receiving salaries or wages of £28·40 per week; what were their grades or classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
None.
National Finance
Cost Of Living
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the correlation between wage and salary changes and the purchasing power of the £ sterling in each year since 1964.
Information about annual changes in wages and salaries, and in prices, since 1964 is given in the table below:
| Index of average earnings of all employees | General index of retail prices | |
| Percentage increase over preceding year | ||
| 1965 | + 7·3 | +4·8 |
| 1966 | + 6·6 | +3·9 |
| 1967 | + 3·2 | +2·5 |
| 1968 | + 8·1 | +4·7 |
| 1969 | + 7·8 | + 5·4 |
| 1970 | + 12·0 | + 6·4 |
| 1971 | + 11·4 | + 9·4 |
Child Credits
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received opposing his proposals to set family allowances against a husband's tax relief and in favour of such allowances being paid to the mother; and what reply he has sent.
As is explained in the Green Paper, the Government regard the issue of whether the child credit should be paid to the father or the mother as entirely open and will reach a decision in the light of public opinion and the advice of a Select Committee which it is hoped the House will set up to examine the proposals. We have replied to letters accordingly. Since the publication of the Green Paper on the tax-credit scheme, we have received some 180 letters about whether the child credit should be paid to father or mother, the great majority of which supported payment to mother in whole or in part.
Wealth Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what would be the estimated revenue from a tax on private wealth-holding in the United Kingdom which exempted the first £10,000, applied at 1 per cent. between £10,000 and £20,000 and progressed at an additional 1 per cent. for each successive £10,000 to a maximum 10 per cent. on wealth in excess of £100,000; and how many people he estimates would be liable for such a tax;(2) what would be the estimated revenue from a wealth tax which exempted the first £20,000, applied at 1 per cent. between £20,000 and £30,000 and progressed at an additional 1 per cent. for each successive £10,000 to a maximum of 10 per cent. on wealth in excess of £110,000; and how many people he estimates would be liable;(3) what would be the estimated revenue from a wealth tax which exempted the first £30,000, applied at 1 per cent. between £30,000 and £40,000 and progressed at an additional 1 per cent. for each successive £10,000 to a maximum of 10 per cent. on wealth in excess of £120,000; and how many people he estimates would be liable;(4) what would be the estimated revenue from a wealth tax which exempted the first £30,000, applied at 1 per cent. between £40,000 and £50,000 and progressed at an additional 1 per cent. for each successive £10,000 to a maximum of 10 per cent. on wealth in excess of £130,000; and how many people he estimates would be liable;(5) what would be the estimated revenue from a wealth tax which exempted the first £50,000, applied at 1 per cent. between £50,000 and £60,000 and progressed at an additional 1 per cent. for each successive £10,000 to a maximum of 10 per cent. on wealth in excess of £140,000; and how many people he estimates would be liable.
The estimates for such a tax would depend on its precise scope and are liable to wide margins of error. As with previous similar costings no account has been taken of the depletion or redisposition of personal wealth which might result from the tax and lower its yield, nor of any secondary effects on other taxes. On the basis of the valuation of estates for estate duty in 1970–71 the estimated figures are as fellows. The suggested taxes would yield £1,300 mil-
| Year | Total Allocations | Allocations to persons living within the area | Allocations to persons on the emergency list | Others | ||||
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | ||||
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 2,165 | 1,494 | 28 | 643 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 2,289 | 1,402 | 93 | 794 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 2,393 | 1,357 | 282 | 754 |
| 1972 (to 31st October) | … | 2,420 | 1,362 | 84 | 974 | |||
| The figures in column (4) relate to emergency cases generally and not only to persons from rio areas. | ||||||||
Squatters
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses since 24th March, 1972, belonging to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive have been occupied by squatters; which estates have been affected, giving the number of squatters in each estate; and how many squatters have received rent books in each estate.
Information in the form requested by my hon. Friend is not readily available. However, on 16th October, 1972, 2,065 families were squattering in public authority dwellings, the vast majority of them in the Belfast area.
Extraditions (Republic Of Ireland)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will lion, £1,000 million, £900 million, £800 million and £700 million. Numbers of persons liable would be 1,800,000, 700,000, 400,000, 300,000 and 200,000 respectively.
Northern Ireland
Housing
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses have been allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or its predecessor in 1969, 1970, 1971 and in this year within the constituency of the hon. Member for Down, North; in each of those years how many persons on the waiting list living in North Down were allocated houses; and how many persons in each year from riot areas in Belfast have been allocated houses in North Down.
The information requested is as follows:—indicate the number of requests for extradition to the Republic of Ireland Government in each month since January, 1972; if he will indicate those which were successful, those which were refused and those which are still pending; and if he will give a detailed breakdown of each category.
Extradition between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is provided for by a procedure applied by the police and the courts, whereby a warrant of arrest is forwarded by one police force to the other. Warrants are returned if they are unacceptable and are sometimes resubmitted. The same application would therefore appear more than once if figures were given on a monthly basis. Extradition has been sought in 16 cases since January, 1972, and in no case with success. Two requests have been refused and two warrants were returned because the accused persons could not be found. These four cases related to charges under the Theft Act (Northern Ireland), 1969. One defendant for whom a warrant was sent to the Republic voluntarily surrendered in Northern Ireland; and 11 cases are pending.Details of the pending cases are as follows. Six warrants have been returned from the Irish Republic for further attention: three relate to charges under the Explosive Substances Act, two to charges under the Protection of Property (Northern Ireland) Act, 1969, and one to a charge of failure to answer bail. No answer has yet been received in relation to four of the warrants: two concerning fire arms offences, one a charge of murder and one a prison escape. A warrant was forwarded under the Theft Act (Northern Ireland), 1969, in respect of a person who it was found was already serving a sentence in the Republic.In those cases where no answer has been received, the matter is being pursued.
Royal Ulster Constabulary (Recruitment)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he proposes to improve recruiting to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The Police Authority for Northern Ireland has intensified its efforts to improve recruiting by advertisement and through the use of area recruiting officers.
Advisory Council
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times he has met with his Advisory Council; and whether the constitution of that body is the same as when it was first announced.
The Northern Ireland Commission has had 21 meetings, at 17 of which my right hon. Friend has taken the chair. The constitution of the commission remains unaltered.
Judiciary
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional magistrates, county court judges, high court judges or judges of the Court of Appeal of Northern Ireland will shortly be appointed.
Two more permanent resident magistrates will be appointed shortly.There are no immediate proposals to increase the number of county court judges.The appointment of High Court judges is a matter for my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor, but I understand that an Order in Council will shortly be laid under the Administration of Justice Act, 1968, to appoint an additional puisne judge of the High Court of Northern Ireland.
Posts And Telecommunications
Departmental Staff (Pay)
asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department or for whom he has ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October receiving salaries or wages of £28·40 per week; what were their grades or classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
It would not be possible to provide this information without undue cost.
Social Services
Breast Cancer
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the annual costs for the last five years for the surgical treatment of breast cancer under the National Health Service.
This information is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the annual total numbers of patients treated for breast cancer under the National Health Service from 1966 to 1970, inclusive.
Information in the precise form requested is not available, but the estimated numbers of in-patient spells due to breast cancer*, in England and Wales were:
| 1966 | 41,170 |
| 1967 | 43,340 |
| 1968 | 38,520 |
| 1969 | 41,950 |
| 1970 | 41,120 |
| * Includes malignant, benign and unspecified breast tumours. | |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many special clinics for the screening of breast cancer exist in Great Britain; and, of the total, how many are within the National Health Service, and where they are located;(2) what proposals he has for increasing and improving the facilities within the National Health Service for the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer in this country are of a very high standard. To secure further improvement, plans for increased co-ordination of cancer services in several hospital regions on a trial basis are under review. Also, a number of units specialising in the treatment of breast cancer are conducting studies of different methods of treatment. As regards screening for breast cancer, clinical examination of the breast or instruction in self-examination, or both, are offered to women at a number of local authority clinics when cervical smears are taken. I am informed that there are two clinics at which special facilities for breast cancer screening are available, both of which are outside the National Health Service. In addition the Royal Marsden Hospital provides a limited service in a special unit for the early detection of breast cancer. An expert working group on screening for breast cancer is collecting evidence on the value of screening and advising on studies of different methods of early detection.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many operations for breast cancer have been performed annually under the National Health Service in the last five years; and how many of the patients have subsequently died.
The estimated figures for England and Wales are:
| Operations* | Deaths in Hospital following Operation | |
| 1966 | 28,220 | 360 |
| 1967 | 30,330 | 410 |
| 1968 | 28,250 | 260 |
| 1969 | 31,550 | 280 |
| 1970 | 32,820 | 420 |
| It is not possible to identify the numbers of the patients undergoing operation who have subsequently died. | ||
| Figures for 1971 are not yet available. | ||
| * In-patient spells during which surgery was performed. | ||
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the annual figures for the number of deaths in the last five years known to have been due to breast cancer.
Deaths in England and Wales from breast cancer during the last five years were as follows:
| 1967 | 10,316 |
| 1968 | 10,280 |
| 1969 | 10,698 |
| 1970 | 10,750 |
| 1971 | 11,262 |
Handicapped Persons (Dental Care)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many oral hygienists are employed in long-stay subnormality and geriatric hospitals.
I regret that this information is not available centrally.
Mentally Handicapped Children
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the need for full Government responsibility for all private nursing homes catering for mentally handicapped children; and if he will make a statement.
The Government propose that the registration and general supervision of private nursing homes should become the responsibility of the new area health authorities; local authorities will continue to be responsible for the registration and general supervision of private residential homes.
The Beeches, Ixworth
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will reconsider his decision regarding a full inquiry into the running of the Beeches Children's Home, Ixworth, Suffolk; and if he will make a statement.
I am at present considering representations made to me by the parents of a child formerly at this home, and I will review the position in the light of their evidence.
Doctors And Dentists (Pay)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he next expects to review the salaries of the medical and dental professions.
In its second report dated June, 1972, the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body recommended rates of remuneration to take effect from 1st April, 1972, and indicated in that report its intention of considering whether any changes would be called for as from 1st April, 1973.
Household Classifications (Cumberland)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many households in the Ennerdale rural district were recorded in the 1971
| TENSURE OF HOUSEHOLDS AT 1971 CENSUS OF POPULATION | |||||
| Whitehaven constituency | Whitehaven M.B. | Ennerdale R.D. | Millom R.D. | ||
| All households | … | 22,535 | 8,270 | 9,865 | 4,400 |
| Owner occupier | … | 8,745 | 2,485 | 3,995 | 2,265 |
| Rented from Council or New Town | … | 8,825 | 5,055 | 3,045 | 725 |
| Rented unfurnished from a private landlord or housing association | 4,580 | 565 | 2,700 | 1,315 | |
| Rented furnished | … | 380 | 160 | 125 | 95 |
Pensions (Bonus)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will arrange for the lump sum payment to pensioners to be extended to spouses where, although the spouse is not of pension age, the medical condition of the pensioner census which fell into the categories of owner-occupied, privately rented, local authority owned, and housing association owned, respectively; and what was the total number of households recorded;(2) how many households in the borough of Whitehaven were recorded in the 1971 census which fell into the categories of owner-occupied, privately rented, local authority owned, and housing association owned, respectively; and what was the total number of households recorded;(3) how many households in the Millom rural district were recorded in the 1971 census which fell into the categories of owner-occupied, privately rented, local authority owned, and housing association owned, respectively; and what was the total number of households recorded;(4) how many households in the White-haven constituency were recorded in the 1971 census which fell into the categories of owner-occupied, privately rented, local authority owned, and housing association owned, respectively; and what was the total number of households recorded.
The information collected in the 1971 Census did not distinguish private landlords from housing associations where the accommodation was rented unfurnished. The numbers of households analysed by tenure for the areas mentioned are as follows:—demands the constant attention of the spouse, thus preventing the latter earning in his or her own right.
No. Our overriding aim is to make a special payment as quickly as possible to people over pension age. This inevitably means excluding some who fall just outside the dividing line. In the case the hon. Member has in mind the pensioner himself or herself will qualify for the £10 payment.