asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce the decision on the reform of estate duty.

We are still receiving representations on the Green Paper published last March, and there are more to come. It is too soon to say when it will be possible to take decisions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek powers to exempt from all death duty charges the family home in the case of unmarried daughters.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek powers to exempt from taxation the 100 per cent. Vietnam war bonus paid to British seamen, under a 1965 National Maritime Board agreement, when sailing in or near Vietnamese waters.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I could not justify a special concession for this form of earnings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future of the regional employment premium after 1974.

I have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave to the hon. Member on this subject on 27th June.—[Vol. 839, c. 1175–6.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the rate of inflation over the next six months.

One of the principal purposes of the tripartite talks was to reduce the rate of inflation. When it proved impossible to reach agreement, the standstill was introduced. Its principal purpose is the same.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his measures designed to control inflation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 6th November, and to the subsequent Government statements made during the passage of the Counter-Inflation Bill through the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will inquire into the movements of funds between the United Kingdom, its dependencies and other nations to check if any of these movements relate to the world trade in dangerous drugs for illegal use; and whether he will take steps to limit such movements of money.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, which has been examined; but I have to tell him that the scrutiny he suggests is unlikely to he effective for the purpose he has in mind. It would certainly give rise to considerable delays and inconvenience for legitimate transactions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the total number of non-industrial civil servants employed in the departments for which he is responsible are located in the development areas.

22,088 out of a total of 109,741.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, from international sources available to him, was the standard of living on the basis of disposable income per head, expressed in United States dollars, in the United Kingdom and the Common Market, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 1964, the second quarter of 1970 and the latest available quarter.

The broad picture is that in 1964 the standard of living in the United Kingdom was slightly higher than in the Six. By 1970 it was substantially lower. The decline in the standard of living in the United Kingdom, relative to that in the Six, was halted last year, and it is expected that the figures for this year will show that, as a result of the change in policies of the past two years, the United Kingdom is now catching up again.The available information is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make a statement on duty-free goods allowable into the United Kingdom brought in by United Kingdom subjects returning home after 1st January, 1973, following proposals put forward by the European Economic Community Commission on 12th September, 1972.

The proposals of 12th September to which my hon. Friend refers are under consideration by the enlarged Community.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will repay war stock at par to original owners over the age of 60 years.

No, Sir. This is not for lack of sympathy for any original holders who may be suffering hardship, but because the Government are forced to the conclusion that any scheme for partial redemption of war loan would be inequitable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the sixpence coin will be withdrawn from circulation.

The future of the 2½p coin after the end of its trial period on 15th February, 1973 will be decided and announced early in the new year. The Royal Mint is currently engaged in collecting and collating the views of the public and representative organisations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to allow capital values to be abated by a proportion equivalent to the fall in the value of money, over the relevant period, before assessing capital gains tax.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to make a decision resulting from the report of the committee under the chairmanship of Mrs. Alison Munro which is considering to what extent the price of children's footwear contributes to the incidence of foot abnormality.

We will make a decision when we have received and considered the report of the Committee. It intends to report in time for a decision to be taken before VAT starts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress made with retailers regarding the most suitable schemes for their operations on the introduction of value added tax in April, 1973.

Customs and Excise Notice No. 707, which has been widely distributed, sets out the special schemes open to retailers. Each retailer can make his own choice between them, but, to assist retailers, Customs representatives have attended many meetings to answer questions as well as providing individual guidance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of value added tax registration forms are being returned to applicants for correction.

An estimated 8 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make special arrangements for the payment of value added tax on all secondhand goods similar to that already introduced for second-hand cars.

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is not intended to give value added tax relief on bad debts.

The main objection in principle is that normally by the time a debt comes bad the debtor, if he is a taxable person, will already have taken credit in his own value added tax account for the tax element. If relief were granted to the creditor there would be a double loss of tax to the Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had with representatives of the provincial taxi trade concerning the implementation of value added tax; and what were the results of these consultations.

I recently met a deputation from the taxi trade which included representatives of the provincial taxi trade. There was a full discussion of the application of VAT to the taxi trade. The views expressed by the deputation are being considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to inform the public of the price reductions that the switch to value added tax will cause.

We shall certainly be informing the public nearer the time about the likely effect of value added tax on the prices of goods and services bought by typical households.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a complete list of all charities and voluntary associations which have made representations to him on the effects of value added tax; and if he will make a statement.

We have received an appreciable number of representations from charities and voluntary organisations. Some of the larger charities and also the Churches Main Committee and the National Council of Social Service have had useful discussions with the Customs and Excise Department. A report on these discussions and on other representations will be made to me in good time before the introduction of value added tax next year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be able to make an announcement about the rating of children's shoes for value added tax.

I have nothing to add to the answer given today to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Tam Dalyell).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, because in the two weeks prior to 6th November there were more than 500 retail price increases, more than twice the average level of increases since June 1970, he will reduce the level of value added tax to compensate the consumer.

My right hon. Friend has no statement to make at present about the rate of VAT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had with the European Economic Community regarding the Government's counter-inflation measures.

The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 6th November were not discussed with the EEC, whose resolution on anti-inflation measures was adopted on 31st October, but we are now in touch with the European Commission on the question of steel pricing.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum by which married taxpayers, each with two children aged between 11 and 16 years. will benefit from the Governments' tax arrangements in 1973–74 assuming that one earns £10,000 per annum and the other £30 per week.

Approximately £236 and £2 a year, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now seek powers to control building society lending.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount collected in road fund duties in 1970–71 and 1971–72 respectively.

Net motor vehicle duties collected in 1970–71 amounted to £421·3 million and in 1971–72 £473·4 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what o nthe basis of the General Index of Retail Prices, is the purchasing power of the £ sterling now, taking it as 100p on 18th June 1970.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what on the basis of the General Index of Retail Prices, is the purchasing power of the £ sterling now, taking it as 100p on 18th June 1970.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of the £ sterling on 1st November 1972, compared with 1st July 1970.

I would refer the hon. Gentlemen to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) and Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Carter).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fall in the value of the £ sterling has taken place since March 1972.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 100p in mid-March 1972, its value in mid-October 1972, the latest date available, is estimated at 95p on the basis of the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the tax revenue to be derived from the taxation of sickness, unemployment and supplementary benefits at present exempt from tax; and what adjustments in the standard rate of income tax will be required to offset the extension of taxation to such benefits.

About £150 million for unemployment and sickness benefit—including inavilidity benefit—equivalent to about 1p on the standard rate. I cannot make an estimate for supplementary benefits but the yield is unlikely to be large.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received for an early reduction of the rate of purchase tax on domestic electrical and electronic equipment in order to prevent a slump of sales prior to the introduction of value added tax; and what replies he has sent.

Representations to this effect have been received from a number to retailers. They have been informed that their views have been noted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount collected in purchase tax on motor vehicles in 1970–71 and 1971–72, respectively, subdivided for motor cars and commercial vehicles.

£258 million and £324 million respectively. No subdivision is available but most commercial vehicles are exempt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide the most up-to-date estimate of the growth rate in the economy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates the rate of economic growth to be at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the current growth in gross domestic product.

The economy is now growing rapidly, in line with the Budget forecast of 5 per cent, growth over the 18 months to the first half of 1973.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the people of Great Britain own less than £1,000 and what percentage own more than £1 million; and if he will consider fiscal action to benefit the former at the expense of the latter.

It is estimated that in 1970, to which the latest available figures relate, about 70 per cent, of the population aged 15 or over owned less than £1,000, and about one five-hundredth of 1 per cent, more than £1 million.As for fiscal action, I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, but the tax system is, of course, already highly progressive.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the tax credit proposals were introduced at the levels now proposed, how much of benefit would accrue to those with incomes over £5,000 a year.

About £45 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many official representations he has so far received on the proposed tax credit scheme; and what replies he has sent.

We have so far received some 480 letters about the new scheme from hon. Members, members of the public and some organisations. We have replied that the various suggestions made have been noted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that £800 million, 61 per cent., of the £1,300 million to be distributed under his tax credit plan will go to those with incomes of £1,500 per annum or more; and how the money is to be raised.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 23rd October. I would add that, owing to a printer's error, the figure of £1,505 million in that answer should have read £1,050 million. As to the latter part of the Question, I would refer him to what was said in the Green Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements exist for Her Majesty's inspectors of taxes to visit sick or disabled persons who wish to discuss their tax affairs.

No formal arrangements are necessary. Members of the Inland Revenue Department are required to provide reasonable assistance to taxpayers to enable them to arrive at their proper tax liabilities, and an inspector would arrange a visit if that were necessary.If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I will look into it if he will write to me about it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will conduct an inquiry as to how many assessments to income tax, surtax and profits tax in respect of years of assessment and chargeable accounting periods prior to the 6th April, 1955 are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement.

There are 2,505 surtax assessments outstanding in respect of years of assessments to 5th April, 1955.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the regulation whereby a man can, on production of postal order counterfoils showing he is sending money abroad to keep his illegitimate children, claim these payments for reduction in income tax, applies to such illegitimate children in any country including the Commonwealth and East Germany.

To be entitled to a tax allowance for an illegitimate child a taxpayer must show not only that he maintains the child at his own expense but also that he has custody of it. These rules apply whatever country the child happens to live in. Postal order counterfoils alone would not be considered sufficient evidence that these conditions had been satisfied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why an order for the minting of a set of silver decimal coins to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's Silver Wedding Anniversary was given to a foreign-controlled mint and not to the Royal Mint.

The only United Kingdom coin struck to commemorate the Queen's Silver Wedding is the crown piece authorised by Royal Proclamation on 23rd October. This is being struck exclusively at the Royal Mint. Other countries are free to have their coins struck wherever they choose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when all bank branches will have their supplies of silver wedding 25p coins in sufficient quantities from the Royal Mint so as to be able to satisfy the orders of their customers.

It is not known how many orders for Silver Wedding crowns have been received by bank branches. Over 3 million of these coins have been issued by the Royal Mint, however, and arrangements have been made to issue at least a further 3 million by Christmas if required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the freeze on professional fees for architects, consulting engineers and surveyors is to be made effective, in view of the fact that such fees are calculated as a percentage on building costs.

The standstill applies to the scales of fees of architects, consulting engineers and surveyors, and also in general to the costs underlying the construction services to which these fees are related.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the freeze on professional fees for solicitors is to be made effective in view of the fact that such fees are calculated on house purchase costs.

The standstill applies in general to fees for solicitors, as to all professional fees. While the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Bill does not apply to house prices for the reasons explained to the House on 16th November by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction, the statutory scale of solicitors' charges for conveyancing in England and Wales is being abolished on 1st January, 1973; there is no statutory scale in Scotland.—[Vol. 846, c. 679.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage increase in the money supply, according to M3 and M5 definitions, respectively, expressed at an annual rate, in the latest period of three months for which figures are available; and if he will now revert to the practice of publishing targets for the percentage growth of the money supply to the end of the current financial year.

In the three months to mid-October, M3 increased at an annual rate of about 18 per cent. The so-called M5 is only one of several possible wider definitions, and monthly figures for its components are not available on a common basis. It has never been the practice to publish targets for money supply and I do not think it would be desirable to do so now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the principal factors taken into account by the Government in regulating the money supply, M3.

As my right hon. Friend explained in his Budget Speech, monetary policy is used as an integral part of the general management of demand. The appropriate growth of the money supply therefore depends on our objectives for growth, employment and prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to exempt busmen from the liability of income tax which results from their possession of free travel tickets issued by their employing omnibus concern.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will raise the threshold beyond which busmen are taxed on their free travel pass.

The income level above which employees' benefits in kind generally are assessed to tax is being kept under review. It would not be right to single out busmen for special treatment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the reduction in the standard rate of income tax which benefited the higher income groups more than others, he will take action to help the poorer sections of the community.

The Government have introduced a wide range of measures to help the poorer sections of the community, including the biggest ever up-ratings of existing Social Security and National Insurance Benefits and the introduction of new benefits. So far as tax is concerned, people with low incomes have benefited from the raising of the tax thresholds as well as from cuts in indirect taxation. As I explained to the House on 6th November standards of living of the poorer sections of the community have risen much faster since 1970 than during the previous six years; and, proportionately, those at the lower end of the incomes scale have benefited more than most of those higher up.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what amount the net borrowing requirement is expected to be increased for the current financial year as a result of the measures outlined in the Downing Street declaration of 26th September and the additional measures announced by the Prime Minister on 6th November.

It is the practice not to publish forecasts of the borrowing requirement other than at the time of the Budget. The particular calculations requested by my hon. Friend are complex and cannot be isolated from other factors affecting the borrowing requirement. Taking all these factors into account, it seems likely that the central Government's borrowing requirement in 1972–73 will be somewhat lower than that forecast at the time of the Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of public expenditure to date in the current financial year and in 1972–73 has been financed through net sales of long dated securities to the non-banking sector.

My hon. Friend will find figures of net purchases of British Government securities by the non-bank private sector in Table 18 of Financial Statistics. A breakdown by length of maturity is not available by sector; a breakdown of official sales to all sectors combined is given in Table 3(1) of the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what means other than sales of long-dated Government securities the deficit on the public expenditure account in 1971–72 and 1972–73 will be financed.

An analysis of the financing of the central Government borrowing requirement by type of asset is given in Table 18 of Financial Statistics. Details of the financing of the borrowing requirement of local authorities and public corporations are given in Tables 30 and 34 respectively. A substantial part of the public sector borrowing requirement in the current financial year should be financed by sales of securities, such as gilt-edged stock, local authorities debt and national savings, that do not expand the reserve base of the banks.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recognised entry points there are on the land frontier of Northern Ireland; and how many of these have permanent Customs checks.

There are 20 approved road crossings. The hours of Customs attendance vary according to circumstances; all posts are subject to sporadic Customs checks during the period when they are unattended.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the years 1951, 1966, 1970 and 1971 were chosen as representative years in the card, "The United Kingdom in Figures", published by the Governmental Statistical Service.

The card "United Kingdom in Figures" was prepared by the Central Statistical Office on behalf of the Government Statistical Service and two main considerations entered into the choice of years. First was the desire to show, long-, medium- and short-term comparisons (20, 5 and 1 year respectively). For social trends especially a longer time span is needed, while many users would wish to see the latest year-to-year changes in economic variables. Second was the need to select years—for example, Census years—for which as many figures as possible were available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with other governments about the departure of M. Pierre-Paul Schweitzer from the International Monetary Fund.

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 24th October.—[Vol. 843, c. 214.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to the International Monetary Fund about the size of the Morse Committee on the reform of the world monetary system.

None. The size of this committee reflects the need for wide representation within a manageable total.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons have paid the maximum rate of capital gains tax on the sale of land or property under Section 488 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1970; and what was the total revenue raised in such cases.

Information regarding the number of income tax assessments made under Section 488 is not available. That section does not impose any liability to capital gains tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a limited company realises a gain on the sale of land or property which was acquired for the purposes of development or sale what is the rate of tax charged.

The full rate of corporation tax which is applicable at the relevant time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the case of a limited company, on how many occasions either the company or its shareholders has paid tax, respectively, higher than 40 per cent. or 30 per cent. on the sale of land or property under Section 488 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1970; and what was the total revenue raised.

This information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the pensions paid to widows of German Servicemen are exempt from taxation by Her Majesty's Government when the widow lives in this country.

This depends on the widow's nationality. Under Article IX(2) of the Double Taxation Convention between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany this type of pension is exempt from United Kingdom tax unless it is paid to a national of the United Kingdom who is not also a German national.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what authority Customs officers are increasing the valuation of imported goods above the imported price, thereby increasing the duty levied and the eventual cost to the consumer; and what action he proposes to take.

The value for duty purposes of imported goods is defined by Section 258 of and the Sixth Schedule to the Customs and Excise Act 1952 and is, briefly, the price they would fetch on a sale in the open market between a buyer and seller independent of each other, with the seller bearing all costs, charges and expenses incidental to the sale and the delivery of the goods to the buyer at the port or place of importation. This provision, which accords with an international convention, ensures fairness of treatment in the application of protective duties. When goods are imported at a price which is not a satisfactory measure of the statutory value that value can nevertheless often he expressed in terms of the actual price with an addition thereto.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the total sum of the tax concessions granted to all those earning over £5,000 a year between the end of 1970 and the end of April, 1973; and how many taxpayers are involved.

It is not possible to calculate figures of the kind requested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the scope of the housekeeper allowance to include all single persons aged 65 years and over where appropriate.

I am afraid that my right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be appropriate to extend the scope of this allowance on the lines suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what payments have been made from the Government's Redundancy Fund so far this year; and how this compares with the same period in 1971.

The Redundancy Fund is financed by employers' statutory contributions. Payments from the fund by way of rebate and guarantee payments amounted to £38,747,000 in the period 1st January to 30th September, 1972, and to £41,863,000 in the corresponding period in 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has now concluded his study of the publication "How Much Unemployment" published by the Institute of Economic Affairs; and if he will make a statement.

The arguments in this publication, together with other relevant information, were considered by the Inter-Departmental Working Party on Unemployment Statistics. Its report, which was published as a White Paper (Cmnd. 5157) on 20th November, included detailed discussion of the various criticisms which have been made about the unemployment statistics and made recommendations for improving their presentation. The unemployment statistics are now being presented in a new format based on these recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry concerning staff pay increases deriving from incremental arrangements and job evaluation during the period of standstill prescribed by the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Act; what reply he has given; and if he will make a statement.

Increments paid to individual employees related to their age or length of service are most common in white collar employments, in both the public and private sectors—in insurance companies, banks and those industrial concerns with large office staffs, as well as civil servants, teachers, nurses, and others in the public service. But there are also age and service-related payments in the manual field as well.The most common arrangement in the public services is to negotiate a predetermined range or scale through which the individual moves by regular and specified steps. In such cases it is the range or scale which is the rate for the job. It is the range or scale which is commonly increased, as a whole, by the normal process of collective bargaining; such general increases are expressly forbidden during the standstill by paragraph 12 of the White Paper. The workers concerned will therefore have deferred till the end of the standstill any such general increase from which they might normally have expected to benefit over the period of the standstill. In the Government's view it would be unfair to penalise such workers twice by preventing the normal progression through an incremental system which is an integral part of their existing conditions of service. But as was pointed out during the tripartite talks both by the CBI and by the TUC there is a very wide variety of practice in this matter. In particular the degree of managerial discretion on the actual amounts to be paid varies greatly.The introduction of new incremental arrangements during the standstill would constitute an increase in the range or scale and as such would be contrary to paragraph 12 of the White Paper. It is the Government's intention that increments should be payable during the standstill only where there was on 6th November a pre-existing contractual obligation. The exception provided for by Clause 3(3) reflects this.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial disputes arising from wage negotiations have been reported to his Department since 6th November.

Twenty such disputes have come to the notice of my Department since 6th November. A number were short token stoppages.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the percentage decrease in total unemployment, male wholly unemployed, and female wholly unemployed, in each planning region of the United Kingdom since 13th March, 1972.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the figures for registered unemployed and registered vacancies for men and women separately, in the Islington and Holborn employment exchange area and for Greater London as a whole in each of the last three months.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in Scottish male wholly unemployed in semi-skilled and unskilled categories when comparing the latest available figures with June, 1970.

Excluding certain engineering, construction, vehicle building, woodworking and printing occupations generally regarded as skilled, the numbers of men registered as unemployed in Scotland increased by 52 per cent. between June, 1970 and September, 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men registered as unemployed in the Ayr, Cumnock, and Girvan employment exchanges are over 55 years of age; and how this compares with the total of male wholly unemployed in each area.

The following table shows the information for July, 1972, the latest date for which a detailed age analysis of the unemployed is available:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will set up an inquiry into the present system of civil actions for damages or injuries sustained

Following is the information:at work, with particular reference to the effects of the present system on accident provisions and activities, as recommended by the Robens Committee Report on Safety and Health at Work, Command Paper No. 5034.

This recommendation of the Robens Committee is currently being considered by the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the most recent Retail Price Index figures and to what extent the near 9 per cent. increase was due to the rise in council rents resulting from the Housing Finance Act.

The increase in the General Index of Retail Prices between April and October 1972, expressed at an annual rate, was 8·7 per cent. Of this rise, about one-seventh was due to higher rents for local authority dwellings.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangement he proposes to make for agricultural training in the light of his decisions about training boards generally which he announced on 8th August, 1972.

It was recognised in "Training for the Future" that the arrangements for training in agriculture required separate consideration in the of the particular needs and characteristics of the industry. It was the unanimous view of the industry in its representations to the Government that agricultural training should be organised outside the scope of a national training agency. After considering all the views expressed I propose, with the agreement of my colleagues concerned, that when new arrangements for industrial boards come into effect in 1974 the Agricultural Training Board should be reconstituted under separate statutory authority and brought within the responsibility of the Agricultural Ministers. Arrangements would be made to ensure co-ordination with the Governments' training policies as a whole and also to strengthen relationships with the Education Service. At the same time the present arrangements for financing agricultural training would be recast with the aim of providing treatment generally comparable with that of boards under the Training Services Agency.Detailed arrangements to give effect to these proposals will be worked out in discussion with the interests concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the number of representations which he has received up to the latest convenient date about physiotherapists employed in the National Health Service; how they are graded; and what progress he is able to report since detailed proposals were submitted to the Management Side of Whitley Council in November 1970.

Since the staff side secretary of the Whitley Council wrote to me at the end of September about the current discussions on grading structures, I have received about 300 letters, for the most part enclosing copies of a stock letter on the subject. The discussions are concerned with the structure of eight professions in all, and substantial agreement has been reached in some cases.The existing grading of physiotherapists is as follows:PhysiotherapistsDefinition of grades(a)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further Whitley Council discussions have taken place since 14th November on proposed changes in the grading structure of the remedial professions; and what was the outcome of the discussions.

I understand that discussions have continued between the joint secretaries in considering what useful progress might be made pending guidance on the next stage of the Government's programme for controlling inflation.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now take steps to speed up the current negotiations on a revised career grading structure in the National Health Service for members of the remedial professions in the light of the present unsatisfactory position.

Progress of discussions is a matter for the Whitley Council with regard to the Government's White Paper, Cmnd. 5125.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many meetings of the Whitley Council have taken place this year when proposals to revise the career grading structure for members of the remedial professions within the National Health Service have been discussed.

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Whitlock) on 21st November.—[Vol. 846, c. 351–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for the appointments system operated by general medical practitioners; and if he will make a statement.

Independent surveys into the use of appointment systems confirm that properly run schemes, which allow urgent cases to be dealt with without delay, benefit both doctors and patients. Waiting time is reduced, and the doctor can organise his work more effectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's assessment of the mean temperature needed to maintain the health and comfort of pensioners in the light of the recent report of Task Force, a copy of which is in his possession; when he expects to complete his discussions with the Secretary of State for the Environment about the mutual problems raised in the report; and if he will make a statement.

I have already given advice on the desirable temperature in the leaflet recently distributed to local authorities, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. I cannot yet say when the consultations with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly sum is treated by his Department as a reasonable minimum for a single pensioner to live on if he or she has no resources other than the State retirement pension.

A single householder who has no resources apart from the national insurance retirement pension is entitled to a supplementary pension sufficient to bring his total weekly income up to £7·15—£7·40 is he is over 80—plus an allowance for rent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly sum is treated by his Department as a reasonable minimum for a married couple to live on if they have no other resources than the State retirement pension.

A married couple who have no resources apart from the national insurance retirement pension are entitled to a supplementary pension sufficient to bring their joint total weekly income up to £11·25—£11·50 if either of them is over 80—plus an allowance for rent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the present number of retirement pensioners, male and female, in Scotland.

An estimated 240,000 men and 460,000 women at the end of 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons between 18 and 21 years of age received dental treatment under the National Health Service during each of the last five years.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on his intention concerning the implementation of his proposals to charge for dental treatment in the case of young persons between 18 to 21 years of age.

I have nothing to add to my reply on 13th July, 1971 to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun).—[Vol. 821, c. 188–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received from the Presbytery of Ayr about the inadequacy of the present death grant; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

None, as far as I am aware.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will introduce legislation to ensure that payment is made to bereaved parents to cover all funeral expenses of a deceased child;(2) what is the present death grant payable to the parents of a deceased child; what is the minimum cost of a funeral in such cases; and if he will make a statement.

The amount of the death grant depends on the age of the child. Where the contribution conditions are fully satisfied, the grant is £9 for a child under 3 years; £15 for those aged 3–5 years inclusive; and £22·50 for those aged 6–17 years inclusive. My right hon. Friend has no immediate proposals for increasing these amounts. So far as I am aware, there is no minimum charge for a funeral of a child.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the national ratio of patients per general medical practitioner; what is this ratio in the area of the Lancashire health executive; and what is the ratio in the borough of Widnes and the rural district of Whiston within that executive.

At 1st October, 1971, the latest date for which national figures are available, the national ratio was 2,460 patients per doctor; for Lancashire Executive Council area it was 2,724, and for the brough of Widnes 3,035. Separate figures are not available for the rural district of Whiston, but for Prescot urban district and Whiston rural district together the figure was 2,907.At 1st October, 1972 the comparable figures for the borough of Widnes and for Prescot urban district and Whiston rural district were 2,991 and 2,975 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of private clinics and the number of new ones that are being proposed; what is his policy towards them; how many objections he has received to the establishment of such clinics and from whom; and if he will make a statement.

The expression "private clinics" covers a wide variety of establishments, some of which may be registrable as nursing homes or require my approval under the Abortion Act. I have no jurisdiction, however, over private clinics in general, and am, therefore, unable to provide the information asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the reciprocal arrangements with Commonwealth countries in respect of social security will continue after the entry of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community.

Yes, These arrangements will not be affected by our entry into the Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that the registrar of births and deaths in the London Borough of Newham has published his official report showing that the number of babies of immigrants is more than double that of the national average and that this is causing difficulties with regard to the hospital, post- and ante-natal clinics, and the general welfare services, both at the moment and for the future; and whether he will now have discussions with the local authority to see to what extent his Department can assist the council in overcoming these problems.

I understand that information published in the Press locally in Newham and derived from the Registrar-General's quarterly return for England and Wales for the quarter ending 30th September, 1969, showed that 29 per cent. of the live births in Newham were to mothers with a place of birth outside the United Kingdom compared with a national average percentage of 11·8 per cent. for England and Wales. The percentage of such births in Newham was similar to, or lower than, that of several other London boroughs, and I know of no special difficulties caused to the maternity or social services. Planning of future services will take account of relevant local factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what categories of persons, other than Ugandan Asians, are eligible for benefits and services of the type provided at Uganda resettlement camps and at the prices there prevailing.

The resettlement centres have been established specifically to provide temporary accommodation for Ugandan Asians and their services are. therefore, not available to any other persons. Supplementary benefits are payable to anyone in Great Britain who satisfies the relevant conditions under the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that the Ugandan Asians in resettlement camps are provided with housing, heating, lighting, bedding, furniture, food, entertainment, television and the cleaning of their accommodation at charges of £4 per week for a single person, £6 for a married couple, and £1·50 for children between 2 years and 16 years; and whether he will take action to ensure that all unemployed, sick and disabled and those on social welfare benefits are granted by Her Majesty's Government the same facilities on the same basis of payment.

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial support he has offered to the trawler owners in North Shields for the new fish quay.

Approval was given to the Port of Tyne Authority in October for a grant of 60 per cent. on essential investigations estimated to cost £16,500. Grant at the same rate is available to the authority on the cost of new works provided its proposals are submitted in time for me to approve them by 24th May, 1973, and the works are started within the following six months.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average price of eating apples in the retailers at the latest date; and how it compares with the same period last year.

17th October is the latest date for which the figures collected for the index of retail prices are available. They show an average of 12·8p per lb. for dessert applies compared with 8·5p per lb. last year. the less comprehensive surveys which the Ministry makes at more frequent intervals indicate that, between that date and 21st November, the retail price of dessert apples had continued to rise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes are expected in the operation of United Kingdom sugar refiners' margins following British membership of the European Economic Community and what estimate he has made of the comparative British and Community refining margins in units of account per 100 kilos adjusted for a standard method calculation; over what period he expects these margins to be harmonised; and if he will make a statement.

The refiners' margin is at present limited by an undertaking given by Tate & Lyle Ltd. to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer under Section 27 of the Sugar Act 1956. After our accession to the Community, it will be determined by the difference between the intervention price for white sugar and the intervention and entry prices for raw sugar fixed under Article 81 and Protocol 17 of the Treaty of Accession. No direct comparison can be made between our refiners' present margin and that in force in the Community owing to the different nature and circumstances of the industries. These matters are currently under discussion between the member States of the enlarged Community, and I shall make a further statement as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food it he will make a statement on the future of the lime subsidy scheme.

I cannot anticipate the outcome of the 1973 annual review, in the course of which this subsidy will, as usual, be considered along with the other agricultural production grants.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied that coal stocks are sufficient for national needs; and if he will make a statement.

It must be obvious that no level of coal stocks could guarantee full supplies to every part of the country in every conceivable circumstance of bad weather. However, as regards the current position I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand) on 15th November.—[Vol. 846, c. 153.]

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the negotiations upon Article 23 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, because the United States DISC law confers unfair competitive advantages to exporting companies, set up primarily to gain an unfair advantage.

We held consultations with the United States authorities in September under GATT Article XXIII. We repeated our view that the DISCs are in conflict with the United States' international obligations. In the light of their reply we are now considering with our Community partners what further action should be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place a paper on the revenues expected from the companies engaged in exploration and production in the North Sea before the next meeting of the National Economic Development Council.

I shall of course do my best to provide any information which the council requires, but I do not think that a paper on North Sea revenues would be of any particular advantage to the council in its current deliberations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make available to the Standing Conference on North Sea Oil his assessment of Scottish industry's ability to supply the necessary equipment for the North Sea following the Prime Minister's recent visits to construction sites in Scotland.

The IMEG Report which will be published shortly gives information on this. I am confident that Scottish firms can make a substantial contribution, and many have made a successful start. The Conference is aware that my Department stands ready to give appropriate help but the main responsibility must of course lie with the firms themselves.