asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will announce his intention to compensate from public funds the private sector of the steel industry for losses incurred as a result of delay at his behest in changes in the British Steel Corporation's pricing policy, as recommended by Lord Hirshfield.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to have a new survey undertaken of the extent of company concentration in each sector of industry.

Information on concentration in different industries will be published later this year in the final report on the Census of Production for 1968. It is planned to publish similar information for 1970 and subsequent years annually.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he expects the new scheme for redundant miners to be finalised.

Discussions with the unions are proceeding. I shall prepare a new scheme as quickly as possible but cannot yet say when it will be ready.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the Central Electricity Generating Board about the construction of Drax B power station and the need for it to be coal-fired; and if he will make a statement.

No proposals have been made to me for the construction of Drax B power station.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now state when he pro- poses to introduce legislation to amend the Copyright Act 1956.

I am considering setting up a committee to examine the law of copyright and expect to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the need to amend the law concerning the prevention of fatigue in aircrews.

Aircrew fatigue is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority, to whom I have referred such representations. The authority set up a committee on 16th November 1972 to examine the problem. If the authority concludes that changes are needed in current requirements it will be for it to initiate action and, if necessary, propose changes in the Air Navigation Order.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his proposals to help shipbuilding, shipping and the Seahorse project.

I will consider policy towards the shipbuilding industry when I have received the Booz Allen report. Already proposals have been made to provide selective assistance to shipowners and shipbuilders under the Industry and Science and Technology Acts. I will consider proposals on the Seahorse project as soon as they are received from the company.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with European countries with regard to the development of quiet short take-off and landing projects; and if he will make a statement.

We are in regular touch with other European Governments about the prospects for quiet short take-off and landing aircraft. But project proposals must come from the firms and none have yet been put to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many fatalities occurred aboard United Kingdom fishing vessels in each of the past five years to the nearest convenient date.

The number of lives reported lost in casualties to United Kingdom vessels, in accidents on board and persons missing overboard, were 22 in 1967, 89 in 1968, 33 in 1969, 23 in 1970 and 26 in 1971, figures for 1972 are not yet available. These figures exclude deaths which occurred on shore following injuries sustained at sea.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, having regard to the fact that since he banned jet night take-offs from Heathrow Airport summer movements at night have increased to 4,222, he will cancel the ban and reintroduce the previous limitation of 3,500.

I am now considering the question of restriction of night movements at Heathrow this summer in the light of experience gained in 1972.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give urgent reconsideration to his decision to give approval to the Central Electricity Generating Board to redevelop a station in the heart of a new housing estate; if he will re-examine the proposals of the London Borough of Brent to resite this station on the 23-acre site at Neasden alongside British Railways; if he has taken the environmental amenities into full consideration; and if he will make a statement.

Consent was given on 12th December after full consideration of the proposals of the London Borough of Brent and of the environmental amenities. Consent having been given the Secretary of State has no power to rescind it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects tariff preferences enjoyed by United Kingdom exports in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India to be reduced or withdrawn.

After the termination of our Trade Agreements with these countries on 31st January next, the Governments concerned will be free to reduce or eliminate our preferences. With the exception of the change affecting some goods covered by special tariff procedures in Australia which takes effect on 1st February, I am not yet in a position to indicate the timing of any likely changes.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the position with regard to the trade agreements with certain Commonwealth preference area countries, in view of Great Britain's accession to the European Community.

Notice of termination has been given so that our commitments under our Trade Agreements with Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, will cease by 1st February when we begin to implement the Common Agricultural Policy. I have written separately to the Minister concerned in each of these countries expressing our consciousness of the continuing need to work for the highest possible level of world trade and of trade with these countries individually and our intention to continue to do our best to promote solutions to any trading problems which might be encountered whether these arise under a bilateral or multilateral framework. I am arranging for copies of these letters to be placed in the Library. The trade agreement with Rhodesia is in suspense and will be regarded as terminated on the same date as the others.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the exercise of his powers, he will now prohibit the export of meat and live cattle from this country.

No. I am advised by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that such action would not be appropriate in the present situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the total number of sheep exported from the United Kingdom for immediate slaughter, and the number exported to each country of destination, in each month during 1972;(2) what was the total number of cattle exported from the United Kingdom for immediate slaughter and the number exported to each country of destination in each month of 1972;

NUMBER OF ANIMALS†
		All countries	Irish Republic	Belgium	Netherlands	France	West Germany	Switzerland	All other countries
Sheep—other than for breeding
January	…	26,049	11,258	13,830	—	—	—	961	—
February	…	20,449	2,562	17,887	—	—	—	—	—
March	…	25,022	1,648	23,063	—	—	—	295	16
April	…	20,143	1,058	18,880	22	—	—	183	—
May	…	12,204	5,215	6,943	46	—	—	—	—
June	…	15,378	9,903	5,475	—	—	—	—	—
July	…	10,894	8,008	2,886	—	—	—	—	—
August	…	16,332	13,024	3,308	—	—	—	—	—
September	…	27,809	24,452	3,357	—	—	—	—	—
October	…	23,205	15,201	7,424	576	—	—	—	4
November	…	28,909	18,185	10,724	—	—	—	—	—
Fat Cattle
January	…	5,315	3,932	237	1,146	—	—	—	—
February	…	5,620	3,271	582	1,569	—	198	—	—
March	…	6,338	3,618	851	1,702	—	167	—	—
April	…	8,212	6,547	594	965	—	106	—	—
May	…	11,662	7,171	2,061	1,597	—	833	—	—
June	…	18,244	7,009	4,490	4,420	302	2,023	—	—
July	…	14,128	5,472	3,114	3,125	517	1,900	—	—
August	…	10,423	7,074	1,320	1,754	275	—	—	—
September	…	15,538	6,569	4,356	3,106	63	1,444	—	—
October	…	12,745	6,295	3,405	2,138	—	907	—	—
November	…	13,904	6,609	3,118	2,261	243	1,673	—	—
Sows and boars*
January	…	—	1,068	—	—	—	—	—	—
February	…	—	583	—	—	—	—	—	—
March	…	—	823	—	—	—	—	—	—
April	…	—	1,244	—	—	—	—	—	—
May	…	—	905	—	—	—	—	—	—
June	…	—	1,490	—	—	—	—	—	—
July	…	—	1,185	—	—	—	—	—	—
August	…	—	1,648	—	—	—	—	—	—
September	…	—	1,354	—	—	—	—	—	—
October	…	—	1,337	—	—	—	—	—	—
November	…	—	1,554	—	—	—	—	—	—
* Sows and boars exported to countries other than the Irish Republic are believed to be mainly for breeding purposes.
† Figures for December are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will exercise his existing powers to ban exports of meat and live animals until prices have returned to a lower level.

No. I am advised by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, that such

Animals for slaughter are not distinguished as such in the export statistics but the figures given below relate to categories of sheep, cattle and pigs which are believed to be exported for this purpose:action would not be appropriate in the present situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now upgrade the size of new industrial development needing a development certificate from 15,000 to 100,000 square feet.

No. That would be tantamount to abolishing IDC control.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give details of the proposed new advance factory programme in development areas and elsewhere.

In the new programme which I announced on 15th January there are 52 factories. Details are as follows:

Location	Size (sq.ft.)
England
North Region:
Consett Special Development Area	15,000
Consett Special Development Area	10,000*
Cramlington Special Development Area	15,000
Cramlington Special Development Area	15,000
Crook Special Development Area	15,000
Hartlepool Special Development Area	15,000
Hartlepool Special Development Area	15,000
Jarrow/South Shields Special Development Area	15,000
Lillyhall Special Development Area	15,000
Lillyhall Special Development Area	10,000
Newcastle Special Development Area	15,000
Stanley Special Development Area	10,000
Sunderland Special Development Area	15,000
Tynemouth Special Development Area	15,000
Teesside Development Area	15,000
Teesside Development Area	15,000*
Skelton Development Area	15,000
Total	240,000
North West Region:
Knowsley Development Area	10,000
Knowsley Development Area	10,000
Knowsley Development Area	10,000
Irlam Intermediate Area	25,000
Total	55,000
Yorkshire & Humberside Region:
Barnsley Intermediate Area	10,000
Bridlington Intermediate Area	10,000
Doncaster Intermediate Area	15,000
Doncaster Intermediate Area	10,000
Hull Intermediate Area	15,000
Normanton Intermediate Area	15,000
Rotherham Intermediate Area	15,000
S. Kirkby Intermediate Area	10,000
Total	100,000

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the pilot of a jet aircraft carrying Mr. Howard Hughes was allowed to ignore the air traffic control instructions at Gatwick Airport on 27th December with impunity.

It is for the CAA to investigate any alleged breach of air traffic control instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional help he proposes to assist in the restructuring of the wool textile industry.

The Economic Development Committee for the Wool Textile Industry and both sides of the industry are preparing proposals for a scheme under the Industry Act 1972 designed to strengthen the industry. When the scheme is received it will be sympathetically considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates he has made of the affect on the textile industry of free entry into the United Kingdom from 1st April 1973 of textiles from those Mediterranean countries which have agreements with the EEC; and if he will seek to safeguard the interests and employment opportunities of the British textile industry.

Imports of cotton yarn from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, Malta, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain and Israel will be free of quantitative restrictions no later than 1st April 1973. But they will remain subject to import duties. Woven cotton fabric and made-up goods from these countries will continue to be subject both to quantitative restrictions and to import duties until the end of 1974. Separate arrangements for voluntary restraint of cotton textile exports from Israel to the United Kingdom during the same period have been concluded. I am satisfied that the effect on the British textile industry of this limited measure of liberalisation will not be seriously harmful, and also that adequate safeguards already exist in EEC and United Kingdom legislation to deal effectively with any serious disruption of our industry that might be caused by increased low-cost textile imports from these Mediterranean countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if there is a break clause in the agreement with the French Government on Concorde; and, if so, when it comes into operation.

The Anglo-French Treaty of 1962 on Concorde does not contain a break clause, but provides that the project shall proceed on the basis of equal responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what point the cost of research and development for Concorde has to rise before it is considered a re-design, for the purposes of the agreement with the French Government.

The treaty contains no provisions about the circumstances which would constitute a re-design of the aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what price the Government intend to pay for the assets of the former Rolls-Royce Company.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead).

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will seek to arrange, as a matter of urgency, a meeting with the British Ironfounders' Association and the relevant trade unions in an endeavour to resolve the problems created for the foundry industry by shortages of iron and steel scrap;(2) what further discussions he intends to have with the British Ironfounders' Association regarding their problems caused by the shortage of iron and steel scrap;(3) following his discussions with the British Ironfounders' Association, what action he intends to take to help solve the problems created for the foundry industry by the shortage of iron and steel scrap.

It was announced on 4th January that in order to meet the recovery in demand in the United Kingdom, export restrictions will be reimposed on all grades of cast iron scrap other than borings, with effect from 1st February. Exports of most grades of steel scrap have been restricted since 11th September, 1972. I have been in close touch with the representative organisations concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consider initiating a prosecution of the former Chairman of Kwik Save Limited under Section 27 of the Companies Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.

I am making inquiries into this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many prosecutions there have been under Section 27 of the Companies Act 1967; and if he will list them.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many cases of possible contravention of Section 27 of the Companies Act 1967 he has investigated; and if he will list them.

Enquiries concerning a possible breach of Section 27 were made in 1970, but insufficient evidence to warrant proceedings was produced.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider legislation to strengthen Section 27 of the Companies Act 1967.

Disclosure of directors' interests in their companies is one of a number of matters I am considering in my review of company legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the proposed new company legislation, he will include action to prevent those selling shares to the public in a flotation, from selling them within five years.

While I will consider the suggested prohibition, my present view is that it would not be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the forthcoming consumer protection legislation, he will take powers to prevent medical preparations, such as acne creams, marketed in two different forms for the same product, one designated as ethical and the other available from chemists' shops, being sold at divergent prices.

Full consideration is being given as to whether Clauses 3 and 17 of the Fair Trading Bill would enable the Director General of Fair Trading to initiate action in relation to such practices and, if not, whether there is a case for amendment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further action he intends to take to stimulate British exports to Japan.

The British Overseas Trade Board, with my agreement, are acting in a number of ways to stimulate exports to Japan. The steps it will be taking include the setting up of a British Export Marketing Centre in Tokyo, which we expect to open next September and which will offer a range of new facilities to assist British firms to test and develop the market for their products. The British Export Marketing Centre scheme will have an annual budget of about £400,000. A special adviser on the Japanese market is being appointed to advise British industry on the opportunities and challenges of that market and to ensure the most effective deployment of the Board's export promotion activities in Japan.I myself hope to visit Japan shortly to discuss the wide range of issues for which I am responsible, including greater opportunities for British exporters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the investigation by the European Communities Commission of the question of a record being made of every person.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make it his policy that the compulsory holding of a civil record, as is normal practice in certain EEC member States, will under no circumstances be proposed for the United Kingdom following British entry into the European Communities.

In an interim reply to a question tabled on 2nd August 1972 in the European Parliament the European Commission stated that it was studying the possibility of harmonising the procedures followed in Community countries for the maintenance of civil records of individual citizens. As regards practice in the United Kingdom, the Central Statistical Office has explained to the Commission that no centralised comprehensive register of population is maintained in this country, and that the Government have no plans to create one.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which section of his Department deals with matters of Common Market monetary and economic union; and if he will list by grade the numbers of staff employed therein and the annual cost.

Various officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office deal from time to time with matters relating to European economic and monetary union. The two deparments mainly concerned are the European Integration Department and the Financial Relations Department. Within these Departments one Grade 4 officer and one Grade 5 in the former, and one Grade 4 and two Grade 5 officers in the latter, deal with the day to day questions that arise. None is exclusively engaged on this work.It is not possible to provide a cash figure for the annual cost since the amount of time spent on economic and monetary union matters by these officers fluctuates considerably as does that done by their support staff and by other members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who are involved from time to time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the EEC countries have agreed to reduce Europe's tariffs on South African citrus fruit from 15 per cent. to five per cent. for the next two years.

The tariff reductions introduced by the EEC apply to all third country suppliers. They were first introduced in 1971. The precise rates of reduction and periods of application vary according to type of citrus fruit.The reasons for the reductions are given in the relevant Community regulations (Nos. 1642/71 of 26th July 1971 and 780/72 of 17th April 1972). They respond to the desire expressed by several countries to have easier access to the EEC market, and are in fulfilment of an undertaking given to the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the subjects and objectives of any draft or proposed regulations and directives published or otherwise made known by the Commission of the EEC, which were under consideration on 1st January 1973.

I understand that the Secretariat of the European Commission is currently producing a document listing all the proposals put by the commission to the council and still pending. This document is expected to appear soon and copies will be made available to Members through the Vote Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will summarise the legislation, treaties and international agreements concluded, or in process, the purpose of which is the prevention and punishment of international terrorism, including air piracy.

The United Kingdom is a party to the Tokyo Convention of 1963 on Offences Committed on Board Aircraft and to the Hague Convention which provides an international legal framework for bringing hijackers to justice. The Tokyo Convention Act 1967 and the Hijacking Act 1971 were passed to give effect to these Conventions.Hon. Members will also have seen the Protection of Aircraft Bill now being considered in another place and which, if enacted, will enable us to ratify the complementary Montreal Convention on other forms of violence against civil aviation.We are playing a full part in discussions in the International Civil Aviation Organisation about joint collective action against countries whose actions endanger civil aviation and shall persevere at the United Nations in calling for collective action against international terrorism. We hope that separate discussions on a Convention for the Protection of Diplomats will soon regain momentum.Details of existing international agreements in this field will be found in the study on terrorism, prepared by the Secretariat of the United Nations, UN document No A/C6/418, which is in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the progress of talks before the International Court at The Hague upon the Iceland 50-mile limit fishing dispute.

The recent proceedings at The Hague were concerned with the question whether or not the Court has jurisdiction in this dispute. My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General presented the British case on that question on 5th January. Iceland did not appear. We await the Court's decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent the harassment of British trawlers fishing on the high seas by Icelandic gunboats.

We have expressed Her Majesty's Government's concern to the Icelandic authorities about the apparent escalation of harassment by the Icelandic coastguard of British trawlers which are fishing on the high seas off Iceland in a manner consistent with the Interim Order of the International Court of Justice. In all cases where damage has been caused an immediate protest has been made and the right to claim compensation reserved. Naval forces are available if their assistance should be required.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Bangladesh about shipping problems in relation to supplies of food and other essentials and commodities; and if he will make a statement.

The British High Commission at Dacca is in constant touch with the Bangladesh authorities over the delivery of relief supplies. Last year difficulties in delivery were caused by the damage to ports and the general communications system during 1971. This damage is being made good and relief supplies are reaching those in need. We are providing buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids for the ports of Chittagong and Chalna as part of our relief contribution.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Governments of South Africa and Portugal urging them not to aid and abet the blockade of Zambia by the illegal Smith régime in Rhodesia, and representations to the Government of Zambia assuring them of British support in the face of the illegal régime's action; and whether he will make a statement.

We have been in contact with the Rhodesian authorities and the Zambian Government and we are also keeping in touch with other interested Governments. We have no reason to think that the South African or Portuguese Governments have assisted the Rhodesian authorities in their blockade of Zambia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the functions are of the European Integration Department in the Foreign Office.

This Department is concerned, within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with questions arising out of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resolutions of the European Assembly Her Majesty's Government have decided to implement in carrying out their present policies.

It is normally for the Council of Ministers of the European Communities to reach decisions upon the implementation of resolutions of the European Parliament. Her Majesty's Government welcome the contribution which the European Parliament is making to policy formulation within the Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom and colonies passports are issued annually by Her Majesty's High Commission officers abroad; how many have been issued by Her Majesty's embassy in South Africa, and how many by the authorities in United Kingdom colonies on average over the past five years.

Numbers of United Kingdom passports issued by United Kingdom High Commissions, and by consular posts in South Africa were as follows:

			United Kingdom High Commissions	Consular Posts South Africa
1967	…	…	106,529	6,404
1968	…	…	97,218	6,578
1969	…	…	89,179	7,262
1970	…	…	89,703	12,937
1971	…	…	86,751	13,951

(Figures for 1972 not yet available.)I do not have available statistics from the dependent territories whose returns of passports issued are not made to London.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for approving the siting of a major power station on the south bank of the River Forth.

I have not received any application from the electricity boards for approval to the siting of a new power station on the south bank of the Forth.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the system whereby property belonging to the Forestry Commission, if for sale, must be offered to all Government Departments before it can be put on to the open market; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The procedure is common to all Government Departments and I see no need to make an exception in the case of the Forestry Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he is doing to encourage construction of chalets in Forestry Commission areas.

The Forestry Commission is building 12 cabins in Strathyre Forest in Perthshire for letting on a weekly basis for holiday accommodation. They should be ready for use in the Spring of this year.The commission is considering the possibility of further developments of this kind in other forests, where appropriate in partnership with private developers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in regard to the sale of surplus properties owned by the Forestry Commission for holiday homes.

Subject to the claims of sitting tenants surplus Forestry Commission houses in Scotland not required by other Government Departments or local authorities are normally offered on the open market by public tender. The ultimate use is a matter for the purchasers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will raise the level of amenity grants for the planting of hardwood.

Grants have not been available from the Forestry Commission for amenity planting as such. This is one of the questions on which consultations are taking place between the Forestry Commission and the Forestry Committee of Great Britain in the light of the Government's Consultative Document of June 1972 on forestry policy; it is still too early to say when it will be possible to reach conclusions in the light of these consultations about future arrangements for grants for tree planting.The Countryside Commission for Scotland may pay grants on schemes designed to develop or improve the facilities for the enjoyment of the countryside including the enhancement of its natural beauty and amenity; and tree planting may be incidental to these purposes. I have no proposals, however, for increasing the level of these grants which are designed to meet 75 per cent. of the cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he is doing to encourage the planting of single trees, where such planting is of benefit to the landscape.

I am arrangeing national publicity in Scotland for Tree Planting Year 1973; and I hope that, wherever practicable and appropriate, local authorities will arrange and encourage the planting of trees, both in groups and singly.

			1961	1966	1971	Percentage increase in 1971 compared with 1961
Number of persons convicted of:
Murder	…	…	4	22	40	900·0
Attempt to murder	…	…	2	9	33	1,550·0
Culpable homicide	…	…	13	29	14	7·7

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many crimes of violence were made known to the police in 1971; and what were the comparable figures in 1961 and 1966, respectively;(2) by what percentage the number of crimes of violence made known to the police in 1971 exceeded or was less than the comparable total for 1961.

The numbers of crimes of violence known to the police in Scotland in 1961, 1966 and 1971 were 1,661, 2,929 and 3,708, respectively.The figure for 1971 exceeded the corresponding figure for 1961 by 123·2 per cent.In Scotland crimes of violence comprise murder, attempt to murder, culpable homicide, assault, threat, rape, assault with intent to ravish and indecent assault.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total value submitted by each local education

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many persons were found guilty of murder, attempted murder and culpable homicide, respectively, in 1971; and what were the comparable figures for the years 1961 and 1966;(2) by what percentage the total number of convictions for murder, attempted murder and culpable homicide, respectively, in 1971 exceeded or was less than the comparable total for 1961.

The number of persons convicted of murder, attempt to murder and culpable homicide in Scotland in 1961, 1966 and 1971, together with the percentage changes in 1971 compared with 1961, are shown in the table below:authority for its school-building programme for the year 1974–75, what financial approval he has given to each respective authority; and what is the total school population of each education authority.

Proposals by education authorities in connection with the programme for 1974–75 are still under consideration. A few are not yet firm, and further consultation with some authorities about their school building needs will be necessary before capital investment is allocated for work to start in that year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average number of years served by persons released from prison after serving life sentences during the period from 1st January 1961 to 31st December 1971.

The following table shows the periods served in custody by life sentence prisoners released on licence from Scottish prisons in the period from 1st January 1961 to 31st December 1971. An average figure would not give a clear picture since it would take no account of prisoners still in custody who have already served longer periods than those shown in the table.

				Length of time served
Year			Number released	Years	Months
1961	…	…	—	—	—
1962	…	…	1	8	4
1963	…	…	—	—	—
1964	…	…	2	8	5
			—	10	4*
1965	…	…	—	—	—
1966	…	…	2	7	5
			—	9	—
1967	…	…	—	—	—
1968	…	…	4	9	—
			—	9	3
			—	9	5
			—	10	—
1969	…	…	3	6	2†
			—	8	5
			—	14	8*
1970	…	…	4	9	—
			—	10	4
			—	10	5
			—	11	8
1971	…	…	3	8	—
			—	9	1
			—	9	9

The figures include persons, under the age of 18 at time of sentence, who were sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the shortest period of years and months served by prisoners released from prison after serving life sentences in each of the past five years for which figures are available, respectively.

The information is as follows:

1968	…	…	…	9 years
1969	…	…	…	6 years 2 months*
1970	…	…	…	9 years
1971	…	…	…	8 years
1972	…	…	…	8 years 3 months
* A woman, convicted of culpable homicide.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, dated 18th December, regarding the practice adopted by the Institute of Race Relations in giving financial support out of public funds to subversive organisations; and what action he proposes to take in connection with same.

I have replied to the hon. Member's letter. I explained that the Institute of Race Relations is an independent body and that public funds are not involved in the matters that he drew to my right hon. Friend's attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sentences of imprisonment have been increased by Crown Courts, and, in particular, the Inner London Crown Court, consequent upon appeals against sentence and conviction, respectively, in each of the years 1966–72; and in how many such cases the appeals were instituted by the prosecution.

I regret that the information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. There is no right of appeal to the Crown Court by the prosecution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the plight of split families from Uganda.

I am already in close touch with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many persons were found guilty of murder, attempted murder, threat or conspiracy to murder, and manslaughter, respectively, in 1971; and what were the comparable figures for the years 1961 and 1966;(2) by what percentage the total number of convictions for murder, attempted murder, threat or conspiracy to murder and manslaughter, respectively, in 1971 exceeded or was less than the comparable total for 1961.

The following table shows the numbers of persons found guilty in England and Wales, in 1961,

		1961	1966	1971	Percentage Variation 1971/1961
Murder	…	51	72	97	+90·2
Attempted murder	…	52	50	52	0·0
Threat or conspiracy to murder	…	34	24	26	-23·5
Manslaughter	…	92	160	195	+112·0

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many crimes of violence were made known to the police in 1971; and what were the comparable figures in 1961 and 1966, respectively;(2) by what percentage the number of crimes of violence made known to the police in 1971 exceeded or was less than the comparable total for 1961.

47,036 indictable offences of violence against the person were known to the police in England and Wales in 1971. The corresponding figures for 1961 and 1966 are 17,601 and 26,716. The 1971 figure is 167 per cent. higher than that for 1961.These figures cover the following offences: murder, attempted murder, threats or conspiracy or incitement to murder, manslaughter, infanticide, child destruction, causing death by dangerous driving, wounding and other acts endangering life, endangering railway passengers, endangering life at sea, malicious wounding and other like offences, assault, abandoning children under two years, child stealing, procuring abortion and concealment of birth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving the use of firearms

		Years served
Year of release		No.	Under 1 year	1 to 2	2 to 3	3 to 4	4 to 5	5 to 6	6 to 7	7 to 8	8 to 9	9 to 10	10 to 11	11 to 12	12 to 13	13 to 14	14 to 15	15 to 16	20 to 21	21 to 22	24 to 25
1961	…	17	—	—	—	1	1	—	1	3	2	9	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1962	…	7	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	2	2	—	—	—	—	1	—	—	—	—
1963	…	9	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	1	3	2	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1964	…	18	—	—	—	1	—	1	1	1	4	8	1	—	—	—	—	1	—	—	—
1965	…	22	—	—	—	1	—	1	—	3	11	3	1	—	—	—	—	—	1	1	—
1966	…	22	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	5	14	1	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1967	…	25	—	1	—	—	—	1	1	5	6	8	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1968	…	27	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	5	13	—	4	2	—	—	—	—	—	—
1969	…	29	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	8	13	4	1	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
1970	…	25	—	—	—	1	—	1	1	1	3	13	4	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
1971	…	26	—	—	—	1	—	—	—	1	4	5	5	3	2	—	4	—	—	—	1
1972	…	28	—	—	—	—	1	—	2	1	6	7	4	3	2	1	—	1	—	—	—

1,735 indictable offences in which firearms were fired, used as blunt instruments to cause injury or damage, or used to threaten, were known to the police in England and Wales in 1971. Corresponding figures are available only for the previous four years:

1967	…	…	…	…	792
1968	…	…	…	…	878
1969	…	…	…	…	1,308
1970	…	…	…	…	1,359

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of years served by persons released from prison after serving life sentences during the period from 1st January 1961 to 31st December 1971.

It is unrealistic and can be misleading to think in terms of an "average number of years" in this context.The length of detention served by life sentence prisoners released on licence from prisons in England and Wales from 1st January 1961 to 31st December 1972 was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what

		Shortest period served		Sex of Offender
Year of Release		Years	Months		Offence
1968	…	—	6	M	Murder
1969	…	5	6	M	Manslaughter (diminished responsibility)
1970	…	3	—	F	Manslaughter (diminished responsibility)
1971	…	3	4	M	Manslaughter (diminished responsibility)
1972	…	4	—	F	Murder

In all these cases there were strong mitigating circumstances. The prisoner released after six months had been convicted of the mercy killing of a mongol child.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the actions of immigration control at Gatwick in relation to the entry of Mr. Howard Hughes on 27th December.

When Mr. Hughes and his party arrived at Gatwick they were afforded the facilities normally available to passengers in private aircraft arriving during the night at that airport. The examination was therefore conducted on the aircraft. Mr. Hughes did not have a valid passport but he was able, in compliance with the Aliens Order, to satisfy the immigration officer about his nationality, identity and means, and was admitted for three months as a visitor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of the annual report of the Government Chemist, he will introduce legislation laying down standards to which imported enamel cooking ware such as decorated casserole dishes must conform, to reduce the risk of poisonous metals such as cadmium and lead in food.

The Home Office has asked the British Standards Institution to consider preparing an appropriate British Standard, on which regulations under the was the shortest period of years and months served by prisoners released from prison after serving life sentences in each of the past five years for which figures are available, respectively.

The information is given in the following table:Consumer Protection Act 1961 might be based.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of criminal offences in 1971; and how many such offences were committed by corporate or other bodies not being individual persons.

1,646,081 indictable offences were known to the police in England and Wales in 1971. I have written to the hon. Member regarding the latter part of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual amount of the London allowance paid to probation officers; when and from what figure it was last increased; and what proposals he has regarding its level in 1973.

£144 or £105, according to whether the officer is employed in inner or outer London. These rates replaced, with effect from 1st May 1971, a common allowance of £90. Any revision of the allowance is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the Joint Negotiating Committee for the Probation Service. There are no current proposals for an increase. Any proposals would be subject to the second stage of the Government's counter-inflation policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the £160 per annum London allowance for firemen was last increased; from what figure it was increased; and what proposals he has regarding its level in 1973.

On 1st October 1971, from £141. Any proposals to change the level of the allowance would be a matter for the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades and would be subject to the second stage of the Government's counter-inflation policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the £50 per annum London allowance for policemen above the grade of sergeant was last increased; from what figure it was increased; and what proposals he has regarding its level in 1973.

The allowance was introduced on 1st January 1966 for inspectors and chief inspectors and on 1st July 1966 for superintendents, and has remained unchanged. Any proposals for increase would be a matter in the first instance for the Police Council and would be subject to the second stage of the Government's counter-inflation policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase the maximum value of prizes that may be awarded in connection with coin-operated machines to which Section 34 of the Gaming Act 1968 applies so as to take account of the drop in the value of money which has taken place since the maximum was fixed in the 1960s.

No. I consider that the present prize values are still adequate for the purpose of these machines, which is to provide amusement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the number of women convicted of soliciting in the Bedford Hill district of the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last five years;(2) what was the number of women fined and the average fine imposed, the number of women who have been sent to prison, and the average sentence imposed for soliciting in the Bedford Hill district of the London Borough of Wandsworth during each of the last five years.

I am having inquiries made to determine what information is available, and I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to amend the Street Offences Act to enable police officers to charge men who solicit prostitutes.

This matter will be considered in the course of a review of the law on vagrancy and street offences which is being carried out by the Departments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who have been recommended by the courts for deportation, were actually deported in the period 1st April 1971 to 1st April 1972.

527.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will investigate the extent to which hon. Members are receiving payment from outside sources for service on behalf of the House at international assemblies, with a view to making proposals to regulate this practice.

I am not aware of any such case other than that of the leader of the Conservative delegation to the European Parliament.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement setting out arrangements now in operation for the supply to Members of the publications of the European Communities including the "Official Journal", and the publications of the European Parliament.

Arrangements have been made to stock the undermentioned documents and these will be available to Members through the Vote Office in the usual way. Their supply has, however, been regrettably delayed as a result of the strike of Community staff last month, and further difficulties have been caused by the current industrial action within HMSO. The Government fully recognise the urgency of the need for Members to have these documents available, and I am seeking to ensure that they will be available to the House in the near future.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the details of the agreement reached in Brussels which will, on 1st February 1973, replace import quota arrangements for apples and pears.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Sudbury and Woodbridge (Mr. Keith Stainton) on 22nd December 1972. A copy of the note referred to therein was placed in the Library of the House.—[Vol. 848, c. 476–477.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the export of meat and livestock for slaughter; and what answers he has sent.

My right hon. Friend has received a considerable number of representations, and has replied that he does not consider restrictions of exports appropriate or practicable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had, or will be having, with the National Farmers' Unions concerning the future of guaranteed prices for beef cattle; if he will now confirm that farmers will continue to be entitled to deficiency payments if and when beef prices fall; and if he will make a statement.

Such issues are for consideration at the Annual Review. Discussions with the farmers' unions are taking place just now, and a statement at this time would be inappropriate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take in connection with the findings of the special committee of inquiry into beef prices that the principal beneficiary of high prices is the British farmer; and whether he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend met the President of the National Farmers' Union immediately after he received the committee's report, in order to discuss what action could be taken on the recommendation. Under present free auction market conditions action to control cattle prices is not practical. Increased returns for beef are among the factors for consideration in the Annual Review. Like the committee, we hope that recent price levels will bring the further stimulus to beef production which is the best hope of avoiding future shortages.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proposals he has made for dealing with compensatory amounts for pigmeat during the transitional period, and in particular during 1973–74;(2) which Common Market countries supported Great Britain in the recent discussions on compensatory payments for pigmeat.

The negotiations with our Community partners about this matter are confidential. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend is seeking arrangements which will be fair and reasonable for the United Kingdom interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by grade the numbers of staff in his Department who have been, or will he in 1973, required to work full-time in Brussels; and what progress has been made in obtaining such staff to take up full-time posts in Brussels.

Three officers from my Department are at present required to work full-time in the Office of the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the European Communities in Brussels; the grades concerned are under secretary, principal and higher executive officer (Administration).The recruitment of staff to the Community institutions in Brussels is the responsibility of the institutions themselves and my Department's staff are not required to work in any of them. Recruitment to most posts in the institutions will be by open competitions which are now in progress and officers in my Department may apply if they wish. I am unable to say how many officers will take up posts as a result of these competitions.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to ensure that letters posted in the United Kingdom a few days before Christmas to destinations in the United Kingdom reach them by Christmas in future years.

A direction would not be appropriate, but I know that the Post Office is determined that there must be no repetition of the delays that occured last

						Estimated Revenue of rates:
Band of taxable income £ per annum				Rate of Tax unders.66 Finance Act 1972 Per cent.	Estimated Revenue £m.	Increased by 5 points £m.	Increased by 10 points £m.	Decreased by 5 points £m.
5,000–6,000	…	…	…	40	82	93	103	72
6,000–7,000	…	…	…	45	67	74	81	59
7,000–8,000	…	…	…	50	55	61	67	50
8,000–10,000	…	…	…	55	84	92	100	77
10,000–12,000	…	…	…	60	59	63	68	54
12,000–15,000	…	…	…	65	60	65	69	55
15,000–20,000	…	…	…	70	58	62	66	54
20,000 and over	…	…	…	75	122	130	139	114

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction with the postal services over Christmastide; and if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office requiring the standard and frequency of deliveries traditionally associated with the Christmas post.

The Chairman of the Post Office has publicly expressed his regret, which I share, that so many people were inconvenienced or disappointed as a result of delays in the mail during the 1972 Christmas season. On the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue to be raised by each of the bands of the higher rates of income tax, as given in Section 64 of the Finance Act 1972; and what would these amounts be if each of the higher rates were to be increased by 5 per cent. or 10 per cent. or reduced by five per cent.