asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on prospects for the Scottish economy consequent to the change of regional policy and entry to the EEC.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Lanarkshire, North (Mr. John Smith).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with current progress made with the brucellosis eradication scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Good progress is being made. Two-thirds of eligible herds have joined the voluntary schemes and about half of our cattle are already accredited. We have been able to start with compulsory eradication over a wide area of the country and we have announced plans for the progressive extension of this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total expenditure by his Department to date on the construction, improvement and maintenance of highways, and show this as a percentage of United Kingdom expenditure, since highways administration was transferred to his Department from the former Ministry of Transport.

To the end of 1971–72 financial year central Government expenditure for these purposes in Scotland totalled £391 million. This represents approximately 12 per cent. of comparable expenditure for Great Britain. Figures for the United Kingdom are not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Scottish Economic Council has placed the question of future oil refining capacity in Scotland on its next agenda.

All aspects of oil development are regularly discussed at meetings of the Scottish Economic Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the measures taken in the last two years to restrict the catching of herring for conservation purposes.

The statutory measures introduced during the last two years in the interests of herring conservation are:

• The Herring (North Sea Fishery) Licensing Order 1971 SI 1971/No. 687.
• The Herring (North Sea) Restrictions on Landing Order 1971 SI 1971/No. 688.
• The Herring (Celtic Sea) (Prohibition of Fishery Method) Order 1971 SI 1971/No. 1623.
• The Herring (North Sea Fishery) Licensing Order 1972 SI 1972/No. 470.
• The Herring (North Sea) Restriction on Landing Order 1972 SI 1972/No. 471.
• The Herring (North Yorkshire Coast) (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 1972 SI 1972/ No. 1093.
• The North Sea Herring (Restriction on Landing) Order 1972 SI 1972/No. 1649.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities have not yet implemented the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1972; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the provision of nursery schools in Scotland.

The White Paper, "Education in Scotland: a Statement of Policy", which I laid before the House on 5th December, announced a nursery expansion programme which aims to provide by 1982–83 sufficient places to meet the expected demand from parents who wish their children to attend nursery schools or classes from the beginning of the school year after the age of three. As a first step, I intend to authorise education authorities to start nursery education projects to the value of £4·5 million in each of the three financial years 1974–77: the programme will continue thereafter. My Department will shortly issue a circular of guidance to education authorities about the expansion of nursery education and will inform each authority of its allocation of capital investment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the study he has commissioned in collaboration with the Countryside Commision and the Nature Conservancy to examine the environmental impact of North Sea oil and gas development.

The study in question relates to the coast. The initial stage of the task involving the collection of existing information on the areas of coast known to be at risk is virtually complete. This data is being examined to identify the main priorities for further work.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit the Indian sub-continent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit India in the near future.

My right hon. Friend visited India, Pakistan and Bangladesh last year and he has no plans at present for further visits.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made in the Helsinki talks preliminary to the conference on security and co-operation in Europe.

Satisfactory progress has been made so far. The talks were adjourned on 9th February to allow time for consultations about the many proposals that have been put forward. The next session will begin on 26th February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of approved driving instructors on 1st January 1973, 1st January 1972, 1st January 1971 and 1st January 1970; and what is the rate of increase expected during the next three years.

17,289, 15,420, 13,331. 9,826. The future rate of increase is uncertain.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will confirm that it is now the practice in EEC countries to test professional driving instructors periodically; and whether he has plans to introduce a similar system in the United Kingdom.

Periodical check tests of approved driving instructors are already carried out by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the building of a bypass to relieve traffic congestion through Bishop's Sutton and New Alresford, Hampshire.

A proposal for this scheme to be included in the firm programme is awaited from Hampshire County Council, the highway authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take action for the preservation of Beckley Park, Oxfordshire, in connection with proposals for the use of Otmoor as a reservoir, and from affection by proposals for the construction of the M40 motorway extension; and if he will make a statement.

I am fully aware of the importance of Beckley Park. There are no proposals before my right hon. and learned Friend for the construction of a reservoir at Otmoor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if lie will make a statement on the use of steel in the construction of buildings for which he is responsible.

Steel is used basically in the two forms of construction, reinforced concrete and structural steelwork, employed for the frames of the larger types of building for which my Department is responsible. The choice between the two media is determined by economic, environmental and functional consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken to ensure that Centre Point is put to some useful purpose.

None so far, but if necessary I shall take powers to ensure that this building, and others which have remained unoccupied, can be brought into effective use.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on his monitoring of archaeological finds in New Palace Yard;(2) what evidence he has of Norman and pre-Norman buildings in New Palace Yard;(3) what evidence he has of Plantagenet buildings in New Palace Yard;(4) what evidence he has of Tudor buildings in New Palace Yard;(5) what evidence he has of Stuart buildings in New Palace Yard.

An inspector of ancient monuments and an assistant have been in daily attendance on the site since 1st July 1972.A guide trench excavated round the perimeter of the car park for the diaphragm wall provided a cross-section of successive layers of levelling material and road surfaces, and showed that the area had been an open space since the end of the eleventh century. However, the whole of the upper surface of the Yard has been cleared cautiously with machinery so that work might be stopped immediately if remains were encountered. When this happens facilities are available for the thorough examination of the remains. Prior to the discovery of the great conduit or fountain work was halted twice for periods of 24 hours to enable stone and brick channels and drains to be examined.There is no evidence of Norman or pre-Norman buildings.The great conduit or fountain referred to in my answer of 9th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Cormack) is of Plantagenet origin. Richard II's ceremonial entrance to Westminster Hall flanked by two Exchequer buildings lay on the southern margin of the Yard outside the paved area and the site of the car park. Records suggest that the houses of the vicars who served St. Stephen's Chapel and the Star Chamber building lay to the east of the Yard again beyond the site of the car park.The Tudor augmentation office, demolished in 1793, lay to the south-west of the Yard. Traces of its foundations were located, measured and photographed in the autumn of 1971.Various minor domestic buildings including taverns encroached on the Yard in the Stuart period. The foundations of some of them were discovered, recorded and photographed in the trench for the diaphragm wall.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the way the improvement grant system is working in different areas, with particular reference to the discretionary grant for dormer bedrooms where a house has insufficient accommodation for the number of children in the family; and if he will make a statement.

No. A local authority has complete discretion, after taking into account local housing needs and conditions, whether or not to make a grant in a particular case. My right hon. and learned Friend would hope that, in general, local authorities would give priority to applications for improving older houses lacking basic amenities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority houses and how many private houses were built in the local authority areas covered by the Macclesfield constituency in 1970, 1971 and 1972.

The numbers of dwellings reported completed in the Macclesfield constituency are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses were built by local authorities for sale in England and Wales in each of the past two years.

In 1972, local authorities reported selling 820 dwellings which they had built for sale. The figure for 1971 was 363.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many accidents occurred on the Staffordshire section of the M6 in 1970, 1971 and 1972.

Following are the figures:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many 17-yearold persons were involved in accidents in two-wheeled vehicles in each of the past five years.

Following are figures of casualties among 17-year-old riders and passengers of two-wheeled vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Association of Municipal Corporations concerning the Government's proposals for dealing with empty office blocks in central London; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has consulted the Association of Municipal Corporations and other bodies representing the London authorities in confidence about the kind of legislation which might be introduced if necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the non-compliance of the West Suffolk Local Planning Authority with the provisions of circular 17/72 in connection with the granting of planning permission to Messrs. Algray DIY Limited to operate a hypermarket of some 70,000 sq. ft. at the former Command Ordnance Supply Depot, Hadleigh, he will set up a planning inquiry commission, take steps to revoke the planning permission, or otherwise proceed under Section 276 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971.

The local planning authority was formally consulted on 6th February under Section 276 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 as to whether it would be expedient or an order to be made revoking the planning permission—which was for "retail warehousing"—or discontinuing the use of the land.A reply is expected from the council shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the fact that the West Suffolk Local Planning Authority on 6th December 1972 granted planning permission for Messrs. Algray DIY Ltd. to operate a hypermarket of 70,000 sq. ft. at the Command Ordnance Supply Depot, Hadleigh, without following the provisions of circular 17/72 and when the property was still owned by the Crown, he will declare the planning permission invalid.

The validity of a planning permission is a matter for the courts; the county council has been consulted as to whether the permission in this case for "retail warehousing" should revoked.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the use of fog-warning lights on motorways; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.Chief officers of police make the most effective arrangements possible, but some signs that give warning of fog or other hazards on motorways have to be switched on and off individually, which causes delay. These signs are being progressively superseded by remote-controlled signs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice is given for the relaxation of building regulations which appear to operate unreasonably for access for the disabled and elderly; what lines of communication are opened for the discussion of such relaxations; and if he will make a statement.

In consultation with my Department the Central Council for the Disabled recently issued a note on the national building regulations and the disabled. This note gives advice about the procedure for applying for relaxation of the building regulations, and advises applicants to discuss proposals with the local authority building inspector at an early stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are made to ensure early consultation between local planning authorities, developers and organisations concerned with the disabled regarding access for disabled and elderly in new and modified buildings; and if he will make a statement.

There are no formal arrangements of this kind although local authorities have been asked in circular MHLG No. 65/70 to draw developers' attention at the planning stage to the requirements of Section 4 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act 1970. It would be open to them, if they considered it appropriate, to consult or to receive representations from any organisation concerned with the disabled. I have no information to suggest that local authorities are not following the advice in the circular but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will write to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will accede to the request made to him by the hon. Member for Watford to see a small deputation from Watford, headed by the hon. Member, on the question of the A41(M) Watford-Tring motorway and the North Orbital Extension Hunton Bridge-Maple Cross (M25).

My right hon. and learned Friend has written to the hon. Member about this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of trunk roads there are in East Suffolk; of these how many miles are dual carriageways; and how many miles of dual carriageway are in preparation and construction, respectively.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what he estimates the growth in the volume of traffic using the main Ipswich-Norwich road to have been since 1966; and how he anticipates entry into the Common Market will affect the growth of traffic on this road during the next five years;(2) what he estimates the growth in the volume of traffic using the Al2 road from Ipswich to Great Yarmouth to have been since 1966; and how he anticipates entry into the Common Market will affect the growth of traffic on this road during the next five years.

On Al2 between Ipswich and Great Yarmouth, traffic growth since 1965 has not been uniform but has varied on different sections from 9 per cent. to 20 per cent. Likewise on the A140 between Ipswich and Norwich: since 1966–67 the range has been from a reduction of 19 per cent. to an increase of 30 per cent.EEC entry is expected to have a limited effect on future traffic growth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the buildings being currently provided by his Department for telephone exchanges which are behind schedule in their construction; and what is the extent of the delay in each case.

A total of over 400 telephone exchange buildings are currently in construction in England, Scotland and Wales, and a review of progress in each case to determine the extent of contractual delays would involve dispropor- tionate cost. During the quarter ending 30th September 1972, 70 telephone exchange buildings were completed, and of these 39 were behind schedule with delays averaging five months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the date for completion of the construction of St. John's House, Stanley Road, Bootle, which is the new computer centre for the Inland Revenue Department; whether the land and building are owned by the Government or are to be leased from the owner; and, if the latter is the case, what is the identity of the owner.

Owing to difficulties on the site I am unable to say when the building will be completed. Both the site and building are owned by the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the starting and completion dates for the Haslingden bypass.

Not until studies are completed into the wider issues of the route between the M62 and the Calder Valley.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were his reasons for not inviting the professional advice of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory on the slope and size of the proposed roundabout at the Angel, Islington.

Because I am satisfied that professional officers of the Greater London Council, the highway authority, gave proper consideration to alternative designs, including a mini-roundabout, when preparing their proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is his intention to require motor insurers to reveal from their records details of their policyholders' medical condition.

No. My proposal, which will require legislation, is to require motor insurers to notify the licensing authority only of the names and addresses of people to whom insurance cover has been refused on medical grounds. Inquiries would then be made by the licensing authority into the eligibility of such people to hold a driving licence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement regarding a dangerous isotope lost from a Dutch oil rig last December and said to be drifting off the East Anglian coast; and what steps are being taken to obviate the radioactive risks involved.

I have been asked to reply.I understand that a radioactive isotope probe was lost overboard on 6th December 1972 from an oil rig some 55 km. north-west of Vlieland off the Dutch coast, 53°29´N, 04°15´E. The isotope is well shielded and securely packed in a strong transport container, a yellow-coloured, cylindrical, metal canister measuring about 40 by 50 centimetres, which is safe to handle provided it is recovered intact and is not tampered with.The Dutch authorities are trying to retrieve the canister and the indications are that it is probably on the sea-bed close to the point where it was lost.Warnings are being broadcast to shipping generally from Humber Radio. The Department's radiological adviser is maintaining contact with the Dutch authorities to determine whether any other measures might need to be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what control the Government exercise over the rate of production of individual oil wells in the Scottish sector of the North Sea.

Production of oil has not yet started, but the terms of the licence require the licensee to carry out all operations in accordance with good oilfield practice and to comply with any instructions which may be issued for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will pay a visit to Norway to study the Norwegian methods of settling the terms for the exploitation of North Sea oil.

No. We are already aware of the position in Norway.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will define the nature and limit of United Kingdom control over the minerals lying beneath the Continental Shelf up to the United Kingdom median line.

United Kingdom jurisdiction over the sea bed and natural resources of the Continental Shelf is designated under Section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964. The right to exploit minerals within the designated areas is vested in the Crown or, in the case of coal, the National Coal Board.Development of petroleum and natural gas resources is licensed by my Department in accordance with the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934, as extended by the Continental Shelf Act 1964, and regulations made under it. Development of other minerals—except coal—is subject to licences issued by the Crown Estate Commissioners. Before issuing a licence the commissioners consult those Government Departments whose responsibilities extend to the Continental Shelf.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what expenditure has been incurred by his Department since 1970 on ergonomic research into office furniture; what expenditure is currently being incurred; and what expenditure is planned.

My Department has not spent any money on ergonomic research into office furniture since 1970 and has no immediate plans to do so. The Furniture Industry Research Association, which is grant-aided by my Department, is, however, currently engaged on a programme of ergonomic research into furniture dimensions for schools and further education for the Department of Education and Science.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that it is informed about the merits of proposals for international technical standardisation that are canvassed by the EEC Commission; and what consultations take place with industry about effects on British firms of such proposals.

My Department consults the Departments responsible for relevant legislation in this country and, both by correspondence and at meetings, all parties known to be interested in proposals canvassed by the EEC Commission for the harmonisation of technical requirements. In particular, the Government have actively sought industry's views on such proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he has received an assurance from the British Steel Corporation that in addition to taking account of the recommendations of the Hirshfield Report, it will in fact implement them in the near future;(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that when the British Steel Corporation adjusts its pricing structure to the ECSC system, the change will take account of the necessary restoration of price margins for private sector steel re-rolling companies;(3) whether, in the light of his statement in the steel White Paper that the continued vigour and prosperity of the private sector of the steel industry are important to the nation, he will seek an assurance from the British Steel Corporation that it will now restore the margins between the prices of billet and finished steel products, as recommended by the Hirshfield Report.(4) if he will give an estimate of the total losses incurred by private sector steel re-rollers in the United Kingdom since he received the Hirshfield Report on 3rd October 1972.

The corporation assures me that in moving to the ECSC pricing system it is its intention so far as market conditions allow to give effect to Lord Hirshfield's recommendations on the margins between prices for billets and certain billet-derived products. The information is not available to my Department on which to assess the effects on the complainants of not implementing the recommendations of the report.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about grants to the North West Industrial Association.

The North West Industrial Development Association has accepted my offer of a grant of £20,000 for each of the financial years 1972–73 and 1973–74. Pending approval of the Supplementary Estimate published on 15th February, recourse will be made to the Contingencies Fund for any payments which may become necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reply he has sent to the letter written to him on 19th January by the British Secondary Metals Association concerning the export of stainless steel and nickel alloy scrap.

I replied on 13th February confirming that in accordance with the Treaty of Accession and having regard to the current supply situation, the Government had decided to retain some ferrous scrap export -restrictions for the time being. Detailed advice was given of the circumstances in which exports of certain types of alloy steel scrap would be allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether the EEC Commission has issued a draft regulation to replace EEC Regulation 67/67 of 22nd March 1967 which lapsed on 31st December 1972;(2) whether, in view of the fact that EEC Regulation 67/67 of 22nd March 1967 lapsed on 31st December 1972, it is the practice of his Department to advise United Kingdom companies to notify the Commission of all exclusive dealing agreements which might contravene Article 85(1) of the Treaty of Rome.

The Commission has issued Regulation 2591 of 1972, which extends the block exemption under Regulation 67 of 1967 until 31st Decem- ber 1982. There is therefore no need for British companies to notify to the Commission exclusive dealing agreements in the categories exempted. Companies which seek advice from my Department are so informed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much the manual work force in the gas industry has been reduced since nationalisation, since 1960 and since 1967, respectively.

The manual work force as recorded in the annual report of the Gas Council was 108,515 at 31st March 1950. The numbers recorded—on a slightly different definition—at 31st March in 1960, 1967 and 1972 were 87,652, 72,836 and 50,144 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the increase in output per man in the gas industry during the past five years as compared with the other fuel and power industries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the percentage price increase in each of the last 10 years in the gas industry as compared with the other fuel and power industries.

Because there are various ways of measuring and interpreting changes in output per man and in prices in the gas and other fuel and power industries, it would be misleading to quote out of context any one set of comparative figures for the past five or 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what redundancies are expected in the gas industry during the next six months, the next year and the next five years, respectively.

I understand from the British Gas Corporation that its present estimate is that approximately 1,800 manual workers are likely to become redundant between now and 31st March 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the Report of the Monopolies Commission on the supply of ready-cooked breakfast cereal foods.

The report is being published today. The commission found that monopoly conditions prevailed because Kellogg supplied at least one-third of all the ready-cooked breakfast cereal foods supplied in the United Kingdom.The commission was required by the terms of the reference, if it found that monopoly conditions prevailed, thereafter to consider whether the parties concerned determined the level of prices at which the goods were supplied. It examined the nature of competition in the industry and the profits and pricing policies of Kellogg's and its principal competitors, and concluded that Kellogg's determined the level of prices as a result of, and for the purpose of preserving, its monopoly position.In assessing the effect of the determination of Kellogg's prices upon the public interest, the commission found that its profits had been excessive in the past but that the trend was downwards. On the evidence that was before it that this trend was continuing it did not consider that Kellogg's power to determine price levels operated against the public interest at present. It considered, however, that it might be expected to do so, given that the restricted nature of price competition in the industry and Kellogg's known profit target could result in price increases not justified by increased costs, which could again lead to excessive profits.The commission therefore recommended that Kellogg's profit rates should be kept under review and that Kellogg should be required to seek Government approval before making any increases in the prices of its breakfast cereals.The Government accept the commission's recommendations. In view, however, of the high profits which the report revealed, and the measures which have been taken to control inflation since the commission reported, the Government sought further information from Kellogg about its future levels of profit. Evidence now available shows that if its selling prices were held at present levels its returns in 1973 would be likely to be significantly reduced as a result of increases in raw material costs. The Government will exercise regular surveillance over Kel- logg's costs, prices and profit rates, and Kellogg has been asked to make available to the Government periodically the information required for this purpose. It has also been asked not to raise the prices of any products which were the subject of the reference to the commission without the Government's approval. It has been made clear to the company that the Government are unlikely to approve any price increases on these products for some time to come. Kellogg has undertaken to comply.These undertakings by the company are distinct from and in addition to the more general arrangements that are being made for price and profit surveillance as part of the Government's counter-inflationary measures.

asked the Sectary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the proportion of the jobs to be created by North Sea oil which will accrue to Scotland.

I cannot at present estimate the number of jobs that will be created by North Sea oil or the proportion accruing to Scotland. Employment on projects directly connected with exploration and development will be largely Scottish. Some 3,000 such jobs already exist in Scotland, and projects announced so far are expected to produce 8,500 over the next four years.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the percentage changes in the indices of seasonal food and imported food prices between July and December in 1972 and 1966, respectively.

The retail price indices for seasonal food and for foods mainly imported for direct consumption rose by 7·3 per cent. and 2·9 per cent., respectively between July and December 1972. The changes in the corresponding period in 1966 were a rise of 4·9 per cent. and a fall of 0·1 per cent. respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of coal miners presently unemployed in the Easington constituency; and what is the number aged 55 years and over.

On 8th January 635 males who last worked in coal mining were registered as unemployed in the area covered by Peterlee and Wingate employment exchanges, which approximates broadly to the Easington constituency. There is no age analysis of this figure but a special quarterly return in December 1972 of colliery workers unemployed through the contraction of the coalmining industry showed that 473 such workers including 391 aged 55 and over, were unemployed in this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to reduce the number of unemployed persons in the Easington constituency.

The best prospects for Easington lie in the continued expansion of the national economy which our policies are designed to promote. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will continue to draw the attention of mobile firms to the considerable inducements to industrial expansion which are available in the hon. Member's constituency.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number and percentage of unemployed, by sex, in the Easington constituency at the latest available date; and how these percentages compare with the national figures.

On 8th January 1973 there were 1.893 males and 260 females unemployed in the area covered by the Peterlee and Wingate employment exchanges. The corresponding rates of unemployment were 10·8 per cent. for males and 3·3 per cent. for females. For Great Britain the rates were 4·6 per cent. for males and 1·6 per cent, for females.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the number of students leaving school in the Lincoln and Newark areas in the summer; and what action he is taking to secure employment opportunities for them.

About 550 and 390 young people are expected to leave school in the Lincoln and Newark careers office areas, respectively, this summer. As a result of the raising of the school leaving age, the numbers are considerably less than in 1972 and it is expected that most will find jobs without difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has studied the report "Guide-lines for the Future in the Field of Vocational Rehabilitation" presented by the 12th World Congress on Rehabilitation; what discussions he has had with organisations associated with rehabilitation on the report; if he will consider legislation along some of the lines suggested by the report; and if he will make a statement.

My Department was consulted about the preparation of a draft of these guidelines prior to its submission to the 12th World Congress, but I understand that the report containing the approved guidelines is not yet available in this country. When the report is available my right hon. Friend will be able to consider whether any further action is required.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions his Department has had with Rehab regarding the employment and rehabilitation of the disabled; what assistance his Department would be prepared to give this organisation; and if he will make a statement.

My Department is in regular touch with the British Council for Rehabilitation of the Disabled on matters of mutual concern in this field.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a table showing for Scotland, industry by industry: (1) the total number of young people aged 15 to 18 years in each, (2) of these how many in each industry are on day release, and (3) what percentage column (2) is of column (1).

The precise information requested is not available but tables showing the numbers released by employers to attend further education courses are published by the Scottish Education Department in its publication "Scottish Educational Statistics".

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances the Metropolitan Police help to evict squatters at the request of private landlords who have no court order for possession.

In the circumstances described, the police do not assist and would attend only to prevent, and to deal with, breaches of the peace.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women have been sent to prison in Great Britain for prostitution; and what was the average sentence in the years 1970, 1971 and 1972.

The following is the readily available information:motoring offences involving drunken driving were heard in each of the magistrates' courts in the Macclesfield parliamentary constituency in 1972.

Statistics of court proceedings in 1972 will not be available for some time. I shall write to my hon. Friend when they are.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for the film of the damage at Gartree Prison, Leicestershire, in the possession of the prison authorities, to be shown to the hon. Member for Harborough, without delay.

This film material was prepared for the regional director in connection with the preparation of his report on his inquiry into the escape attempt and subsequent disturbances at Gartree Prison on 26th-27th November 1972; and as part of the working documents for that report, it would not be appropriate for it to be shown.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his revision of coroners' districts will he announced.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 the new county councils will he required to submit to my right hon. Friend by the end of 1973 proposals for the division of their counties into coroners' districts. My right hon. Friend has recently had discussions about this with the local authority associations and the Coroners Society, and he expects to issue some guidance very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have received aid under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966; how much they have received each year; and on what the money is expended.

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Rossendale (Mr. Bray), Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Gurden) and Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Madel) on 28th November 1972.— [Vol. 847, c. 112–16.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate has been made of the EEC sugar production surplus in 1972–73 and for 1973–74.

It is estimated that production of sugar in 1972–73 in the nine countries forming the enlarged Community—including the overseas departments of France—plus imports into the United Kingdom of the sugar purchased under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement, will exceed what is used for human consumption by about 1·2 million tons. It is too early to forecast the position in 1973–74.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the rising price of agricultural land, if he will set up a study group to investigate the desirability of establishing a land bank, to provide financial assistance for young people starting in the industry, to assist farmers with improvement schemes and provide financial assistance for expansion.

The provision of finance for agriculture is the subject of a study which has already been commissioned from Professor J. S. G. Wilson.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will give the reasons for his omitting the membership of 12 area gas boards from the current list of members of public boards of a commercial character as at 1st January 1973, Command Paper 5207; and how many positions on these boards are held by men and how many by women, or organisations replacing them.

The Gas Council and the 12 area gas boards were dissolved on 31st December 1972 under the Gas Act 1972, and do not therefore appear in Command 5207. The Gas Act (Appointed Day) Order 1972 established the British Gas Corporation from 1st January 1973. The area gas boards were not replaced by any similar bodies.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he is aware that of the 36 public boards of a commercial character, detailed in Command Paper 5207 as at 1st January last, 341 positions are held by men and only five positions held by women; and if he will take steps to remedy the situation.

I am aware of the number of men and women serving on the public boards of a commercial character listed in Command Paper 5207. I regret that it has not been possible to appoint more than five women. However, I would not wish to recommend to those of my colleagues responsible for making the appointments in question that they should change their policy of choosing the man or woman best qualified for a public appointment, irrespective of any other consideration.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what orders have now been placed for the supply of Harrier jump-jet aircraft and the value of each order; and what action is being taken with regard to further possible sales.

In addition to those ordered for the Royal Air Force, the United States Marine Corps has ordered 90 Harriers and has authorised the ordering of long-dated materials for another 20. The manufacturers are energetically pursuing further sales prospects with the active support of Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will provide a table showing for England and Wales, industry by industry: (1) the total number of young people aged 15 to 18 years in each, (2) of these, the number of each industry on day release and (3) what percentage column (2) is of column (1).

Information for England and Wales on the basis requested is published annually in

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, regarding a married man with two children aged seven and 10 years living in a council house, paying an average rent, and earning a gross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in unit wage costs in the gas industry during the past 10 years as compared with the other fuel and power industries.

There are various ways of measuring and interpreting changes in output, and hence in unit wage costs, in the gas and other fuel and power industries. It would be misleading to quote any one set of comparative figures out of context.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many guns are to be called in for ballistic checks; whether the checks can be done and the gun returned in the course of

The information is as follows:the same day; and whether the ballistic information is to be stored on a computer system.

An Order in Council will be laid before the House shortly which will extend controls over firearms. The necessary administrative arrangements will then be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is proposed that the Trustees of the Ulster Museum should be subject to the provisions of the Counter-Inflation Bill.

The Bill contains no exemption in respect of the body referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of shootings, bombing incidents and killings in the past four months; and what estimate he has made of the extent to which Roman Catholic and Protestant militancy, respectively, was responsible.

The information requested in the first part of the Question is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cost of food per prisoner per week in the Maze Prison.

£2·20.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cost of food per dog per week for security dogs in the Maze Prison.

£1·89.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in total are held in custody in the Maze Prison.

On 19th February the number was 825.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the floor space of each hut in the Maze Prison.

The floor spaces are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many huts there are in each cage in the Maze Prison.

In each compound there are four huts for sleeping, meals and recreation, an ablutions block and a hut for quiet study.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the ground area of each cage, excluding that area taken up by the huts in the Maze Prison.

The area in the larger compounds is 27,600 sq. ft.; in the smaller ones 22,700 sq. ft.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average number of prisoners per compound in the Maze Prison.

78.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total cost to date of the provision of educational facilities in the Maze Prison; and what is the breakdown of the expenditure.

Precise figures are not readily obtainable. The approximate costs of the major items are:

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the saving in expenditure on clothing and footwear at the Maze Prison, since all prisoners wear their own clothes.

Detainees and special category prisoners may wear their own clothes. The estimated saving in expenditure if they do is approximately £15 for each inmate. Young prisoners and short-term prisoners in the Maze Prison wear prison clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what advice was sought before using the area known as Maze as a place of detention.

This location for the prison was chosen after consultations with the security forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is aware that present drainage facilities are inadequate at the Maze Prison, and that neither the Lisburn nor Hillsborough systems can take the waste at present; and what action he proposes.

The water table at the Maze is close to the surface and puddles tend to collect in parts of the prison exercise areas. While the prison is in use it is not practical to carry out the major drainage works needed to deal with the problem effectively. The sewerage facilities are being extended.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is aware that the huts used to accommodate prisoners at the Maze Prison are not weatherproof, allowing water to seep into the interior, and that the governor of the prison does not expect any improvement in conditions until June 1973 at the earliest and what action he proposes.

Some of the huts leak in severe weather. Repairs have already begun, and every effort will be made to complete them without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is aware that there is insufficient power at the Maze Prison to maintain heating and lighting needs, that some administrative staff have to work by gaslight, and that the prison authorities do not envisage any improvement until after the building of a new extension in June, when a generator will be provided; and what action he proposes.

All essential heating and lighting needs within the prison are met from existing power supplies. Buildings in the visitors' car park, outside the prison perimeter, are heated and lit by bottled gas. This is the only area in which administrative staff have to work by gaslight. This lighting complies with approved standards. Arrangements have been made to augment the power supply at the prison.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider the provision of extra visiting accommodation at the Maze Prison to facilitate visitors who often queue for three hours.

Delays are caused when visitors arrive at times other than those arranged for them. If visitors kept their appointments the accommodation for visits would be adequate and delays would be greatly reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why it is necessary to have more than one warden looking through the door during a visit at the Maze Prison.

Prison staff supervise prisoners and visitors as necessary to maintain security.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has applied for financial assistance from the European Social Fund for any Northern Ireland projects; and if he will give details.

The United Kingdom Government have submitted an application for assistance from the European Social Fund in 1973 towards half the cost of training and resettlement schemes supported by the Government. The application includes an element in respect of Northern Ireland schemes. The European Commission has yet to decide whether this application is consistent with its own interpretation of the Community legislation governing the fund, and it is therefore not yet clear how much assistance will be obtained.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the number of letters he has received calling for the introduction of free television licences for retired pensioners.

Three hundred—including some petitions—asking for free or for cheaper licences.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the last date before which a male retirement pensioner had to be 65 years of age in order to receive the £10 bonus.