asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many inquiries regarding the possible use of Government advance factories presently standing empty in Scotland have been received from firms engaged in the North Sea oil industry.

It is not possible to identify exactly the connection between inquirers and the North Sea industry, but two factories have been allocated to concerns known to be engaged in the industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that every encouragement will be given by his Department to firms applying to set up in Scotland to service the North Sea oil industry, as there is growing concern that such firms are being established outside Scotland, with the result that the country is losing the benefit which the North Sea oil industry could bring?

Yes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman will have noted the measures announced by my right hon. Friend to encourage British industry to take the maximum advantage of the opportunities offered by the North Sea industry.

Is not the Minister aware that there is concern in Scotland about the industrial spin-off from North Sea oil? If he refers to an answer by his right hon. Friend to me recently, he will discover that 2,500 jobs were lost in the energy industries in Scotland in 1972. What plans does he intend to present to the House to try to deal with this problem in Scotland?

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman knows that a whole range of measures has been announced to encourage Scottish industry to break into the North Sea oil supplies business, and not only into the £300 million a year of business in the North Sea but into the £1,000 million a year business that there is to be in offshore development worldwide.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on meetings between his Department and Scottish industrialists on 9th February 1973 with regard to the IMEG report.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said in reply to a Question on 13th February, he met industrialists in Scotland on 9th February to discuss ways of maximising the benefits from offshore oil and gas developments. A number of suggestions were made and consideration is being given as to how and whether these ideas should be acted upon.—[Vol. 850, c. 327–8.]

Is the Minister aware of the extreme disquiet in Scotland about the Government's failure to implement the major recommendation of the IMEG report, namely, the establishment of an independently-financed petroleum supply industries board? In view of the major windfalls in terms of revenue coming from the North Sea, when will the Government make up their mind to establish such a board so that Scottish industry may get the full benefits of this resource?

My impression is that the great majority of people recognise the force of the argument deployed in the IMEG report, namely, that in order to achieve maximum speed it was best to set up the Offshore Supplies Office within the Department. There is a wide under- standing that if it is to be effective it must work closely with the other agencies of the Department.

In view of the publication of the report of the Public Accounts Committee, can the Minister really claim that the arrangements which have been made have been to the benefit of this country? Is it not clear that the royalty payments and tax losses which have been tolerated for the past two and a half years have far more than offset any windfall that there has been?

This is not the occasion or the Question on which to discuss the arrangements for licences and taxation which were primarily made by the previous Administration. The Question deals with the supplying industries in Scotland and, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have taken a very large number of measures to ensure that Scottish industry is able to break into this field.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will agree to sanction the construction of a further advance factory in the Larkfield Industrial Estate, Greenock.

The existing advance factory at Greenock has recently been allocated, although certain details remain to be settled with the prospective tenant. I shall bear in mind the claims of Greenock for a replacement factory.

Is it not the Department's policy, as it was the policy of the previous Government, always to top up with a new advance factory when an existing advance factory has been let? That was an excellent practice in the past which proved successful and I earnestly urge the Minister to promise that he will announce the building of such a factory quite soon. After all, it takes 18 months to build.

I cannot go further at this stage. The hon. Gentleman will know that there is another advance factory at Greenock, although an applicant is under consideration there. As he was good enough to invite me to his constituency, perhaps we shall have an opportunity to discuss the matter further then.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many industrialists have visited the advance factory at Denaby Main, accompanied by one of his officials; and if he will now assign an individual civil servant to be responsible for the letting of this factory.

Three. It is not practicable to assign full responsibility for letting to a single officer. The resources of the regional office are used, and will continue to be used, for this purpose.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the factory at Denaby Main was completed in June and that no tenant has yet been found for it? Unemployment in the area is high and everybody is getting rather despondent. What plans have the Government to find tenants for these factories? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this part of the country there are large pockets of unemployment? Why does he not consider giving the South Yorkshire coalmining area development or special development area status?

I understand that the hon. Gentleman and his constituents want this factory to be let as soon as possible. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that our regional officers are directing all their efforts towards that end. The substantial increase in the number of lettings and sales has been very encouraging indeed. The whole object of the advance factory programme is that there should be factories available. Therefore, there are a number that remain empty at any one point in time. I do not want that to be the case for very long in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. Development area status is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now take steps to estimate the proportion of future air traffic in the scheduled and charter services, respectively, and the places of domicile of United Kingdom citizens using such charter services.

Use of pro- motional fares on scheduled services and changing concepts in charter services blur the distinction between them economically so that future air traffic is best estimated as an entity. The domicile of air travellers and whether they used a charter service were among the questions put in the Civil Aviation Authority's 1972 London area airports origin and destination survey.

As charter services have a much higher load factor in general than do the scheduled services, and in Vol. 8 of the Roskill proceedings it was pointed out that in order to time the need for a third London airport, if one be necessary at all, one has to project the future loadings of these types of traffic separately, how can the Minister consider the need without doing just that?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the CAA is looking at the South-East England airports and will be publishing its findings in June.

What about the whole of Britain?

The authority has authorised me to say that, from the preliminary investigation it has made, it sees no reason to doubt the need for a third London airport by the early 1980s.

I remind my hon. Friend that his hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State told me some months ago in the debate on the need for a national airports policy that the Government would do everything possible to stimulate the development of regional airports, presumably with a view to catering for inclusive tour and charter traffic. Will he assure me that this is still the Government's policy notwithstanding the proposed development at Maplin?

The CAA is looking at the whole question of regional airports, and the matters to which my hon. Friend refers will be very much in its mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for further discussions with European Aerospace Ministers on the future of the aerospace industries in Europe.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State told my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Adley) on 5th February, we shall continue to take every opportunity to discuss with other European Governments the steps needed to ensure a strong European aerospace industry.—[Vol. 850, c. 24–5.]

Is my hon. Friend aware that although many of us feel that a strong European industry is essential for the British industry to survive at its full strength and potential, as time goes on many more of us become worried about whether, when the European industry is formed, we in this country will still have the capacity for major design leadership?

I fully understand the question put to me by my hon. Friend. Obviously that must be a preoccupation of the Government as well.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is concern about the Government's thinking, if any, about the future of the British aerospace industry with regard to rationalisation and the numbers likely to be employed in the industry? Is it the Government's plan to review the number of companies and the number of employees? Finally, does the hon. Gentleman want a British aerospace industry at all? The view of many people is that there are no indications that way.

I am sure that on reflection the hon. Gentleman will take more account of the fact that last year we achieved record exports in the British aerospace industry. It does not look like an industry which is doubting the will of the Government to keep it in existence. Of course the Government have very real concern for the British aerospace industry. The question of mergers is in the first instance a matter for the firms themselves.

Nevertheless, the establishment of multi-national institutions in Europe would be more valuable than the ad hoc participation that has occurred in the past.

I very much take that view, but other Governments have also to be persuaded.

A moment ago the hon. Gentleman said that it was a matter for the firms. Now he says that other Governments have to be persuaded. Will he make clear to the House and the industry whether it is his intention as the responsible Minister to push firms into international companies across frontiers? What effect would that be likely to have on employment and prospects for the British aerospace industry?

I cannot give any figures of the sort that the right hon. Gentleman requests because no plans exist, so calculations could not conceivably be made. It is equally true to say that if I saw any way in which meaningful conversations with the European industry could take place that could lead to the establishment of a multi-national company in the aerospace industry in Europe, I should be happy to take part in that discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to amend Section 14 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 to ensure that where goods, etc., are sold with a promise and on the basis that services will be provided in the future, it should be an offence if those services are not subsequently provided, following, the recent decision of the courts in the case of Beckett v. Ben Cohen 1972 1 WLR 159.

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern, but I have not yet decided whether an amendment to the Trade Descriptions Act is the best way to deal with the situation.

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Does he agree that this is only one of recent court decisions which suggest that at least Sections 11, 14 and 28 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 should be amended if the Act is to implement what Parliament intended?

The effects of this particular decision should not be exaggerated. Traders of all kinds would do well to remember that false statements about any matter of existing fact will continue to give rise to criminal liability under the Trade Descriptions Act. There are difficulties about attaching that kind of liability to every promise about the terms on which a future service is to be provided. This together with the other matters mentioned by my hon. Friend will be one of the kinds of problems that the Director General of Fair Trading will be able to consider as soon as the Fair Trading Bill becomes law.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of the motor manufacturers association.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development met representatives of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on 10th October 1972, and my colleagues and I meet the industry's leaders frequently.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that many thousands of British motorists who travel to Europe, especially during the summer months, and unfortunately break down or become involved in a crash often have great difficulty in trying to obtain parts because of the lack of after-sales service by British manufacturers in Europe? Will he bring this matter to the attention of the association when he next meets it? Not only does it present a problem to the British motorist but it does nothing to enhance our reputation in Europe.

I will discuss this matter with the motor manufacturers association.

Has my right hon. Friend yet received the opinion of members of the association about the prices and incomes policy and, in their view, the inhibiting effect that it will have upon investment and, therefore, future production?

I do not believe that it will have an inhibiting effect on investment programmes. I think that inflation would do considerable damage to export prospects.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the provisions of the Green Paper "The Price and Pay Code", which we are debating today, dealing with transfer pricing, will permit him under the powers which he is seeking to enter into all the internal transactions of American motor car companies here so that he can be satisfied that transfer payments are not made in such a way as to evade Government policy?

That is something that can be dealt with in the debate this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking with the Portuguese authorities towards settling the matter of the fines placed on goods carried in the vessel "Karin" in Lisbon in October 1970.

Following our earlier representations about the imposition of this additional charge, I am now considering with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs the terms of a further approach to the Portuguese Government in this matter.

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply. Does he accept that the Department was extremely negligent in not advising shippers of the risk of fines being imposed on this vessel on arrival in Portugal? Does he accept that the Department has been extremely dilatory in seeking a settlement? Will he press strongly for encouragement to be given to exporters and shippers who are doing their best in the export drive?

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern about the export drive. I cannot accept that the Department has been either negligent or dilatory. It is wrong to describe the charge as a fine. It is a regular charge provided by the Portuguese customs tariff. The question is whether it is proper to apply it to the goods with which we are concerned. That is the matter about which we have been making and will continue to make representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects receiving the results of his Department's experiments at selected coastguard stations to evaluate the use of direction-finding equipment on the radio telephone distress frequency.

Results so far show unacceptable inaccuracies and further trials are therefore necessary. I cannot say when these will be completed.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the recent loss of the "Gold Coin" off Hastings, which nobody could tell was in the English Channel, shows that there are serious defects in the system? Can my hon. Friend do something to get it modernised?

Certainly we are anxious to make progress in this matter, although it is not certain that we would have been able to help in the "Gold Coin" case. However, we wish to make progress and that is why we are carrying out tests of which my hon. Friend is aware.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied, following the move of Royal Air Force helicopters and the search and rescue facilities from Chivenor to Thorney Island, that the DTI in their stead will be able to make adequate search and rescue provision? May I suggest something on the lines of the American civil air patrol in this country?

That is another question. I hope that my hon. Friend will be aware of the announcement that we have made about the continuing air search and rescue operations and the helicopters, which I think will be satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce legislation to control multi-level marketing and pyramid selling.

I intend shortly to make public, and invite comment on, the Government's proposals for dealing with pyramid selling.

I am grateful for that news. I should like to ask the Minister two questions. First, when does he expect the results of his Department's investigations into pyramid selling to be published? Secondly, as he must be aware that people are daily being swindled out of thousands of pounds, would he make haste to end this abominable practice either by allowing my Bill, now before the House of Commons, to proceed or by bringing in one of his own, the important thing being to stop the rot from spreading?

I hope that our proposals will be available shortly. I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern as expressed in his Bill, but it deals with only multi-level marketing and the problem can arise where there is marketing at a single level. I share his concern that pyramid selling should be regulated. Meantime, I endorse his warning that anyone considering joining a pyramid selling scheme would be well advised to think carefully and even to take professional advice before doing so.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend seek some way in which those who have already been swindled may seek redress? It is extremely difficult for this to be done through the normal processes of the law. One of my constituents has just lost £3,000 through a pyramid selling swindle.

I appreciate the difficulty of making use of the existing processes of the law, and that is why we are considering changes. But it is difficult to give any kind of assurance that those who seek redress will be able to get it from companies and organisations that are no longer in business. That underlines the importance of people not being gulled into parting with large sums of money for what may be worthless rights.

As most of these firms also indulge in the second mortgage racket, does not the Minister have any plans for making it compulsory in all instances of the advertising of loans for the true rate of interest to be shown? May I draw his attention to an article in the Sunday Mirror in which it is said that of 66 companies advertising loans not one shows the true rate of interest on a yearly basis?

I share the hon. Gentleman's concern that we should have as soon as possible effective truth in lending laws. That is one of the matters now under consideration in the legislation that we have in mind following the proposals of the Crowther Commission. A later Question deals specifically with second mortgages.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it the policy of his administration to increase the numbers of women appointed to public boards so that greater account is taken of the consumer interest which women can represent.

It is the Government's general policy to appoint to public bodies those people who are best qualified and available to serve; there is no sex discrimination whatever in making such appointments. The nationalised industries have associated consumer councils to represent the consumer interest. These already contain a significant proportion of women members, but I am anxious to see that proportion increased.

I thank the Minister for that reply, but I hope that he does not expect me to believe it because the figures do not support his answer. If he studies the matter carefully, he will see that there are many able women who live outside the capital. When making further appointments, will he ensure that he considers the worthwhile contributions to be made by women who live in the provinces?

The range of bodies in respect of which I have responsibility for making appointments is, of course, limited, but the hon. Lady will know that on several occasions in our debates on the Fair Trading Bill I have stressed my personal concern that women of all kinds and from every part of the country should be available and should be sought out to serve increasingly, particularly on consumer councils and consumer representative bodies. I am willing to consider any suggestions and applications beyond and outside the ranks of those who normally come from the nominations and consultative system. I am as anxious as is the hon. Lady to do what I can in this respect.

I am grateful for the Minister's answer but it was a bit negative. Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that I have written to the Prime Minister, giving names, and to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, giving names, and to the Minister for Transport Industries, giving names? I am tired of waiting for a woman to be appointed to the board of British Railways. In view of what he has said, perhaps my right hon. and learned Friend will now collect all my letters from the various Ministers and Secretaries of State and go through them. I hope he will ensure that women occupy top positions, not merely serve as members of consumer councils, important though those councils are. I hope he will get on with it before I get annoyed.

I hasten to respond to my hon. Friend while she is in a genial rather than an annoyed mood. I shall certainly follow up her suggestions for retrieving her letters and I emphasise the extent to which I share her concern.

Thank you.

Is the Minister aware that on the boards of public bodies there are about one and a half women for every 100 men? Although I would not quarrel with his assessment of the ability of the women of his own party, most people will consider his reply a real slur on the abilities of many women who have much to offer the country, abilities that the country needs. Will he review the situation with his colleagues to see that far more women are appointed?

I fail to understand the hon. Gentleman's suggestion that my reply is a real slur. I have written and spoken many times on this matter on the same lines as the hon. Gentleman. The difficulty of securing an adequate representation of women on non-consultative public boards is that it depends on the extent to which they have been able to achieve success in industrial, commercial and financial careers, which in turn depends on persuading more women to take up careers in those professions than traditionally have done so hitherto, and that entails persuading more girls leaving school to choose such careers. I am in favour of all those things.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is now in a position to make a statement on his consideration of excessive interest rates on second mortgages.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has now completed his investigation into the matter of the application of profits control to financial institutions in general and interest rates on second mortgages under the second stage of the counter-inflation programme; and whether he will make a statement.

A proposed Price and Pay Code for application in the second stage of the counter-inflation programme has now been published. In addition, on 19th February I made known a proposed voluntary code of conduct for those granting second mortgages.

We appreciate that my hon. Friend has announced a voluntary code, but I am sure he will appreciate that the Crowther Commission says that restrictions in this respect should not be left to voluntary action. Is it not a matter of urgency that second mortgage firms should be licensed? Will my hon. Friend examine whether some form of temporary licensing may be arranged before the legislation that we are all so eagerly awaiting?

Many people granting a second mortgage act under the Section 123 procedure. I do not accept that the temporary code is in any way in place of legislation. We have made it clear that legislation on consumer credit should be brought forward as quickly as possible. None the less, until time can be found for that, there is major benefit in having a voluntary code.

Can the Minister tell us why property spivs are subject only to a voluntary code, to some kind of ethical procedure, while wages are being controlled by law? Why is it, for instance, that the Leader of the Liberal Party, operating as a director of London and County Investments, can operate second mortgage schemes at 280 per cent. and get away with it, while the hospital workers can have only £1·84?

That question has nothing to do with the problem of those who wish to ensure that only the genuine firms—

Genuine? That makes me laugh.

—concerned with the second mortgage business, which has provided a great deal of assistance to a number of those who want second mortgages, should have a voluntary code to ensure that people who want to borrow money from them may know that they are behaving in a proper and reasonable manner.

Does the Minister recognise that the quality and function of directors should be judged by the effects that they are able to have on the policies of their companies? In this respect, bearing in mind the disgraceful remarks of the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner)—

Truthful, and that is what is hurting you.

remarks that everyone in the House would expect from the hon. Gentleman, will the Minister recognise that the rate of interest now being charged by this company as the result of the activities of my right hon. Friend is the lowest second mortgage rate in the country?

I believe that it is true that the directors of the company mentioned took action which has corrected the situation which previously existed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made with measures designed to bring about a closer balance in the trade between Great Britain and Japan.

Our aim is to achieve a balanced expansion of two-way trade with Japan, mainly by securing a larger share of the rapidly growing Japanese import market. The efforts of the British Overseas Trade Board and the official services to this end will be powerfully reinforced by the recently announced decisions to set up a British Export Marketing Centre in Tokyo and to appoint a senior official as Special Adviser on Exports to Japan.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in consultation with his European counterparts, convey to the Japanese Government the view that it is becoming an increasingly intolerable situation that they should send 15 per cent. to 20 per cent. of their exports to Europe with wholly inadequate reciprocation on their part? Will he inform them that this is poisoning economic relations between Japan and the rest of the Western world? Will he bear in mind that there is now a substantial body of responsible opinion in Japan which appreciates this problem, so that the time is now ripe to make this point?

I very much agree with the hon. Gentleman. There is no doubt that it is very much in Japan's interest to see that there is very quickly an opportunity for British and European exporters generally to penetrate the Japanese market to a much greater extent than in the past.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that there is a considerable accrual to the United Kingdom on the invisible account and that if we take the ordinary account and the invisible account together they represent a substantial balance in favour of the United Kingdom?

That is true, but there is no doubt that the Japanese market has been a very difficult one to penetrate for a number of reasons. It is vital that we have the co-operation of the Japanese Government to see that there is a sensible two-way flow of traffic.

Following the rearrangement of parities which will make it harder for Japan to penetrate the American market, has the right hon. Gentleman made arrangements to discuss with the Japanese Government the possible impact which this might have with the switching of Japanese exports to the United Kingdom, with adverse effects on our mutual trade?

It is vital to realise that the Japanese position is a worldwide position. It does not help worldwide trading relationships if it is simply switching resources from one major market to another. This is why it is important to see that we settle this on the basis of international negotiations that will take place later this year. In the meantime we have already made various arrangement with the Japanese, covering a number of sensitive industries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he is having with other countries with a view to introducing legislation to make it compulsory for the drained weight of foods canned in liquid and sold in the United Kingdom to be marked on the cans.

This problem is being explored internationally in Codex, which comes under the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation. We are also in touch with our colleagues in the Community.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept that overseas exporters must accept whatever standards are laid down in this country for the sale of foodstuffs and that there ought not to be any barrier to legislation being introduced on this subject? Does he not feel on reflection that it was a little absurd for the Under-Secretary to have told me as he did on 12th February that legislation or regulations might have a deleterious effect on the consumer?

The hon. Member must realise that this is a difficult practical problem to solve. Several countries have laws which go some way towards solving it but they all depend upon the effectiveness of the control systems that can be established. I do not think it will be possible for us to deal with this unilaterally by imposing obligations on exporters to this country. It certainly is something which I regard as having to be solved if possible but it is not as easy as the hon. Member's natural interest in the subject suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek powers to set up an agency to which visitors to Great Britain may complain on matters of alleged malpractice by hoteliers, restaurateurs, etc.

No, Sir. There are existing bodies such as the British Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers Association, the British Tourist Authority and the national and regional tourist boards to which a visitor can turn if he fails to get satisfaction from the management of the establishment concerned.

While I recognise that the vast majority of hoteliers, taxi drivers and the like are perfectly honest, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he would not agree that disproportionate harm is done to the tourist trade by the minority who tend to cheat? Does he not feel, if as he says there are these agencies to which an aggrieved tourist can complain, that the erection of notices to that effect at the main railway and air terminals might be of some benefit?

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is it not a fact that there are very few complaints that would not be met by the registration of hotels and the publication of the cost of accommodation in those hotels?

Registration is a somewhat different point. I do not think that of itself it would cover what my hon. Friend has in mind. We will be reaching a decision about registration as soon as possible.

In view of the importance of our overseas earnings from tourism, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is about time that some of the nettles of registration were grasped by the Government so as to give the tourist public, particularly tourists from overseas, the feeling that we take the industry and their interests seriously?

The fact that we take the industry seriously emphasises the need for thorough consultation before we embark upon a registration exercise such as is proposed.

Is the Minister aware that he is showing too much complacency on this matter and that the country needs a much more stringent code of conduct imposed upon hotels and restaurants? Is not this the responsibility of his Department?

If I am provided with detailed information about any serious complaint I will certainly take it up with the relevant bodies.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on future trading relations between the EEC and Norway.

Future trading relations between Norway and the EEC will depend on the terms of the free trade agreement which is at present the subject of negotiations in Brussels.

As Norway is an old ally and partner of this country from EFTA, will my right hon. and learned Friend see to it that we press for fair treatment for Norway over its exports of fish? Will he particularly stress that we go for free trade not only in fish fillets, which is what the EEC wants, but with all fish, because that would greatly help the Norwegian coastal towns and also help to keep down the cost of living in this country?

I appreciate the extent of Norway's friendship with this country. It is worth remembering that the negotiations on this matter are about the rate and system of transition of trade between Norway and the Community. We expect the duty concessions on fish to be made on what is far and away the most important Norwegian fish export to us, namely frozen fish fillets.

Is the Minister willing to make a comment on the Norwegian attitude towards North Sea oil finds, particularly the assertion by the Norwegian Government that on the median line there is a 100 million-ton field?

Even if I were disposed to comment on that, it would not be a comment that could arise on this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the total value of assistance given in Scotland under the terms of the Industry Act 1972.

A total of £11·4 million has been paid so far.

I am interested in that figure. How does the right hon. Gentleman square it with the detail he gave during the debate on 26th February? Has another £8 million been agreed since he made the statement that £3 million-odd had already been granted? Can he say whether he is satisfied with the expedition with which these applications are processed when, out of the figure he gave of 77 applications, only 14 have been granted to date? Can he give a copper-bottomed assurance that the unemployment figure in Scotland as a result of his new policies—his somersaulting—will go down to under 100,000 this year for the first time in the last two-and-a-half years?

The hon. Gentleman will know that the rapidly rising trend of unemployment in Scotland which had broadly continued from 1968 until 1972 has been reversed. There have been substantial falls over the past year. The figure I gave him dealing with grants in reply to this Question is expenditure both for selective assistance and for applications under Section 7. That would account for the disparity to which the hon. Gentleman referred. I will certainly ensure that applications are dealt with as speedily as possible. I believe that that is so at the moment.

Has my right hon. Friend studied the report of the Expenditure Committee on the public expenditure White Paper showing that subsidisation under the Industry Act is likely to play a very large part in the excessive rate of growth of public expenditure in the months ahead? What will we do about that?

I do not accept that regional policy can be used as a counter-cyclical policy. The plain fact is that over a substantial period we have given a measure of advantage to people investing in the regions. That is the aim of our current policy. It is not our intention to diminish the scale of that incentive, which obviously is of long-term importance both to the regions and to the health of British industry.

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to amend his statement about Scottish unemployment figures since 1966? If he looks up the figures he will see that what he said was not true—that since 1966 the rising trend of unemployment in Scotland has been reversed. Will he apologise for giving the House wrong information?

The unemployment figure in Scotland rose from just under 2½ per cent. to 4·2 per cent. between 1966 and 1970—a very steady rate of increase. When right hon. and hon. Members opposite left office, as they know, they left a rapidly rising rate of unemployment as well as roaring inflation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress on the recent appointment of a Director of DTI Offshore Supplies Office; and what reply he has seat.

None Sir. But when my hon. Friend the Tinder-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met the Scottish TUC in Scotland on 9th February it indicated that it would be sending him a memorandum on the IMEG report generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he will be receiving communications from the Scottish Trades Union Congress, particularly since this matter will be debated at the congress in Aberdeen this year? The Government have not made a case for the office being sited in London. How does this policy fit in with the Government's declared intention that there shall be office dispersal from London?

I look forward to receiving the advice of the Scottish TUC. I was glad to understand from my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry that there was a substantial measure of support and understanding for the wide range of measures which we are taking to support British industry in breaking into offshore supplies.

In view of the devastating exposures of the scandalous inefficiences of Governments in dealing with the question of North Sea oil since 1964, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the Government will make an emergency statement very shortly indicating how they intend to obtain for the nation, not for the shareholders of the oil companies, the enormous benefits which North Sea oil clearly will produce in the very near future?

That question goes a great deal wider than the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now undertake to publish an early assessment of regional policy and its contribution to employment in Scotland and other development and special development areas.

I shall in due course be publishing a report on the discharge of my functions under the Industry Act for the financial year ending 31st March 1973.

That is not quite an answer to the Question. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that any assessment of regional policy is bound to include mention of the Hunterston development? Is he aware of the grave and growing concern in Scotland that the Government will continue stalling over Hunterston and that we shall finish two years hence with a green field site which contains nothing but green field? When will the Government pull their finger out and get major development going at Hunterston?

That is an entirely different question. On the matter of the use of the Industry Act, the Hunterston project, as with other projects, will be considered on its merits.

What recommendation has the right hon. Gentleman's Department made to the Secretary of State for Scotland on the planning application of the Chevron Oil Company and ORSI? Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that his Department will reject the biased report of the Hunterston Development Company published today?

That is an entirely different question. If the hon. Gentleman wants an answer, perhaps he will put down a Question.

Has the Secretary of State had any further thoughts about continuation of the regional employment premium which obviously plays a very large part in the maintenance of employment and which finds support among a large number of industrialists as well as universal acclaim among the trade unionists and others involved?

The phasing out of the regional employment premium is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is considering it and will eventually make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the level of British-GDR trade in 1970, 1971 and 1972; and what steps he is taking to improve mutual trade following on recognition of the GDR.

Our exports to the German Democratic Republic in 1970, 1971 and 1972 were £16·9 million, £17·3 million and £15 million respectively. The corresponding figures for imports were £16·1, £19·6 and £21·6 million. We shall continue to do everything possible to develop our trade with the GDR, especially our exports. My Department will have an official information stand at the Leipzig Spring Fair later this month.

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply. However, does he not think that the figures which he has given indicate that under successive Governments this area has been grossly neglected and underestimated? Will he give an assurance that following recognition, which the whole House must welcome, he will ensure that the commercial section of our embassy in East Berlin is as high powered as he can make it?

The recent decline is more probably due to a shortage of hard currency as a result of two bad harvests. However, recognition and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations will provide a stimulus for increased trading between the countries. A commercial diplomatic office should be established in the German Democratic Republic by the late spring. It would be a mistake, however, to look forward to an immediate, dramatic or sharp increase in such trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what approaches have been made to the United States of America concerning future collaborative aerospace projects involving developments of the RB211 engine.

Rolls-Royce is constantly on the lookout for new applications for the RB211, and for opportunities for its further development, in America as in Europe and the rest of the world.

As the most recent overtures by Rolls-Royce to the United States manufacturers have been rebuffed, is it not time that we drew the lesson that these collaborative ventures with the United States do not work because of the stranglehold of the American manufacturers? Would it not be better if a further approach were to be made at Government level through our European partners in the European Economic Community and possibly the Japanese Government?

It is appropriate that the approaches should come from Rolls-Royce in the first instance, although I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's interpretation in the first part of his supplementary question.

What indications does my hon. Friend have that the RB211 could have practical commercial applications in the non-aerospace field such as the powering of merchant vessels and perhaps military vehicles?

This is a matter for Rolls-Royce. Certainly no proposals have been put to me by Rolls-Royce. I will draw the company's attention to my hon. Friend's interest.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, in the event of these approaches being successfully taken up, work will be guided towards Bristol?

That again would be a matter for Rolls-Royce to decide.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will co-ordinate a programme to monitor the proportion of United Kingdom public sector contracts that go to United Kingdom companies.

The vast majority of public sector contracts are placed with United Kingdom companies. I do not consider there is any need for a monitoring system, bearing in mind its likely cost.

That sounds rather complacent. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many businessmen who believe that we shall not do as well in the EEC because, whatever the rules may say, the State industry boards of our new partners are more ruthlessly nationalistic in allocating contracts in the public sector than we are? Is he aware—he appears not to be—of this, and what can he do about it?

My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, in answering a Question last month, pointed out that approximately 95 per cent. of equipment supplies purchased for the public departments came from British companies. I think it is too early at this stage to be able to judge the exact working of the regulations, but I have no doubt that the British Government will want to ensure that we have a fair and proper opportunity of being able to compete in Europe and to maintain our own markets.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the figures of United Kingdom imports of carcase meat from the Irish Republic for the months of July to December 1972, and January 1973.

Imports of meat of cattle, sheep and pigs in the period July—December 1972 amounted to some 50,000 tons valued at £22 million. In January of this year the corresponding figures were nearly 7,000 tons and £4 million respectively. Detailed monthly information is given in table III of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics which is available in the Library.

What has been the effect on this increase of our entry into the Common Market? Has there been a change in subsidy? Is this one of the reasons why meat has almost been priced out of the housewife's cooking pot?

No. There has been no effect on these figures from our accession to the Community.

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this huge decrease coincides with a huge increase by the French of some 2,700 per cent. in their import of meat from Ireland?

The increase or diversion of our supplies from the Republic became significant before our accession, and this is a reflection of the problem of the world shortage which has increased meat prices in many countries.

Can the Minister explain how it is that in the 17 weeks since the freeze began meat prices have risen 9·1 per cent. whereas in an exactly comparable period last year when there was no freeze they fell by 3·3 per cent.?

For precisely the reason I have just given and which I would have thought the right hon. Gentleman would understand: for the reason that during this period there has been a shortage of meat and an increase in the world prices for this commodity.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is yet able to confirm that a steel producing mini-plant will be established at Shelton.

No, Sir.

Will the Minister tell us whether the British Steel Corporation has yet decided positively to build a mini steel plant? Can he tell us whether GKN has yet decided whether it will go ahead with a mini-plant of its own at Cardiff? Will he tell us when a decision on this question is to be expected?

The British Steel Corporation has said that it will be build- ing a mini-plant in Scotland and it has named a number of possible sites for another possible mini-plant. No decision has yet been reached by GKN with regard to whether it will be building a mini-plant. Discussions are going on urgently with regard to that. With regard to the decision on timing, that is a matter for the corporation. It is aware of the need to make a decision as soon as it is possible to do so.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that Irlam is still available as a site?

Yes. My hon. Friend has constantly reminded me of that. We have it very much in mind, as I am sure the corporation has too.

Will the Minister comment on the Government's attitude to the British Steel Corporation's announcement that it is now opting out of the manufacture of underwater pipes for the oil industry not only in Scotland but throughout the world? Is he aware that this business is thought to be worth something like £75 million to the corporation?

The hon. Member is quite incorrect. The corporation is making very great efforts to ensure getting maximum benefits from operations in the North Sea and to ensure that all possible manufacturing resources are deployed to this end.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs have been created in Lanarkshire since 18th June 1970; and how these figures compare with the number of jobs declared redundant over the same period.

No comparison is possible because comprehensive figures of jobs created in both the manufacturing and service sectors are not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware nevertheless that in June 1970 unemployment in Lanarkshire was 4·7 per cent. and that the last figures presented to us last week show that the percentage is 7·3? Is he aware of the job loss we have had in the county of Lanarkshire, a job loss which is coming also through less steel production? On that basis is he now prepared to tell us what he is going to do for Lanarkshire before it becomes a desert in this industrial area?

I entirely accept what the hon. Member says about the high level of unemployment in Lanarkshire, and it is a fact that it is too high, but he will know that unemployment has dropped by some 12 per cent. in the past year. We are determined to maintain that downward trend.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that the latest available figures for the amount of footwear imported from the undeveloped countries in no way hazards the footwear industry in Norwich.

The trend of imports from all sources is one of a number of factors to be considered. I was glad to see the recent optimistic report by the footwear industry in Norwich on its willingness and ability to meet the challenge of overseas competition.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it is quite a challenge when the number of shoes imported from UNCTAD countries over the last year has gone up by 100 per cent.—they have doubled in one year? Is he aware that Norwich, whether willing to meet the challenge or not, is very concerned that South American countries are exporting to us good-quality leather shoes at the same time as they have a preference from us and yet are charging us 112 per cent. more than they did a year ago for leather?

I am aware of the difficulties but this industry is in no doubt about the scale of opportunities that it has in Europe.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some companies are actually importing from underdeveloped areas parts of boots and shoes—uppers and so on—which are being made up in this country and are then sold to the consumer as if they were products made in this country, and that these facts are unknown to the people who buy them? Is it not time that marks of origin were clearly put on the boots and shoes which people buy?

If there is any case of fraudulent marketing I will look into the matter very carefully, but I think one should have in perspective the scale of imports from the developing countries. They went up from 14·5 million to 15·5 million in 1972 and that is against a total import figure of 62·5 million over the same period.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what products the preference in favour of British exports has been terminated or reduced by the Australian or New Zealand Governments since 1st January 1973.

Imports into Australia of most goods of types not produced there have since 1st February been duty-free whatever their source. Consequently there is now no preference in favour of British exports of the goods concerned. The New Zealand Government has reduced the preference on certain marine engines.

Though I agree that it is a matter so far of loss of preference rather than actual imposition of new tariffs, may I ask how great the Secretary of State expects the loss of British exports to these markets to be?

I hope that other activities and promotional activities which my Department will be following during the coming year will ensure that trade with Australia and New Zealand continues to expand rather than contract.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government will introduce legislation to make compulsory the registration of hotels in England as recommended by the English Tourist Board.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Adley) on 26th February.—[Vol. 851, c. 1055–6.]

Are we not the only country in the European Community which has no official registration scheme? Is it not time that the Government looked at this matter seriously lest we fall behind our competitors in the tourist industry?

We are looking at the matter in considerable depth and carrying out wide-ranging consultations. Obviously, the introduction of a registration scheme has great implications in a major industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least get the large hotel chains to agree to put a notice on the inside of each bedroom door showing the amount to be charged for the room, as is done in all Continental countries?

I will certainly bear that in mind.

The right hon. Gentleman certainly should, because he has in his possession a recommendation to that effect. Many months ago the English Tourist Board presented to him a report recommending the registration and classification of hotels and mentioning the notification of prices. Why are the Government vacillating? They had all their consultations with the English Tourist Board before the report was presented.

The proposals are not simply for England. The right hon. Gentleman may have noticed that the reaction of the Welsh Tourist Board was different from that of the English Tourist Board. It is imperative, before embarking on a major matter of this kind, that there should be thorough consultation with the industry as a whole.

My right hon. Friend is surely aware that these consultations have been going on for three years. I recognise that many small hotel keepers might be concerned about the problem, but does my right hon. Friend agree that if he personally were to take upon himself the responsibility for explaining to small hotel keepers that they have a great deal to gain by registering and classifying, as the Welsh Tourist Board has shown to many small farmhouses in Wales, these consultations might be concluded to everyone's satisfaction?

I have a great deal of sympathy with what my hon. Friend says. As he knows, the proposal from the English Tourist Board is for registration and not classification. That is one of the areas in which there is disagreement.