asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men and women, respectively, have been proceeded against for procuring abortion under Section 58 or 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abortion Act 1967, in each of the years 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972.

Following is the information:

Persons proceeded against in England and Wales for offences under Sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abortion Act 1967:

1968 to 1972
Year	Male	Female
1968	36	39
1969	31	26
1970	31	21
1971	20	14
1972	17	9

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on steps to reduce the number of cancellations of fixed penalty notices for parking offences on grounds of diplomatic immunity, particularly with regard to citizens of Cuba, Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and Greece, following information given in reply to a Parliamentary Question on 18th July 1973.

What needs to be reduced is not the cancellations but the number of notices incurred. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary on this matter and on the related question of the adequacy of parking facilities afforded to members of diplomatic missions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the authorised establishment of the Suffolk Constabulary, and its strength to the latest convenient date.

On 30th September 1973, 1,044 and 993 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his latest plans, under his responsibilities for urban aid, to provide assistance for the city of Manchester.

Of the 14 capital and 19 non-capital schemes submitted by Manchester in response to the latest urban programme circular, five capital and four non-capital schemes were approved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the Lord Chief Justice's recent direction to courts, he will give urgent consideration to what relief can be given in the case of Mr. P. Saint, of 39 Hurst-bourne Gardens, Barking, who, having been found not guilty of an alleged offence, was ordered to pay £100 towards the costs of the prosecution.

My right hon. Friend has obtained detailed reports on the case of Mr. Saint, who was ordered to pay a contribution towards the cost of his defence—not the costs of the prosecution—but he can find no grounds for any action on his part.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the result of his inquiries into recent police raids in south London on the homes of immigrants, for the purpose of checking passports.

I understand that the Question relates to searches and visits to homes in North and East London on 11th and 25th October.The police have a duty, while avoiding any harassment of immigrants as such, to follow up information relating to particular individuals or premises. The commissioner informs me that on both occasions the police were acting on information relating specifically to the addresses searched or visited. On the first occasion five men were detained as illegal entrants, and on the second one man was arrested for overstaying.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have a departmental inquiry to formulate proposals to ensure that regulations are so changed that persons convicted of petty crime in their youth are not banned from certain jobs and positions for the rest of their lives.

No, Sir. I do not know what regulations the hon. and learned Member has in mind, but it is a matter for individual employers to satisfy themselves as to the suitability of prospective employees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a tribunal to inquire into allegations of police malpractices.

If the hon. Member has in mind a tribunal to inquire into specific allegations, and will let me have details of those allegations, I shall look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation with regard to firearms control.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are reviewing our provisional proposals, in the light of the many comments we have received, with a view to introducing legislation as soon as there is a suitable opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the operational disadvantages which preclude the use of airships for police work in place of helicopters.

Airships are slower, less manœuvrable and more susceptible to weather conditions than helicopters. They can operate only from their bases, whereas helicopters can land and take off from almost any open space. Their size makes them unsuitable for some types of police observation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to exempt bona fide working men's clubs from the general provisions of the existing legislation in regard to night club activity.

No. Existing legislation in general recognises the special position of bona fide members' clubs, and I am not aware of any particular problems that have arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to prohibit the production and sale of paint spray aerosols, in view of the public nuisance and expense caused by their misuse.

Aerosol paint sprays are widely used for legitimate purposes, and I do not think that prohibition of their production and sale could be justified. Misuse of such sprays for defacing buildings is an offence of damaging property under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the Ugandan refugees who were housed in Piddlehinton Camp, Dorchester, have been placed in gainful employment and how many have not.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment estimates that about 85 per cent. Of the Ugandan Asian refugees who were seeking employment now have jobs. Figures for refugees who spent some time in a particular resettlement centre are not recorded separately.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the public appointments made under the auspices of his Department where the wife of the appointee is expected to share in her husband's duties although there is no financial or official recognition thereof.

There are no appointments where this is a requirement. But as in other walks of life there are some where the wife of the incumbent can be of great assistance to him in the fulfilment of the public aspects of his duties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was with his approval that the Horse-race Totalisator Board invited the public to place bets with the board on greyhounds as well as on horseracing; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

My right hon. Friend's approval was not required. I understand that the board is currently discussing with the National Greyhound Racing Club the use in its betting offices of dog-tote prices. No action on my right hon. Friend's part is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the numbers of Asians holding British passports who are expected to be admitted into this country in the next five years from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the numbers of East African Asians who will seek settlement in the United Kingdom; and what is the basis of such estimate.

It is not possible to estimate with any precision how many of the United Kingdom passport holders in these countries will seek settlement in the United Kingdom but, as I have already indicated, it is the Government's intention to limit the annual rate of those admitted for settlement to a figure within the order of magnitude of recent years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how far below establishment are the police forces in the East Midlands, particularly Derbyshire; and whether he will make a statement.

On 30th September the deficiency in the Derby County and Borough force was 188. In the Leicester and Rutland, Nottinghamshire Combined and Northampton and County forces, which are the neighbouring forces, the deficiency was 207. Since June 1970 the number of police officers in this group of four forces has increased by 704, of which 199 are in the Derby County and Borough force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure that prisoners do not escape from maximum security prisons by means of helicopters; and if he will make a statement.

This type of threat to security was considered along with many others in the Mountbatten Report and has been reviewed from time to time since then. There are well established procedures for dealing with external threats to prison security, but we are considering as a matter of urgency whether there are any lessons to be learned from recent events.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have discussions with prison governors on security arrangements to avoid the possible use of helicopters in escapes from Her Majesty's prisons.

Discussions are held as necessary with prison governors on operational matters and there are well established procedures for dealing with external threats to prison security. But in the light of recent events the governors of key security prisons have been reminded of the need to test and review these procedures, in consultation with the police, in order that the response to any emergency situation may be timely and effective.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to provide against the effects of the phenomenon known as the electro-magnetic pulse.

Electro-magnetic pulse, resulting from the discharge of nuclear weapons, can have a damaging effect on communications. Various insulating and screening measures are taken to minimise its effect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking on the London taxi drivers' claim.

The claim is being considered urgently in the light of stage 3 of the Government's counter-inflation programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of recent major fires at St. Katherine's Wharf, St. John's Wharf and 40 Dock Street in the constituency of Stepney, if he will take steps to satisfy himself that such buildings do not constitute a major fire hazard.

It is the fire authority's responsibility, having regard to the fire risks in its area, to make the necessary provision for fire-fighting purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how the number of prisoners in prisons in England and Wales removed from association with other prisoners under the provisions of Rule 43 compares with the numbers for 1970, 1971, and 1972, respectively;(2) what is the average period of segregation of prisoners in prisons in England and Wales removed from association with other prisoners under the provisions of Rule 43.

I regret that this information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Camden Committee for Community Relations regarding police raids on Asian homes in the Whitfield Street area on the morning of 11th October; and what reply he has sent.

I have received a letter from the chairman protesting against the police action. The chairman has been informed in reply that the police acted on information relating specifically to the premises searched; that as a result of these and other searches in London on the same day five persons were detained as illegal entrants; that I regret the incovenience caused to other people in the course of the searches; but that I do not regard what occurred as justifying his general criticisms of the Home Office and the police. My policy and the duties of the police have been explained to him in the same way as I have previously explained them to the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Mr. Tariq Ali applied for registration as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies; and on what date he was registered.

On 19th July 1972 and 11th May 1973 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when, and to what buildings, he intends to extend the scope of the Fire Precautions Act; and whether he is satisfied with the present recruitment and training of fire prevention officers.

Hospitals will be designated next, and my right hon. Friend will make a statement shortly about timing. On the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to similar Questions by my hon. Friend and the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 18th October.—[Vol. 861, c. 276–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends to take in the light of the recent report on shoplifting, a copy of which is in his possession.

This report, by a working party of the Home Office Standing Committee on Crime Prevention, contains useful recommendations addressed mainly to retailers on ways of preventing shoplifting and thefts by shop staff. Copies of the report have been distributed to retail trade associations, chambers of trade, chambers of commerce and chief officers of police, and it has been placed on sale by Her Majesty's Stationery Office. A shorter version of the report is being made available free to small shopkeepers.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what areas in Northern Ireland have been named by the Royal Ulster Constabulary as unsafe for officers of the Enforcement of Judgments Department to enter in order to carry out their duties under the law during 1973.

None, but judgments enforcement officers are from time to time advised against visiting a specific address because of conditions in the area at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether consultations with the various educational interests involved have been completed with regard to the reform of the sick pay regulations for school teachers; when the question was first discussed by the Teachers' Salary Council; and why Northern Ireland school teachers have not yet been brought into parity with those in England and Wales.

I understand that the Teachers' Salary Council, which nominates the teachers' representatives to the Standing Committee on Teachers' Salaries, has been considering this matter in recent months. The standing committee has not made any recommendations about sick pay arrangements. If any recommendations are made they will be carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will ban beam trawling along the South Coast within six miles of the shore.

As I promised in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Mr. Luce) on 18th October—[Vol. 861, c. 253]—I am now consulting the industry on the desirability of further restrictions on beam trawling.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the shortage of milk bottles on the ability of the trade to maintain the present scale of daily milk deliveries; what representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.

The Dairy Trade Federation is undertaking a campaign to encourage the public to return bottles promptly. I understand that this is meeting with an encouraging response and deliveries are being maintained. I hope that this co-operation between the public and the milkmen will continue and the trade has emphasised its importance over the Christmas period. The Dairy Trade Federation has been in touch with my right hon. Friend about the supply of new bottles and this has been discussed with the Glass Manufacturers Federation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, and to what extent, in determining Government policy on food and drink processing matters, he takes into account the views of the CIAA in Brussels, bearing in mind that the United Kingdom is represented in the CIAA by delegates from the Food and Drink Industries Council.

It would not be appropriate for me formally to consult the to consider any information on the views of the CIAA conveyed to me by the Food CIAA, but I should naturally be prepared and Drink Industries Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in considering possible revisions of the common agricultural policy of the European Community, he will take into account the views on matters of common interest of the food and drink processing industry in this country as conveyed to him by the Food and Drink Industries Council.

I shall certainly take into account views conveyed to me by the Food and Drink Industries Council on matters of interest to sectors of industry which it represents.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the maximum amount by which the price of milk can be raised in the forthcoming annual price review in the light of the phased harmonisation of Community prices to which the Government are committed.

This will shortly be discussed with the Commission of the EEC.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether EEC arrangements will permit price increases at the annual review sufficient to meet the cost of increased feed bills.

We do not at this stage know the full-year effect of the recent feed price increases on farming production costs. We shall consult the Commission of the EEC before decisions are finally announced but I cannot anticipate the outcome of the annual review or the determinations to be made thereafter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many forms have now been issued to dairy farmers interested in giving up milking for beef production; and how many applications have only been acknowledged without issue of forms.

Some 4,500 inquirers have asked for and been sent copies of an explanatory leaflet about this scheme. So far 100 of them have re- sponded by sending in an application form.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take steps to reduce the present deficit in the balance of payments; and if he will make a statement.

There is no case for altering our economic strategy. We are in a strong competitive position which is already showing itself in the volume of our trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will expedite the talks with the Brazilian Government on a double taxation agreement between the two countries, in view of the fact that an important British commercial and industrial fair will take place in that country in 1974.

Talks about a double taxation agreement between this country and Brazil are due to be held in London this month.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of prepaid envelopes issued for tax returns and payment of taxes in the last financial year.

About £750,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of income tax relief on school fees under seven-year covenants not made by the parents.

The information on which to base an estimate is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to arrest the decline in direct United Kingdom investment in Commonwealth countries as a percentage of total investment overseas.

The placing of a particular investment is for the individual investor to decide. However, current exchange control provisions facilitate investment in the overseas sterling area, which includes most of the Commonwealth, by allowing unlimited transfers at the rate of exchange ruling on the official exchange market for direct investment in those countries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the case, respectively, of Concorde and Maplin, what has been, and what it is estimated will be, the annual public expenditure cost of each of these projects from their initiation to 1985.

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the planned establishment of the Inland Revenue and the Customs and Excise, respectively; and what is the size of the shortfall.

The currently authorised complements of Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise are about 72,100 and 26,000 respectively. The staff in post are about 2,800 and 1,500 short of these figures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he anticipates that the yield from income tax corporation tax, and customs and excise will be affected by the staff shortages; and, if there is no such effect, whether he is satisfied with the size of establishments.

It is not anticipated that the yield from income tax corporation tax and customs and excise will be affected by staff shortages. The adequacy of currently authorised establishments is kept under continuous review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many hours of overtime are currently being worked by staffs of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise; and how this compares with the same time in each of the last 10 years.

In September 1973, Customs and Excise staff worked 301,694 hours of overtime, and in the quarter July- September 1973 Inland Revenue staff worked approximately 250,000 hours of overtime. Annual totals for the 10 financial years up to 1972–73 were:

OVERTIME HOURS
Financial Year	Customs and Excise	Inland Revenue
1963–64	2,834,821	850,000
1964–65	3,065,454	440,000
1965–66	4,022,994	800,000
1966–67	4,020,034	1,070,000
1967–68	3,798,665	2,100,000
1968–69	3,444,924	1,900,000
1969–70	3,143,031	2,800,000
1970–71	3,378,347	3,000,000
1971–72	3,782,130	3,100,000
1972–73	3,697,001	2,400,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the respective amounts by which the weekly incomes of all retirement pensioners together with those of the insured working population would be increased if all annual incomes in excess of £10,000, £5,000, £4,000 and £3,000 were subjected to 100 per cent. taxation and the revenue therefrom disbursed in this manner.

£0·01, £0·22, £0·41, and £0·96 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount, for any convenient recent period, spent in this country on dutiable alcohol for drinking.

Total expenditure on dutiable alcoholic drink in the United Kingdom is estimated at £860 million for the second quarter of this year—the latest period for which information is available—and £3,051 million for the year 1972. The figures include estimates for expenditure on beer, spirits, imported wines and British wines. The bases for these estimates are described in "National Accounts Statistics Sources and Methods", Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1968.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount, for any convenient recent period, spent on tobacco in this country.

Total expenditure on tobacco in the United Kingdom is estimated at £499 million for the second quarter of this year the latest period for which information is available—and at £1,808 million for the year 1972. The basis of these estimates is described in "National Accounts Statistics Sources and Methods", Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1968.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have indicated that they intend to provide an opportunity for their employees to buy shares through the share saving scheme included in the Finance Act 1973.

The share savings scheme legislation does not come into force until 1st December 1973 and it is expected that companies will begin to seek Inland Revenue approval for their schemes early in 1974.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage change upwards or downwards in the exchange rate for the £ sterling against a weighted average of other currencies, between September 1972 and September 1973.

The exchange rate for sterling depreciated by 12·36 per cent. against

				Total relief (£m.)		Relief by income range (£m.)
Year		Number of claims '000	Total premiums £m.	Income Tax	Surtax	Under £1,000	£1,000–£2,000	£2,000–£5,000	Over £5,000
1962–63	…	110	18	5	1½	¼	1	1¾	3½
1963–64	…	100	17	5	1½	¼	1	1½	3¾
1964–65	…	95	16	5	1½	¼	1	1½	3¾
1965–66	…	110	18	5½	1½	¼	1	1¾	4
1966–67	…	125	20	6¼	1½	¼	1½	2	4
1967–68	…	140	23	7¼	2	¼	1½	2½	5
1968–69	…	140	24	7¼	2	¼	1½	2½	5
1969–70	…	123	23	7½	2½	¼	1	2¼	6½
1970–71	…	138	27	9	3	¼	1¼	2¾	7¾
1971–72	…	155	37	11¼	4½	negligible	1¼	3	11½

The figures are derived from the Income Surveys and it is thought that the larger Quinquennial Surveys (1964–65 and 1969–70) give a more accurate estimate than those for intervening years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the estimated surplus or deficit on invisibles with the Common Market for the latest available date, showing governmental transactions and non-governmental transactions separately.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th November 1973; Vol. 863, c. 179], gave the following information:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in each of the last 10 years how many persons claimed tax relief in respect of contributions for the purchase of retirement annuities under Section 226 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1970 or the tax legislation it replaced; what were the total premiums allowed; what was the extent of relief of, respectively, income tax and surtax; and how much of this relief accrued to those with incomes respectively less than £1,000, £1,000 to £2,000, £2,000 to £5,000, and over £5,000.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 5th November 1973; Vol. 863, c. 101–2], gave the following information:The estimates are as follows:I regret that estimates of the balance on all types of invisible transactions with the enlarged EEC are not at present available. Figures of transactions in the form of Government services and transfers with the original members of EEC were published in "UK Balance of Payments 1973" (the "Pink Book"), Table 12. Some information on other invisible transactions with the original members of the EEC in 1964 and 1969 was given in an article "The United Kingdom's invisible account 1962–72" in the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin for June 1973.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of tax due to the Exchequer which currently remains uncollected; and what are the comparable figures for each of the last five years.

					Income Tax	Surtax	Corporation Tax	£m. Capital Gains Tax
Amount outstanding	…	…	…	…	347·0	206·0	250·5	45·2
Ultimately recoverable	…	…	…	…	142·0	96·0	124·0	25·0
Presently collectable	…	…	…	…	148·3	37·8	70·3	17·9

Comparable figures are not available for indirect taxes, because of the different methods by which these taxes are levied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage change over the previous year in wage and salary costs per unit of output in manufacturing for each year since 1960 in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, West Germany,

YEAR ON YEAR CHANGE IN UNIT LABOUR COSTS IN MANUFACTURING

Percentages

Country

1960

1961

1962

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971*

France

…

4·1

6·3

4·3

6·8

0·1

6·7

2·4

2·5

6·0

6·5

4·9

6·1

West Germany

…

4·9

5·9

6·3

3·3

1·0

3·0

4·4

-0·1

-1·6

3·3

12·3

10·5

Italy

…

2·1

3·3

5·9

14·4

5·3

-3·1

-2·7

6·5

-1·8

5·8

14·1

n.a.

Netherlands

…

2·3

7·6

3·3

5·7

5·6

7·5

5·7

2·2

-0·2

3·0

5·0

7·0

Sweden

…

5·0

3·7

2·9

2·2

1·0

2·5

3·8

5·0

—

1·8

4·9

11·3

United Kingdom

…

0·7

6·9

2·6

-0·8

0·4

6·0

5·0

2·0

1·4

5·7

11·4

7·1

*Provisional

Source:1960–68 from United Nations, Economic Survey of Europe in 1969, Part II.1969–71 from United Nations, Economic Survey of Europe in 1971, Part II.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the estimated total outflow of British investment capital into each country of the Common Market since 1st January 1973, and the total inflow of investment capital for each.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th November 1973; Vol. 863, c. 179], gave the following information:I regret that this information is not available.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 6th November 1973; Vol. 863, c. 134], gave the following information:For Inland Revenue duties an analysis of tax outstanding and the amounts presently collectable at the end of the years of account up to 1971 is given in Table 22 of the 115th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the year ended 31st March 1972 (Cmnd. 5168). The corresponding figures for accounts ending in 1972 (which are also the latest available figures) are:Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Japan for each year since 1960.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 6th November 1973; Vol. 863, c. 136], gave the following information:The data on changes in unit labour costs in manufacturing published by the United Nations are given in the following table:

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he has yet completed consideration of the position of the next of kin of members of the Reserve Forces whose death is attributable to service and who are debarred from making a claim against the Crown owing to Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947.

This is a very complex subject and I regret that we have not yet finished our consideration of it.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he is satisfied with existing procedures for consultation between Heads of Government of NATO countries in the event of a military alert by any one of them.

Yes.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the policy of the Royal Navy regarding the use of dolphins for military purposes.

The Royal Navy has no plans to use dolphins for military purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those trunk and principal road schemes costing over £250,000, giving the estimated cost of each, which were added to the forward road programme during the six months ended 30th September 1973.

The following trunk road schemes costing over £250,000 were added to the firm programme during the six months ending 30th September 1973.

Scheme	Estimated Gross Cost
A.40—St. Clears and St. Clears—Frwd-wen	£1,827,000
A.70—Dolgellau Bypass	£1,647,000

No schemes costing over £250,000 were added to the trunk road preparation pool or the principal road programme during this period.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the maintained sector of children was being taught in classes of over 30 in primary schools in each of the counties of Wales in the school year 1972–73.

Information is not available on sizes of classes as taught in maintained primary schools. In January 1973, 48 per cent. of primary children in Wales were registered in classes of more than 30 pupils. The details for each local education authority are as follows:

Wales
Percentage of Primary School Children Registered in Classes of more than 30 pupils
Local Education Authority	Percentage
Anglesey	32·6
Breconshire	32·5
Caernarvonshire	22·6
Cardiganshire	14·1
Carmarthenshire	22·4
Denbighshire	46·4
Flintshire	57·4
Glamorgan	53·4
Merioneth	10·7
Monmouthshire	47·9
Montgomeryshire	27·3
Pembrokeshire	32·1
Radnorshire	13·9
Cardiff	58·9
Merthyr Tydfil	64·4
Newport	79·6
Swansea	60·0
Wales Total	48·4

The figures quoted in this table take account of children attending school on a part-time basis, each part-time child being counted as 0·5 full-time equivalent.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now take the necessary action to authorise the go-ahead for the building of a footbridge across Malpas Road, Newport, Mon-mouthshire, at the junction with Blaen-y-Pant Crescent.

Authorisation of this footbridge is a matter for the Newport County Borough Council as the highway authority responsible. The council's application for a grant toward the cost is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the next stage of EEC political union; and if he will seek to ensure that this stage is not begun until Parliaments in the member States have been able to debate the matter.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to paragraph 16 of the communique of the summit meeting held in Paris on 19th and 20th October 1973 (Cmnd. 5109).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that the United Kingdom will not supply any armaments or materials that can be used against the civil population by the new regime in Chile.

Our policy is to supply arms to the new Chilean Government on the same basis as we did to their predecessors.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the dates of all the various meetings of the EEC Council of Ministers in November together with the likely subjects on the agenda and the subjects which Her Majesty's Government would like to discuss at those meetings.

I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the estimate of subject headings likely to come up for discussion in the Council in November which was placed in the Vote Office on 29th October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the EEC Commission's recommendation in respect of Malta's application for more favourable loan terms.

The terms of a new agreement between the EEC and Malta are currently under consideration. The Community is seeking in reaching conclusions to take full account of the relevant political, economic and financial factors involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress being made by the United Nations in the formation of a peacekeeping force in the Middle East.

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend told the House in reply to Questions yesterday.—[Vol. 863, c. 971–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether there have been any further developments in the Icelandic fisheries dispute; and if he will make a statement.

The British and Icelandic Governments are in close touch through the diplomatic channel; and have made good progress towards incorporating into an agreed exchange of Notes the set of arrangements which were worked out by the two Prime Ministers at their talks in London last month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether the two British subjects, Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKay, who were arrested in Malawi on 13th August 1973, have been charged with any criminal offences; and whether he will give the date when they were so charged;(2) whether he is aware that the two British subjects, Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKay, who were arrested in Malawi on 13th August 1973, immediately requested permission to see a legal adviser; and whether he will give the date when they first saw a legal adviser;(3) whether he is aware that when two British subjects, Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKay, were arrested and detained in Malawi on 13th August 1973, without any charge being made immediately, they asked for permission to see a representative of the British High Commission; and what were the dates when a representative of the British High Commission visited Mr. and Mrs. MacKay;(4) on what date he was informed that two British subjects, Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKay, had been arrested in Malawi on 13th August 1973, and since detained in custody, in the maximum security prison at Zomba;(5) whether he is aware that the two British subjects, Mr. and Mrs. Donald MacKay, who were arrested in Malawi on 13th August 1973, and since detained in custody, were separated from their young child; whether they have since seen their child; what arrangements have been made for looking after the child; and what representations the British High Commission have made to the Malawian Government about the child.

Mr. and Mrs. MacKay were arrested on 7th August and are now detained under a presidential order of indefinite duration. The detention is legal under Malawian law. Our High Commission reported the arrest on 8th August and the following day made representations to the Malawian authorities for permission to see Mr. and Mrs. MacKay. They also urged that Mr. and Mrs. MacKay should be charged with an offence or released. They have followed up these representations vigorously at a high level, so far with no success. Since consular access has not been granted I am unable to say whether Mr. and Mrs. MacKay have had legal advice or whether they have asked

£'000
Year	Grants	Loans	Commonwealth Development Corporation	Gross Total	Amortisation	Net Total
1970	2,847·2	5,656·8	1,027·0	9,531·0	2,332·1	7,198·9
1971	1,952·3	2,472·2	1,060·0	5,484·0	2,948·3	2,536·2
1972	348·3	1,743·0	1,947·0	4,038·3	3,097·3	941·0

The following amounts of technical assistance were also provided over the same period:

1970	£1,498·7
1971	£1,613·9
1972	£2,502·5

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the right of individuals to petition the European Commission of Human Rights.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 24th October to the right hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey).—[Vol. 861, c. 124–89.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common-

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much by way of financial aid has been given to the Government of Nigeria during each of the past three years.

The information is as follows:—wealth Affairs when the next meeting of the Council of Ministers of Western European Union will take place; and whether he intends to attend.

The date of the next ministerial meeting of the Council of Western European Union is at present under consideration. Whether my right hon. Friend will be able to attend will depend on the date chosen and his other commitments at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the Russell Report on further education.

Within the next few weeks I intend to arrange discussions with the major interests in the field of adult education. Meanwhile, I am not ready to comment on the report's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent the public expenditure cuts of 21st May and 8th October will affect the schools programme of the London borough of Haringey; and if she will list the schemes which her Department has deferred.

None of the major projects for Haringey's school building

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what facilities there are available for training for the building

I received the working party's report on 25th October. Arrangements are being made for its early publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the figures for 1962 and 1972, respectively, for the number of maintained secondary schools, with separate figures for modern, grammar, technical and comprehensive, of direct grant schools, and of independent schools; and how many pupils there were in each category for the same years.

The information is as follows:industry in Stockport; and what are the figures of such trainees, at the latest date.

I understand that the Construction Industry Training Board has 68 first- and second-year integrated training places for electrical craft trainees in Stockport and 15 training award places for initial off-the-job training in bricklaying, and all are occupied. In addition, six people who live in the Stockport area are attending for training in the building industry under the Training Opportunities Scheme.There are also a substantial number of craft apprentices who receive on-the-job training coupled with day release. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible with up-to-date information on these.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, of the 5 million women aged 18 years and over in full-time work who were included in the earnings survey in April 1973, how many were married women, how many were single women, how many were single women below the age of 21 years and how many were widows.

Information on marital status is not obtained from the new earnings survey. The estimate of 5 million women cannot therefore be subdivided as requested.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what decision has been made following the representations about the establishment of a community industry team in Tynemouth.

The community industry team in Newcastle is to be expanded to provide places for 150 young people and extended to include Wallsend and Tynemouth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he requires parish councils to take where pedestrian crossings in their parishes come within the numerical criteria laid down in Department of the Environment Circular 20/68 and addendum 15/71 to secure the regrading of the crossing from "zebra" to "pelican" by his Department in the case of trunk roads.

None, but a parish council can aproach my Department's Regional Controller (Roads and Transportation) for its area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the average daily flow of traffic on the M6, or any section of it, is within the current design capacity.

On substantial lengths on the northern sections of M6 average daily flows of traffic are well within current design capacity. Through and between the conurbations it carries daily flows in excess of current design standards.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the average traffic flow to the M6 from the A5 junction southward is still within acceptable levels.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that vehicles travelling on the M6 at peak periods are travelling at safe distances in each lane.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take steps to improve the safety of traffic on the M6 during winter conditions;(2) what proposals he has to improve the general level of safety on the M6; and if he will make a statement.

Measures in hand or proposed include overhead lighting, central safety barriers, computer operated signals, experimental anti-dazzle devices and resurfacing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends during the present Session to introduce legislation implementing the proposals in "Better Homes—The Next Priorities" (Command Paper No. 5339).

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current waiting period for driving tests in the Greater London Council area.

This information is not readily available. The current waiting period in the metropolitan traffic area, which embraces the GLC area, is 26 weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many driving instructors in the GLC area are able to carry out driving tests at the present time; and what were the comparable numbers for the last three years.

The number of driving examiners in the GLC area at the beginning of this month was 170. Comparable figures for 1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively were 198, 176 and 157.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving tests in the GLC area; and if he will make a statement.

My Department is recruiting additional examiners as quickly as possible.