asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make it his practice to require satisfactory restoration of television reception in areas which enjoyed adequate reception before new construction works, etc., worsened reception, wherever this is practicable.

No.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what was the total loss in revenue due to unpaid telephone accounts over the past five years, giving the figures for each year separately.

The total loss was £10·7 million.Following are the details:

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will take steps to amend Regulation 2(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy (Broadcast Licence Charges and Exemptions) Regulations 1970 with a view to extending the qualification for the aged person exemptions from full television licence charges.

No. I would refer the hon. Member to the debate in this House on 21st February last.—[Vol. 851, c. 488–568.]

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will give a general direction to the Post Office to discontinue the use of postal codes because they cannot be incorporated in telephone directories.

No. Whether or not postcodes appear in telephone directories, they are essential to the economic operation of automatic sorting machines.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what increase there would have to be in the charge of a telephone call to recover the revenue lost by the abolition of the rental charge.

As charges for telephone calls vary with distance, duration and time of day, it is not possible to say by how much the charge for any particular call would increase, but taking 1972–73 as an example, call charges would have had to be increased overall by 61 per cent. if exchange line rental charges had been abolished.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many cases of interference from communal television aerial systems have been reported to the Post Office by private television licence holders and other users of wireless telegraphy in the Greater London area during 1971 and 1972.

I regret the information is not recorded in the form requested, but I am satisfied that the technical appraisal of communal aerial systems, a prerequisite to the issue of my licence, substantially reduces the risk of such systems causing interference to other users of wireless telegraphy.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many technical questionnaire forms in connection with communal television aerial licences were appraised by Post Office engineers in the Greater London area in 1971 and 1972; and as a result of such appraisals how many communal aerial systems were considered to be likely to cause interference to other users of wireless telegraphy; and how many systems did not measure up to the appropriate safety isolation characteristics required.

I regret the information is not available in the form requested. In 1971, 67 broadcast relay, including communal aerial, systems were technically appraised. Of these, one system was likely to cause interference to other users of wireless telegraphy and four systems, based on the technical information supplied, failed to meet the safety specifications. For 1972 the respective figures were 437, 211 and 29.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to make a statement with reference to the Shotton Task Force.

As soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to expedite the procedures for dealing with radiation risks such as occurred in Newport, Monmouthshire, on Wednesday 5th December; and if he will make a statement.

The contingency plans for dealing with incidents involving radioactivity were promptly and efficiently implemented by the police and other authorities involved, whose action I commend. However, my Department is examining, in conjunction with Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate, whether any additional procedures need to be developed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish his review of land reclamation finance in Wales; and if he will make a staement.

My review is substantially complete and I regret that I shall be unable to allow any general easing of the situation between now and the end of the financial year. Exceptionally, however, I have recently approved expenditure of the order of £800,000 on a number of important schemes, and the local authorities concerned have already been informed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many schemes of reclamation of derelict land have been completed to date; and how many have been approved for future action, in each county and county borough in Wales, as defined before the Local Government Act 1972.

The following list shows the schemes which have been formally aproved from 1967 to date. The majority of these have been completed.I will invite local authorities to assist in drawing up a programme for future years.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the action being taken by his Department in preparation for the possible discovery of oil in the Celtic Sea.

My Department has in the past two years established close and regular contact with local authorities and other bodies concerned on every aspect of Celtic Sea development. I am considering how these arrangements should be developed for the future.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consult further with local authority organisations in Wales concerning the likely effect upon Welsh local government finances of changes in rate support grant.

I have met representatives of the Welsh Counties Committee. Local authority associations have also put the views of their Welsh members to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment during the negotiations on next year's rate support grant. I am not proposing to have any further consultations with Welsh local authority organisations at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of disabled learner drivers in Wales who were involved in accidents for 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1972–73, as at 30th September of each respective year, in which motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic gearbox and electrically-propelled invalid tricycles, respectively, were involved.

The information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic gearbox, and electrically-propelled invalid tricycles, respectively, which were on issue in Wales on 30th September 1973.

The total number of invalid three-wheelers on issue in Wales on 30th September was:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of disabled drivers in Wales who were killed or injured, for 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1972–73, as at 30th September in each respective year, in which motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic gearbox and electrically-propelled invalid tricycles, respectively, were involved; and if he will list the number of learner drivers in each group.

There were no fatalities. Information regarding injuries is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of accidents reported in Wales in the year ended 30th September 1973 in which motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic gearbox and electrically-propelled invalid tricycles, respectively, were involved.

The following is the information for the year ended 30th September 1973:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of persons—other than invalid tricycle drivers—in Wales, who were killed or injured in 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1972–73 as at 30th September of each respective year, in accidents involving motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic gearbox and electrically-propelled invalid tricycles, respectively; and if he will state, for each group listed, the number of instances in which the invalid tricycle involved was driven by a learner driver.

There were no fatalities. Information regarding injuries is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress so far of the Welsh Language Council; what subjects he has remitted to the council for study and report; and, in particular, if he will direct the council to examine as a matter of urgency the provision of bilingual official forms.

The council held its second meeting on Friday 14th December. I refer the right hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 16th October 1973.—[Vol. 861, c. 141.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the inadequacy of public water supplies in some parts of Caernarvonshire, particularly the borough of Caernarvon; and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to assist the Eryri Water Board to overcome these difficulties, at least in time to cope with the influx of visitors to the area during the tourist season next year.

As I told the right hon. Member on 23rd July, my Department is in constant touch with the Eryri Water Board about supply difficulties in Caernarvonshire. The Welsh National Water Development Authority will take over the board's responsibilities on 1st April next year and has been asked to deal with the water supply problems in Caernarvonshire as a matter of urgency.—[Vol. 860, c. 1137.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many inspectors of the Planning Inspectorate of the Department of the Environment are permanently employed on planning appeals in Wales today; and how many were employed two years ago.

Seven inspectors of the Planning Inspectorate of the Department of the Environment are at present based in Wales and deal largely, though not entirely, with Welsh cases. In 1971 the number was six. But extensive use is also made of inspectors based in England for the handling of Welsh cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, giving the mileage in respect of each, those trunk motorways or lengths of motorway in preparation, firmly programmed and under construction, and those motorways or lengths of motorways in use, respectively, on 31st October.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, showing the mileage in respect of each, those local authority motorways or lengths of motorway in use and under construction, motorway schemes confirmed by the Secretary of State, and those made by the local authority and submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation, respectively, on 31st October.

There are no local authority motorway schemes in use, under construction, confirmed or awaiting confirmation in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now give a firm date when construction will commence on the Drax B power station; and if he will also give an assurance that it will be a coal-fired power station.

I cannot say when Drax B will be built, because the Central Electricity Generating Board has not sought investment approval for it, but if it is built it will burn coal.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will add further investigators to the team now examining the affairs of Lonrho.

The inspectors have all the assistance they require, so such a request is unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given, as an alternative to petrol rationing, to permitting on the roads on even dates only those cars with even registration numbers and on odd dates only those vehicles with odd registration numbers, while allowing on all days those who under a rationing system would be entitled to a supplementary allowance.

The action suggested by my hon. Friend would certainly achieve savings in petrol consumption. Unlike a coupon rationing system, however, it would not allow the level of consumption to be varied in the light of the supply situation. Nor could special cases of hardship or essential use be properly catered for.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the fuel supply position and when he is likely to decide whether petrol will be rationed or not.

I am keeping the supply position under continuous review but there is at present no justification for introducing petrol rationing.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what special arrangements he has in mind for rural areas in the event of petrol rationing being imposed.

The petrol rationing arrangements would be sufficiently flexible to cater for the essential needs of car users, including those in rural areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the extent to which the smaller manufacturing companies are being forced to pay high prices and have their supplies restricted by the actions of speculators on the London Metal Exchange; and whether he will make a statement.

No, Sir. The present high prices on the London Metal Exchange affect large as well as small firms. If the hon. Member has evidence that speculators are restricting supplies to small firms I shall be glad to have it.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will set up an inquiry into the practice of requiring thumb prints on cheques and the compilation of a record of thumb prints.

I am not convinced of the need for an inquiry. However, if the right hon. Member has evidence that the practice is being abused, I suggest that he sends it to the Director General of Fair Trading.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the light of the energy shortage, he proposes changes in the steel strategy as outlined in his White Paper.

I shall consider with the corporation what effect the reductions in public expenditure announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have on its development strategy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many days' stocks there are, respectively, of oil and coal in the United Kingdom at the latest convenient date.

Latest reports indicate that, as a result of the measures which we have taken to conserve fuels and the economies which motorists and other consumers have effected, oil company stocks are continuing to hold up well. There has been a greater than seasonal fall in coal stocks over the last few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what aid is currently being provided under the Industry Act 1972 and the Science and Technology Act 1965 for research and development of submersibles capable of installing and maintaining pipelines to offshore oil wells from the coasts of the United Kingdom.

Applications in this area under both Acts are under consideration at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the average margins between manufacturers' selling prices for consumer goods and manufacturers' recommended prices for retail sale.

My Department does not collect information about manufacturers' recommended prices for retail sale.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has authorised the Civil Aviation Authority to operate any services such as it may license; and whether he has authorised it to provide such services at a price lower than those it imposes on other operators.

Under the Civil Aviation Act 1971, flights by aircraft of the Civil Aviation Authority require no such authorisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now order rota electricity cuts, bearing in mind that the overtime ban by electrical engineers will preclude certain fine switching procedures and complicate differentiation between priority and high risk areas.

No. Because of the industrial action by the power engineers the only system of rota cuts which could be operated would be one which affects both essential and non-essential users.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to obtain and examine the report prepared by Monsieur Bloch on the Concorde programme which has been delivered to the French Government; and if he will make arrangements for publication of its recommendations before decisions are taken on them.

M. Bloch is reporting personally to the French Prime Minister. Any decisions about the examination and use of the report are at the discretion of the French Government, and I cannot therefore give my hon. Friend the assurances he requests.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will ensure that in any new round of offshore licensing, blocks to the south of the Isle of Wight are subject to competitive bidding by United Kingdom owned companies only;(2) if, in the next round of offshore licensing, he will include stipulations as to the speed at which the oilfield must be developed and the oil landed ashore.

No new round of offshore licensing is at present planned. The conditions to be applied to applicants under any new round are currently under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the month and year in which the Forties field was discovered; the month and year when the oil will begin to flow; and the initial rate of production.

The Forties field was discovered in November 1970. Production is expected to start in mid-1975 at an initial rate of about 3 million tons a year. At this stage it is impossible to be definite about the month. The rate should rise to about 5 million tons a year when the second platform is brought into production a few weeks later.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the month and year in which the Auk field was discovered, the month and year when the oil will begin to flow, and the initial rate of production.

The Auk field was discovered in February 1971. If there are no further delays in the construction of the platforms and equipment, production is expected to start in mid-1975 at an initial rate of about 2 million tons a year. It is not possible at this time to be definite about the month.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now agree with British Petroleum a firm deadline for the first delivery ashore of oil from the Forties field and undertake to waive royalty payments on one year's production if it can beat the deadline by six months.

I am satisfied that BP is doing everything possible to start production from the Forties field at the earliest moment and that an offer to waive royalties would not help.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will initiate discussions with the TUC, CBI and the appropriate authorities for the introduction of a four-day week during the present energy shortage.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on 13th December by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the 5,898 applications for Industry Act regional development grants made to his Department's Billingham office by November 1973 were successful in obtaining assistance.

No separate records are kept of successful and unsuccessful applications, but records are kept of applications received and cleared. Of the 5,898 applications for regional development grant received by the Billingham office by 23rd November 1973, 4,313 had been cleared or rejected in entirety by that date while a further 348 had been partly cleared and the remainder are being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how it was possible to compile an analysis by standard industrial classification order of regional development grants paid in all the assisted areas, as published in the Industry Annual Report, when such an analysis is not readily available for the Northern Region.

A cross-tabulation of payments by region and by standard industrial classification order is not required. Industrial analysis of all payments by SIC order is at present carried out as an annual computer exercise in order to prepare a table for the Industry Act annual report. It is not at present intended to extend the scope and cost of this exercise by conducting SIC analyses for individual regions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement concerning the prospects of finding oil in the Celtic Sea.

Seismic surveys which have been carried out in the Celtic Sea have shown geological structures which could contain oil or gas. Until these structures have been tested by drilling, it is not possible to say whether or not they contain commercial accumulation of oil or gas, although the discovery of gas in Irish waters is encouraging.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions have taken place between his Department and any official bodies in Wales concerning the possible effect upon the Welsh economy of the discovery of oil in the Celtic Sea.

My officials have regular consultation with local authorities and representatives of industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of Wales in the event of oil being discovered in the Celtic Sea.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are keeping in close touch with all developments including those of direct interest to Wales and the Welsh economy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what are the spot prices for national or participation crudes from Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, respectively, at the latest available date;(2) what are the export prices for Iranian crude oil as a result of the recent auctions; and if he will compare these figures with the average price paid by the United Kingdom for Middle East crude oil;(3) what are the spot prices for Nigerian and Indonesian crude oil and the origin of buyers.

Such prices are not the responsibility or within the knowledge of Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which projects for which his Department is responsible are being considered for location in Peterlee new town.

Following inquiries about setting up projects in the Northern Region the Department has suggested Peterlee as a location on about 80 occasions this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to expand the Coastguard Service, in view of the increase in the number of rescue operations needed and the increase in lives lost between the third quarters of 1972 and 1973, with particular reference to the South and the South-West.

To handle the progressive increase in incidents there have been changes in the operational organisation of Her Majesty's Coastguard and improvements in communications, transport and rescue equipment. A Coastguard School has been set up at Brixham and emphasis is being placed on casualty prevention work. In addition, some staff increases have taken place, both nationally and in the South and South-West, more are planned, and the position is being carefully reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the extent of research being carried out on coal tar distillation, in the light of the current oil shortage.

Research and development into the uses of coal tar and its derivatives is in the hands of the British Steel Corporation, National Coal Board, and Coal Tar Research Association, all of which, I am satisfied, are seeking to exploit any opportunities presented by the present oil situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals there are to introduce new industries to the Portmadoc-Deudraeth area, North Wales.

My Department has brought this area to the attention of industrialists seeking locations in Wales on 17 occasions this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will initiate, as a matter of urgency, a study of the need to recycle used goods and material.

The Government fully recognise the importance of reclamation and recycling, and are in close touch with the industries concerned in seeking ways of achieving higher levels of recovery. There is a continuing programme of work in this area at research establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation to raise a levy for the National Film Finance Corporation by a 10 per cent. tax on all cinema films shown on television.

I will consider this matter in the light of recommendations which I expect to receive from the Cinematograph Films Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reduction in total electricity output has been effected by the disruption caused in the electrical supply industry by industrial action taken by the Electrical Power Engineers Association.

I understand that the average daily losses have been as follows: first two weeks, 1,000 MW; second two weeks, 2,000 MW; fifth week, 3,000; sixth (this week), 500 MW.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will establish an emergency report centre from which industry and others may seek help when they are unable to obtain essential supplies of fuel; and if he will give wide publicity to this centre and its location.

There are already oil emergency units attached to each of the Department's 10 regional offices throughout the country, including Scotland and Wales. Each of the units has on its staff a representative of the oil industry who is in direct contact with the Oil Industry Emergency Committee. These units are well placed to deal with the oil supply problems arising in their respective areas and can offer advice and assistance in cases where difficulty is being experienced in obtaining supplies to meet essential needs. Full details of the procedure to be followed in such cases was published in the 6th December issue of the Department's journal Trade and Industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure that fuel is available to motor schools in order to enable them to continue in business.

Motor schools should at present be able to obtain sufficient fuel for their needs if in common with other consumers they exercise economy. If coupon rationing had to be introduced, they could obtain both basic and business rations for their vehicles and could apply for supplementary allowances if necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been made to him concerning the non-availability of oil for heating of old people's homes in Bolton and elsewhere; what replies he has sent; and what action he has been able to take.

I have not received any such representations, nor am I aware of any special problems in regard to the supply of heating oil in Bolton. The local regional director of the Department will, however, be prepared to assist in any instances where difficulty is being experienced in obtaining adequate supplies of oil for heating old people's homes.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has been able to take in cases referred to him of firms in Bolton and elsewhere which have been unable to obtain any supplies of oil for industrial purposes from normal suppliers.

I have not received any reports of industrial consumers in Bolton experiencing difficulty in regard to supplies of oil. If any firms in Bolton or elsewhere are unable to obtain supplies from their normal supplier they should contact their local regional director of the Department who will be prepared to advise on the action they should take.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the availability of paraffin heating oil, especially to pensioners; and whether he has evidence of recent price increases for this fuel by retail suppliers.

There is at present a shortage in some areas of premium grade paraffin which is the grade normally used for domestic space heaters and which has largely to be imported from the Continent. In order to ensure adequate supplies for domestic use the oil industry is urgently examining methods of distributing increased quantities of a different quality of paraffin which is more plentiful. I understand that the Price Commission has received some complaints from the public of higher prices being charged by retailers before the recent price increases announced by the oil companies. These complaints are being investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what are the main changes in duties on industrial and agricultural products, respectively, resulting from the adoption of the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973;(2) for what products and for what States the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973 makes changes in existing United Kingdom duties in respect of EEC preferential trade agreements with third countries;(3) for what products from Commonwealth States duties will be increased as a result of the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973; and to what extent;(4) for what products from EFTA States duties will be increased as a result of the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973; and to what extent.

There will be changes in both directions in duties on imports not qualifying for any preferential treatment, that is, the "full" rates of duty. On imports from the Commonwealth countries listed in Part I of Schedule 4 to the order there are generally no changes, the few exceptions being downward; for other Commonwealth countries, the changes are, with the same exceptions, upward. Changes in duties on imports from other members of the Community are entirely downward except on items which are now, and will remain, duty-free.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes in duties made by the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973 result from the adoption of the EEC generalised preference scheme; and what further changes would be necessary in the event of the EEC improved generalised preference scheme being agreed by the Council.

The present order does not make any duty changes resulting from the enlarged Community's GSP scheme. These will be dealt with separately, as were the United Kingdom's own arrangements in relation to previous General Import Duties Orders.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the introduction of new rates of duties in the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973 contravenes any existing United Kingdom obligations under GATT.

Some of the tariff changes in the order require renegotiation of existing United Kingdom commitments in the GATT. The Community has these negotiations in hand with interested parties.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has now received the report of the Commission on Industrial Relations on the right

The following table compiled from information provided by the British Steel Corporation compares home trade prices in France and West Germany with British Steel Corporation prices on the dates specified and at the exchange rates ruling at those dates. It does not cover prices charged by United Kingdom private sector steel producers.claimed by the National Executive Committee of the Staff Association of the General Accident Assurance Corporation not to be prevented by other unions from negotiating with employers.

My right hon. Friend has received the report of the Commission on Indstrial Relations on the question of recognition of organisations of workers by the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Ltd., and it has been published.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has for the establishment of advanced underwater training facilities in Scotland.

My officers, in consultation with other Departments, are about to consult interested organisations about the establishment of such facilities in accordance with the recommendation of the recent report on education and training for offshore development.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that no Category 1 firms have attempted to use the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1971 in the conduct of relations with their employees; and whether he will set up a departmental inquiry into the operation of this part of the Act.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the use of the National Industrial Relations Court. No inquiry is necessary. The success or failure of the Act cannot be judged by the number of cases which come before the Industrial Court, although I understand that three such firms, or their associated companies, have brought cases before the Industrial Court.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to receive the report of the commission appointed under the Factories Act 1961 to inquire into the proposed woodworking machinery regulations.

The commissioner's report has now been received and is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many former coal miners living in the Easington constituency are currently undergoing retraining on Government training courses.

Seven were undergoing training on 13th December 1973.

asked the Lord President of the Council if a new telephone system is to be installed in the Palace of Westminster; for what reason and at what cost.

A new telephone system is not being installed in the Palace of Westminster, but several telephones are being replaced during the Christmas Recess. No charge falls on the Vote of the House of Commons.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973 will have upon imports of tea from China.

On the assumption that imports of tea from China in 1974 will follow a similar pattern to those in 1973, over 90 per cent. will enter duty-free. The balance will face a 2 per cent. tariff from 1st January 1974.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the Import Duties (General) (No. 8) Order 1973 will have upon imports of tea from non-associable members of the Commonwealth Preference Area.

Imports of tea from non-associable Commonwealth developing countries will continue to enter duty-free after 1st January 1974.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will reduce the number of RAF training flights from Lyneham over Swindon during the present fuel shortage.

The number of flights has already been reduced to the minimum required to maintain essential safety and proficiency standards and operational capability.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if, in view of the increasing oil shortage, he will arrange for low-level flights over Great Britain by military aircraft to be cut by 30 per cent.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend gave to Questions from the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) and the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynoro Jones) on 30th November.—[Vol. 865, c. 224.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will take steps designed to achieve greater standardisation of standard industrial components and Admiralty specifications, and to improve reliability and performance of such equipment to meet Admiralty requirements on grounds of economy and efficiency.

It is already the practice to make as much use as possible of standard commercial designs in naval equipment, and the design of components specially to meet naval requirements is undertaken only where it is essential. However, my Department is constantly seeking to achieve an ever greater measure of standardisation between commercial components and naval specifications, and informal discussions are now going on with the trade associations which it is hoped will lead to increased cooperation in this area.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what were the two charges on which leading writer Peter Francis Bryant was summarily tried under the Naval Discipline Act; how he pleaded on each charge; what were the maximum penalties that could be imposed; and what was the date of the proceedings.

Leading Writer Bryant was charged under Section 14A of the Naval Discipline Act with failure to report an accident to the Service authorities in accordance with station standing orders and under Section 42 of the Naval Discipline Act and Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 with driving without due care and attention. He pleaded guilty to the first charge and not guilty to the second. The maximum penalty that could be imposed was two years' imprisonment on the first charge and a fine of £100 on the second. The proceedings took place on 19th June 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether she is satisfied with the situation with regard to the fire precautions at Tower Ramparts School, Ipswich;(2) whether she is satisfied with the fire precaution arrangements for the Bolton Lane annex of Tower Ramparts Secondary School, Ipswich.

A thorough inspection of fire precaution arrangements in all parts of Tower Ramparts School was made recently. I understand that the local fire officer has recommended certain improvements to the existing arrangements. These have been accepted by the local education authority and the necessary work is in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when Clerkenwell Parochial School was last inspected by one of Her Majesty's inspectors.

The most recent inspection of the Clerkenwell Parochial School took place on 11th November 1970. The last inspection to be followed by a published report took place on 5th–7th February 1955.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total area of completed unlet office space in inner London and in greater London; what is the area in course of construction; and what is the area for which planning permission has been granted but building of which has not started.

Following is the information as at 31st March 1973, the latest date for which details are available:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what work has been carried out on Oak Grove House, Sandhurst, to date; at what cost; and what is the anticipated completion date and the ultimate costs.

The work to be carried out at public expense is necessary maintenance work for this type of quarter which is a listed building. The work comprises external repairs, restoration, painting and weatherproofing and internal repairs and redecoration. The work is 92 per cent. complete and is estimated to cost in total £5,500. The work will be completed by 7th January 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for letting the vacant premises on the corner of Bridge Street and Parliament Street, at present used for displaying ancient monuments publicity, to a commercial concern; and if he will consider using the vacant premises as a departmental information centre selling its own and selected Her Majesty's Stationery Office publications.

The premises have been let to a commercial tenant from 1st January next.The present display of ancient monuments publicity will, we hope, remain until the tenant commences business. No. 36 Parliament Street will continue to be used to publicise and sell souvenirs for ancient monuments and historic buildings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is now the average delay in the construction of buildings for the Post Office.

The average delay in the construction of buildings for the Post Office is approximately five months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give details of the number of applicants for new or renewed road fund licences during the period just prior to and following upon the introduction of petrol rationing books; and how these applications compare with a similar period prior to petrol rationing or to the year before.

Applications for licences running from 1st December came in earlier than usual but figures for the whole month are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many cases the Yorkshire Rent Scrutiny Board has increased the provisional rent fixed by local housing authorities in the Yorkshire and Humberside area; for how many authorities it has decreased it; for how many it has not altered the provisional rent; and if he will indicate which authorities.

The reports made by rent scrutiny boards constitute comprehensive reviews of the rents of the entire stock of each local authority's houses; they include changes both upwards and downwards in a large number of cases, in addition to numerous confirmations of the local authority's provisional fair rents. A comprehensive analysis of the 46 reports so far issued by the Yorkshire boards, with comparisons with provisional fair rents, could only be made at disproportionate cost. The reports are, however, published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the maximum, minimum and average increase and decrease in rents fixed by the Yorkshire Rent Scrutiny Board on assessing local authority rents; and if he will indicate the authorities concerned;(2) whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the corresponding rents for the years 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 of houses of local authorities whose rent levels have been fixed by the Yorkshire Rent Scrutiny Board and the rent fixed by the board, indicating the percentage rise over the period as well as the increase in money value.

This information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Information about average rents for 1970, 1971 and 1972 is given in the annual "Housing Statistics" published by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants. Copies are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many appeals, and from which local authority areas, have been received by the Yorkshire Rent Scrutiny Board from rents assessed by that board; and in how many cases the rents have been decreased after appeal.

I understand that the following 28 authorities have so far made representations against fair rents proposed by the rent scrutiny boards in Yorkshire:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average number of council properties visited by members of Yorkshire Rent Scrutiny Committee before assessing new rent structures.

I understand that rent scrutiny boards of the Yorkshire Rent Assessment Panel usually inspect between 4 per cent. and 10 per cent. of an authority's housing stock, depending on local circumstances, before deciding whether or not they agree with the local authority's provisional assessment of fair rents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities in the area covered by the Yorkshire rent scrutiny boards have still to have their rents assessed; when the hearings will take place; and for which authorities.

104 local authorities in Yorkshire have still to receive reports from rent scrutiny boards. They are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of his decision that rent scrutiny boards shall not sit in public, he will publish summaries of the evidence prepared and submitted to them and the reasons for giving their decisions.

Rent scrutiny boards are required by law to give their reasons in a report to the local authority if they disagree with any of the rents in the provisional assessment of the authority. The authority is required to publish such a report. The publication of any evidence submitted by a local authority with its assessment would be a matter for the authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the continuing uncertainty among owners and occupiers of property affected by the proposed Cricklade Road relief scheme in Swindon, if he will now make a statement of his intentions concerning the scheme.

I shall announce my decision shortly on the alternative scheme put forward by the Swindon Borough Council. I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a general direction to British Rail to ensure that all trains are fitted forthwith with speedometers and fire extinguishers in drivers' cabs and that the standards of all trains comply with current British Rail rules, as agreed with ASLEF and the other railway unions.

No. It is for the board to decide what equipment is appropriate, subject to proper safety requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will, in connection with the possibility of petrol rationing having to be imposed, set up a survey of rural areas in Great Britain which are badly served by public transport services and for which special arrangements should be made.

If petrol rationing is introduced supplementary allowance will cater for cases of hardship and difficulties wherever they may occur.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received relating to the proposal to increase the 30 mph speed limit to 40 mph in Cambridge Road and Lynn Road, Ely, under Section 74(1) of the 1967 regulations.

Objections from the district council and local residents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the persons who have been members of the Crown Agents equity investment advisory panel since the changes stated in the Crown Agents 1967 Report and the financial institutions with which they have been connected, if any.

I have asked the Chairman of the Crown Agents to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek information about the execution by the Smith régime in Southern Rhodesia of persons convicted as being Zimbabwe freedom fighters; and if he will make a statement about Government policy on this matter.

We understand that 11 Africans involved in the fighting in Rhodesia have been hanged by the Rhodesian authorities this year. Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that they regard all acts of the present authorities in Rhodesia as illegal, but neither they nor the previous Government have been in a position to control events on the ground inside Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions Her Majesty's Government have raised the question of Israeli prisoners of war with the Syrian authorities; when these representations were made; where they were made; to whom they were made; and what response has been elicited.

We have been in touch with the Syrians on several occasions and continue to be in touch with them. The Syrian Government continue to make their implementation of the Third Geneva Convention conditional upon action by Israel in connection with the Fourth Convention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the extra £6 million for the urban programme announced on 6th December 1973—col. 484: OFFICIAL REPORT—will be made available to Bolton County Borough Council and/or Bolton Metropolitan District Council.

My right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to enlarge on what he said on 6th December.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now receive a deputation as requested by Camden Council in connection with the police raids in Whitfield Street on 11th October 1973.

Yes. I hope to arrange an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Paneras, South may expect a reply to her letter of 30th August about the request of Mr. Tsam to have his young son from Hong Kong join him in the United Kingdom.

I am sorry that the hon. Lady has not yet had an answer to her letter. I shall reply very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning the two student visitors from Lahore who have been detained at London Airport since 10th December.

These two passengers were refused leave to enter because the immigration officer was not satisfied that only a visit was intended. I am not prepared to reverse the decision and I am writing to the hon. Member explaining why. The passengers are being returned to Paris.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the market value of all Government stocks on Budget Day 1973; and what is the value of those same stocks—adjusted as if there had been no new issues or redemptions—at the latest convenient date.

On 6th March and 10th December 1973 the market value of all Government stocks—excluding stocks redeemed or issued between those dates, and unquoted stocks—was £17,845 million and £15,126 million respectively.