asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will offer asylum to all British subjects illegally detained without trial in Rhodesia and request the Smith régime to facilitate their passage to the United Kingdom at Government expense.

Where the Rhodesian authorities have allowed detainees to go abroad we have provided them with passport facilities, allowed them to come to Britain and, when appropriate, provided them with study grants. But with regard to African leaders we have all along urged Mr. Smith that he should neither detain nor deport them but should talk to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of the two British subjects, Paul Mason and Robert Curtis, who were, on 6th December, convicted of espionage in Yugoslavia.

I understand that an appeal will be lodged as soon as the two men receive the court's written judgment. This is likely to be handed down by the end of this week. In these circumstances it would be neither right nor helpful for me to say anything which could be construed as interference in Yugoslav judicial processes. We have, however, been in touch with the Yugoslav authorities throughout and have more than once made known to them our close concern about this case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for the security of the British Embassy in Chile; and if he will make a statement.

The safety of British missions abroad and their staffs is essentially the responsibility of the host Governments. I have no reason to believe that the Chilean Government will not discharge their responsibilities in this field conscientiously. The measures which we ourselves can take are constantly under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest progress in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Delegations in Geneva have given the many proposals on the table a thorough examination, but much work remains to be done. The conference has just adjourned until mid-January. This will give all participants an opportunity to consider the progress made and to prepare for the next session.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on relations with the Irish Republic.

It is our wish and intention to maintain good relations with the people and Government of the Irish Republic.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the qualifications for being a member of the UNCTAD group of countries with preferential trading advantages; and whether he will recommend a revision of the existing list of States.

Membership of the United Conference on Trade and Development is open to any country which is a member of the United Nations, of the Specialised Agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Within that membership preferential benefits are normally extended by most developed countries to the Group of 77, membership of which is determined primarily by the group itself.I would not favour any change in the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the high price of crude oil on world markets, he will now propose that the major oil-producing countries should cease to benefit from the privileges of UNCTAD States.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress there has been in the EEC's consideration of Community membership of a new administrative International Sugar Agreement; what discussions he has had with representatives of other member States on this matter; and when he expects to make a statement to the House.

This matter was discussed in the Council of Ministers in Brussels on 17th–18th December on the basis of a Commission proposal that the Community should join the new agreement. The United Kingdom strongly supported this proposal. It was not, however, possible to reach unanimous agreement to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications have so far been received at the embassy in Islamabad during 1973 for entry certificates for wives or other dependants to join British subjects already living in the United Kingdom; how many have been granted and how many refused; and how many proved to be ill founded because they were based either on false information or on ignorance of the necessary qualifications.

The embassy in Islamabad has so far this year received 6,017 new applications for entry clearances as dependants. The numbers relate to passport holders and therefore take no account of those minor children who do not have separate passports. All the sponsors in the United Kingdom were British subjects until the entry into force of the Pakistan Act on 1st September 1973.Four thousand and two such entry clearances have been issued and 594 refused—the greater part of these, in view of the long waiting list, relate to applications made before 1973.The vast majority of the 594 applications were refused because they were found to be based on false information; few were refused because of ignorance of the necessary qualifications.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in respect of how many applications received so far at the embassy in Islamabad during 1973 for entry certificates for wives or other dependants to join British subjects already living in the United Kingdom the interview was carried out within six months of the date of application; and in how many cases this interval was longer than 12 months.

There was an interview delay exceeding six months for all applications received at Islamabad during 1973 other than those accorded exceptional treatment on extreme compassionate grounds. The interview delay has lengthened and 3,343 applicants have been allotted interviews with a delay in excess of 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff are now employed at the embassy in Islamabad in preparing for or conducting interviews in respect of applications for entry certificates for wives or other dependants to join British subjects already living in the United Kingdom; and how this figure compares with the position a year ago.

The present immigration establishment at Islamabad—bracketed figures relate to 1972—is 47 (36) of whom 3 (1) are supervisory officers and 14 (12) are interviewing officers who are assisted by 13 (9) interpreters and 17 (14) others in a variety of supporting rôles.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the EEC declaration "European Identity", he will now define what is meant by European Union mentioned therein.

The declaration to which my hon. Friend refers defines the European identity in terms of the present. European Union is for the future and will be achieved step by step.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the moral order of, respectively, each member of the EEC which is to be respected, as mentioned in the EEC declaration "European Identity".

The remainder of the paragraph from which my hon. Friend quotes makes clear the meaning of the phrase.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the legal status of the EEC declaration "European Identity"; whether it was approved by the British Government's representatives at the Copenhagen summit meeting; and on what authority.

As is stated on the front of the White Paper containing the text on the European Identity (Cmnd. 5516) the document was approved by the Foreign Ministers of the nine member States of the European Communities and published on the occasion of the European summit meeting in Copenhagen on 14th December 1973. It was approved by the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. It is a statement of political analysis and intention rather than an international agreement or other legal instrument embodying rights and obligations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the principles of social justice which the EEC is determined to defend, as mentioned in the EEC declaration "European Identity"; and against whom they will be defended.

Social justice is a principle in itself and should be defended against attack from any quarter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with the rôle of the Financial Secretariat in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The rôle of the Financial Secretary, who is assisted by his staff in the Finance and Economic Branches of the Hong Kong Secretariat, is to advise the Governor on all questions relating to the financial and economic affairs of the colony. In this rôle he is an ex-officio member of the Hong Kong Executive and Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress made in the campaign launched by him on 3rd January 1973 "Plant a Tree in '73 ", with particular reference to the part played by Government Departments and local authorities.

I am glad to say that substantial progress has been made. Some 1½ million trees and shrubs have been planted by my Department along roads and on Government land; a considerable publicity effort has been mounted by means of 2 million leaflets and other material; and the Department has received valuable co-operation from the Forestry Commission and from other Government Departments. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland also tell me that the year has made a successful impact in Scotland and Wales.Local authorities too have played a notable part in several ways, in spite of the pressures of reorganisation and financial restrictions. Authorities have put forward schemes for tree planting to improve the appearance of unsightly land involving expenditure of about £1 million towards which 50 per cent. grants are being provided under the Local Government Act 1966. Large numbers of trees have also been planted as part of other environmental improvement schemes such as those for reclamation of derelict land and Operation Eyesore. And I am glad to acknowledge the encouragement which many authorities have given to schoolchildren and the public in their areas to participate in the campaign.My Department has also received many reports of useful contributions to the success of the campaign by amenity societies and other voluntary bodies, and by industry. Examples will be included in the newsletter shortly to be issued by my Department and in a public exhibition next March.We are now nearing the end of the original Tree Planting Year but there will, of course, be a continuing need to increase and improve our stock of trees for the future. Many organisations will have made plans for further activity in the spring planting season, and in support of their efforts my Department will continue to provide advice and publicity material and will participate in the conference which is to be held on 27th March to review the year's achievements and to consider future arrangements. I am hopeful that a permanent Tree Council will be formed by a number of interested organisations—including those representing local authorities—which will make an important contribution to the promotion of public interests in trees and an awareness of their value to the environment of both town and country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the present procedures for the examination of possible aftereffects on the water supply of the disposal of new chemicals used in industry; and if he will make a statement.

A revised report on the "Analysis of Raw, Potable and Waste Waters" was published last year by Her Majesty's Stationery Office. River authorities, water undertakers and local authorities have complementary responsibilities for measures to ensure the wholesomeness of water and the situation generally is kept under review by my Department's Standing Committee on Water Quality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many offices the Location of Offices Bureau has placed out of London since it was established 10 years ago; how many new offices have been established in London during that period; what is the net result; and if he will make a statement.

From April 1963 to the end of November 1973, the Location of Offices Bureau assisted 904 firms to move their offices outside London: 88,130 jobs were involved. I regret that information is not available about the number of new offices established in London in that period.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for how long London borough councillors to be elected in May 1974 will remain in office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what term London borough councillors elected in 1974 will serve; and what arrangements are contemplated for subsequent elections.

As I announced in Parliament on 25th July, the normal term of office will be four years. Councillors elected in 1974 will therefore serve until 1978. Aldermen will then cease to sit as members of London borough councils. No decision will be taken before the London borough elections next May as to what the long-term electoral arrangements should be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now take steps for the take-over of Centre Point in view of the fact that it must be left heated or it may disintegrate.

I have the problems of empty office blocks under close review and will take whatever extra action may be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many accident black spot signs have been erected on sites along the Al7 between the borough of King's Lynn and the parish of Walpole Cross Keys in the last 10 years.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many accidents involving heavy goods vehicles have occurred on the A17 between the borough of King's Lynn and the parish of Walpole Cross Keys in the last 10 years;(2) how many accidents involving injury have occured on the A17 between the borough of King's Lynn and the parish of Walpole Cross Keys in the last 10 years;(3) how many accidents involving death have occurred on the A17 between the borough of King's Lynn and the parish of Walpole Cross Keys in the last 10 years.

Following is the information for the period 1969–72 for the A17 from the western boundary of King's Lynn to the north-western boundary of Norfolk.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will offer incentives to local authorities in areas where homelessness is a severe problem to prepare emergency plans for the immediate erection of prefabricated houses to be put at the disposal of their social services departments.

I do not think that such an incentive would be appropriate for a form of provision which is justified only in an exceptional case. Ministers will shortly be issuing a joint circular setting out a new approach and a range of measures designed to see that more is done to prevent and relieve homelessness.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when a decision will be reached on the results of the inquiry into the Blackburn Road Bypass Scheme; and why it has not been possible to give a decision earlier.

The compulsory purchase order for this scheme included land owned by a statutory undertaker which has exercised a right to make representations to my right hon. and learned Friend to have its land excluded from the order. These are being considered. Special parliamentary procedure might be involved. No decision can be given on the public inquiry until this is decided, and I cannot forecast when this might be. I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the present cost of building a typical council house in the county borough of Warley; and how this figure compares with the cost in 1970.

The hon. Member should seek the information required from the council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the numbers of starts and completions in council house building in each year from 1966 to the latest available date in the Warley area.

For the first nine months of 1973, 99 council dwelling starts and 137 completions were reported. Corresponding figures for 1966 to 1972 appear on page 24 of Local Housing Statistics Nos. 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 25 respectively. Copies of these publications are in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take urgent action, subsequent upon the Executive Board of the British Standards Institution placing on record with him its concern at the implications for public safety of fire hazards associated with the use of synthetic organic polymeric materials such as rigid and expanded poly-urethane foam, on its request for increased Government funding to extend and accelerate the current research projects related to this problem;(2) if he will publish in the Official Report the letter sent to him by the Executive Board of the British Standards Institution on 5th November 1973 concerning fire tests for polymeric materials such as rigid and expanded polyurethane foam;(3) if he has now received the letter from the British Standards Institution to the effect that the expenditure of £50,000 by the Fire Research Station on research into the fire characteristics of synthetic organic polymeric materials is inadequate in view of the complexity of the problem, the degree of technical uncertainty and the possible risks to public safety; and if he will now reconsider his decision not to prohibit the use of rigid polyurethane foam in television cabinet manufacture until satisfactory new standards have been set.

The letter to which the hon. Member refers was the subject of a meeting held today between officials of my Department and representatives of the British Standards Institution. It would be inappropriate to publish the letter at this stage but I will report the results of the discussions to the hon. Member. My Department shares the BSI view of the importance of this subject and has over the past two years increased substantially that part of the Fire Research Station's programme on fire safety which relates to the properties of plastics in fire, including the generation of toxic gases and smoke. It will consider the case for a further expansion of such research in relation to the risks entailed in all aspects of fire and their demands for research. The question of whether or not to prohibit the use of polyurethane foam in the manufacture of television cabinets is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that British Rail has been permitting its trains to travel with passengers and freight without a speedometer; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the safety of this practice.

The Railway Inspectorate has no evidence that the lack of a speedometer has been a contributory factor in any accident which it has investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the smoke emission requirements of his Department, both in general and statistically, to check the level of diesel fumes emitted by diesel-engined vehicles.

A vehicle may not be used on the road if smoke emission causes or is likely to cause damage, injury or danger. The requirements for new vehicles are contained in a British Standard (BS AU 141a).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria are used by his Department in checking that diesel engines conform to current smoke-emission requirements.

Inspection procedures under the testing regulations and grounds for failure of the test are set out in the Tester's Manual (Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1972).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the total British Rail expenditure was spent on renewing old passenger-carrying rolling stock in the years 1970, 1971 and 1972; and what proportion is to be allocated for this use in the future.

In 1970 15 per cent.; in 1971 14 per cent., and in 1972 12 per cent. It is for the Railways Board to make recommendations on the future composition of the investment programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a statement on his policy towards compulsory use of seat belts.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Wiggin) on 13th December.—[Vol. 866, c. 190–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the latest provisional figures for accidents on roads for the week beginning 9th December 1973, with comparative figures for the second week in December 1972.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many letters he and his Department received in October and November on matters for which he is responsible.

On average my Department receives 350,000 letters each month of which many are addressed to the Secretary of State but have to receive official answers. About 2,000 come from Members of Parliament addressed either to myself or my Ministers. In October I replied to 583 and in November to 525 and my Ministers to the remainder.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further discussions he has had in relation to locating the proposed centre for oil drilling technology in Scotland.

My Department is continuing discussion with the other Departments concerned and with the Petroleum Industry Training Board which is responsible for preparing plans for the proposed centre, including its location.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the land transactions between his Department and private persons and public bodies during the past 12 months, with acreage and price shown in each case.

In view of the diverse functions for which my Departments hold and acquire land, it will take some time to collate this information. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of disabled learner drivers in Scotland 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;(2) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of accidents reported in Scotland 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 information requested could not be made available without disproportionate use of resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total number of disabled drivers in Scotland who were killed or injured, 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; and if he will list the number of learner drivers in each group;

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the weekly average earnings by ambulancemen in each of the past five years; and if he will indicate the amount of overtime working required for these average earnings to be paid.

The information requested is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action his Department has taken to attempt to resolve the state, for each group listed, the number of instances in which the invalid tricycle involved was driven by a learner driver.

Records are not kept in such a way that information in the form requested can be provided without a disproportionate use of resources. Such information as is available, however, suggests that the number of fatal accidents by categories is as follows:present dispute by ambulancemen; and if he will make a statement.

As the present disputes relates to pay, it is for the Pay and Conditions of Service Committee of the Scottish ambulance service to deal with in the first instance.At the meeting of the committee on 12th December the management side, which includes representatives of my Department, tabled the same offer to the staff side as had previously been tabled for local government manual workers who include ambulancemen in England and Wales. The offer would give an increase of £2·32 to the basic weekly rate, and ambulancemen with five years' service would in addition receive an increase of 30p a week to their service supplement. The offer also provides for additional holidays and, in accordance with the Price and Pay Code, improved payments for unsocial hours working and the implementation of a threshold agreement.The management side, in making the offer, said it was prepared to consider urgently with the staff side further progress on the present efficiency scheme agreement and gave an assurance that as from next April the pay negotiations of Scottish ambulancemen would form part of the new negotiating machinery that would be set up within the National Health Service for all ambulancemen. The staff side was urged, in the light of these assurances and the offer that had been tabled, to consider urgently calling off its industrial action and to resume normal working with consequent benefit to all, particularly the patients. The response of the staff side is awaited.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the up-to-date fuel supply position of the Scottish electricity generating boards.

Since the start of the miners' ban on overtime working there has been a reduction of about 10 per cent in deliveries of coal, including deliveries from National Coal Board stocks, to Scottish power stations. To conserve coal stocks, more oil than planned is being burned and oil deliveries have been increased to permit this.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the urgent need for geratric beds in Fife, he will make a statement on the possible provision

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will amend the regulations which forbid small egg producers to sell direct to shops.

There is no regulation forbidding small egg producers selling direct to shops, provided they are registered as packing stations with adequate facilities for testing eggs for quality and grading for weight.

The hospital authorities are urgently considering various possibilities for the provision of interim facilities for geriatric patients but it is too early to predict the outcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the possibility of providing additional facilities in Kirkcaldy to shorten the waiting list of patients for orthopaedic operations.

Additional orthopaedic beds will form part of phase III of the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, which is included in band V of the major hospital building programme. Meanwhile, the hospital authorities are examining interim measures to provide additional facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can give any figures for recent price increases for feeding stuffs for dairy farmers.

Representative Scottish prices for compound feeds used in dairying for the last three months compared with 1972 are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions were reached at the most recent meetings of the Council of Ministers to liberalise the Community's Generalised Preference Scheme in 1974, and to encourage access into the enlarged Community for the products of developing countries.

The Council of Ministers has now approved the 1974 Generalised Preference Scheme of the enlarged Community. The regulations embodying the detailed scheme of the EEC for 1974 will be published shortly. It is our expectation that the scheme will provide considerable opportunities for the developing world to improve its trade with the enlarged Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what investigations he has carried out into the quantities of fine chemicals imported into the United Kingdom which were originally made here; and if he will make a statement as to the price differences involved in the process.

The trade statistics are not in a form which makes a direct comparison possible. Discussions with industry over a wider field of chemical materials suggest that reimport of British manufactured materials is not taking place on any substantial scale. I recognise that there is concern on this matter and I will keep it under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the information in his possession that petrol and diesel oil suppliers are holding on to their stocks in anticipation of obtaining an extra payment when prices rise, he will now take action to prevent this practice.

My right hon. Friend issued a statement on 7th December—[Vol. 865, c. 1649–1659.]—concerning the oil allocation scheme arrangements for the further period to the end of January 1974. I would hope this sufficiently reassured those oil suppliers who, for one reason or another, thought it prudent to conserve their stocks that they have discontinued the practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will specify the arrangements that have been made for the supply of islands with oil, paraffin, £c, essential to lighting as well as heating and transport.

The supply of liquid fuel to the Orkney and Shetland islands is continuing under the arrangements which have existed for some time and which have proved to be satisfactory. The special needs of the islands during the present difficult period are being closely watched jointly by officials and the oil industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will use his powers to prescribe minimum purchases of petrol by motorists on a. sliding c.c. scale, so avoiding topping-up queues and unnecessary buying.

Such a scheme would be extremely difficult to implement in practice. There has been an improvement in the petrol supply position generally during the past week and this impovement is expected to be maintained now that further deliveries are being made to petrol retailers.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the 15,000 new jobs projected for the Northern Region as a result of Industry Act assistance he estimates to be in existence now; how many are expected to be in existence by August 1974; and what is his estimate of the time scale for the remainder.

Most of the 15,000 new jobs associated with projects assisted under Section 7 of the Industry Act are expected to come into being over the next three years. I regret that information on the annual rate of job creation is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the 175 offers of Industry Act selective financial assistance for the Northern Region up to 30th November 1972 were for firms already established in the region; and how many were for firms new to the region.

As at the end of March 1973, 17 per cent. of applicants offered selective assistance were new companies to Northern Region, 13 per cent. companies moving into the region, and 70 per cent. were expansions of existing companies. I have no reason to think that these proportions have significantly changed since then but an up to date analysis is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of candidates for a Board of Trade certificate for deck officers actually receives such a certificate.

For the last three complete calendar years taken together the percentages of successes were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many town gas plants are still in operation; and whether his policy towards them has changed in the light of the current fuel crisis.

Holding to the policy of conversion of consumers' plant and equipment to North Sea gas, 64 town gas plants are still in operation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many premises subject to the Factories Act 1961 are inspected by the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate; and how many prosecutions in respect of those premises have been brought in each of the past 10 years.

Inspections are made occasionally by arrangement with or at the request of Her Majesty's inspectors of factories. Prosecutions are very rare. I am sorry, but more precise information could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make an order permitting the use of illuminated lights in the home at Christmas.

No. Purposely the use of Christmas illuminations is allowed within the home, but I would urge everybody to exercise the utmost economy in the use of Christmas tree lights and of electricity generally. In dealing with the lighting of a tree in a window or porch, obviously external display is prohibited; where these are internal they are permitted, but again I would urge that the use of the lights is kept to the absolute minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now take steps to regulate the wholesale and retail price of paraffin.

I am keeping under review the question of regulating the retail price of paraffin.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the increase in the retail price of paraffin in the year previous to the latest date for which information is available to his Department.

I regret that my Department does not maintain statistics of retail prices of paraffin. Such retail prices vary considerably, dependent upon the location of the consumer, the quantities purchased and the type of retail outlet.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the recruits into the mining industry since 1970 were new entrants; and how many had previously been employed in the industry.

About 38,600 and 44,000, respectively. From 1st January to 24th November 1973 the figures are about 6,900 and 9,500 respectively. Figures for earlier years are contained in "United Kingdom Energy Statistics" published annually by the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the average weekly earnings of (a) a train driver, and (b) a pilot on scheduled internal routes.

Earnings of pilots vary from airline to airline, and the right hon. Member might like to contact individual airlines operating on the routes in which he has an interest. Questions of train drivers' earnings are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he can now make a statement on Government aid to the ship repairing industry.

I have recently received the report of the consultants on the ship repair industry, but I am not yet in a position to consider any such statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of steel produced during the first six months of 1973, 1972 and 1971, respectively, in the United Kingdom and in each of the other countries of the European Community.

No half-yearly figures of the value of steel production for the United Kingdom or the other countries of the European Community are available. The most recent available figures given by the annual censuses of production are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the approximate cost of power used in the production of steel in the first six months of 1973, 1972 and 1971, respectively, in the United Kingdom; and what were the comparable figures for each of the other countries of the European Community.

The approximate costs for United Kingdom steel making, including crude steel production and finishing, are:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the approximate value of steel exported during the first six months of 1973, 1972 and 1971, respectively, from the United Kingdom; and what were the comparable figures for export from each of the other countries of the European Community.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the average price of coal at the pithead; and what is the average price to the consumer.

The National Coal Board's proceeds per ton in 1972–73 were about £7. However, prices vary according to location, quantity, quality and type, and prices paid by consumers in 1972–73 varied between about £6·80 and £21 per ton.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make any further appointments to the British Airways Board.

My right hon. Friend is appointing Miss Jennifer Tanburn to be a part-time member of the board, with effect from 1st January 1974. Miss Tanburn's appointment will bring the number of board members up to 15, the maximum number allowed under the Civil Aviation Act 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any change is contemplated in the fixed rate of 6 per cent. per annum charged by the clearing banks for finance for medium- and long-term export credits guaranteed by ECGD.

Yes. The rate has been reviewed in the light of the economic situation generally and the rates charged by our competitors. The latter have in general moved up since March 1972 and in many cases embody a range of rates. Against this background, therefore, I have decided to replace the single rate of 6 per cent. per annum by a range of rates from 6 per cent. to 8½ per cent. per annum. Within this range a rate of 7 per cent. per annum will apply for finance for credits of from two to five years inclusive. The rate for shipbuilding contracts will continue to be fixed in accordance with our international obligations in this field and is at present 7 per cent. For other contracts where the credit period exceeds five years, specific rates within the range will be determined by the Export Credits Guarantee Department on a case-by-case basis.These provisions will come into effect for contracts signed from 1st January 1974 after the expiry of any period for which the existing 6 per cent. has been committed forward.The new system will give greater flexibility to British exporters while fully maintaining our competitive position.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his latest estimate of the bed-occupancy rate in hotels in the Greater London area; and what was the figure for the corresponding month in the last year before the inauguration of the Hotel Development Incentives Scheme.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th December 1973; Vol. 866, c. 251–2]. gave the following information:The latest available figures published by the English Tourist Board indicate that the bed occupancy rate in London hotels in August 1973 was 65 per cent. Comparable figures for the bed occupancy rate before the inception of the Hotel Development Incentives Scheme are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to exercise his powers under the Industry Act to provide financial assistance to the hotel industry to enable it to overcome the problems of over-capacity resulting from the Hotel Development Incentives Scheme.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th December 1973; Vol. 866, c. 251–2], gave the following information:I have no plans to provide assistance to hotels under the Industry Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will specify the rules governing repayment of grant paid under the Hotel Development Incentives Scheme in circumstances where a recipient hotel is subsequently sold or placed in liquidation;(2) whether he will make the repayment of sums provided, under the Hotel Development Incentives Scheme, to the Piccadilly Estates Hotel Company for hotels which have subsequently been closed a condition of further financial assistance to that company from public funds; and if he will make a statement.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th December 1973, Vol. 866, c. 251–2] gave the following information:The tourist boards have power under Section 12(2) of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 to require repayment of a grant in specified circumstances, subject to any directions under Section 19 of the Act. The relevant extracts from the directions given to the English Tourist Board are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the different holiday pattern in Scotland, he will make a statement outlining alternative arrangements for Scottish industry in respect of the number of days to be worked to 31st December.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, following his statement on energy supplies on 13th December, he has received any representations regarding the discrimination of Scottish industry, some of which may only be able to operate on five days in the three weeks from 17th December to 5th January 1974 while industry in England and Wales are permitted by the regulations to operate on eight days in the same period; and if he will make a statement on his intentions in this situation.

I have considered representations about the holiday period in Scotland and the effect of the five days on which electricity may be used in the fortnight beginning 17th December.On 18th December the Electricity (Industrial and Commercial Use) (Control) (Amendment) Order 1973 was laid, the effect of which is that in Scotland the limitation is to eight days within the period of 21 days beginning on 17th December 1973 and ending on 6th January 1974.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the discussions between his Department and representatives of potato producers and traders which followed the issue of the consultative document on potatoes have been completed; and, if so, what changes he proposes to make in the guarantee arrangements for potatoes.

These discussions have been completed. The Government will wish to give further consideration to future developments in the guarantee policy, and in the meantime discussions will be taking place with the interests concerned about improving the present arangements in order to encourage greater efficiency in production and marketing. There will be no fundamental change in the structure of the guarantee or the marketing arrangements affecting the 1974 crop.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend the regulation which forbids small egg producers to sell direct to shops.

There is no regulation forbidding small egg producers selling direct to shops provided they are registered as packing stations with adequate facilities for testing eggs for quality and grading for weight.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that a dozen eggs which cost 22p in December 1972 were costing 48p a dozen at the same date in December 1973, whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain what action could be taken which would have the effect of reducing the price of eggs.

The Price Commission will shortly carry out a special investigation into egg prices. This follows my right hon. Friend's reference to the commission to keep the prices of fresh food under review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for approving the use of ferrocyanides as anti-caking agents in food; and what provision he is making for consumer comments on the proposal.

Proposals were issued on 26th April 1973 for regulations under the Food and Drugs Act 1955 which would control the use of sodium and potassium ferrocyanide in food. Consumer organisations received copies of these proposals and any comments they make will be taken into account before the regulations are finally made.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on the prices of HANSARD and other Her Majesty's Stationery Office publications.

HANSARD prices have remained unchanged since January 1971 despite increases in production costs and overheads. It is now necessary to increase the price of the daily edition from 18p to 20p and the weekly edition from 35p to 39p, with corresponding increases in the prices of indexes, bound volumes and subscription rates. The revised prices will come into effect in January 1974 when Parliament resumes after the Christmas Adjournment.These increases in HANSARD prices are part of a general increase in Her Majesty's Stationery Office prices and

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the arrangements which are to be made for working conditions and hours of civilian, industrial and non-industrial staff at Ministry of Defence establishments and dockyards during the current emergency.

Detailed arrangements for working conditions and hours of civilian industrial and non-industrial staff at Ministry of Defence establishments and dockyards are presently being prepared. The Ministry of Defence will, however, conform to the general arrangements for the Civil Service as a whole for the periods both before and after 30th December 1973 with such exceptions as are essential to maintain the operational effectiveness of the Services.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the estimated total financial contribution by parents to their children's education at higher institutions of learning in relation to the cost borne by the State in any recent year for which figures are available.

For students in England and Wales receiving awards designed to cover the full cost of maintenance and fees but subject to parental contribution.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the reduction of 5 per cent. in applications for teacher training places in the current year in relation to future needs.

The small drop in entry to training this year is unlikely to have a significant effect on the general supply situation which, as already announced, makes it necessary to plan for larger reductions of the entry to training in 1974 and subsequently.

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

The Property Services Agency, which is responsible for accommodation for Government Departments, is negotiating with the development corporation for the lease of a shop to provide a job centre in Peterlee.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will investigate the extent to which the unemployment figures are distorted by the inclusion of persons who have no intention of working, who engage in criminal activities as a way of life, and who draw tax-free assistance while in receipt of an income, sometimes in a false name.

No. Matters of this kind have been examined recently by the Committee on Abuse of Social Security Benefits—report published March 1973, Cmnd. 5228—and the Inter-Departmental Working Party on Unemployment Statistics—report published November 1972, Cmnd. 5157.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the professional qualification, or the respective qualifications, of the 28 engineers from India for whom he has issued permits to a firm in Wolverhampton and for whose posts he was satisfied that suitable resident labour is not available.

The men concerned are professionally qualified civil engineers of whom there is a shortage in this country. All 28 are graduates of Indian universities who were interviewed and recruited in India by professionally qualified civil engineers. They are to be employed at various sites, including power stations, in the United Kingdom. The company concerned experiences a persistent shortage of site engineers. The vacancies had been advertised widely and suitable candidates were not available from the Professional and Executive Register.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has considered, in conjunction with chief constables, to encourage the appointment of additional policemen on the beat; and if he will make a statement.

Deployment of available officers is a matter for the chief officer of police, who is best able to judge the particular needs of his police area. Chief officers are well aware of the value of foot patrols, and in consultation with Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary appropriate provision is made in the establishment of each force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the shortage of regular police, if he will call a conference of chief constables to discuss the best use that could be made of special constables.

Although some forces are still seriously under strength, the number of police officers in England and Wales has continued to increase this year and recently passed 100,000 for the first time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the causes of the delay in granting a visa to Soria Camille Gough, aged 11 years, a war orphan, adopted by Mrs. Eileen Gough, to enable her to enter the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

A letter explaining the position was sent to the right hon. Member on 12th December.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when hospitals are to be designated under the Fire Precautions Act 1971.

In the early summer. There will be prior consultations with those concerned on the basis of a draft code of guidance on fire precautions in hospitals, which is at an advanced stage of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his proposals for the improvement of fire precautions in holiday camps.

We are arranging a conference between holiday camp proprietors and the Home Office early in the New Year, at which ways of making such an improvement will be discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a decision has now been taken to introduce Summer Time, in view of the present emergency.

The Government have carefully considered the balance of advantage and disadvantage of this step, taking into account its effect on different parts of the country, on various occupations and on electricity supply, and have come to the conclusion that at the present time the benefits of an early introduction of Summer Time for work done in shops and offices would not outweigh the loss of output elsewhere and the disruption that would be caused by making a change at short notice. The Government hope that employers in consultation with their employees will arrange to stagger working hours where necessary in order to make the best use of the daylight available to them.

asked the Lord President of the Council to what extent he proposes to seek to apply the Government's rulings of a three-day working week to the meetings of Parliament; and whether he will make a statement.

I am willing to consider seriously any proposals which would contribute to the conservation of fuel, and will make a statement in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the public sector borrowing requirement.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that employees of firms in Scotland who enjoy the beneficial occupation of company houses are taxed on the basis of the gross annual value of the properties as increased by the general revaluation of assessments, while in England the new valuations are not being applied; and if he will take steps to ensure that the same treatment is applied in both countries.

The same treatment is applied in both countries. As my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary announced on 26th March 1973—[Vol. 853, c. 251–2]—the rating revaluations effective in Scotland from Whitsunday 1971 and in England and Wales from April 1973 will be taken into account in relation to employees' taxable benefits from the occupation of employer-provided accommodation as from 6th April 1974. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall look into it if he will send me particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the United Kingdom has so far contributed to the European Investment Bank; on what dates contributions were made; how much the United Kingdom has received back; and on what dates.

The total amount contributed so far is £23 million, consisting of two payments of £7,500,00 each to the capital of the bank on 28th February 1973 and 28th September 1973 respectively, and two payments of about £4 million each to the reserves of the bank on the same dates.The European Investment Bank has so far made three loans in the United Kingdom totalling £32·9 million—one of £3·5 million to the Industrial Commercial Finance Corporation on 19th July 1973, and two loans of £14·7 million each to the British Steel Corporation on 31st October 1973 and 6th December 1973, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the proportion of Hong Kong Colony's currency reserves held in sterling at the end of 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971 and the latest date for which figures are available;(2) what is the aggregate value of sterling currency holdings in Hong Kong covered by the dollar exchange rate guarantee;(3) what were the undertakings entered into by the colonial authorities in Hong Kong in return for the provision of exchange rate guarantees for currency held in sterling under the Basle agreement; and whether these undertakings have been observed;(4) what discussions he has had with the colonial authorities in Hong Kong regarding the eligibility of the colony's reserves for exchange rate guarantee under the current arrangements expiring in March; and with what result.

The text of the 1968 sterling agreement with Hong Kong is set out in Cmnd. 3835 of November 1968. Details of their official reserve holdings are treated as confidential by the Hong Kong authorities. Nor, in any case, would it be appropriate for me to comment on the details of confidential arrangements with individual official sterling holders.Following the offer by Her Majesty's Government to guarantee certain official sterling balances in the six-months period from 24th September, there have been discussions with the Hong Kong authorities on the application of this offer to Hong Kong. These discussions centred principally on the official balances held with the Hong Kong commercial banks, which it is no longer appropriate to cover under these arrangements. Conclusions satisfactory to both sides have been reached.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the net overall effect on Government revenue from the tax changes referred to in his answer of 15th November 1973, column 211–12.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th December 1973; Vol. 866, c. 217–18], gave the following information:—To introduce the changes referred to, excluding for the reasons given those relating to mortgage interest and life assurance relief, and assuming that child endowments were not taxable, would cost about £250 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what annual production of coal would be required to keep the level of expenditure on crude oil and petroleum products at (a) £1,000 million per annum, (b) £1,500 million per annum and (c) £2,000 million per annum.

I have been asked to reply.The answer to this Question requires an assumption to be made about future oil price levels, and in present circumstances this is a subject of such uncertainty that I am not prepared to make a firm forecast.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure that the Northern Ireland electors' lists are properly revised.