asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals he has for reorganising the shipbuilding industry.

Our proposals were set out in our election manifesto.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress he has made in his discussions with Austin Pickersgill's about the reorganisation and improvement of its Wear shipyards.

An offer of assistance towards Austin and Pickersgill's modernisation plan has been made under Section 7 of the Industry Act and the company is considering it.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the number of inquiries current for new factories or factory extensions in the North-East and on Tyneside, respectively; and what prospective employment is involved.

There are 36 current inquiries for new Government factories in the North-East, holding out the prospect of about 2,500 jobs. It is not possible to say how many of these may be accommodated on Tyneside. However, six of the inquiries are for extensions to existing factories, providing about 550 jobs, of which three are on Tyneside and will provide about 325 jobs.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she will take immediate action designed to curb the practice by butchers of marking the price of meat per pound and then demanding a substantially higher price for the purchase of such meat upon dividing and weighing it.

If a shopper is likely to be misled by the practice mentioned by my hon. Friend, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 provides penalties. This Act is currently being reviewed by the Director General of Fair Trading.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will make a statement about the application of the proposed Newport District Council to control the weights and measures service at present operated by the Newport Borough Council.

I am still considering this application, but hope to announce my decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will assist local consumer groups whose records show them to be efficient in checking prices, quality and service in their respective districts.

I hope to discuss shortly with the National Federation of Consumer Groups ways in which local groups might co-operate with my Department to protect consumers.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what foods are currently subsidised; and by what amounts in the current year.

The retail prices of milk and butter are currently subsidised: milk by about 1p a pint and butter by 2p a lb., half of which is financed from EEC funds. In addition, a special subsidy on butter is being paid to people in receipt of social assistance who are able to obtain 1lb. of butter per month at 9p below the normal price, all of it from EEC funds.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when she proposes to introduce legislation providing for unit pricing.

I hope to do so shortly as part of the legislation on prices.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will publish a Green Paper relating to the possibilities of a two-tier structure for companies and employee participation therein.

This option will be examined among others in the preparation of the Government's proposals on industrial democracy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will make a statement regarding the loss of the Hull trawler "Gaul" which has been missing with the total loss of 36 men since Friday 8th February, and his intentions regarding a public inquiry into this disaster.

A statutory preliminary inquiry was ordered on 15th February, as soon as the major search had been abandoned. I expect to have the report by the middle of next month, when I shall consider what further action to take.I am sure that the House would wish to join me in taking this opportunity to express deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who were lost in this tragic occurrence.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will seek information from the Canadian Government of their experience on the use in fishing vessels of a device equivalent to the black box used in aeroplanes, with a view to making it obligatory for all trawlers in the deep sea fishing fleet to use such a safety precaution.

I am not aware of the use of such a device in fishing vessels but am making the necessary inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what restrictions on import controls and export subsidies are imposed by EEC and GATT regulations; and whether there are any circumstances in which these cease to be binding on member countries.

Quantitative import restrictions are not normally permitted under GATT and EEC rules but there are circumstances, including balance of payments difficulties and sectoral problems for particular industries, where they may be temporarily imposed. Export subsidies for manufactures are not permitted in the GATT. Where such subsidies distort trade between member States they are also prohibited in the EEC.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, pending the outcome of the French inquiry into the recent crash of a Turkish airliner near Paris, he will require all British operators of DC10 aircraft to ensure that the rear cargo doors of these aircraft are either sealed or locked by automatic means before take-off.

Laker Airways, the only British operator of these aircraft, has permanently closed the rear cargo door of its DC10 aircraft and has screwed a metal plate over the lock handles. These doors will not be put back in use until some additional modifications and checks which are now being done have been carried out. I am assured by the Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for British airworthiness standards, that it is satisfied with the measures taken by Laker Airways.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the recent air disaster involving many British families, he will seek to ascertain from the Turkish Government the arrangements ments made for insurance by the owners of the DC10 aircraft which crashed near Paris, and offer advice to the relatives of those killed on the procedures to be followed in making claims for compensation.

I have asked my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to approach the Turkish Government. As regards compensation the legal personal representatives of those who lost their lives would be wise to seek legal guidance at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to ensure that the interests of British families whose relatives were killed in the recent Turkish airliner crash near Paris are adequately represented at the inquiry into the cause of the disaster and at other negotiations on the insurance and compensation implications.

The inquiry into the accident to the Turkish Airlines DC10 is being conducted by a French commission of inquiry and a senior member of the staff of the Chief Inspector of Accidents has been permitted to be present during its deliberations as United Kingdom observer. There is no provision under the French procedure for passengers to be represented in this technical inquiry into the cause of the accident, such as exists under our own public inquiry procedure. There is, on the other hand, a separate judicial inquiry conducted by a juge d'instruction who is empowered to investigate and establish any penal responsibility in all cases of death or injury sustained through imprudence or negligence.I am advised that there is a procedure available under French law whereby representations could be made to the

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has agreed to the request by the Northamptonshire County Council contained in its letter G/MG of 7th March 1974 that he receive a deputation of councillors to hear their case for special recognition of the financial problems caused to the ratepayers by the council's co-operation with Government measures for the relocation of population and industry in the new and expanding towns of Northamptonshire.

My right hon. Friend was not able to receive the proposed deputation when the request was first made. But if, having considered the position in the light of the Rate Support Grant Order which has now been made, the county council wishes to renew its request, it will be given favourable consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will end the temporary speed limit of 50 miles per hour on motorways.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take immediate steps to reintroduce the 70 mph limit on motorways.

I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy have this matter under review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has sought or received from the police with regard to the abandonment of the 50 mph speed restriction on motorways.

I have sought their views on a proposal that when the fuel situation permits the 70 mph limit should be restored.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to increase the number of driving test examiners, so as to reduce the waiting time for people wishing to take a driving test; and if he will make a statement.

I am reviewing arrangements for the recruitment of additional examiners so that they may be recruited as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will initiate, as a matter of urgency, a programme of research, development and grant-aid to companies developing battery-operated buses and small vehicles in order to reduce pollution and congestion in inner-city areas.

The Government are already supporting battery research.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many transport authorities have battery-operated buses in service.

Two Government-sponsored battery-driven buses have been tested in service in a number of locations. I understand that SELNEC PTE hopes shortly to bring into service a battery-driven bus developed jointly by itself and Chloride.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consult with Manchester Corporation concerning the rate support grant for 1974–75.

My right hon. Friend has now announced his decision on the rate support grant for 1974–75. It will substantially benefit the area of Manchester District Council and other inter-city areas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will extend the qualification period for improvement grants, in view of the fact that some decisions on appeals have not yet been given and there will be no time for the completion of such improvements within the existing permitted time.

I am aware of the difficulties that could arise because of the requirement of the Housing Act 1971 that improvements in the assisted areas must be completed before 23rd June next to qualify for the preferential rate of grant. This is among a number of housing problems which are now receiving urgent attention with a view to deciding which should be tackled as a matter of priority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will reconsider the decision in relation to the Manchester Piccadilly Victoria scheme.

Expenditure restrictions will not permit a start on construction before 1975, but design on the Picc-Vic system is continuing. The Greater Manchester Council will have to decide whether to include it in its transport policy and programme for 1975–76.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to put on exhibition in Ipswich the plans for alternative routes for the Southern bypass, showing of which was postponed there by the recent General Election.

This exhibition will now be arranged in the late spring, subject to the availability of suitable accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the road programme and commencement of the Esher bypass.

Tenders for construction of the Esher bypass have been received and are under consideration. The works will be started as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will allow British Archaeological Reports to publish excavation reports, the copyright of which belongs to his Department, in cases where the author and excavator agree to such publication.

If such a request were received, my right hon. Friend would be extremely happy to consider it in consultation with the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is prepared to give financial assistance to British Archaeological Reports to further its publication of archaeological excavation material.

My right hon. Friend arranges for publication by Her Majesty's Stationery Office of reports of selected excavations conducted or sponsored by the Department. He also contributes towards publication by learned bodies. He is not however prepared to subsidise commercial competition with the Government publisher.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when a public announcement may be expected regarding the start of work on the proposed Bromsgrove Eastern bypass for which an inquiry was held on 13th March 1973.

My right hon. Friend hopes to announce shortly decisions on the side roads order and compulsory purchase order which were the subject of the public inquiry. I cannot forecast how soon the highway authority may be able to start work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now extend the provision for double glazing, etc., under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1973 to cover extra noise occasioned by traffic management schemes as in Sudbury, Suffolk.

No. The regulations as a whole will be reviewed after a reasonable period of operation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he estimates that a start will be made on the bypass to the villages of Clenchwarton, Terrington St. Clements and Walpole Cross Keys on the A17 in Norfolk.

This scheme is to be considered for acceptance in the firm programme in the first half of next year. Its timing and the priority which it can be afforded in the road programme will be determined then.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the completion date for the southern bypass to King's Lynn on the A47.

The summer of 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when work will start on the Malton bypass; and if he will make a statement.

This scheme will now require publication of further draft orders and consideration of any objections. It is therefore too soon to say when work can start.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the distress caused to council house tenants, and especially the elderly, when they are given a notice to quit and deliver up their house when a local authority wishes to vary the rent; and if he will consider ways of changing the practice.

Local authorities are not required to give notice to quit when proposing to vary the rent of a tenancy. Authorities were urged in a 1968 circular to give immediate effect to Section 12 of the Prices and Incomes Act 1968, which removed the previous requirement to serve notice to quit in respect of increases; individual authorities have discretion to decide what practice they follow in this matter. My hon. Friend and the public generally should be aware of the Secretary of State's order imposing a standstill on rent increases for publicly-or privately-owned dwellings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many objections have been received to the line of the Appleby bypass in Westmorland; when he expects them to be resolved; and when he expects to be able to invite tenders.

Five. All the points at issue have now been agreed. A draft compulsory purchase order has yet to be published and invitations to tender must await the outcome of this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends that the Brough bypass in Westmorland is to proceed.

Yes. Tenders will be invited shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to reduce the lead content in petrol.

I am considering this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what visits have been made by officials of his Department to firms which are making sealed recirculatory cooling systems in order that he may be made aware of the possible replacement of cooling towers by these systems with consequent benefit to the environment;(2) what inquiries he has made from firms making sealed recirculatory cooling systems, in view of the possible replacement of cooling towers by these systems with consequent benefit to the environment.

None. Officials of the Department are aware of the systems which are made much more expensive than the evaporative systems commonly in use. The development of these systems and their use in practice will be carefully watched and I am always ready to receive information either from the firms concerned or from the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now order a total freeze for 1974 on domestic rates so that ratepayers may benefit equally with those living in rented accommodation.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has subsi- dised the rates of urban citizens but not of those living in smaller communities.

Under the Rate Support Grant Order which my right hon. Friend laid on 14th March, domestic ratepayers in rural areas will receive exactly the same amount in the pound of rate relief as will those in urban areas—13p in England and 33½p in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards worker participation in the nationalised industries.

The Government will be considering ways of making the managements of nationalised industries more responsible to the employees in the industries, as indicated in our election manifesto.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the nature of the dispute currently affecting Falmouth Docks; what approaches have been made to his Department by any or either of the parties in dispute; what initiative his Department is prepared to take to bring about an early resolution of the dispute; and what information he has about the intention of the yard's owners in relation to recommencing normal working.

The dispute arises over the interpretation of an agreement between Silley Cox and Company Limited and the signatory trade unions. The issues involve arrangements for consultation, the introduction of shift working and arbitration. At the request of the trade unions my conciliation officers held two joint meetings on 4th and 8th March. These meetings led to the company and trade unions agreeing to resume negotiations within procedure. It is their joint intention to agree a return to work just as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to deal with the pay claim of the fingerprint officers at New Scotland Yard.

The pay of Metropolitan Police fingerprint officers is linked to that of the scientific Civil Service. The method of determining the pay of this group is currently being examined by the Pay Board, and my right hon. Friend will consider the situation as quickly as possible in the light of the board's report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ascertain the extent and dangers of drugs being administered to racehorses.

My right hon. Friend has no responsibility for this matter. It is the concern primarily of the Jockey Club, operating through Racecourse Security Services Limited, a body established following consultations with the Levy Board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now reconsider the position of the nine Chilean students who have sought permission to remain in Great Britain.

I assume my hon. Friend refers to the group of seven Chileans who sought admission last December. Three have since been admitted to Norway. The remaining four have applications before the High Court on which I cannot properly comment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many electors are now registered in each of the new local government districts in the counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside.

I regret that 1974 figures are not yet available. They are in the process of being collated and are likely to be ready in another month or so. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as they are received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to reintroduce legislation, during the present Session, regarding the safety of sports grounds.

I hope to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now lay an order granting tariff increases to hackney carriages in the Greater London area.

An order will be made shortly, and a further statement will be made when it is published.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he proposes to maintain the objectives of farm income set out in the Agriculture Act 1947 during the period of renegotiation of the common agricultural policy.

Our intention is to encourage the maximum economic production of food by the United Kingdom farming industry in the interests of the national economy. We shall seek to achieve this by expanding an efficient industry and creating the conditions under which farmers will get a fair return for their produce.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about the future price of sugar imported under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement.

For sugar shipped up to 31st December 1974, when the agreement is due to end, the price remains at £50 per ton for bulk sugar fob and stowed basis 96 degrees polarisation, with an addition of between £7 and £11 per ton for shipments from the developing countries. However, as I explained in the debate on 14th March an adjustment is being made in the price for 1972.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sow slaughterings have taken place in the last full month, and the last three months, for which records are available; and how these compare with the same periods one year ago.

The available statistics do not distinguish sow from boar slaughterings. In the four weeks ended 2nd March 1974, 50,000 sows and boars are estimated to have been slaughtered in the United Kingdom compared with a total of 32,000 in the corresponding period last year. Slaughterings in the three months December 1973 to February 1974 inclusive totalled 140,000 compared with 96,000 in the same months a year ago.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the percentage rate of fall in the total English pig breeding herd in the period September to December 1973; and what is his estimate of the further deterioration since then.

Between September and December 1973 the census of livestock recorded a fall of 3·6 per cent. in the English female pig breeding herd. No reliable estimate is available of the size of the change in breeding herd numbers since last December, but sow slaughterings have continued at a high level.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase has taken place in percentage terms in sow slaughterings over the last three months compared with the same period 12 months previously; and what action he proposes to take to reverse the current trend.

The available statistics do not distinguish sow from boar slaughterings. However, it is estimated that weekly sow slaughterings in the United Kingdom have over the last three months been on average some 45 per cent. above the levels of 12 months ago. I am urgently considering the position and have already had discussions with the farmers' unions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on pig production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to stop the rapid reduction in pig numbers which is now taking place, and to restore the pig producing industry to profitability.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the high cost of feeding stuffs and the low return on pigs, he will take action to improve the stock of pigs in the East Riding of Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to alleviate the problems of pig producers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reverse the present decline in the pig breeding stock.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present financial state of pig production and producers in the United Kingdom and state approximately how much pig producers are now losing on each pig produced.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for improving the financial return of British pig producers.

I have nothing to add to my reply on 15th March to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen).—[Vol. 870, c. 5.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice is being given to British farmers, particularly in the southern counties, in view of the foot-and-mouth epidemic in Northern France in the light of possible transmission of the disease by birds.

The Ministry issued on 13th March a Press notice drawing attention to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Northern France and urging farmers in Great Britain to keep a close watch on their stock and to report any suspicion of disease to their local Ministry divisional veterinary officer or to the police.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that United Kingdom horticulturists using heating oil are placed on a fair competitive basis vis-à-vis certain continental producers who have been protected from oil price increases by Government fuel subsidies.

We have no evidence that continental producers have been protected from oil price increases by Government fuel subsidies. Certain aids have been proposed but these fall short of full recoupment. We are, however, currently considering the whole question of British growers' heating oil costs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the disparity between British and Dutch prices of heavy fuel oil for heating in the glasshouse industry.

We have received a number of letters from hon. Members and others and have had discussions with the farmers' unions about the recent increases in the prices paid by British growers of glasshouse crops for heating oils. References have been made to lower costs in the Netherlands, where most glasshouses are heated by natural gas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the anxiety in the horticultural industry in regard to the injurious effect of the price of oil on growing under glass; and if he will take steps to ameliorate the situation.

We are fully aware of the industry's concern about this matter and are currently considering it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a detailed statement showing the present estimated state of financial profit or loss in the specialist beef production industry in the United Kingdom; and if he will take immediate steps in the interests of specialist beef producers.

Information on the profitability of specialist beef production in the United Kingdom is not available in the form requested. I have, however, discussed with the farmers' unions the current problems facing beef producers as well as other livestock producers; and I am now considering what action is necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the proceeds of the excess acreage levy on potatoes grown in England and Wales in each of the past 10 years.

The amounts which the Potato Marketing Board obtained from its excess acreage levy are given below. These figures relate to Great Britain; a breakdown for England and Wales is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many civil servants are employed on the administration of the potato acreage controls and the excess acreage levy; and how many were so employed in 1964 and 1969, respectively.

None. These matters are administered by the Potato Marketing Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tons of timber of various types were imported into the United Kingdom in 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1973; and what was the cost of such timber in each of those years.

I have been asked to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the issue of CR gas to the Army in Northern Ireland; and if he will publish the results of the tests carried out into the effects of CR gas.

CR is available in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the United Kingdom, and has been authorised for use there in certain special circumstances, particularly when it may enable the use of firearms to be avoided when the Armed Forces have been called in to help deal with terrorists. It is not a gas and is normally available for use in liquid solution.An intensive testing programme into CR over several years is largely completed and gives no cause for concern. The results are being made available in reports to appropriate scientific journals; some have been published, others await publication or are in course of submission.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current total manpower in the Territorial Army; and what was the number at June 1970.

The current total strength of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve is 54,419. The corresponding figure for June 1970 was 48,035.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of training given in the Territorial Army relating to crowd and riot control, urban warfare and related matters.

Trained soldiers of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve are given instruction in the principles of internal security in a general war situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of recruitment per recruit to the Territorial Army in the year prior to June 1970, compared to the most recent year for which figures are available.

The cost of recruiting and publicity for the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve in 1969–70 was £4·50 per recruit. In 1972–73 the corresponding cost was £5·50 per recruit, making no adjustment for inflation.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many houses and flats in Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Manorbier are the responsibility of his Department; and how many of these are at present vacant.

My Department is responsible for 243 quarters in Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Manorbier; 198 quarters are unoccupied at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement regarding Government policy concerning parental contributions towards the higher education of students.

The parental contribution is one of the matters being considered in the current review of student grants. My right hon. Friend hopes to announce the results of the review within about the next two months.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the ages of schools in the local authority areas of Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Todmorden, Hebden Royd, Hepton and Ripponden; on what date replacement of any of these schools was announced; what were the opening dates for new schools, which replaced older schools, in the last five years; what are the latest forecasts of when planned replacements will take place; and how many pupils are currently attending schools due for replacement.

The detailed information required is not all immediately available in the Department. I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to introduce legislation for the implementation of a public lending right.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Money) on Friday 15th March.—[Vol 870, c. 9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will hold discussions with the nationalised energy industries with a view to determining what level of domestic and industrial charges should be levied in order to provide a profitable basis for their operation; and if he will make a statement.

My Department regularly discusses financial matters, including prices, with the nationalised fuel industries. I have, however, no statement to make today.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will compare the tonnage, as a percentage of total coal produced, of opencast coal produced in the United Kingdom, France and the Federal Republic of Germany, including brown coal.

In the United Kingdom opencast coal was 7·7 per cent. of total production in 1973. I am advised that hard coal in the Federal Republic of Germany and in France is almost entirely from deep mines but that brown coal is obtained almost wholly by opencast methods. Brown coal is not produced here. The calorific value of brown coal is very much less than that of hard coal, and two sets of percentages are given below. The first has been calculated from physical tonnages and the second from coal equivalent tonnages calculated on the EEC basis. These percentages relate to 1972, the latest year for which figures have been published by the Statistical Office of the European Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to make a statement on the choice of nuclear reactor for the next nuclear power station programme of the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board.

The Government intend to announce their decisions on reactor choice as soon as possible, but these will not be taken until the House has had an opportunity to debate the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is aware of the widespread concern in Suffolk at the proposal that the Central Electricity Generating Board installs a United States water-cooled nuclear reactor power station at Sizewell when the relevant safety factors are still open to doubt; and if he will make an early policy statement.

The board has made alternative applications for consent to build a power station to use one of various nuclear reactors including that mentioned by the hon. Member. No consent will be issued until the Government have decided on the type of reactor to be used in the nuclear programme and a nuclear site licence can also be issued on suitable safety conditions. I have already promised that the House will first be given the opportunity to consider these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present estimate on current prices of the cost per unit of electricity produced by coal, oil and nuclear energy, respectively.

This is a matter for the CEGB and I am asking the Chairman to write to the hon. Member giving him such information as is readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what he assesses to be the effect of the miners' settlement on steel prices; and what percentage rise in steel prices would be required on average to offset lost revenue due to the recent dispute and increased coal, electricity and oil prices.

I have been asked to reply.The increase in the price of coal will add around £45 million a year to the British Steel Corporation's costs. Oil and raw material price increases have also added to steelmaking costs. We are considering with the corporation the implications of these and other factors for its future price level.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what conclusions he has reached on the improvements in productivity of industrial plant that can be achieved by the installation of sealed recirculatory cooling and the consequent elimination of periods of inactivity for maintenance.

I have been asked to reply.I have reached no general conclusions although some work has been done by the National Engineering Laboratory. Perhaps the hon. Member would like to write to me if he has further proposals to make.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with regard to the continued safety of British subjects and interests in Grenada; and whether he will make a statement.

I have received no reports that the safety of United Kingdom belongers in Grenada, who now number about 100, or of British interests has been threatened. The British High Commissioner and members of his staff accredited to Grenada are in touch with the British community. I do not believe they are in danger.

asked the Minister for Overseas Development how many copies of the March issue of Encounter have been made officially available within her Department.

Copies of Mr. Bauer's article in the March issue of Encounter are being made available to the staff of the Ministry as are all articles noticed in the daily and weekly Press and other publications which have a bearing on its work.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what aid and credit is currently being supplied by Great Britain to the present Chilean Administration.

Expenditure on aid to Chile for the six months ending 31st March 1974 is estimated as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many members of the Chilean armed forces and police are at present being trained in Great Britain; and what agreements are in existence for the continuation of those arrangements.

I have been asked to reply.About 75 members of the Chilean Navy are being trained in connection with naval sales contracts concluded in 1969.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what programme he has in mind for diminishing interest rates for the house purchaser; to what extent the 11 per cent. currently being paid on mortgages could be reduced by adopting his proposals; and in what period of time.

The Government are considering urgently how best to deal with the difficulties now affecting mortgages, in consultation with the Building Societies Association.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cancel the current directive to major banks, which causes them to pay a lower rate of interest on normal-size savings deposited with them than on large deposits.

I have noted the hon. Member's concern.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has completed his consideration of the Page Report on National Savings; and if he will make a statement, particularly in relation to the continued existence of the national savings stamp.

I am studying the report but am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce early legislation to end the operation of double taxation relief enjoyed by multinational oil companies, and other taxation anomalies referred to in paragraphs 54 to 66 of the First Report from the Committee of Public Accounts on North Seal Oil and Gas, Session 1972–73.

I have noted my hon. Friend's proposal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what stake the Government have in British Petroleum; how many directors they supply to the board of British Petroleum; how they are selected; what instructions they are given on conflicts which may arise between the interests of the public and the interests of the company; and whether the activities of this company or their directors are in any way accountable to Parliament.

The Government own 48·2 per cent. of the ordinary stock of the British Petroleum Company Ltd. They are entitled to select and appoint to the board of the company two Government directors, who are required to report to the Treasury on all matters on which the Government ought to be informed; all such appointments are made with the approval of the Prime Minister and current practice is to appoint for three years. The Government directors maintain regular contact with the Treasury. They have a power of veto over decisions of the board on matters of general policy. It has, however, been the policy of successive Governments not to use the shareholding to intervene in the administration of the company as a commercial concern and the Government's general relations with the company are conducted, as with other companies, through normal departmental channels direct with the management.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate the effect of value added tax on charities, including the fact that this is likely to affect church organisations to the extent of £2 million a year, with a view to considering ways in which bona fide charities could be relieved of this payment.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in receipt of national health insurance retirement pension pay tax.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Exchequer subsidy would be required to prevent (a) the price of the standard loaf of bread rising by 1p, (b) the cost of beef from rising 3p per pound, and (c) the price of refined sugar rising by 1p per pound.

I have been asked to reply.Assuming that such subsidies were fully cost effective, it is estimated that it would cost about £26 million a year to prevent the price of the standard loaf rising by 1p, £41 million a year to prevent the price of carcase beef and veal from rising by 3p a pound and £24 million a year to prevent the price of refined sugar sold in shops from rising by 1p per pound.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total cost of the Sunningdale Conference.

The cost falling to my Department, including travelling expenses, hospitality, food, accommodation, communications and extra staff costs, was approximately £12,200. The cost of additional police services has been calculated at a figure of approximately £34,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the proposed Sunningdale Agreement in view of the recent election results in Northern Ireland.

Her Majesty's Government intend to work together with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government of the Republic of Ireland to give effect to the proposals in the communiqué signed after the conference at Sunningdale last December.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Irish Republic; and if the meeting was at his request or at the request of Dr. Fitzgerald.

I met the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Ireland on 7th March at his request, and I was very glad to have an early opportunity of discussing matters of mutual interest.

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to make arrangements whereby the proceedings of Mr. Speaker's Conference on Electoral Law of 1965–68 are made available to the members of any future committee considering the subject.

This would be a matter for Mr. Speaker to determine in the light of representations made to him by any such committee or conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the further devolution of government in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the establishing of a Scottish assembly.

The Government have undertaken to initiate discussions in Scotland about the Kilbrandon Report. Proposals will then be brought forward for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has instructed the Director of the Royal Scottish Museum to abolish admission charges.

The arrangements for ending admission charges at the Royal Scottish Museum will be announced shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has notified the boards of trustees of the Scottish national galleries and museums that he would raise no objection to their abolition of admission charges to the institutions for which they are responsible.

I am consulting the Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland about the arrangements for ending admission charges at their institutions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to take into public ownership the land required for development at Hunterston and Stewarton.

I understand that the county council has in mind acquisition proposals for Hunterston which I may have to consider in due course. The planning decision about development at Stewarton has still to be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide financial assistance to Aberdeenshire County Council to finance additional expenditure incurred on roads required as a result of oil and oil-related developments.

A good deal of financial assistance is already being provided for this purpose. Further applications will be considered on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether additional financial assistance will be provided to local authorities in Moray and Nairn to finance additional expenditure incurred on roads required as a result of oil-related developments.

A good deal of financial assistance is already being provided for this purpose. Further applications will be considered on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state Her Majesty's Government's view on the extension of Scottish fishing limits.

Fishing limits around Scotland are part of the wider question of United Kingdom fishery limits as a whole, which is under study in preparation for the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations have taken place and are planned with Scottish fishing interests in relation to the submissions to be made at the forthcoming Law of the Sea Conference.

The working group representing the Scottish fishery interests has met twice since its formation last year. Further meetings will be arranged as necessary in order to ensure that the views of the fishing industry are fully taken into account in determining United Kingdom policy at the conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that Dundee is mentioned in all relevant industrial and trade documents and shown on all development maps issued by the Scottish Office and its allied agencies.

This is already the practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will defer the forth-coming region and district elections until such time as discussions on a Scottish assembly have been completed.

No.