asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects to pay his next visit to Brussels.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to make his next visit to Brussels.

I would refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in considering the grant in aid to the BBC's external services, he will pay particular attention to the requirements of services to the Third World countries.

Yes. We are very conscious of the value of these services.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement about relations between Great Britain and Chile.

Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Chile will be actuated by a desire to see a return to democratic government to ensure that detainees are released or brought to trial and that those who have sought asylum are allowed to leave the country. As regards the warships, these are already the property of the Chilean Navy and, as has been made clear, Her Majesty's Government will not impound them. But no new export licences for arms will be granted, other than for spares and equipment relating to existing contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs what policy Her Majesty's Government have towards Greece; and if he will make a statement.

We are deeply concerned at the lack of democracy in Greece, and shall continue to make this clear in seeking a proper working relationship with the Greek Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is his intention to continue the practice of the previous British Government, and of all the other current Governments of the EEC, whereby one spokesman represents the joint views of the EEC at the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and certain other international conferences; and if he will make a statement.

The extent to which the members of the European Community express a joint view at international conferences depends on the conference in question. The procedures they have adopted for the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe are flexible. When necessary the delegation of the country holding the presidency speaks on behalf of the others. These procedures have worked well, and I see no reason to change them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is now taking to encourage scientific, technological, industrial and cultural exchanges, with the USSR, and to improve the ratio of British exports as against imports from that country.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 19th March—[Vol. 870, col. 870]—we shall look for opportunities to build a safer and more productive relationship with the Soviet Union. This applies both to political relations and to the non-political fields mentioned in the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further representations have been made to the USSR about pre-1939 Anglo-Soviet claims since the Aide Memoire to the Soviet Minister for Foreign Affairs in October 1968; and if he will make a statement.

Further communications have been exchanged between the Soviet Government and ourselves, in which we have made plain our desire to reach a negotiated settlement and have impressed upon the Soviet Government their responsibilities in this matter. The hon. Member will understand if, for the sake of future negotiations, I do not now give details of these communications.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's future relations with Portugal.

The new régime in Portugal appears to have effective control at the moment of both metropolitan Portugal and the overseas territories. I shall have an opportunity to discuss the situation and our future relations with Portugal with Dr. Mario Soares, the Portuguese Socialist leader, when he visits London. We expect to take a decision on recognition soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the European Movement is to continue to receive a Government subsidy; and if he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government are currently engaged in a review of grants-in-aid to non-governmental organisations engaged in the promotion of cultural and information exchanges with Western Europe. They hope to complete the review in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards Malaysia.

It is Her Majesty's Government's policy to maintain and develop our present close and friendly relations with Malaysia. We believe that the forthcoming State visit of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 9th to 12th July will further this policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will recast the housing cost yardsticks for public sector housing to encourage design on the principles of long life/loose fit/low energy.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the studies being carried out by the Royal Institute of British Architects of work related to these principles. My Department is in touch with the studies, many of which go beyond the housing field, and we shall, of course, be looking in particular at the possible implications for public sector housing as and when reports are produced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can now make a statement on his review of matters connected with the salvaging and recycling of waste paper.

No. I welcome this opportunity, however, of urging local authorities, particularly those in conurbations near to users of waste paper, to give serious consideration to making arrangements or providing facilities for the salvaging of waste paper by themselves or in co-operation with others.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps designed to increase the supply of accommodation for rent available to families and single people.

Circular 70/74, published on 19th April, outlines some of the initiatives this Government are taking to increase local authority housing programmes. The Housing Bill, due for Second Reading shortly, will help housing associations to increase their work; and I will consider what further help and guidance I can give on housing for single people as part of the greater variety of local authority provision that is undoubtedly needed in many areas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to conclude the research exercise being carried out in conjunction with the Hertfordshire County Council concerning the control of commercial vehicle routes; and if he will make public the findings of such an exercise and the recommendations it contains for other county authorities concerned with the environmental consequences of heavy commercial vehicles.

Arrangements are being made to carry out a research exercise jointly with Hertfordshire County Council. It will consist of studies in local planning for heavy lorries, and the work is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Reports will be issued for the information of local authorities generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek the advice of local authorities in areas where motor rallies take place before finalising his views on the authorisation and control of such events.

As I indicated in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 11th April, my powers of control relate to motor rallies on the highway. The advisory committee on the control of such rallies, whom I shall consult in due course, includes local authority representatives. Additionally, any proposed amendments of the existing regulations will be referred to the local authority associations for comment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when considering the seaport sector of the Maplin project, if he will discuss the possibility with the British Transport Docks Board of using the 950 acres of reclaimed land at Southampton which is already in the ownership of the board, as an alternative site for the new Europort of the United Kingdom.

It is open to any harbour authority to submit proposals for port development, which will be considered on their merits and in relation to the national interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that local planning authorities notify every householder of the receipt of planning applications for permission to demolish, erect, extend or otherwise alter any building immediately adjacent to his home.

Subject to statutory requirements in certain cases, it is a matter for the local planning authority's discretion whether publicity should be given, by notification of neighbours or otherwise, to applications for planning permission and if so in what form. General guidance on this subject was given to planning authorities in Circular 71/73. Mr. George Dobry, QC, who is carrying out a review of the development control system, made some recommendations about publicity in his interim report published last January, in particular that all applications should receive some publicity possibly by means of a site notice. Mr. Dobry will be considering this matter further in the light of reactions to his interim report before producing his final report at the end of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the whole of the new county of Dorset is within the South-West Economic Planning Council area.

Yes. The new boundaries of each economic planning council region, as announced by my right hon. Friend in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Stott) on 3rd April—[Vol. 871, c. 379]—follow the boundaries of the new counties included in them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the report of Dr. Alan Hibbert respecting ecology in the designated central Lancashire new town area is to be published by his Department; if so, when; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Hibbert's report was commissioned by the Central Lancashire Development Corporation. Its publication is a matter for the corporation to decide.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when publication of the central Lancashire new town's outline plan is likely to be; and what period of time is expected to elapse between such publication and any public inquiry;(2) whether he has fixed a date for the public inquiry in respect of the central Lancashire new town's outline plan.

I understand from the Central Lancashire Development Corporation that it hopes to be able to publish its outline plan about the end of May. My Department has made provisional arrangements for a public inquiry into possible objections to begin on 17th September, but these arrangements will be reconsidered if publication of the plan is significantly delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to encourage forestry, including the provision of recreational facilities in woodlands.

My right hon. Friends and I recognise the importance of the forestry industry and the opportunities it offers for providing public recreation. It would, however, be premature to say anything further until we have reached conclusions on the review of forest policy initiated by our predecessors.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had in regard to qualifications for technical education teachers.

I received representations against the arrangements that had been proposed to enable certain teachers of technical subjects to qualify for the new Diploma in Technical Education. I considered these very carefully but decided that the proposed arrangements were appropriate and should be allowed to stand. My decision has been communicated to those hon. Members who forwarded representations and to the teacher's associations concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to encourage the building of community facilities to provide an alternative to hospital care for the mentally handicapped.

Local authorities have been advised on the number of places required in homes for the mentally handicapped, and they have so far put forward proposals for the provision of over 50 homes by 1978. Within the resources available I shall give a high priority to these projects.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report by the Government Actuary on his investigation of the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme for Scotland for the seven-year period ended 31st March 1969 will be published.

The report has been published today, and I have placed copies in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many incidents of rooftile displacements have been recorded in the area under the eastern approaches to Heathrow airport in each of the last five years.

The numbers of incidents known to my Department are:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to explain to warship builders in Great Britain the foreign countries to which it is Government policy to allow the export of naval vessels; and if he will make a statement.

The shipbuilding companies concerned are in touch with Government Departments, and cases are considered individually.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has reached a decision on the application for a licence under Section 110 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 by the Radio and Electronic Officers' Union.

A decision has not been reached on this application as I am awaiting the views of the National Maritime Board, of which the REOU is a member. I shall hold any further consultations necessary before reaching a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what form of inquiry is envisaged into the collision between a BAC1-11 airliner belonging to Court Line Aviation and a Piper Aztec light aircraft flown by the late Captain David Thompson at Luton Airport on 18th April 1974; and how soon he expects to be able to make an announcement.

The Chief Inspector of Accidents has ordered an inspector's investigation into the collision between a BAC1-11 and a Piper Aztec at Luton Airport on 18th April 1974, in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations 1969. An announcement to this effect appeared in The Times, Daily Telegraph and Luton Evening Post in their issues of 26th April, and an AIB bulletin setting out the salient facts of the accident will be issued by the Accidents Investigation Branch of my Department within a few days. When the investigation has been completed and the mandatory procedures complied with, a full report will be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who will then make a decision regarding its publication.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what representations have been made to her to ensure that the greater needs of the underdeveloped countries should be recognised in the Government's renegotiation of the terms of entry into the EEC.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what meeting she expects to have with Ministers of the EEC.

I returned today from a meeting of the Development Council of the Community where I met Ministers from the other EEC countries to discuss development co-operation questions. I told them that whilst we wish to bring the Protocol 22 negotiations to a successful conclusion we want to see the Community adopt more balanced aid policies to benefit not only associates but developing countries throughout the world, especially the poorest. These discussions are due to be continued next month. I am grateful for the many representations I have received supporting this policy of Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will pay an official visit to Somalia.

I have no plans to make such a visit at present.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will seek consultations with Oxfam, War on Want, Christian Aid and other agencies interested in overseas development to encourage greater participation by Great Britain in the United Nations Second Development Decade programme.

My Ministry is in frequent consultation with the agencies mentioned and is always ready to hear their representations on particular subjects. We also assist the Voluntary Committee on Overseas Aid and Develop- ment; which, in turn, supports the United Kingdom Standing Conference on the United Nations Second Development Decade to which some 70 national organisations belong.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the recent trend in costs and output of Channel Islands milk; what evidence he has of demand outstripping supply; and if he will free the price from statutory control.

Costs have shown an upward trend. Supplies of Channel Islands milk for liquid consumption under the trade's premium contract arrangements have shown a downward trend since 1966. We understand available supplies were more than sufficient to meet the trade's requirements for this particular type of milk until last winter when suppliers were unable to meet some orders in certain parts of the country. We have no plans for removing price control from this type of milk.

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that cattle slaughtered so far this year are nearly double the number slaughtered last year, what estimate he has made of the number of head of cattle expressed as dairy cows, bullocks and calves, in six months' time, 12 months' time and 18 months' time in the United Kingdom; and if he is satisfied that the projected number is sufficient to meet the demand for milk and beef.

In the first three months of this year there was an 18 per cent. increase in the number of cattle slaughtered in the United Kingdom compared with the exceptionally low levels of a year ago. The effect of the current levels of slaughtering on future milk and beef production will depend on the replacement plans of individual producers, and I could not, therefore, speculate about the number of cattle and calves up to 18 months' time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that East Riding farmers have had to pay high prices for store cattle and are having to sell fat cattle at a heavy loss, if he will take steps additional to his calf subsidy proposals to assist the industry.

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to the hon. Members for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas) and Melton (Mr. Latham) on 11th April. —[Vol. 872, c. 242–4]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his forecast of home milk production in 1974.

I understand the industry currently expects sales through the marketing schemes in the year ending 31st March 1975 to be approximately 2½per cent. lower than in the year ending 31st March 1974. It is difficult to make precise estimates at this stage of the season because of the many variable factors involved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he can now state what has been the fall in the pig breeding stock over the past six months; and what is his expectation of its size six months hence.

The latest available livestock inquiry results indicate that between September and December 1973 the total female pig breeding herd in the United Kingdom fell by 4 per cent. No more recent estimates are yet available, although the results of the March livestock inquiry in England and Wales should be published shortly. Forecasts of the future size of the breeding herd are inevitably uncertain, but the special assistance to pig producers introduced by the Government on 25th March is designed to check the herd's decline.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give figures to illustrate the reduction in the number of breeding sows and gilts over the last nine months, and his estimate of the numbers for the coming six months.

The latest available livestock inquiry results indicate that, despite a 1 per cent. increase between June and September 1973, the total female pig breeding herd in the United Kingdom at December 1973 was some 2 per cent. less than at June 1973. No more recent estimates are yet available, although the results of the March livestock inquiry in England and Wales should be published shortly. Forecasts of the future size of the breeding herd are inevitably uncertain, but the special assistance to pig producers introduced by the Government on 25th March is designed to check the herd's decline.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food upon which horticultural products he has requested the EEC Commission to impose a countervailing duty since 1st March 1974; and what was the extent of the duty imposed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to protect British growers from imports of low- publish his timetable of negotiations in respect of the next Price Review.

No. The detailed arrangements for discussions, including timing, in the course of the Annual Review vary according to the needs of the situation and it would not be appropriate to publish a timetable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the trend in United Kingdom imports, production, consumption and stocks of cheese over the most recently available six-month period.

Figures for the period July-December 1973 and for the corresponding periods in 1971 and 1972 are given below:

None. Under powers conferred by the Council of Ministers the Commission collects information about imports of certain fruits and vegetables and in specified circumstances is required to introduce a countervailing charge. Under these arrangements the following charges have been imposed since 1st March 1974.priced produce from East European countries; and whether he will make a statement on his policy on this matter

The Community's market organisation for fresh fruit and vegetables includes safeguard measures to protect growers from abnormally priced imports. We have no present proposals to strengthen those measures.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now able to make a statement on his proposals for assisting pig swill feeders genuinely unable to comply with the Diseases of Animals (Waste Food) Order 1973 by the operative date because of factors outside their control.

My Department is currently assessing the extent of the problem and the best method of helping those genuinely unable to comply by 1st July 1974 whose premises and arrangements meet the requirements of the current 1957 order and present minimal health risks.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present size of the beef mountain in the Common Market.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) on 29th April 1974.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take concerning any end-of-season surplus of potatoes following the ban on exports.

In order to provide an assured market for such a surplus, good quality ware potatoes remaining on farms at the end of the season—mid-June—will be bought by the Potato Marketing Board, with agreement of Ministers and with Exchequer assistance, at £18·50 a ton. Provisional contracts will be made as soon as possible by the Potato Marketing Board which will ensure that the arrangements do not prevent supplies from being marketed as necessary over the remainder of the season to meet demand. The arrangements are intended to safeguard the market against fluctuations in supplies and prices during the period until the new crop takes over.Similar arrangements will be made in Northern Ireland.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if, in formulating his proposals for the London allowance, he will take into account the extent to which civil servants whose place of work is in London whilst their residence is outside London are using the London allowance to obtain increased pensions for retired civil servants whose place of residence is outside London.

London weighting is paid according to an officer's place of work, not according to where he lives, and, as an integral part of salary, it is pensionable. However, the Pay Board is considering the general question of London weighting.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many pensioners now residing outside London have their pensions increased as a result of the London allowance.

No information is readily available about the number of pensioners who retired with pensionable emoluments including London weighting or about their permanent place of residence after retirement.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will cause an investigation into how many contracts have been placed by Government Departments with security firms; which such firms received such contracts; why and at what costs; and whether he will make a statement.

I shall write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the powers of Her Majesty's Forces in Northern Ireland with regard to untaxed vehicles and vehicles suspected to be stolen or employed for terrorism.

In addition to their powers under the Common law, the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973 provides that members of Her Majesty's Forces may stop, detain, enter, if needs be by force, and search any vehicle taxed or untaxed for munitions or explosives. They may require a vehicle to be moved for the purposes of search, and may within the provisions of the Act cause it to be destroyed.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many, and which, of the recommendations of the Defence Lands Committee 1971–73 (Nugent Report) have now been implemented by his Department; and which he hopes will be implemented in the next few months.

We are now urgently considering the recommendations of the Nugent Report and hope to be in a position to make an announcement reasonably soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the major building projects for universities which have been deferred beyond 1st July 1974.

The following university projects in England, Scotland and Wales, originally planned to start in 1973–74 and 1974–75 and costing more than £50,000, have been deferred beyond 30th June 1974:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the number of students reading engineering in universities, colleges of further education and polytechnics for all levels of degree, diploma, National Certi-

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding his policy towards the charging of fees in schools maintained by local education authorities.

The position is governed by Section 61 of the Education Act 1944, which provides that no fees shall be charged in respect of admission to or education at a maintained school. Local education authorities may charge fees for boarding, except in cases where suitable education cannot be provided otherwise than by boarding, and subject to arrangements for remission where necessary to avoid hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to introduce direct grants to local authorities for financing the arts.

The present channels of help through the Arts Council, the British Film Institute, the regional arts associations, and the area museum coun- ficate diplomas and City and Guilds technical and craft courses over the last five years, together with annual figures in each section.

The number of students following courses in engineering and technology was as follows:cils are working well and I am not at present contemplating direct grants to local authorities, which as the hon. Gentleman knows, now enjoy increased powers to support the arts from their own resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will consider the establishment of a special contingency fund to be used to assist in the purchase of works of art of outstanding merit which might otherwise be lost to the nation.

The establishment of such a fund is unnecessary as provision already exists for the Government to make special grants in individual cases where circumstances justify them.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the difficulty experienced in attracting young men into the Merchant Navy as officer cadets, he will give further consideration to safeguarding the future of HMS "Conway".

No. Proposals by Cheshire local education authority to cease to maintain HMS "Conway" were approved in October 1973. The question of recruitment of Merchant Navy officer cadets is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade.As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade declared to the hon. Member on 8th April—[Vol. 872, c. 1819.]—HMS "Conway" has recently provided only 20 cadets a year for the Merchant Navy and training for the Merchant Navy can now be provided more readily elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if in the next round of licensing for offshore oil exploration and production he will insert a condition requiring licensees to engage only those rig companies which will agree to operate employment standards and conditions offshore which are equivalent to onshore statutory conditions.

Policy on the terms of future licences is under review. I shall bear in mind those aspects mentioned by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy in which electricity board regions consumers are paying 30 per cent. extra for their electricity consumed before 1st May by virtue of the fact that increases will come into effect from meter readings taken on or after 1st May; and if he will make a statement.

None. Consumers will only start using electricity at the new tariff rates as from the particular date of their first quarterly meter reading after 30th April, and for most of them bills for consumption at the increased rates will only be sent out after their next quarterly meter reading during the three months beginning 1st August.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will look into the price increases in white meter electricity charges due to take effect in the summer.

All domestic tariffs are likely to increase by about 0·3p per unit under the fuel cost adjustment clauses being introduced on 1st May. In percentage terms, however, the increase for white meter consumers will be higher than the average for domestic consumers generally because the former pay a lower average charge per unit. Even at the increased rates the night charges under white meter tariffs will cover little more than the cost of the fuel used.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what proportion of total average weekly expenditure on food is accounted for by fish, among households with one woman, one man and three children, with a weekly income of £30-£40;(2) what proportion of total average weekly expenditure on food is accounted for by fresh meat, including beef, veal, mutton, lamb, pork, ham (cooked including canned), bacon and ham (uncooked), poultry and other undefined meat, among households with one woman, one man and three children, with a weekly income of £30-£40;(3) what proportion of total weekly expenditure on food is accounted for by fresh fruit among households with one man, one woman and three children with a weekly income of £30-£40;(4) what proportion of total average weekly expenditure on food is accounted for by fresh potatoes and other undefined vegetables, among households with one woman, one man and three children, with a weekly income of £30-£40.

The following information is from the Family Expenditure Survey 1972:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list all food items normally included in the Family Expenditure Survey, and in each case indicate what proportion of total average weekly expenditure on food is accounted for by each item, in the case of households consisting of one woman, one man and three children, under the age of 11 years, on the national average wage.

I regret that information is not available in the precise form requested. Estimates are available from the Family Expenditure Survey 1972 for households consisting of one man, one woman and three children under the age of 16 and in receipt of a weekly income in the range of £40 but under £50 per week—and for these households the average weekly earnings of the head were similar to the average weekly earnings for all full-time adult males. The following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will ensure that investigation into the operation and procedures adopted by the Special Branch in the Lennon affair will include the part played by the Director of Public Prosecutions; and whether the Attorney-General and the Law Officers of the Crown were apprised thereof.

I have been in touch with the Director of Public Prosecutions for the purpose of obtaining information about the facts of the case so far as his Department was concerned. I shall make a further statement about the case as soon as Possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the South African police force are currently in Great Britain on official business.

We know of none.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the provision of bail hostels for defendants on remand in England and Wales.

An experimental bail hostel has been in existence in London since November 1971. The experiment is being extended to other large centres of population and six probation and aftercare committees have been asked to provide hostels. The first two of these, in South Yorkshire and Hampshire respectively, will open later this year. In addition, two voluntary bodies have offered to provide hostels, and the first of these will open soon in London.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his investigation into allegations of ballot rigging of an election for a Scottish seat on the Final Appeal Court of the AUEW has been completed; and what action he now intends to take.

Inquiries have been made, and criminal proceedings have been commenced against two men in the Sheriff Court at Hamilton. As the case is sub judice I cannot comment further at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many mills have been closed or are on short time because of shortage of pulp imports; what impact these shortages are likely to have on newsprint supplies for the smaller circulation newspapers; and if he will make a statement.

I understand from the British Paper and Board Industry Federation that, to its knowledge, no United Kingdom mills have been closed because of a shortage of pulp imports. Some difficulty is, however, being experienced at present by some mills in maintaining adequate supplies. I understand also that United Kingdom newsprint production is not currently affected by such a shortage, but my Department continues to be in close contact with the industry.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware that between January 1972 and December 1973 the Index of Average Earnings rose by 29·7 per cent.; whether he will ascertain the latest figure; and to what extent Members' salaries would have to be increased to adjust them to this national average figure.

The Index of Average Earnings rose by 25·8 per cent. between January 1972 and February 1974. This figure, which is the latest available, was affected by the three-day working week. A 25·8 per cent. increase of the Members' annual salary of £4,500, fixed in January 1972, would result in a figure of £5,661.

asked the Lord President of the Council what is the value in real terms of a Member of Parliament's salary compared with when it was last fixed.

It is estimated that the purchasing power of a Member of Parliament's salary has fallen by 19 per cent. since January 1972, the date it was raised to its present level. This estimate is based on movement in the General Index of Retail Prices between January 1972 and March 1974, the latest available date.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will make a statement on the facilities for mass lobbying by constituents in the Palace of Westminster.

As the hon. Member is already aware, the Services Committee has examined the arrangements for mass lobbies and advised Mr. Speaker of its recommendations in its Second Report of the Session 1971–72. All these proposals have now been implemented so far as the present state of New Palace Yard permits.Mr. Speaker has accepted the Services Committee's recommendations of 10th April 1973 that Committee Rooms on the Committee Corridor should not be made available for meetings in connection with mass lobbies but that, subject to the overriding need of Select and Standing Committees, priority of the use of the Grand Committee Room, Westminster Hall, should between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. be given to meetings booked by Members in connection with mass lobbies. Constituents attending a mass lobby can, therefore, see their Member in the Central Lobby, as space permits, or in meetings booked by the Member in the Grand Committee Room, Westminster Hall.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the practice of the Inland Revenue regarding taxing the unearned income of Service pensioners; and what are are reasons for this practice.

Service pensioners are liable to tax on investment income on the same basis as other taxpayers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present rent freeze, the 1973 revaluation of properties for rating purposes will continue to be used by the Inland Revenue in calculating the amount of income tax payable by individuals whose employers provide them with living accommodation at less than normal rent, and if he will make a statement.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of revenue taken from churches in value added tax in the last financial year; and if he will consider excluding churches from this tax in the current financial year.

Churches do not normally make supplies chargeable with VAT. No official estimate has been made of the element of VAT in the costs of the goods and services which they purchase.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether interest paid by individual taxpayers on overdrafts taken out before Budget day will continue to be allowed in computing their tax liabilities if the money borrowed was used to improve or alter a house occupied in whole or part by the taxpayer.

Interest paid on an overdraft in existence on Budget Day will continue to qualify for tax relief until 5th April 1975. Thereafter, overdraft interest will be eligible for relief only if it is incurred as a business expense.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Governor of the Bank of England with regard to proposed aid to property developers; and if he will make a statement.

The Governor of the Bank of England is keeping me informed of developments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps designed to improve the accuracy of economic forecasting.

Improving the accuracy of economic forecasting is a matter of constant endeavour. I should be glad to know of any specific suggestions my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has directed the Bank of England to set up a support operation for property companies similar to that organised in relation to fringe banks.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply of today's date to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to provide that British soldiers serving in Northern Ireland will have the same right of trial by jury in any civil court proceedings as if the alleged offence had been committed in Great Britain.

This matter falls within the terms of reference of the committee under the chairmanship of Lord Gardiner, which I told the House on 4th April—[Vol. 871, c. 1471–2.]—would be set up to review the terms of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many detainees from County Armagh are currently being held in Her Majesty's Prisons; and if he will categorise them as being associated with the IRA or the UVF.

Thirty-four people with addresses in County Armagh are currently held in Her Majesty's Prisons under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973. Of the 34, 23 are detained by order of a commissioner, and 11 are held under interim custody orders pending hearing of their cases by a commissioner. It is not my policy to give details of the association of detainees with particular organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the practice regarding the retention or disposal of photographs obtained by the security forces of persons subsequently found to be innocent.

The security forces comply with the law on this matter which is set out in Section 70(4) of the Magistrates Courts Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and Section 10(4) of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of those associations forming the retail trade and the food industry with which she has had consultations, and the dates on which the consultations were held.

I have had consultations on the proposed changes to the price controls with the following bodies representing the retail trade and the food industry:Retail Consortium, 5th and 24th April 1974. Food and Drink Industries Council, 8th April 1974.CBI, 9th and 24th April 1974.I have also had consultations both formally and informally with:

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what changes in the wholesale price of cooking oils to fish and chip shops have taken place during 1974; and if she will take steps to reduce the price.

Since the end of last year, the prices of cooking oils commonly used by fish and chip shops have risen by between 30 per cent. and 98 per cent., according to type. Most of the crude oils and fats from which these oils are manufactured are imported, and the price increases are largely due to the substantial rise in world prices during 1973 following poor crops of the raw materials in some of the principal producing countries. These increases are, of course, outside this country's control.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she has approved proposals for the sale of eggs in quantities of fives and tens, instead of half-dozens and dozens; and whether she has sought guarantees against consequential price increases.

Packers and retailers normally sell eggs in quantities their customers prefer. I understand that the industry has no plans for abandoning the practice of selling in dozens and half-dozens. As things now stand I see no need for guarantees against price increases on this account.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection why her Department was unable to give a reply to a query raised by the hon. Member for Gloucester regarding departmental responsibility for replying to a Question on the implementation of the EEC Draft Directive 67/548 1967 for which the former Department of Trade and Industry had already accepted responsibility; and why it was suggested that this Question should be within the departmental responsibility of the Home Office or the Department of Employment.

I understand that the hon. Member was correctly informed that I am not responsible for replying to Questions on the directive, which deals with the approximation of laws relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. This matter has been, and still is, primarily the responsibility of the Department of Employment.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she will institute proceedings against the advertisers of scooters who suggest that these can be used by adults on pavements; and if she will make a statement.

If the hon. Member would send me a copy of the advertisement he has in mind, I should be glad to consider whether it justifies action on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now institute a review of the Salmon Report with a view to improving the career structure of the nursing profession.

No. A progress report on the working of the Salmon structure, published last year by my Department and the Welsh Office, considered that there were quite definite benefits to nurses from the clearer career pattern, including opportunities to use their clinical experience over a wider sphere.I am, however, looking into the question of ensuring that a nurse who wishes to use her clinical expertise by remaining involved in practical ward nursing should be able to have a satisfactory career outlet.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the qualifications required in each of the clerical grades in the National Health Service.

It is not the practice of the Administrative and Clerical Staffs Whitley Council to lay down qualifications for particular grades; an officer is graded according to the responsibilities and duties of his post.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the establishment at the various grades of radiographer within the National Health Service and the percentage of establishment at these grades.

Staffing levels for radiographers are matters for individual employing authorities and no central record of establishments is maintained. A detailed survey of radiographers carried out in 1972 showed, by grade, at 1st April 1972, numbers of radiographers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if she will list those agency services which have supplied radiographers to the National Health Service in the past three years, along with the fees paid to these agencies;(2) how many employees within the radiographic service of the National Health Service were previously supplied on a temporary basis by agency services; and what fee was paid to each agency for transfer to permanent staff.

185·5 agency radiographers —whole-time equivalent—were employed in the National Health Service in England at 30th April 1973, but there is no central record of numbers transferred to direct National Health Service employment. No information on the fees paid is available centrally. In 1972, the latest date for which information is available centrally, the following agencies were supplying radiographers:

• Agency of Radiographers.
• >James Alley.
• Emergency X-Rays (Private) Ltd.
• Express X-Ray Service.
• Era Agency.
• Harlex Radiography Service.
• R. W. Joyner.
• King Personnel Ltd.
• Mobile X-Rays (Private) Ltd.
• Ortho-Ray Services.
• Portable X-Rays Ltd.
• Professional X-Ray Services.
• Radiographers Agency.
• Rapid X-Rays (Private) Ltd.
• S.W. X-Ray Services.
• Warley X-Ray Service.
• Wessex Radiographers Agency.
• X-Ray Agency.
• X-Ray Staines.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the in post and the additional numbers who would normally be employed at that date.A summary of the returns from hospital authorities in England shows, in whole-time equivalent terms:qualifications required of each grade of radiographer in the National Health Service.

State registration is a normal condition of employment as a radiographer in any grade in the National Health Service. As the qualification for registration of the Radiographers Board currently requires the satisfactory completion of a full-time course of a minimum two years' duration based on the syllabus laid down by the Society of Radiographers.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she is taking to increase recruitment of radiographers within the National Health Service; and if she will make a statement.

Recruitment is a matter in the first place for area health authorities. I am considering whether the new authorities would be assisted by central guidance on methods of stimulating recruitment of a number of classes of staff, including radiographers, in particular, and I am also studying ways of further encouraging married women who already qualified as radiographers to return to practise in the National Health Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the rate of turnover of staff within the radiographic service of the National Health Service.

Excluding those who are known to have moved to other National Health Service employment, about 17 per cent. of radiographers in post at 30th April 1972 left during the following year. This figure is derived from a single survey and it is not known whether it is representative of other years.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the starting salary in each grade of radiographer and clerical staff of the National Health Service.

Scale minima are as follows: