asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many motorways are planned to cross the Pennines in addition to the M62; by what dates it is intended that they should be completed; and at what total cost at current prices.

The future road programme we announced on 17th June does not provide for any further motorway across the Pennines by the early 1980s. A later route between Sheffield and Manchester is at an early planning stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy towards the building of three or two-lane motorways.

My right hon. Friend's policy remains unchanged. The standard of the road will continue to be determined by the capacity required at a date 15 years after the time at which the road is opened.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of miles of motorway which will be completed by the end of 1974.

It is expected to complete 1,088·3 miles of motorway for which the Secretary of State is responsible in England by the end of 1974. 996·4 miles are already in use and it is expected to achieve 1,000 miles early in July. The Secretary of State is not responsible for motorways in Wales and Scotland, nor for principal road motorways in England.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of miles of motorway (a) per capita and (b) per square mile in England, and in each of the other eight member countries of the EEC, respectively.

Following are the figures for 1972:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to take a decision about the project for a bypass at Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

With the introduction of the new grant system from 1st April 1975 normal road programming arrangements have ceased. Accordingly, priority for this scheme becomes a matter for the highway authority, Bedfordshire County Council, within the framework of its transport policy and programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study has been carried out of the reduction in motorway accidents due to the introduction of overhead lighting on motorways; and what plans he has for the scale of motorway lighting in consequence of these studies.

Studies specific to motorways are in progress, but it is too early to draw conclusions. We have no plans to change the present policy of providing motorway lighting only where there is a special need.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy on the building of multi-storey flats.

I am glad to say that the number of family dwellings built in high blocks is now declining. Such blocks can be satisfactory for single people and married couples without children, but generally I believe that families with young children should be housed in low-rise development. This can be achieved at reasonably high population densities; but I hope that some of the very high densities which have produced multistorey family dwellings in inner city areas may in future be reduced by development at higher densities than in the past in outer city areas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will encourage local authorities to make arrangements for payment of local government rates by monthly instalments.

Domestic ratepayers already have a statutory right to pay by 10 instalments; I have also asked rating authorities to consider extending this facility to other classes of ratepayer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a progress report on the action he is taking to expedite decisions on objections to compulsory purchase orders.

The average waiting period for inquiries into housing compulsory purchase orders has been cut from between eight and nine months last year to around six months, and decisions on delayed orders are being issued as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money he proposes to spend on alterations to Bilsborrow Hall.

The cost of the alterations is not expected to exceed £55,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate his intentions about the rents of tenants of private landlords when the rent freeze ends on 31st December.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the Question from my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) on Friday 28th June.—[Vol. 875, c. 563.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is able to estimate the total value of that property and land which has been acquired by local authorities in England and Wales for the purpose of redevelopment but on which redevelopment has not taken place; and what part of that total has been financed from central Government funds.

No. The information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions Her Majesty's Government have recently held with local authorities and water authorities about the future level of their expenditure.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment recently met the Chairman of the National Water Council and the regional water authorities and will do so again after I have met the local authorities, which I expect to do at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in pursuit of his policy to maximise freight haulage by rail, he will give a general direction to the British Railways Board to assess the potential traffic available to them from docks and port installations not at present linked to the national rail network.

A general direction would be inappropriate. The board is continually reviewing freight opportunities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the future of the railway line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.

I am considering the future of this line in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to include St. Neots bypass, which he has approved in principle, in the major works road programme.

This scheme will be considered along with other competing projects for admission to the trunk road preparation pool.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement of Government policy with regard to the development of solar heating systems for homes.

My Department is encouraging research into the possibilities

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular inviting local highway authorities to put up illuminated road signs indicating the direction of the local hospital emergency department.

I think this is a matter best left to the discretion of local highway authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have designated a of using solar energy for heating houses. It is helping to finance two experimental schemes, at Milton Keynes and Cambridge. The Building Research Establishment is conducting an appraisal of the general effect of solar energy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest official figures for house building, both public and private.

In the first four months of this year about 41,000 public and 39,000 private dwellings were started in Great Britain, and 37,000 public and 53,000 private dwellings completed. These figures include provisional estimates for April. Provisional estimates for May will be available tomorrow.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the local authorities which have received loan sanction to build houses by direct labour since 17th May 1974, naming the scheme in each case, the value of the work involved and the number of houses.

Following is the information available to the Department at 28th June, 1974:camping site for travelling people since the Caravan Sites Act 1968.

Since 1st April 1970, when Part II of the 1968 Act came into force, 75 sites accommodating some 1,000 caravans have been opened in England and Wales. They are in the areas of 35 county and London borough councils.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions of industrial firms for atmospheric pollution have been undertaken by the Alkali Inspectorate in Sheffield and district.

There have been no recent prosecutions in the Sheffield area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to protect the environment of residents of Twickenham, the Hamptons, Teddington and Whitton following his decision to open the M3 motorway from Bagshot to Sunbury on 11th July.

Among other traffic management measures which are the responsibility of the local authorities, as the highway authorities concerned, I am arranging for the east-bound carriageway of M3 to be tapered from three to two lanes prior to Sunbury Cross, and to one lane through the interchange. Two traffic lanes in each direction will be available along the GLC's A305 /A316 scheme; the temporary road through the Metropolitan Water Board land, and the section of Feltham Hill Road joining A305 will have single lanes each way only, which, with the temporary roundabout and lane restrictions on the motorway, will tend to govern the rate of flow.Other main traffic management measures to be adapted are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to deal with additional traffic using roads in Richmond and Barnes as a result of his decision to open the M3 motorway on 11th July.

Traffic leaving M3 at Sunbury is expected to use the A305/A316 route for central London. It is not expected to use other roads in intervening areas unless it has its destination there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he accepts the recommendation of the Greater London Development Plan inquiry concerning traffic from the M3 at the Hogarth Roundabout, Chiswick.

We are considering all the recommendations of the Layfield Panel of Inquiry into the GLDP and will be stating our views as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider applying to Birmingham the restrictions on office building which have applied to London and the South-East under various Acts of Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to control the provision of prestige office development in Birmingham.

I am considering a proposal submitted by the former City of Birmingham Corporation for the extension of the office development control to the Midlands area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the review of the vehicle-testing scheme initially undertaken in September 1971 will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

The review has been substantially completed and I hope to announce my proposals very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that there is not confusion between county councils and district authorities as to their responsibility for the provision of housing for the homeless; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement made on 10th June by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment in reply to a Written Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden (Mr. Douglas-Mann).—[Vol. 874, c. 444–6.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now refuse permission for the construction of an oil refinery on Cliffe Marshes in Kent because of the nearness to large areas of population.

No, I am still considering the further representations which I invited the parties in March to submit to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to transfer control of London Transport from the Greater London Council to a statutory or private undertaking.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give priority to the holding of inquiries into enforcement notices.

No. The present arrangements already provide for priority to be given to appropriate cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what have been the changes in rate support grant to local government districts in Norfolk as a result of the substitution of a flat rate of 13p in the pound for variable domestic relief.

The effect has been to reduce domestic element of the rate support grant to district councils in Norfolk by some £2·75 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has issued to local authorities concerning the policy for allocation of council houses to ex-Service men.

A Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular No. 60/ 65, recommended that local authorities should accept applications from ex-Service men with family connections in the locality, or who have found employment there, exclusively on the basis of housing need. A report of the Central Housing Advisory Committee "Council Housing: Purposes, Procedures and Priorities", recommended sympathetic treatment for ex-Service men. This guidance was and still is commended to all local authorities. I am, however, considering whether further advice is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost of the new Avon Bridge.

Construction work on the bridge is not yet completed, but the estimated final cost is about £7·8 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy on the carriage of freight on inland waterways; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Lomas) on 10th April.—[Vol. 872, c. 160.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will order a public inquiry into the Tadcaster bypass.

The need for a public inquiry into objections to the bypass proposals is still being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the amounts of revenue lost for each of the years 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, and 1974–75, as a result of the abolition of the betterment levy by the Land Commission (Dissolution) Act.

Since July 1970, when betterment levy was abolished, development gains have been taxed under the income tax, capital gains tax and corporation tax codes. Gains arising after 18th December 1973 will be liable to the new development gains charge. It would not be possible without undue expense to quantify the effects on revenue of the abolition of betterment levy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take to reduce the lead content in petrol.

The petroleum industry is being asked to reduce the maximum lead content of petrol to 0·55 grams per litre by 1st November this year.A further review of the situation will be made next year when both the trend in petrol consumption and the possible risks to health will be better understood.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take into account the report by the Council on Tribunals on delays in the disposal of planning appeals in considering what action to take in this regard.

The council's report covers the period up to the end of July 1973, and since then some of the measures referred to have been implemented. An examination of the arrangements for dealing with appeals is being undertaken by Mr. George Dobry, QC, as part of his review of the development control system.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the effect inflation is having on the finances of local authorities, he will now consider as a matter of urgency proposing a supplementary rate support grant; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will sanction the payment of an emergency provision from central funds to enable local authorities to contain their rate call within a maximum percentage increase which should be considerably lower than some of those now demanded from rural ratepayers in particular, as a result of Government policy.

We are considering the situation in the light of the debate in the House on 27th June.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to set up a public inquiry into the system of local government finance; and if he will give details of membership, terms of reference and the date of the first sitting.

I have nothing to add to the statement my right hon. Friend made to the House on 27th June on this issue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the visit to Flixborough on Friday 14th June of his Parliamentary Secretary.

I visited the Flixborough area on 14th June, accompanied by officials from headquarters and from my Department's regional office for Yorkshire and Humberside. During the earlier part of the day, in the course of visits to Flixborough village, the north-west part of Scunthorpe, Normanby and Burton Stathar, I saw numerous examples of the damage caused by the explosion, and of the repair and rehabilitation work being carried out. I had informal talks with people injured or made homeless by the explosion, with members and officers of the local authorities, with other helpers, such as social security representatives, and with workers engaged on repair or rehousing work. I was particularly impressed by the way in which the local people were recovering from a tragic situation and by the speed and efficiency with which the local authorities and other services had responded.Later, I had discussions in Kingston upon Hull with members and officers of the district councils concerned—Boothferry, Glandford and Scunthorpe—who were joined by the Chief Executive of the Humberside County Council. These discussions provided an opportunity for following up suggestions, made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction in a letter to the authorities, of ways in which the Department could help meet the needs of the situation. There was also discussion of a large number of points raised by the local authority representatives, on various aspects of which further information is to be provided by them. I assured the representatives that the greatest practicable Government support would be forthcoming.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking about the danger to the public from the collapse of buildings constructed of pre-stressed concrete and post-tensioning; and whether he will set up a special unit in his Department to undertake an immediate national survey.

Every effort is being made to identify all buildings with roofs having isolated pre-stressed beams of high alumind cement concrete. Their owners are being advised either to close them or to take temporary safeguarding measures until engineering appraisals of the buildings have been made. As a precautionary measure a survey will also be made of a sample of other buildings with structural members of precast and pre-stressed concrete. Further action will depend on the result of this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now introduce legislation to make the wearing of seat belts by the front seat occupants of motor cars compulsory.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Upminster (Mr. Loveridge) on 22nd May. Notwithstanding the decision of another place on the matter in the Road Traffic Bill, I think it will be the wish of this House to consider it when the Bill comes here.—[Vol. 874, c. 175.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that, in any legislation concerning the wearing of seat belts, British Standards Specifications require that the belts can be adjusted to fit all sizes of persons, as some present fittings may trap the neck of small persons.

The technical specifications for the fitting of seat belts are laid down in the Construction and Use Regulations which currently require compliance with certain British Standards. It is open to those experiencing difficulty with the lie of the belt across the neck to approach the car manufacturer to see whether modification is possible. Meanwhile manufacturers are paying particular attention to this problem when fitting belts in new cars, and international discussions which envisage more stringent standards are at an advanced stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will have notices placed on motorways advising motorists that services are available on other routes near intersections, where that is so, and the ordinary motorway service areas are unusually far apart.

Where there is an exceptional distance between facilities on a continuous motorway, such signs for fuel are erected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the construction of the new Hull—Beverley trunk road and the associated Beverley South-West bypass.

The Beverley South-West bypass is the only improvement on the A1079 trunk road for which my right hon. Friend is responsible. He hopes to be able to publish draft orders for the route by the end of the year. Dualling of a short length of the A1079, now nearing completion within the Hull city boundary, is being carried out by the Humberside County Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a further statement about building societies.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead) and Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) and the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Dixon).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the building societies which took up the first and second instalments, respectively, of the Government's offer of £100 million monthly.

The following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects the M23 to be opened between Hooley and Pease Pottage.

In the early autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in addition to public participation in the consultation taking place about his proposals for the A46 Newark relief road, he will make a presentation of the alternative schemes by his Department's officials to the Nottinghamshire County Council and to Newark District Council: and if he will seek in all consultations to provide the maximum amount of detail about the individual effects on the town centre of Newark and other areas.

An offer has been made to supplement the discussions which have already taken place with both authorities, by a presentation to them at a preview of the exhibition arranged for 9th July. All the relevant information has been made publicly available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the shortage of spares which has been keeping vehicles up the of the National Bus Company and its subsidiaries off the road has now been overcome.

I understand that there has been some improvement, although certain shortages persist.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost per square foot of hiring office accommodation in London, Liverpool, Kirkby, and Ormskirk.

The average cost per square foot of hiring office accommodation for the use of the Government in the following location is:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider measures to assist local authorities in the containment of their mortgage interest rates analogous to the assistance given to the building societies.

Short-term loans of the kind offered to building societies would make no significant difference to the mortgages rates charge by local authorities since they operate on a very different financial basis. Building societies depend primarily on short-term savings for their funds, whereas local authorities generally finance their home loans on the basis of longer-term borrowing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider introducing legislation to make compulsory the wearing of hard hats by all persons under 18 years of age on horseback.

I doubt the need for legislation. All riders are advised in the Riding Code to wear a hard hat and this is compulsory for participants in events held under the aegis of the British Horse Society and the Pony Club and in show Jumping.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that trees subject to preservation orders have recently been felled in Epping; and whether he is satisfied that the penalties are adequate to deter contractors and others from such offences.

No specific case has come to my notice but I would expect the local planning authority to take appropriate action when illegal felling is suspected. If the Town and Country Amenities Bill now before Parliament is enacted the penalties for contravening tree preservation orders will be substantially increased and offenders convicted on indictment will become liable to fines commensurate with their financial gain from the offences.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the redistributive effect of the present rating system.

There is evidence that the rating system is regressive. This aspect of the system will, no doubt, be examined by the independent inquiry we are setting up to review local government finance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the criteria by which his Department assesses the need for zebra crossings on major roads.

My Department's recently revised criteria for pedestrian crossings would be difficult to reproduce in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Copies of this advice to local authorities have been placed in the Library and I am sending one to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the conditions under which local authorities are permitted to provide zebra and pelican crossings; and whether he will relax these conditions to allow local authorities to take more notice of local circumstances.

Criteria for the provision of pedestrian crossings relate to the number of pedestrians and vehicles and other site conditions. I am sending my hon. Friend the Department's recently revised advice on crossings which gives local authorities more discretion to relax the criteria at sites with special problems.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environent how many local authority houses and how many private houses were built in Staffordshire during 1970 and for the most recent year for which figures are available.

During the year ended 31st March 1974, 1,946 dwellings were reported completed for local authorities in Staffordshire, 279 for Government Departments and housing associations, and 7,570 for private owners. Corresponding figures for 1970 are on page 23 of Local Housing Statistitics No. 17 which is available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that new privately-built houses, now able to be acquired by local authorities, conform to the standards which would normally be required in houses built by local authorities: and if he will make a statement.

Houses built by local authorities have to conform to minimum Parker Morris standards, but it would be impracticable to insist that all new privately-built houses acquired by local authorities should be modified to meet those standards. As an acceptable alternative we are prepared to approve schemes involving houses built to the standards of the National House Building Council by builders registered with the council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many fatal and serious accidents were caused to motorists and pedestrians as a result of vehicles parked at road junctions in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will seek powers to ban such parking.

In 1973 there were 2,054 fatal and serious accidents within 20 yards of a junction in which a parked vehicle was a contributory factor. I think the best way to tackle this problem is to ensure that local authorities have sufficient powers to designate no stopping distances at those junctions where this is likely to prevent accidents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the total numbers of accidents, fatal and nonfatal, during the hours of darkness on that part of the M1 motorway which lies within the county of Bedfordshire since the introduction of lighting; and what were the corresponding figures for the preceding period of the same duration covering the same reasons.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet in a position to make a further announcement on the proposed cleaning of the stonework of Parliament.

There is little I can add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Staffordshire, South-West (Mr. Cormack) on 9th April, except that the results of the feasibility study have now been sent to the Services Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to extend the powers of magistrates' courts so that in any order granted by them under Section 11 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968 that order may include an injunction to prevent the same caravans from unlawful occupation within the area of the same local authority for a period to be specified at the court's discretion.

I have had no representation from local authorities designated under Section 12 of the Act to suggest that any strengthening of the legislation in this respect is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will move "Surface Noise" notices on motorways so that they give advance warning of surface noise instead of being located after the noise area has been reached.

Additional illuminated signs have been ordered to give advance warning of surface noise on stretches of the M1. It will be a few months yet before they are delivered and installed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek to arrange a round table conference of all local authorities involved in the redevelopment of London's dockland, in order to speed up the implementation of this project.

No. The local authorities involved in the redevelopment of London's docklands are co-operating with each other well. They have set up a statutory joint committee for the dock-lands on which they are all represented. One of the committee's aims is to speed up the implementation of this important project. I am keeping a careful watch on progress.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to approve amendments to Islington Borough Council's home mortgage scheme submitted early this year along lines already approved for other boroughs.

The council's letter asking for approval to amendments to its lending scheme was received by the Department on 14th June 1974. A reply will be sent shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he may expect a reply to his letter enclosing one from the Ratepayers and Residents Association of Bexhill-on-Sea on 12th June 1974.

I have today replied to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the cost of limiting rate charges to previous year's rates (a) plus 20 per cent. and (b) plus 30 per cent.

The Department has so far received details of rates from only about 65 per cent. of local authorities, and is therefore unable to make accurate estimates of the costs of limiting rate increases to particular levels. However, calculations based on the information available suggest that the cost of limiting increases in domestic rate poundages, including charges for water and sewerage, to (a) 20 per cent. and (b) 30 per cent. over 1973–74 would be of the order of £200 million and £120 million respectively. The costs of similar limitations on non-domestic rates would be considerably greater.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the restrictions on staff recruitment by the new local authorities will be lifted.

The Local Government Staff Commission for England is satisfied that it is no longer necessary to retain these restrictions for the protection of staff affected by reorganisation. The commission therefore announced on Monday that the restrictions have been cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is able to report any progress in his discussions with the Incorporated Society of Valuers, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the National Association of Estate Agents and other bodies; and if he will introduce legislation in the near future to require all estate agents to be licensed.

I have been asked to reply.We are not engaged in any such discussions at present and have no immediate plans to introduce legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the proposed restructuring of statutory bodies as recommended by the report of the Committee on Nursing under which the Central Midwives Board for Scotland is to be superseded; and what reply he has made.

The only representations I have received have originated from the Chairman of the Central Midwives Board for Scotland, who has written to all Scottish Members, some of whom have asked for my comments. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my reply to the chairman of the board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the last two months with regard to the improvement of the A9.

Work has started on two more schemes covering 121 miles in Inverness and on the Black Isle. Tenders for another 5½ miles in Inverness have been received and are being examined. A draft order has been published for a bypass of Birnam.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that the planning of the Huntlyburn Hospital is keeping to the time table announced by his predecessor.

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State said in the Adjournment debate on 9th April 1974—[Vol. 872, c. 398]—there is no commitment to a timetable for the execution of the Borders District General Hospital, not least because of the capital expenditure reductions announced on 17th December 1973. The planning stage now reached by the Borders Health Board and the Building Division of the Common Services Agency is consistent with the hospital remaining in Band III of the Scottish hospital building programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of miles of motorway (a) per capita and (b) per square mile in Scotland.

0·000021 miles and 0·00362 miles, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce his proposals for the future of the grant and loan scheme for fishermen.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 27th June to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall)—[Vol. 875. c. 496–7].

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Mole Valley flood alleviation scheme.

The compulsory purchase order associated with this project was confirmed on 20th March, 1974. It enables detailed planning and design work to proceed. Ministry officials are now in touch with the Thames Water Authority

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many agricultural tenancies were terminated in each of the last five years by the consent of the Agricultural Land Tribunal on the ground that it was in the interests of sound management;(2) how many agricultural tenancies were terminated in each of the last five years by the consent of the Agricultural Land Tribunal on the ground that it was desirable for agricultural education or research;(3) how many agricultural tenancies were terminated in each of the last five years by the consent of the Agricultural Land Tribunal on the ground that greater hardship would be caused to the landlord by refusing the consent, than to the tenant;(4) how many agricultural tenancies were terminated in each of the last five years by the consent of the Agricultural Land Tribunal on the ground that the landlord intended to use the land for a non-agricultural purpose not covered by Section 24(2)(

The following information relates to consents given by the eight agricultural land tribunals to the operation of notices to quit. I regret that I do not have any information on the number of tenancies actually terminated in consequence.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many agricultural tenancies were terminated in each of the last five years on the grounds of the death of the original tenant.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him against the making of regulations permitting the use of nicotine and ascorbic acids in food; and if he will make a statement.

Following advice from the Government's expert advisory committees, I am proposing to lay regulations before the House shortly which will specifically permit the use of ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid in food. The existing ban on the use of these acids in raw and unprocessed meat will, however, continue, and I shall be considering the extension of this ban to uncooked processed meat and meat products. Representations have been received suggesting that the use of ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid should not be generally allowed, but the evidence available to me at the moment gives me no grounds for rejecting the advice of the expert advisory committee.These substances are not prohibited in food generally at the present time, and the proposed regulations, by laying down specifications, will provide additional safeguards for consumers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total tonnage of beef and veal imported into the United Kingdom from other countries of the EEC since the commencement of the compensatory payments in the autumn of 1973 and the total payments made to exporters in the United Kingdom by the Intervention Board.

The total tonnage of beef and veal imported into the United Kingdom from other member States of the EEC in the period 1st October 1973 to 28th February 1974 was 50,658 tons. Monetary compensatory amounts paid by the Intervention Board on such imports in the period 17th September 1973 to 31st May 1974 was £2,177,208.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total tonnage of beef and veal exported from the United Kingdom to other countries of the EEC since the commencement of the compensatory payments in the autumn of 1973 and the amount of the payments made to the Intervention Board by exporters.

The total tonnage of beef and veal exported from the United Kingdom to other Member States of the EEC in the period 1st October 1973 to 28th February 1974 was 22,760 tons. Monetary compensatory amounts paid to the Intervention Board on such exports in the period 17th September 1973 to 31st May 1974 was £712,608.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Union of Agricultural Workers calling for an improvement in farm gate prices to enable farmers to pay higher wages to agricultural workers; and what has been his reply.

No such representations have been received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his examination of the case for continuing and increasing the fertiliser subsidy, to which he referred in answer to Questions from the hon. Member for Bodmin on 23rd May; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's speech in the House on 26th June.—[Vol. 875, c. 1587.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what significance he attaches to the latest evidence he has on the effects of raising the school leaving age; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a Question by the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 25th June.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will take appropriate action to make it mandatory on local education authorities to pay maintenance grants and fees in respect of all university graduates who undertake a recognised course of study in preparation for Part II of the barrister's qualifying examination;(2) whether he will take appropriate action to pay maintenance grants and fees in respect of all university graduates who undertake a recognised course of study in preparation for Part II of the barrister's qualifying examinations.

My right hon. Friend sees no reason at present to depart from the existing arrangements whereby awards for such courses are made at the discretion of local education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he can now announce his decision on the recommendation of the Russell Committee on Adult Education proposing that students accepted for a course at a long-term residential college should receive mandatory awards.

As I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas) on 21st May, my right hon. Friend wishes to complete his study of the committee's report before taking decisions on individual recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue revised school building regulations primarily designed to improve the quality of staff room accommodation.

I do not think that new regulations are required. The rate of improvement depends on the resources available for school building.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he will not propose amending the system of grants to student unions so that they are expressly confined to the financing of sporting and other non-controversial cultural purposes using the money so saved to increase the individual student's grants and allow students themselves to pay for the organisation of political events.

Student unions are organised and financed in many different ways and serve many different purposes. My right hon. Friend has not yet considered whether any changes need to be made in the present arrangements for their financing and he would not embark on any significant change without consulting the various interests concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which colleges of education he proposes should be closed, and which colleges of education he proposes should continue to operate independently of a university or polytechnic.

Discussions on the cessation of initial training of teachers at several colleges are continuing. Although authorities submitted interim reports under Circular 7/73, few final plans have yet been received and the only institution the independent existence of which has been formally approved so far is that resulting from the union of the Crewe and Alsager Colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what study he is making of sports facilities in Ulster.

Each of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland has been requested to carry out detailed surveys of sport and recreation facilities in its area and produce a programme of provision for the next five to 10 years. A number of councils have appointed specialist recreation officers to undertake this task and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland has an advisory rôle in relation to all levels of provision. A programme costing some £2 million a year is under way.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of "protest" parades, legal or illegal, which have been held or have been attempted, in Armagh City between January 1970 and May 1974.

Fourteen "protest parades were held in Armagh City during the period 1st January 1970 to 31st May 1974 and are listed below. With the exception of those held on 26th August 1971 and 21st January 1972, none of them contravened an order under the Public Order Acts (Northern Ireland). No other marches were attempted.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated percentage reduction in use of petrol and oil by each of the three Services following the increase in fuel prices; and what is the estimated total additional cost to be met from the Defence Vote as a result of the increase.

Most of the measures to restrict the Service usage of all petroleum fuels introduced in November 1973 were extended after national restrictions on the supply of fuel were suspended at the end of April 1974. The minimum target for savings remains at 10 per cent. I am satisfied that each of the three Services is continuing to exercise the maximum economies consistent with safeguarding its operational capability and efficiency.The additional cost to Defence Votes in 1974–75 for oil fuels, excluding lubricants, since the Estimates were prepared is assessed at £77 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what financial assistance has been given to the British aircraft industry over the last 10 years, 1964 to 1974, in respect of military research, development and procurement contracts.

Total payment to the British aerospace industry in respect of military research, development and procurement contracts in the ten calendar years 1964–73 were:

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Recommendation 22, which was approved by the NATO Assembly at Bonn in November 1972, has been accepted by Her Majesty's Government.

The recommendations of the North Atlantic Assembly are not presented to individual Governments for acceptance. They are put before the North Atlantic Council for consideration in the context of Alliance policy. The comments of the North Atlantic Council on Recommendation 22 were sent to the Secretary of the Assembly on 29th March 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence contracts have been cancelled since 1967; and what was their total cost, including research and development.

No separate records are kept centrally of contracts which may have been cancelled for any one of a number of different reasons. I will try to help my hon. Friend if he is more specific about what he had in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the recent increase in coal charges.

I regret that no estimate is available of the effect on the retail prices index of the recent increase in coal charges which related to non-domestic supplies.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the introduction of the proposed higher postal and telephone charges.

The increase in postal charges which took effect on 24th June