asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider providing a link road to connect the M40 motorway extension with the Oxford.

This is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has an estimate of the number of domestic ratepayers whose rates were increased by his rate support grant order.

As a result of the change I made in the domestic element about 9·3 million domestic ratepayers received less, and 7·4 million received more, rate relief than that proposed by the previous Government. The total national rate increase was, of course, entirely unaffected by that change. The rate relief scheme announced on Monday will benefit ratepayers in over 300 districts in England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by the Dobry Committee.

Considerable progress has been made and discussions held with many interested parties and local authorities. Mr. Dobry expects to complete his final report by the end of the year. In addition, he will very shortly submit a special report on the control of demolition which will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what new proposals he has for helping newly-married young couples to purchase a first house.

We have already taken a number of steps to help home owners and home buyers and shall now be considering, as an important part of our comprehensive review of housing finance, further ways and means of helping first-time buyers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual cost to public funds of erecting, decorating and dismantling ornamental flagstaffs in Pall Mall for State visits such as that recently undertaken by the King and Queen of Malaysia.

Flagstaffs are not erected in Pall Mall but in the Mall. The annual cost depends on the number of State visits during the year. The average cost for each occasion is £19,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now outline his detailed proposals for land nationalisation.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to Questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdare (Mr. Evans) and the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 3rd July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities designed to ensure that the needs allowances for rent and rate rebates are not abated by the increase in national insurance benefits.

As my right hon. Friend announced on Monday, the needs allowances will be raised from the beginning of October 1974. Local authorities have been informed. We have ensured that the increase in benefits from 22nd July will not have the effect of reducing rebates for those already receiving them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular offering guidance to local authorities purchasing new houses from private builders inviting them to ensure that these houses are up to Parker Morris standards.

Guidance on the acquisition by local authorities of new houses from private developers was given in Circular 70/74. We are prepared to accept houses built to the standards of the National House-Building Council. It would not be practicable to insist on modifications to meet Parker Morris standards because our objective is to enable local authorities to purchase suitable unsold houses which are complete or nearly complete. This is an emergency initiative to help local authorities to meet urgent housing needs quickly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to combat the damage of pollution of the coast by Japanese seaweed; and if he has consulted his French counterpart on this matter.

I have no evidence at present that this seaweed, which has been found only in the Portsmouth-Isle of Wight area, is causing significant damage. Developments are being closely watched, and we are awaiting a report from the local working party of interested bodies. We have had no occasion to consult our French colleagues and they have not approached us.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on his future policy for the licensing of heavy goods vehicles.

Operators' licensing is on the whole working efficiently, but I am considering if further improvements are necessary in addition to those in the current Road Traffic Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increases there has been nationally in the total numbers of the staff of county council planning departments since local government reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for this.

I do not have information about the staffing levels of county planning departments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will send out a circular to local authorities requesting them to undertake a review of their stock of accommodation in order to ascertain the degree of under-occupation.

No. Circulars issued earlier this year reminded local authorities of the importance of minimising under-occupation in both the public and private sectors; of seeing that the best use is made of the existing stock, including properties which have been standing empty; and of providing smaller dwellings to which elderly people, in particular, could move.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about proposed increases in local authority mortgage rates; and if he will make a statement.

Representations have been received in respect of 40 out of 412 local authorities in England about the level of mortgage rates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total salary bill for local government officers for the years (a) 1972–73 and (b) 1973–74.

The estimated total salary and wage bill for 1972–73 for all local government employees in England and Wales is £3,795 million. This includes provision for superannuation and national health contributions. Details for 1973–74 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in the light of the Automobile Association's investigation on the potentially dangerous new cars sold by garages every year, if he will arrange for this question to be studied with a view to making recommendations.

The Government are already convinced of the need for obligatory type approval of new motor cars. The current Road Traffic Bill makes provision for its introduction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the future of the working party on aircraft noise.

The Noise Advisory Council has appointed a number of new working groups. One of these will review progress in the alleviation of disturbance to the community caused by noise from air traffic and the extent to which further alleviation might be gained. The group is considering a number of subjects for investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, having reviewed the national road construction programme, he will make a statement on the share that East Anglia will have of the programme for the rest of the 1970s.

The programme is being reviewed in the light of the priority to be given to schemes aimed at the needs of heavy lorries and the funds likely to be available over the next decade. I would expect East Anglia to have a reasonable share.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to initiate proceedings for public participation in a decision on the line of the Gosforth bypass.

As soon as investigations into alternative alignments have been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for reviewing his policy on the granting of office development permits.

I am not yet ready to make an announcement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in his consideration of his rates policy, he will take into account the position of county councils such as Staffordshire where inflation has made the imposition of a rate increase precept in September inevitable, unless he brings forward orders increasing the rate support grant of the central Government.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the advanced passenger train, and if he has approved expenditure for the production of this train.

I have told British Rail it may proceed with its plans for the production of prototype advanced passenger trains for service on the London-Glasgow route.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent official discussions he has held with the Brick Development Association about the production and supply of bricks for the housebuilding programme; and what has been the outcome of those discussions.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction met representatives of the Brick Development Association in April and in June my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment had correspondence with the association, which stressed the importance of an upturn in the housebuilding programme. My right hon. Friend reminded the association of the several major initiatives the Government had already taken in order to achieve this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what level of investment the Government envisage for British Rail in 1975–76; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) on 3rd April—[Vol. 871, c. 1247–8]—and 12th June.—[Vol. 874, c. 1596–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has studied the problem of the additional northbound traffic generated by the Humber bridge; and what action he proposes to deal with it.

Long-distance northbound traffic will be catered for by the existing trunk road network augmented by completion of the M62.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there has been any significant movement of freight from road to rail following his recent discussions with industry; and if he will make a statement.

Talks between British Rail and individual companies are only just beginning. It is far too early to say what the outcome of the discussion may be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy towards planning national transport.

The Government have shown in the provisions of the Railways Bill that they attach importance to the development of public transport. I announced on 17th June, in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda (Mr. Jones)—[Vol. 875, c. 68·9]—my proposals for the national road network. At a more local level, county councils, which are now responsible for the planning of transport provision in their areas, are submitting their transport policies and programmes this month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has now received the auditor's statements from all the local authorities that initially failed to implement the Housing Finance Act 1972.

The auditor's reports are made not to me but to the local authorities concerned. I understand, however, that the audits for 1972–73 are still in progress in a number of cases; and that of the reports which have been made none has so far involved the making of surcharges arising out of late implementation of the Housing Finance Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the Alkali Inspectorate's system of monitoring the emission of various substances and toxic chemicals into the atmosphere and waterways by industry; and if he will make a statement.

The Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate is responsible for the control of emissions to the atmosphere only from works registered under the Alkali Act. I am satisfied that it is capable of monitoring those emissions. The Inspectorate is not responsible for monitoring waterborne pollution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision he is making for disabled persons in wheelchairs to get in and out of new Government buildings proposed for Coat-bridge; and if he will make a statement.

Facilities for the disabled in line with those prescribed in sections 4–7 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 will be provided in the proposed Government building in Coat-bridge, which is now being designed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many objections his Department has received from within the Epping Forest parliamentary constituency to his proposed route for the M16; which public bodies and local organisations are among the objectors; and what are the arrangements for public inquiry.

211 objections to the M16 proposals were received from within the hon. Member's constituency up to Friday 12th July. 12 public bodies and 19 other organisations have submitted objections whose names are listed below. Arrangements for a public inquiry are in hand and I will let the hon. Member have details as soon as they have been finalised.Following is the list:Public Bodies

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made towards the introduction of polarised headlights.

My Department's Transport and Road Research Laboratory is participating in international discussions about the practicability of polarised headlights.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will send out a circular to local authorities requesting them to undertake a review of their housing lists.

For local authorities to keep themselves continually informed of the housing needs of their areas requires something more than simply reviewing housing waiting lists. Circulars have stressed that local authorities should adopt a positive approach in seeking out housing need, particularly in relation to special groups, such as the elderly and the disabled. I am now considering the preparation of advice and guidelines for local authorities which will, with other current Government initiatives, help them to mount a more effective and comprehensive attack on both housing and related social problems, so that housing and urban renewal policies will take account of the need of their citizens and communities more sensitively than hitherto.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost, including land, of constructing (a) three-bedroom council houses and (b) three-bedroom council flats in Birmingham district council at the latest convenient date; and what proportion of this cost receives Exchequer subsidy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost, including land, of constructing (a) three-bedroom council houses and (b) three-bedroom council flats in the Blaby district at the latest convenient date; and what proportion of this cost receives Exchequer subsidy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost, including land, of constructing (a) three-bedroom council houses and (b) three-bedroom council flats in Bexley-heath at the latest convenient date; and what proportion of this cost receives Exchequer subsidy.

The Exchequer subsidy under the Housing Finance Act 1972 is payable in relation to a deficit in an authority's housing revenue account, and not in relation to individual housing schemes. This subsidy is 80 per cent. of the reckonable deficit in 1974–75. The information about costs should be sought from the local authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the widening and deepening of Aberdeen harbour.

As I have informed the hon. Gentleman by letter, approval has now been given to the harbour board's scheme to widen and deepen the dock entrance, and Government loans will be available to meet the cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to set up machinery through which second-tier local authorities, and Members of Parliament, can complain about the actions of first-tier local authorities.

No. An accusation of maladministration can now be taken to the local commissioner; in a number of other matters my right hon. Friend has specific powers of supervision or confirmation of action. But, in general, local authorities are—within the law—independent bodies responsible only to their own electorate, and should remain so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give further encouragement to private builders engaged in house building.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further discussions he has had with the Building Societies Association.

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Costain).

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment at what rate the pool of unfurnished accommodation decreased subsequent to the Rent Act 1965 to the latest date for which figures are available.

From 1966 to 1972 the number of private tenants in unfurnished accommodation fell by about 5 per cent. a year in England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of concern in the Liverpool, Garston area about the delays in the building of the Garston bypass and the environmental problems created by the delay; and if he will expedite this work.

The proposed Garston bypass is a principal road scheme and the timing of construction is a matter for the Merseyside Metropolitan County Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional priority will now be accorded the Selby northern-route bypass, consequent upon the decision to develop the Selby coal find.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the plans at present approved and under consideration by him for providing improved road communications from east to west through west Essex.

Schemes are in preparation for the M16 sections of the London Outer Orbital Road between A10 and A12. There are also a number of principal road schemes in preparation and it will be for Essex County Council to consider these for inclusion in its transport policies and programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to reduce the level of noise, pollution and vibration arising from the construction of the M25 North Orbital Road through Chorleywood.

All reasonable steps have been, and are continuing to be, taken to keep these nuisances to a minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals for control of private sector rents after the expiry of the present rent freeze.

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 will seek powers to ensure that interim contracts, between site owners and mobile homes residents, are not entered into until the model form of contract has been agreed upon.

No. It would not be desirable, even if practicable, to prevent accommodation on caravan sites becoming available to those willing to enter into agreements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue guidance to local authorities on the rehousing of women and children whose homes have broken up on account of separation, divorce or cruelty.

A recent joint circular issued by the Department of the Environment (DOE No. 18/74), DHSS and the Welsh Office reminded local authorities of the special needs of women and children who become homeless as a result of family break-ups. Also, the Government are considering the recommendations of the Finer Committee on one-parent families and have announced their intention to set up a Select Committee in the autumn on the subject of violence in marriage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the names of the chairman, members, and terms of reference of the inquiry into local government finance and the rating system; when it will start work; and if it is intended to report within six months of its establishment.

The committee's terms of reference will be to consider the system of local government finance and to make recommendations. I hope to make an announcement about the chairman and members of the committee very shortly. I shall ask the committee to report by the end of 1975; in view of the extreme complexity of the subject matter it would be unreasonable to set an earlier deadline.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why, his Department having accepted an in- vitation to send a representative to a public meeting convened at Little Hadham, Herts, on Friday 5th July to discuss traffic problems and possible solutions thereto, no representative in fact turned up; and if, in spite of this failure to attend, he will give sympathetic consideration to the views expressed and the proposals put forward at this meeting.

I regret that the parish council was not told that my Department did not propose to send a representative to the meeting. An apology for any misunderstanding has been sent to the council.Responsibility for consideration of the proposals put forward at the meeting rests with Hertfordshire County Council as local highway authority. But I understand that the installation of traffic control signals at the Little Hadham crossroads has already been authorised. A decision on the proposal to reduce the speed limit through the village will be announced shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment of he will consider the possibility of fog warning lights being installed at the entrance to all motorway approach roads so as to warn motorists of fog early enough to enable them to take an alternative route instead of the motorway.

Signs giving warning of fog have been used at motorway entrances. Experience was that difficulties of monitoring fog and knowing when to use the signs made them an unreliable guide to conditions on the motorway.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will withdraw Circular 80 issued under the Town and Country Planning Act under which regional health authorities proposing to develop land within their ownership are required only to consult the appropriate planning authority rather than to submit their proposals for detailed scrutiny and decision by the local planning committee.

No. The object of the arrangements set out in the circular is to bring the non-statutory procedures for Crown development—including detailed scrutiny of proposals by planning authorities—closely in line with the statutory procedures for private applications.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will reinstitute relief for parsonage houses from sewerage charges.

My right hon. Friend will be reviewing various sspects of charging and financing policy with the water authorities later this year. He excludes nothing from consideration as part of that review. To give parsonage houses any relief from sewerage charges would, however, require legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make his policy that capital expenditure on necessary plant for collecting and preparing waste paper and board for recycling will be treated by the Government as key expenditure for the purpose of the local authority borrowing on the lines of expenditure on sewerage.

If the acquisition of plant by local authorities for reclamation were to rank as "key sector" expenditure, this would reduce the amount available, within the total local authority allocation, for "locally determined schemes". Local authorities generally have welcomed the freedom of choice they have under the latter allocation and would not be likely to welcome any curtailment of it. I do appreciate, however, the difficulties resulting from the restricted allocation of borrowing approval, and I am also aware of the importance which should be attached to recycling programmes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the reason for the delay in starting work on' the proposed A361 diversion scheme at Nunney Catch, Somerset.

This scheme has relatively low economic value and its priority is now a matter for the highway autho rity, Somerset County Council, within the framework of its transport policy and programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards granting planning permission for the extraction of minerals in areas of special natural beauty, and if he will make a statement.

Applications for permission to work minerals, like other planning applications, should be decided in the light of all relevant considerations. The impact on the landscape is an important consideration and in areas of special natural beauty an imperative case of need should be established before working is permitted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can name a date when the Channel Tunnel Independent Advisory Group will be set up, with its terms of reference and the names of those people who will be serving on the committee.

I hope to announce a chairman and terms of reference for the group of advisers shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up a committee to look into the condition of people living in caravans and mobile homes on private provided sites.

I have at present no plans to do so, but I will be considering the general question of mobile homes when I have the final results of the talks going on between representatives of caravan dwellers and site operators.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek powers to give caravan dwellers and mobile home owners the right of appeal to rent tribunals to buy and sell where and when they wish and to leave their homes to their next of kin.

This would not be a practicable way of dealing with the common situation where a caravan or mobile home belongs to an individual—who can dispose of it as he wishes—but its site does not belong to him. I shall, however, be looking into general problems such as this when I have the results of the talks going on between representatives of caravan dwellers and site operators.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects work to commence on Ringway 3.

Work has started on the South Mimms section between the Al and A111. Eastwards and southwards from the A111 to the A13 at Purfleet sections of the route are at various stages of the statutory processes and no starting dates can yet be given.Work has commenced on the section between the A2 and the A20 at Swanley. Progress on the southern and western sections between the A20 and the A1 must await decisions on the Greater London Development Plan.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many appeals against the various local planning authorities' refusal of planning permission, in the last 10 years for which figures are available, did the inspector recommend that the appeal be allowed.

Information in the form requested is not available. The numbers of appeals allowed in each of the last nine years after a local inquiry were as follows:

Year	Number of appeals allowed by decision of the Secretary of State	Number of appeals allowed by decision of Inspectors
1965	847	—
1966	842	—
1967	981	—
1968	770	—
1969	708	65
1970	529	207
1971	445	195
1972	356	321
1973	398	252
Only a small proportion of appeals are decided by the Secretary of State contrary to the recommendation of the inspectors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases of appeals against the various local planning authorities' refusal of planning permission, in the last 10 years for which figures are available, was the recommendation of the inspector not accepted.

The information requested is as follows:

Year	Number of decisions contrary to inspector's recommendations
1964	181
1965	164
1966	97
1967	108
1968	78
1969	85
1970	58
1971	41
1972	55
1973	68

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many appeals against the various local planning authorities' refusal of planning permission were heard in each of the last 10 years for which figures were available.

The number of planning appeals decided following a local inquiry during the past 10 years was as follows:

1964	5,038
1965	4,368
1966	4,557
1967	4,418
1968	2,983
1969	3,051
1970	2,773
1971	2,868
1972	2,781
1973	2,509

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with representatives of local authorities concerning the possibility of a supplementary rate in the autumn.

I had discussions on 12th July with the local authority associations on the general financial situation facing local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the need for further information, to which he has recently referred, he will resume publication of the public cleansing and costing returns suspended some years ago.

This matter has been considered by my Department's Standing Committee on Research into Refuse Collection, Storage and Disposal and is referred to in paragraph 58 of its first report, published on 15th May 1973. This will be discussed with the local authority associations and others at an appropriate moment and in the light of the implementation of the Control of Pollution Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will identify the location and areas of land in England now classified as derelict land but capable of being reclaimed; and, if he will make a statement.

The latest available figures, giving the position as at 31st December 1971 by economic planning regions, are as follows:

Region	Acreage justifying restoration
Northern	14,948
North West	12,367
Yorkshire and Humberside	10,544
West Midlands	10,166
East Midlands	7,259
South West	3,450
South East	3,027
East Anglia	2,492
Total for England	64,253

These figures cover the hard core of the problem. More comprehensive figures will be available when the results of the extended survey of derelict land currently being collected as at 1st April 1974 are known. It is hoped that the new figures will be ready for publication early next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the waiting list in north-east Essex for special housing accomodation for the elderly; how this compares with other areas; and what steps are being taken to see resources are given to help over this problem.

I do not have the detailed information requested. The hon. Gentleman could no doubt obtain it from the local authorities concerned. There is no bar to local authorities increasing their provision of housing specially designed for old people to whatever level is required in order to meet the needs of the area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take immediate steps to streamline the procedure to enable local authorities to acquire privately built houses without meeting undue delays in respect of valuation approval and loan sanction.

The Department is doing everything possible to deal with proposals received from local authorities expeditiously. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will let me have details so that I can look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his intention to complete consideration of the implications of the outcome of the debate on rates on 27th June, and if he will make a statement to the House before the parliamentary recess.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already announced the Government's decision to give supplementary rate relief to householders rated with an increase in their total rate bills—including water and sewerage charges—of more than 20 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether it is his policy to look more favourably on planning applications for office developments over main line stations, because of their facilities for public transport, rather than elsewhere;(2) If he will make a statement on negotiations he has had with the British Rail Property Board concerning property developments at main line railway stations.

I agree that appropriate weight should be given to the special consideration mentioned by my hon. Friend. This is in the first place a matter for the local planning authority. My Department has had discussions with British Railways on their outstanding applications for office development permits for projects at railway stations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the British Woodwork Manufacturers' Association concerning the present outlook for manufacturers producing timber-based products for the building industry; and what reply he has sent.

The British Woodwork Manufacturers' Association wrote to me on 25th June. I have described to the association in my reply the wide range of measures which the Government have already taken to encourage more house building and assist improvement and conversion work. I am arranging for a copy of my letter to be sent to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive draft traffic regulation orders from the Greater London Council specifying through routes for heavy lorries under the provisions of the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Controls and Regulations) Act 1973.

The Greater London Council has the power to make traffic regulation orders designating lorry routes under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967. The heavy Commercial Vehicles (Controls and Regulations) Act 1973 extended this power to all other local authorities in England and Wales, and required them to publish draft orders by 1st January 1977. There is no such requirement on the GLC under either Act, but it is proceeding as if the timescale of the 1973 Act did apply to it. I expect it will be some time before it formulates proposals for designated routes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reply he has sent to the representations he has received from Age Concern and other organisations regarding the proposed arrangements for calculating rent and rate rebates following the pension increases of 22nd July.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the replies sent to Age Concern.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a statement on the Government's policy on rates.

I announced on 27th June that the Government were setting up an independent inquiry into local government finance in England, Wales and Scotland, to report by the end of 1975 at the latest. The Government have a completely open mind about possible changes to, or replacements for, the rating system. As an interim measure my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced immediate Government relief for domestic ratepayers whose rates have risen more than 20 per cent. this financial year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of new houses is built on sites not zoned for housing prior to the planning application relating to their development or where the original planning permission was granted on appeal.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue a circular advising local authorities with housing estates outside their areas to consult the other authorities and all parties concerned in order to concert policy on the allocation of tenancies.

I hope that there will be continuing liaison and consultation between the local authorities concerned in the kind of situation referred to. If the hon. Member has a particular problem in mind I shall be glad to consider it if he will let me have details.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the infant mortality rate per 1,000 total births and the maternal mortality rate per 1,000 births in Scotland.

The rates for Scotland in 1973 are as follows:

Infant mortality rate per 1,000 total live births	18·98
Maternal mortality rate per 1,000 total live births	0·22

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many objections have been received, up to the latest date for which figures are available, from residents and/or societies to the oil rig platform site at Ardyne from (a) West Dunbartonshire, (b) Argyllshire, (c) Renfrewshire and (d) Ayrshire, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Six private persons—including five from addresses in Argyll—and one organisation lodged objections to the original application, which was granted. The application to extend the site, which has recently been favourably considered by the planning authority, was the subject of 224 objections sent to them, 211 from addresses in Bute and 11 from Argyll. None was received from addresses in West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire or Ayrshire. Two organisations also sent in objections. I have received objections from the same two organisations, and also from two individuals with addresses in Argyll and one with an address in Bute.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the setting up of community councils.

Under the provisions of Part IV of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, it is for district and islands councils to put forward proposals for my approval, but I strongly advise them, before doing so, to take account of the memorandum of guidance on the setting up of community councils which I intend to publish towards the end of this year. This will stress the importance of the widest possible consultation and of selecting an area and constitution for each council which will best suit the needs of the community in each case.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the annual expenditure on the health services, per capita, in Scotland during the latest year for which figures were available.

Expenditure per capita on the health services in Scotland in 1973–74 is estimated at £63·9.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the issue of the annual report on health services in Scotland.

The report in its usual form would have been delayed by industrial and other difficulties this year, and I have arranged instead to issue a statistical report in duplicated form. This will be published today and copies will be placed in the House of Commons Library. It will contain all the statistical information usually published and I am satisfied that it will provide an adequate range of material for assessing the state of public health and the performance of the National Health Service in Scotland in 1973. The statutory report of the Scottish Health Services Council will be published as usual

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average life expectancy for males and females in Scotland.

The average expectation of life at birth in Scotland in 1973 was 67·2 years for males and 73·8 years for females.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of employees in the housing sections of the Scottish Development Department who hold professional qualifications as (1) engineers, (2) architects, (3) surveyors and (4) housing managers.

There are 16 engineers, 17 architects, 12 surveyors and one part-time housing management consultant employed on the housing work of the Scottish Development Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the best estimate available to him of the number of dwellings in Scotland which at present (a) lack an internal toilet, (b) lack a fixed bath or shower, (c) lack running hot water, and (d) are below the tolerable standard.

The 1971 Census showed that in Scotland 122,780 households lacked exclusive use of an internal w.c., 204,410 lacked a fixed bath or shower and 119,890 had no hot water supply. About 180,000 houses are thought to be currently below the tolerable standard.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made for consultation between the oil and fishing industries in order to promote better understanding of their respective interests.

The Government have agreed with representatives of the offshore oil and fishing industries to set up a new consultative group representing these industries and Government Departments with the following terms of reference:

"To exchange information on general matters concerning the fishing and oil industries, to discuss broad principles and to keep under review developments in connection with the exploitation of offshore oil and gas resources with the object of fostering close relations between the two industries so that each may carry out its operations with minimum interference to the other. To examine in sub-committee particular technical problems."

The consultative group, whose first meeting will be held shortly in Aberdeen, is intended to regularise and focus discussions between the two industries on all aspects of their inter-relationship, though bipartite discussions between particular oil companies and fishing interests will continue.Representations will be drawn from the Scottish fishing federations and the British Trawlers' Federation and from the United Kingdom Offshore Operators' Association. Government Departments concerned will normally include the Scottish Economic Planning Department, the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Others concerned will be kept in touch and may attend if their interests are affected.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will amend the arrangements under which the Highlands and Islands Development Board operates to simplify the exercise by the board of its powers to take equity in a company.

I have revised the arrangements to facilitate the exercise of the board's power to take equity, and have agreed with the board criteria within which it will itself be able to decide whether to subscribe for or acquire shares of stock. My approval in future will only be needed for cases falling outside the criteria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representation he has made to the Maltese Government regarding the threatened seizure of British property on the island; and if he will make a statement on the present position.

My right hon. Friend has not made any representations to the Maltese Government on this matter. There has been no threatened seizure of British property in Malta. A draft bill at present before the Maltese House of Representatives—the Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) Act 1974—received a formal First Reading in that House on 24th June. It would prevent the acquisition of property by non-residents except with the specific consent of the Maltese Minister of Housing. As at present drafted, it would authorise the Minister to permit the ownership by non-residents of one property, but so far there has been little further indication of its full aim and scope.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects are currently awaiting trial or held without trial in Malawi.

Our records show that there are eight people in prison in Malawi who are known to be United Kingdom citizens and who have not been tried. Two of these have been charged with offences and are awaiting trial, and six are detained under valid provisions of local law which provide for indefinite detention without charge or trial. There is one other person, believed to be in the second category, whose precise national status has not yet been established.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made in the development of exhaust catchment devices for vehicles which will enable the lead content of petrol to be maintained at an economic level without damage to the environment.

An extensive programme of lead filter testing has been undertaken by the Warren Spring Laboratory and the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, and the final report should be available in the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how many projects involving over 500 jobs have been steered to the Merseyside county area in the last five years;(2) how many companies employing over 500 persons have been attracted to the North West Region.

Eight projects involving over 500 jobs were established or confirmed in the manufacturing sector in the North West Region during the last five years. Of these, two were within the Merseyside Metropolitan County. Comparable data for projects in the service industries is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the total amount of investment in manufacturing industry in Great Britain for the years 1960, 1968, 1973 and 1974; what percentage of this investment came from (a) private sources, and (b) public funds; and what were the figures in actual terms and adjusted for inflation.

Fixed capital expenditure of manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom in 1960, 1968 and 1973 was as follows:

	£ million
	At current prices	At 1970 prices
1960	1,021	1,436
1968	1,639	1,846
1973	2,458	1,894

Figures for Great Britain in 1960 and 1973 are not available, but in 1968, investment in manufacturing in Northern Ireland accounted for a little under 3 per cent. of the United Kingdom total.I regret that information is not available for answering the second part of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the amount to be received from the European Commission for assistance in retraining workers who have been made redundant following the rationalisation of the works of the British Steel Corporation in the Scunthorpe area.

The European Commission has allocated £700,000, as being half the estimated gross cost to assist steel workers affected by the closure and replacement of plant at Appleby Frodingham and Redbourne, near Scunthorpe. This contribution embraces all the benefits available under the Iron and Steel Employees Readaptation Benefits Scheme; it includes provision for retraining, but there is no specific sum set aside for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many private companies in industry receive subsidies of public money; and what is the current total amount involved.

Expenditure on support to industry is expected to total about £800 million in 1974–75. Details of the number of firms receiving support are not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to issue a circular to local authorities, particularly the district councils, regarding their responsibilities on the question of Sunday trading; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is considering this matter, but he is not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements exist for threshold payments to members of the Metropolitan Police; and when the first of any such payments will actually be made to the men and women concerned.

In accordance with Police Council agreements the police will receive all the threshold payments available under the stage 3 Pay Code. An amendment to Police Regulations giving effect to these agreements is due to come into operation on 16th August. Payment, with arrears, will be made to Metropolitan Police officers on 28th August.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been instituted in the courts of England and Wales against persons allegedly engaged in frauds related to Common Market foodstuff export subsidies; how many convictions have been secured; what is the total value of moneys recovered as fines resulting from such convictions; and if he will make a statement.

I am considering what information is available and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the reduction in the licence fees of television and radio will be granted to retirement pensioners.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider granting free television licences to retirement pensioners living on their own or in a household consisting only of persons in receipt of the pension.

The Government have given first priority to pension increases, and I am afraid it is not possible, for the present at least, to give a television licence concession.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give financial assistance by way of (a) grants and (b) loans at special rates of interest to the proprietors of small hotels and guest houses in respect of expenditure recently incurred in installing fire escapes and other alterations required by the fire authorities.

A loans scheme administered by local authorities under the Fire Precautions (Loans) Act 1973 is available to the proprietors of the smaller hotels and boarding houses. My right hon. Friend does not consider that grants from public funds would he justified for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, because whenever there is a large-scale procession of workers in the central London area a large number of taxi drivers cease work for the period involved, to avoid this, he will request the Chief Commissioner of the police to maintain the traffic flow by keeping marchers as close as possible to the kerb.

This is already the practice of the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total annual amount of financial assistance given by his Department to voluntary after-care hostels; whether he is aware of the opinion of the National Association of Probation Officers that these grants should be substantially increased; and if he will make a statement about his plans.

In the financial year 1973–74 the amount was £305,213, excluding grants towards the administrative expenses of the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders and the Bridgehead Housing Association. We are anxious to encourage the participation of the voluntary movement in after-care and we keep the scale of assistance constantly under review. Increases in place grants were introduced on 1st April last. The number of places in after-care hostels continues to increase. In 1973 the increase was about 250—higher than in any previous year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury is to receive a reply to his letter of 8th January regarding Mr. T. Palmer.

I regret that there is no record of my hon. Friend's letter being received in the Home Office. He has been good enough to provide a copy, and a reply will be sent as soon as possible.

				Metric tons total EEC	Relevant date 1974	Quantity	United Kingdom percentage of EEC	Relevant date 1974
Butter	…	…	…	114,000	26th June	400	0·35	19th July
Skimmed milk		…	…	227,000	26th June	27,000	11·89	19th July
Beef	…	…	…	134,000	30th June	Nil	—	—
Wheat	…	…	…	1,255,760	9th July	Nil	—	—
Rye	…	…	…	208,740	9th July	Nil	—	—
Barley	…	…	…	577,125	9th July	Nil	—	—

Stocks of the United Kingdom Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce are held in commercial stores. Storekeepers are required to take all appropriate steps to prevent deterioration, including correct handling techniques and storage at appropriate temperatures. Produce may be tested for keeping quality before acceptance into intervention and while in store; packaging requirements are prescribed in EEC regulations. Rates paid for storage is commercial information which cannot be disclosed.The value of these stocks is dependent on their age and condition, on which information is not readily available, and

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the control units for intractable prisoners, referred to in his predecessor's statement of 11th May 1973, are to come into operation.

The control unit at Wakefield is to open, on an experimental basis, on 1st August 1974. No date has yet been fixed for the opening of the unit at Wormwood Scrubs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total stock of EEC reserve foodstuffs expressed both by weight and value; what portions of these reserves are held in the United Kingdom; what is the cost per month of storage; what measures are being taken to prevent the deterioration of such foodstuffs whilst in storage; and if he will make a statement.

The following is the information relating to intervention stocks in the EEC and the United Kingdom:on market prices prevailing in the countries concerned at time of disposal.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will now put out to private tender, or seek to make other alternative arrangements, for those services which Her Majesty's Stationery Office is no longer rendering to Parliament.

No. The present dispute over pay and conditions will eventually be resolved. The essential requirements of Parliament for papers have been met by alternative arrangements, though in a less satisfactory way.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the salaries bill for the libraries of each of the Departments of State.