asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in average industrial earnings in the most recent six months for which figures are available over the comparable period a year before.

In the six months from July to December 1974 the index of average earnings for all employees, manual and non-manual, in manufacturing industries was on average 21·9 per cent. higher than in the six months from July to December 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to open a jobcentre in Canning Town; and what steps he is taking to inform local employers of this free service.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that a jobcentre is due to open in Canning Town in May 1975. The launching of the jobcentre will be publicised by an official opening preceded by local Press advertising and letters to local employers, who will also be invited to a presentation at which the new service will be explained.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many days have been lost as a result of industrial disputes since 1st April 1974; what percentage this represents of the comparable figure for the previous 12 months; and what are the figures and percentages for the first and the last three months of the periods.

Figures are available to 31st January 1975. The provisional estimate of working days lost as a result of stoppages in progress in the 10 months' period from 1st April 1974 to 31st January 1975 is 8,548,000, representing 166 per cent. of working days lost in the 10 months' period from 1st April 1973 to 31st January 1974. In the three months' period April to June 1974 the numbers of days lost was 2,365,000, representing 124 per cent. of days lost in the three months' period April to June 1973. In the three months' period November 1974 to January 1975 the number of days lost was 2,501,000 representing 209 per cent. of days lost in the three months' period November 1973 to January 1974.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he is satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made for reducing the London-based Civil Service, part of whose duties will be transferred to Edinburgh when the Scottish Assembly is set up.

It is not possible at this stage to establish what staff will be required to deal with the functions devolved to the Scottish Assembly or how this requirement can best be met.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many different manufacturers are now using high protein materials based on microorganisms as animal feed supplements; how many products are being used by each manufacturer; how many of these products are on sale to the public; how many have been approved for use by the Food Standards Committee; and whether some of these products may be delayed from general use, until appropriate legislation has been enacted.

One paraffin-based high-protein material is being made available in very small quantities to animal feed manufacturers for use in compound feeding stuffs. Under Sections 72 and 73 of the Agriculture Act 1970 any material included in or used as a feeding stuff must be fit for the intended purpose and not deleterious to the animal. It is the responsibility of those concerned in the trade to comply with the law and I understand that the manufacturers of this material arranged for tests on safety and nutritional value before making it available. The Food Standards Committee is concerned with food for human consumption.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the figures for mastitis levels in cattle in England and Wales in each of the last five years; if he is satisfied with the progress being made to eradicate this disease; and if he will make a statement.

Mastitis is not a notifiable disease and there are no precise figures of its incidence. The national cell count figures collected by the Milk Marketing Board suggest that there was an average improvement in the level of mastitis in the national herd in 1972 but that this has not been maintained.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is yet able to announce his decision on assistance to the fishing industry.

Rising costs of running the fishing fleet and particularly increased costs of fuel have not been matched by prices at the quay. Vessels are being taken out of fishing. Some restructuring of the fishing fleet is inevitable and right, but we must avoid radical contraction leading to permanent structural damage. In the end, the cost of catching fish will have to be recovered in the price; but time is needed for the adjustment to take place in an orderly way.The Government have therefore decided, subject to approval by Parliament, to provide temporary aid. For practical reasons this will take the form of flat-rate daily payments varying by class of vessel as shown in the following table. Vessels of over 40 feet will be eligible if they fish for a qualifying minimum number of days during the period 1st January to 30th June this year. The total cost is estimated at some £6¼ million. Further details will be issued shortly. The European Commission has been notified. We will lay the appropriate order before Parliament as soon as possible.

Lengths of Vessel	Daily Rate
	£
135 feet and over	90
110 to 135 feet	60
80 to 110 feet	45
60 to 80 feet	20
50 to 60 feet	10
40 to 50 feet	5

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the position of the British trawler industry and fishermen generally due to increased fuel costs; and what plans he has to assist the fishermen of the South-West of England.

We are aware of the position, and the action which is being announced today in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. Johnson) will be of help to fishermen in the South West as well as to the industry in general.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he

EAGGF Guarantee Section								Expenditure 1973*Units of Account	Sterling Equivalent
Cereals	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	952,977,724·64	397,074,051·93
Rice	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11,193,830·81	4,664,096·17
Milk and milk products				…	…	…	…	1,458,497,695·00	607,707,372·91
Oils and fats		…	…	…	…	…	…	362,989,007·64	151,245,419·85
Sugar	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	127,071,479·31	52,946,449·71
Beef and veal		…	…	…	…	…	…	16,090,302·39	6,704,292·66
Pigmeat	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	90,594,915·90	37,747,881·62
Eggs and poultrymeat			…	…	…	…	…	21,452,130·55	8,938,387·71
Fruit and vegetables			…	…	…	…	…	34,490,348·21	14,370,978·43
Wine	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11,760,502·40	4,900,209·34
Tobacco	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	118,269,648·93	49,279,020·39
Fisheries	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,188,838·10	495,149·21
Common organisation of markets in other sectors and products		…	…	…	…	…	…	24,764,164·04	10,318,401·68
Agricultural products processed into goods not included in Annex II to the EEC Treaty.						…	…	23,691,715·57	9,871,548·16
Accession compensatory amounts granted in respect of intra-Community trade				…	…	…	…	264,309,682·95	110,129,034·56
Expenditure due to the monetary situation						…	…	140,267,881·68	58,444,950·70
Appropriations for the discharge of liabilities from accounting periods prior to 1st January 1971							…	170,000,000·00†	70,833,333·33
Provisional commitments to be distributed to Budget headings		…	…	…	…	…	…	3,580,031·29†	1,491,679·71
TOTAL			…	…	…	…	…	3,833,189,899·41	1,597,162,458·08
* The figures shown comprise expenditure settled and paid as at 31st December 1973 plus expenditure committed but not settled as at 31st December 1973.
† Carried over from 1973 to 1974.

EAGGF Guidance Section							Expenditure 1973*Units of Account	Sterling Equivalent
Projects for improving the structure of agriculture referred to in Article 13 of Regulation No. 17/64/EEC	…	…	…	…	…	…	170,000,000·00	70,833,333·33
Joint schemes in particular sectors				…	…	…	2,700,000·00	1,125,000·00
Special measures		…	…	…	…	…	9,555,961·00	3,981,650·42
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	…	182,255,961·00	75,939,983·75
* The figures shown comprise expenditure settled and paid as at 31st December 1973 plus expenditure committed but not settled as at 31st December 1973.
The new member States operated the common agricultural policy as from February 1973. Expenditure in January 1973 incurred by the original Six was added to expenditure under the 1972 Budget and so is excluded from the figures above.
Units of account converted at the rate of £1 equals 2·4 units of account.

A breakdown of 1973 expenditure is given in the following table. Further details of expenditure in 1973 will be contained in the Community budget for 1975 when it is published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. It will then be available to the general public.Information on the provisional outturn for 1974 is likely to be available in the spring.

asked the Attorney-General how many wills have been deposited with the Probate Registry of the Family Division of the High Court in each of the last 10 years.

The number of wills deposited for safe custody in the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court in each of the last 10 years are as follows:

Year	Numbers of Wills Deposited
1965	10
1966	7
1967	10
1968	6
1969	5
1970	12
1971	8
1972	8
1973	40
1974	41

asked the Attorney-General if he will take steps to advertise the advantages of depositing wills with the Probate Registry of the Family Division of the High Court.

The present arrangements for the deposit of wills in the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court are being reviewed in the light of the Council of Europe Convention on the Establishment of a Scheme of Registration of Wills, and following completion of that review a decision will be taken about giving publicity to these facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will widen the categories of persons eligible to sign passport application form "B" under section 7 so as to include non-professional classes.

The present arrangements are designed to permit easy checking of counter-signatories, the names of most of whom can be found in standard reference lists. It would be undesirable to amend the existing rules before the present review of procedures is completed and we have decided whether any practical steps can be taken to strengthen precautions against fraudulent passport applications. The Passport Office has discretion to accept the signature of a non-professional person in exceptional cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has published a forecast of business in the Council of Ministers of the EEC during the month of March 1975.

Yes, a forecast has been deposited in the House. Due to pressure of other business before the House, the usual monthly oral statement of forthcoming business in the Council of Ministers of the EEC cannot be made this month. However, there will be a number of opportunities for discussion of EEC matters in the coming weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now give consideration to helping retirement pensioners in resident homes pay the proposed new television licence.

The television licence fee increases do not apply to people licensed to receive television in old people's homes at the rate of five pence per person.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the conduct of intelligence operations in Great Britain by members of the American Central Intelligence Agency.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the assurance I gave to the House when replying to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Litterick) on 6th February.—[Vol. 885, c. 1539.] There would be no countenancing of any illegal activities by the agents of any Government in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases known to the police during the two years ended on the latest date for which the figures are available imitation firearms have been used in the course of or in furtherance of crime; and whether he is satisfied with the existing regulations regarding the sale of imitation firearms.

The number of offences recorded as known to the police in England and Wales in which an imitation firearm was used was 80 in 1972 and 86 in 1973. The sale of imitation firearms is not subject to any restriction, and as I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine) on 27th January—[Vol. 885, c. 5–6.] I am not satisfied that control of sale would be practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now ready to announce the results of his review of the law relating to conspiracy; and whether he will make a statement.

I have nothing at present to add to the reply I gave on 6th February to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer).—[Vol. 885, c. 614–5.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Lord Justice Scarman's report on the Red Lion Square disorders of 15th June 1974.

The report was published today.I am most grateful to Lord Justice Scarman for the time and care he has devoted to this report. It is invaluable for its lucid analysis both of the events in Red Lion Square and of the general issues of principle and practice involved in the right to demonstrate. It deserves the closest study by the police and by those who organise or take part in demonstrations.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to ensure that hon. Members seeking information from Ministers by way of Written Answer to Questions shall receive that answer at the same time, at least, as the Press and not, as has occurred, many hours later.

The normal practice is for answers to Written Questions to be left for the Member on the Members' Letter Board at the same time as they are sent to the Press Gallery. I do not think it would be practicable to withhold such answers from the Press until a Member had actually collected his copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to build an airfield in Mid-Wales during the next six years.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will announce the amount of grant allocated to the Sports Council for 1975–76.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the amount of grant-aid to the Sports Council for Wales for 1975–76 will be £910,000. This compares with an allocation of £750,000 for 1974–75.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has considered the views expressed by the Wool Textile EDC following the review of the progress of the wool textile scheme under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972; and if he will make a statement.

I am pleased to announce a number of improvements in the Wool Textile Scheme which have been discussed and welcomed by the EDC. They give some additional financial stimulus to re-equipment and rebuilding and a stronger incentive to structural change within the industry so as to encourage concentration and the formation of stronger groupings. I hope that these changes will help efficient firms to compete more effectively in the worldwide markets in which they trade. The changes are:First, for re-equipment projects, the grant is raised from the present 15 per cent. to 20 per cent. of eligible costs. This increase recognises the valuable part which such projects play in the modernisation of the industry.Second, for projects combining re-equipment and rebuilding, the grant for new buildings will be raised from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. The increased grant is designed to encourage a more vigorous attack on outdated premises in order to achieve better working conditions, improve the industry's image and so foster long-term labour recruitment.Third, for more comprehensive projects, involving, in particular, structural change through mergers/take-overs or the concentration on a single site of production units which are now separate, more extensive concessionary loans, or interest relief grants in lieu will be provided. They will now be available for up to the difference between half the eligible project cost—instead of 40 per cent. as at present—and any grants under headings one and two above and by way of regional development grant. Project costs may also now include the net purchase cost of assets which are not eligible for grant, and working capital. The aim is to give a real incentive towards major restructuring in the industry leading to stronger and more efficient units.In all three types of project firms are now permitted to include in the project costs their share of statutory redundancy payments, when redundancies arise from projects under the scheme.Fourth, the rates of grant for uneconomic firms or production units which close down are increased. If calculated on turnover the grant is increased from 4 per cent. to 7 per cent. and if it is based on key items of machinery it is increased by 50 per cent.I am informed that the EDC has agreed on a revised code of practice for consultations on the manpower effects of projects and that the employers and unions have reached an agreement under which the statutory redundancy payments will be supplemented by employers for workers who are made redundant as a result of projects under the scheme. This supplementation will not count as an eligible cost for assistance under the scheme.Since the scheme's introduction in July 1973, 94 projects have been submitted involving total grants of almost £7 million with a consequent investment in new plant and buildings of about £37 million. I am confident that the improvements I have announced will give a further impulse to an industry which makes an important contribution to employment and exports.Details of the changes are being placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what he estimates to be the overall shortage of skilled metallurgists; and what information he has about the extent of the shortage in Wales.

The latest information available is from the Professional and Executive Recruitment Service and relates to the end of November 1974. For Great Britain there were 349 candidates registered as metallurgists of which 115 were unemployed; the corresponding number of unfilled vacancies notified was 113. For Wales the corresponding figures were 32 candidates of which 8 were unemployed and unfilled vacancies notified were 5.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list which major United Kingdom statistical tables published by HMSO now use "tons" as their unit of measurement and which use "tonnes"; and if he will make a statement on future policy.

It is not practicable to provide a list of statistical tables, as the number involved is considerable. The tables are published by HMSO in a variety of publications including, for example, the Monthly Digest if Statistics Annual Abstract of Statistics, United Kingdom Energy Statistics, Agricultural Statistics, Business Monitors, and the Overseas Trade Statistics for the United Kingdom. Publication policy on unit of measurement generally conforms with the practices adopted by the industries concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his policy towards the location of the operations of Vosper Thornycroft Limited after nationalisation.

There are no plans to change the location of the operations of Vosper Thornycroft Limited after nationalisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will specify the management bodies either he or his officials have consulted since 1st March 1974.

Both the consultative documents issued by my Department have sought the advice of management of all kinds, and my officials and myself are in regular contact with industry at all levels.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry for each year since 1972, what have been the total annual amounts invested, in accordance with the Industry Act 1972, in ordinary shares, and received therefrom in dividends.

The information is as follows:

1972–73	£5,000,000
1973–74	£336,000
1974–75	£9,700,000	(includes £2,750,000 of ordinary stock in Sunderland Shipbuilders Ltd.)

No dividends have yet been received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to assist small businesses to complete the various forms and paper work necessary for the administration of various taxes and inland revenue charges.

Both the Revenue Departments keep the number and content of tax forms under continuous review and are always prepared to consider proposals for their simplification. The special VAT schemes for retailers have been revised, and a new simplified scheme introduced for small businesses. In addition, new Customs and Excise notices for retailers include guidance on how best to organise VAT paper work.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, at the latest convenient date, was the outstanding total of national savings stamps purchased but not yet cashed or converted into securities.

An estimated total of £40·5 million at the end of January 1975 had accumulated since the stamp was introduced in 1916.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the findings of the CBI's 55th industrial trends survey, if he is satisfied that he can fulfil his policy of maintaining employment.

The Government remain firmly committed to the aim of full employment. The extent to which this objective can be reached in present international conditions depends above all upon workers and employers reaching pay settlements within the spirit, and not just the letter, of the social contract. The CBI survey shows clearly what is at stake.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will inform the Chilean Government that Her Majesty's Government will not be a party to the conclusion of any agreement on the rescheduling of the Chilean foreign debt until all political prisoners in Chile are either put on trial or released.

The United Kingdom will not attend the forthcoming meeting of the Paris Club to discuss the re-scheduling of Chile's debts falling due for payment in 1975. Our attitude to any further requests for rescheduling—and, we hope, that of our fellow creditors—will take into account Chilean policy on human rights.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce measures which will enable him to identify public expenditure per head of the population in the eight English regions which are served by an economic planning council.

We are continually improving our regional statistics, including statistics of relevant items of public expenditure, but I do not think it would be helpful to introduce special measures of the kind which my hon. Friend is suggesting. A comparison of public expenditure as a whole, even on a per capita basis, between the regions of England would have no clear significance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the extent of current borrowing arrangements to cover the United Kingdom balance of payments deficit; and if he is satisfied with the level of those arrangements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that the United Kingdom is continuing to attract sufficient OPEC funds to cover the foreseeable balance of payments deficit.

In the last 12 months our deficit was more than covered by foreign currency borrowing and net sterling inflows. I am expecting a lower deficit this year and I am satisfied that the financing we need will be available. The precise mix will of course depend on a wide range of factors, including the movement of relative interest rates, exchange market developments and the portfolio management decisions of the oil producers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the non-oil balance of payments deficit in the calendar year 1974 as compared with France and West Germany.

The United Kingdom deficit in visible trade in goods other than oil is estimated to have been £1,650 million in 1974. The French and West German Governments do not present their trade figures in the same way as the United Kingdom, and comparative figures for these countries are not, therefore, available for 1974.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with progress towards the elimination of the United Kingdom's balance of payments deficit.

I am encouraged by the improvement shown in the current account over recent months. But clearly we still have a long way to go.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters he has received protesting against the proposed capital transfer tax; and what has been the general tenor of his replies.

My right hon. Friend has received a considerable volume of letters relating to the capital transfer tax. He has taken note of the suggestions put to him. But no comprehensive record by subject of letters received by my right hon. Friend is maintained.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is now the total amount of short-term loans deposited in London by overseas lending.

Sterling deposits in the United Kingdom by overseas residents totalled £4,408 million at end-September 1974, the latest date for which information is currently available. No maturity breakdown is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to reduce the public sector borrowing requirement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current level of the public sector borrowing requirement.

I must ask the hon. Members to await my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will propose allowing household rates to be offset against income tax.

No. I do not think it would be right to single out this element of personal expenditure for special tax relief.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what saving in expenditure would result from the removal of all national subsidies; and by what percentage personal income tax could be reduced if this saving were used for this purpose.

The removal of subsidies would not yield an equal saving in expenditure, because of the effect of the resulting price increase on other expenditure. It is not possible to estimate the net saving.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the number of amendments which have been made to the Finance Bill and ministerial undertakings to introduce further amendments at a later stage, he will arrange for the notes on clauses, entitled "Notes on the Finance Bill", to be appropriately amended in time for the Report stage of the Bill.

I regret that it is not possible to adopt the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. But as he will be aware, notes have been made available to hon. Members in the Library during the progress of the Bill about major amendments proposed by the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct the Inland Revenue to allow, in advance, for possible non-payment of maintenance when coding separated and divorced women.

If the Inland Revenue is told that maintenance payments have fallen into arrear, PAYE codings are adjusted as appropriate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans there are for dispersing jobs from the Inland Revenue Department to north-east Lancashire, including Burnley, during the period 1975 to 1977.

I cannot add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Lord President on dispersal on 30th July 1974.—[Vol. 878, c. 482.]—Sir Henry Hardman's recommendation in respect of the Inland Revenue is still under review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of exempting victims of Nazi oppression now in receipt of pension from the German Government from payment of tax on such pensions.

I regret that the information on which to base an estimate is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are (a) the most recent estimate of the total amount of tax relief granted on life insurance premia and (b) the average annual value of this tax relief according to the annual income of the beneficiaries taking the normal categories of annual income.

The cost of tax relief on life insurance premiums for 1973–74, the latest available year, is estimated at £140 million. The average value per taxpayer claiming relief, according to income range, is as follows:

Income	Average value of relief
£ per annum	£
Under 1,000	4·05
1,000–2,000	5·95
2,000–5,000	11·25
5,000–10,000	35·55
Over 10,000	99·15

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an estimate of the total net annual proceeds to the Exchequer which arise from the receipt of the investment dollar premium element derived from the sale within the United Kingdom of securities received by legatees of foreign estates who are presently compelled to sell such securities ex premium on the United Kingdom market, for the years 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.

The total foreign currency proceeds from such sales accrue to the reserves; no part of them accrues to the Exchequer. Information about the scale of these proceeds is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what criteria he differentiates, in the application of investment dollar premium regulations, between those who sell similar investments acquired on the United Kingdom market from United Kingdom holders and acquired by inheritance from overseas estates to purchasers who are, in both instances, required to pay the premium.

Foreign currency securities acquired for portfolio investment purposes with investment currency are normally eligible for resale for the investment currency premium. The investment currency premium has not been paid on foreign currency securities inherited from a non-resident and owners of such securities are not eligible for the premium on sale.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will instruct the exchange control authorities to allow all sales of foreign securities received by legatees within the United Kingdom from deceased estates, or the proceeds of such estates, to be sold on the United Kingdom market on the same terms and investment currency premium conditions as would be applied to those securities had they already been traded on the United Kingdom by local investors.

Such a change could not be justified at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the figures for the annual increase in money supply for each of the last 10 years, using both the M1 and the M3 measures of money supply, respectively; and what are the corresponding annual figures for the depreciation in the value of the £ sterling.

The figures are:

	Percentage increase end-year on end-year		Percentage increase December on December Retail Price
	M1	M3	Index
1964	3·1	5·5	4·8
1965	3·9	7·6	4·5
1966	-0·1	3·6	3·7
1967	8·5	9·9	2·4
1968	4·1	7·3	5·9
1969	0·3	3·1	4·7
1970	9·3	9·5	7·9
1971	10·9	13·0	9·0
1972	14·2	27·8	7·7
1973	5·1	27·5	10·6
1974	NA*	NA*	19·1
* Figures are not yet available. In the banking year (12th December 1973 to 11th December 1974) M1 and M3 rose by 7·2 per cent. and 11·8 per cent. respectively using seasonally adjusted figures.

There have been several slight changes in coverage of the money supply figures during the period.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the underlying rate of inflation in the British economy measured as an annual rate; and how this compares with the same rate in each previous year for the last three years.

The increase in the retail prices index in the 12 months to January 1975 was 19·9 per cent. This compares with an increase of 12 per cent. in the 12 months to January 1974, of 7·7 per cent. in the 12 months to January 1973, and of 8·2 per cent. in the 12 months to January 1972.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce proposals to allow all or part of the increased national insurance contributions of the self-employed to be set against income tax.

I have noted the hon. Gentleman's representations, and will bear them in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage of income tax and surtax raised in each year since 1967 from all income recipients, excluding those in the top 20 per cent. and bottom 30 per cent. groups.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated net cost to the revenue of the concession recently accepted by the House relating to the earnings rule for retirement pensioners.

At the rates of benefit due to come into force in April 1975 the cost to the National Insurance Fund in 1977–78, when the earnings limit will reach £50 a week, will be about £145 million. The Treasury supplement to the fund is about 18 per cent. of the contribution income. At current rates of income tax, the tax payable on the extra benefit would be about £35 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are waiting for vascular surgery at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool.

Thirty-four.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many specialists are performing vascular surgery operations at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool.

One.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for patients needing vascular surgery at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool.

Of 12 patients admitted in the past month four were admitted immediately and the remaining eight had waited on average of between three and four months for admission.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will increase the number of consultants able to perform vascular surgery at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool.

This is a matter for the regional health authority, in consultation with the area health authority. I understand that at present they have no plans for increasing the numbers.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients have been waiting for vascular surgery at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool, for (a) one to three months, (b) three to six months, (c) six to nine months, (d) nine to 12 months and (e) over one year, respectively; and how many of these, in the respective month periods, are defined as urgent.

The waiting times for patients at present on the waiting list are as follows:

	Non-Urgent	Urgent
One to 3 months	22	4
3 to 6 months	6	—
6 to 9 months	4	—
9 to 12 months	2	—
Over 1 year	0	—

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is her estimate of the cost of a statutory heating allowance for retirement pensioners and disabled persons; and what consideration she is giving to the introduction of such an allowance.

We have no plans to introduce such an allowance, the cost of which would depend on the level at which the allowance was fixed, but there are about 8·1 million retirement pensioners and just over 1 million disabled adults, some of whom are also pensioners. Discretionary allowances for extra heating are payable to an estimated 650,000 recipients of supplementary benefit, at one of three rates depending on health and/or accommodation conditions; the cost of these allowances is about £18 million a year.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many prescriptions were dispensed for barbiturates in the last year to a convenient date; what is her estimate of the total cost to the NHS; what general advice has been made available through her Department on the prescribing of barbiturates; what plans she has to legislate on the problems that have arisen in this connection; and if she will make a statement.

In the year ended 30th June 1974, 8,348,900 prescriptions for barbiturates were dispensed in England at an estimated cost to the NHS of £3,177,200.Doctors who have prescribed barbiturates more heavily than their colleagues receive advice from my Department's Regional Medical Service.When the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs was formed in 1972 the question of advice and action regarding barbiturates was referred to it. Last year, following a report by its Barbiturates Working Group under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop), the council advised that immediate statutory controls were not desirable but that there was a need to persuade doctors and the public that a considerable reduction in barbiturate prescribing was necessary. Subsequently the professions formed an indpendent group of practitioners to mount a campaign, financed by the Government, to help prescribers reduce barbiturate prescribing, and arrangements are proceeding accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what he calculates the cost of each MRCA will be at February 1975 prices; and what is his estimate of the total cost to Great Britain, including research, of building 385 MRCAs for the RAF.

By agreement between the partners in the project, MRCA unit production cost estimates are expressed at the price levels of the previous September. The estimated basic unit cost of the common version of the MRCA at September 1974 price levels is £3·9 million. The increase over the cost at September 1973 prices is entirely due to inflation and changes in exchange rates.So far as other costs are concerned, I am unable to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 22nd November 1974.—[Vol. 881, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total cost of education facilities made available to foreign students attending courses in primary and secondary schools.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to assist the responsible authorities to find a suitable school placement for Mark Gobell of 263, North-brooks, Harlow, as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the Essex local education authority is still considering whether an ordinary school or a special school would be most suitable for Mark Gobell. The Department is always ready to try to suggest special schools which may be suitable for a particular handicapped child though the Department cannot know whether schools have vacancies at any particular time.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the research project to evaluate nursery centres is to be started; by whom it is to be done; and when he expects it to be completed.

A research project to evaluate the experimental nursery centres established under the Urban Aid Programme, commissioned jointly by my Department and the Department of Health and Social Security, is to be undertaken by the National Children's Bureau. Preliminary work has already begun and the project itself will start in March 1975. The study is expected to take three to four years.

NUMBER OF CLASSES BY SIZE IN MAINTAINED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BOURNEMOUTH
Primary school classes as registered
			Number of pupils
			1–30	31–40	41–50	57 and over	All classes
At January—
1960	…	…	53	168	37	—	258
1961	…	…	66	154	37	—	257
1962	…	…	55	178	26	—	259
1963	…	…	45	182	27	—	254
1964	…	…	42	187	34	—	263
1965	…	…	46	175	44	—	265
1966	…	…	42	197	33	—	272
1967	…	…	38	207	29	—	274
1968	…	…	43	188	50	—	281
1969	…	…	38	211	35	—	284
1970	…	…	34	232	26	1	293
1971	…	…	29	270	8	—	307
1972	…	…	53	260	4	—	317
1973	…	…	87	240	4	—	331
1974	…	…	136	209	—	—	345

Secondary school classes*
			Number of pupils
			1–30	31–40	41–50	57 and over	All classes
At January—
1960	…	…	153	116	2	2	273
1961	…	…	166	113	—	—	279
1962	…	…	170	104	2	—	276
1963	…	…	182	98	2	—	282
1964	…	…	190	82	1	—	273
1965	…	…	200	71	1	—	272
1966	…	…	199	69	1	—	269
1967	…	…	248	52	2	—	302
1968	…	…	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
1969	…	…	251	53	4	3	311
1970	…	…	253	57	2	2	314
1971	…	…	282	42	5	2	331
1972	…	…	270	56	2	3	331
1973	…	…	309	39	2	1	351
1974	…	…	334	39	1	1	375
* "As registered" for the years 1960 to 1966. From 1967 the classes are "as taught".

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further information he can now give about the committee of inquiry into the management and government of schools.

The terms of reference of the committee, which is being set up jointly by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and myself, will be:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many school classes, primary or secondary, in Bournemouth had 1 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50 and over 51 pupils, respectively, in each of the years between 1960 and 1974.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the school transport costs, per

EXPENDITURE ON TRANSPORTING PUPILS BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL PER PUPIL ON ROLL: ENGLISH COUNTIES*
£ Out-turn Prices
						1969–70	1970–71	1971–72	1972–73	1973–74
Bedfordshire		…	…	…	…	3·6	4·9	5·4	6·1	6·6
Berkshire	…	…	…	…	…	3·1	3·8	3·8	4·0	4·4
Buckinghamshire			…	…	…	3·2	4·0	4·9	5·0	5·7
Cambridgeshire		…	…	…	…	4·3	5·8	6·4	6·7	7·6
Cheshire	…	…	…	…	…	3·1	3·8	4·6	3·7	4·4
Cornwall	…	…	…	…	…	5·1	6·3	7·1	7·1	7·5
Cumberland		…	…	…	…	5·8	5·0	6·3	6·8	7·6
Derbyshire		…	…	…	…	2·4	2·7	3·4	3·3	3·9
Devon	…	…	…	…	…	7·6	9·1	10·3	11·2	12·6
Dorset	…	…	…	…	…	5·3	6·1	7·3	7·5	8·6
Durham	…	…	…	…	…	2·5	2·9	3·4	2·6	4·0
Essex	…	…	…	…	…	3·4	4·0	4·6	5·1	5·4
Gloucestershire		…	…	…	…	3·3	3·7	4·0	4·0	5·1
Hampshire		…	…	…	…	2·8	3·5	3·6	3·9	4·4
Herefordshire		…	…	…	…	6·6	7·6	8·4	9·4	10·7
Hertfordshire		…	…	…	…	2·7	3·6	4·4	4·8	5·6
Huntingdon		…	…	…	…	3·7	4·2	4·9	5·1	5·8
Isles of Scilly		…	…	…	…	3·1	2·8	3·0	3·6	5·9
Isle of Wight		…	…	…	…	3·3	4·1	5·6	6·4	7·1
Kent	…	…	…	…	…	3·0	3·5	4·0	5·3	5·0
Lancashire		…	…	…	…	1·8	2·1	2·6	2·3	2·9
Leicestershire		…	…	…	…	3·5	4·2	4·5	5·0	5·5
Lincolnshire-Holland			…	…	…	4·2	5·1	6·4	7·1	N/A
Lincolnshire-Kesteven			…	…	…	4·5	5·3	5·6	5·9
Lincolnshire-Lindsey			…	…	…	3·9	4·4	4·9	5·2
Norfolk	…	…	…	…	…	4·4	4·9	5·7	6·2	7·3
Northamptonshire			…	…	…	3·4	4·3	5·2	5·4	7·0
Northumberland		…	…	…	…	3·3	3·7	3·9	4·5	5·9
Nottinghamshire		…	…	…	…	2·3	2·7	3·3	3·3	3·6
Oxfordshire		…	…	…	…	4·1	4·4	4·6	4·7	5·7
Rutland	…	…	…	…	…	6·3	6·9	7·2	7·6	N/A
Shropshire		…	…	…	…	4·6	5·3	6·0	5·9	6·7
Somerset	…	…	…	…	…	5·2	6·4	7·7	9·0	10·1
Staffordshire		…	…	…	…	2·5	2·8	3·3	3·2	3·3
Suffolk-East		…	…	…	…	4·9	6·0	7·4	8·2	9·6
Suffolk-West		…	…	…	…	6·0	6·8	7·5	N/A	10·1
Surrey	…	…	…	…	…	2·9	3·7	4·6	4·8	5·7
Sussex-East		…	…	…	…	3·5	3·9	4·8	5·0	5·2
Sussex-West		…	…	…	…	2·3	3·6	4·3	5·1	5·4
Warwickshire		…	…	…	…	3·1	3·9	3·8	4·3	4·6
Westmorland		…	…	…	…	5·5	7·1	7·6	8·2	9·7
Wiltshire	…	…	…	…	…	3·5	4·5	4·7	5·1	5·5
Worcestershire		…	…	…	…	3·6	4·6	5·0	5·2	5·4
Yorkshire-East		…	…	…	…	4·5	4·9	6·8	5·5	6·6
Yorkshire-North			…	…	…	5·7	6·3	6·8	7·1	7·9
Yorkshire-West		…	…	…	…	2·6	3·1	3·5	3·6	4·0
* Data relates to maintained primary and secondary schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total cost in England and Wales of providing school transport in order to comply with existing statutory limits; and what is the equivalent cost for Cornwall.

My Department does not collect information in the form requested. In 1973–74, the latest year for which figures are available, the total

The information is as follows:expenditure on school transport in England and Wales was £45·1 million. This included expenditure under local education authorities' discretionary powers. Expenditure on school transport in Cornwall, during the same period and on the same basis, was £539,948. A survey conducted in respect of the financial year 1971–72 showed that at that time about 90 per cent. of all school transport expenditure by local education authorities in England and Wales was incurred under their statutory obligations; for Cornwall the figure was about 96 per cent. Many local education authorities have recently reduced their discretionary provision of school transport.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many Scottish designs for production platforms have been submitted to him for approval; and of these, how many have been approved or refused.

My right hon. Friend does not approve designs for production platforms; this is a matter for the oil companies. But as from 31st August 1975 individual offshore installations will have to possess a valid certificate of fitness

Date of Visit			Country				Purpose
Secretary of State
17th December 1974		…	Belgium	…	…	…	EEC Council of Ministers (Energy).
Minister of State
13th and 14th November 1974			New York	…	…	…	Financial Times Conference: "Oil and Governments".
11th December 1974		…	The Hague		…	…	Glasgow Herald Conference: "The North Sea Links the Netherlands with the Land of Opportunity".
6th-14th January 1975		…	India	…	…	…	Guest of Indian Government.
13th February 1975	…	…	Brussels	…	…	…	EEC Council of Ministers (Energy).
Under Secretaries of State
My hon. Friend the Member of Midlothian (Mr. Eadie)
6th-10th June 1974	…	…	Scandinavia and Germany				To study energy conservation and utilisation.
18th June 1974	…	…	Paris	…	…	…	To address the Western European Union.
28th July to 4th August 1974			United States		…	…	To examine coal conversion processes.
6th-9th January 1975		…	Germany	…	…	…	To study research and development into new uses for coal.
My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang)
29th April to 1st May 1974		…	Norway	…	…	…	Address Financial Times Conference; study Norwegian oil related activities.
3rd-4th September 1974		…	Norway	…	…	…	Offshore North Sea Conference and Exhibition, Stavanger.
My hon. Friend the Member for Lanarkshire, North (Mr. Smith)
23rd-24th January 1975		…	Norway	…	…	…	Discussions with Norwegian Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what schemes for research and development in relation to North Sea oil have been initiated

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many visits abroad have been made by Ministers in the Department during the last year; and if he will specify the purpose and date of each such visit.

Department of Energy Ministers have made the following visits abroad during the last year:within the last year, either directly or in association with other Government Departments; what is the estimate of cost of each project; and how much will be spent, respectively, in Scotland, England. Wales and Northern Ireland.

Areas in which research and development schemes in connection with the search for and exploitation of offshore oil have been commissioned by the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board, on behalf of my Department and in association with other Departments, with their estimated costs in 1974–75 are:

Platforms (including new types, sea-bed stability, instrumentation and wave loadings)	760
Oceanography (including environmental data collection)	690
Novel production systems (including subsea completions and submarine pipelines)	300
Materials	150
Diving	50
Submersibles	50
Total	2,000

Under a contract with the Natural Environment Research Council my Department is also funding geological studies of the Continental Shelf at an estimated cost of £650,000 in 1974–75.It is not possible to estimate how much of these sums of money have been spent respectively in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland because work placed under many of the contracts with, for example, firms in one part of the country may involve purchases from firms in another part of the country.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will direct the industry to introduce a further restructuring of domestic electricity tariffs to accompany the price rises proposed for April and July.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 24th February.—[Vol. 887, c. 8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Army vehicles that communicate between Provisional Sinn Fein incident centres and Government incident centres have any special markings.

No such communication takes place.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, since the setting up of incident centres in Northern Ireland, the security forces are carrying out foot patrols in Republican areas.

Consistent with my recent statements to the House, the Army has been able to reduce the size and frequency of its patrols, particularly in urban areas. That reduction has been related to the level of violence occurring and not to the establishment of incident centres.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to move the Royal Ulster Constabulary training centre; and what consideration has been given to its resiting.

This is a matter for the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, which will, I understand, shortly be submitting proposals to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the increase in charges for issues and variations for shotgun certificates; what percentage increase this represents; and what are the equivalent charges in the rate for the United Kingdom.

In Northern Ireland shotguns are held under the authority of firearm certificates. In order to meet administrative costs the charge for the grant of a firearm certificate was raised to £10 and that for variation or renewal to £5 as from 1st January, 1975, an increase of 376 per cent. over the existing charges of £2·10 and £1·05, respectively. I understand that in Great Britain, where shotguns are held under shotgun certificates, the current fees are £1 for issue and renewal and 50p for replacement, but these are also under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is considering any compensation scheme for shotguns disallowed or plugged and drilled.

No. But the question of how best to immobilise weapons is being reconsidered.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will announce the amount of grant allocated to the Sports Council for 1975–76.

The amount of the grant is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will report on the position regarding the maintenance of value payments due in respect of the United Kingdom contributions for the first three replenishments of the resources of the International Development Association.

The maintenance of value obligations accepted by the United Kingdom in the arrangements for the replenishment, under the authority of the Overseas Aid Act 1968 and statutory orders made under it, are being met by the deposit of non-negotiable non-interest-bearing notes, additional to those originally deposited for our contributions. A deposit of notes is being made for £10,914,961·98 which is based on the disbursements actually made by the association from our contributions during the period 1st July 1973 to 31st December 1974.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what aid, in addition to technical assistance, she proposes to offer to the Government of Ghana.

I have offered £10 million for expenditure on projects which I propose should be mainly in the agricultural and rural sectors. The Government of Ghana welcomed this. I hope that a small team of my officials will visit Accra as soon as it is mutually convenient for discussions concerning appropriate projects. Our technical assistance programme, which at present amounts to £1·5 million a year will continue in close consultation with the Ghanaian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether the rates of susidy on butter and cheese are to be increased to offset price increases resulting from the EEC farm price review.

With effect from 3rd March 1975, the rate of subsidy on butter will be increased to £233 per ton, of which about £48 per ton will be paid from EEC funds. The cheese subsidy will continue to be paid at £188 per ton. Appropriate amendments will be made to the statutory orders setting maximum prices for butter and cheese.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students graduating from colleges of education do not enter teaching; and how many abandon teaching within the first year after their graduation.

As a result of the system of returns introduced last autumn I expect to be able to answer the first part of the Question in a few weeks' time and will then write to the hon. Member. Information about the second part will not be available until the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement clarifying the responsibility for arranging the duty rota among members of the panels of justices to be set up under the District Courts (Scotland) Bill.