asked the Secretary at State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will pay an official visit to Cairo.

My right hon. Friend would welcome the opportunity to do so, but owing to other commitments he is not yet in a position to make definite plans. Meanwhile he looks forward to welcoming the Foreign Minister of Egypt on an official visit to this country in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the reasons for the decision of Her Majesty's Government to vote against United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2697 (XXV) to establish a 42-nation committee to consider suggestions regarding the review of the Charter of the United Nations.

The resolution we voted against was number 3,349. We did so because we believe the Charter has stood the test of time well and proved sufficiently flexible. We also wished to avoid the confrontation and divisiveness which a general review is likely to cause. But now the Committee is established we intend to participate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was his attitude on the question of Viet Cong aggression against Cambodia and Vietnam when it was discussed by the Foreign Ministers of the Community; how it compared with that of other Ministers; to what extent the communiqué represented his views; and if he will now condemn this aggression.

Foreign Ministers had a general discussion on the situation in Vietnam and agreed on the humanitarian assistance the Community will give. Details of these discussions are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to help Vietnamese staff employed by the British Embassy in Saigon and by British concerns in South Vietnam.

Yes. Financial provision was made for all our Vietnamese staff before the embassy was temporarily closed on 24th April. Other British concerns have taken comparable action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the declarations made at the meeting of Heads of EEC Governments in Dublin in March concerning New Zealand's access for dairy products and the budget adjustment mechanism are legally binding; whether they are subject to a proposal from the Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Agreements of principle on these matters were reached at the Heads of Government meeting in Dublin in March. These are firm political decisions, though they require to be made into formal legal instruments. The Commission is now preparing proposals to give effect to them for submission to the Council of Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the British Government supported the decision taken by the NATO Council to deliver weapons to the Turkish Government to compensate for the US arms embargo on Turkey: and if he will make a statement.

No such decision has been taken by the North Atlantic Council. It is for individual members of the Alliance to decide their own policies on supplying arms to other countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a ministerial broadcast on the question of British sovereignty and membership of the European Community.

My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from Commonwealth Governments following the decision to recommend to Parliament and to the country that the United Kingdom shall remain as a member of the European Economic Community.

Her Majesty's Government are in regular contact with Commonwealth Governments, and my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary are currently meeting Commonwealth Heads of Government in Kingston. But as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 7th April, no Commonwealth country has said it wants us to leave the EEC, and many have urged us to remain in permanent membership so that their interests can be better represented within the Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has yet had discussions with Mr. Tindemans about political union.

The Belgian Prime Minister was present for part of the informal meeting of Community Foreign Ministers near Dublin on 12th-13th April, at which there was some general discussion of the report which he is to prepare on European Union. My right hon. Friend has not taken part in any other discussions with him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the provisions of Article 29 of the Treaty of Accession to the EEC have been fully complied with; and, if not, which of the Acts listed in Annex 1 to the Treaty have not been adapted as specified in that Annex.

The adaptations to Acts adopted by the Institutions which were provided for in Article 29 of the Act of Accession and which are detailed in Annex I to that Act took effect, by virtue of Article 2 of the Act, as from 1st January 1973, the date of entry into force of the Act of Accession, except as otherwise provided by Article 33 of the Decision of the Council of 1st January 1973—(Official Journal of the European Communities No. L2 of 1st January 1973, pp. 1–27)—which took account of Norway's failure to become a member of the European Communities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether under the Treaty of Rome a company which is centrally managed and controlled in another member State can be denied a benefit made available under United Kingdom law to a company centrally managed and controlled in the United Kingdom.

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will report progress on the discussions he is having with oil companies on the Government's plans for a 51 per cent. take-over of North Sea interests.

Negotiations with the oil companies are continuing with a view to reaching agreements on Government participation in commercial oilfields in the North Sea on terms which will be fair to the British people and to the companies.

asked the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received from British nationals temporarily resident in the other eight Community countries about voting in the forthcoming referendum.

In addition to a petition on behalf of United Kingdom citizens resident in Europe I have received some 30 or so letters from British nationals who are temporarily resident within the European Economic Community.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will set up a Referendum Information Unit in Scotland.

No. But direct lines have been installed to enable callers in Scotland to telephone the Referendum Information Unit in London at the cost of a call to Edinburgh. The Edinburgh number is 031–225 6626/7.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the degree of protection that exists for residents and other members of the general public in urban areas arising from the parking of tankers containing toxic or explosive substances.

I am informed by the Health and Safety Commission that there has been consultation with industry, local authorities and the police on the question of the parking of vehicles carrying dangerous substances, with a view to proposing new regulations. The existing controls over vehicles carrying explosives, petrol and certain other inflammable liquids include restrictions on parking.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report details of the number and value of compensation awards made under the unfair dismissal regulations, showing the number of awards under £500, £500 and under £1,000, £1,000 and under £2,000, £2,000 and under £3,000, £3,000 and under £4,000, £4,000 and up to £5,200 for the last 12 complete months for which figures are available.

The latest statistics available on completed cases relate to the period 1st October 1973 to 27th September 1974 when 908 awards of compensation were made under the unfair dismissal provisions by the industrial tribunals. Compensation was awarded as follows: under £500 in 687 cases, between £500 and £1,000 in 114 cases, between £1,000 and £2,000 in 62 cases, between £2,000 and £3,000 in 29 cases, between £3,000 and £4,000 in 7 cases and over £4,000 in 9 cases.The provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 which raised the upper limit for compensation for unfair dismissal from £4,160 to £5,200 did not come into force until 16th September 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest estimate of unemployment and short-time working by planning subdivision in Wales.

The following table shows the numbers unemployed on 14th April 1975, and those known to my Department to have been working short time during the week commencing 14th April:

Sub-division	Numbers unemployed	Numbers on short-time
Clwyd—East	5,926	258
Clwyd— West	2,978	165
Gwynedd	6,241	285
Industrial South Wales	36,991	5,015
Powys	1,321	259
West Wales	6,097	233

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish, from international sources available to him, the number of persons employed in the motor industries and in the steel industries, for the latest convenient year in the United Kingdom, United States of America, France, West Germany and Japan.

The table below shows the numbers employed in the motor industries and the steel industries in 1973, the latest year for which data is available from international sources. It is regretted that details of the numbers employed in the motor industries in France, West Germany and Japan are not available.

NUMBERS EMPLOYED IN THE MOTOR INDUSTRIES AND THE STEEL INDUSTRIES IN 1973
	Motor Industries	Steel Industries
United Kingdom*	510,000‡	300,900§
USA	952,900†	521,700
France	Not available	146,733
West Germany		225,954
Japan		325,206
Notes:
* Annual Census of Employment June 1973.
† December 1973.
‡ Minimum list heading 381 of the Standard Industrial Classification.
§ Minimum list headings 311 and 312 of the Standard Industrial Classification.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what facilities are available for training and retraining in the Thanet area; what numbers can be accommodated; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that within the Thanet area on 28th April 1975 19 people were receiving training in colleges of further education under the Training Opportunities Scheme (TOPS). Facilities for training under TOPS are flexible. TOPS trainees can be placed in any skillcentre, college of further education or employers' establishment to meet individual training requirements. In addition trainees can be provided with lodgings to enter training beyond daily travelling distance. A lodging allowance is paid in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, taking the first quarter of 1945 as 100, what would be the index number for retail prices in each of the quarters from 1945 to the latest quarter for which information is available.

The official index of retail prices was first introduced in June 1947. Taking the index for that date as 100, the quarterly series is as follows:

RETAIL PRICE INDEX*
			June 1947=100
	1st Quarter	2nd Quarter	3rd Quarter	4th Quarter
1947			101	103
1948	105	109	108	109
1949	109	110	111	112
1950	113	114	114	116
1951	118	123	127	129
1952	133	136	137	138
1953	139	141	140	140
1954	140	142	144	145
1955	146	148	150	153
1956	154	157	157	158
1957	160	161	163	165
1958	166	168	166	168
1959	169	168	167	168
1960	169	170	170	172
1961	173	175	177	179
1962	181	184	184	184
1963	186	187	186	187
1964	189	193	194	196
1965	198	203	203	205
1966	206	210	211	213
1967	214	216	214	217
1968	220	225	227	229
1969	234	238	238	241
1970	246	251	254	260
1971	267	276	280	284
1972	288	293	298	305
1973	311	321	326	337
1974	351	372	381	398
1975	422
* A number of major changes have been made in the construction of the index since its introduction in interim form in 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment which recommendations of the recent Report by the Select Committee on Race Relations he intends to implement; which recommendations he does not intend to implement; and for what reasons.

I have nothing to add to my reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich (Mr. Barnett) on 3rd December 1974.—[Vol. 882, c. 397–98.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects the Royal Commission on the Distribution of Income and Wealth to report on the references on higher incomes and to report on the standing reference on the distribution of income and wealth.

The Royal Commission on the Distribution of Income and Wealth hopes to be able to make its first report on the standing reference quite shortly and to report on the higher incomes reference by mid-July.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons in Wales are employed in units of fewer than 25 employees, between 25 and 50 employees, between 50 and 100, between 100 and 200, between 200 and 500, and in units of more than 500 employees; and what proportion of the total working population is employed in each category.

I have been asked to reply.Information on employment in manufacturing industry by size groups of units employing more than 10 persons, and by country and standard region of the United Kingdom, is published in Business Monitor PA 1003 "Analysis of United Kingdom manufacturing (local) units by employment size, 1972".The information is not available by the precise employment size ranges requested neither is it available for industries not classified as manufacturing.The proportions employed in the various size groups quoted in the Business Monitor in Wales were:

Employment Size Group	per cent.
11–19	2·1
20–24	1·8
25–99	10·5
100–199	10·2
200–499	21·0
500–999	14·3
1,000 and over	40·1
Total	100·0

For the United Kingdom as a whole, employees in units employing 10 or fewer persons were estimated to have amounted to 3·4 per cent. of those employed in units of 11 or more; thus to 3·3 per cent. of all employees in manufacturing units of all sizes.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the net contribution per head to the balance of trade in 1974 of all those employed in the engineering sector, and all those employed in the insurance, banking, finance and business services.

I have been asked to reply.Exports of the engineering sector less the direct and indirect imports required to produce them are estimated provisionally to have averaged £2,200 per head in 1974. It is regretted that comparable estimates cannot be provided for the services sector mentioned since invisible exports and imports are not comprehensively classified by industrial sectors to correspond with the employment statistics, nor is a suitable input-output analysis available for assessing net contributions.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the current position with regard to the negotiations over the pay of university teachers; whether he will now refer the matter to independent arbitration: and if he will make a statement;(2) on what grounds the request for arbitration of the dispute regarding university teachers' pay has been refused.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is yet able to make a statement on the negotiations on university teachers' salaries.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is now in a position to make a statement on the negotiations over the pay of university teachers.

The negotiating committee has met three times since 17th April. I regret that a settlement has not yet been reached in the negotiations on increases in university academic salaries. The constituent members of the university side of the negotiating committee are now considering their position, and I shall make a further statement when I have heard their decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice he has given regarding adaptations to existing school, college and university premises to render them accessible to and usable by disabled students and teachers; what funds he has made available for this purpose: and if he will make a statement

General advice on adapting existing buildings to make them accessible to, and usable by. disabled persons is given to authorities in the Department's Circular 13/70 of 17th August 1970. The Department's officers are available to advise on particular projects in the normal way. It is for local education authorities to decide what work to carry out, within the lump sum authorisations made to them under the arrangements for educational building programmes set out in the Department's Circular 13/74 of 31st December 1974, a copy of which is being sent to my hon. Friend. For the universities, the advice given by the University Grants Committee in 1972 is relevant and the funds available for minor works may be used for such adaptations.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the assurance announced on 19th December 1974 has resulted, as hoped, in the uninterrupted development of the Thistle Field in the North Sea.

The assurance given by the Government has resulted in the licensees of Block 211/18—the Halibut Group—led by Burmah Oil Development Ltd. as operator proceeding as planned with the development of the Thistle Field.In the present international economic climate, Tricentrol North Sea Ltd., which has an 8·4 per cent. interest in the field, has not been able to make provision for project finance for its share of development cost of the Thistle Field, as had been hoped. My Department has been having discussions with Tricentrol, which has informed the Department that the company will be able to make the necessary arrangements for finance should a certain formal guarantee be given.Subject to the obtaining of any necessary parliamentary authority, a guarantee will be given as follows: the Government will, subject to certain conditions, guarantee the repayment of advances up to a maximum sum of £38·3 million, including interest, made by banks to the company for defraying the company's share of the cost of development of the Thistle Field. As consideration for this guarantee, the Government will be paid an amount to be expressed as a royalty on the wellhead value of oil over the life of the field. The minimum royalty payable will be 5 per cent., with the option to take this in oil. The term of the guarantee will depend on the date when the field comes into full production. It will not be later than 31st December 1980. After the conclusion of a 51 per cent. participation agreement the Government may, subject to a full review of the position, and having particular regard to the continuing viability of the field, change the ceiling for a guarantee in respect of the company's residual 49 per cent. interest to £25·02 million, being the appropriate proportion of £51·1 million, including interest, advanced by the banks to Tricentrol North Sea Ltd. in connection with the Thistle Field. If the Government are called upon to implement their guarantee, the benefit of the banks' securities would be transferred to the Government, but the Government would allow Tricentrol to retain a residual working interest related to its actual exploration and development expenditure in connection with the Thistle Field in Block 211/18. This guarantee relates only to advances by banks and interest accrued thereon in respect of the 8·4 per cent. interest of Tricentrol North Sea Ltd. in the Thistle commercial Field in the North Sea.In recognition of the Government's giving the guarantee mentioned above, Tricentrol North Sea Ltd. has agreed in writing that it will grant 51 per cent. participation in its interest in the Thistle Field for value to the Government on terms and conditions presently being negotiated, the agreement to be concluded as soon as possible. Among the terms and conditions being negotiated would be provisions to safeguard the position of lending banks.The arrangements described above extinguish the Government's contingent liability in respect of Tricentrol North Sea Ltd. under the assurance given on 19th December 1974.—[Vol. 883, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether it is proposed that the BNOC should operate on commercial principles.

The British National Oil Corporation will be expected to operate according to commercial principles when it is in partnership, or when it is engaging in downstream activities such as refining or marketing, but not necessarily when acting alone as the agent of Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what rate of return on capital the BNOC is expected to earn.

This will depend on the financial duties laid on the corporation under Clause 5, and these have not yet been determined.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy why the BNOC will not be expected to pay petroleum revenue tax like any other company operating in the North Sea, under the Oil Taxation Bill.

The BNOC will be paying all its revenues into the National Oil Account; the exemption from PRT is an internal administrative measure to simplify transactions within Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many platforms may fail to reach the standard required by Off-shore Installation (Construction and Survey) Regulations; of these how many are in (a) the Scottish and (b) the English sector of the North Sea; and what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take to avoid the dangers to safety and personnel and the risk of well blowouts which might follow from nonobservance of the regulations.

From 31st August 1975 all platforms will require a certificate of fitness.In Scottish jurisdiction waters all fixed platforms have been built with knowledge of the standards of the Offshore Installation (Construction and Survey) Regulations and no certification problems are expected. Some 20 existing fixed platforms in English jurisdiction waters were built before the regulations had been published. The certifying authorities are completing their surveys of these platforms. Modifications to the structures may be required, or constraints on their continued use imposed in their certification.No problems are anticipated over the certification of mobile installations of recent construction. The 11 older mobile installations will be subject to the same consideration as the existing fixed platforms mentioned above.All production wells on platforms are equipped with automatic subsurface safety valves to prevent blowouts. The presence of these valves and the periodic checks carried out on their effectiveness are verified by the Department.Blowout control on drilling operations is affected by two means. Approval of the drilling programme has to be obtained from my right hon. Friend, and adherence to it monitored by the Department. Also, the Department verifies that blowout preventor drills and equipment checks are regularly carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to improve poor television reception in the area of Pentre foelas, Clwyd, North Wales;(2) whether he will arrange for the installation of an area mast and/or a booster for the purpose of improving television reception in the area of Pentre foelas, Clwdy, North Wales.

The broadcasting authorities, which are primarily responsible for extending and improving the coverage of their UHF television services, tell us there are no plans at present for a new station to serve Pentrefoelas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce a Bill to bring the law of succession to the Crown in line with the principles contained in the White Paper "Equality for Women".

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made by the Government at the International Wavelength Conference towards obtaining an increase in VHF frequencies for the United Kingdom.

The second session of the Regional Administrative Broadcasting Conference is to be held in Geneva from 6th October to 22nd November 1975. It will not be concerned with VHF but solely with planning frequency assignments for low-frequency and medium-frequency broadcasting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions licences have been revoked under Section 1(4) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act for all reasons listed in his Written Reply of 17th April.—[Vol. 890, c. 136–7.]

There have so far been no revocations in connection with my reply of 17th April.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a statement on his proposals following the Younger Committee's Report on Privacy.

Work is proceeding urgently on the preparation of a White Paper on computers and privacy. The Government's conclusions on other aspects of privacy will follow as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department, through the Voluntary Service Unit, will consider grant aid for priority area development so that it can undertake innovatory community and neighbour hood work in Liverpool's inner city council estates.

Although the Voluntary Services Unit has offered advice on possible sources of assistance for the Priority Area Development Scheme, the scheme does not fall within its own terms of reference and the money required is well beyond the unit's limited resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she has yet received the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the proposed transfer of the newspapers owned by C. & A. N. Scott Limited to the Guardian and Manchester Evening News Limited.

Yes. I received the report on 15th April, and it is being published this afternoon. The commission concluded that the transfer may not be expected to operate against the public interest. Formal consent is being given to the Guardian and Manchester Evening News Limited today.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she is yet in a position to announce the terms of her reference to the Price Commission of food prices in outlying areas of the country.

Pursuant to paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 1 to the Counter Inflation Act 1973 I have today referred to the Price Commission for examination and report the reasons for any higher levels in the prices, including delivery charges, of food, including non alcholic drink, in typical outlying areas as compared with the levels in other areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is now able to give the date on which the provision of the non-contributory invalidity pension will come into force.

My right hon. Friend will be making a statement on this matter as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the annual cost of keeping a patient in Brighton General Hospital, Elm Grove, Brighton;(2) what is the annual cost of keeping a geriatric patient in Brighton General Hospital, Elm Grove, Brighton.

In the year ending 31st March 1974 the average cost per week for each patient was £63·25. There are no figures available for geriatric patients.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric beds there are in the Brighton District Council area.

the Brighton Health district, which embraces the local government districts of Hove, Brighton and Lewes, there are 455 geriatric beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds are not in use due to staff shortages in hospitals in the area covered by the Brighton District Council; and if she will list the number for each hospital, separately.

In the Brighton health district. 12 beds at Chailey Heritage Hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals she has for introducing a salary scale for area speech therapists.

The negotiation of salary scales for area speech therapists is a matter for the National Health Service Professional and Technical Whitley Council "A". I am anxious that agreement should be reached as soon as possible so that posts can be advertised and appointments made.Recommendations on grading and salaries for these posts were included in the report of the committee of inquiry submitted by Lord Halsbury at the end of last year, but I understand that the staff side of the Whitley Council has so far declined to accept these particular suggestions.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate of need for speech therapists has been made by her Department for England and Wales; and what is the actual number in employment.

No separate estimate has been made by my Department. The hon. Member will be aware of the target for Great Britain of 2,500 full-time therapists recommended in the Quirk Report. At present, some 900 are employed in the National Health Service in England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many speech therapists have been appointed to the area health authority serving Berkshire.

Thirty-six—whole time equivalent 24—speech therapists are employed by the Berkshire Area Health Authority and there are nine vacancies.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will give further guidance to local authorities on the provision of supportive residential accommodation for those homeless single people who need care.

I do not at present expect to issue further general guidance but officials of my Department are always willing to consult with any local authority which is considering specific provision for homeless single people in need of care.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many new residential projects she expects to open during 1975–76 for homeless single people in need of care and support, under her Department's Circular 37/722.

Projects of this kind may be undertaken either by local authorities or by any of a number of voluntary bodies. The information on which to base estimates is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to secure the wider implementation by local authorities of her Department's Circular 37/72 (Homeless single persons in need of care and support).

Opportunities will continue to be taken as they arise to encourage local authorities to take action in accordance with the circular.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of all exceptional needs payments she estimates were made in respect of fuel debts in the latest convenient period in (a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom.

I regret that we have no information on which reliable estimates of this kind could be based.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is now in a position to make a statement on the future of the Liverpool Teaching Hospital.

Interim arrangements have been made for Sir Alfred McAlpine and Son Ltd. to continue with the construction of the hospital. The longer-term arrangements for completion are now being considered urgently by the regional health authority but formal agreements have not yet been recorded.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many Chilean families recently settled in Great Britain are in receipt of supplementary benefits and employment benefits; and what is the weekly amount which they draw.

I regret that, as any amounts paid to Chilean families would not be recorded separately, this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the reasons for the omission of any equivalent to paragraph 10 of the National Insurance (Attendance Allowance) Regulations 1971 in the Social Security (Attendance Allowance) Regulations 1975 which replaced the 1971 Regulations.

The provision whereby a claim for supplementary benefit can be treated additionally as a claim for attendance allowance, which was con- tained in Regulation 10 of the National Insurance (Attendance Allowance) Regulations 1971, is now contained in Regulation 9(5) of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1975 (SI 1975 No. 560).

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what duty or discretion the Supplementary Benefits Commission has to treat an application for supplementary benefit as being also a claim for an attendance allowance.

The Supplementary Benefits Commission has no duty or discretion to treat a claim for supplementary benefit additionally as a claim for attendance allowance. Under Sections 95(1)(e) and 80(2)(b) of the Social Security Act 1975, it is for the Secretary of State to decide such a question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what stage has been reached in the production of land use capability maps for England and Wales; and what percentage area of England and Wales has been covered.

Land use capability maps are now being produced for all areas selected for soil survey. Maps already published or in the course of publication cover some 2½ per cent. of the agricultural land of England and Wales and further maps are being prepared covering another 2½per cent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the use of nitrates and nitrites used to preserve canned meats and sausages is dangerous.

The Government's expert independent advisory committees, having satisfied themselves as to the safety in use of, and need for, nitrates and nitrites in food, have recommended that these preservatives should be permitted only in bacon, ham, other cured meats and certain cheeses, subject to maximum levels. These recommendations have been implemented by the Preservatives in Food Regulations 1974. The committees are keeping a close and continuing watch on the situation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the widespread use of sulphur dioxide in food is dangerous.

The foods to which sulphur dioxide may be added as a preservative, and the maximum levels in those foods, are strictly controlled by the Preservatives in Food Regulations 1974. These permitted uses were fixed on the advice of our expert independent committees who, before making their recommendations, satisfied themselves on the need to use this preservative and on the public health implications of doing so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many complaints he has received in the last three months about the maltreatment of animals exported for slaughter; how many of these complaints were substantiated by sufficient evidence; and whether he intends taking any appropriate action.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Boscawen) on 24th April.—[Vol. 890, c. 1732–33.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the shortage of cartridges for humane killers is now creating a problem for areas such as the New Forest where the captive bolt system is not suitable in remote locations; if he will take steps designed to ensure that sufficient ammunition is available to prevent any unnecessary animal suffering which may result; and if he will make a statement.

Supplies of the "strong" type of 0·310 and 0·320 ammunition used for the humane slaughter of large animals away from slaughterhouses are virtually unobtainable in this country at present. I am not aware of any shortages of ammunition for captive bolt pistols used mainly in slaughterhouses, nor am I aware of any insuperable difficulty over their use in remote locations.The supply of ammunition is not the direct responsibility of the Government, but in view of its interest in animal welfare my Department has encouraged the user interests to form a working group to co-ordinate their individual efforts to ensure the continuity of supply. In addition, we have been able to release a small number of 0·320 rounds to the working group from emergency stocks held against outbreaks of disease.A consignment of 0·310 rounds is exected from abroad next month and supplies of 0·320 may follow later on, but this is a matter for the user and manufacturing interests to resolve on a commercial basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish particulars of aid received by Northern Ireland from the European Community.

£3,362,650 has been received from the European Social Fund for expenditure on employment, training, rehabilitation and resettlement services in Northern Ireland in 1973.Loans totalling £2,650,000 have been received by companies in Northern Ireland from the European Investment Bank. £14,158 has been paid from the regional studies budget of the European Commission towards the cost of an industrial survey. £1,605·90 has been received for a labour force survey carried out in 1973, and £107·33 for a survey of agricultural earnings. £9,000 has been paid for the Northern Ireland part of a survey of bovine livestock.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will explain specifically which countries will be affected by the reduction of £20 million in the Government's programme for overseas aid announced in the Budget Statement.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Rodgers) on 25th April.—[Vol. 890, c. 408.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what payments have been made over the last two years by Her Majesty's Government to the Cypriot Government; and if he will list any outstanding items yet to be paid and to whom it is intended to make the payments.

The following payments have been made by my Department to the Cyprus Government in the last two financial years:

	1973–74	1974–75
	£	£
Payments for utility services.	1,012,000	1,476,000
Payments for medical care of locally employed civilians.	2,400	3,000
Social insurance payments and income tax payableby locally employed civilians.	Figures not yet available
Customs dues	34,000	34,000

There have also been payments by the Ministry of Overseas Development.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the future use of the British bases in Cyprus by the United States forces.

For some months we have allowed limited use of facilities at RAF Akrotiri by United States aircraft in the interests of progress towards a peaceful solution of the Middle East problem. There are no plans to extend the use of these facilities to other United States forces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the remaining stages of the M62 to be completed.

The eastern end of the M62 from Pollington to Caves should be completed during the latter part of this year, with the exception of the bridge over the River Ouse. This is expected to be completed in the spring of 1976. The contract for the western end of the M62 between Queens Drive, Liverpool, and Tarbock includes the construction of a viaduct which forms an integral part of the scheme. The contract provides for completion in December this year but, although the motorway works are proceeding according to programme, work on the viaduct has been delayed by shortage of materials.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied about the working of the Field Monuments Act 1972; and if he will give details of payments made through its acknowledgement payments scheme, for each year of the Act's operation.

No. My right hon. Friend is, therefore, considering its future, in consultation with his Scottish and Welsh colleagues. Payments made in England were:

1972 (Oct-Dec.)	24, totaling£517
1973	194, totaling £4,777
1974	365, totaling£7,826

asked the Secertary of State for the Environment what is the effect of the £18 million of current, and £198 million of capital, cuts made in the spending plans of his Department as a conquence of the Budget.

Of the cuts on current and capital expenditure in 1976–7 listed by my right hon. Friend in his Written Answer of 17th April—[Vol. 890, c. 144.] —the share falling to my programmes is as follows:

	£ million at 1974 survey prices,
	Current expenditure on goods and services	capital
Roads and transport	6	65
Housing	—	50
Other environmental services	9	51
Common services (Property Services Agency)	1	6
	16	172

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any of the cuts announced in the Budget will fall upon the rate support grant; and what estimate he has made of the grant for 1976–77.

None of the cuts will fall on the rate support grant for 1975–76. The amount of grant for 1976–77 will be based on the estimate of relevant expenditure for that year. This estimate will take account of the proposed reductions in expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why mortgage interest repayments are taken into account in assessing a claimant's eligibility for supplementary benefits, but are not taken into account in calculating needs in relation to rate rebates.

Supplementary benefit is specifically intended to help meet rent or mortgage interest payments and also rate payments. These must, therefore, be taken into account when assessing how much benefit should be paid. A rate rebate is allowed only in respect of the rate bill. It is not designed to meet mortgage payments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy in regard to proposing rate relief for professional football clubs.

It is for each rating authority to decide whether a particular body is eligible for discretionary relief under Section 40 of the General Rate Act 1967 and, if so, whether relief should be granted. My right hon. Friend has no proposals at present for amending the law in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to reallocate any existing housing finance to assist directly private landlords.

As my right hon. Friend announced last November—[Vol. 881, c.913–14.]1—a comprehensive and searching review of the present system of housing finance is being undertaken. This will include a consideration of the arrangements in the private rented sector. I cannot say now what conclusions are likely to be reached.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what direct or indirect Government help has been made available to Chilean families who have recently settled on Merseyside; and how many have been afforded council housing.

Last year the British Council for Aid to Refugees, in association with other voluntary bodies, set up a joint working group, which is acting as the central point for making arrangements for the reception and resettlement of refugees from Chile, and the Government have made a number of small grants to the council to support this work. Refugees from Chile, on Merseyside as elsewhere, may seek help from the range of services which are normally available through local and central Government. The allocation of council houses is by statute a matter for the local authorities. My information is that none has so far been allocated to Chilean refugees who have recently settled on Merseyside; but that only a few have gone there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what way the concrete surface of the M5 sector to Willand will be better than that on the sector bypassing Taunton.

The Chelston Willand section of the M5 will be built to a new specification which calls for an increase in the depth of the sub-base. Construction will be by the use of a concrete train. My right hon. Friend's Concrete Advisory Committee has advised on the construction of this section, which will provide improved riding quality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet ready to consider legislation which would preclude the imposition of chief rents on new development.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. and learned brother the Attorney-General's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale (Mr. Noble) on 10th March 1975.—[Vol 888, c. 27.]

asked the Attorney-General how many neighbourhood law centres there are in existence in England and Wales; where they are; and what financial assistance they receive from

Name of center (i)		Location (ii)		Amount of Central Government support in 1974–75 (iii)	Amount of local authority support in 1974–75 (iv)
				£	£
Adamsdown Community and Advice Centre	…	Cardiff	…	4,720	None
Balham Neighbourhood Law Centre	…	Wandsworth, London	…	None	31,100
Benwell Community Development Project	…	Newcastle-upon-Tyne	…	—	5,000*
Brent Community Law Centre	…	Brent, London	…	7,900	12,000*
Camden Community Law Centre	…	Camden, London	…	None	41,000
Hillfields Information and Opinion Centre	…	coventry	…	—	10,000*
Holloway Neighbourhood Law Centre	…	Islington, London	…	None	None
Islington Community Law Centre	…	Islington, London	…	None	29,810
Lambeth Community Law Centre	…	Lambeth, London	…	None	48,500
Newham Rights Centre	…	Newham, London	…	None	None
North Kensington Neighbourhood Law Centre	…	Kensington, London	…	15,196	7,500†
Paddington Neighbourhood Advice Bureau and Law Centre	…	Testminster, London	…	None	23,049‡
Stepney Green Neighbourhood Law Centre	…	Tower Hamlets, London	…	7,833	None
Vauxhall Law and Information Centre	…	Liverpool	…	—	6,400*
West Stepney Neighbourhood Law Centre	…	Tower Hamlets, London	…	12,000	None
*Estimated expenditure attracting central Government grant of 75 per cent. under the urban programme
†Attributable to 1975–76.
‡Law centre only.

asked the Attorney-General what is the average cost of a hearing at (1) supplementary benefit tribunal, (2) national insurance local tribunal, (3) industrial tribunal, (4) magistrates' court and (5) county court, respectively.

I regret that this information is not available. I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is central and local government sources, respectively.

There is no universally recognised definition of a "neighbour hood law centre". There are now 15 centres in England and Wales which consist of or include neighbour hood law centres generally recognised as such. The table below lists the existing centres, giving (i) name of centre, (ii) location, (iii) amount of central Government support in 1974–75, (iv) amount of local authority support in 1974–75. Five new centres are to open shortly in the London boroughs of Camden—second center; Hackney; Haringey; and Hillingdon; and in Manchester.his present estimate, after Budget changes, for 1975–76 of expenditure in Wales on investment grants, assistance to the coal industry, the Local Employment Act, regional development grants, REP, industrial training and other expenditure on trade, industry and employment.

I regret that this information is not available as estimates of expenditure are not separately prepared for Wales, Scotland and the regions of England.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has any plans to change the location regulations for granting industrial development certificates to allow more industrial development to be carried out in areas of southern England where there is high unemployment.

The Department's attitude to the IDC control was set out in an article published in "Trade and Industry" on 13th February 1975. As that article makes clear, a sympathetic view is taken of projects in keeping with the needs of localities which have special unemployment problems, but subject always to consideration of the extent to which the projects are mobile.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many official forms, pamphlets and leaflets, magazines, booklets and books published by or on behalf of his Department are currently available to the public or to sections of the public; and how many in each class of publication are available in the Welsh language and in bilingual form, respectively.

This information is not readily available and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures are being taken by his Department to protect the confidentiality of confidential commercial information.

All Departments under all Governments have had long experience of safeguarding confidential commercial information.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether all officials in his Department who have sight of confidential commercial information are bound by the Official Secrets Act; and whether a prosecution under that legislation can be made in the event of a leak of confidential commercial information by a member of his Department.

All my officials are bound by the Official Secrets Act. Prosecution for an offence under the Act would be a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions with the consent of the Attorney-General.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that profits of university colleges realised through the sale of property and land are subject to capital gains tax.

University colleges, in common with other charitable bodies, are in general exempted by the Taxes Acts from capital gains tax, provided that the gains concerned are applied for charitable purposes only. My right hon. Friend has no plans to withdraw that exemption.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the United Kingdom social wage, as a proportion of GDP per capita, compares with the social wage in the United States of America, West Germany, France and Italy.

Figures comparable with those used in estimating the United Kingdom social wage are not available for the other countries named.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (a) what would be the cost of raising personal and child tax allowances to the following levels: single person £960, married person £1,280, child below 11 years of age £320, child 11 to 15 years of age £380, and child over 16 years of age £440, and (b) what would the cost be assuming that all tax-paying families were paying tax at the standard rate of 35 per cent.

At 1975–76 levels of income, the estimates of the full year costs of making the increases suggested, over and above those proposed in the Budget, are £2,800 million and £2,700 million respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total value added tax payable on the import of a £10,000 yearling in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and France, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the impact of this tax upon the United Kingdom bloodstock industry.

£800, nil (exempt), and approximately £20, respectively.My right hon. Friend met representatives of the Joint Racing Board on 18th March and heard their views about the impact of VAT on the bloodstock industry. As he stated in his Budget speech, he has considered most carefully and with much sympathy these and other arguments for reliefs from VAT, but has been forced to conclude that he cannot propose any further reliefs at this time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what additional income he expects through the increase in VAT on, respectively, the sale of boats, gliders and aircraft;(2) what additional income he expects through the increase in VAT on, respectively, the maintenance, repair and servicing of boats, gliders and aircraft.

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing (on 28th April.—[Vol. 891, c. 65]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he gave before proposing the increase in VAT charges on boats to its effects on seaworthiness and safety; and if he will make a statement.

These points were considered very carefully. The higher rate of VAT will not apply to liferafts which comply with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Rules 1965; nor to safety equipment such as flares, lifebuoys, lifejackets, safety harnesses and fire extinguishers; nor to sailing and navigation tuition. Lifeboats supplied to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will continue to be zero rated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the figure for his estimate of the increased revenue he will derive for the remainder of the financial year 1975–76 as a consequence of the introduction of the 25 per cent. VAT on certain products compares with the estimated revenue from a general flat-rate increase on all goods and services from 8 per cent. to 10 per cent. VAT.

It is estimated that the yield in 1975–76 of raising the standard rate of VAT from 8 per cent. of 10 per cent. on 1st May 1975 would be about £400 million. The estimate for higher rate VAT in 1975–76 is £200 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will provide for different regulator limits to be applied to the different rates of VAT so as to keep their percentages as simple as possible in all circumstances.

It has been generally considered that the power to change indirect taxation by statutory instrument in an emergency should be exercised by means of a uniform, non-discriminatory percentage. However, my right hon. Friend accepts that for VAT there are additional considerations to be taken into account also, and he will study the possibility raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for extra support for the British bloodstock and horse racing industry; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend was unable to extend relief from VAT in his recent Budget, but in January of this year, following representations from the industry, the import duty was removed from imported bloodstock, other than geldings. Consideration is now being given to the need to extend the temporary importation arrangements for bloodstock.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of the use of powers available in the Government Trading Funds Act; what powers have been used since this Act received Royal Assent; and on which duties.

The powers available under the Government Trading Funds Act 1973 are used in suitable cases at the appropriate time. Since the Act received Royal Assent two orders to establish trading funds have been approved by the House: (i) Statutory Instrument 1974 No. 1106 made on 27th June 1974 provided for the establishment of a trading fund for the Royal ordnance factories from 1st July 1974; and (ii), Statutory Instrument 1975 No. 501 made on 24th March 1975 provided for the establishment of a trading fund for the Royal Mint from 1st April 1975.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make proposals for a special tax on touring holiday caravans in order to help alleviate the problems caused by their excessive numbers in holiday areas.

No. Sales of such caravans are to be subject to VAT at the rate of 25 per cent. from 1st May while motor caravans will come within the scope of the car tax from the same date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish

IDENTIFIABLE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE PER HEAD*
	1968–69	1969–70	1970–71	1971–72	1972–73	1973–74
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Wales
Central Government	. .	. .	. .	. .	234	256
Local authorities	. .	. .	. .	. .	123	150
Nationalised industries (excluding steel)	. .	. .	. .	. .	32	22
Other public corporations	. .	. .	. .	. .	12	14
Total	284	295	316	359	401	442
B. United Kingdom
Central Government	. .	. .	. .	. .	225	263
Local authorities	. .	. .	. .	. .	128	156
Nationalised industries (excluding steel)	. .	. .	. .	. .	28	30
Other public corporations	. .	. .	. .	. .	8	12
Total	257	272	308	340	389	461
*Identifiable public expenditure is defined as in Digest of Welsh Statistics, No. 20 1974, table 7.04

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what further representations he has received concerning the conditions of tea and rubber workers in Sri Lanka.

We have received a substantial number of letters commenting on recent television programmes about conditions on tea estates in Sri Lanka. We a table in the Official Report showing indices of public expenditure in Wales and in the United Kingdom and distinguishing between central Government expenditure, expenditure by the nationalised industries, and expenditure by the local authorities for each year since 1960.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 28th April 1975; Vol. 891, c. 63–4], gave the following information:Identifiable public expenditure in Wales and in the United Kingdom on a comparable basis, expressed as expenditure per head, is shown in the table below for the years 1968–69 to 1973–74, with analysis by spending authority for the last two years. Information for Wales on a fully comparable basis is not available for earlier years. In considering these figures it should be remembered that comparative levels of expenditure per head are affected by differences in demographic and industrial structure, unemployment levels, and a number of other factors, as well as regional policy measures.are also studying a report on these conditions prepared by members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union delegation which visited Sri Lanka earlier this month.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade at what level the United Kingdom was represented at the 74th meeting of the insurance control services of the EEC on 25th February in Berlin; how the seniority of the United Kingdom representatives compared with those of other countries; and whether he will give an assurance that at future meetings the United Kingdom representatives will be sufficiently senior to take a full part in the proceedings.

United Kingdom representation at any international conference is arranged at the most appropriate level. At the Berlin meeting the United Kingdom delegation was led by the principal concerned who played a full and effective part in the proceedings. Exact comparisons are impossible but other countries' practice seems to be much the same as our own.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many official forms, pamphlets and leaflets, magazines booklets and books published by or on behalf of his Department are currently available to the public or to sections of the public; and how many in each class of publication are available in the Welsh language and in bilingual form, respectively.

This information is not readily available and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if the Government have received evidence to confirm the growth of an OPEC type structure to cover piped gas and liquefied natural gas.

I have been asked to reply.Press reports suggest that two member States have asked the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to hold

IMPORTS FROM THE EEC(8)
							£ million	OTS basis
SITC				1974	1973	1972	1971	1970
00	Live animals	…	…	71	72	69	70	55
01	Meat and meat preparations	…	…	398	307	228	221	202
02	Dairy products and eggs	…	…	280	146	108	99	75
03	Fish	…	…	28	27	18	15	13
04	Cereals and cereal preparations		…	315	154	60	57	53
05	Fruit and vegetables	…	…	153	119	94	79	76
06	Sugar, sugar preparations and honey		…	80	14	7	6	8
07	Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof			66	40	25	21	20
08	Feeding stuffs for animals	…	…	45	45	28	24	19
09	Miscellaneous food preparations		…	50	29	18	14	11
0	Food and live animals	…	…	1,487	954	653	606	532