asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total sum allocated for research and development in the field of desalination in 1974; and what increase on this figure is proposed for 1975.

In 1974–75 the Department's support for desalination research totally £60,000. In 1975–76 no research into desalination is being supported directly by the Department, but the Water Research Centre, which receives grant from the Department, is maintaining an oversight of developments in desalination technology.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of squatters occupying property without legal right; what he estimates the cost to the lawful owners to be; what are his policies with regard to restoring the use of the properties to their rightful owners; and if he will make a statement.

We have made no such estimates. Our measures to bring vacant and under-occupied property into fuller use, and our housing policies generally, should reduce both the opportunities for squatting and the circumstances that have prompted it. But I should add that policy on the application of the criminal law to entering and remaining on property and on the civil law of trespass are the responsibilities of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the Scots currently appointed by Government in policy making positions on British Rail boards or advisory committees; and whether they are part-time or full-time, their date of first appointment and salaries paid out of public funds.

Lord Taylor of Gryfe, who has been a part-time member of the Railways Board since 3rd June 1968, at a salary of £1,000 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will exercise his powers to readjust the shareholding in Freightliners Ltd. between the National Freight Corporation and the British Railways Board to establish the board as its majority shareholder.

I am not convinced that this would be of any advantage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether approval from his Department will be necessary for the Anglian Water Authority's proposal to purchase an additional large computer; what this computer is expected to cost and what saving in personnel will result.

I understand that most, if not all, of the expenditure is likely to be on revenue account, and therefore, would not require my right hon. Friend's approval. Essentially this is a management matter for the water authority, and I am sure that it will be able to give the hon. Member the information he seeks on costs and staffing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority houses and how many private houses were built in the Staffordshire Moorlands District in 1974.

The numbers of dwellings completed are shown in Table 5 on page 17 of Local Housing Statistics No. 33 copies are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority houses and how many private houses were built in that part of the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was formerly Kidsgrove urban district in 1974.

I regret that this information is not available: the hon. Member may be able to obtain the figures from the borough council.

asked the Secretary tary of State for the Environment what is the waiting time for driving tests at the Dundee centre and what is the comparable national waiting time.

Twelve and 13½ weeks, respectively, as at 28th June 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will define the functions carried out by his Department in relationship to British membership of the Central Rhine Commission.

We work through the United Kingdom Rhine Commissioners, to promote international transport and trade, particularly to and from the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what work is currently in progress at the Diana Fountain in Bushey Park, and at what cost; on what date the scaffolding was erected, and when it will be removed; and what is the reason for the delay.

In the course of normal maintenance work on the Diana Fountain it was found that the statute above it needed fairly extensive restoration. This is a valuable statue dating from about 1640, and expert advice was therefore sought. The work is now proceeding under the supervision of a metallurgist from the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is expected to cost about £1,000. The scaffolding was erected in March and it is hoped the work will be completed by the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, following the deaths of three constituents of the hon. Member for Twickenham in a head-on collision on Monday 30th June, he will sanction without delay any application from the Greater London Council to impose a 40 mph speed limit in Hampton Court Road between Hampton Court Palace and Kingston Bridge.

The Hampton Court Road is a metropolitan principal road for which the Greater London Council is the highway authority. If the council applies for 40 mph speed limit full consideration will be given in the light of traffic conditions relative to the Department's criteria for speed limits and the views of the Metropolitan Police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider including the London docklands in future publicity concerning areas for expansion.

I have been asked to reply.The main purpose of Government publicity on behalf of the area for expansion—the development areas, including special development areas, and the intermediate areas in Britain, together with Northern Ireland—is to make industry and commerce aware of the full range of incentives available when moving into or expanding in these areas It would not, therefore, be appropriate to include the London dock-lands.

asked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the recent instances in the national Press of pictures taken of defendants and witnesses entering and leaving court premises.

I have asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider whether inquiries would be justified in one recent case, and other instances when the hon. Member has previously brought my attention are currently being investigated at the request of the Director.

asked the Attorney-General how many judges there are presently in England and Wales.

On 10th July 1975 there were 70 puisne judges of the High Court and 264 circuit judges.

asked the Attorney-General if he will now refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the question of the misuse of public funds by the Students Union of the North London Polytechnic.

If the hon. Member sends me any evidence that a criminal offence may have been committed, I shall consider whether the matter should be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many civil servants are employed in his Department; what is the total cost of running the Department for the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will itemise the main constituent costs.

Eight non-industrial civil servants were employed in the Cabinet Office in support of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at 1st April 1975. The estimates of staff salaries for 1975–76 published in the Supply Estimates 1975–76 total £51,586—net of Appropriations in Aid—made up as follows:

	£
Salaries and wages	43,586
General expenses	8,000
Net Estimates cost for 1975–76	51,586

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what fuel economies have been achieved by the Armed Forces during the past 12 months.

In the year ending 31st March 1975, the latest 12-months' period for which information is available, the Services achieved savings in the United Kingdom of about 200,000 tons of liquid fuel and 100,000 tons of oil equivalent on other forms of energy compared with normal usage if economies had not been applied. These savings exceed the targets set for that year of 10 per cent. for liquid fuels and 6 per cent. for other forms of energy.A further 200,000 tons of liquid fuels have been saved by the Services outside the United Kingdom, including reductions by the Fleet. Information is not available for other forms of energy overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will ensure that the Royal Air Force strictly observes the regulations regarding low flying in the area of RAF Manston.

No low-level training as such is undertaken in the vicinity of RAF Manston, although, of course, aircraft using the airfield are required to approach and take off at normal clearance heights. The regulations governing military use of the airfield are already strictly observed.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the rate of recruitment to the Armed Forces in Scotland in 1974.

In the financial year 1974–75 a total of 3,737 Service men were recruited into the Armed Forces in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the housing problems of members of Her Majesty's Forces who reach the end of their years of service.

We aim to ensure that Service men and women are alerted to the housing problems they may encounter in civilian life and advised how best to meet them. We also give financial assistance to those who are nearing the end of their service and wish to buy a house. Moreover, the Department of the Environment circular of 9th June 1975 draws the attention of local housing authorities to the special problems of Service men and women returning to civilian life and urges them to allocate council housing on the basis of need alone.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how the figures for aircraft

		RN		Army		RAF		Total
Year		Fixed Wing Aircraft	Helicopters	Fixed Wing Aircraft	Helicopters	Fixed Wing Aircraft	Helicopters	Fixed Wing Aircraft	Helicopters
1955*†	…	633	44	—	—	8,637	56	9,300	100
1960*	…	341	96	147	38	4,052	126	4,540	260
1965	…	612	305	97	133	2,871	202	3,580	640
1970	…	389	394	71	352	2,110	184	2,570	930
1975	…	167	373	55	369	1,718	198	1,940	940
* Minimum figures. Exact figures not readily available.
† In 1955 some RAF aircraft were flown by Army pilots

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is yet in a position to make a statement on a deep ocean search and recovery vessel, along the lines designed by his Department at Alverstoke.

I have recently written to my hon. Friend on this subject and cannot usefully add anything to my letter of 18th June.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those countries to which Her Majesty's Governent would not countenance the sale of military aircraft.

All proposals for the export of military aircraft are considered individually in the light of the prevailing political, economic, strategic and security circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the penalties which may be imposed upon civil servants for un-authorised revealing of office routine.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to penalties for criminal offences. Under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1920 the maximum penalties for an offence under Sec-

The information is set out below:tion 2 of the Act, which,

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the increases he has made in civil legal aid fees, he will take steps to revise the rates applicable to criminal legal aid fees with a view to maintaining the value of fees on the basis fixed in 1971.

I have received representations from the Law Society on this matter, but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations he has initiated into the likely effects of any recommendations contained in the Erroll Report on liquor licensing.

None; but my right hon. Friend will consider whether there is any way in which research might contribute to the examination of the report's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider a revision to the licensing laws based on the recommendations of the Erroll Committee; and if he will make a statement.

The Erroll Committee's Report is under consideration but, in view of the need to weigh the sharp differences of opinion which exist on a number of the recommendations, we are not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been held in the control unit at Wakefield since it was opened on an experimental basis on 1st August 1974; what has been the maximum period for which any one prisoner has been held in the unit; and when this experiment will be terminated.

Six prisoners have been sent to the control unit since it opened. The longest time any prisoner has spent there is 32 weeks. As the unit will shortly have been in operation for a year I have set in hand a review of the existing arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the actual strength of the medium wave signal used by BBC Radio Birmingham; and whether he is satisfied that this is an adequate transmission medium for the hours during which Radio Birmingham's local programmes are broadcast.

The output power of BBC Radio Birmingham's medium wave transmitter is 10 kw. Medium wave transmissions do not in general provide a wholly satisfactory broadcasting service after dark. The primary service for local radio is on VHF, as I said in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend's Question on 19th June. —[Vol. 893, c. 481.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the minimum Home Office requirements for the availability of fire appliances to ensure adequate fire cover in the London borough of Hillingdon;

Statutory responsibility for providing fire cover rests with the fire authority, in this case the Greater London Council. The Home Office has recommended to fire authorities the standards of fire cover that should apply according to the category of risk of the area concerned. The standards applicable in the London borough of Hillingdon vary, according to the area, from attendance by one pumping alliance within five minutes and a second within eight minutes to attendance by one pumping appliance within 20 minutes. I understand from the Greater London Council that at present adequate fire cover is available in the borough.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what amount chief constables are allowed to expend upon meals provided in police stations for individuals detained therein under arrest; and when this amount was fixed.

This is a matter for the discretion of individual police authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now cause an inquiry to be held following the open verdict on the death of Stephen Smith at Wormwood Scrubs on 3rd August 1974 and new evidence that potential witnesses at the inquest may have been been intimidated.

No; I am aware of no new evidence which calls for modification of the reply I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 10th December 1974—[Col. 883, c. 104–5]. If my hon. Friend wishes it I shall gladly let him have the fuller details mentioned in the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the operation of Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925, in view of the frequent media coverage of persons involved in court cases and, in particular, the use by ITN "News at Ten" programme, of film of witnesses approaching or leaving a coroner's inquest.

This section is under review by the Departments concerned but no conclusion has yet been reached on whether any changes might be desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the control of the sale of mineralised methylated spirits; and whether there is evidence of young persons becoming addicted to drinking this as a form of alcohol.

I have been asked to reply.There is no evidence of alcoholic addiction among young people as a result of drinking mineralised methylated spirits; the formulation of this fluid includes a blue dye and other additives to make the alcohol unpalatable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of Scottish gross domestic product has been devoted to capital investment in manufacturing industry in Scotland over the past 15 years; and how this compares with the situation in other OECD countries.

Precise information on this basis is not available. However, an approximate estimate can be made from statistics of capital investment and gross domestic product which are compiled separately. These figures show that in the years 1968, 1970 and 1971 between 4 and 6 per cent, of Scottish GDP was devoted to capital investment in manufacturing industry. In other OECD countries the proportion of gross domestic product devoted to capital investment in manufacturing industry ranged from 2 per cent. to 10 per cent. in these years. The Scottish figures ranged from fifth to seventh highest in these years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the viability, circulation, progress and prospects of the Scottish Daily News

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue a progress report on the commercial viability of the Scottish Daily News.

The prospectus issued by Scottish News Enterprises Ltd. on 7th March 1975 contained an assessment of the commercial prospects of the Scottish Daily News. The Government loan is being monitored within the normal arrangements for financial assistance under the Industry Act 1972. Information received by my Department in the course of such monitoring is confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to bring an end to the ownership of estates in the Highlands and Islands by absentee landlords.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a list of all police forces in Scotland, giving their staff establishments on 1st June 1975 or the nearest convenient date, differentiating between constables and civilian employees, and showing the number of persons actually employed by each force on that date.

As regards police officers. I have nothing to add to my reply of 8th July to the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Stewart).—[Vol. 895, c. 141.]As regards civilian employees, the establishments approved since reorganisation are:

Central	…	113
Dumfries and Galloway	…	64
Fife	…	159
Grampian	…	200
Tayside	…	241

For the other three forces, no formal proposals have been submitted for my approval but I expect the figure to be of the order of 900 for Lothian and Borders, 150 for Northern and 1,800 for Strathclyde. The first returns of actual strength since reoganisation are due to be submitted as at 30th June and I expect to have the figures shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received from members of police forces protesting against the fact that their pay awards have been forward dated to September 1975.

I have had four letters about the increase recently agreed in the Police Council, but none seemed to he primarily concerned with the operative date, which is exactly one year after the previous increase date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has in mind to encourage recruitment to Scottish police forces.

Recruitment to police forces is primarily a matter for Chief Constables, and they arrange local publicity as they see fit. In addition, a central publicity campaign is arranged each autumn by the Scottish Information Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the average estimated increase in tender prices since the last revision of the cost yardstick;(2) if he will introduce an additional allowance for local authorities in order to encourage concentration on providing for smaller households as far as new building is concerned;(3) what plans he has to institute a fundamental investigation into the cost yardstick system; and with whom he has consulted on this matter.

I announced a substantial increase in indicative costs for public sector housing on 20th May. Tender prices may have risen by 2–2½ per cent. during the second quarter of 1975. I shall take into account this and other factors, including the possibility of an additional allowance for small houses, when I review the operation of indicative costs at their new levels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what information his Department has about local authority lending schemes where building society participation would be beneficial;(2) what Scottish Office-sponsored discussions have taken place between the building societies and local authorities in order to give help where local authorities are compelled to curtain their mortgage lending.

In view of the general need to contain public expenditure, the co-operation of building societies may be helpful in meeting some of the demands for borrowing which local authorities might otherwise have been prepared to meet, and I am initiating discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount paid during the last year for which figures are available in travel and subsistence allowances to civil servants based in Scotland whose duties took them to London.

It will take some time to calculate the total for the Departments for which I am responsible, but I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the provision of residential schools for deaf children in Scotland.

There are schools for the deaf with associated residential facilities in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and these fully meet the national requirement for such places.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the possibilities of supply to electricity consumers of instalment meters using tokens instead of cash to prevent theft by house breaking.

This is a matter for the Scottish electricity boards which, after careful consideration, have decided against it for practical and financial reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in construction of the heart unit at Ninewells Hospital; and what is the estimated cost.

The construction of the coronary care and intensive therapy units at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, started on 1st April 1975. The two units are being constructed under a single contract, and their total estimated cost is £405,000, inclusive of fees and equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has completed his review of the arbitration award in respect of Ninewells Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Not yet.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the annual revenues and outgoings of the Tay Road Bridge in the years 1973–74 and 1974–75.

The audited accounts for the Tay Bridge Road for the year to 15th May 1975 are not yet available. Income and expenditure, other than on the servicing of loans, related to the year to 15th May 1974, were £671,122 and £134,259 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in furthering road improvements in Dundee: what now is the estimated cost for the years to 1979; and what schemes have been deferred because of financial restrictions.

A major improvement to Kingsway, estimated to cost £2·5 million, is expected to start next year, for completion in 1979. No schemes on this route have been deferred. All other public roads in Dundee are the responsibility of Tayside Regional Council, which is considering within current financial constraints a comprehensive programme of expenditure on roads and public transport in its region as a whole, as part of its transport policies and programme for the period up to 1981.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what volumes of electricity were exported from and imported into Scotland in 1973 and 1974; and what profit or loss was made in each year.

Information about quantities and value of interchange with the Central Electricity Generating Board is given in the South of Scotland Electricity Board's Annual Reports and Accounts (Table 7 of Chapter III of 1973–74 Report; and Table 6 of Chapter III of 1974–75 Report with Account F3). As explained in answer to the hon. Member on 22nd July 1974—[Vol. 877, c. 390]—without this interchange Scottish consumers would have to pay more for their electricity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what mileage of motorway is under construction in Scotland; and what starts will be made on motorway projects in each year to 1980 with the respective mileage being quoted in each such year.

Thirteen miles of motorway are under construction, and tenders have been received for a further scheme of 2·4 miles. In view of the need to control public expenditure the programme is being kept under review. It is, therefore, not possible to allocate starting dates to particular motorway schemes at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review his present policies for dealing with teenage problems which can lead to crimes of violence.

It is difficult to identify, and therefore deal directly with, those pressures and influences that give rise to teenage violence. As the hon. Member will know, I am in consultation with local authorities about further initiatives on areas of social deprivation. The work of the Pack Committee has a bearing on these problems, and I will carefully consider its recommendations when it reports. I am also pursuing the proposals of the Scottish Council on Crime on the prevention of acts of violence, on which I have sought the views of interested organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what approach he has received from the Court of Human Rights on the matter of contempt of court in connection with the ban on publication of the thalidomide story in the Sunday Times; and what reply he has submitted.

The European Commission of Human Rights has declared admissible an application made by the Sunday Times that the injunction to ban publication of the thalidomide story was a contravention of Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights which safeguards freedom of expression. Her Majesty's Government have denied that allegation. The commission will now examine the merits of the case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects Great Britain to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the punishment for road traffic offences.

The Government accept the need for an effective European agreement on this subject, and are considering whether and on what terms they could sign and ratify the convention. I cannot at present say when our studies will be complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report the voting record of the United Kingdom's representatives in each of the major divisions occurring in the councils and committees of the United Nations Organisation in the current session.

Command 5907, a copy of which is in the Library, contains comprehensive details of the voting record in the United Nations councils and committees during the 29th Session of the General Assembly from 17th September to 18th December 1974.The voting record at subsequent divisions of the Security Council in 1975 and in the forthcoming sessions of the General Assembly will be published in a Command Paper in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to readmit the Falkland Islands to the list of Scheduled Territories.

There are no plans to readmit the Falkland Islands to the list of Scheduled Territories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set up a committee to advise on what steps should be taken to ease the problems of British businesses and British people wishing to invest in the Falkland Islands.

No. But if British businesses and individuals wishing to invest in the Falkland Islands desire advice on exchange control regulations, we are prepared to offer whatever assistance we can within the terms of the regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to arrange for the Falkland Islands to become an associate State of the EEC.

The association of the Falkland Islands, as a dependent territory for whose external affairs the United Kingdom remains responsible, will, in accordance with Article 117 of the Act of Accession to the Community Treaties, take effect upon a decision of the Council of the European Communities. The Falklands Executive Council has approved.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards continued British membership of the Council of Europe and its constituent bodies; and if he will make a statement.

The Council of Europe provides a framework for debate and exchanges of information and other forms of co-operation among Western European countries.We value this work, particularly the opportunities it provides for communication between the Nine member States of the European Community and the other democratic countries of Western Europe. We certainly intend that British membership of the Council and of its constituent bodies should continue.

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF BRITISH EMBASSIES
Post			Salaries and allowances of United Kingdom staff	Entertainment allowances	Wages of local staff	Maintenance	Total
			£ million	£ million	£ million	£ million	£ million
Washington:
1972–73	…	…	0·78	0·08	0·69	0·66	2·2
1973–74	…	…	0·91	0·08	0·75	0·72	2·5
1974–75	…	…	0·98	0·08	0·82	0·78	2·7
Paris:
1972–73	…	…	0·43	0·07	0·33	0·47	1·3
1973–74	…	…	0·50	0·09	0·52	0·59	1·7
1974–75	…	…	0·62	0·09	0·56	0·63	1·9
Bonn:
1972–73	…	…	0·42	0·04	0·36	0·28	1·1
1973–74	…	…	0·51	0·06	0·62	0·31	1·5
1974–75	…	…	0·56	0·07	0·69	0·28	1·6
Rome:
1972–73	…	…	0·19	0·02	0·17	0·22	0·6
1973–74	…	…	0·21	0·02	0·21	0·26	0·7
1974–75	…	…	0·23	0·03	0·20	0·24	0·7
Brussels:
1972–73	…	…	0·17	0·02	0·22	0·19	0·6
1973–74	…	…	0·22	0·03	0·33	0·21	0·8
1974–75	…	…	0·26	0·03	0·34	0·27	0·9

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will place in the Library the European Economic Community Commission's report on European union in the original language.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total cost during the course of the last three financial years of the maintenance, salaries and wages and entertainment expenses incurred by Her Majesty's Embassies in Washington, Paris, Bonn, Rome and Brussels, respectively.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 4th July 1975; Vol. 894, c. 589.], gave the following information:The table below shows the approximate annual costs of the five embassies during the last three financial years. The costs are those borne by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and exclude the costs of specialist staff borne on other departmental Votes and of accommodation borne by the Property Services Agency. The figures under the heading "Maintenance" include all other expenditure incurred in running the embassies.

Copies of the English text of the report were made available in the Vote Office on 8th July. The report was published simultaneously in the six Community languages and the six texts are equally authentic. I understand that the report was originally drafted in French and I shall arrange for a copy of the French text to be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the principal factors that contribute to the number of unemployed registered at Brixton and which employment exchanges outside London have more than 4,885 people registered at Brixton on 9th June last.

The level of unemployment at Brixton, as elsewhere in the country, has been affected by the present economic conditions. Reasons for the level of unemployment at a particular office cannot usually be given with any degree of certainty, but amongst the factors which influence the position are the numbers residing, but not necessarily working, in the area, their age distribution, their occupational mix and the local industrial situation. The numbers registered at particular offices will also depend to some degree on their association with specialised services, for example, professional and executive employment, which would attract registrants from outside their immediate local areas.The following employment office areas had more than 4,885 unemplowed on 9th June 1975:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the highest and lowest basic weekly wage paid in the Remploy Factory at Bertin Square, Wallsend, on 30th June 1975.

The basic rate on 30th June for disabled workers aged 21 and over at the Bertin Square factory Newcastle upon Tyne was £30 a week. The rate for 18-year-olds was £23·20.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the average weekly earnings, including overtime and bonus payments, paid in the Remploy factory at Bertin Square, Wallsend, from 1st June 1974 to 30th June 1975.

I regret this information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men and women, boys and girls, are unemployed in the Hamilton and Lark-hall areas; and for what period they have been unemployed.

The following table shows the latest analysis according to the length of time unemployed. Separate figures for men, boys, women and girls are available only from the detailed age analysis normally made half-yearly, in January and July. An analysis of the number unemployed for over eight weeks is made quarterly, in January, April, July and October.

UNEMPLOYED IN THE HAMILTON AND LARKHALL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE AREAS: 9TH JUNE 1975
	Males	Females	Total
One week or less	77	53	130
Over 1 and up to 2 weeks	119	53	172
Over 2 and up to 3 weeks	50	27	77
Over 3 and up to 4 weeks	73	30	103
Over 4 and up to 5 weeks	48	29	77
Over 5 and up to 8 weeks	114	86	200
Over 8 weeks	867	569	1,436
Total (unadjusted)	1,348	847	2,195
Total (adjusted)	1,328	831	2,159

The adjusted total takes account of amendments notified on the four days following the count. All other figures in the table are unadjusted.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many self-employed have registered as unemployed in each month from March 1974 to June 1975; what percentage of registered self-employed people each of these figures represents; and if he will make a statement.

No distinction is made between former employees and self-employed persons registered as unemployed and seeking work. Both have open to them the full assistance of the employment and training services provided by the Manpower Services Commission and its agencies.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many men and women, respectively, are now employed in executive and administrative grade posts in the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service;(2) how many of the officials of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service have been recruited from the trade union movement; and what proportion of the total ACAS establishment this represents;(3) how many of the officials of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service have been recruited from managerial posts in industry or commerce; and what proportion of the total ACAS establishment this represents;(4) how many of the officials of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service are career civil servants; and what proportion of the total ACAS establishment this represents.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is an independent organisation. The composition of its staff is not a matter for my right hon. Friend, but for the service itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the numbers, or what is his best estimate, of the numbers employed, respectively, in the non-industrial public sector and in the industrial public sector, including trading activities, and direct labour building departments, of public authorities in 1974–75.

Information is not available in the precise form requested. Details of employment in the public sector were published in "Economic Trends" for January 1975. Total employment in the public sector in the United Kingdom in June 1973 is estimated at 6,541,000. The industrial distribution of these employees is shown below.

	(thousands)
Her Majesty's Forces	361
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	11
Mining and quarrying	315
Manufacturing	333
Construction	166
Gas, electricity and water	344
Transport and communication	984
Other services (including education, health, local and central government)	4,027
Total:	6,541

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial accidents there were in the Leek parliamentary constituency in each of the past three years.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 30th June 1975.—[Vol. 894. c. 301–302.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions there were for negligence causing an industrial accident in the Leek parliamentary constituency in each of the past three years.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that for each of the past three years the number of prosecutions resulting from an industrial accident in the Leek parliamentary constituency was as follows:

		Prosecutions (informations laid)	Number of firms involved
1974	…	2	2
1973	…	—	—
1972	…	—	—

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factories were inspected under the Factories Acts in the Leek parliamentary constituency in each of the past three years.

I have been informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that in each of the past three years the number of factories receiving a general inspection under the Factories Act 1961 and associated regulations was as follows:

1974	…	…	…	…	54
1973	…	…	…	…	131
1972	…	…	…	…	33

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the estimated average pay per head in 1974–75 of those employed respectively, in the non-industrial public sector and the industrial public sector, including trading activities, and direct labour building departments, of public authorities.

I refer the hon. Member to my Written Reply of 27th March to the hon. Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. MacGregor). —[Vol. 889, c. 281–2.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many fatal accidents involving wage earners in the coal mining industry were recorded in 1973, 1974 and the first half of 1975.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the figures are as follows:

NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED IN THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY
1973	1974	Year to 28th June 1975 (Provisional)
80	48	37

These figures include fatal accidents to persons at NCB and licensed coal mines, and are not strictly comparable one year with another because of the incidence of industrial disputes.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to safeguard the health and safety of work people following the recently published report of the working party on the experimental manipulation of the genetic composition of micro-organisms and the report of the working party on the laboratory use of dangerous pathogens; and if he will establish a committee which will ensure, in the light of these reports, that the work is carried out under entirely safe conditions, and that employees involved in such work are adequately represented through their recognised trade unions on such a committee.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services made a statement on 20th May on the report of the Working Party on the Laboratory Use of Dangerous Pathogens, and the Government are now considering, in the light of comments received, its response to the report of the working party on the experimental manipulation of the genetic composition of micro-organisms. I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Health and Safety Executive is engaged in discussion with the appropriate Departments on the measures now necessary to safeguard the health and safety of work people in the light of the reports. Under Section 16 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, codes of practice can be approved and issued by the Health and Safety Commission, and it is the commission's policy to have prior consultation with all interested parties, including representatives of trade unions.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list health and safety legislation which covers members of the fire service at fire stations and when attending fires.

The legislation for which my right hon. Friend is responsible applies to all people at work including members of the Fire Service and is that embodied in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The only people not covered by this Act are those employed in private homes as domestic servants. Under this Act the Health and Safety Commission has been established. One of its functions is to advise my right hon. Friend on the application of the Act to activities, including those of the Fire Service, which have not previously been covered by legislation such as the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shop and Railways Premises Act 1963 for which my right hon. Friend is responsible and which has now been incorporated in the new legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish figures showing the number of accidents in the motor industry in each of the last five years.

I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the numbers of accidents in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry notified to Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate in each of the last five years —with included fatal accidents shown in brackets—were:

1970	…	…	13,121 (12)
1971	…	…	11,561 (7)
1972	…	…	11,325 (7)
1973	…	…	12,292 (12)
1974	…	…	11,338 (7)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what other nations have undertaken to control access of their nationals to the Isle of Man herring fishery in the same manner as the United Kingdom fishing interests concerned have agreed to be controlled.

At a recent meeting between officials of the Fisheries Departments, representatives of the Isle of Man Government and repersentatives of the industry, the industry's proposals for a voluntary catch quota system and a conservation area during 1975 for the herring stocks around the Isle of Man and in adjacent waters were examined. Since the fishery is not yet regulated by international quota agreement, these measures would not apply to foreign fishing vessels. However, United Kingdom vessels take the major share of the catch in this fishery and with the exception of Irish vessels which have the right to fish for herring between the six- and 12-mile limits off the western coast of the island, no foreign vessels have rights of access to the fishing within the 12-mile limit surrounding the island. I hope to make an announcement on conservation measures for this stock as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many wage earners were employed in the agriculture industry on 1st January 1975, 1974 and 1973, respectively.

Statistics are not available for the dates mentioned. The following information derives from the June censuses carried out by my Ministry and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Scotland.

HIRED REGULAR WORKERS EMPLOYED IN AGRICULTURE
('000)
			England and Wales	Scotland
June 1972	…	…	199·3	32·5*
June 1973	…	…	197·9	31·6
June 1974	…	…	192·4	31·3
* This figure is estimated from data collected on a different basis from the other figures shown.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fatal accidents involving wage earners in the agriculture industry were recorded in 1973, 1974 and in the first half of 1975.

The numbers of hired regular workers in agriculture who died as a result of agricultural accidents are as follows:

		England and Wales	Scotland
1973	…	24	17
1974	…	22	6
1975 (to 30th June)	…	9	2

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total gallonage of milk produced in England in 1954, 1964 and 1974, respectively.

Total sales of milk in England through the milk marketing schemes for the years in question were as follows:

1954	…	1,473 million gallons
1964	…	1,729 million gallons
1974	…	2,157 million gallons

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which provisions of the regulations listed in his answer of 4th July to the hon. Member for Oswestry prevent the import of liquid milk from EEC countries.

Regulation 30(2) of the Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations 1959 requires milk for delivery to consumers in England and Wales to be packaged on premises registered by local authorities. The Dealer's (Pre-packed Milk) Licences required under regulation 13 of the Milk (Special Designation) Regulations 1963 limit the use of the special designations, which are mandatory in England and Wales, to milk processed and packaged on premises licensed by the same Local Authorities. Paragraphs 4 and 6 of Part I of Schedule 3 to the Milk (Special Designations) (Scotland) Order 1965 and Sections 1 and 3 of the Milk Act (Northern Ireland) 1950 contain similar provisions applicable to the sale of liquid milk in Scotland and Northern Ireland.The licensing arrangements under the Importation of Carcases and Animal Products Order 1972 rule out imports of raw milk into Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what acreage has been devoted to potato growing in the United Kingdom in 1975; and how this compares with 1974 and 1973.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon.

WHOLESALE PRICES—ENGLISH NEW POTATOES IN 56 LB. BAGS.
					14th July 1975	15th July 1974	16th July 1973
London	…	…	…	…	£3·00–£3·80	£1·00–£1·15	80p–95p
Manchester	…	…	…	…	£3·70–£4·00	95p—£1·10	95p—£1·20
Birmingham	…	…	…	…	£3·20–£3·80	95p—£1·10	75p—£1·05
Bristol	…	…	…	…	£3·20–£3·50	£1·00–£1·20	70p—£1·00
Leeds	…	…	…	…	£3·00–£3·50	£1·00–£1·20	£1·20–£1·50

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps are being taken to alleviate the current shortage of potatoes by imports (a) from EEC countries and (b) from other sources;(2) what restrictions are placed on the imports of potatoes from (

In line with the United Kingdom's policy of achieving self-sufficiency in maincrop potatoes, imports of maincrop are normally prohibited. In any event, the maincrop season has now Friend the Member for Preston, North (Mr. Atkins) on 11th July—[Vol. 895, c. 302.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of potatoes was imported from Cyprus in June; what is the estimated level of imports in July; and how these figures compare with the same period in 1974 and 1973.

According to Overseas Trade Statistics imports of new potatoes from Cyprus in June and July 1973 and 1974 were as follows:

1973:				Tons
June	…	…	…	87,957
July	…	…	…	367
1974:
June	…	…	…	61,937
July	…	…	…	1,140

Figures are not yet available for June and July this year, but total imports from Cyprus this season are estimated to be lower than last because of a poor crop.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current wholesale price of potatoes (a) in London and (b) in English provincial markets; and how this compares with the same period in 1974 and 1973.

The information is as follows:reached its end. Except in September and October new potatoes may be imported without quantitative restriction from those EEC countries which are able to meet the requirements of our plant health legislation. These requirements permit imports of new potatoes from the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the Republic of Ireland at any time and from France, Italy and the Federal Republic of Germany at specified periods. Supplies are being sought by the trade from sources within and outside the Community to which plant health restrictions do not currently apply, but opportunities from such sources are very limited at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the forward planning of the Potato Marketing Board in relation to seasonal supply and demand and the impact of adverse weather conditions.

My Department and the Potato Marketing Board aim to ensure that supplies of home-produced potatoes are sufficient to meet requirements. Once the crop is planted, no amount of forward planning or meteorological advice can counteract the effect of exceptional weather conditions on potatoes in the ground.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the further drop in egg prices during the past week, he is satisfied with the effectiveness of Government measures to help egg producers; and if he will make a statement.

Following the fall in prices paid to producers by packers on 26th June my right hon. Friend asked the Commission to take urgent action in the interests of the industry. The measures authorised by the Commission in response were announced in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Rother Valley (Mr. Hardy) and the hon. Member for Gloucestershire, South (Mr. Cope) on 3rd July—[Vol. 894, c. 1657.]—These measures came into force only on 7th July; as I have already said we shall have to wait and see whether they prove sufficient. Meanwhile the hon. Member will have noted that packing stations increased the prices of large white and brown eggs by 2p and 3p respectively last week.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the total sum spent in each of the last five years in the making of films and other audio-visual productions for Government service by the Central Office of Information on a common service basis.

The total amounts spent in each of the last five years for the making of films and other audio-visual productions by the Central Office of Information is as follows:

				£
1970–71	…	…	…	485,200
1971–72	…	…	…	627,100
1972–73	…	…	…	678,100
1973–74	…	…	…	705,224
1974–75	…	…	…	698,000

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many of the political assistants to Ministers employed full time receive salaries of £6,000 or more.

Twelve.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is his estimate of the value of pension entitlement accruing to the political assistants to Ministers—taken together—expressed as its equivalent in addition to salary.

The value of pension rights in addition to salary is estimated to be some £19,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has made to the representation his Department has received on behalf of the students and staff of Stirling University about the effects of the cut-backs on educational expenditure.

My noble friend the Minister of State replied to representations made by the Council of the Students' Association of the University of Stirling on 15th April 1975. He assured the council that the education service would get its fair share of public expenditure in 1975–76. He also reminded the council that, in recognition of the difficulties which inflation had created for the universities, additional grants for recurrent expenditure of £19 million had been made available for 1974–75 and that the recurrent grant for 1975–76 would be £465 million compared with £409 million for 1974–75.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students are registered at the Open University for 1974–75; and how many are in receipt of grants from local authorities.

The university's academic year runs from January to December. In 1974 there were 42,636 finally registered undergraduate students, and in 1975 there are 49,038. Information is not available about the number of students receiving grants from local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reports have been received by his office in the past 12 months concerning the causes and treatment of maladjustment in children.

A report has been received of a survey by Her Majesty's Inspectors of eight-day special schools for maladjusted children in different parts of England. A final report is expected shortly on the first of two research projects undertaken by Dr. Kolvin at Newcastle University, on the effects on maladjusted children of different forms of placement, which was completed in 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take action to increase research into the causes and treatment of maladjusted children.

The Department is sponsoring a project for operational research into maladjustment in children at the University of Newcastle over the period 1972–78 at a cost of £250,000. This is more than half the resources currently being devoted by my Department to research involving the education of handicapped children. Other current projects include a study by the Schools Council of curriculum procedures, methods and materials which have been found helpful in furthering the adjustment and education of disturbed pupils. My right hon. Friend is always ready, within the resources available for research, to consider well-designed projects on the education of handicapped children, but it is neces- sary to preserve a balance between the needs of the different handicaps.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he proposes to increase the membership or secretariat of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art.

I have decided that the permanent membership of the committee should be increased by two from 1st August. The membership will then be:

• The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Perth (Chairman)
• Mr. R. L. Bayne-Powell
• Mr. John Ehrman
• Mr. Basil Gray, CB, CBE
• Sir Oliver Millar, KCVO
• Professor J. E. C. T. White

The secretariat will continue to be provided by my Department as required.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will arrange for an exhibition relating to science research to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

Yes. I have completed arrangements with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall during the week commencing 21st July.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what was the total amount of bad debts of domestic customers written off by the electricity and gas industries, respectively, in the last available year and in each of the preceding five years; and what were the number of consumers involved;(2) what were the total number of summonses issued for non-payment of domestic electricity and gas accounts, respectively, in the last available year and in each of the preceding five years;(3) what were the total number of domestic consumers disconnected for non-payment of gas and electricity accounts, respectively, in the last available year and each of the preceding five years.

These details are not immediately available in the form requested but I am asking the chairmen to write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is Her Majesty's Government's current estimate of the date upon which a fast breeder reactor programme will show a net economic benefit to the United Kingdom including the writing-off in real terms of all research and development costs;(2) what is Her Majesty's Government's current estimate of the date of ordering of the first fast breeder reactor; and what is the expected date of commissioning and the current estimate of cost;(3) what is his current estimate of the cost of research and development of the fast breeder reactor programme, including operation of the prototype reactor, until such time that it is confirmed as being operationally viable.