asked the Attorney-General how many civil servants are employed in his Department and in the Lord Chancellor's Department; what is the total cost of running the Departments for the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will itemise the main constituent costs.

As at 1st April 1975 there were 21 non-industrial civil servants employed in the Law Officers' Department and 9,744 in the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the staff employed in the higher courts throughout England and Wales.

The estimates of staff salaries, etc., for 1975–76 published in the Supply Estimates 1975–76 for the Law Officers' Department total £124,000 and for the Lord Chancellor's Department £16,978,000. These estimates are made up as follows: Law Officers' Department £ Salaries and Wages … … 110,000 Travelling and Subsistence … … 3,000 Other General Expenses … … 11,000 Total Estimates Costs for 1975–76 124,000

Lord Chancellor's Department £ Salaries and Wages 29,276,500 Travelling and Subsistence 1,760,000 Payments to Jurors 4,439,000 Other General Expenses 4,916,500 40,392,000 Less Appropriations in Aid 23,414,000 Net Estimates Cost in 1975–76 16,978,000

asked the Attorney-General whether he will delete Question 8 on the form of application for legal aid—matrimonial—husband or wife—whereby the applicant is required to state whether or not he or she has had sexual intercourse since marriage with a person other than the marriage partner and, if so, to give dates and details, on the basis that this is an invasion of privacy; and, if not, if he will give the reasons for the question.

All the forms of application for legal aid are at present being redrafted and it is anticipated that Question 8 on the form of application will be deleted.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the conditions in the police mess at St. Stephen's are equal to the minimum standards laid down by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act; and whether he will now propose alternative messing accommodation for the House of Commons police, before there are any further floods of sewage into the present accommodation.

I have asked the authorities of the House to make arrangements for a representative of the Health and Safety Executive to make another visit to the premises allotted to the police at St. Stephen's Entrance. I have received assurances from the Department of the Environment that it is taking steps to ensure that there will be no further flood of sewage into the present accommodation.

asked the Lord President of the Council what details have been required from hon. Members claiming reimbursement of their expenditure on secretarial and research assistance; and what authentication of such payments it is proposed to require them to submit.

In claiming reimbursement for expenses incurred in respect of secretarial and research assistance, a Member is required to certify that such expenses have been wholly, necessarily and exclusively incurred by him on parliamentary duties. No other form of authentication is thought to be necessary.

asked the Lord President of the Council how many staff were employed to count votes during the EEC referendum.

I have been asked to reply.

The number of staff employed at counting centres in England and Wales was of the order of 6,900. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the verification of ballot paper accounts and the counting of votes were done at the same centres, the number of staff employed was about 2,130.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will obtain and place in the Library a copy of the United States Energy Research and Development Administration's recent report on energy research; and whether he agrees that the potential of solar electric power production should now rank equally with the development of advanced nuclear energy systems.

I intend to place a copy of the United States Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) report on energy research in the Library as soon as further copies are available.

There may be scope for making greater use of solar energy, but I do not agree that the potential for solar electric power in the United Kingdom is sufficient to warrant ranking it equally with advanced nuclear systems.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what expenditure is planned for each of the next five years on research into nuclear power, coal, oil and renewable energy sources, respectively; and what expenditure is planned for the same period on research into the conservation of energy.

This year's review of public expenditure is not yet completed. The latest available figures are, therefore, those in the 1974 White Paper on Public Ex-

£ million (1974 prices) 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 Nuclear Power 54.0 60.4 52.1 45.3 Oil resources and extraction 5.0 5.0 5.6 6.4 Energy Technology (including coal, renewable energy sources and conservation) 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

These were forecasts of expenditure by my Department and exclude substantial expenditure elsewhere, for example, by the nationalised industries.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of amounts paid by offshore construction contractors on a world-wide basis to companies engaged in underwater welding.

Figures are not available since underwater welding usually forms only part of a contract and is not tendered or paid for separately.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is his latest estimate of the size of the potential world market for underwater welding in 1980;

(2) what is his latest estimate of the size of the potential market for underwater welding offshore the United Kingdom by 1980;

(3) what is his assessment of the present world-wide market for underwater welding;

(4) what is his estimate of the size of the present United Kingdom offshore market for underwater welding;

(5) what is his estimate of the proportion of the world-wide market for underwater welding held by British companies.

For the reasons outlined in my reply to the hon. Member's previous Question there is insufficient data available on which to base estimates of present and potential markets.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total amount to the latest convenient date of aid or financial support given by Her Majesty's Government to British companies involved in research and development of underwater welding.

penditure (Cmnd. 5879), which included the following forecasts of expenditure on research and development, excluding contributions to international research:

Current Government financial support to individual British companies in aid of research in underwater welding amounts to £150,000. In addition, Government contracts with research associations for the benefit of British companies generally amount to about £80,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the operation of the liaison between the Offshore Supplies Office and other Government Departments on the subject of research and development projects for underwater welding.

There is regular day-to-day contact between the Offshore Supplies Office and other Government Departments, outside bodies, etc. on research and development in underwater welding. The formal link, however, is the Underwater Welding and Cutting Working Party which is a sub-group of the Marine Materials Panel of the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board.

The members of the working party are: G. P. Smedley—Lloyds Register of Shipping (Chairman). H. C. Cotton—British Petroleum. D. B. J. Thomas—British Petroleum. J. Craston—Department of Energy. J. H. Rendall—Department of Energy. K. F. Paddock—Department of Energy. A. R. Moss—Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment. P. F. Payne—Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit. K. R. Haig—Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit. Dr. J. R. Salter—Welding Institute. W. H. Winn—Naval Construction Research Establishment. Dr. D. W. Kirkley—British Oxygen Company. D. G. Jenkins—Lloyds Register of Shipping (Secretary).

The terms of reference of the working party are: 1. To determine the problems of making reliable strength welds underwater; 2. To study processes and procedures proposed for the welding underwater of steel structures and pipelines; and 3. To investigate properties of welds made at depths encountered in the North Sea, and to determine the processes and techniques which will permit the achievement of sound and reliable welds for initial construction and repairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of aid or financial support given during each of the last three years by foreign Governments to companies engaged in research and development of underwater techniques.

No such estimate has been made and could not be made without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what facilities the Government own or control for research into and development of underwater technology.

The more important facilities owned or controlled by the Government for research and development in underwater technology areNational Engineering Laboratory, Department of Industry: large fatigue test facilities and other mechanical test equipment; fluid machinery testing. National Physical Laboratory, Department of Industry: ship testing tanks, wind tunnels; coastal test Laboratory (Hythe, Hants). Warren Spring Laboratory, Department of Industry: rigs for simulation of ship motion. Building Research Establishment, Department of the Environment: seabed soil-testing facilities. Hydraulic Research Station, Department of the Environment: test tanks with wave-making facilities. Institute of Geological Sciences, Natural Environment Research Council: shipboard and laboratory facilities, unmanned submersibles. Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Natural Environment Research Council: shipboard and laboratory facilities. In addition various establishments of the Ministry of Defence possess a wide range of facilities relevant to research on underwater technology. These include: High pressure diving chambers at the Deep Trials Unit and the Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory at Alverstoke. Diving tank at the Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit, HMS Vernon. High pressure test facilities at the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment at Portland and the Naval Construction Research Establishment at Dunfermline. The structural test frames at Dunfermline. Hydrodynamic tank facilities at the Admiralty Research Laboratory, Teddington. The Admiralty Experimental Works at Haslar.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy for the provision of electricity supplies by source over the next 10 years.

The provision of electricity supplies will depend upon the availability and price of fossil fuels and the development of our nuclear programme. Within this period coal will continue to play the major role in meeting electricity demand and our nuclear programme will be built up as rapidly as progress allows.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on prospecting for oil in the Irish Sea.

To date four wells have been drilled in the Irish Sea, off the coast of Lancashire, and one discovery of gas has been reported. Additional drilling is to be undertaken to prove whether or not this find is commercial

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the percentage change between 1960 and 1974 in the following grades of staff in CEGB, ( a ) managerial, ( b ) technical and scientific, ( c ) administrative and clerical, ( d ) trainees and apprentices, and ( e ) industrial.

Information about grades and numbers of staff employed is contained in the CEGB's annual reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what advice his Department has given to industry on the aims of energy conservation and the use of energy more efficiently so as to conserve resources;

(2) what advice his Department has given to industry towards potential savings and on a range of measures and equipment for the better use of energy.

Our energy conservation campaign seeks to encourage all consumers to achieve the maximum economic efficiency of energy use in order to ease the balance of payments problem and avoid wasting finite and costly resources. For industry in particular, we have recommended firms to appoint energy managers, to consult their workpeople and to include energy conservation in company reports, and we have publicised savings achieved by certain firms to encourage others. A booklet giving advice on energy saving is to be published next month and publication of a series of fuel efficiency bulletins will begin later in the year. Initial planning of a film on the efficient use of energy in industry is also in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what study has been made for energy conservation of the best choice of primary energy sources, the avoidance of waste, improvements of efficiency, and changes in the pattern of demand to save energy; and if he will make a statement.

Changes in the pattern of demand and in the balance between different primary energy sources can have a significant effect on the efficiency with which energy is used. In guiding consumers' choices towards the most desirable pattern the proper economic pricing of energy can play an important part. Studies of energy conservation in its many aspects are proceeding. My Department's Advisory Council on Energy Conservation is studying a very wide range of energy conservation measures and technical developments are also being examined by various specialist study groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest effects of energy conservation on the rate of growth of demand for energy and energy consumption.

It has not been found possible to isolate the effects of any one factor among the many that together influence the rate of growth in energy consumption. Nor is it possible to differentiate between the rate of growth of "demand for energy" and of "energy consumption".

It is estimated that total energy consumption this year is currently running at about 4 to 5 per cent. below the level of the same period two years ago. Because of the miners' strike and the three-day working week, no meaningful comparisons with 1974 are possible. Much of the drop is due to lower industrial activity and further work and a longer run of figures are needed to establish how much of the reduction is attributable to energy savings.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what improvement has been achieved with energy conservation in the generation of electricity.

The main contribution to energy conservation in electricity generation comes from improvement of the thermal efficiency of power stations. I understand from the CEGB that an increase of one-tenth of 1 per cent. in annual system thermal efficiency represented in 1974–75 a real saving of the cost of production of about £4 million in fuel costs and that the board's conventional power stations in fact achieved a record thermal efficiency of 30.56 per cent. in 1974–75 compared with 29.78 per cent. in 1973–74. This improvement brought about a reduction in fuel consumption of 2¼ million tons eoal equivalent and represented a saving of £28 million in the board's fuel bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate he has made of the amount of total energy consumption used to remove sulphur from fuel oil at refinery stages.

The total energy consumed depends on the type and sulphur content of the crude oil from which the fuel oil is derived, on the proportion of the original sulphur removed and on the desulphurisation process used. For typical residual fuel oil containing 4 per cent. of sulphur, derived from a Middle East crude, the energy consumed in reducing its sulphur content to 0.5 per cent. by a direct process is about 8 per cent. of the thermal value of the oil. If the sulphur content is reduced to 2.5 per cent, by an indirect—two-stage—process, the energy consumed is about 5 per cent. of the thermal value of the oil.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what effect greater efficiency of labour and employment has had on demand for fuel or for energy-using equipment.

Greater efficiency of labour and a higher level of employment have generally been accompanied by a higher demand for energy and for energy-using equipment. However, as improvements in the efficiency of labour have widely varying effects on energy demand, and energy consumption is also affected by many factors other than labour efficiency and employment, it would be misleading to assume any precise relationship between these quantities.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what research his department has carried out for developing equipment and technology to withstand severe North Sea conditions in prospecting for new petroleum reserves;

(2) what progress his Department has made towards a progressive scientific development of the Continental Shelf;

(3) what research and surveys his Department has carried out designed to stimulate continuous growth and development of oceanology in the search for oil.

The search for oil is primarily a matter for the oil companies My Department is involved through its overall responsibility for defining licensing and depletion policy, ensuring the thorough, safe and effective exploitation of the country's petroleum resources, and developing the capability of British companies to participate as contractors to the oil companies.

My Department commissions surveys aimed at identifying those areas in which oil may lie in the United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf, in order to help in defining present policies. Further work is done to help assess the reserves that may lie outside the present limits under the control of Her Majesty's Government. All these surveys and geological evaluation involve an element of research and also require some further background research. This work is carried out for the Department by the Natural Environment Research Council at the Institute of Geological Sciences and the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences.

Additionally, consideration has been given to the question of research aimed at encouraging British manufacturers or service companies in the oil-drilling field, but it has first been necessary to assess the likelihood of such support being effectively exploited. It is one of the functions of the newly-founded Offshore Energy Technology Board to advise on future policy in this respect. However, some support has already been given to British companies for research and development of equipment for controlling the positioning and vertical movement of drilling apparatus in North Sea conditions and I am pleased that some orders have since been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what improvement in the visible trade balance could be made by lower imports of fuel; and what savings could be achieved by restricting the import of fuel.

Imports of fuel other than oil are minimal. Reduction in imports of oil would currently save about £34 for each ton of crude oil and nearly £58 for each ton of petrol.

Appreciable reduction in oil imports can be achieved by more careful and efficient use of energy, which the Government are encouraging by their energy conservation measures, including its "Save It" campaign. In the longer term the Government's policies for increasing indigenous production of energy can be expected to eliminate the need for net imports. The net effect on the balance of payments of restricting imports would depend on the effects on the economy, including exporting industry, and could in some circumstances be adverse.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what financial or other support his Department is giving to the development of the electric motor car.

My Department is not giving any direct financial support to the development of electric cars, but the Electricity Council has recently bought a fleet of electric cars and is participating in a project to develop a sodium sulphur battery. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry is also supporting research on electric batteries and vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what financial or other support his Department is giving to the development of solar energy.

My Department has commissioned a study at the Energy Technology Support Unit, at Harwell, to assess the prospects for using solar energy in the United Kingdom and identify those areas where further research may be necessary. This study, which is not yet complete, is expected to cost about £30,000. Officials from my Department have also been assisting with the study being undertaken by the United Kingdom section of the International Solar Energy Society.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what precautions he has

Increases since March 1974 1st January 1975 1st April 1975 Undersecretary … … £9,000 Present salary — Principal … … £4,360–£5,775 £5,416–£7,115 Present salary Higher Executive Officer (A) … … £2,953–£3,585 £3,711–£4,477 Present salary Senior Personal Secretary … … £1,867–£2,402 £2,377–£3,044 Present salary

Notes:

1. All grades quoted received threshold additions from 1st June 1974–1st January 1975.

2. All salaries were subject to Inner London weighting addition at the following rates:

From March 1974—£228 per annum.

From 1st April 1974—£410 per annum.

3. Private Secretary allowances of £658 and £588 respectively are paid to one of the Principals and to the Higher Executive Officer (A). These allowances have not changed since March 1974.

taken to ensure that the present oil pollution experiments in the North Sea in the area 59° N-1 °E and between the Faroes and Norway do not harm birds and wildlife in the area.

I have been asked to reply.

On the advice of the Nature Conservancy Council no oil is to be released near any sea bird concentrations. If reconnaissance, either by ship or helicopter, reveals such concentrations, the officer in charge will not release oil, or if it has been released, immediate steps will be taken to collect or disperse it.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the five top-paid civil servants in his Department; what salaries they now receive; what they were receiving in January 1972; and what increases they have received on the stated dates since January 1972.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is serviced by staff in the Cabinet Office who were appointed for the purpose. The salaries of the five top-paid of these are: Under Secretary: £12,000 p.a. Principal (2): £5,680–£7,450 p.a. HEO (A): £3,900–£4,700 p.a. Senior Personal Secretary: £2,505–£3,205 p.a.

The staff supporting the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster did not exist in its present form in January 1972. It was set up in March 1974 when the salaries of these grades were:

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish in the Official Report the mileage allowance granted to civil servants in his Department and those institutions, offices and research establishments for which he is responsible, respectively, indicating variations for the different grades of seniority and type of car permitted.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is served by a small staff set up for the purpose within the Cabinet Office.

All grades in the Civil Service are treated equally in matters of motor mileage allowance. The rates payable for official journeys undertaken in their private motor vehicles do, however, vary according to engine capacity as indicated in the following table.

Motor Cycle Motor Car (including 3 wheel vehicles) Rate per mile P 245–500 cc … 245–500 cc (except Fiat 500) 3.1 501 cc and over … — 3.9 501–1000 cc(including Fiat 500) 7.9 1001–1750 cc 9.4 1751 cc and over 10.2

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list in the Official Report ( a ) the number of persons who have lost public positions as a result of the changes in Government policy since March 1974, ( b ) the name of the Department which made the appointments and ( c ) the terms of settlement granted to each former public official.

This information is not available centrally and to provide it would involve an inordinate expenditure of time and effort. But if my hon. Friend has a particular aspect of this matter in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what changes in public service pension schemes he plans in the next 12 months.

I have no plans for making significant changes in the pension arrangements for the Civil Service in the next 12 months. Consideration will, however, need to be given to the effect on the Civil Service of the Government's proposals for a new State scheme.

Whilst I am consulted about the pension terms for the other public services, their planning is a matter for the Ministers responsible for those services.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service to what grade and salary point in the administrative group of the Civil Service the salary of a Member of Parliament was most nearly approximate in 1964, in 1975, and under the proposals recently announced.

The information is as follows: Parliamentary salary Civil Service equivalent 16th October 1964: Senior Chief Executive £3,250 Officer, Maximum: £3,300 1st January 1975: Principal: £4,500 2nd point in scale: £4,542 Proposed 13th June Principal: 1975: 1st point: £5,750 £5,680 2nd point: £5,900

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to inform all foreign Governments that any member of the Diplomatic Corps endeavouring to smuggle an animal that is subject to United Kingdom quarantine regulations into Great Britain will render himself persona non grata.

I should naturally view with concern any proven case of an attempt by a member of staff of a diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom to evade our regulations. In advance of any such attempt, however, I cannot say exactly what steps I should take.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking with regard to Iceland's unilateral declaration of a 200-mile fisheries limit.

Her Majesty's Ambassador in Reykjavik has made it clear to the Icelandic Government that we regret this claim to a 200-mile fishing limit. However, I welcome the assurance that the Icelandic Government have given that they are prepared to discuss the application of their proposed new regulations with us. We are continuing to urge the Icelandic Government to open talks at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the planned permanent airstrip on the Falkland Islands will enable aircraft to fly not only to the Argentine but to other countries as well; and, if so, to what distance.

The specifications of the airfield being built in the Falkland Islands will enable it to handle aircraft capable, if necessary, of flying to countries other than Argentina, up to a distance of about 1,000 nautical miles.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future constitutional development of the relationship between the United Kingdom and St. Helena.

Her Majesty's Government do not foresee any change in the present constitutional relationship between the United Kingdom and St. Helena.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make use of the good offices of the Prime Minister of Fiji in the dispute concerning the future of the Banaban people;

(2) what discussions have been held with Pacific Heads of Government about the future of Ocean Island.

We have had some confidential discussions with the Chief Minister of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and with friendly Governments about the problems of the Banaban community. I would particularly mention the helpful attitude of the Prime Minister of Fiji. I am not in a position to say more at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with Australia and New Zealand concerning the distribution of surplus BPC funds amounting to $A21 million following the sales of Nauru-based assets to the Nauru Phosphate Corporate; and if he will make a statement.

This question has been under discussion for some time. Discussions continue.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Spanish Government to lift their ban on the remaining British subjects, residents of Gibraltar, entering Spain in transit or otherwise for no other reason than their continued loyalty to the British Crown unless they sign, under duress, a letter addressed to the Spanish Government implying a weakening of their allegiance to the British Crown.

We know of no general ban on British subjects, residents of Gibraltar, entering Spain.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make any further grant of aid to Indonesia subject to the condition that internationally recognised human rights are applied in the treatment of political prisoners.

No. I share the concern felt by many in this country for the plight of those detained in Indonesia, but I do not believe in the use of aid to seek to secure political objectives.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection by what percentage the cost of living has increased since July 1945.

The official index of retail prices was first introduced in June 1947. The rise between that date and June 1975 was 374 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will publish in the Official Report a table showing the rise in the retail prices index or its equivalent over the 12-month period to the latest convenient date in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Japan and each of the full member States of the EEC.

The information is as follows:

The percentage increases in the retail and consumer price indices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and full member States of the EEC over the 12 months to May 1975 were: United Kingdom … 25.0 United States of America … 9.5 Japan … 14.1 Belgium … 13.7 Denmark … 12.0 France … 12.1 Germany … 6.1 Ireland … 24.5 Italy … 19.7 Luxembourg … 10.1 Netherlands … 10.4

Source: OECD.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the percentage increase in the index of retail prices in the period 1st July 1974 to 30th June 1975 and the percentage increase in food prices over the same period.

Between 18th June 1974 and 17th June 1975 the retail price index increased by 26.1 per cent., and the food index by 28.3 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection by what date she intends to ensure that the prices charged in licensed premises are clearly displayed to the customer.

I expect the necessary measures to be in force before Christmas.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the average price of potatoes per ton in January and March 1975; what is the present price; and if she will make a statement on what action she is taking to prevent profiteering because of the present shortage.

Wholesale prices for potatoes were quoted at between £30 and £52 per ton in January 1975 and between £28 and £48 per ton in March 1975. Wholesale prices are now between £95 and £130 per ton. The recent shortage has been mainly due to the exceptionally dry weather, which has seriously delayed the crop and reduced current yields. Following recent rain, prices have now started to come down.

The Price Commission keeps a running check on prices and distribution margins for fresh foods and makes regular reports, and I have asked it to monitor the whole-sale and retail prices of potatoes margins. If my hon. Friend has evidence of profiteering, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she will now give details of the Government's proposals for amending the Price Code in the light of the White Paper "The Attack on Inflation".

I have today issued a consultative document in accordance with the statutory requirement to consult interested parties before making an order to amend the Price Code. The consultative document is available in the Vote Office of the House of Commons.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what were the percentage increases in prices during the period 1st July 1974 to 30th June 1975 for electricity, gas, coal, postal charges, telephone charges and public transport.

The increases given by the General Index of Retail Prices for these items are as follows: Percentage change between 18th June 1974 and 17th June 1975 Electricity … +56.6 Gas … +14.0 Coal and coke … +37.4 Postal and telephone charges … +54.3 Rail, bus etc. fares … +36.0

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is now the index or average cost per meal for eating out in the London area, in the provinces and in the country as a whole, respectively; and how this compares with comparative indices of costs for 1st April 1975, 1974 and 1970.

Information collected for the General Index of Retail Prices shows that in May 1975 the cost of meals in restaurants and cafés was 2 per cent., 24 per cent, and 117 per cent, higher than in April 1975, April 1974 and April 1970, respectively. No comparable information is available on a regional basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will list the principal food items being kept down in price due to the fall in the value of the green pound; what the effect would be on the United Kingdom cost of living if the green pound was restored to its maximum value; and if she will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) earlier today.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions he is having with EEC Trade Ministers regarding progress towards harmonisation of company law in the EEC.

Officials from my Department are continuing to play a full part in discussions in Council and Commission working groups designed to make progress towards the harmonisation of company law within the EEC. It is premature to arrange a ministerial meeting to discuss the proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if any representations have been made to the Australian authorities in protest against the 40 per cent, initial duty and additional duty of 0.30 Australian dollars per square metre on certain specialised silk linings exported from the United Kingdom.

The EEC Commission has made representations about Australian tariff measures covering a wide range of textile products and has requested formal consultations with the Australian Government under the GATT Multifibre Arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give a general direction to the British Airports Authority to review its inter-line baggage handling arrangements.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give details both of the agreement on textile imports from Pakistan recently initialled under the MFA, and of the Community arrangements on restricting imports from Taiwan.

Details of the agreement with Pakistan cannot be given until the agreement has been formally concluded. A Council regulation on Community restraints of imports from Taiwan was adopted on 10th July and details will be published shortly in the Official Journal of the European Communities, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. A further regulation is in preparation which will prescribe the annual growth rates for restrained imports from Taiwan under the burden-sharing formula.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what stocks of dispersants are held at which Scottish ports to deal with any major pollution incident off Scotland's coasts;

(2) how many spraying kits are available in Scotland to deal with any major pollution incidents off Scotland's coasts;

(3) how many vessels, based at Scottish ports, have been adapted for an oil dispersal rôle.

The following information on stocks and equipment held, and vessels identified, by the Department does not take account of the resources of industry, with which my Department is in close liaison.

Commercial tugs identified as suitable for spraying Sets of spraying equipment Stocks of dispersant (gallons) Leith … 1 1 6,500 Dundee … 1 1 4,500 Aberdeen … 2 2 — Invergordon … 1 1 4,500 Pumpherston … — — 4,250 Greenock … 11 5 14,000

Notes:

(i) In addition H.M.S. "Jura" is permanently equipped for spraying with 6,000 gallons on board, as are fisheries protection vessels "Switha" and "Westra", the latter with 7,500 gallons of the recently approved dilutable variety. Two Greenock tugs also carry stocks in their tanks.

(ii) Provision of storage space at Aberdeen is in hand, and the Department has interim arrangements for supply from other sources in an emergency.

(iii) The location of stocks is kept under review, and particular attention is currently being given to the needs of West Scotland and of the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

(iv) My Department is also able to call upon general resources of the Royal Navy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the objectives of, and lessons learned from, "Operation Tadpole" held in the Clyde.

Exercise Tadpole, which took place on 29th May, was one of a series of exercises held around British coasts to test the Department's pollution clearance organisation.

The objectives of this exercise off Ardrossan were: ( a ) to test the effectiveness of the organisation and contingency plans in the West of Scotland district; ( b ) to assess the effectiveness of liaison with the Royal Navy and other organisations; ( c ) to test communications; ( d ) to assess the time taken getting a team of tugs to the scene of an incident.

The lessons learnt were that the organisation can effectively deal with an incident within reasonable reach of Greenock. Bearing in mind the time taken to get commercial tugs equipped and ready for sea, further bases already contemplated need to be brought into being for incidents further away. Liaison with the Royal Navy was such that a fleet of four naval tugs and four commercial tugs worked well under one command. Communications presented some minor problems. Lessons learnt which are of general application will be disseminated to other districts.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about his negotiations with Middle East Governments for supersonic flying rights for Concorde en route to and from Bahrain.

Negotiations are continuing and, as my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on 19th June, a statement will be made at the appropriate time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the persons who were employed in his office or Department in January 1972 at salaries around £4,500 per annum and what increases they have received to date.

The Department of Trade formed part of the Department of Trade and Industry in 1972. The table below gives details of staff currently employed in my Department who are in grades with

Grade Number of Staff in Grade Salary Scale 1st January 1972 Salary Scale 1st April 1975 £ £ Principals (and Principal Information Officers) 155 3,478–4,708 5,680–7,450 Official Receivers (B) (and equivalent Insolvency Service grades) 46 3,478–4,814 5,680–7,599 Senior Marine Surveyors 111 3,788–4,760 6,280–7,450 Principal Professional and Technology Officers 3 4,010–4,760 6,280–7,450 Senior Patent Examiners 263 3,292–5,350 6,125–8,750

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has now completed the review on whether Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports should be designated under Section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act 1971 for the purposes of noise abatement; and if he will make a statement.

The review has been completed after taking account of the views which have been expressed to me by those concerned. The British Airports Authority, which is now the owner and manager of these three airports, is able and willing to bring into operation appropriate noise abatement measures, including the provision of grants for the noise insulation of dwellings. I have therefore concluded that at the present time there would be no advantage to be gained by the designation of these airports under Section 29. The authority will, of course, act in co-operation with the Civil Aviation Authority and the airline operators concerned, and will shortly announce the measures they propose to adopt.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in his consultations with the West Midlands County Council Airport Committee, he has been able to establish what progress has been made towards instituting a noise insulation grants scheme.

I am informed that the local legislation, to which I referred in answer to my hon. Friend's previous Question on this subject on 2nd July—[Vol. 894, c. 461 ]—is under active consideration by the West Midlands County Council, which hopes that the Private Bill incorporating provision for

a salary scale which in 1972 included£4,500:

making noise insulation grants to house-holders in the vicinity of Birmingham Airport will be read in Parliament before the end of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the code of practice suggested by the Office of Fair Trading to the Society of Motor Manufacturers to set new standards for the sale of new and used vehicles and repairs and servicing.

I have been asked to reply.

I welcome the joint announcement by the Office of Fair Trading and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on 30th June to the effect that the SMMT has accepted in principle that it should prepare for adoption a draft code of practice for the motor industry. If my hon. Friend wishes to have further details of the proposals, I am sure that the Director General of Fair Trading will be glad to send them to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is considering to deal with the high unemployment on Merseyside which has been increased by recent factory closures and lay-offs.

In addition to the full range of financial incentives available under the Industry Act 1972, we expect that Merseyside, like other assisted areas, will benefit substantially from the setting up of the National Enterprise Board and the planning agreements system. The Government are also taking powers under the Employment Protection Bill to mitigate the effect of future redundancies.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the total amount of land purchased by his Department for future development on Merseyside; where it is situated; what is to be developed there; and how many jobs it is expected to provide.

My Department has acquired a 21-acre site at Gill-moss which will be available both for advance factories and for factories built to industrialists' specific requirements. I cannot yet say how many jobs can be expected to be provided. It is hoped to acquire a site at Speke this year, and further land will be bought as funds permit.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations he had with which foreign Governments and which international groups or bodies before he authorised the present oil pollution experiments in the North Sea in the area 59° N-1° E, and between the Faroes and Norway.

Consultations took place with representatives of the Norwegian Government, and a Norwegian observer is present at the experiments.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that the planned exercises in dispersal of oil pollution in the North Sea take proper account of the possible effect on bird life.

On the advice of the Nature Conservancy Council, no oil is to be released near any seabird concentrations. If reconnaissance, either by ship

1st January 1972 1st April 1973 1st January 1974 1st January 1975 £ £ £ £ Permanent Secretary … … 15,750 16,000 16,350 18,675 Second Permanent Secretary … … 14,750 15,000 15,350 17,175 Deputy Secretary … … 10,500 10,750 11,100 14,000

From June 1974 the salaries attracted cost of living supplements until these were subsumed in the increased salaries payable from 1st January 1975.

or helicopter, reveals such concentrations, the officer in charge will not release oil, or if it has been released, immediate steps will be taken to collect or disperse it.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to postpone experiments involving oil slicks in the North Sea to be undertaken shortly by his Department owing to the likely presence of seabirds travelling across the North Sea during their annual summer migration.

No. On the advice of the Nature Conservancy, no oil is to be released near any seabird concentrations. If reconnaissance, either by ship or helicopter, reveals such concentrations, the officer in charge will not release oil, or if it has been released, immediate steps will be taken to collect or disperse it.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received from the National Council for the Protection of Birds about the proposed experiments by his Departments involving oil slicks in the North Sea.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the five top paid civil servants in his Department; what salaries they now receive; what they were receiving in January 1972; and what increases they have received on the stated dates since January 1972.

The civil servants concerned are in the grades of Permanent Secretary, Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Details of the salaries of these grades from 1st January 1972 onwards are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to encourage the modernisation of the ferrous foundry industry.

As my hon. Friend will know, the Chancellor announced in his Budget speech on 15th April our intention to introduce a scheme of financial assistance to encourage the modernisation of the ferrous foundry industry. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry will be making a more detailed statement about this shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will list the most recent gains of efficiency in the use and conservation of energy following technological changes in industry; and

(2) what has been the saving of energy by the use of improved quality of materials for industrial production.

Few comprehensive data are available on gains in energy efficiency brought about by technological change and the use of improved materials. I can, therefore, give only a few examples.

It is, for example, felt that, by closer monitoring and control, 2 per cent. savings in refinery fuel costs can be achieved. Similarly, recent changes in the design of heat exchangers and steam-condensate valves have permitted substantial energy savings to be made. Replacement of old ethylene cracking furnaces by more efficient ones and the use of flare gas recovery will also reduce operating costs considerably through energy saving. In the metallurgical field, improved natural gas burners and ceramic recuperators have also produced energy savings in steel making, and the use of divided blast furnace systems has also increased output efficiency.

However, in order to understand more systematically the current pattern of energy usage, the Departments of Energy and Industry are jointly developing energy auditing techniques, as part of a broader energy conservation programme. This should enable a more useful assessment to be made of the potential effects of technological change, including those relating to the use of new and improved materials.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the recent route proving flights of Concorde to the Middle East.

The Concorde flights between London and Bahrein which took place from 7th to 12th July were part of the first stage of the programme of endurance flying by the fourth production aircraft. These repeated flights simulate ordinary airline operation, and their satisfactory completion will enable Concorde to be fully certificated for the carrying of fare-paying passengers.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the total of steel imported, as a percentage of total United Kingdom annual consumption.

The percentage of imports to United Kingdom consumption varies cyclically, and has recently been abnormally high. Since 1970, the annual percentages are estimated to have been: 1970, 12 per cent.; 1971, 13 per cent.; 1972, 16 per cent.; 1973, 14 per cent.; 1974, 21 per cent. During the first three months of 1975, the percentage is estimated to be 24 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much the Post Office spent on advertising in the last year for which figures are available.

The Post Office tells me that it spent £2.4 million in the year 1974–75 on customer information, advertising its service and facilities available, and to promote recruitment.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the cost of production of steel—in major type categories—per tonne per British Steel Corporation plant as compared with European and Japanese competitors.

Information on cost of production is not available. A paper prepared by the British Steel Corporation on comparative labour productivity was placed in the Library of the House last month. This paper gives some broad international comparisons of man-hours per tonne of steel produced.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he proposes to publish guidelines for the National Enterprise Board.

The form and content of the guidelines is still under consideration, and we have not yet decided when they will be published.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has yet received the consultants' report on the motor-cycle industry; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member on 14th July 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he intends to establish an Industrial Relations Training Resource Centre, as suggested in a recent report of the National Economic Development Office to improve training in industrial relations.

I have been asked to reply.

The proposal to establish an Industrial Relations Training Resource Centre within the field of responsibility of the Training Services Agency was referred to and approved in principle by the Manpower Services Commission. I understand that the commission wishes to consider further the implications in terms of resources and the precise form the resource centre could take and may make recommendations to my right hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to eliminate the rabbits at RAE Bedford, at Thurleigh, in view of damage they are causing to neighbouring agricultural interests.

We have not received any recent complaints about damage caused by rabbits from RAE Bedford, but the establishment is ready to look into any case which is reported to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the period up to the fall of Saigon, any South Vietnamese forces were undergoing training courses in the United Kingdom; and, if so, how many Vietnamese were involved and what the training courses were for.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has had of military aircraft flying below 250 ft.

I have had no recent reports. Past experience of such reports often shows after careful investigation that the estimates of height were inaccurate.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will confirm that no military aircraft may fly below 250 ft.

Military low-level flying is carried out away from centres of population and is normally conducted at a minimum height of 250 ft. above ground level. On those occasions when, for operational or training reasons, special dispensation is given for lower flights, additional steps are taken to avoid inhabited areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he will take to prevent low-flying military aircraft in view of the evidence in south Worcestershire that flights by military aircraft are taking place at a level of between 100 and 200 ft., causing fear among the population, particularly among younger children.

I have no evidence that military aircraft are flying across South Worcestershire at heights between 100 and 200 ft.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the frequency of low flying by military aircraft over south Worcestershire has increased in the past two months.

I can confirm that partly for seasonal reasons but also as a result of increased operational activity there has been a rise in the frequency of low-level flying over south Worcestershire in the past two months. I am reviewing the situation to see if ways can be found of alleviating the nuisance without imposing unacceptable operational penalties.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the construction of oil rigs in Chatham Dockyard and by whom; and what stage the negotiations have reached.

Arrangements have been made to ensure that where problems arise on production for the offshore energy programme the feasibility of any of the Royal Dockyards undertaking work in the national interest is fully and speedily examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the use of Portsmouth Dockyard for the construction of ships; and what is the Government's current intention in this respect.

Warship building capacity in the United Kingdom—including the capacity of the Royal Dockyards—is constantly kept under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current level of activity in each of Her Majesty's naval yards.

Activity at the Royal Dockyards is running at a high level with programmes of naval refitting and repair work, and with repayment work.

Information about the present programmes for each of the Dockyards is given on Page 76 of the Statement on the Defence Estimates (Cmnd. 5976).

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he intends to make in Armed Forces pensions in 1976–77.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme has in recent years undergone a major review, and changes resulting from the final stage of this review were introduced on 1st April 1975. As a result, members of the Armed Forces now have a first-class modern superannuation scheme as a part of their conditions of service and there is no need for it to undergo any further substantial change in the near future. Some adjustments may however be necessary to ensure that the Service pension arrangements keep in line with the State pension scheme when the provisions of the Social Security Pensions Bill become law.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to modify the present method of paying British Forces in Berlin, whereby the amount of pay they can receive in cash currency is restricted and the opening of personal bank accounts, including savings accounts, is precluded; why these arrangements obtain in Berlin but not elsewhere in BAOR; and if he will make a statement.

I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the loss to the revenue if the top rate of tax on earned income were 50 per cent.

On the arbitrary assmption that earned income forms the lower slice of any taxed income and that investment income continues to be taxed at the rates proposed for 1975–76, the loss of revenue would be about £200 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a detailed list of all contracts for the printing of United Kingdom currency notes of all denominations which have been entered into by the Bank of England or any other agency of Her Majesty's Government, showing the amounts in value of such notes which are to be delivered in each of the 12 months beginning on 1st July 1975.

All bank notes issued by the Bank of England in accordance with the provisions of the Currency and Bank Notes Act 1954 are printed by the Bank of England.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total net addition to purchasing power in money terms he estimates will follow from the rises in earned incomes to be permitted under the official policy outlined in "The Attack on Inflation"; and on what assumptions his estimate is based.

This question covers a complicated area where exact interpretation is very important. If the hon. Member will write to me stating in more precise terms exactly what he requires, I shall be happy to provide an answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent it is the Government's policy to aim for a slower growth in the money supply than was previously allowed for, in the light of the proposals in Command Paper No. 6151.

That White Paper restated the Government's intention to keep the growth of money supply under firm control. The counter-inflation policy both makes it desirable to have a lower rate of growth of the money supply than would otherwise have been the case, and helps to bring it about.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the approximate effect of the proposals in Command Paper No. 6151 on the relative price effect in 1975–76 and 1976–77 in £ million 1974 survey prices.

Since the measures affect the private and the public sectors equally, they are unlikely to have any effect on relative prices, except possibly transitionally; and any such effect is likely to be small.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what approximate effects he expects the policies proposed in Command Paper No. 6151 will have on total public expenditure and receipts in 1975–76 and 1976–77, in current prices.

The White Paper measures will have a progressive restraining effect on public sector wage and salary costs becoming fully effective only after 12 months. The effect on procurement costs will take longer to come through. Receipts of taxes on income and indirect taxes particularly VAT, will be correspondingly affected, a little later, and there may be indirect effects on both expenditure and income. It is estimated that there will be no significant net effect, the change in expenditure being broadly off-set by a reduction in receipts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he still regards as accurate the forecasts of the public sector deficit and borrowing requirements in 1975–76 set out in Table 6 of the Budget Statement for 1975–76, in view of the measures proposed in Command Paper No. 6151.

It is not customary to publish estimates of the public sector deficit and borrowing requirement between Budgets. But I estimate that the measures proposed in Command Paper No. 6151 will have no significant net effect on the public sector deficit and borrowing requirements in 1975–76.