Sitting of 29 May 1970

Preamble
The House met at Eleven o'clock
PRAYERS
[Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair]
MESSAGES FROM THE QUEEN

  SWAZILAND (GIFT OF SPEAKER'S CHAIR)
  The VICE-CHAMBERLAIN OF THE HOUSEHOLD reported Her Majesty's Answer to the Address, as follows:
  I have received your Address praying that I will give directions for the presentation on behalf of your House of a gift of a Speaker's Chair to the Swaziland House of Assembly, and assuring me that you will make good the expenses attending the same.
  It gives me the greatest pleasure to learn that your House desires to make such a presentation, and I will gladly give directions for carrying your proposal into effect.

  INCOME TAX
  The VICE-CHAMBERLAIN OF THE HOUSEHOLD reported Her Majesty's Answer to the Addresses, as follows:
  I have received your Addresses praying that on the ratification by the Government of Israel of the Protocol set out in the Schedule to the Order entitled the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Israel) Order 1970 and on the ratification by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany of the Protocol set out in the Schedule to the Order entitled the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Federal Republic of Germany) Order 1970, Drafts of which were laid before your House, Orders may be made in the form of these Drafts.
  I will comply with your request.
  I have received your Addresses praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Botswana) Order
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  1970 and the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Barbados) Order 1970 be made in the form of the Drafts laid before your Houe.
  I will comply with your request.

ROYAL ASSENT
Message to attend the Lords Commissioners;
The House went:-and, having returned:
Mr. Speaker(in the Clerk's place at the Table): I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers where a Commission under the Great Seal was read, authorising the Royal Assent to the following Acts:

1. Finance Act, 1970.

2. Appropriation Act, 1970.

3. Films Act, 1970.

4. Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act, 1970.

5. Local Government (Footpaths and Open Spaces) (Scotland) Act, 1970.

6. Parish Councils and Burial Authorities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1970.

7. Conservation of Seals Act, 1970.

8. Administration of Justice Act, 1970.

9. Riding Establishments Act, 1970.

10. Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1970.

11. Marriage (Registrar General's Licence) Act, 1970.

12. Conveyancing and Feudal Reform (Scotland) Act. 1970.

13. Merchant Shipping Act, 1970.

14. Republic of The Gambia Act, 1970.

15. Building (Scotland) Act, 1970.

16. Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act, 1970.

17. Agriculture Act, 1970.

18. Equal Pay Act, 1970.

19. Local Authority Social Services Act, 1970.

20. Trees Act, 1970.

21. Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

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22. Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act, 1970.

23. Radiological Protection Act, 1970.

24. Indecent Advertisements (Amendment) Act, 1970.

25. British Transport Docks Order Confirmation Act, 1970.

26. Coatbridge Burgh Order Confirmation Act, 1970.

27. Somerset County Council Act, 1970.

28. Birmingham Corporation Act, 1970.

29. Gosport Corporation Act, 1970.

30. Huntingdon and Peterborough County Council Act, 1970.

31. West Riding County Council Act, 1970.

32. Hambros Bank Act, 1970.

33. Norwich Corporation Act, 1970.

34. Hooker Estates Limited (Transfer of Registration) Act, 1970.

35. Stoke-on-Trent Corporation Act, 1970.

36. Southampton Corporation Act, 1970.

PROROGATION

  HER MAJESTY'S MOST GRACIOUS SPEECH
  Mr. Speaker:I have further to acquaint the House that the Lord High Chancellor, being one of the High Commissioners, delivered Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of Her Majesty's Commands, as follows:
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  My Husband and I and The Princess Anne had the great pleasure of visiting New Zealand and Australia and of attending the Cook Bicentenary Celebrations in both countries. We were also very pleased to visit Fiji and Tonga. The Prince of Wales was able to accompany us to New Zealand and on part of our tour to Australia.
  My Government have maintained their application for membership of the European Communities, and nego-
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  tiations to this end are likely to open shortly.
  My Ministers have made a full contribution to the North Atlantic Alliance, which is the foundation of our security, and have sought to develop better understanding between East and West.
  My Government have continued to play an active part in the disarmament negotiations and have followed up with vigour their proposals for a complete ban on biological methods of warfare. They welcome the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
  My Government have urgently pursued their efforts to promote through the United Nations a settlement to the dispute between the Arab States and Israel, and have continued their efforts to help bring peace to the countries of Indo-China.
  My Government welcomed the end of hostilities in Nigeria, and have made a substantial contribution to post-war relief and rehabilitation.
  My Government have welcomed the condemnation by the Security Council of the latest racialist policies of the illegal régime in Southern Rhodesia. They have worked to make existing economic sanctions more effective.
  My Government welcomed the peaceful settlement, through the good offices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, of the long-standing difference with the Imperial Iranian Government over Bahrain.
  New Constitutions have been introduced in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate and the Seychelles. Tonga will cease to be a Protected State on 4th June and My Government look forward to welcoming her as a Commonwealth partner.
  In this 25th Anniversary Year of the United Nations My Government is taking a leading part in promoting its work.
  My Government have announced substantial increases in overseas aid for the next three years.
  My Ministers have continued their efforts to promote peace and harmony in Northern Ireland. Acts have been passed to establish the Ulster Defence

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  Regiment and to enable police forces in Great Britain to be more closely associated with the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
  Members of the House of Commons:
  I thank you for the provision which you have made for the public services.
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  My Government have pursued successful policies to strengthen the economy and the balance of payments so as to provide the basis for sustained and accelerating growth in conditions of high employment. A large surplus in the balance of payments has been achieved, and external indebtedness has been greatly reduced.
  My Government have continued to work with other Governments to improve the international monetary system.
  A statement has been presented to you on My Government's future plans for public expenditure.
  The pay structure of My Armed Forces has been radically revised to give proper recognition to their qualifications and responsibilities.
  An Act has been passed providing for equal pay for men and women.
  My Government have proposed major reforms to modernise industrial relations.
  Legislation was introduced to establish a Commission for Industry and Manpower to take over and develop the work of the National Board for Prices and Incomes and the Monopolies Commission.
  A Bill was introduced to make certain reforms relating to industrial safety and health and an inquiry into all aspects of the subject has been set up.
  Acts have been passed to promote greater safety and improved living conditions for those serving in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets.
  An Act has been passed to assist the film industry.
  Regional economic development has been further encouraged, especially in the development areas, and legislation
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  has been passed to assist intermediate areas and to encourage the speedy clearance of derelict land.
  Bills were introduced to reorganise the electricity supply industry and the gas industry, and to enable the Gas Council to search for, market and refine petroleum.
  A Bill was introduced to continue the Government's powers to assist the coal industry.
  Legislation was brought forward to raise the limit on guarantees under the Shipbuilding Credit Scheme.
  A Bill was introduced to transfer the nuclear fuel and radio-chemical business of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to Government-controlled companies.
  A Bill to reorganise the ports was presented to you.
  My Government have published plans for the future strategy for interurban roads in England.
  My Government have continued to encourage the selective expansion of home agriculture. An Act has been passed introducing new arrangements for the marketing of eggs and rationalising the grants payable to assist fixed capital investment in agriculture.
  My Government have continued to take steps to restrain increases in food prices and to promote the safety of food for the consumer.
  My Government have brought forward a measure to provide strong, comprehensive and flexible powers to control the availability of dangerous drugs and to check their misuse.
  A Bill was presented to advance further the reorganisation of secondary education on comprehensive lines. Progress has been made in replacing old schools, increasing the numbers of qualified teachers and reducing oversized classes.
  The expansion of higher education has continued, and student places provided have far exceeded the forecasts of the Robbins Committee on Higher Education.
  My Government have announced further proposals to intensify the fight against the pollution of the environment, and measures were introduced to

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  reduce aircraft noise and to discourage pollution of the sea by oil. I have appointed a Commission on Environmental Pollution.
  My Government have put forward proposals to reform local government in England and Wales.
  An Act has been passed to limit increases in rents of local authority and private tenants. Assistance to home buyers under the option mortgage scheme has been increased, and other measures have been taken to provide more and better homes. Orders have been made to raise the income limits which govern the entitlement to rate rebate.
  Proposals for controlling labour-only sub-contracting in the construction industry were laid before you.
  An Act has been passed to reorganise local authority personal social services. New proposals have been made for the future administration of the National Health Service in England and in Wales.
  Improvements in existing health and welfare services have continued, with special emphasis on hospitals for the mentally handicapped and other long-stay patients.
  Proposals have been put before you for new schemes of national superannuation and social insurance based on earnings-related contributions.
  My Government have taken steps to make further improvements in the levels of benefits provided under the Supplementary Benefits Scheme.
  Legislation has been passed to reform the feudal system in Scotland and the Scottish law of heritable conveyancing.
  An Act has been passed to modernise the law relating to the construction of highways in Scotland.
  An Act has been passed to reconstitute the High Court with a Family Division to extend the power to dispense with the holding of assizes and to improve the arrangements for the recovery of civil debts.
  Further advances have been made in the reform of the law. Legislation has been passed to extend the powers of the courts to make financial provision in matrimonial disputes and to give effect to various proposals of the Law Commission.
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you.
  Then a Commission for Proroguing the Parliament was read; after which the Lord High Chancellor said:
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's Name and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday, the second day of June next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to the second day of June, one thousand nine hundred and seventy.
  End of the Fourth Session (opened on 28th October, 1969) of the Forty-fourth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD
  State Board Appointments (Salaries)
  State Board Appointments (Salaries)
  Agricultural Mortgage Rate
  Agricultural Mortgage Rate
  Farm Costs
  Farm Costs
  Herbicide 245T
  Herbicide 245T
CIVIL SERVICE
  Industrial Civil Servants (Pay)
  Industrial Civil Servants (Pay)
EMPLOYMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
  Wales
  Wales
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
  School-building Programme
  School-building Programme
  Unemployed Persons, Aberdeen
  Unemployed Persons, Aberdeen
  Retail Price Index
  Retail Price Index
  Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey (Unemployment)
  Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey (Unemployment)
  Unemployment
  Unemployment
  Merseyside
  Merseyside
  Intermediate Areas
  Intermediate Areas
  Industrial Disputes
  Industrial Disputes
  Development Areas
  Development Areas
  Health and Safety
  Health and Safety
  Nationalised Industries
  Nationalised Industries
  Employment Service
  Employment Service
WALES
  Unemployment
  Unemployment
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
  New Technical Institute, Hong Kong
  New Technical Institute, Hong Kong
  Northern Ireland (Irish Republican Army)
  Northern Ireland (Irish Republican Army)
  Bogota (Mr. Bobby Moore)
  Bogota (Mr. Bobby Moore)
  Pacific Ocean (French Nuclear Tests)
  Pacific Ocean (French Nuclear Tests)
  East-West European Security Conference
  East-West European Security Conference
  DECLARATION ON MUTUAL AND BALANCED FORCE REDUCTIONS
  DECLARATION ON MUTUAL AND BALANCED FORCE REDUCTIONS
  Commonwealth Medal
  Commonwealth Medal
  China (United Nations Membership)
  China (United Nations Membership)
  Indo-China
  Indo-China
  Commonwealth Flag
  Commonwealth Flag
  Cuba (British Islands)
  Cuba (British Islands)
  Rhodesia
  Rhodesia
  Antigua
  Antigua
HOME DEPARTMENT
  Mercury and Platinum
  Mercury and Platinum
  Fire Service (Report)
  Fire Service (Report)
  Petroleum Storage, Wembley
  Petroleum Storage, Wembley
  South African Cricket Tour
  South African Cricket Tour
HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
  Alkali Inspectorate
  Alkali Inspectorate
  Brent
  Brent
  Housing Subsidies
  Housing Subsidies
  Ringway 2 Motorway Scheme
  Ringway 2 Motorway Scheme
  Land, Abbey Wood (Development Proposal)
  Land, Abbey Wood (Development Proposal)
  House-building Programme
  House-building Programme
  Tower Blocks (Strengthening)
  Tower Blocks (Strengthening)
  Housing Programme, Leicester
  Housing Programme, Leicester
  House Prices (Selective Employment Tax)
  House Prices (Selective Employment Tax)
  Burghley Towers, Acton
  Burghley Towers, Acton
  Rent Act
  Rent Act
  Housing Priority Areas
  Housing Priority Areas
  Housing (Improvement Grants)
  Housing (Improvement Grants)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL PLANNING
  Migration
  Migration
  South-West Durham (Employment)
  South-West Durham (Employment)
OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT
  Overseas Aid
  Overseas Aid
HOUSE OF COMMONS
  State Opening of Parliament (Television and Broadcasting)
  State Opening of Parliament (Television and Broadcasting)
POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
  Postal Revenue (Price Increases)
  Postal Revenue (Price Increases)
  Telephone Charges
  Telephone Charges
  Westmorland (Television and Radio Service)
  Westmorland (Television and Radio Service)
  Telephone Numbering
  Telephone Numbering
  Public Telephones
  Public Telephones
  B.B.C. Programmes (Betting)
  B.B.C. Programmes (Betting)
  National Data Processing Service
  National Data Processing Service
  Giro (Financial Targets)
  Giro (Financial Targets)
SCOTLAND
  Primary School Classes
  Primary School Classes
  New General Hospital, Airdrie
  New General Hospital, Airdrie
  Motor Accidents (Foreign Drivers)
  Motor Accidents (Foreign Drivers)
  Housing, Glasgow
  Housing, Glasgow
  Crimes and Offences
  Crimes and Offences
  Juveniles (Offences)
  Juveniles (Offences)
  Population
  Population
  Shellfish (Research)
  Shellfish (Research)
  British Standard Time
  British Standard Time
  Primary and Secondary School Building
  Primary and Secondary School Building
  Highlands and Islands Development
  Highlands and Islands Development
  Windblown Timber
  Windblown Timber
  Sewage Treatment
  Sewage Treatment
  Justices of the Peace
  Justices of the Peace
SOCIAL SERVICES
  Hospitals, Essex (Staff)
  Hospitals, Essex (Staff)
  Unemployment Benefit
  Unemployment Benefit
  Industrial Disputes (Supplementary Benefits)
  Industrial Disputes (Supplementary Benefits)
  Supplementary Benefits (Rents)
  Supplementary Benefits (Rents)
  Junior Hospital Doctors, Barking
  Junior Hospital Doctors, Barking
  Community Development Teams
  Community Development Teams
  Hospital and Health Services, Bishop Auckland
  Hospital and Health Services, Bishop Auckland
  Retirement Pensions
  Retirement Pensions
  Community Services
  Community Services
  National Health Service
  National Health Service
  N.H.S. General Practitioners and Public Health Centres
  N.H.S. General Practitioners and Public Health Centres
  Retired Persons
  Retired Persons
  Survey of Disability
  Survey of Disability
  Artificial Limbs
  Artificial Limbs
  Supplementary Benefits, Brixton
  Supplementary Benefits, Brixton
  Family Allowances
  Family Allowances
  Flat-Rate Pension
  Flat-Rate Pension
  Children (Low-Income Families)
  Children (Low-Income Families)
  Pensions (Value)
  Pensions (Value)
  Wage Stop (Married Men)
  Wage Stop (Married Men)
  Regional Medical Officers
  Regional Medical Officers
  Supplementary Benefits (Rents)
  Supplementary Benefits (Rents)
  National Health Service Contributions
  National Health Service Contributions
TECHNOLOGY
  Smokeless Fuel
  Smokeless Fuel
  Merseyside Development Area
  Merseyside Development Area
  Scotland (Overseas Trade)
  Scotland (Overseas Trade)
  Concorde Project
  Concorde Project
  Development Areas (Expenditure)
  Development Areas (Expenditure)
  Shipbuilding Industry
  Shipbuilding Industry
  Motor Repair Charges
  Motor Repair Charges
  Gas and Oil Exploration Licences
  Gas and Oil Exploration Licences
  Gas Industry
  Gas Industry
  Uranium Enrichment (Gas Centrifuge Method)
  Uranium Enrichment (Gas Centrifuge Method)
  Thermo-Nuclear Power
  Thermo-Nuclear Power
  Gas Centrifuge Plant, Capenhurst
  Gas Centrifuge Plant, Capenhurst
BOARD OF TRADE
  Film Quotas
  Film Quotas
  House Agents (Fees)
  House Agents (Fees)
TRANSPORT
  Heavy Goods Vehicles (Testing and Plating)
  Heavy Goods Vehicles (Testing and Plating)
  Ringway 2 Motorway, London
  Ringway 2 Motorway, London
  London Bus and Underground Fares
  London Bus and Underground Fares
  Roundabout (Traffic System)
  Roundabout (Traffic System)
  A40, Savoy Circus and Horn Lane Flyovers
  A40, Savoy Circus and Horn Lane Flyovers
  Roads (Expenditure)
  Roads (Expenditure)
  Road Works, South Acton Estate (Loan Sanctions)
  Road Works, South Acton Estate (Loan Sanctions)
  Bypass, Huntingdon
  Bypass, Huntingdon
  Southampton Outline Transportation Plan
  Southampton Outline Transportation Plan
  Ancient Toll Bridges
  Ancient Toll Bridges
  Road Construction Units
  Road Construction Units
  A65, Crooklands (M6 Motorway Bridge)
  A65, Crooklands (M6 Motorway Bridge)
  Trunk Motorway Projects
  Trunk Motorway Projects
NATIONAL FINANCE
  Public Expenditure
  Public Expenditure
  Investment and Borrowing, and Interest, Profit and Dividend Returns
  Investment and Borrowing, and Interest, Profit and Dividend Returns
  Taxation
  Taxation
  Corporate Bodies (Loans and Grants)
  Corporate Bodies (Loans and Grants)
  Inland Revenue Centre, East Kilbride
  Inland Revenue Centre, East Kilbride
  Gross National Product
  Gross National Product
  Public Service Pensions
  Public Service Pensions

Preamble
The House met at eleven of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
Prayers—Read by the Lard Bishop of Bath and Wells.

INDECENT ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL [H.L.]
Returned from the Commons, agreed to.
  MELBOURNE TOLL CROSSROADS
  MELBOURNE TOLL CROSSROADS
  STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT: TELEVISING OF PROCEEDINGS
  STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT: TELEVISING OF PROCEEDINGS
  ROYAL COMMISSION
  ROYAL COMMISSION
  PROROGATION: HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH
  PROROGATION: HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH