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Written Answers
Written Answers
292
Mr. Kenneth Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the success or otherwise of the steps taken to combat the drug traffic in Hong Kong.
24 JULY 1975 occasions, but there was slight seepage of water into the mess. The last blockage was on 15th July. I have since visited the area and have ascertained that after this blockage the drains were thoroughly examined and cleaned out, and the cause of the blockage removed. All the drains will now be thoroughly cleaned annually.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH
AFFAIRS
European Security and Co-operation Confcrence
Mrs. Winifred Ewing asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs in respect of the proposed summit meeting on European security in Helsinki on 30th July, if he will indicate (1) the proposed items the Government wish to place on the agenda and (2) the agenda items known to him at present.
Mr. Hattersley: The agenda for Stage III of the Conterence on Security and Co-operation in Europe, which opens in Helsinki on 30th July, was agreed to by all the Governments concerned at Stage II in Geneva and cannot now be altered or added to. It consists of opening speeches by the President of Finland and the Secretary-General of the United Nations; speeches by the 35 Heads or other repre- sentatives of States and Governments; and the signature of the Final Act of the conference. In view of the widespread interest in its work, I have already placed the latest form of the documents, which were drawn up at Stage II and will be incorporated in the Final Act, in the Library of the House. Some further editorial changes in them will be required.
Hong Kong
Mr. Kenneth Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to minimise cases of silicosis in Hong Kong; and what compensation is available for those who contract the disease.
Mr. Ennals: Regulations prohibit abra- sive blasting by sand or silica and quarry operators are advised to spray water, en- close machinery, supply masks and hold annual X-ray examinations. The Govern- ment are discussing with the Accident Insurance Corporation the establishment of an insurance pool. Meanwhile, affected workers receive ex-gratia payments.
33 T 2
Mr. Ennals: I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens) on 30th June.-[Vol. 894, c. 312.]
Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Com- monwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the Council for Recreation and Sport in Hong Kong.
Mr. Ennals: The council was estab- lished in 1973 to advise on the provision, expansion and maximum use of recrea- tional and sports facilities, particularly for young people. The Recreation and Sports Scheme, introduced last year, has organised activities for over 80,000 people. Long-term planning of recrea- tional facilities is being undertaken.
World Tourism Organisation
Sir Frederic Bennett asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs whether the Government have approved the statutes of the World Tourism Organisation, and, if so, when they envisage presenting these statutes to Parliament for ratification.
Mr. Ennals: I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 23rd July to a similar question from the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel). As we are still con- sidering the question of formal adoption of the statutes of the World Tourism by which they may be presented to Organisation, I am unable to give a date
Parliament.
HOME DEPARTMENT
Breathalyser Tests
Mr. Edge asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the mar- gin of error of the breathalyser is in detecting whether a driver has more than the legally permitted limit of alcohol in his blood.
Dr. Summerskill: The overall margin of error for the device, which of course
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