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Written Answers
22 MARCH 1976 obtain more information about certain resources. The Institute, as part of its mapping programme for Wales, will be carrying out a geological survey of the Cardiff-Bridgend area.
In the general context the Government have yet to make decisions on the reports of the Committee on Planning Control over Mineral Working published on 23rd February 1976 and the Advisory Commit- tee on Aggregates which is expected to be published shortly.
Ynysforgan
Mr. Ifor Davies asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will add to the preparation pool a new trunk road from Ynysforgan to link up with the top of the Swansea Valley via Pontardawe, in order to improve communications and encourage new industries in this develop-
ment area.
Mr. Barry Jones: No. The need for a new road up the Swansea Valley is a matter for West Glamorgan County Council to consider.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH
AFFAIRS
Falkland Islands
Sir George Young asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received a communica- tion from the Falkland Islands Com- mittee (local branch) on the status of the Falkland Islands; and in what te:ms he has replied.
Mr. Rowlands: Yes. My reply recog- nised the islanders' deep concern over the matters raised in the Committee's letter. I hope to arrange a meeting to discuss these and other matters shortly.
Driving Offences (Diplomatic Immunity)
Dr. Reginald Bennett asked the Secre tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs if, in view of the fact that the embassy car registered 1 GAB was driven the wrong way down Thackeray Street, W.8, at 2.50 p.m. on Friday 12th March 1976, he will cease to extend diplomatic immunity to driving offences of this kind.
15 L 13
Written Answers
82
Mr. Ennals: The immunities enjoyed by diplomatic agents in this country are provided not by my right hon. Friend but by Parliament in the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964, which gives effect to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, the provisions of which are observed almost universally. Withdrawal of immunities for the reasons indicated in the Question is not possible under he Act and would be contrary to the international obligations of the United Kingdom. Where we are satisfied that, but for immunity, a diplomatic agent would have been prosecuted, representa- tions are made to the mission concerned.
Hong Kong
Mr. Baker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the rate of infla- tion on the growth in the GDP for Hong Kong in the next financial year.
Mr. Ennals: The growth rate in the GDP for Hong Kong for 1976-77 is esti- mated to be 15 per cent. at current prices, of which 6 per cent. is attributable to inflation.
Mr. Baker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the projected increase in expen- diture on educational services in Hong Kong for the financial year 1976-1977.
Mr. Ennals: HK$ 1376 million com- pared with HK$ 1294 million--revised estimate-in 1975-76, a projected increase of HK$ 82 million. Additionally about HK$ 33 million is expected to be drawn as loans to assist in the financing of new school buildings and as loans to students in higher institutes of education.
Mr. Baker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the projected increase in expen- diture on health services in Hong Kong for the financial year 1976-1977; and how many more hospital beds are to be provided.
Mr. Ennals: HK$ 631 million as com- pared with HK$ 590 million-revised estimate in 1975-76, a projected in- crease of HK$ 41 million. An additional 694 hospital beds are to be provided in. creasing the ratio of beds per head of the population to 418 per 1,000.
DATE 22.3.76 COL. 182
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