TNAG-0560-FCO40-655-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 101

37

Written Answers

13 JANUARY 1975

all aspects of drug abuse and addiction and for developing programmes of treat- ment and rehabilitation.

Two schemes—one run by the Medical and Health Department and the other by a grant-aided voluntary agency-to evaluate the use of methadone mainten- ance on a long-term basis in Hong Kong have entered the third year of study.

Results should be available later this

year.

Research into acupuncture as a possible effective treatment for drug addiction is also being undertaken in Hong Kong.

Disarmament

Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if, through the United Nations, he will now seek to fix a date for holding the United Nations World Disarmament Conference; and if he will take steps to secure the representation of the non- governmental organisations at this con- ference, and to arrange for an NGO con- ference to consider the agenda six months before the Disarmagent Conference;

(2) if, at the United Nations World Disarmament Conference, Her Majesty's Government intend to press for general and complete disarmament.

Mr. Ennals: The United Kingdom bas participated in the work of the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee charged with examining views of Governments on the conditions for the convening of a World Disarmament Conference and related problems. The committee's report was considered at the recent session of the United Nations General Assembly which adopted, unanimously, a resolution expressing the view that

40

it does not yet seem possible to reach a final conclusion with regard to the convening of a World Disarmament Conference".

INDUSTRY

Textiles and Footwear

Mr. Noble asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is yet able to say what steps he proposes to take to deal with unemployment and short-time working a.nong textile and footwear operatives.

Written Answers

38

Mr. Mcacher: These difficulties stem largely from the drop in demand reflect- ing market conditions in the United Kingdom and the world generally. How-

ever, footwear and textile firms should benefit from the measures announced in the November Budget to strengthen the private industrial sector. Restraints on textiles and disruptive imports of garments already exist and have recently been reinforced on cotton yarns and by arrangements to spread restricted imports more evenly among EEC member States. We support EEC negotiations with . supplier countries for some restraints on disruptive exports of knitted textiles. We are looking urgently into the claim of dis- ruption by certain footwear imports.

Aston-Martin Lagonda

Mr. Shersby asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a state- ment on the outcome of discussions between his Department and Aston-Martiu Lagonda with regard to financial assist- ance under the Industry Act.

Mr. Heffer: Following discussions between my Department and Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, the Govern ment proposed to make financial assist- ance available to the company subject to a number of conditions. This offer was formally conveyed to Aston Martin on 29th October but it was not taken up by the company.

1

Court Line

Mr. Trotter asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, for each of the companies of the Court Line group now in public ownership, he will list for each of the last five years (a) the turnover and (b) the profit before tax, distinguishing in the case of turnover between that in res- pect of shipbuilding, ship repairing and marine engineering and that in respect of other activities.

Mr. Meacher, pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th December 1974; Vol. 883, c. 122], gave the following Information:

The information requested is follows:

as

i...

* A 12