TNAG-0655-FCO40-804-Development-of-medical-and-health-services-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 80

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Written AnswWETS

19 FEBRUARY 1976

indications are that the prices of Chinese goods and foodstuffs in Hong Kong tend -to follow world prices.

.. USSR (Nuclear Explosions)

J Mr. Eldon Griffiths asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has

•made to the Union of Soviet Socialist Républics and to the International Atomic Energy Agency about the impact on the atmosphere of Soviet plans to explode large numbers of nuclear devices in Central Asia in connection with canal building schemes:

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(2) what steps are being taken to moni- tor the effects on the atmosphere of Soviet nuclear bombs exploded in connection with earth moving projects north of the Caspian Sea; what information he has 'received from British or international 'agencies about the number of such explo- sions already recorded and the nuniber planned to take place over the next three years; and what consequent change, it any, he expects in the levels of aimo- spheric radioactivity.

Mr. Hattersley: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has pub-

·lished a report by Soviet experts on the results of the first low-charge cratering nuclear explosion experiment conducted in the River Pechora area. A translation ́is available from HMSO (AWRE Trans

69 of May 1975).

We are not aware of any increase in atmospheric radioactivity outside the Soviet Union as a result of these explo- sions. The Soviet Union has made no .official announcement of plans for further explosions of this type. We would, how- ever, expect such explosions to continue to be designed in compliance with Article 1(iXb) of the 1963 Test Ban Treaty.

We are determined that the complex legal, safety and economic issues raised by PNE should be thoroughly examined in the IAEA's Ad Hoc Advisory Group on PNE, which was set up in June 1975, following a British initiative, to study these problems.

United Arab Republic (Nationalised British Assets)

Mr. John Page asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion the sum of £1,900,000 paid by the United Arab

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-Written Answers

Republic Government under the terms of the agreement dated 13th September 1971 represents when related to the total value of the nationfalised assets belonging to British nationals; and how satisfactory is this agreement.

Mr. Rowlands: The sum of £1·9 mil- lion represents approximately 50 per cent. of the total value of assessed claims for British nationalised property, after the deduction of £200,000 to cover taxes, and so on, claimed as due by the Egyptians.

I regard this as a satisfactory settle- ment, comparing very favourably with settlements achieved with Egypt by other countries at the time.

Pasports

Mr. Marten asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Allairs whether he will propose to the European Community that the proposed European passport should be optional following the precedent of the proposal to have an optional European driving licence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rowlands: The proposal is not for a European passport but for a national passport in a uniform style. The pass- port will indicate that the holder is national of a member State and has cer- tain rights in the Community. To make it optional would result in confusion and a proliferation of styles of passport.

Expenditure Committee (Report)

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg asked the Sec- retary of State for Foreign and Com- monwealth Affairs on what date he received the 8th Report of the Expendi-" ture Committee for Session 1974-75; and when his reply to it will be received.

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Mr. Eanals: The Report was received on 29th September 1975. It is hoped that the reply will be submitted within the next six weeks.

Israel

Mr. Hooley asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the mental and physical health of Paul Glover, a British citizen held by the Israeli authorities in Ramallah gaol; when the British Consul last visited Mr. Glover; and what progress is being made with his request for a free pardon.

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