asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to lessening traffic congestion in Inner London, he will consider the advantages of a wide extension of the system of one-way streets?

Yes, Sir. Wherever the system seems likely to secure improvement the policy of adopting it will be continued.

Does the hon. and gallant Member mean by that statement that it is going to be widely extended?

Each case must be considered on its merits. All roads are not suitable for the purpose.

Are not these one-way streets a great source of danger to pedestrians?

Not if they keep their wits about them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to lessen traffic congestion in Inner London, he wall invite the competent authorities to restrict the parking of vehicles to alternate sides of the street on alternate days?

My right hon. Friend's policy is not to increase the number of streets where parking is permitted but to leave these streets for the purpose for which they were intended, and to this end he appeals to motorists in a congested city like London to use garage accommodation.

Does the hon. and gallant Member recognise that this system has been a great success in the provinces and also in many foreign capitals?

The experiment has been, and is now being, tried in Jermyn Street, but we are not satisfied that the results justify our trying it elsewhere.

Does the hon. and gallant Member not think that Jermyn Street is a very unsuitable street in which to try an experiment in parking?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the introduction of a short Measure temporarily amending the Licensing Act so as to extend the hours for the sale of excisable beverages, free of cost to licence-holders, to cover the period 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except the Sunday, during Coronation week; and whether he is aware that such a Measure would save expense and avoid variations of the terms of the permission to be granted in various localities?

No, Sir. It is not possible to contemplate the introduction of any Measure of this character.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the total seating accommodation now under construction and proposed for the purpose of viewing the Coronation processions; what seating capacity will be available for the general public and at what prices and where seats can be obtained; and what accommodation is being reserved in public parks or other places within his jurisdiction for the public to view the Coronation processions without charge?

I have been asked to reply. The number of seats available for distribution is approximately 85,000. This, as has previously been stated, is being allocated in such a manner as to provide for as many aspects of the national life as possible. Seats will not be sold through ticket agencies, but they will in due course be offered through various representative organisations to their members. It is proposed to reserve the space in front of the stands in Constitution Hill and the Oueen Victoria Memorial Gardens for 30,000 members of selected organisations, including children. Otherwise, apart from the stands themselves, Hyde Park and the Mall will be entirely open to the public. No charge will be made for standing accommodation, but the price to be charged has not yet been definitely decided.

Are any seats being allocated or made available for Members of Parliament and their friends in the seating accommodation?

Certainly.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider the question of the need in future for Members of this House to take a fresh Oath to the new Sovereign after a demise of the Crown, in view of the fact that the Oath previously taken has been to the occupant of the Throne, his heirs, and successors?

The obligation to take a fresh Oath to the new Sovereign after a demise of the Crown in my opinion ceased to be statutory in the eighteenth century. Since then, however, it has been continued by custom of Parliament. Nothing has been suggested to me which would lead me to suppose that the House desires any change.

Am I to understand that it would, as a matter of fact, be in order for an hon. Member to carry on his duties without being re-sworn?

No, I do not think the hon. Member must understand that. The question of the sanction behind the customs of Parliament is a question for the House, and not one on which it is proper for me to express an opinion.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the anxiety among opticians of the country at the new draft regulations concerning the payment of their services for ophthalmic treatment; and whether he will give an assurance that their position will be regularised in the new regulations, so that there will be no doubt about the legality of their claim for service fees in the future?

There has never been any intention of depriving opticians

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does that mean that the draft regulations already drafted are to be modified to meet this new demand?

I have said that some persons have raised doubt whether the draft regulations do carry out our express intention. We are taking steps to verify that, and if we find that they need modification they will be modified.

Is it intended to protect this right for payment for services?

I have said that there was never any intention to deprive anyone of their fee for services.

Is this for service or for the supply of glasses, which is not quite the same point?

Perhaps the hon. Member had better read my reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the impossibility of local authorities being able to prosecute for the purpose of enforcing Section 99 of the Factory and Workshops Act, 19o1, authority for such having previously been that of the Home Secretary, but transferred by the Factories and Workshops (Transfer of Powers) Order, 1921; and, if so, is it his intention to introduce amending legislation at an early date?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the lack of powers referred to by the hon. Member, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has under consideration the question of dealing with the matter in the forthcoming Factories Bill.