asked the Home Secretary whether, in considering the question of the adoption of compulsory crossings for pedestrians, he is consulting the chief constables and the watch committees of the different Lancashire towns, so that their point of view may be considered in relation to any national recommendations?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The experiment with marked crossing places for pedestrians, which I propose to make in London, has been referred for advice to the London Traffic Advisory Committee on which the commissioners of police and the local authorities are represented. The chief officer of police and the local authorities concerned will also be consulted in regard to any extension of the experiment to the provinces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he has considered the copy sent to him of a publication issued by a British publishing firm describing reprehensible practices in the destruction of lions in East Africa; and whether, since so many charges of this kind are made, he will consider instituting an inquiry on the spot into the whole methods of East African safaris, including the methods of photographing wild animals; (2) if he has considered the copy sent to him of a recent publication alleging fishing for lions in East Africa with baited hooks attached to ropes drawn by motor cars; and whether he has investigated, or will investigate, the allegations made?

I understand that the first question relates to a book recently published entitled "Lions, Gorillas and their Neighbours." The date of the incident recorded on page 276 of that book is not given, but I would remind my hon. Friend that a few years ago legislation was enacted in the East African territories prohibiting the use of motor vehicles or aeroplanes in getting to close quarters with game animals for the purpose of hunting, killing, capturing or unduly disturbing them. These practices are an offence under the game laws, punishable with fine or imprisonment and forfeiture of any trophies and of any prohibited weapon or instrument used. As regards the second question, my right hon. Friend's attention has already been drawn to notices which have appeared in the Press regarding the use of baited hooks, attached to motor cars, in capturing lions and also to a published denial of the accusation. The Acting-Governor of Tanganyika has been asked for a report on the alleged incident, and the matter will be further considered on receipt of his reply. In view of the legislation referred to above, I am doubtful as to the necessity of instituting a special inquiry into the whole methods of safaris.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will inquire into the circumstances attending the refusal of a full pension to F. Boorer, 82, Leyton Road, Stratford?

There is no power to award a pension at the full rate where the yearly means, as calculated under the Old Age Pensions Acts, exceed £26 5s. I understand that the yearly means of the pensioner in question amounted to more than this sum, and that the local pension committee accordingly awarded a pension at the rate of 8s. weekly.

asked the Minister of Health having regard to the limited sum of 3d. per member, recommended by paragraph 867 of the Handbook for Approved Societies and page 3 of Memorandum 318 of the Department, whether any approved society has spent on Additional Benefit No. 5, Want or Distress, more than 3d. per member per annum; if so, will he state the maximum per member per annum spent by each such society; and whether allocations in such cases have provided for expenditure on dental and other types of additional benefits after six months' membership of the insured person?

I regret that I am not in possession of the information for which the hon. Member asks. To obtain it would necessitate, as regards England alone, the examination of the accounts of each of the 800 approved societies and branches which have adopted the additional benefit in question.