asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of serving British consuls not of British birth; the proportion drawing remuneration; and the total sum involved?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, His Majesty's Consular Service consists of, first, established salaried consular officers, and, secondly, honorary officers. There are at present 366 established officers, all of whom are British subjects. There are in addition 447 honorary officers, of whom 340 are of British nationality and 107 of foreign nationality. None of these receives a salary, but they are granted allowances towards their consular office expenses. I may add that foreign nationals are not appointed to British consular posts unless no suitable British subject is available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the efficiency of the British aircraft industry is being prejudiced by delays in the work of the Aeronautical Inspection Department owing to insufficiency of staff; and whether, pending further devolution of the Department's duties upon the staffs of the contractors, he will immediately increase the personnel of this Department?

I have no evidence that the efficiency of the aircraft industry is being prejudiced in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend, but if he has any specific case in mind, and will furnish me with particulars, I will have it investigated. I should add, however, that the staff of the Aeronautical Inspection Department is under continuous review in the light of the changing requirements of the aircraft industry, and additional appointments are now in fact being made.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has any statement to make with regard to the proposed new Government building in Whitehall?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Woolwich East (Mr. Hicks) on 31st October, to which I have nothing to add.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure, as far as he can, that the building is of more classic design than the proposed new building in Edinburgh?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether in view of the Edinburgh Corporation having now approved the plans for the proposed new Government buildings on the Calton site, he will consider giving the necessary instructions for such further demolition work as is necessary to be proceeded with forthwith so that work for the unemployed may be provided thereby this winter?

The greater part of the demolition work remaining to be done will properly form part of the contract for foundations, the drawings and specifications for which will not be available for a considerable period. In any event I am not in a position to authorise any expenditure in connection with this scheme in advance of Parliamentary authority, which will be sought when the Civil Estimates for 1935 (Class VII) are presented.

asked the Attorney-General the grades and the wages paid per grade to the staff employed in the Land Registry Office in Lincoln's Inn Fields; and the profits of the Land Registry Office for the past three years?

In reply to the first part of the question, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the detailed Estimates presented to Parliament (Class 111-8) where complete particulars are given of the grades and the wages paid per grade. As regards the second part of the question, the receipts of the Land Registry Office in the years ending 31st March, 1931, 1932 and 1933 exceeded the expenses by the following amounts:—

				£
1931	…	…	…	44,287
1932	…	…	…	30,973
1933	…	…	…	50,458

The above figures relate to the Land Registry Office as a whole including the Middlesex Deeds Registry and the Land Charges and Agricultural Credits Department, and not merely to the Land Registration Department.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the staff in question had a reduction in their pay in 1930, and, if so, whether the reduction has been restored?

I should like notice of that question. As the hon. Member knows, the wages of the staff of the Land Registry are fixed, as are the wages of other civil servants, according to the conditions and regulations in force at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Centrosojus (England), Limited, is included in the register, kept at offices of British consulates in China, of companies incorporated or registered in the United Kingdom and carrying on business in China; whether he will state the nationality of the directors and shareholders of the company and the nationality of the members of the Shanghai staff of the company; and whether the company is subject to the jurisdiction of His Majesty's courts in China as a British company?

Centrosojus (England), Limited, is incorporated under the Companies Acts of this country and is registered as a British company accordingly at His Majesty's Consulate-General at Shanghai. As regards the second part of the question, I have no detailed information, but I understand that the company is predominantly Russian in character. Since, however, it is registered as a British company it is subject to the jurisdiction of His Majesty's courts in China.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not a matter of option on the part of the Foreign Office whether a company is allowed to be registered locally in Shanghai? Is it not a fact, for instance, that this company does not enjoy ordinary consular protection, but enjoys only the protection of the British courts; and, in view of the fact that the staff is entirely Russian, is it not likely that this sort of proceeding will make the Chinese authorities even more restive under the extra-territoriality rights than they are at the present moment?

I am sure that my hon. Friend knows this subject very well. My understanding is that His Majesty's consular officers in China cannot legally refuse to register a company which is a British company, but the fact that the company is so registered and so subject to the jurisdiction of British courts in China does not ipso facto entitle it to receive British protection.

Will my right hon. Friend make further inquiry as to whether it is not the fact that it is necessary that the list should be approved

I will look into that.

Is it not wrong that this company, all of whose directors belong to a country which has gloried in abandoning extraterritoriality, should on the first occasion rush to the protection of the British courts to get justice?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in spite of representations made to the Government of China the postal ban on "Oriental Affairs" continues; and what further steps he is taking to secure its removal?

According to my latest information the postal ban imposed upon "Oriental Affairs" was recently still in force. The matter is, however, still engaging the attention of His Majesty's Minister. I regret that I cannot say more at the moment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total value of the work allocated to the Tyne and Clyde, respectively, under the naval programmes 1932–33, 1933–34, and 1934–35?

The approximate figures for the hulls and machinery of ships included in the programmes mentioned are:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what contracts have yet to be placed under the 1934–35 programme, and if tenders have yet been invited?

The only vessels of the 1934 programme so far allocated are the leader and destroyers, details of which were recently announced in the Press. Of the remaining vessels in the programme, tenders have either been invited or will be invited within the next two months.

May I ask whether we may at an early date expect an announcement as to where the two cruisers are to he built

I hope at a very early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total value of work allocated to Belfast under the naval programmes of 1932–33, 1933–34, and 1934–35?

The only shipbuilding contract allocated to Belfast under the naval programmes of 1932, 1933 and 1934, is for the hull and machinery of the cruiser Penelope of the 1933 programme. As it is contrary to practice to divulge contract prices of particular ships, I regret that the value of the order cannot be furnished.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state, in connection with the recent suspected loss of Admiralty confidential papers in transit from Hebburn-on-Tyne to Portsmouth, for what reason the box containing these papers was not kept throughout the journey in the personal custody of the Admiralty messenger and taken with him into his compartment, in view of the fact that its size was only 24 inches by 21 inches by 14 inches; and why, if it is permitted to leave such papers in the guard's van, they cannot be sent without the assistance of a messenger, in the interests of economy?

The box was not in charge of a specially detailed messenger, but of an official who happened to be returning from the Tyne to Portsmouth on official duty, and it might well have been sent unaccompanied, in charge of the guard. The incident occurred in the month of August, and thus received more publicity than it deserved.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what part His Majesty's Navy will take in the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1935?

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, His Majesty the King hopes to review the Fleet at Spithead on Tuesday, 16th July, 1935, or, should the weather on that day be unsuitable, on Wednesday, 17th July, 1935. The ships which are to take part in the review have not yet been finally selected, but in addition to the Home and part of the Reserve Fleets, certain units of the Mediterranean Fleet will probably be present. His Majesty, in the Victoria and Albert, will lead the Fleet to sea for exercises on the forenoon of the day following the review.

Will special arrangements be made for providing accommodation for Members of this House who wish to visit the Fleet?

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend had better apply through the usual channels.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of attempted criminal assault on white women by natives of Kenya have been reported in the last 12 months; and whether these crimes are on the increase or not?

In the last 12 months there have been one case of rape, five of indecent assault and four other assaults. The Governor informs me that these crimes are not on the increase.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the sentences given in these cases are sufficient, in view of the widespread nervousness among women in Kenya?

I do not think it would be proper for me to comment on sentences given by a court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of cases in which white persons have been the victims of murder, criminal assault, and common assault, respectively, in Kenya during this year, together with the number of cases in which the criminals have escaped detection or apprehension; and whether he is satisfied that European settlers in outlying districts are assured at present of adequate protection?

The statistics of the crimes committed against Europeans by natives in Kenya during the present year show that there have been one murder, 14 cases of criminal assault and seven of common assault. With one single exception no criminal concerned in these offences has escaped detection and apprehension. I am satisfied that the Government of Kenya is taking all reasonable measures to preserve law and order.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that 14 cases of criminal assault show that sufficient protection is afforded to settlers in these remote parts?

I think if the Noble Lord has a wide knowledge of these territories, he will agree that there are very many factors to be taken into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, prior to the recent outbreak of planned armed robberies and other outrages by the young Lumbwa natives fomented by the witch doctors, warning was given to the administration of Kenya that such outbreaks were likely to occur, but no attention was paid to these warnings; whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to protect in the future the lives and property of isolated settlers; and what the nature of these steps has been?

I have no doubt that the Government of Kenya kept itself fully informed with regard to conditions among the Lumbwa and took all practicable measures to deal with the situation. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have just given to my Noble Friend the Member for Perth (Lord Scone). The Colonial Government were satisfied that the outbreak of lawlessness was due to the activities of the Laibons (witch doctors) and an Ordinance has been passed which empowers the Government to take the drastic step of deporting these people and their families to an appropriate district remote from the tribal area—a measure for which the Lumbwa tribe themselves petitioned.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in fact, these ruffians have been removed to a safe distance?

No, they have not yet been removed, but they will be.

Has it been ascertained whether these men belong to that particular tribe?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the sentence of death recently passed upon seven Lumbwa natives, in Kenya, for the murder of Mr. Semini, has been carried out; and, if not, when the execution is to take place?

No, Sir; appeals have been lodged against the convictions and are awaiting hearing by the East Africa Court of Appeal.

Can my right hon. Friend say when these appeals are likely to be heard?

No, I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent case in Kenya, which involved the murder of Mr. Semini and the rape of his wife by some Lumbwa natives, he will consult with the Governor of Kenya as to the desirability of executing the criminals in public, with a view to impressing upon the native population the serious nature of the crime; and whether, in this connection, his attention has been called to the existing practice in India and, in particular, to the public execution on 6th August at Shandadkot of two dacoits who had previously terrorised the Larkana district of Sind?

No, Sir. The Governor informs me that if the sentences are upheld on appeal and the law takes its course, he proposes to follow the recommendation of the recent Commission of Inquiry into the Administration of Justice in East Africa and arrange for representatives of the community to which the condemned men belong to see them before and after execution, in order that the fact that the death sentences have been carried out may be generally known. I am aware of the very exceptional circumstances of the case to which my hon. Friend refers in the last part of his question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the feeling among white settlers out there who, in large numbers, would very much like there to be a public execution?

Shame.

I am honestly very sorry that that question has been put. It has been the consistent policy in the Colonial Empire for some time past not to have public executions, and I think it is a policy which is appreciated just as much in the Colonial Empire as in this House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the grave dissatisfaction among the settlers in Kenya Colony, and that many settlers who, in the past, would have left their homes and wives, are not prepared to do so now; and is it not worth his while to pay very careful attention to the questions that have been asked this afternoon?

I should have thought that my answers showed that the Kenya Government are paying the very closest attention to this matter. I am in constant touch with them. When there was serious lawlessness in the Lumbwa, as this condition of affairs was traced to the machinations of these witch doctors, the unique step has been taken of passing an Ordinance authorising the removal of the whole of these mischief-makers into an area where they will be completely isolated from everybody. The Colonial Office are keeping very careful watch on the situation.

May I be allowed to ask the right hon. Gentleman one more question. Is he aware that the delay in the summary justice applied to these murders in the Lumbwa is causing increased dissatisfaction

I hope the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will read the report of the official committee which sat in East Africa and which has gone carefully into the causes of delay in certain cases, which, he no doubt knows, is an extremely difficult thing. If you were to try all these cases by judges you would need to increase the number of judges. There is also the right of appeal. You cannot take away the right of these people to appeal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is possible to provide faster air services without adding to the cost of transit; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take in connection with future development in order to hold the balance between those who are anxious to have lower rates and those who demand higher speed?

My hon. Friend's question raises issues which are too complex to be dealt with within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. I can only say that proposals for accelerating our imperial air services without a disproportionate increase in cost have been under consideration for some time past, though I am riot yet in a position to make any detailed statement.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when this matter is under consideration by the Post Office, he will remember that there may be a greater demand for a lower tariff than for a somewhat higher speed?

I hope that our programme will satisfy both those desiderata.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when the new programme may be disclosed?

I hope in about a month or two.

Can we have the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman that the question of aerodynamics will be taken into consideration in regard to speed; is he aware that in the Curtiss-Wright Condor, if the retractable under-carriage is left down the speed is lowered by 30 miles an hour, and that in the streamlined Vultee the removal of the 2 feet 6 inch streamlined radio mast increased the speed by seven miles an hour; and does this not prove that speed may be increased by better aerodynamical design, in which case it is economical?

All those important questions will, of course, be taken into account.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether he has any information to give the House as to the relative speed and efficiency of British and Dutch commercial aircraft operating commercial air services to India and the East?

Dealing simply with the existing position, the cruising speeds of the British aircraft at present used on the service from England to Singapore range from 105 miles per hour to 120 miles per hour. The cruising speeds of the Dutch aircraft range from 107 to 119 miles per hour. Both services reach a very high standard in regularity of operation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman do something to speed up aeroplanes on the first part of the journey between London and Paris, which is the most frequently used and is the slowest of the lot?

I think our new programme will contain all that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what are the principal points of difficulty that have arisen in negotiating with the French Government for permission for British aircraft carrying commercial loads to fly between Le Bourget and Marseilles; and whether he is aware that no similar difficulties experienced by the K.L.M. lines of Holland?

As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 1st November, negotiations are in progress on the subject. I hope that a satisfactory settlement of these negotiations may be reached before long, and in the circumstances I should prefer not to make any statement at the present moment.

In view of the fact that British air lines continue to be at a disadvantage, will the right hon. Gentleman say how soon he expects a settlement

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think, seeing that this matter has gone on from year to year, and that the French Government have prevented our having an effective Imperial air service, that it is time to consider taking reprisals, if that should. unfortunately, be necessary?

I have said that negotiations are proceeding.

Is it not a fact that our Imperial air service is effective?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the annual amount of the subsidy paid to Imperial Airways, Limited, and the amount paid by the Dutch Government to the K.L.M. line of Holland; and whether he is satisfied that in terms of relative efficiency on the England-to-India air route the results have justified the conditions on which the subsidy to Imperial Airways, Limited, has been given?

The subsidy to Imperial Airways in the current Air Estimates (including contributions from Dominion and Colonial Governments) is approximately £560,000 in respect of all their services. It is not possible to give a corresponding figure for the Dutch K.L.M. service, or to make a close financial comparison in respect of the routes to the East, as financial assistance is given to that service partly by guaranteed postal payments and partly by an indemnity against loss on operation. I am fully satisfied, however, from a comparison of all the data available, that the results have amply justified the conditions on which the subsidies to Imperial Airways have been paid.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any research work has been done to ascertain the value of variable pitch propellers for aircraft; and if any report has been or is to be issued to the aircraft industry for their guidance?

Yes, Sir; six reports on research work done by the Air Ministry in connection with variable pitch propellers have been issued to the aircraft industry since 1932, and a seventh is in preparation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the loss of life to air passengers, due to the absence of live-saving devices in passenger air- craft; if he will introduce legislation making it compulsory on all passenger air-services to carry safety devices; and if, in order to meet the expense of such installation, he is prepared to grant a subsidy to these services?

I am unable to agree with my hon. Friend that there has been preventable loss of life on passenger air services arising from the absence of lifesaving devices. The existing regulations require that life-belts must be carried by public transport aircraft on flights at any point of which the aircraft will be more than 10 miles from land. As at present advised, my Noble Friend does not consider further regulations on the subject desirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement upon the recent loss of two British aircraft plying between England and the Continent

The cases referred to by my hon. Friend, which we all regret, are under investigation by the Inspector of Accidents. The substance of the Inspector's conclusions will be published when his reports have been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any information as to the number of members of the German Airsport Association; and what support, if any, the association receives from the German Government?

The membership of the German Airsport Association (Deutsche Luftsport Verband) is estimated as about 60,000. I have no information as to the financial or other assistance given to the association by the German Government, apart from a grant of 1,230,000 R.Mks. for gliding and some small grants for prizes and free ballooning.

If a similar organisation were formed in this country, would it receive the support of the Air Ministry?

I should have to have notice of that question.

Could the Under-Secretary say to what extent this association is under the control of the German Government?

I could not say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the information obtained as a result of the recent combined naval and air exercises, he is satisfied that our air services are sufficient to provide the Navy with adequate protection against attacks from the air?

The air services of the country, present and prospective, are on the scale approved by His Majesty's Government as adequate for their purpose, and this is not affected by the experience of the recent exercises.

Is it the considered judgment of the Government that six aircraft carriers are sufficient to protect the Navy against air attack in all parts of the world?

I said "air services present and prospective."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any further statement to make regarding the proposed aerial bombing station at Luce Bay, Wigtownshire?

I regret that I am not in a position to add to the information I gave my hon. Friend on the 5th July last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the letter, Elated 3rd November, addressed to the Air Ministry from the University Court of St. Andrews, with reference to the proposed extension of the danger zone for air-firing and bombing in St. Andrew's Bay; and whether he can give assurances on the various fears expressed?

The letter referred to by my hon. Friend was received in the Air Ministry on the 5th November. He may be assured that it will receive the most careful consideration. There is no intention of bringing the actual operational area any nearer to the city than it has hitherto been.

Would my right hon. Friend, in order to allay the natural fears and remove the misunderstanding which undoubtedly exists, consider sending a responsible official of his Department to meet the University Court and the town council and give them full particulars and details and discuss the matter with them frankly?

I am ready to consider that suggestion, but I have said that the operational area is not to be brought any nearer to the city than it has hitherto been.

In view of the very real anxiety in the minds of the University Court, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to the suggestion of my hon. Friend to send someone to explain the matter to them?

I will certainly convey that suggestion to my Noble Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any progress has been made in defining tests to be passed by motor-vehicle drivers; and what bodies are to be responsible for the carrying out of such tests?

I have circulated to a large number of representative organisations a draft of regulations proposed to be made under Section 6 (5) of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, and I have received as a result many helpful suggestions, which I am now considering. I also have under consideration the machinery for carrying out the tests.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing congestion of London traffic, he will take steps to insti- tute one-way traffic in all London squares and prohibit the parking of vehicles on both sides of main thoroughfares?

The question of introducing "one-way" working in all London squares has been often considered. The view of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, in which I concur, is that the system should only be introduced where it is likely to effect some definite improvement. The committee are at present reviewing the unilateral system for waiting vehicles which is being tried in Jermyn Street, and as soon as I receive their report I will consider the question of extending the system to other important streets.

Is it not a fact that, where the one-way system has been instituted in squares, it has been very satisfactory; and that it takes months, if not years, to get these very necessary regulations laid down?

Where it has been introduced it is satisfactory, and that is why I am anxious not to introduce it where it would be unsatisfactory.

Is it not a fact that great congestion of traffic is caused in many parts of London, notably in the City, because the lights do not work properly; and will the Minister make inquiries in different parts of London as to the working of the lights?

I shall be most happy to consider any information which my hon. Friend is good enough to lay before me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the fact that manufacturers are not able to supply all cyclists with the new whitetail for their machines, he proposes to postpone the date when proceedings will be taken against those cyclists without such white tails?

It is within the power of any cyclist to comply with the regulations at the cost of a few pence and a few minutes' labour. I have no power to prohibit legal proceedings, but, as I have already announced, I expect that for a short time to come non-com- pliance with these regulations will ordinarily be dealt with by way of caution rather than by way of prosecution.

Would a live light be an allowable alternative to this white device—an electric reflector?

Does not the Minister think that these white tails on bicycles are really of no use, especially if a car is coming in the opposite direction with headlights, which cause cyclists to think that they are in a much safer position than they are; and, as motor bicycles have to carry rear lights, and they are very much safer inasmuch as their speed is very much nearer that of a motor car, does not my lion. Friend consider that bicyclists should carry a red light for their own protection

No doubt what my hon. and gallant Friend says is true. Such regulations as have been made have been made in the interests of the safety of the cyclists themselves, though some of them do not appear to consider that to be the case. They are like a lot of hysterical prima donnas.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the dissatisfaction of motor-coach owners with the present procedure of dealing with appeals from the decisions of the Road Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, he will consider the desirability of introducing amending legislation which will enable an independent appeal tribunal to be set up to deal with these matters?

This question was discussed by my predecessor with representatives of the industry, and procedure was modified in various directions. I do not think that at present it would be opportune to propose further legislation.

Having regard to the hardship which is being caused to private owners, and the great expense which appeals entail at the present time, will the Minister give consideration to the suggestion I have made?

I shall be most hapy to give consideration to my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal. I would point out that, in dealing with these appeals, I am advised by an independent officer, and not by officers of my Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to furthering the campaign for reducing road accidents, he will take fresh steps to ensure that highway authorities shall do their utmost to carry out the terms of Section 58 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, which declares that it is their duty to provide, wherever necessary or desirable, proper footpaths for pedestrians and margins for riders?

The provision of footways or margins or both in all cases where they are practicable and desirable is now a condition of grants from the Road Fund. Similarly, all highway authorities have been warned that grants will not be made towards road widening operations by which pedestrians are deprived of footways or verges.

May I call the Minister's attention to the fact that he has not included in his answer any reference to horses; and may I ask him whether he considers that horses should be excluded from this beneficent lifesaving provision?

I was not intending to exclude horses. I used the word "verge," winch would include them.

Where footpaths are provided, will the Minister take care that the surface of the path is as good as that of the road? On all country roads now every pedestrian walks on the tarred surface of the road, which affords better going than the rougher surface of the path.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the receipts for tolls at the new Mersey Tunnel have greatly exceeded expectations, he is now in a position to give more favourable consideration to the scheme for the new modern bridge over the Humber, which would similarly be paid for in part out of the taking of tolls?

The responsible local authorities have so far not succeeded in obtaining Parliamentary powers to construct a bridge over the Humber; and it is for them to consider in the first instance whether they would wish to make new proposals based in part on the collection of tolls.

Seeing that the great enterprise of the tunnel under the Mersey appears to have turned out most satisfactorily, will the hon. Gentleman give his further assistance to the Humber bridge scheme should the responsible local authorities again approach him?

Yes. Any proposal made to me will have the most sympathetic consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with the view of relieving the congestion of traffic in Bond Street, he will consider a project for a tunnel between the Green Park arid Oxford Street so as to allow people who wish to reach the more distant parts of the city to do so by the most direct route?

A few years ago consideration was given to a proposal to construct a tunnel from the Mall to Berkeley Square, but the proposal was abandoned because of the extent to which it would interfere with the Green Park. My hon. Friend's suggestion appears likely to be open to the same objection.

Is it not a fact that the congestion in Bond Street is entirely due to the parking of vehicles on both sides?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that at the traffic light signals at Newmains, Lanarkshire, the amber light shines for a period of less than half a second, thus giving approaching vehicles inadequate time to pull up when the light is about to change to red; and whether he will take steps to have this remedied?

I am informed, on inquiry, that the amber light at this installation shines for two seconds, which appears to be sufficient to enable approaching vehicles to draw up. If my Noble Friend is not satisfied, I shall be glad to have further inquiries made.

Will my hon. Friend consider whether it is not possible to standardise the frequency of all these signs, as excessive variations add to the embarrassment of motorists?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that persons travelling on the main railway systems of this country with workers' tickets, cheap week-end or summer tickets, have no claim in respect of damages to them through negligent acts of the railway company or its employés, and in view of the fact that a large percentage of passengers carried, including Members of Parliament, on summer tickets have no knowledge of such conditions, he will take steps to have the law altered or require that the railway companies give greater publicity to these conditions?

There is nothing to prevent railway companies and their passengers from entering into special contracts which relieve the companies of their liabilities in consideration of a reduction in fares. I am, however, informed that summer tickets are issued on the same conditions as to liability as ordinary tickets.

In view of the large number of people travelling on workers' and week-end tickets, does the Minister not consider that the time has now come to alter the law regarding the contracting out of liability and, if he does not think the time is appropriate, will he urge the railway companies to state clearly upon the tickets that they have contracted out of liability?

I have the greatest sympathy with what the hon. Member suggests. I was a little embarrassed to know whether he wished me to change the law or to ask the railway companies to make the provision better known. After consideration, if he will tell me which course he prefers, I will with pleasure consider his suggestion.

Will my hon. Friend bear" in mind, too, that a large amount of this traffic owned or part owned by railway companies and corporations is now borne on the roadways and the effect is precisely the same, as explained in the question, to the road-borne and to the rail traffic?

I will study my hon. Friend's supplementary question and, when I see what it means, I will try to answer it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent tramcar accident in Tottenham in which two persons lost their lives, and subsequent accidents elsewhere in which people have been seriously injured by fragments of splintered glass, he will introduce legislation at an early date to make the use of safety glass compulsory on all vehicles, tramcars, omnibuses, and trains operating in the public service?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that in the tramcar accident at Tottenham no case of injury was occasioned by broken glass. The present regulations require that in the case of all new motor vehicles all glass fitted to windscreens or windows facing to the front, except glass fitted to the upper deck of double-decked vehicles, shall be safety glass. Similar requirements are made in respect of new trolley vehicles. I have in general no power to make such requirements in respect of railway carriages or tramcars, but I understand that on the London Passenger Transport Board's tramcars all vestibule screens are fitted with safety glass. I do not contemplate the introduction of further legislation on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has yet received the report from his advisers regarding the installation of traffic control signals and the suggested one-way traffic system from and to the Clock Tower via Woodville Road, Parchmore Road, and the High Street; and, if not, when he expects such a report?

I am advised that it would be difficult to introduce signal control at this junction under existing arrangements. The whole traffic operation in this locality is being examined and I expect shortly to receive a report on the matter from the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider placing in the Library or in the tea room of the House full-size samples in colour of the proposed restriction and derestriction signs as described in his Circular No. 407 (Roads) to mark the entrances and exits for 30 miles an hour speed limits?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of local authorities supplied with Circular No. 407 (Roads); and whether this is the first circular which has been issued to them on this subject?

Circular No. 407 (Roads) was supplied to all County Councils, County Boroughs, Non-County Boroughs with separate police forces or with population of over 20,000, and Urban District Councils with population of over 20,000 in England and Wales, and to all County Councils and Town Councils in Scotland. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

How long is my hon. Friend giving the local authorities to answer this circular?

It will be necessary for them to have a proper survey of their areas. I hope my hon. Friend will not press me as to the exact date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that the derestriction speed-limit sign described in his Circular No. 407 (Roads) is very similar in design to the signs used in Continental countries for the restriction of parking and forbidding the entrance into one-way streets, he will reconsider its authorisation?

The basis of the signs adopted on the Continent for indicating restrictions on the use of roads is a red ring or disc, and I do not think that there is any danger of confusing signs of this type with that of an oblique black bar on a white disc, as now proposed for indicating derestricted roads.

Has my hon. Friend considered the advisability of sending someone to Switzerland in order to see some of these signs, because the description that he has given is quite incorrect. There is a bar across, which means a restriction, and I think there should be uniformity in these things in all countries?

I will consider the sugesstion of sending someone to Switzerland and, if the hon. Member will undertake the task, I shall be grateful.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has issued, or will issue, a circular to local authorities advising them in what manner glossy roadways can best be made safe; and whether he has indicated any date by which these dangerous conditions must be rectified?

Highway authorities have received from my Department detailed technical advice on the provision of non-slippery surfaces; and the importance of the matter was further emphasised in a Circular on "Public Safety" issued in February of this year. It is the duty of Highway authorities to remedy dangerous conditions due to slippery road surfaces, but if my hon. Friend will draw my attention to particular cases I will have inquiry made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases local authorities have roughened the surface of the road in proximity to the traffic lights, thereby indicating the generally unsafe state of the road, and does he not think that the fact that the rest of the road is not roughened is a glaring example of economy rather than the saving of life?

My hon. Friend is aware that highway authorities are autonomous bodies. I can only do my best to secure a uniform standard, and that has been done.