asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the details by which he arrived at his estimate of the additional expenditure of £520,000 per annum involved in the establishment of federation in India, and also of the similar sum involved in the establishment of 11 autonomous Provinces?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to pages 49 to 51 of Volume III, Records of the Joint Select Committee, Session 1932–33.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has been in recent communication with the Princes or any of them regarding the advisability of postponing the consideration of the Clauses of the Bill affecting them, and how the matter now stands?

I have had no recent communication with the Princes on this subject. Soon after the Bill was published, the Princes requested that they might be given more time to study the details of the Bill. I had regretfully to point out that the exigencies of the Parliamentary time-table made it impossible to delay the various stages of the Bill, but I assured them that there would be opportunities in the course of the discussions to consider any suggestions that they might wish to put forward.

Will the Minister be willing to consider, for the Report stage, any suggested Amendments?

No, Sir. We are dealing with every suggestion as we proceed with the Committee stage.

Is the Minister not aware that the Princes have expressed their great regret that this Bill should be rushed through the House of Commons before their criticisms had been received?

asked the Secretary of State for India what has been the amount of the charges imposed during the past three years upon the revenues of British India in respect of expenditure incurred in the exercise of the responsibilities of the paramount power towards the Indian States; and whether the Legislative Assembly are permitted to discuss this expenditure?

The expenditure referred to is merged with other expenditure in the budget of the foreign and political department of the Government of India, and I am therefore unable to give a precise answer to the hon. Member's question. On a rough estimate made in 1932 by the Government of India, the expenditure attributable to the conduct of relations with the States then amounted to about Rs.85 lakhs, or a little over £600,000 a year. This expenditure is not subject to the vote of the Indian Legislature but is open to discussion therein by leave of the Governor-General.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many of the nine Provinces of British India showed a deficit on their last annual budget; and what was the total sum involved in British currency?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not true that there are six Provinces in deficit?

My hon. and gallant Friend will see the facts set out in the Paper I have sent to him. A satisfactory feature is that, although wage cuts have been restored, the position is not worse substantially this year than it was last.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of Bengal have recently empowered 22 district magistrates of 22 districts in Bengal out of 27 to exercise the powers specified in Sub-section (1) of Section 25 of the Suppression of Terrorist Outrages Act, and have also invested with the power of a special magistrate 11 magistrates of the first class; and whether this extension of powers is due to a strengthening of the terrorist movement?

I have seen the relevant notifications in the Calcutta Gazette. They appear to be purely a matter of administration and there is no reason to take them as an indication that there has been any strengthening of the terrorist movement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any assurance that the movement is not increasing in Bengal or elsewhere?

I do not like to give an assurance about a movement of this character. I can, however, say that outrages have tended to fall off, and that the measures that we are taking appear to be more and more effective.

Has the right hon. Gentleman proof that recruiting for the movement has ceased in Bengal?

The Noble Lady had better put down a question of that kind.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, owing to the continuance of labour unrest among dock, tramway, and other workers in Calcutta, numerous processions have been marching through the city bearing banners with Communist emblems and the sign of the hammer and sickle; and whether this indicates an extension of Communist activity in India as compared with the situation disclosed in his memorandum in Volume II, Part II of the report of the Joint Committee?

I am aware that there have been certain demonstrations of the kind referred to. The Government of India and local governments have exercised their powers under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908, and other laws to deal with recent attempts to renew Communist activity. I have no reason to consider the position more serious now than when I circulated the note on terrorism to the Joint Select Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the wages paid to the workmen?

Obviously, that question does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Government are not, under the ostensible pretext of suppressing Communist propaganda, suppressing the rights of the Indian workers?

Certainly. That is the case.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether negotiations have yet been commenced for an ad interim trade agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Burma; and what steps are being taken to safeguard the interest of the trade of the United Kingdom with Burma?

Conversations have been in progress during the past three months between representatives of the Government of Burma and the Government of India with a view to concerting an arrangement, valid for a specified period after separation, the main purpose of which is to regulate the trade relations between Burma and the rest of India which might otherwise be disturbed by their political separation.

Could the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question regarding the steps taken to safeguard the interests of the trade of the United Kingdom?

I could not hear.

I asked whether the Secretary of State can answer the last clause of my question which relates to the steps taken to safeguard the interests of the trade of the United Kingdom with Burma?

Yes, Sir, certainly. This and other matters, which are relevant to the questions primarily under discussion, are being kept in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that disorderly scenes, directed against the President of the Burma Legislative Council a few months ago, led to the calling out of the police by the President and to the prorogation of the council by the Governor; that on the reassembly of the council similar scenes occurred, resulting in the censure of the President of the Council; that the Governor subsequently confirmed the removal of the President, although expressing disapproval of it; and whether, in view of these incidents, he will consider restoring the original rule by which the President was appointed by the Governor?

I am aware of the incidents to which my hon. Friend alludes. The suggestion conveyed in the last part of the question would entail legislation by Parliament to amend the relevant section of the Government of India Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House as to the date when the latest diplomatic representations were made to the Russian Soviet Government with regard to the robbery of plate and furniture, of the value of over £12,000, from the British Embassy in Petrograd in 1918 by officials of the Soviet Government; what was the nature of such representations; what was the reply made by the Soviet Government; and what further action the British Government propose to take in the matter?

The last written representations on this subject were made on the 21st October, 1931, when a list of articles still missing was presented to the Soviet authorities with an enquiry whether any of them had been identified. Since then further verbal representations in the same sense have frequently been made by His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow, but no answer has been received to any of these representations, and the Soviet Government are being asked for a definite reply.

In any representation which may be made to Moscow, by representatives of the Government, will this matter be pressed, considering that this was a theft from the British Embassy by officials of the Soviet Government?

I have already explained that my sympathies are very much on the side of my hon. Friend.

Can the Minister give any reason why no action has been taken between 1918 and 1931?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with his visit to Russia, the Lord Privy Seal will be instructed to discuss the question of Manchuria and the action and attitude of the League of Nations in relation thereto?

No, Sir. I do not think this subject will have any particular relevance to the matters which will be under discussion.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is going to be under discussion?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the Polish Government's repudiation for the time being of its obligations under the minority treaties, what steps he is taking to secure, during the negotiations on this subject, that the rights of the minorities concerned are not being neglected or in any way prejudiced?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, my right hon. Friend made plain the position of His Majesty's Government on this question at the Assembly of the League of Nations last September. The minority procedure is still in force and cannot be modified by unilateral action on the part of any one State. The difficulty that has arisen is one for the Council of the League as a whole.

Is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to take some steps to bring the Polish Government into line on this matter?

That matter is essentially one for the Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the price of bacon at port on the latest date for which figures are available?

The average declared value on importation of all bacon imported into the United Kingdom in February, 1935, was 76s. 7d. per cwt. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware that the London Provision Exchange issues each week a list of agents to wholesaler prices of the various grades and descriptions of imported bacon. This list is published in the Weekly Dairy Produce Notes of the Imperial Economic Committee and in various trade journals.

asked the Postmaster-General why letters posted to Batavia between Saturday afternoon and Tuesday evening in London are held till the following Saturday morning in order to go by the Imperial Air Service and are not forwarded by the Dutch airmail due to leave London on Wednesday mornings, especially having regard to the fact that no additional charge would fall on the Exchequer, as the Dutch air-mail is already subsidised in this respect by the British Government?

Air letters for the Dutch East Indies prepaid at the advertised rates are sent only by the Imperial Services which start every Saturday; but any air letter specially marked for transmission by the Dutch Air Service and prepaid at the higher postage rate rendered necessary by the higher transport charges payable is sent by that service.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that speed is of the essence of the matter in air communication; and do I understand that the stamping of a letter for conveyance by Imperial Airways would not cover transmission by the Dutch Air Service?

My answer gives that information.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of telephone exchanges in the London postal districts that are being operated under the automatic system; and the number of operators, distinguishing between men and women, who have been transferred to other exchanges in consequence of this system being adopted?

The number of telephone exchanges in the London postal area which are being operated under the automatic system is 57. It has been found necessary to transfer approximately 820 women and 170 men to other exchanges as a consequence of the introduction of automatic working in these exchanges.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state how many new telephone exchanges, public telephones, and telephone call-boxes have been installed in rural areas during the present calendar year?

The number of now telephone exchanges opened in rural areas during January and February, 1935, was nine, and the number of new kiosk call-offices opened in rural areas was 78. Figures for other kinds of public call-offices are not at present available.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his investigation into the question of telegram charges has now been concluded; and what prospects there are for a reduction of the minimum charge in the near future?

These investigations are being actively pursued, but have not yet been completed.

Can my right hon. Friend say at about what date he will be able to give me an answer if I put down another question?

I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to exercise his power to withhold the facilities of the cash-on-delivery service from traders who are found to be misusing it?

I am considering what action can properly be taken, and I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend. I should like to emphasise, however, that any recipient of a cash-on-delivery packet who thinks he has been defrauded should report the matter to the police, and the Post Office will then give any necessary assistance with a view to a prosecution.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to guarantee to all city offices in block buildings the first delivery of letters in their own offices, and not as at present by depositing all letters in bulk with the caretakers of the building in which these offices exist?

The offices of many firms in City buildings are not open when the first delivery is made and delivery to a caretaker then is understood to be the most convenient arrangement. If my hon. Friend has any case of difficulty in mind, I shall be glad to inquire into it.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present number of the staff employed by him to assist owners of wireless sets in obtaining the best possible reception free from interference; what is the proportion of such number to the existing number of wireless licence holders; and how such proportion compares with that which obtained five years ago?

The number of staff at present employed in assisting owners of wireless sets to obtain broadcast reception free from interference—expressed in terms of full-time staff—is 200. This represents a ratio of 1 man to about 35,000 licence-holders. Five years ago the ratio was 1 to about 85,000.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any arrangements will be made by him to provide special facilities for disabled ex-service men to watch the processions in connection with the forthcoming Jubilee?

I am consulting the Commissioner of Police with a view to providing certain special facilities for disabled ex-Service men in a suitable position on the line of route.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make a statement on the question of extra allowances during Jubilee week for those drawing unemployment insurance benefit, having in mind the fact that public assistance committees in many areas have decided to grant such extra allowances?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Members for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) and the Scotland Division (Mr. Logan) on 26th February.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when it will be possible to make a statement on this question?

I do not think that there is any further statement to make beyond that given by my right hon. Friend.

Are we not to understand that further legislation is necessary; and is it not possible for legislation to be brought before the House? May we have an answer?

asked the Minister of Health the total number of eggs in shell imported from China into this country during the years 1933 and 1934, respectively, and the number of hundredweights of liquid and frozen eggs imported from China during the same years; and whether he is aware of the insanitary conditions under which such eggs are produced in China?

I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" for December, 1934, in which he will find the information desired. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers on this subject given to my hon. Friends the Members for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) and Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on the 11th February and the 14th March, of which I am also sending him copies.

In view of the great increase in these imports in 1934 as compared with 1933, will the Minister take into consideration the large number of ex-service men who have started poultry farming, and who are obliged to run their farms under very different conditions from those which obtain on the Chinese farms from which these eggs come?

We are, of course, only concerned with the matter from the health point of view. My hon. Friend will see from the answers what steps we are taking.

Will the Minister send someone out to China to see where these eggs are laid?

asked the Minister of Health of he is aware that the Staffordshire Public Assistance Committee has recently issued instructions that patients in the Aldridge urban district area shall be accommodated at Hallam Hospital, West Bromwich, instead of at Manor Hospital, Walsall, as heretofore; whether he is responsible for this decision and, if so, on what grounds was this decision made; if he is aware that this decision causes inconvenience and hardships to the poor of the district; and if he has received any protests on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. As regards the last two parts, my right hon. Friend has received a protest from the urban district council, and is in communication on the matter with the county council with whom the responsibility in the matter rests.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that without an emergency measure it will be impossible to legally prevent a large increase in ribbon developments that will be commenced with the opening of the building season this spring, he will request all the building societies and other loaning agencies, both public and private, that are known to him to refrain from making loans to those who wish to make these ribbon developments on any arterial or other main roads?

No, Sir. The course suggested would not be appropriate in view of the early introduction of legislation dealing with ribbon development.

Can the hon. Gentleman give some indication that this legislation will be retrospective in its effect in order to discourage ribbon building developing at a higher speed during the spring season?

My hon. Friend must await the introduction of the Bill.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Bill will be introduced, because we have been promised it at an early date for many weeks past?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question to the Minister of Transport.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce legislation to combat ribbon building?

I regret that I am unable at the moment to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 25th February last.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that reply said that the Bill was in course of active preparation, and will it not soon be forthcoming?

Yes, I most certainly hope so.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state how many houses have become decontrolled since the Government's last Rent Restrictions Act came into operation?

No, Sir. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that no "C" class house has become decontrolled since the date named. No particulars of the number of "B" class houses which may have become decontrolled by the landlord's obtaining vacant possession are available.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangement has he made with Cammell, Laird, and Company, Birkenhead, to take a proportion of unemployed craftsmen and labourers from Liverpool to build aircraft-carrier His Majesty's Ship "Ark Royal"?

I have no doubt that, in engaging men for this work, the company will give full consideration to the applications of qualified men from all Merseyside districts, but I do not think that it would be practicable to arrange for the engagement of a fixed proportion of men from a particular area.

The question that I asked was whether any arrangement could be made; and I am anxious to know whether arrangements can be made on the Merseyside and Liverpool with regard to this particular allocation of work?

I said in my reply that no doubt the Company will give due consideration to qualified men on the Merseyside.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Dorothy Firth, 17 years of age, has been refused unemployment insurance benefit by the Pontefract court of referees on the ground that she refused to accept employment as a canteen worker at Alder-shot; whether the court was fully constituted; and whether leave to appeal to the umpire was granted?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, as a result of the election of Prince Aggambe Manisulla to be Sultan of the Maldive Islands, grave disturbances have taken place; whether he will consider the appointment of a British resident officer for a limited period in order to investigate the present position with a view to adjusting the machinery of government, thus avoiding despotism and exploitation of the inhabitants; and whether he is in a position to make a statement in regard to the present situation of the Sultan Muhammed Shams-ud-Din, who was deposed on 2nd October after the reign of 32 years, and his son?

The Governor of Ceylon has reported to me the election of the Prince in question as Sultan of the Maldive Islands. He has also reported to me that the representative of the Maldivian Government in Ceylon has informed him that the ex-Sultan and his son have accepted the position and are living quietly at Malé, the capital of the Islands; that the election was universally popular, and that the report of disturbances was unfounded.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the population of the Maldive Islands?

Yes, Sir, 79,300.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether an allocation of sub-contracts is to be given to Merseyside firms in connection with the building of aircraft-carrier His Majesty's Ship "Ark Royal"?

The allocation of sub-contracts is primarily a matter for the shipbuilders concerned, and I have no doubt that Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Company, Limited, will give due consideration to the claims of Merseyside firms.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with Messrs. Cammell, Laird and see that such allocation does take place in regard to unemployment on the Merseyside?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has reached a decision concerning the fall clause in the Russian timber contract; and, if not, how long does he anticipate it will be before the decision will be made?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply ray right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Orr-Ewing) on the 14th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the recent increased duty on British flycatchers imported from this country into Finland; and what action, if any, he proposes to take with regard to this matter?

My attention has been drawn to the matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and I am at once having inquiry made with a view to ascertaining the actual position in regard to the sale of British flycatchers in Finland.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to give information to the public with reference to the precautionary measures designed for the protection of the civil population against the effects of bombing attacks from the air, referred to in Section 26 of the Statement relating to Defence, Cmd. 4827?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to him on the 1st November last, and I might add that it is proposed very shortly to begin consultations with the local authorities all over the country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet any information as to when it will be possible to carry passengers regularly throughout the whole distance on the England-Australia air route?

Whilst I have not received official confirmation, I understand that it is the intention of His Majestys' Government in the Commonwealth of Australia to authorise the carriage of passengers on the Singapore-Brisbane section of the Air Route from about the middle of next month—thus completing the through service for passengers between England and Australia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was the number of persons holding "A" and "B" private pilot licences during 1934?

The numbers of "A" and "B" licences current on 31st December, 1934, were 2,980 and 498 respectively. Approximately 125 individuals held both types of licence.

Does that include those on the Reserve and, if so, what is the actual number of civilian pilots?

The actual number of civilian pilots is about 3,250.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was the number of pilots in the Royal Air Force during 1934?

The average strength of officer and airman pilots in the Royal Air Force during 1934 was 2,701.

In view of the fact that £17,000,000 was spent on the Royal Air Force last year, will my right hon. Friend take steps to increase the number of pilots who can actually fly? £17,000,000 is a very large sum to provide for an Air Force comprising only 2,700 pilots.

I am sure that my hon. Friend will have plenty of time to elaborate that argument to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many people have gone since 1925 from this country to Australia under settlement schemes; how many of these were from Northumberland and Durham; how many have returned after abandoning holdings; and what steps the Government take to help stranded settlers?

Since 1925, inclusive, 953 settlers have proceeded from the United Kingdom to Australia under land settlement schemes. Particulars are not available as to how many of these were from Northumberland and Durham, or how many have returned after abandoning holdings. As regards settlers who are in difficulties. I am assured that they receive the same consideration as native-born Australians in the matter of relief measures. In addition, there are special settlers' welfare organisations supported by the United Kingdom and Australian Governments to which they can apply for advice and help.

Does my right hon. Friend think that there were adequate steps taken to help those who are in such a plight?

The only things that we can do have been done.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the estimated cost of the modernisation of barracks and hutments for the Army?

The cost of modernising existing barracks and hutments at home and abroad, excluding India, is estimated at approximately £12,000,000.

Does that mean bringing them up to the standard of the Housing Act?

No, Sir. It means that no huts in the future would be used, and probably that barracks which existed in pre-war days would have to be replaced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what period it will take to cover that expenditure?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in view of the statement made by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner that police officers, both male and female, are to be disguised as civilians when trapping motorists in the Metropolitan area, he can lay down guidance for the ordinary driver to distinguish between genuine police officers and car bandits?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Commissioner of Police that plain clothes officers will be employed on motor-car patrol duties; and whether he will withhold his approval of this practice in view of the fact that it would contravene Section 20 of the Road Traffic Act?

asked the Home Secretary whether the members of the police force detailed for patrolling the roads in the special police motor-cars for enforcing the observance of the 30-miles-per-hour speed limit in built-up areas will, on all occasions when engaged on this duty, wear a distinctive police uniform?

I am glad to have this opportunity of dealing with certain misapprehensions as to the effect of the statement issued by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. If only uniformed police were employed, their presence would no doubt be effective up to a point in preventing breaches of the law. But the police, in view of their limited numbers, cannot be everywhere and the object of the method of enforcement which is being adopted is not to set traps for unwary motorists but to put a general check on driving at excessive speed and in particular upon overtaking by persons at speeds in excess of the prescribed limit. There is no question of this method of enforcement involving any infringement of Section 20 of the Road Traffic Act on the part of the police. I wish to make it clear that the police are entitled to patrol in plain clothes whether on foot or in vehicles. It is true that Parliament has enacted that it is not an offence for a driver of a vehicle to fail to stop on the signal of a constable if he is not in uniform, but I have no doubt that most drivers, when signalled in the manner described in the police notice, will obey the signal.

Why?

Perhaps hon. Members will wait until I have finished answering the question.

If, however, a driver does not stop and cannot be overtaken, e.g., at an adjacent road intersection, the police will have to adopt other means of establishing his identity, and I would point out that those who do not stop when signalled will have no legitimate cause for complaint if they do not receive warning at the time that they are to be reported with a view to proceedings. The speed limit, of course, applies only to built-up areas and, apart from the steps which are being taken to cause police signs to be displayed, I think it is rather far fetched to suggest that in areas where the speed limit applies there is any likelihood of motorists being signalled to stop by unauthorised persons. The sole object of the arrangements which are being adopted is to make effective the intention of Parliament. The task of the police is bound in any case to be difficult. I am confident that they will have the co-operation of motorists generally in what is, after all, a measure for making the roads safer for all who use them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the motoring organisations have advised their members to ignore requests to stop by unauthorised persons, for obvious reasons? Does he not see that the introduction of a plain clothes patrolling system is likely to lead to undesirable results?

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate how a driver when a gong is sounded behind him will be able to know that it is for him and not for some other vehicle?

Will a person who has voluntarily stopped at the request of one of these apparently plain clothes officers have the right to ask the officer to display some kind of badge or warrant?

Certainly. Every plain clothes policeman on being asked to produce his authority must always do so. That undoubtedly will be the case here. The object of sounding the gong will be to give notice to a car passing a police car, rather than otherwise.

May I ask how a motorist can distinguish between one of these police officers and a motor bandit?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the police officers are to have regard to the speed limit when endeavouring to overtake a driver?

No, Sir. If they have to pursue somebody who is obviously breaking the law, they will have immunity from the speed limit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the police to keep a sharp eye on Green Street and Plashet Road, Upton Park?

asked the Home Secretary the number of extra police patrol cars which his department has hired or bought in order to carry out the timing of motorists, as described in the circular issued recently by the Chief Commissioner of Police, and the estimated extra weekly cost to his department?

I am not in a position at present to give particulars of either numbers or cost as these will depend upon circumstances and may vary from time to time.

If I put a question down later, will the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer? The House has to vote this money, and we ought to know?

I have no doubt that my hon. Friend will have an opportunity on the Vote of Supply.

asked the Home Secretary at what intervals of time and over what ranges of speed the speedometers on the police-patrol cars are to be tested in order to make certain that they are always kept accurate?

The speedometers On police vehicles engaged in the enforcement of speed limits in the Metropolitan Police District are to be tested twice a day in order to ensure their accuracy. These tests will be carried out at various speeds in the neighbourhood of 30 miles per hour.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these speedometers vary with speed and with road conditions, and is he going to test them twice a day when they are being worked under the varying conditions under which they may be worked?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these police patrols will be using motor lorries?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether in all cases the motorist who is alleged to have broken the 30-miles-an-hour speed limit will be told at the time of the offence that he is to be prosecuted, so as to enable him to check the police testimony in relation to time and place and other details?

Drivers who are observed to be exceeding the speed limit will be signalled to stop. Those who comply will then be warned of the intention to report the matter with a view to the question being considered of the institution of proceedings. On the other hand, if they fail to stop they will have no legitimate cause for complaint that they were not warned at the time of the commission of the alleged offence.

Are we to understand from that reply that whether they stop or not a summons can be sent, like a bolt from the blue, without the man knowing that he has committed any offence?

asked the Home Secretary whether any special latitude is to be given to police engaged in enforcing the 30-miles-an-hour speed limit in built-up areas to enable them to sound the warning gong after 11.30 p.m.; and if not, what method is to be employed to indicate to the private motorist that he is exceeding the limit and must stop?

The Regulations made by my hon. Friend the Minister of Transport contain a provision exempting any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for fire brigade, ambulance, or police purposes, if the observance of the Regulations would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any likelihood of any of these vehicles being on the road in view of the speedometers having to be tested twice a day?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to employ extra women police for the purpose of enforcing the 30-miles-an-hour speed limit in built-up areas; and if so, how many?

No, Sir. I am not aware of any such intention.

asked the Home Secretary on whom a summons will be served if a car, against the driver of which a speed-limit offence has been alleged, fails to stop when a following police car sounds its gong?