asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a number of motor vans are on the streets of Glasgow all night for the purpose of supplying food and refreshments; and if he would consider the introduction of legislation for the purpose of enabling restaurants to secure a licence from the local magistrates granting permission to open all night?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, town councils have power under existing law to make by-laws in regard to the hours of opening and closing of premises registered as places for public refreshment, and legislation for the purpose referred to by the hon. Member would not appear to be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount of expenses incurred by Chief Constable Keith, of the Lanarkshire Police Force, in his law case with Mrs. Robertson; and if the expenses have been borne by himself or if the Lanarkshire County Council have paid or are considering the paying of them?

I am informed that the costs of the chief constable in connection with the action brought against him by Mrs. Robertson amount to £1,780 2s. 5d., and that the Lanarkshire Council Council have decided to pay these costs so far as they are not recovered from Mrs. Robertson.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that one of the doctors under the Workmen's Compensation Act appointed as an arbitrator, Dr. Edington, certified Michael McGinlay, of 141, Surrey Street, Glasgow, as being unfit for his normal work but fit for light work such as a watchman, entailing 16 hours work daily and over 30 hours work at the week end in addition; and if he will cause inquiry to be made into this case?

My right hon. Friend has of course no authority to review the decision of a Medical Referee under the Act in a particular case, but he is making inquiries and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in general satisfied with the regulations made for the stopping places for omnibuses; and whether he will recommend that omnibuses be allowed to stop at unauthorised points, especially on the outskirts of towns, for the setting down of blind persons?

The Traffic Commissioners have power to fix, if they see fit, the points at which omnibuses may pick up and set down passengers. In exercising this power the Commissioners consult with the local and police authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any counties have adopted the principle of erecting a sign, Halt at Major Road Ahead, on minor roads; and whether, in that case, he can give any details?

Yes, Sir, but I am at present uninformed as to the exact number.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any regulations have been made governing the overhanging of goods carried on motor vehicles, cycles and other road vehicles; and, if not, whether he proposes, to do so, having regard to the risk of accident caused thereby?

The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations provide that the weight, distribution, packing and, adjustment of the load of vehicles shall at all times be such that no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to any person on the vehicle or on a road. Other regulations prohibit the carriage in certain London streets without the consent of the police of articles more than 36 feet long or projecting more than 8 feet 6 inches to the rear. As at present advised, I do not think I should be justified in making these restrictions of general application throughout the country. I may add that the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, requires an additional light to be provided during the hours of darkness where a load projects to the rear more than 6 feet.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of miles of British railways electrified in 1935?

Eighty-six route miles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to consider the application by the County Council of Dumbarton in respect of an increased grant under the trunk road scheme, having particular regard to the fact that other counties in Scotland with a much lower consolidated rate have received grants amounting to 85 per cent.?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant member for Berwick and Haddington (Captain McEwen) on 29th April.