asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total number of Admiralty industrial employés in the naval dockyards and other establishments at home in 1913, 1920, 1930, and at the present time, showing the approximate numbers established and unestablished at each date?

County of Origin.			Number of recruits entered 1st April, 1935, to 31st March, 1936.	Number of recruits entered 1st April, 1936, to 31st March, 1937.	Number of recruits entered 1st April, 1937, to 30th September, 1937.
Glamorgan	…	…	201	191	121
Carmarthen	…	…	13	9	5
Pembroke	…	…	27	41	17
Brecknock	…	…	4	6	3
Cardigan	…	…	3	3	—
Radnor	…	…	4	1	1
Monmouth	…	…	78	69	53
Totals	…	…	330	320	200

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present position in regard to His Majesty's Ship "Warspite"; how much the ship originally cost; how much has been spent on refitting her since; and how many times she has broken down since her last refit?

Reconstruction was completed at the end of June, 1937, and the ship carried out successfully all trials except steering trials. The steering gear and rudders were modified and further extensive steering trials were made which showed that the steering gear was satisfactory. During the course of these latter trials trouble was experienced with certain engine couplings and some slight leaks developed in two unimportant compartments aft. The ship is now in dock

The approximate numbers of established and hired industrial staff of all grades borne at all Admiralty establishments at home in the years mentioned are given below:

Year.			Established.	Hired.
1913	…	…	8,000	46,000
1920	…	…	16,700	55,800
1930	…	…	12,600	35,600
1937	…	…	9,700	51,000

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of persons who have joined His Majesty's Navy during the years 1935, 1936, and to the most recent date during the current year, and whose homes were in South Wales and Monmouthshire?

The information desired by the hon. Member is as follows:for repairs to this part of the structure. The cause of the wear of the couplings is obscure as they are of the same design as that usually fitted in machinery of this type. For this reason systematic trials of the machinery in association with rudders working are being carried out with repaired couplings pending delivery of new couplings.The ship cost originally£2,524,148. The amount spent on the large repair of the ship at various dates since completion in 1915 is£966,000 in all, and the cost of reconstruction£2,362,000.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress has been made during the current year in supplying a reserve of guns, paravanes, and other wartime stores for the ships of the merchant navy?

My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that it is impossible to give full details of the progress that has been made in supplying reserves of the various articles referred to in the question, but I am glad to be able to assure him that the Board of Admiralty consider that good progress has been made and that the position is satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Transport what toll bridges still operate on the trunk roads under the direct control of the Ministry of Transport; and why they have not been freed under the facilities provided by the Road Traffic Act?

The only toll bridge under my direct control is that across the Menai Straits. This bridge was originally built, is being maintained and is about to be reconstructed at the cost of the taxpayer. The tolls levied are an offset to the charges falling upon the Exchequer in respect of the bridge. The Conway Bridge is vested in Commissioners who are the members of the town council for the time being. Discussions are taking place between my Department and the Commissioners as to the provision of a new bridge. The Selby Bridge is vested in a private company. The possible freeing of this bridge from tolls cannot be dissociated from the proposed Selby Bypass for which alternative lines are now being surveyed.

asked the Minister of Transport how many toll bridges and roads have been freed under the facilities provided by the Road Traffic Act, 193o, during the past two years?

Five toll roads and toll bridges have been freed from tolls during the past two years with the assistance of grants from the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport when preliminary expenditure incurred in carrying out preparations for the projected Forth road-bridge will rank for grant; and what forms of preparatory work he intends to be covered by his undertaking to make grants?

The answer to the first part of the question is that preliminary expenditure necessarily incurred will rank if and when a grant is made towards the cost of erecting the bridge. As to the second part I have in mind at present the settlement of certain technical details regarding the bridge and approach roads which I understand have been discussed between the joint committee and the consulting engineers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to state if and when he proposes to issue regulations enforcing the provision of guard rails between the front and rear wheels of motor lorries?

I hope to receive the report from the Transport Advisory Council on this subject at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the introduction of legislation giving power to local authorities to schedule private residential streets as being unfit for parking either trade vehicles or vehicles belonging to strangers who are not resident in the streets concerned?

I think that the powers available under the existing law for the restriction or prohibition of parking are adequate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the nuisance caused to private residents by the parking of other people's motor cars in front of their houses after II p.m., when the owners have gone to dances or private entertainments; and whether he will take steps, as in the case of the suppression of motor-horn noises, to prevent this type of parking after II o'clock at night?

I do not think that any general prohibition of this kind would be workable in practice. Restrictions on parking can be imposed in any road or street where they are justified, but there would be great difficulty in distinguishing between vehicles belonging to owners of particular premises and other vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the recent increase of overcrowding on the Edgware and Morden tube, particularly between Golders Green Station and the West End, and that the time-table has been altered and trains are less frequent; and will he make representations to improve such conditions, especially at the rush hours?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that the service from Golders Green to the West End was recently increased during the morning peak hours by two trains. Compared with last winter, this service shows a total increase of four trains, and the service from Edgware an increase of two trains. As regards the number of trains, this line is now worked to its full capacity. The board are not aware that there has been any general increase of the overcrowding which exists during certain hours owing to the fact that the majority of passengers travel at about the same time in the morning and evening.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fines and costs, totalling£42,18s., imposed on a Hull haulage contractor at the Hull police court for failing to observe the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts in respect to the hours of labour, thereby exposing the public to the risks which arise when drivers suffer from excessive fatigue; whether he is aware that this haulage contractor is persistently violating the law; and whether he proposes to take any further steps in this matter?

No, Sir. The enforcement of the law in this respect is for the Traffic Area Licensing Authorities and the Police. Individual cases which come before the courts are not reported to me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give the number of offences reported, and the number of cases in which charges have been brought, under the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts relating to the time for which drivers of motor vehicles may remain continually on duty, to the latest convenient date?

Such information as is available on this subject is contained in the Annual Reports of the Traffic Commissioners and of the Traffic Area Licensing Authorities, which are available in the Library.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will inform the House as to the progress made with regard to the building of a fly-over bridge in the city of Bristol for the relief of traffic congestion in that city?

I assume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the proposal to construct a fly-over bridge at the southern end of the new city centre. If so, I am unable to dissent from the opinion of the City Council that the relatively steep gradients and other difficulties involved make the suggestion impracticable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the lighting on the East Lancashire Liverpool to Manchester road?

No, Sir. I hope, however, soon to be in a position to make a statement as to the circumstances in which and the extent to which I shall be prepared to exercise my powers under Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936.

asked the Minister of Transport when the new bridge over the River Blythe, to take the place of the Furnace bridge, is to be commenced?

I am not yet able to say when this work will be commenced. The Northumberland County Council are still engaged in the preparation of the details of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to encourage the distribution and study of the Road Code?

The exhibition at present in progress at Charing Cross Underground Station has been arranged with this object. Every driver of a motor vehicle has been supplied with a copy of the Code. It forms an important element in the driving test examination; and instruction in its provisions is also given in many schools in accordance with the recommendations of the inter-Departmental Committee on Road Safety among School Children. Since its publication over 21,000,000 copies of the Code have been distributed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of villages in Breconshire and Radnorshire to which a supply of electricity has not been extended?

The number is 128.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the pylon system of carrying electric wires does not improve the appearance of the country and that in the case of air attack it would be vulnerable; and, in view of this, will he have an examination made of the whole position to see if it is more practicable and safer to convey the electricity underground?

No, Sir. The matter has already been carefully examined and, having all considerations in mind, I am satisfied that the hon. Member's suggestion is not practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any restrictions are still imposed upon British citizens seeking to enter Spanish territory; and, if so, whether such restrictions apply to British citizens seeking to enter Spanish territory from Gibraltar?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House on this subject on 24th November.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will give the text of General Franco's reply to the note from the Non-Intervention Committee relating to the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain?

General Franco's reply has been received and forwarded to the chairman of the Non-Intervention Committee who is circulating it to the members of the committee. The question of publication is one for the committee to decide.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the British ships illegally captured and detained by General Franco have now been released?

All British ships which were held by General Franco have now been released.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is any difficulty or restriction in the postal services as between this country and Spain, particularly that portion still under the control of the Spanish Government; and will he give an assurance that letters and Christmas parcels addressed to Britons in Spain will be forwarded to their destination without delay or interference in this country?

Letter mails are despatched daily to all parts of Spain. The parcel post has been suspended since July, 1936, but packets up to 2 lb. in weight can be sent in the letter mails by the small packet post. I know of no grounds for the apprehension implied in the second part of the question, but if the hon. Member will inform me more specifically of what he has in mind I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any material progress has been made in, and what has hitherto been the result of, the informal discussions on the questions of an extension of the area of establishment in the Civil Service and of possible anomalies in the existing position which he informed the House in reply to a question on 14th June were started last November?

The discussions are still proceeding and I am not in a position to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member last June with regard to them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Treasury Committee that has under consideration the question of the resumption of foreign lending are taking to deal with that question and put an end to the present uncertainty?

I am not aware of any Treasury Committee with such terms of reference.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether Messrs. Bata, boot manufacturers at Dagenham, Essex, are Government contractors?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of established and unestablished paper keepers, record keepers, press keepers, and messengers, employed in each Department on 1st April, 1937?

I am forwarding the hon. Member a statement giving the detailed information asked for as at 1st April, 1936. I regret that information as at 1st April, 1937, will not be available for a little time yet.

asked the Postmaster-General the gross emoluments of scale payment sub-offices at the following stages: number of offices where the gross emoluments do not exceed£30 per annum; exceeding£30 but not£40; exceeding£40 but not£50; exceeding£50 but not£75; exceeding£75 but not£100; exceeding boo but not£150; exceeding£150 but not£100; exceeding£200 but not£250; exceeding£250 but not£300; exceeding£300 but not£400; exceeding£400 but not£500; exceeding£500 but not£600; exceeding£600 but not£700; exceeding£700 but not£800; exceeding£800 but not£900; exceeding£900 but not£1,000; and exceeding£1,000?

The figures are not all available in the exact form asked for, but the particulars given below will perhaps suffice:

£30 a year (the smallest payment made)	201
Exceeding £30 but not £40 a year	3,732
Exceeding £40 but not £50 a year	2,258
Exceeding £50 a year but not £1 a week (£52 6s. 8d. a year)	494
Exceeding £1 but not £1 10s. a week (£78 10s. a year)	4,065
Exceding £1 10s. but not £2 a week (£104 13s. 4d. a year)	2,292
Exceeding £2 but not £3 a week (£157 a year)	3,085
Exceeding £3 but not £4 a week (£209 6s. 8d. a year)	2,201
Exceeding £4 but not £5 a week (£261 13s. 4d. a year)	1,482
Exceeding £5 but not £6 a week (£314 a year)	1,067
Exceeding £6 but not £8 a week (£418 13s. 4d. a year)	1,236
Exceeding £8 but not £10 a week (£523 6s. 8d. a year)	499
Exceeding £10 but not £12 a week (£628 a year)	142
Exceeding £12 but not £14 a week (£732 13s. 3d. a year)	40
Exceeding £14 but not £15 a week (£785 a year)	7
Exceeding £15 but not £20 a week (£1,046 13s. 3d. a year)	13
	22,814

Sub-postmasters stand to the Post Office in the relation of contractors and their emoluments are determined substantially by the amount of Post Office business transacted. The sub-Post Office is normally conducted in conjunction with a private business.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the limited hotel accommodation available in Glasgow, he has given his approval, under Section 6 (1) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, to provision being made for the influx of visitors to be expected in connection with the forthcoming Empire Exhibition?

No such approval is required. The overcrowding provisions, which the Section referred to is designed to relax, do not come into operation in any locality until after the appointed day, and the appointed day has not yet been fixed for Glasgow.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will represent to the British Broadcasting Corporation the desirability of including in their Empire broadcasts occasional references to the Exhibition to be held in Glasgow next year?

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that several references to the Exhibition have already been broadcast in the Empire Programmes, and that it is proposed to include further references from time to time during the coming year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the numbers in the Rutherglen Division of registered blind persons; blind persons between the ages of 40 and 50, respectively; and the number of blind children and blind children attending special schools, residential or otherwise, respectively?

The information desired is as follows:—

(1) Number of registered blind persons in Rutherglen Division	154
(2) Number between the ages of 40 and 50	18
(3) Number of blind children	5
(4) Number of blind children attending special schools (all residential)	4

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with laying underground cables; what mileage has so far been dealt with during the last 12 months; and by what date will the whole scheme be completed?

On 30th September, 1937, the total underground single-wire mileage was nearly 12¼ million miles as compared with just over 11½ million miles on 30th September, 1936. Further cables will be required year by year so long as the telephone service continues to develop; development is still going on at a rapid pace and it is impossible to foretell a date when saturation point will be reached.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has any progress to report since his replies of 17th December, 1936, and 23rd June, 1937, in the provision of Crown post offices in the rapidly growing Hornchurch and Upminster areas?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he proposes to take to institute an intra-Empire telephone service to Malaya?

Arrangements have been made to introduce telephone service between this country and Malaya on Wednesday next, the 1st December, the route followed being by way of Holland and Java.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with the wireless telephone service to transmit messages to the fishing fleets round the northern coasts; which stations are completed; and how soon will all the projected stations be in working order?

All Post Office coast stations in the British Isles are equipped with radiotelephone apparatus by means of which telegrams are telephoned to and from fishing vessels and other small craft. In addition, the coast stations Humber Radio (near Grimsby) and Seaforth Radio (near Liverpool) are equipped with apparatus which enables persons on board these ships to exchange telephone calls with subscribers to the inland system at any point in the British Isles. In this service reliable communication may normally be expected while the ship is within a range of about 100 miles from the coast station; but this distance is often exceeded in practice.It is proposed to equip the coast station at Portpatrick with improved apparatus for a similar service; but the scheme is still in the experimental stage, and it cannot yet be stated when the remaining coast stations will be equipped.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that wireless listeners in South Essex suffer considerable interference from faulty apparatus at the Lodge Cotterill electrical precipitation plant at Tilbury; and whether he will consider introducing legislation taking adequate powers to force users of defective electrical equipment to fit the necessary suppressor apparatus such as is already in operation in most European countries?

Numerous complaints have been received of interference with wireless reception in South Essex. The cause has recently been traced to a defect in certain plant operated by a cement company at West Thurrock. I understand that the company have undertaken to remedy the defect at the earliest practicable date and that the manufacture of the necessary apparatus has already been commenced. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th November to questions on the subject by my hon. Friends the Members for Hallam (Mr. L. W. Smith) and Sunderland (Mr. Storey).

asked the Attorney-General whether he will extend the benefits of compulsory registration of title by bringing more districts or counties within the scope of His Majesty's Land Registry, particularly those areas near populous centres where slum clearances and re-housing have created a considerable rebuilding and where the use of the Land Registry is at present only optional?

The Land Registration Act, 1925, authorises the making of an Order for the compulsory registration of land on sale to be made as respects any county or part of a country, but it would not be in the interests either of economic administration or of convenience to those buying and selling land to exercise this power as regards only a part of a county except in very exceptional circumstances, and it would not be practicable to pick out merely isolated areas where considerable rebuilding is taking place. Building developments, however, and the use of the voluntary provisions of the Act which frequently follows on building development, are constantly studied by my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor with a view to considering the question of initiating orders under Section 120 of the Act, though, as I have pointed out in answer to previous questions, it is not possible to make substantial progress except where a mapping survey has been recently completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will consider amending the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts to enable the rural district authorities throughout the country to lend money, in sums not exceeding£500 at 2 per cent., to market gardeners and agriculturalists for the purpose of purchasing their own homes, subject to the necessary safeguard of their ability to repay?

As my right hon. Friend has explained to my hon. Friend, he thinks that assistance to the classes of persons whom my hon. Friend has in mind can be rendered more effectively by the provision of low-rented houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the appointments he has made to the Inter-Departmental Committee on Nursing, he has given any representation to the interests of sanatoria for tuberculosis; and, if not, will he make an additional appointment of at least one person with special knowledge of this class of institution and the persons engaged in nursing there?

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the experience represented on the committee is sufficiently wide to enable it to deal fully and competently with questions particularly affecting nursing in sanatoria.

asked the Minister of Health whether, for the information of the public and in the interest of owners of watercress beds which are safe from contamination, he will make a statement with regard to the present system of inspection of watercress beds and any changes contemplated?

Under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Acts, a voluntary National Mark Scheme for watercress is administered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the water in beds belonging to growers enrolled in the scheme is periodically examined. There has been no evidence of any danger to public health to warrant any special measures of inspection in relation to watercress generally.

asked the Minister of Health how many charters of incorporation of boroughs have been granted in the last two years; and what is the policy of the Department towards the amalgamation of urban districts prior to incorporation with the object of reducing the number of relatively small authorities?

Eighteen, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is generally in favour of the amalgamation of small urban districts that adjoin each other with a view to strengthening the financial position and improving the administration of the areas concerned.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons receiving workmen's compensation are also in receipt of public assistance?

I regret that the statistical records in my Department do not enable this information to be given.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department, or the Unemployment Assistance Board, has issued instructions to the Employment Exchanges, or to district or area offices, to the effect that B 9 forms are not to be supplied to applicants who desire to claim an increase in their allowance in consequence of the increase in the cost of living?

No such instructions have been issued.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the present surplus on the Unemployment Insurance Account, and whether any part thereof is to be used for the reduction of the funded debt of the fund?

The total balance of the General Account of the Unemployment Fund at 10th November, 1937, was about£59,000,000, but in view of the necessity for keeping large reserves this cannot properly be described as a surplus. I have no power to use any part of the balance for the repayment of debt, except upon a recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee. In this connection I may inform my hon. Friend that I have received a letter from the Committee making certain suggestions as to the terms which govern repayment of debt which I am issuing to-day as a White Paper (Command 5603), and I am including powers on the lines suggested by the Committee in the Unemployment Insurance Bill introduced yesterday.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee have yet reported to him upon the question of bringing private chauffeurs, grooms and gamekeepers into unemployment insurance; and whether he has come to any decision on the matter?

Yes, Sir. The Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee made their Report on 23rd October and copies are being made available to Members this afternoon. The Committee recommend that chauffeurs should be brought into the general scheme of unemployment insurance and in accordance with the statutory procedure I have referred draft regulations for this purpose to the Committee for report. The Committee further recommend that the other classes of outdoor private domestic servants should be brought into the agricultural scheme of unemployment insurance. Proposals for giving effect to this recommendation are included in the Unemployment Insurance Bill which was introduced yesterday and copies of which will be available this evening.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons registered at the Maesteg, Ponty-cymmer, Ogmore Vale, Aberkenfig, and Bridgend Employment Exchanges for 1935, 1936, and to date, respectively?

, pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 11th November, 1937; Vol. 328, col. 1815), supplied the following statement:The following table shows the numbers of persons, aged 14 years and over, registered as unemployed at the Employment Exchanges in question at a date in October of each of the years 1935, 1936 and 1937:

Employment Exchange.		21st October, 1935.	26th October, 1936.	18th October, 1937.
Maesteg	…	3,025	4,859	1,301
Pontycymmer	…	1,112	937	1,083
Ogmore Vale	…	895	1,200	652
Aberkenfig	…	847	730	518
Bridgend	…	1,230	1,110	948

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of persons registered, permanent and temporary, unemployed at the Employment Exchanges of South Wales for 1935, 1936, and to date, respectively?

, pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 11th November, 1937; Vol. 328, col. 1815), supplied the following statement:The following table shows the numbers of unemployed persons aged 14 and over registered at Employment Exchanges in South Wales and Monmouthshire at a date in October of each of the years 1935, 1936 and 1937:

Date.	Wholly Unemployed (including casuals).	Temporarily stopped.	Total.
21st October 1935.	156,685	22,911	179,596
26th October 1936.	141,476	22,367	163,843
18th October 1937.	106,753	15,135	121,888

asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements can be made to prevent contractors, erecting aerodromes and other Government buildings in rural areas, from depriving adjoining farms of agricultural labour?

It is already the practice of the Air Ministry and the Office of Works when letting contracts for aerodrome or building construction in rural areas to point out to contractors the desirability of avoiding withdrawal to the temporary work involved in the contracts of men who normally are permanently employed in agriculture. I am not aware that any considerable number of permanent agricultural workers have left the farms for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to his answer of 18th March last, what price was paid for 165 acres of land that his Department has acquired in the past 12 months under the provisions of Sections 19 and 23 of the Defence Act, 1842; whether his Department has since completed the purchase of a further 420 acres in respect of which notices to treat had been served; if so. at what price; and what was the previous rateable value, respectively, of the 165 and the 420 acres?

The answer to the first part is£625. The answer to the second part is that the transactions for the purchase of the further area are not yet complete, and I am therefore unable to state the price. As regards the last part, I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the compensation payable to the owner and tenant of the 36¼ acres of the Monks Park estate at Corsham, Wilts, taken over by the War Office, has been decided; and, if so, what is the sum each party is to receive?

Negotiations have proceeded further, but the amounts payable have not yet been settled.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of anti-aircraft units in Scotland for the years ended September, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

There were two antiaircraft units in Scotland at the end of September, 1936, and September, 1937. The provision of further anti-aircraft units in Scotland is under active consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of privates and non-commissioned officers in the Army promoted to commissioned rank for the years ended September, 1936 and 1937, respectively?

The figures are:Year ended 30th September, 1936—promotions to Quartermaster 90, others 33, total 123.Year ended 30th September, 1937—promotions to Quartermaster 122, others 32, total 154.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Regular Army rifle ranges and the number of Territorial Army rifle ranges that have been closed since 1930?

Two Regular Army rifle ranges and between 6o and 7o Territorial Army rifle ranges have been closed since 1930. In such cases alternative range facilities have, of course, been provided.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the dirty condition outside St. Stephen's door, owing to the use of small coal; and will he take the necessary steps to abate this nuisance?

The spot to which the hon. Member refers appears to form a "pocket" in which grit—whether from the chimney or elsewhere—accumulates; but I will certainly consider what steps can be taken to effect an improvement here.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can make any statement as to the proposed reconstruction of the two fountains in Trafalgar Square; what is the nature of the design of the new fountains; and whether a sketch of the same will be placed for the inspection of Members in the Tea Room of the House of Commons?

It is somewhat premature to speak, as my hon. Friend does, of the "proposed" reconstruction of the fountains in Trafalgar Square. But I am considering the suggestion that, having regard to the dearth of good sites now remaining in London, and of the existing superfluity of statues in the Metropolis, the memorials which Parliament resolved should be set up to Earl Jellicoe and Earl Beatty should appropriately and more acceptably take the form of ornamental fountains. No site so suitable for Naval heroes can be found as Trafalgar Square: and I am accordingly exploring the possibility of a scheme which, while adequately fulfilling the intention of providing memorials to those two great sailors, shall at the same time afford an embellishment of Trafalgar Square itself. If a scheme satisfactory from the aesthetic, practical, and, I must add, financial point of view, can be developed, a sketch illustrating it will be placed in the Tea Room.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the approximate number of registered civil aircraft in Germany and Italy, according to the latest information in his possession?

The approximate number of registered civil aircraft in Italy is 500 and is believed to be between 1,600 and 1,800 in Germany.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, with a view to the further development of commercial aviation, it is the intention of the Government to give any further financial assistance to it?

In so far as commercial aviation in this country is concerned no direct financial assistance is given and there is no present intention of departing from this. In accordance with the Maybury Committee's recommendations, assistance is being given in the provision of radio facilities and an air traffic control organisation. The development of Imperial and International Air Communications continuously engages the attention of His Majesty's Government and Parliament will be asked as and when necessary to provide, in addition to ground and other services, money for the improvement and extension of British civil aviation overseas, within the limit prescribed by the Air Navigation Act of last year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the composition of the committee of inquiry into civil aviation, he will take immediate steps to withdraw the members at present appointed and substitute personnel of a completely independent kind?

I am unable to agree that the composition of the committee is open to objection on the ground referred to by the hon. Member, and my Noble Friend sees no reason for substituting other personnel.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider the appointment of Lord Cadman as chairman of the committee of inquiry into the affairs of Imperial Airways, Limited, in view of the fact that he is the director of companies which supply Imperial Airways, Limited, with oil?

No, Sir, my Noble Friend does not feel that the fact referred to by the hon. Member is likely in the least to affect Lord Cadman's impartiality.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress is being made in the matter of providing effective balloon-barrage protection against air attack for the industrial area around Birmingham and similar vulnerable districts?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Berwick-on-Tweed (Sir H. Seely) on 24th February last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what prices have been paid for land for the air stations at Cranford, Bucks, 383 acres; at Markham, near King's Lynn, 499 acres; at Tern Hill, Shropshire, 406 acres; at Wytton, 409 acres; what was the previous rateable value of each of these areas; and what was the total area and the price of the land acquired to date for the new air stations as well as the total area yet to be obtained?

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows:Cranfield (not Cranford) 404 acres,£17,220;Marham (not Markham), 499 acres,£8,505;Ternhill, 448 acres,£33,227; and Wyton (not Wytton), 408 acres,£15,991.As regards the second part, as the land was in the main agricultural land it was derated. As regards the last part of the question the acreage acquired to date for expansion purposes at home is 26,500 and the estimated cost£1,225,000. I regret it is not possible to say what area is still required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many companies supply aeroplane dope to the Ministry as Ministry contractors; and under what conditions new manufacturers who may wish to supply this material are allowed to tender?

Seven firms are approved for the supply of aeroplane dope. As regards the second part of the question new manufacturers are required to submit the material offered to laboratory and service tests, each of six months' duration, with a view to ascertaining that the required standards as regards adhesion to fabric, tautening properties, durability, etc., are complied with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement with regard to the shortage of steel billets for re-rolling?

Although home production of billets is steadily increasing, it is not yet sufficient to meet all demands. All re-rolling firms are members of the National Association of Rolled and Re-rolled Steel Products, which is affiliated to the British Iron and Steel Federation. Arrangements have been made between the Association and the steel makers for the allocation of the available home sup- plies and the Federation has also arranged for additional quantities to be imported from the Continental Steel Cartel as well as from America. The present difficulties of certain re-rolling firms are due to delays in the delivery of steel billets purchased from abroad by the British Iron and Steel Federation for distribution to re-rollers; but I am informed that a considerable improvement in the position may be expected within a very short time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to forbid motoring magistrates or judges from trying cases of serious motoring offences?

I am unable to accept the suggestion that a magistrate who has practical experience of driving a motor vehicle should be debarred from adjudicating in cases of the kind referred to.