asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered a communication on behalf of parents and others in the area of Send, Surrey, stating that new circumstances have arisen since the proposal to provide a central Church of England senior school was approved by the local education authority and that objection is strongly taken to the site and in other ways; whether the Board of Education has yet received plans for the Board's sanction; whether an inspector will be instructed to visit the site and report; and what other action has been or will be taken?

The Board have received a communication from the National Education Association which indicates that local objection is being taken to "the site and situation" of the proposed senior Church of England school at Send, "and especially regarding the absence of proper provision for drainage," The Board have, in accordance with their usual practice, asked the promoters and the local education authority to give their observations on this communication and are at present awaiting a reply. Preliminary plans have been examined by the Board and final plans are, I understand, now completed; but they have not yet been forwarded to the Board. His Majesty's inspector has already inspected and reported upon the site, which was approved by the Board in August last. The Board were at that time informed on behalf of the promoters that a public sewer was expected to be available during the summer of 1940.When final plans are submitted attention will of course be given to the question of drainage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state for each university training department in England and Wales the number of students who left with the diploma in 1936, 1937 and 1938, respectively; the number of those who were teaching in secondary schools, and the number who were teaching in elementary schools; and whether he will give throughout the numbers for men and women, separately?

The following table gives for each university training department in England and Wales the number of students who completed in 1936, 1937 and 1938 post-graduate courses of training approved by the Board, and who had been notified individually to the Board on appointment respectively to grant-aided secondary schools, elementary schools and other schools in which service is contributory under the Teachers (Superannuation) Act.The Board do not obtain detailed information regarding students other than those training under their regulations, or in regard to appointments in schools other than grant-aided schools.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state, in respect of the latest year for which figures are available, the amount of money spent on grants and/or scholarships for students at universities and university colleges, the number of assisted students from the area at universities and university colleges, and the total population of the area of each of the following local education authorities: Glamorganshire, Burnley, Pembrokeshire, Blackburn, Sussex (West), Derbyshire, Birkenhead, Bradford and Grimsby?

The amount spent by local education authorities in England and Wales on grants or scholarships for students at universities and university colleges in the academic year 1936–37, the latest year for which information is available, was £335,653.The number of students so assisted by local education authorities from each of the following areas in that year and the populations of the areas were:

It will be understood that apart from grants by local education authorities to students at universities and university colleges there are other sources of assistance to such students, e.g., State scholarships, college scholarships, school leaving scholarships, and awards by endowed foundations.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the interest due on the Constantinople 3½ per cent. Loan is not paid punctually on the dates due although the interest has been reduced from 5 per cent. to 3½ per cent.; and whether he will make representations to the Turkish Government on this subject, having regard to the proposal that the British Government should guarantee further loans to Turkey?

I am aware that the interest payment due on the 15th September last was not punctually paid; representations were at once made to the Turkish Government and funds have now been provided for the payment of the interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when he was considering the granting of an extra bank holiday at Christmas, he considered also the fact that workers in the building industry will be locked out from work on this extra holiday, and will sustain the loss of an additional day's pay; and will he take steps to remedy this grievance?

The grant of an extra bank holiday this Christmas is in accordance with the practice followed ever since 1910 when Christmas Day has fallen on a Sunday. This avoids the curtailment of the customary Christmas holiday but it does not reduce normal working time as compared with ordinary years when Christmas Day falls on a weekday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of occasional licences taken out during the year ended 31st March, 1938, in England and Scotland, respectively, and the total days covered by such licences?

The number of occasional liquor licences granted in England and Wales and Scotland during the year ended 31st March, 1938, and the total number of days involved, were as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total number of liquor licences in England and Scotland, respectively, and the net receipts therefrom for the year ended 31st March, 1938, distinguishing for each country the publican's licences, the on-beer and on-wine retail licences, the off-beer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of brewers in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, for sale and not for sale during the year ended 31st March, 1938?

The particulars required are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of bulk barrels produced in England, North Ireland, and Scotland, respectively, with the respective average gravities during the year ended 31st March, 1938?

The numbers of bulk barrels of beer produced in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom, respectively, with the average original gravities in each case during the year ended 31st March, 1938, are as follow:

The particulars required are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of registered clubs which paid duty in England and Scotland, respectively, and the total amount of duty paid in each for the year ended 31st March, 1938?

The particulars required are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Trade and Navigation Returns for October, 1938, show that 9,914,362 gallons of power methylated spirits were used in the first three quarters of 1938 free of duty; and what is the explanation, in view of the tax of 9d. per gallon imposed by the Finance Act, 1938?

The figure which my hon. and gallant Friend quotes represents "proof gallons" and not "bulk gallons." With regard to the second part of the question, the figure is shown under the heading "Spirits," and the expression "Free of Duty" refers to the spirit duty and does not imply that power alcohol duty was not duly paid as from 2nd May last since when all spirits used for making power methylated spirits have paid the duty of 9d. per gallon imposed by Section 3 of the Finance Act, 1938.

asked the Minister of Health whether any steps have been taken to secure adequate supplies of medical equipment, such as drugs, dressings, appliances, etc., for the use of hospitals in this country in the event of an emergency arising?

Surgical equipment has been purchased for a number of hospitals which do not normally take surgical cases, in order to enable them to undertake casualty work. Stocks of prophylactic sera have been obtained and other equipment of various kinds secured. Detailed inquiries which are being made through trade associations suggest that, in general, adequate reserves of the hospital equipment referred to by my hon. Friend would be available in the country.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of the people the advantages of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1937, and the fact that after 2nd January, 1939, in certain cases, persons will not be able to join the scheme?

A new illustrated booklet and poster, stressing the importance of early application, are being displayed and distributed through the Post Office and through other channels. Attention is being drawn to the scheme through the British Legion and similar organisations, the Press, and also by a stand at Olympia this month. My inspectors are taking every opportunity to make the scheme widely known. I am also arranging to broadcast on the subject early next month. Copies of the booklet and poster have been sent to hon. Members, and I am sure I can rely on hon. Members to do all they can to see that their constitutuents do not delay their applications until it is too late.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases in which the examining justices granted legal aid certificates to persons committed for trial and subsequently sentenced to Borstal detention by courts of assize or quarter sessions during the last five years; and the number of defence certificates granted, respectively, by committing justices, by quarter sessions, and by courts of assize in the case of persons subsequently sentenced by these courts to Borstal detention?

I regret that this information is not available. Information is published each year as to the number of certificates granted, but the statistics do not show how many of the persons granted certificates were subsequently sentenced to Borstal training and how many were dealt with in other ways.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any arrangements are being made that, before reinforcement, traverses should be made in any public trenches which in the crisis were dug straight?

The plan of a trench system which was circulated to local authorities provided that no straight length of trench without a right-angled turn should accommodate more than 58 persons; and no alteration is proposed in trenches which have already been constructed in accordance with this plan and are to be included in permanent arrangements.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether an adequate supply of respirators have now been sent to Glamorgan for use in the administrative area; and the cause of the delay hitherto?

It was judged necessary to defer the supply of civilian respirators to the administrative county of Glamorgan until the issues to areas more exposed to risk had been completed.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of long-term and short-term recruits, respectively, who have entered the Metropolitan Police Force in each of the last five years; and how many of these entrants in each of these years

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government of the Union of South Africa has informed His Majesty's Government of the subjects on which Mr. Pirow is negotiating with Herr Hitler in Berlin?

No, Sir. I am not aware that Mr. Pirow is conducting any negotiations with the German Chancellor.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state the approximate cost of providing permanent camps in the country for 10,000 refugees evacuated from the industrial areas in the event of an emergency; and whether, in this connection, he can obtain information as to what has been the per capita cost of providing the essential parts of the various holiday camps which are now in existence in some seaside areas?

The cost of providing permanent camps for refugees must

The information asked for is given in the following table:depend upon a great variety of factors such as the locality, the cost of the site and of providing main services, and the type of accommodation which might be required. These factors must differ so widely that I am doubtful whether any useful inference could be drawn by comparing such estimates as might be made with the cost of holiday camps provided for another purpose in various parts of the country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, seeing that the recruitment of Native labour for territories of certain other African Powers is prohibited, he will inquire of the Governor of Nigeria to what extent recruiting has been taking place for the Spanish island of Fernando Po; and whether he will invite the Governor to consider sending an official to the island in order to ascertain the conditions under which British Natives were secured and are being kept on the island;

I am asking the Governor of Nigeria for reports on both matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to whether any natives illegally recruited in British West Africa for Spanish purposes have ultimately been transferred to Spain?

No such case has been brought to my notice. I will ask the Governors of the West African Dependencies whether they are aware of any.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what islands in the West Indies compulsory elementary education is in force?

There is provision in the Education Laws of all the Colonies in the West Indies except Barbados and St. Vincent for compulsory elementary education, either throughout the Colony or in those parts which are declared as compulsory education areas. The extent to which compulsory education is actually enforced is governed by such factors as the staff and accommodation available in the different Colonies. Efforts are being made to extend the provision of the necessary facilities as finances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to provide gas masks for British residents overseas in such colonies as Kenya, which might, in the case of hostilities, be exposed to gas attack from neighbouring countries?

Arrangements have already been made, in appropriate cases, to supply Colonial Dependencies with anti-gas equipment for the civilian population. The position in Kenya and certain other Dependencies is under review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the equipment of the King's African Rifles, which is the main defence force of Kenya, is inefficient since owing to British rearmament it is impossible to obtain supplies of modern weapons, while there is no anti-aircraft equipment; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

Special consideration has been given to the defences of Kenya: and the military forces have recently been reorganized on the basis of the latest modern armament requirements. It has not yet been possible to deliver the up-to-date equipment required to meet the needs of the new organisation. But all possible steps are being taken to expedite its delivery and it is being accorded as high a priority as possible in the general programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire as to the security, protection and general working conditions of the Palestine railwaymen; and ensure that representations from the railwaymen's union are heard by the Government of Palestine in regard to their difficulties at the moment?

I have recently received a report from the High Commissioner on the measures taken to protect the railway employés, and am satisfied that every effort is made to secure adequate protection for them. Unfortunately, it is in present circumstances impossible to devise means of affording them complete security, and I would like to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the courage with which they have carried out their duties during the present troubles in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present world price of sugar; how this compares with the average price obtaining during the month preceding the International Sugar Conference; and whether he is satisfied that this price is sufficient to enable sugar producers in the British West Indies, and sugar-growing Colonies, to conduct their business on a basis permitting them to pay adequate wages and to make reasonable profits?

The average price of standard foreign sugar in London during the month preceding the International Sugar Conference of 1937 was 6s. 7d. per cwt.; the average price during the month preceding the meeting of the International Sugar Council in July last was 5s. 2d.; the price at present is 5s. 10d. It is not possible to say definitely what price is satisfactory from the point of view of Colonial producers, since the conditions differ considerably in the various Colonies, but I certainly hope for a higher price than the present one.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will ask the governors of the different Colonies for a report on the action and attitude of the resident Germans towards Jewish subjects equally resident with them in the Colony concerned?

I have received no reports of friction between Germans and Jews domiciled in any Colony, and I do not therefore consider that an inquiry of the kind suggested is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the proportion of applicants for enlistment in the Army who have been rejected on the grounds of physical unfitness in the past 12 months; and if he can give separate figures for the areas of South Wales, North-East and North-West England, Scotland, and the southern counties of England?

The answer to the first part of the question is 16 per cent. in the year ended 30th September last, which is the latest date to which I can give figures. As regards the last part of the question, I can only give separate figures for the 13 recruiting areas in Great Britain. Following are the figures:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that potatoes weighing over one pound each are to be excluded from the market, under an order of the Potato Marketing Board; and, as this size is what is wanted by dealers and chip-potato merchants, he will take steps to remedy this?

My right hon. Friend is aware that by a determination of the Potato Marketing Board, made in the exercise of their powers under the Potato Marketing Scheme, registered producers in Great Britain are at present prohibited from selling for human consumption any potato in excess of 1 lb. in weight. This was one of the steps recently taken as a temporary measure with the object of improving the market situation and the question of its continuance, or otherwise, is a matter for the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take with regard to protests he has received against any further emigration schemes for the Scottish people?

I have noted the terms of a resolution on this subject which was sent to me last month. The Government's policy in the matter of overseas settlement was fully stated when the Empire Settlement Bill was before Parliament last year.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will have further consideration given to the case of Mr. W. H. Hart, case No. 11/ M/194,499, whose pension ceased in 1922, but who received further compensation under the procedure for the correction of error in 1936; and whether, having regard to the fact that Mr. Hart complained of the condition of his arm, as the result of a gunshot wound, in December, 1929, and at in1:ervals prior to the award in 1936, and that he lost his employment with the Post Office owing to the war injury, pension may be granted for the period 1929 to 1936?

A final award was made in this case in 1922 appropriate to the assessment fixed by the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal. In such cases a further grant can only be made from the date on which it is established that the disablement by war service has materially increased and it is clear that the original award was erroneous as a final settlement.Following representations made by Mr. Hart, his case has been repeatedly reviewed in recent years and he has been medically examined on several occasions, of which four were in the years 1934 and 1935. It was not, however, until 1936 that my medical advisers were able to certify that the condition, which is complicated by some degree of neurosis, justified a further grant.I have no authority to make this grant from any earlier date than that on which the existing degree of disablement has been certified to be present.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that during the recent municipal election in Hull a candidate offered employment to an unemployed man of the name of Ramsay on condition that he left the Labour party; that, upon the man's refusal to accept this condition, he was reported to the Exchange for having refused an offer of employment, whereupon his unemployment benefit was stopped pending consideration by a court of referees; that later the man was informed that the complaint had been withdrawn; and whether he will have prompt inquiry made into this case?

I have been unable to trace the case to which the hon. Member refers. If he will let me have Mr. Ramsay's address I will make further inquiry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a clerk employed at the Blackburn aircraft works, Dumbarton, was discharged at a moment's notice on Friday last because, it is alleged, he laughed when couplings he was carrying fell to the ground; that this led to a strike of the clerical staff as a protest against the dismissal, followed by the closing of the entire works by the management; and, in view of the national importance of this work, what steps he is taking to secure full details of the situation and to secure the return to work of 1,500 men?

I understand that this dispute has now been settled and work is to be resumed to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of factories which have been established in Great London since 1932 and the number in the Special Areas since that date; and the total number of persons employed at present in the former and latter areas, respectively?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Annual Surveys of Industrial Development published by the Board of Trade. From these he will find that in the period 1932–37 inclusive, the net increase in the number of factories in Great London was 532. Later figures are not available. These surveys do not distinguish the Special Areas. The records are, however, being examined for the whole of the period and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.Employment figures in respect of the two sets of factories are not available. The only employment figures which can be given are those relating to the total number of insured persons aged 16 to 64 in the respective areas. Excluding agriculture, etc., it is estimated that at the end of the period referred to there were 900,000 employed in the Special Areas, and 2,750,000 in Great London. The definition of Greater London is, however, not the same in each case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recent purchase of Rumanian wheat is a net addition to the security stock of wheat already held in this country on Government account?

No, Sir. As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 1st November last, the recent purchase of Rumanian wheat was for replacement purposes in connection with turning over the existing security stock; this does not involve any addition to that stock.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has seen the announcement of 5th November, that five solicitors were struck off the rolls after having been sentenced to imprisonment for fraudulent conversion; and will he again ask the Law Society to protect the public by strengthening their rules under the powers conferred by the Solicitors Act of 1932 or, alternatively, himself introduce legislation?

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that, of the 45 solicitors convicted in the criminal courts for fraudulent conversion of clients' property during the five years ending December last, 39 were solicitors practising alone prior to conviction; and will he consult with the Law Society with a view to their refusing to license single-partner firms of solicitors unless their clients' property is held by the solicitor jointly with the Public Trustee, or to license single-partner firms after existing single-partner firms have died out?

In view of the facts stated in them, my Noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is in communication with the Law Society. He understands from them that the proposal contained in the question in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) has received their very careful consideration and it is considered inexpedient. The Society have, however, decided to take certain further steps with a view to strengthening the safeguards in this matter, and, for that purpose, amongst other things, to promote legislation designed to enable them to take more effective and prompter action where cases of possible defaults by solicitors are reported and to exercise greater control over the issue of practising certificates. As these proposals are too extensive to be described in an answer to a Parliamentary question I am sending to my hon. Friends a copy of the Law Society's Gazette, in which the proposals are set out in a statement by the President of the Law Society.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to a motoring fatality at Winnersh, near Reading, in which Mr. and Mrs. Westall, riding a tandem bicycle properly equipped with white celluloid rear mudguard and red rear lamp, were both killed by an overtaking motor car, the body of Mr. Westall being thrown 50 feet, and the jury returning a verdict of criminal negligence against the motorist; and why at the subsequent Berkshire Assizes the Director of Public Prosecutions offered no evidence, with the consequence that the motorist was discharged?

I have made inquiries as to this case. Whatever may be the verdict of a coroner's jury, it is the duty of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider the available evidence and decide whether or not that evidence is sufficient to justify submitting the charge to the jury. The evidence in the present case was carefully considered and it was decided that it did not justify proceeding with the charge. I understand that the learned judge approved this course.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the 400th Lufthansa flight across the Southern Altantic that enabled the mail to arrive in Berlin within 24 hours of leaving Brazil; and how the contemplated Southern Atlantic air service by British Airways is progressing?

I am aware that the Duetsche Lufthansa have now made approximately 400 flights across the Southern Atlantic, although I cannot confirm the time mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend as the average. The first experimental flight to Bathurst by British Airways Limited, is due to leave London on 28th December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether motor vehicles operated by the Defence forces are subject to tax at the same rate as privately-owned vehicles; whether their fuel is subject to the 9d. per gallon duty; and, if so, whether he can form any estimate of the annual cost involved?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part in the affirmative. The estimated amount of the fuel duty on the consumption of the Defence forces is about £200,000 a year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the provision of traffic lights on the East Lancashire road at the junctions of Walkden and Swinton in order to minimise the risks of accidents at these dangerous junctions?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the junction of the East Lancashire road with A.575 leading to Walkden and the junction with A.572 leading to Swinton. At the first junction a roundabout has been constructed and at the second traffic control signals are now being erected.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to two accidents that occurred on the East Lancashire road between Astley and Leigh on 11th November, one at 12.15 a.m., in which two lives were lost and the other at 6.40 p.m., when one person was killed; and will he have inquiries made to find out if the cause of the accidents was in any way due to the unlighted condition of the road?

I have made inquiries about the two accidents referred to in the question. I am informed that the police are taking proceedings against the driver of a vehicle involved in the first accident and I therefore cannot express any opinion on the matter. The report I have received does not suggest that the unlighted condition of the road was the cause of the second accident.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that goods traffic on our railways shows, instead of a gradual and steady annual increase, a decrease of 84 million tons this year compared with 1913; and whether, in view of the gravity of the position and the large number of men employed on the railways, he will, in the national interest, take immediate action in regard to the uncontrolled road competition and in particular take such measures as may be necessary to restore to the railways the long distance traffic which they have lost?

I am aware that there has been a serious falling off in goods traffic by rail during the last few months. The causes of this and the steps which it may be practicable and desirable to take to deal with the situation, including the possibility of speeding up action to implement the recommendations of the Transport Advisory Council in their report on service and rates, are receiving my earnest consideration. I have this morning met the chairmen of the railway companies who have laid before me their views.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether the weight of traffic of those classes of goods traffic distinctly competitive with road haulage had increased in 1937 from that of 1933; and, if so, by what amount of tonnage;(2) whether he will inform the House in what class of goods the main decrease of railway haulage has taken place during the past few years; and whether this decrease includes road-haulage carried out by the railways in those classes?

The information in my possession on this subject is published in the Annual Railway Returns issued by my Department, and I would in particular direct my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to pages 10, 14, 17, 22, 24 and 116–121 of the Returns for the year 1937.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the consultations between his Department and other Departments interested in the problems arising from the right of suppliers of water, gas and electricity to lay their mains under the public highways, have made any progress; and whether he has further considered the desirability of moving to set up a Joint Select Committee to examine the present state of the laws relating to this subject?

Yes, Sir. I hope to take an early opportunity of moving for the appointment of a Joint Select Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport what is at present recognised as the best width for trunk roads where traffic is greatest; and how many vehicles abreast is such a road expected to hold on one carriageway?

Generally I regard 120 feet as a suitable width for a road carrying heavy traffic. In addition to verges, footpaths and cycle tracks, this dimension permits of dual carriageways, each with two lanes of traffic, and affords opportunity for future widening, if necessary, to carry three lanes of traffic in each direction.In some special circumstances a width of more than 120 feet is proposed as for instance where it is necessary in order to preserve an existing carriageway as one part of a dual lay-out. Similarly, my hon. Friend will appreciate that there are stretches of road where the achievement of a width of even 120 feet is not practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the provision of subways on the Great West Road and other trunk roads?

A scheme is now in hand for the construction of a subway to take the place of the temporary footbridge opposite Osterley Station on the Great West Road. Subways have already been constructed at the junction of the Eastern Avenue with Aldborough Road, Ilford, and at Mill Hill Park on the Watford By-Pass. Plans are being prepared for the construction of 11 other subways of which five are in Middlesex, three in Surrey, two in Kent and one in Essex.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the result of his request to local authorities to be provided, by 31st October, with statements showing the numbers and type of unauthorised traffic signs and the steps taken for their removal and replacement by signs conforming to the provisions of the Road Traffic Act?

There are about 1,300 local authorities concerned. Of these some 600 have replied to my inquiry in regard to unauthorised traffic signs, and in 430 cases the position disclosed is either satisfactory or the necessary steps are being taken to make it so. In the remaining cases correspondence is proceeding with a view to getting matters put on a proper footing, and I am also in communication with the local authorities whose replies have been delayed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the delay in, and the sufferings caused to, two consignments of pigs from Thuxston, Norfolk, to Crowthorne, Berks, a journey of less than 150 miles, which took approximately 48 hours; and whether he will consult with the London and North Eastern Railway Company with a view to the transport of livestock receiving more expeditious and humane treatment?

I have received representations in connection with the consignments referred to and am in communication with the Railway Companies concerned. I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the preparation of the plans for the widening of the road between Newport, Monmouthshire, and Brecon; and when work on the road will be commenced?

A survey has been completed of the trunk road section of the route between Newport and Abergavenny to which the hon. Member refers. Appropriate action is being taken to safeguard the line of any necessary diversion from the existing road. Plans of an improvement at Croes-y-Ceiliog are completed and work should begin during the summer of 1939.Between Abergavenny and Brecon, the Monmouthshire County Council have completed several improvements recently and land is now being acquired for an improvement at Llanhamlech. The replacement of Llanfaes Bridge at Brecon is also in active preparation.

asked the Minister of Transport how many footbridges he has caused to be constructed over through-fares in the London area; whether he is considering the construction of other footbridges; whether he has taken a census of pedestrians using such bridges; and whether any such bridges have been or are likely to be taken down?

Nine footbridges have recently been erected on trunk roads in the London area. Eight of these are temporary and will be replaced in due course by subways or permanent footbridges with ramped approaches. Other footbridges will be provided when and where a definite need becomes apparent. A temporary footbridge at the junction of Kingston By-pass and South Lane was removed when traffic control signals were brought into use at that point.No census has been taken of the number of pedestrians using the bridges.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has consulted with road transport organisations respecting assistance to be given by road transport operators in a time of national emergency; and whether any consultations took place at or before the last emergency?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 16th November), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the continually increasing loss to coastal shipping of long distance goods traffic; and whether he will, when considering the railways, bear in mind the claims of coastal shipping to a fair share of this traffic?

Questions arising in relation to coastal shipping are matters for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that consideration would be given to the effect on coastal shipping of any action which the Government might contemplate in connection with railways.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the recent statement of Sir Charles Bressey upon the need for a new type of road authority in the Metropolitan area indicates a change of the Ministry's policy?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with reference to his provisional regulations for goods vehicles (duration of carriers licences), dated 31st August, recipients of the short period licences provided for in Section 2 will, after expiry of the short period have their licences automatically renewed for the full period of five years for A and C licences and two years for B licence, or whether the same delays and expenses of contested applications will be allowed as if the full period had originally been granted?

Under the statute an application for a C licence must be granted automatically unless the applicant has had a previous licence suspended or revoked. In 1937 Parliament provided for an extended currency of A and B licences but allowed shortened period licences to enable the licensing authority to effect the consequent change in his programme of work. In so doing Parliament did not deprive other parties of the right to object to applications. The power to grant or refuse applications is vested in the licensing authority.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to extend the widened Barking by-pass from the Barking boundaries towards the City; and, if so, when is this going to be begun and by whom?

The responsible highway authorities for the length of road in question are the County Boroughs of East Ham and West Ham. I am prepared to consider, at any time, an application from them for a grant from the Road Fund towards the cost of extending the dual carriageway system.

asked the Minister of Transport how many parishes in the Grimsby, Caistor, and Louth Rural District Council areas are still to be supplied with electric plant; how many have been supplied; and what steps he is taking to hasten the supply of electrical power to these agricultural areas?

I am informed that a supply of electricity is now available in 13 out of 21 parishes in the rural district of Grimsby, in 12 out of 39 parishes in the rural district of Caistor and in 27 out of 79 parishes in the rural district of Louth, and will be available shortly in one further parish in the rural district of Caistor and two further parishes in the rural district of Louth. If my hon. and gallant Friend can furnish me with evidence of a prospective demand in any particular area, I will gladly have inquiries made as to the possibility of meeting it.