asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he proposes to use his powers to buy up scrap iron in this country and prevent export of this material?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the powers conferred upon the Minister of Supply under the Ministry of Supply Bill now before Parliament to buy or otherwise acquire articles required for the public service. It is not possible at this stage to indicate in what circumstances those powers would be used. As regards scrap iron, an agreement is already in existence between the British Iron and Steel Federation and the Scrap Merchants' Federation, under which all ferrous scrap arising in the United Kingdom dealt with by scrap merchants who are members of this federation is offered to the Iron and Steel Federation at an agreed price and is only exported when not required in this country. Exports of scrap iron are now quite small.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the National Council for British Commercial Propaganda Overseas will include within its interests the herring export trade of Scotland?

The organisation referred to by the hon. Member is a private concern and I am not in a position to supply the information asked for.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is satisfied that Japanese manufactures imported into this country are not being transmitted through other countries so as to disguise the origin; and whether, in any case, he will make inquiries?

I am not aware of any such action as is referred to by my hon. Friend, but if he will furnish me with particulars of any concrete case he has in mind I will have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information about the accident which occurred on the steamship "Baronesa," while in dock, as a result of which four men were killed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) yesterday.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that men and women, when sworn in as justices of the peace at the West Riding quarter sessions, have to pay a fee of £2 2s.; on what authority, statutory or otherwise, such a fee is imposed and where the money goes to; and is he aware that such a fee is not demanded in other counties and boroughs in the country?

I have been asked to reply. The fees in question are prescribed by quarter sessions under the powers given them by Section 30 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1848, and are paid into the county fund. It used to be a common practice to charge such fees, but they have now been generally abandoned, and my right hon. Friend is in entire sympathy with the view that justices of the peace should not be charged fees on accepting office. He has been in communication with the Clerk of the Peace for the West Riding, who informs him that the question of forgoing these fees will be considered by quarter sessions at an early date.

asked the Attorney-General how many solicitors have been convicted during the past 10 years for misappropriating clients' money and the approximate total amount of the sums involved?

During the years 1929 to 1938 inclusive, 83 solicitors were convicted in the Criminal Courts in respect of misappropriation of clients' moneys. There are no records which would enable an approximate total amount of the sums involved to be given. An effort made by the Law Society to arrive at a total amount involved in defalcations over a period of five years, 1933 to 1937, gives a figure of £574,544.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police authorities in London have taken any action in respect of the increased performance of plays in premises licensed and ordinarily used for the sale of liquor; and whether, as this constitutes an infringement of several statutes or rules made thereunder, namely, Section 2 (1) of the Music and Dancing Licences (Middlesex) Act, 1894, Section 51 of the Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890, rules made by the London County Council concerning entertainment licences, Section 12 of the Metropolis Management Act, 1878, and Section 55 (2) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1935, he will draw the attention of the police and of the licensing justices to any or all of these provisions?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any increased performance of plays in premises ordinarily used for the sale of intoxicating liquor. The provisions of the Acts quoted do not refer directly to stage plays, but the attention of the police is already drawn to those provisions, and any breach of them which comes to the notice of the police is reported to the local authority which enforces the statute or rules infringed. No action on the part of my right hon. Friend appears to be necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider making obligatory the present permissive clauses relating to the appointment of women police; and whether he will take steps to see that each police area shall have an adequate quota of attested women?

The question whether police women should be employed in any force has always been a matter for the decision of the police authority, and my right hon. Friend does not contemplate any modification of that principle.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider' introducing legislation to require an alien woman marrying a British subject and desiring British nationality to satisfy the same conditions as to residence, oath of allegiance, etc., as are required before an alien man is granted naturalisation?

The considerations referred to in the reply given on the 29th June to questions by the hon. Member for the Bilston Division of Wolverhampton (Mr. Hannah) and the hon. Member for Leyton, West (Mr. Sorensen) apply also to an alteration of the existing law relating to the nationality of alien women marrying British subjects.

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of rural district councils, urban district councils, and municipal corporations have built one-bedroom dwellings suitable for old people since 1930?

I regret that the information is not readily available, but I will have the necessary particulars extracted and inform my hon. Friend of the result. I should add that the records containing the particulars do not relate to a period earlier than 1936.

asked the Minister of Health how many one-bedroom dwellings have been built by local authorities in England and Wales since 1919?

Between 1924 and the end of last May approval was given to the provision by local authorities of approximately 44,800 dwellings of the type to which my hon. Friend refers. Prior to 1924 no separate record was kept of this type of dwelling.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of old age pensioners in the city of Birmingham whose pensions have to be supplemented by relief during 1938, and the first three months of 1939?

Information in the exact form desired by my hon. Friend is not available, but on the 1st January, 1939, there were 5,622 old age pensioners in Birmingham who were in receipt of poor relief. During the week ended the 11th March last the number of old age pensioners to whom outdoor relief in money or in kind was granted was 4,458.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the delays in the London to Paris Imperial Airways, Limited, services on Friday, 23rd June; whether the same services on Monday 26th June were running to scheduled time; and if he can give particulars as to the occasions on which the Imperial Airways, Limited, services from London to Paris and Paris to London have not been able to maintain scheduled times during the month of June?

On the 23rd June all air services between London and the Continent were seriously dislocated throughout the day on account of prolonged periods of bad visibility. In the case of the joint Imperial Airways—British Airways service between London and Paris, it was necessary to cancel the last two flights from London and the last three from Paris. On the 26th June the service was operated to scheduled times except for a minor delay on one flight.Of 404 flights scheduled for the month of June on this service, seven were cancelled, one was interrupted and in 22 cases delay in departure exceeded 20 minutes. Bad weather caused six of the cancellations and 12 of the irregular departures. The unavoidable employment of the Heracles type aircraft on 20 flights was responsible for irregularity in actual times as compared with the scheduled times.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Imperial Airways, Limited, services from London to Paris ran satisfactorily on 15th and 20th June without any delays taking place on either day?

No, Sir. There were delays on both the dates in question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to hand over the control of costs of sub-contracts to the Minister of Supply; and the method by which he ensures that sub-contracts are not let by main contractors at excessive prices?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The supervision of sub-contract prices, and provision for departmental access to sub-contractors' works and records for the purpose of making independent costs estimates, are already secured by instructions issued to main contractors.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will prohibit the carrying of Christmas cards by air-mail during the Christmas rush unless he is completely satisfied that there is sufficient capacity to ensure the prompt delivery of ordinary business letters to Egypt, India, and the Near East?

Christmas cards are eligible for transmission by the printed papers post so long as they are posted in open covers and, apart from the printed matter, do not bear more than five conventional words of greeting and the sender's name and address in manuscript. Such cards like other categories of second-class mail are conveyed by surface transport. Public announcements to this effect were made during the period of Christmas postings last year and will be repeated on future occasions. It is not practicable for the Post Office to discriminate between Christmas cards and other correspondence posted in closed covers for transmission as first class mail, which is despatched by air to the countries served under the Empire Air Mail Scheme.

asked the Postmaster-General in what circumstances an invitation issued to Post Office clerical and executive staffs to apply for transfers to the newly formed Ministry of Supply was withheld from the staff of the Post Office Stores Department; and whether he is aware that there is grave discontent amongst the staff on this matter?

The Stores Department has, in addition to its normal work, recently been called upon to undertake supply work for other Departments in connection with Air-Raid Precaution Services and National Service. In the current year it is responsible for the provision of over 3,000,000 uniform garments and articles of equipment for auxiliary fire services, warden services, nursing auxiliaries, land army, etc. In consequence, the Department is under heavy pressure and extensive overtime is being worked. In addition, a number of senior officers have already been released recently for service in other Government Departments, thus improving promotion prospects in the Stores Department. In these circumstances it was decided that the efficiency of the Department might be endangered if further releases were made.I am aware of some disappointment at this decision. Nevertheless, I am confident that the difficulties of the present position are understood.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the catch of herring around the Shetland coast this season is only half of what it was at the same period last season, due, as the fishermen believe, to the fact that there has been no aerial spotting of herring shoals as was the case last year; and will be consult the Herring Board and the Air Ministry with a view to instituting aerial spotting of herring without delay?

I am aware that so far the Shetland herring catch is considerably less than in 1938, but I am advised that the same conditions prevail at the other Scottish herring ports and are due to a general scarcity of herring. I am making inquiry on the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in 1936–37 and 1937–38 received free meals under Section 6 of the Education Act, 1908; how many meals were given; how many local education authorities give free meals; and how many authorities give meals only on days when the school meets and on schooldays and holidays, respectively?

The returns furnished by education authorities do not include all the information asked for in the question, but I am making further inquiries and will communicate the results to the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in all cases where the lowest tender for a Government contract is not accepted, the Treasury, in the interests of the taxpayer, satisfies itself that there are very good reasons for the departure from normal custom; and also that the firm concerned is placed in possession of the reasons why its tender is not accepted?

The responsibility for deciding in any particular case whether the circumstances are such as to make it necessary to pass over the lowest tender for a Government contract rests with the Government Department concerned. It is equally for that Department to consider how far it is willing to give reasons for the non-acceptance of a tender.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the amount of the increase in the rate of bonus payable to men employed in the Royal dockyards?

The standard rate of bonus payable to workmen employed in the royal dockyards has been increased by 2s. a week, that is, from 20s. to 22s. a week, with effect from the 5th June.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the total expenditure by His Majesty's Royal Navy in placing contracts and/or sub-contracts in the special area of South Wales and Monmouthshire, including the cost of repairs to naval ships in the docks of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and of repairs carried out afloat by workpeople from that district?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available and could only be obtained with a disproportionate amount of labour.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty under what Authority a number of retired naval officers were called out prior to the passing of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act, 1939; whether they were informed on being called out of the power under which they were called, their rates of pay and outfit allowance, and whether such information will, in future, be furnished to officers on or before being called out under Section 1 (2) (b) of the said Act?

No retired naval officers were called up before the passing of the Act though some were given a preliminary warning. The conditions of service of officers called up are contained in the Appendix to the Navy List, except the rate of outfit allowance, which is under revision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any correspondence between any of the four grades for the Regular Army, horse and foot, mechanised, motor transport, and lines of communication, and Grades I and II for the Militia?

Grades I and II of the Militia cover approximately the four grades of the Regular Army.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of men and the regions from which they are drawn who, although rejected from the Regular Army on medical and/or physical grounds, have now been passed under Grade I and Grade II, respectively, of the Militia?

No, Sir, this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many young men accepted for military training are unemployed; and whether, in all cases where it would help them in their attempts to establish themselves to be called up at once, he will assist them to do so?

The available statistics do not enable me to reply to the first part of the question; the reply to the second part is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are now the figures required to complete the establishment of the East and West Lancashire Territorial Associations?

The numbers required on 24th June to bring the Terri-trial Army units of the East and West Lancashire Territorial Army and Air Force Associations up to establishment were 302 officers and 3,547 other ranks, and 196 officers and 326 other ranks, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. E. Rafferty, of. 18, Wolseley Street, Glasgow, was discharged from the Army well over a year ago with a disability, that an application was made then for a pension; that despite frequent representations no decision has yet been arrived at; and whether he will state when a decision may be expected in this case?

A decision has been reached, as my right hon. Friend has informed the hon. Member in correspondence, that, under existing rules, no pension can be granted in this case. The general principles governing cases such as this are, however, under review. This review necessarily involves a somewhat prolonged and detailed investigation, and I cannot at present say when a final conclusion will be arrived at. If, however, as a result, an alteration is made in the rules which would admit Mr. Rafferty's case, he will be given the benefit of it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as a result of his investigations into the conditions of the furniture manufacturing trade, he is now in the position to announce his intention to set up a trade board?

This matter is under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to state what action may be taken.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many shop assistants are working over 60 hours a week, and whether he will consider legislation to remedy this state of affairs?

My right hon. Friend has under consideration the reports of the joint conferences of employers' and employees' organisations in the retail distributive trades on wages, hours and conditions in these trades, but I am not at present in a position to say what action he may decide to take.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in issuing instructions for experimental blackouts in the provinces, the local or police authorities are consulted as to the appropriateness of the selected days and times before these are officially prscribed?

Practice blackouts are normally arranged by the local authorities concerned. If, however, my hon. Friend has in mind the blackouts which are being carried out during the present month and in August in connection with the Air Ministry's home defence exercises, the dates in these cases had necessarily to be fixed in relation to these exercises.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what warning provision is made in advance to ensure that in case of a sudden air-raid no confusion arises as a result of experimental tests of sirens which have accustomed the public to hearing these warnings and taking no action thereupon?

Every effort is made to warn the public in advance when practice tests of sirens are to be made. In the event of a sudden emergency the public would be notified by means of broadcast announcements and other means that the warning system was in operation.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any action is being taken to safeguard the water reservoirs supplying large centres of population?

A comprehensive survey has been made of all vital points on reservoirs supplying large centres of population and conclusions have been reached as to the measures to be taken for guarding such points both against sabotage and against air attack.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps have yet been taken to offer inducements to owners of petrol-filling stations to store additional quantities of petrol?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on the 17th November last in answer to a similar question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the House information concerning the charge of murder through flogging made against a Section Chief and another person in Sierra Leone; whether, in view of this incident and the recent case of maltreatment by the application of pepper, he will take immediate steps to institute an inquiry into the incidence of tax collection and the irregular behaviour of officials; and whether he will ask for a special report from the Governor?

The incident referred to occurred in the Bonthe District, where it is alleged that a native who was flogged in connection with the house tax collection died within twenty-four hours. Two persons, one a Section Chief, have been committed for trial before the Circuit Court on a charge of murder. The Governor has promised another report when the trial is ended, and pending the receipt of such information as may be contained in it, I should prefer to make no further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the secret erection in the night of 22nd June of a Jewish settlement in the Beisan; whether the Government of Palestine intends to try and prevent such a settlement; and, if so, under what Ordinance?

The High Commissioner for Palestine has reported the establishment of this settlement. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has happened to the 748 illegal emigrants who surrendered to the police recently at Gaza, where they are interned, and how many are women and children?

Seven hundred and twelve illegal immigrants were apprehended on the steam vessel "Marsis" which was seized by a police patrol near Gaza on the 28th June. They were temporarily detained, some at Haifa and some at Sarafand, and all have now been released except 21 persons who are detained for further interrogation. The party included 198 women and 57 children. The whole number will be deducted from the next quota of legal immigrants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make regarding further gifts from the Malay States towards the cost of Empire Defence?

Yes, Sir. His Highness the Sultan of Trengganu has offered to His Majesty's Government the sum of $50,000 and His Highness the Sultan of Brunei has offered the sum of $100,000 as free gifts towards the cost of Imperial Defence. These gifts have been gratefully accepted by His Majesty's Government; and I take this opportunity of recording the Government's warm appreciation of these further generous manifestations of the practical co-operation of the Rulers of the Malay States in consolidating the security of the Empire.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with a view to the more rapid development of an African medical service, he will make an inquiry into the possibility of creating a medical school in West Africa?

A school of medicine has been established in Nigeria for a number of years and is making good progress. The whole question of the future development of higher education, including medical education, in West Africa is to be discussed at the Conference of West African Governors which is to be held in August.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Cyprus is deliberately discouraging the aspirations of the inhabitants of the island towards local self-government; that the permission is being refused the workers to meet in order to form a trade union; and what is the explanation for this refusal to permit the people of Cyprus to exercise these rights?

With regard to the first and third parts of the question I would ask the hon. Member to await the answer which, by leave of Mr. Speaker, I am giving to questions Nos. 39, 40 and 42 at the end of questions. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the names of those Colonies and mandated territories where there is no Income Tax nor Estate Duties; and what are the rates of Income Tax and Estate Duties in Bermuda?

There is no Income Tax in the following territories: Bahamas, Bermuda, British North Borneo, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Gambia, Gibraltar, Gold Coast, Hong Kong, Malaya, Malta, Palestine, St. Helena, Sarawak, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Tanganyika Territory, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Virgin Islands, the territories under the administration of the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific and Zanzibar.There is a personal or poll tax in the following territories: British North Borneo, Cayman Islands, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Mauritius, New Hebrides, Sierra Leone, Tanganyika Territory, Tonga and Uganda.

Number of Persons killed or injured in Road Accidents.
Police District.		Month		1939		1938.		1937
				Killed.	Injured.	Killed.	Injured.	Killed	Injured.
Scotland	…	April	…	45	1,451	60	1,647	52	1,440
		May	…	62	1,646	41	1,632	61	I,842
Glasgow	…	April	…	10	299	10	385	9	415
		May	…	11	316	7	347	11	402
Edinburgh	…	April	…	4	83	6	99	6	83
		May	…	2	94	2	120	3	104
Dundee	…	April	…	1	55	1	66	4	55
		May	…	2	63	2	42	1	89
Aberdeen	…	April	…	—	81	—	71	—	92
		May	…	—	89	—	74	—	60
Greenock	…	April	…	—	18	1	19	—	27
		May	…	—	17	11	20	—	30

The figures for June, 1939, are not yet complete and I will forward them, with comparative figures for the two preceding years, to the hon. and learned Member as soon as they are available.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the minimum taxicab

asked the Minister of Transport what were the casualties from road accidents in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Greenock, respectively, for the month of June, 1939, and the corresponding figures for April and May, 1939; and what are the comparable figures for 1938 and 1937, respectively?

The following is the answer:fare in Edinburgh and the additional rate thereafter; what are the corresponding figures for London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen; and if, in view of the fact that the taxicab fares in operation in Edinburgh are the cause of annoyance to the inhabitants and a serious handicap to the owners of taxicabs there, he will consult with the local authority with a view to reducing these fares?

Burgh		Minimum Fare	Additional Fare.
Aberdeen	…	1s. 6d. for the first mile or part thereof.	2d. for every additional one-tenth of an uncompleted mile or part thereof, 1s. 6d. for every completed mile after the first. For every adult above the number of four 3d. for every mile or part thereof.
Dundee	…	1s. 6d. for the first mile or part thereof.	1s. 6d. for every additional mile or part thereof. For every passenger above the number of four 6d.
Edinburgh	…	1s. 6d. for a distance not exceeding one mile or a period not exceeding 20 minutes.	2d. for every additional one-eighth of a mile or part thereof or for an additional period not exceeding 2 ½ minutes. For a fifth passenger 6d.
Glasgow	…	1s. for not more than two grown up persons for a distance not exceeding one mile.	3d. for every additional quarter of a mile or part thereof. For every person above the number of two 6d. per person.
Liverpool	…	1s. for the first mile or 15 minutes or for any less distance or time.	3d. per quarter of a mile or 3 ¾ minutes or less distance or time.
London	…	9d. for two persons for the first two-thirds of a mile or 7 minutes.	3d. for every additional one-third of a mile or 3 ¾ minutes. 6d. for every additional person excluding infants in arms beyond two, (two children under the age of 10 count as one person).

As regards the last part of the question, the fares in Edinburgh are regulated by by-laws made by the magistrates under powers conferred by Local Acts, and I am informed that the question of the possible reduction of existing fares has been remitted to a sub-committee of the magistrates for consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large expenditure in connection with Civil Defence, he can state whether it has now been possible to arrange for economies to be effected by postponing some of the major road works referred to in the Ministry of Transport estimates, costing in the aggregate£110,000,000, and, if so, whether he can state which particular schemes it is proposed to postpone for this purpose?

In considering the road improvement schemes referred to in the Road Fund Estimates, due regard will continue to be paid to the degree of urgency attaching to them in relation to the other calls upon the national resources.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the

The following is the answer:newly installed traffic lights at Seven Sisters Corner, Tottenham, are arranged in a manner which makes it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross the road, and in view of the fact that the pedestrian crossing has been removed and the point duty constable withdrawn, will he have investigations made with a view to a rearrangement of the timing of the lights

The layout of the roads at this junction is such that the signal installation has to be of a particularly complicated character and I have already arranged to have its operation kept under close observation with a view to such alterations being made as experience may show to be necessary. I am advised that no pedestrian crossing has been discontinued, but that one crossing has been moved nearer to the signals.

asked the Minister 0f Transport whether, in view of the continuing daily overcrowding of trains by the public who are endeavouring to reach home from the congested areas in London, he will take steps to compel the appropriate transport companies to take some action to redress this state of affairs?

The railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board are fully alive to the problem of the rush hours, to which my hon. Friend refers, and they are already engaged on a very large programme of works with the object of improving the London railway services. The Government are assisting in these developments by a guarantee of the capital to finance the works. My hon. Friend will be aware that I have no power to compel the provision of increased facilities on the railways.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to amend the law governing the rates and charges which may be imposed by the railway companies for the carriage of goods and merchandise?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to questions on this subject on Wednesday, 24th May.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the necessity of arranging a programme of useful public works as a safeguard against a decline in industrial activity and the long period which must elapse between the inception of a major scheme and the commencement of work, he will consult with the county councils concerned for the purpose of preparing a plan for the construction of a road bridge between Lochalsh and Kyleakin in the Island of Skye?

My officers are in regular consultation with county councils on questions relating to proposed road and bridge works, and to the priorities to be attached to schemes, with due regard to traffic, financial and economic considerations.As I informed my hon. Friend on the 14th June last, the county councils, who are the responsible highway authorities, have not put forward any proposal for a road bridge between Lochalsh and Kyleakin.While I am ready to consider any proposal the councils may see fit to submit, it does not seem likely that I could accord to the scheme any high degree of priority, as this has to be decided by reference to national as well as local needs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, upon the applications of the main line railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board for orders authorising an increase in the fares, the Railway Rates Tribunal, on 26th May, issued a judgment to the effect that the financial obligations of the companies and the board are more important than the public interest, that the inadequacy of services or facilities was not a ground for refusing the applications, and that hardship caused to the travelling public was not a matter which they could take into consideration; and whether he will take immediate action to protect the needs of the travelling public as a prime consideration?

I am aware of the judgment to which the hon. Member refers but I cannot accept the construction he puts upon it.As regards the last part of the question, following is a copy of the letter which I sent yesterday to a Deputation which I received on the 15th June.Ministry of Transport.4th July, 1939Sir,PASSENGER FARES IN THE LONDON AREA.I am directed by the Minister of Transport to refer to the representations made to him on the above matter by the deputation which he received on Thursday, 15th June, at the request of a public meeting convened on Thursday, 8th June, by the Federation of Ratepayers and Kindred Associations of Surrey.It was explained to the deputation and accepted by them that the Minister had no power to postpone the operation of the increases which came into force on Sunday, 11th June, and that no good purpose would have been served by his meeting there on the preceding Friday or Saturday, as originally requested, even if he had been able to do so.2. The deputation laid before the Minister two main proposals:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statement to make regarding the present position in regard to the proposed Jarrow tunnel?

Consulting engineers have been appointed by the county councils to make preliminary investigations into the possible site, or sites, for a tunnel in the neighbourhood of Jarrow and a mining expert is associated with them. A grant at the rate of 75 per cent. is being made from the Road Fund towards the cost of the survey. The general question of a tunnel under the Tyne will be considered again when the report of the consulting engineer is received.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has been informed that the Hebburn ferry is definitely to cease at a very early date; if he is aware that, as this ferry carries over 1,500,000 passengers per year, its closing will add to the burden on the already inadequate and dangerously overloaded Jarrow ferry; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and loss both to traders and workers caused by the present condition of mid-Tyne crossings, he will state what steps he proposes to take in the immediate future to deal with the situation?

I had previously been informed by Messrs. Hawthorn Leslie Company, the owners of the Hebburn-Wallsend ferry, that they proposed to discontinue the service after the 30th June, but I now understand that they have decided to continue it for a further three months.I understand that the ferry was started by the firm many years ago for the convenience of their own workpeople and that there has been a gradual extension of its use by the employés of other firms on Tyneside.As the ferry is privately owned I have no power to make grants towards this service; but even if the ferry were acquired by a highway authority and were freed from tolls, I should not be in a position to make a grant since it is a pedestrian ferry with no through traffic value.I have brought the matter to the notice of the Tyneside local authorities; but I understand that those authorities, after conference with the firms interested, have not seen their way to assume any responsibility for the continued maintenance of the ferry.The only possibility of securing the continued operation of this ferry appears to be that the firms whose workmen habitually use the ferry should collaborate amongst themselves to keep it going.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the case of the re-weighing of commercial goods vehicles to detect any increase of weight when used in a different area from that in which they are registered, such re-weighing only takes place after a request from the original local licensing authority, or is left to the discretion of the authority in the area in which such vehicle is operating at the time?

As I indicated in the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 28th June, the initiative lies with the licensing authority with whom the vehicle is registered.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will draw the attention of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to the number of non-stop trains passing through a station of the importance of Durham and to the lack of a through train from Durham to London after 11 a.m., or from King's Cross to Durham before 5.45 p.m.; and if he will make representations to the company to provide a better service for Durham;(2) Whether he will draw the attention of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to the fact that passengers from Durham to King's Cross leave Durham station at 4 p.m. and then have to wait at Darlington 45 minutes for a train to London while passengers from Newcastle to London can leave Newcastle at 6.30 p.m.; and if he will make representations to the company to provide a better service from Durham to London?

I am in communication with the company and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the presence of horse-drawn traffic in the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels is a frequent source of great delay to traffic passing through them; and whether the Ministry is considering any method of dealing with this obstacle to the free movement of traffic?

I am about to make Regulations for Blackwall Tunnel prohibiting the passage of slow-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn vehicles, during certain hours of the day. When the effect of the Regulations is ascertained, the desirability of their extension to Rotherhithe Tunnel will be considered.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the holiday traffic to Margate, and other pleasure resorts, is gravely inconvenienced by the continual hold-up at Rochester of traffic to the adjoining towns; and whether the Ministry have under contemplation any plans to relieve this congestion?

I am aware of the traffic difficulties at Rochester. A survey for a by-pass was recently undertaken by the local authorities. The cost of constructing such a road will be very high, and I cannot say when the authorities concerned will be ready to proceed with a scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will be able to announce his decision as to the projected line of route of the proposed Esher and Cobham by-pass road as a result of the public inquiry held by his inspector on the 28th April and 1st May; and whether, before announcing his decision, he will give further consideration to the alternative routes suggested at the inquiry avoiding the Esher and Arbrook commons?

The alternative routes suggested at the inquiry for the proposed Esher and Cobham by-pass road are at present being surveyed and I cannot reach any decision until the survey is completed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether directions have been issued for the guidance of the Roads Department directing them to avoid, as far as practicable, routes crossing commons and open spaces when selecting or approving the routes of new roads; and, if not, will he issue directions to that effect?

The Ministry are aware of the desirability of avoiding, so far as practicable, interference with commons and open spaces, and special attention is invariably given to this matter when routes for new roads are under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the nature of the steps he proposes to take to provide inducements to large jam manufacturers and fruit preservers to increase their stocks at the present time in the national interest?

As I have stated previously, I should not propose to use the powers contained in the Essential Commodities Reserves Act for the creation of a reserve of jams or canned fruit, having regard to the necessity for obtaining the best food value possible for the money expended. I have, however, emphasised that manufacturers and traders are doing a national service at the present time in increasing their stocks so far as their individual circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary for Mines when the commission investigating the purchase and distribution of coal supplies is likely to be concluded?

I understand that the committee is making good progress with its inquiry, but I am not able to say when its work will be concluded.