asked the Minister of Transport who is now responsible for safety regulations for motorcar, lorry and motor bus traffic on the Hayling toll bridge.

The British Transport Commission.

asked the Minister of Transport under what circumstances licences and petrol allowances are granted to those who have not previously operated a private hire motor coach service and now desire to do so.

Following the decision to make a cut of 12½ per cent. in fuel allowed to coach operators for private party work compared with 1947, no fuel ration is issued to new entrants except where they can prove to the satisfaction of the Regional Transport Commissioner that they were committed to bookings before the cut was announced on 23rd February, or that there is a genuine demand for private party trips in a district where facilities within a reasonable radius do not exist. It is the general practice to warn a new entrant about the fuel position when an application is made for a public service vehicle licence.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the present position with regard to legislation to authorise the construction of motorways in this country; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the probable date of its introduction.

I cannot at present say when it will be possible to introduce legislation to authorise the construction of motorways.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement with regard to the capital requirements of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.

Yes The Board have proposed a further issue of stock for the purpose of repaying temporary advances from the Scottish Banks, of defraying further expenditure on constructional and distribution schemes and for other authorised purposes. These proposals have been approved and accordingly the Board have issued to the National Debt Commissioners, under Treasury guarantee, £6 millions of North of Scotland Electricity 3 per cent. Guaranteed Stock, 1968–70, at par. The effect of this issue is to increase the outstanding capital of the Board to £11 million, the previous issue of £5 million North of Scotland Electricity 2½ per cent. Guaranteed Stock 1967–1972 having been made to the public in July 1947.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now announce the names of members of the Transport Users Committee for Wales appointed by him.

I expect shortly to invite nominations from the bodies concerned with a view to the establishment of the Transport Users Consultative Committees for Wales and Scotland, as I have already done for the Central Transport Consultative Committee.