asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements he intends to make for facilitating the voluntary training of Royal Naval Volunteer (Supplementary) Reserve personnel.

A number of refresher courses have already been held. These will be extended shortly.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary know that a number of men of this force are ex-pilots and observers of the Fleet Air Arm and that they are going to the R.A.F.V.R. because they cannot get training facilities in the R.N.V.(S.)R.?

Yes, it is a problem, but I hope that before long we shall be able to offer flying training to those officers.

Has the hon. Gentleman observed that my hon. Friend called it the "Fleet Air Arm" and not "Naval Aviation." as he insists on calling it?

Yes, and I am sorry that he has not caught up with the official title.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make half-price vouchers available to Royal Naval Volunteer (Supplementary) Reserve personnel for rail travel between their homes and the places where they begin or end periods of voluntary training.

Members of the R.N. V.(S.)R. who are invited to train by the Admiralty are entitled to rail warrants to cover the cost of the return journey from their home towns to the places where they undertake their training courses.

Is it realised that in addition to training undertaken at the request of the Admiralty these personnel undertake a good deal of training voluntarily, and in view of the fact that at least half of them have agreed to undertake service before a general emergency, is it not unfair that they should have to pay the full cost of travel to voluntary training?

The officers concerned undertake these duties voluntarily. There is no reason why they should be out of pocket. I will consider the point made by the hon. Gentleman.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether these officers will have to wear the new stripe? If so, will they have to pay for it themselves?

This Question does not ask about that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent working dress for officers is authorised to be worn; and whether this dress is in all respects satisfactory.

This dress is chiefly worn when work is being done in ships and establishments. It is suitable for this purpose, but I am always ready to consider improvements.

In view of the fact that a monkey jacket and trousers costs £40 now and is apparently expected to go up to £60 in the not too far future, will the hon. Gentleman do what he can to encourage and extend the opportunities for wearing this rig, or any improvement on it, because it is rather under a cloud, I believe?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will point out the times which are unsuitable for it to be worn, I will consider it.

Is it not a fact that they are not allowed to wear this rig between transit station and shore residence?

That is true.

Would it not be better, instead of extending occasions when the other rig is worn, to help officers by some tax free or Purchase Tax concession on the other side?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why no safety device is used for His Majesty's submarines consisting of a buoy or buoys attached to suitable places in the hull or casing by a magnetic device in such a way that when the ship's electrical system goes dead the buoy is automatically released.

Similar methods to the one proposed have been rejected in the past for technical and other reasons. But I will have the existing policy reviewed in the light of the recent disaster.

While it is admitted that a buoy of this kind is only primarily useful possibly for the saving of life, would it not have cut short the search to a satisfactory extent if an automatic release on a submarine in distress were possible?

I am not sure that I agree with the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the answer is obviously "Yes," and that is why I am having the policy reviewed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the objection mentioned in the first part of my supplementary question comes from a letter from one of his officials as a ground for rejecting any such scheme, and will he consider the scheme afresh?

There is only one official voice for the Admiralty in this House, and that is mine.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he now has any further information to give the House about H. M. Submarine "Affray."

The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, has now convened a Naval Board of Inquiry, which held its first meeting this morning. The work of the Board will be intermittent, but I feel it is advantageous to have it in being whilst the present operations are in hand.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be able to keep the House informed from time to time, even when his Department is rather low down in the list for Questions?

indicated assent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what circumstances have led to the decision to make the position of Leading Man of Wharf, His Majesty's Victualling Yard, Malta, one to be held by a United Kingdom worker when for the past 60 years the position has been filled by a local entrant; and what will be the increase in the annual cost of maintaining this appointment.

It has been found necessary to appoint an officer from the United Kingdom to the post temporarily because none of the local entrants can be recommended at present as having suitable experience and qualifications. The increase in the annual cost of maintaining the appointment is £103 per annum in salary and £270 per annum for foreign service allowance. In addition, free passages to Malta will be provided for this officer and his family.

Is it not rather regrettable that this should be necessary? Surely the policy of the Admiralty in this year of grace should be to try to encourage the Maltese. and not to discourage them by replacing them with personnel from this country at added cost to the Exchequer?

In the first place, no Maltese has ever held this appointment. It has been held for the last 50 years by ex-naval ratings who came from this country and served in Malta. I assure the hon. and gallant Member that it is Admiralty policy to try to train Maltese for these posts, but that as far as the present position is concerned we find that there is nobody suitable and, therefore, we must send out someone from the United Kingdom.

asked the Postmaster-General how long postage stamps of old designs and colour will be valid for postage and revenue purposes.

All postage stamps issued during King George V's Reign and since are still valid. Stamps issued during the present Reign will remain valid for many years.

asked the Postmaster-General the financial result so far of the introduction of the new series of stamps.

I am not in a position to make any reliable estimate of the financial result.

Apart from that, in view of the confusion to both the public and Post Office officials alike, can the right hon. Gentleman really justify this change?

Yes, Sir. I am rather surprised at the hon. and gallant Member taking that view. After all, this country has always been known for its alacrity in conforming with international conventions. We were bound to do it in this case.

asked the Postmaster-General how much revenue his Department has lost by reason of the recent change in the colour of postage stamps.

No figures are available, but I have no reason to suppose that revenue has been lost because of the changes in the colours of the ½d. to 2½d postage stamps.

Arising from the latter part of that answer, will the Postmaster-General reconsider the position if I send him the result of an experiment which consisted of sending a number of letters, stamped, totalling only 1d., With different coloured combinations of stamps, all of which were delivered to an address in London without any surcharge, and does his answer mean that he is surreptitiously re-introducing the 1d. post?

asked the Postmaster-General how many 5s. and 2s. 6d. books of stamps were issued in 1950: whether it is his intention to alter the proportion of stamps in subsequent issues and to provide some 1½d. stamps; and whether he will issue a 10s. book.

The numbers are: 5s. books, 9½ million; 2s. 6d. books, 42¼ million. The question of altering the composition of books of stamps and of including l½d. stamps in them is under consideration. I do not think there would be a sufficient demand for 10s. books to justify the cost of and added complication in production and stocking.

In view of the popularity of these books and of their great convenience to all concerned, will my right hon. Friend consider placing notices in all post offices drawing attention to their availability, as there are still many people who do not know that these books are in use?

We have already sold 55 million in a year which is a good indication that the public are aware of them.

Would it be illegal to sell these books of stamps at cut-price rates?

It would not be legal to contravene the provisions made by the House.

asked the Postmaster-General why the postal address of Goudhurst, which was changed from Goudhurst, Kent. to Goudhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, a year ago, has now been changed again to Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent; and if he is aware of the waste of paper involved by instructions to residents to alter again the addresses on their note paper.

The present postal address of Goudhurst has been in force since 1941. It is being changed to Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, in connection with alterations designed to improve postal services in the area. I regret any temporary inconvenience which may be caused by the alteration.

How many alterations of this kind are necessary in other places, what governs these alterations, and who decides that they should be made?

In order to get the most efficient postal service, the work is always being reviewed. In this case, both parish councils agreed with the alteration.

Is the Postmaster-General not aware that "Tonbridge is a very illustrious name?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will permit printed matter in imitation typewriter type to be posted for 1½d for a maximum of 4 oz., in view of the difficulties of discrimination and also to avoid an additional classification of postal matter.

Subject to certain conditions, circulars in imitation typewriting are admissible at the printed paper rate.

In view of the great convenience to secretaries and business firms of imitation typewritten letters on certain occasions, even when they are printed, will my right hon. Friend not permit all such letters to be posted without this extra charge?

No, Sir. I have acceded to the request in the Question and ought not to be pushed further.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider issuing, for the benefit of both general public and post office staffs, a pamphlet or leaflet giving full details of postal facilities available in connection with His Majesty's Forces overseas.

Full details are already issued to post office staffs. A leaflet, to amplify the information in the Post Office Guide, is being prepared and will be made available for public use as soon as possible.

As my right hon. Friend has provided an excellent leaflet giving information to visitors from overseas, I wondered whether he would adopt this suggestion. Is he aware that the existing information in the hands of post office staffs is very unsatisfactory from their point of view, because it consists of various memoranda stuck on top of each other as they continue to be issued? The staffs will be very glad to know that my right hon. Friend intends publishing this leaflet.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has now been made by the Committee set up by him to advise him on the question of recognition of staff associations in the Post Office; and when this body will receive oral evidence from the associations concerned.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question on 19th June by my hon. Friend, the Member for Durham (Mr. Grey).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although he announced the setting up of this Committee four and a half months ago it has not yet begun to hear oral evidence, and is he further aware that an officer of his Department recently informed one of the applicants that it was extremely difficult to get the Committee together at all?

I am surprised that the hon. Member is again so ill-informed. The Committee has already had one sitting, at which it heard a number of people orally. I understand that three other associations have been invited to tender evidence and that the dates have been fixed. I should have thought that this Committee had been making very good progress indeed.

Is the Postmaster-General now saying that dates have been fixed in reply to all applications for the hearing of oral evidence, and is he aware that one member of the Committee has announced that he is now going abroad for some months?

What I have said is that three of the associations have already given oral evidence, contrary to the view expressed by the hon. Member. Three others have been invited to give oral evidence on two dates that have been fixed. As to the rest of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I have no information.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the position is particularly acute in the motor transport branch where skilled workers are leaving, and will he see that the position of the Guild of Motor Engineers is given special attention?

A date has been fixed for them, too, to give oral evidence.

asked the Postmaster-General what report he has received so far on the work of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Board; when it was received by him from the Board; and when it is to be published in this country.

An interim report on the Board's activities up to 31st December, 1950, was received by me on the 19th June. I am placing copies in the Library of the House and propose to consider the question of publication when I receive the report and accounts for the first full year to 31st March, 1951.

Is there any connection between the fact of the report having been received on 19th June and this Question appearing on the Order Paper?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will abolish the fine paid by the recipients of unstamped letters by reducing the charge levied on such letters to 2½d.

No, Sir.

In view of the rather concise and somewhat ungracious answer of my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he is aware that the present imposition of the penalty of an extra charge on the recipient of an unstamped letter is an injustice and that the person who ought to be punished is the person who has committed the offence? Since it is impossible to punish the offender, does not my right hon. Friend think he ought to look into this matter again?

The remedy is in the hands of the recipient. All he has to do is to refuse to take the letter, but so long as he takes the letter I am obliged by Act of Parliament to apply the surcharge.

While we are discussing the question of a surcharge, would not it be a good idea to send a bill to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter)?

What for?

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the hon. Member for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams) sent me a circular which was from some Conservative organization—

That has nothing to do with this Question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, pending their final report, he will invite his Advisory Committee to advise him as to the terms of a draft regulation to require suppressors to be fitted to motor cars for the reduction of interference on television sets.

The Committee was set up for the express purpose of advising me on the requirements that might be prescribed in a regulation and I must await their report on that point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem is quite unconnected with all the other problems due to interference, that this Committee was set up months—in fact, I think, years—ago, and will the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects this report and, in the absence of it, when he is going to do something to get this advice?

What I am able to do has been determined by the House, which decided that this was the method. The Committee has been set up and I understand it is now considering the terms of a draft report, and I hope to get it soon.

What part of the Act precludes the right hon. Gentleman from inviting the Committee to hasten their advice?

What I am prevented from doing is publishing regulations except on the authority of the Advisory Committee. This Advisory Committee is a highly technical body. They are now drafting their report and I think we should let them finish their work.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the difficulties being caused to a number of councillors of the county borough of West Ham in not being granted the facilities of the telephone service; and whether he will arrange for these councillors and all public representatives to be afforded the use of the telephone service at their home addresses, on application, to enable them properly to carry out their civic and public duties.

I am aware of three such applications. Two can be met on a sharing basis and the third is held up by shortage of plant.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that bookmakers seem to get telephone lines pretty easily, and does he not think that public representatives at least should be allowed to have a telephone without sharing it?

I do not accept that contention. If my hon. Friend will give me any concrete information about that, I will look into it.

If the Postmaster-General cares to look at the Press, he will see at any time that lines are being added and that the telephone numbers are given in almost all the national Press.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this particular difficulty is not confined to the borough of West Ham but is general in other places, and will he see what he can do to rectify it generally?

That is my job, to try to overcome this general difficulty throughout the country, but because of the justifiable neglect during the war it will take some time to overcome it.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the long list of people in Llanberis, Caernarvonshire, who require a telephone; and what are the plans of his Department for extending the exchange facilities in this district.

Additional cables, as well as a new exchange, are needed before service can be given to the waiting applicants. In view of defence and other urgent claims on our limited resources, regret that it is not possible at present to say when this work is likely to be completed.

Is it not a fact that the exchange facilities in this town are exceptionally inadequate, particularly in view of the fact that Llanberis is the centre of the new Snowdonian National Park and is doing increasing business particularly regarding tourism?

While it is a fact that we have the exchange building put up, our difficulty is to get equipment to put into the exchange itself. It is a matter of supply.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that in this and in other rural areas in North Wales the exchanges are inadequate, and will he give special attention to the need for telephone facilities in the rural areas?

A new allocation of capital has been made for development in Wales, and when that materialises I think hon. Members will be satisfied that Wales is getting its fair share.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that when his Department puts up a building he knows that he has nothing to put into it?

No, Sir. Buildings are planned a very considerable time ahead. Once we know the buildings are going up we give an order for the equipment, but if the manufacturers cannot deliver the equipment it is not the fault of the Post Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet come to a decision as to the future of the Rawcliffe Aerodrome.

Yes, Sir. It has been decided that this airfield is to be retained for Government use in emergency. Negotiations are shortly to take place with the York Corporation on its peacetime use.

Does that reply mean that this airfield will be de-requisitioned, or will it remain on Government requisition?

That has not been decided. I think we had better wait until the negotiations with the York Corporation are completed.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give the House an indication of how many other aerodromes are scheduled in the same way throughout the country?

The Question relates to Rawcliffe Aerodrome and not to other aerodromes.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he has considered the remarks contained in Sections 33 to 37 of the Second Report of the Public Accounts Committee concerning the expenditure of £400,000 on the Changi airfield; and, in view of the waste of money revealed, if he will take steps to reorganise the branch of his Department which is concerned with the making of contracts such as that concerned in this case.

I share the Committee's regret that this nugatory expenditure should have occurred. I have already explained the circumstances in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 11th April.

Would it not be healthier and better for the taxpayers if the people who committed these errors got the sack, as they would in any ordinary private company?

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman realises that in dealing with engineering matters it is not always right to blame the technicians responsible. In this case it was not due to any kind of negligence but to the unusual soil conditions which exist in this part of the world.

Does the Secretary of State for Air really mean that His Majesty's Government regard the expenditure of nearly half a million pounds as a "nugatory" expense?

What I said was that I shared the feelings of the Committee as to the effect of the mistake which was made. In saying it is "nugatory," I was repeating the words used by the Committee.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman really wish the House to believe that the soil conditions of this area were not perfectly well known to practically everybody concerned? The excuse he has produced on those grounds is quite obviously incorrect.

It is an extraordinary thing that the hon. Gentleman should say the unusual conditions were known to everybody, because the borings takes in 1946 were known to the technical experts of the Government of Singapore and, if any one should have known the soil conditions, they should.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that when constructing airfields abroad the works department of the Air Ministry take advantage of the knowledge of men on the spot instead of making wild decisions itself?

I have just indicated that the technical experts of the Government of Singapore were associated with the technical experts of the Air Ministry at the time these borings were made.

In view of the entirely unsatisfactory nature of the replies to this Question, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what financial provision is being made in 1951–52 for the maintenance of the Mingaladon, Akyab and Mergui airfields.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the expenditure to date since the signing of the Burma Treaty on the provision of landing facilities at Mingaladon, Akyab and Mergui.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what contribution is being made under sub-headings A, B and C, of paragraph 6 of the Annexe to the Burma Treaty, under which His Majesty's Government undertake to contribute towards the cost of maintenance of, and the provision of technical personnel at Mingaladon, Akyab and Mergui.

Under sub-heads (a) and (b) of Clause 6 of the Defence Agreement with the Government of Burma, which was signed in August, 1947, the Government of the United Kingdom undertook to contribute an agreed amount to the maintenance of Mingaladon airfield, including the provision of technical personnel. By agreement between the two Governments, the operation of the airfield has been taken over on a contract basis by International Aeradio Limited, a British Company, who provide all necessary technical facilities. Our contribution to the running of Mingaladon has therefore taken the form of the payment of fees to International Aeradio Limited in respect of all landings made by Royal Air Force aircraft. This has amounted to about £2,000 since the date of the signing of the Treaty in October, 1947. The same arrangements will apply in 1951 and 1952.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman entirely satisfied that our contribution is sufficient to keep these airfields in first class condition?

I would not like to say that but it is what we are bound to provide under the Agreement and is sufficient having regard to the services that we are receiving.

Are there any R. A. F. personnel in this component in Burma?

I think there is another question about that.

Is this in fact a subsidy to a private company?

No, Sir. It is carrying out the Agreement which we made with the Burmese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what facilities for the landing of Royal Air Force aircraft exist at Mingaladon, Akyab and Mergui.

Air traffic control facilities, refuelling, and other technical assistance, are regularly provided for Royal Air Force aircraft at Mingaladon. Similar facilities are made available at Mergui and Akyab when required, though these airfields are not at present regularly used by the Royal Air Force.

Do we enjoy these facilities on a year-to-year basis, or do we have a long-term arrangement?

The facilities are provided for, as I have said, under the Agreement, and there is no time limit.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if an inquiry has been held into the accident involving the death of Wing Commander K. T. Lofts, when he was flying a Vampire aircraft while practising for an air race on 19th May; and if he will make a statement.

An inquiry has been held into the unfortunate accident in which this distinguished officer lost his life. As the proceedings have not yet been considered by the appropriate authorities I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Will the Secretary of State make inquiries as to whether the Vampire aircraft in question was new when delivered to wing Commander Loft's squadron. Secondly, were all the modifications carried out before it was flown? Lastly, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman review the question of flying regulations for air races for this kind of aircraft?

I should prefer to await the Report.

What about the last point?

I will look into it.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that auxiliary pilots are getting sufficient flying practice apart from their annual training?

I should not like to say that all pilots are but it has never been represented to me that the amount of training was due in any way to lack of facilities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to what extent he is encouraging the development and use of helicopters; and what is his present programme.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply of 25th June by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply on the development of helicopters. As regards their civil use my noble Friend is encouraging all the experimental flying necessary, consistent with the present state of development of the helicopter and the resources available. The present programme is focussed on the work of the British European Airways Helicopter Experimental Unit, which is mainly financed by the Exchequer, and includes the operation of an experimental service between the London airports and Birmingham.

Does the hon. Gentleman's Department propose to increase the internal helicopter services during the present year?

Not during the present year.

In view of the fact that London and Birmingham are well served with transport of all kinds, could not this form of transport be supplied to places where it would be far more important, such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?

As I have previously explained, it is not safe to operate a passenger service over water with a singleengined helicopter. When twin-engined helicopters are available the situation will be different.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary able to make any further statement as to the provision of a helicopter landing stage over Charing Cross railway station?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in view of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly meeting just terminated and the fact that the Treasury was consulted with regard to Great Britain's contribution to the $84,000 retirement payment to the Secretary-General, what instructions were given to the British representative of International Civil Aviation Organisation as to the attitude which he should take with regard to some revision or reduction of this $84,000 payment; and what is the proposed date of retirement.

This matter was settled at the Assembly of 1950, which awarded the Secretary-General a retiring gratuity of $17,875 Canadian, being one year's salary, and an annuity of $4,800 involving a capital value of $63,000. The United Kingdom contribution is less than 10 per cent. and our representatives supported the resolution which was carried unanimously after taking account of Dr. Roper's 30 years of service to international civil aviation as Secretary-General to the International Commission for Air Navigation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. No further instructions were required or given for the 1951 Assembly.

In view of the recent declaration of redundancies from this organisation of men of undoubted capacity without any compensation, does my hon. Friend think that this retirement payment is justified? If I bring to his notice evidence that has just come to me showing the real cause for the retirement of the Secretary-General, will my hon. Friend look into it with a view to giving instructions to the British representative to have some review made?

The answer to the first part of that supplementary question is "Yes, Sir"; otherwise our representatives would not have agreed to it. With regard to the second part, if my hon. Friend will let me have the information I will look at it, though I am inclined to the view that there will be a difference of opinion as to the facts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will now give the reasons for refusing the Scottish Flying Club permission to train at Prestwick Airport.

When this application was made my noble Friend consulted the interests concerned, including the users of the airport, and after careful consideration of all the circumstances decided that Prestwick was not an appropriate location for the club.

While I appreciate the difficulties that face his right hon. Friend, could I ask my hon. Friend if he will look into the possibility of providing alternative accommodation for this flying club, whose members played a very distinguished part in the Battle of Britain?

Certainly. We will give them all the assistance and encouragement possible.

Since the Minister is not allowing Prestwick Airport to be fully occupied by Scottish Aviation Limited, a private enterprise company, surely he can find some room for these amateur flyers, who may ultimately be called upon to play a part similar to that of the Battle of Britain pilots?

I understand that it was Scottish Aviation, to whom the hon. Member refers, who among others were particularly against the idea of having the flying club at the airport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (1) why the introduction of new aircraft on Scottish routes has been delayed;

Shortage of raw materials and labour troubles experienced by the contractors have delayed the conversion of Dakotas to Pionair aircraft for use on the British European Airways Corporation's routes. The consequent general shortage of passenger capacity for their summer schedules forced the Corporation temporarily to curtail or suspend several services, including three in Scotland which have now been restored.

My hon. Friend will recollect that we were promised that Marathons, Vikings and Ambassadors would be in operation a year ago to replace the out of date Rapides and Dakotas. Could he tell us who or what is causing the delay, and if any steps are being taken with regard to firms that default in the implementation of their contracts?

I have already stated the reason for the delay in the case of the Pionairs aircraft. In regard to the other aircraft it is a different question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that six Marathon aircraft are awaiting delivery at Blackbushe Airport. Is it not a fact that they are not being delivered because of a shortage of pilots, yet only three years ago B. E. A. C. were sacking pilots as redundant?

I do not accept that statement. In the first place my answer referred to Pionair aircraft.

asked the Minister of Defence how many British personnel have been rescued by the use of helicopters in the Korean operations.

At least 13 naval personnel have been rescued by helicopters. The only available figures for the land forces cover all Commonwealth units in Korea and amount to 21. The necessity for such rescues has not arisen in the case of United Kingdom Royal Air Force personnel.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether these are British or American aircraft?

They are American aircraft.

Are there no British helicopters in that theatre of war?

Not at present. It is proposed, as soon as possible, to use British aircraft.

Have any decorations been given to the Americans for their very gallant rescues on these occasions?

I cannot say.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will bring the provisions of Income Tax. Rule 9, to the notice of all Regular and Reserve officers in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

I am looking into the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion and will write to him when I have completed my inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said recently was correct, the Treasury undoubtedly owe the Services very large sums of money owing to ignorance of this Rule?