asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further information he has concerning the repayment to British holders of the arrears on Manila Railways debentures; and what steps he will take to make sure that no moneys will be granted by the Economic Co-operation Administration to the Manila Railways Company until these debentures have been repaid.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend on 27th February. Her Majesty's Government greatly hope that the Philippine authorities will take steps to facilitate payment of the moneys which have now been due for a considerable time to the British bond-holders.With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, Her Majesty's Government are not concerned with arrangements for the disbursement of moneys in the Philippines either by the United States Economic Co-operation Administration or its successor the Mutual Security Agency at the present time.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what subjects now stand referred to the National Insurance Advisory Committee.

The following matters now stand referred to the National Insurance Advisory Committee:—

Questions connected with the adjustment in certain circumstances of benefits paid to persons receiving free in-patient treatment in hospitals. Draft Regulations relating to maternity benefits in respect of confinements abroad. Draft Regulations relating to the crediting of contributions for certain days of recognised or customary holiday.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that considerable variations of temperature occur in the House of Commons in spite of the heating and ventilation system being worked by his officials in accord with the scheme; and whether, under such circumstances in consultation with Sir Oscar Faber, improvements will be carried out before the autumn to rectify these defects.

The air of the Chamber and Lobbies can be kept at any desired temperature and humidity by the air conditioning equipment which has been installed. The temperature maintained is normally 65° and is raised to 67.5° during a late sitting. The humidity is kept at approximately 55 per cent. The air is changed 8½ times per hour.My right hon. Friend has received a number of complaints which are not, however, at all in agreement. It is clear that there is a diversity of taste and that all hon. Members cannot simultaneously be satisfied. My right hon. Friend has asked me to investigate the problem and I am doing so. I should welcome expressions of opinion from hon. Members and I am asking a medical man who has made a study of this subject to give me his advice.

asked the Minister of Transport how many applications to install cattle grids have been received from each of the county councils in Wales; upon what class of roads they are to be constructed; and how many have been approved for grant.

Two applications for grant have been received: one for a cattle grid on a Class II road in Merioneth, which has been approved, and one for a cattle grid on a Class III road in Radnor, which has not been accepted because it did not comply with the Ministry standards.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he will inquire into the case of No. 5335767 Lance-Corporal Parker, E., Depot, Royal Welch Fusiliers, Hightown Barracks, Wrexham, North Wales, in regard to a charge made against him when serving in Jamaica in August, 1951, concerning an offence said to have been committed on 20th June: and whether, in view of the fact that this soldier who has now returned to civil life was completely acquitted of the charge but has had to bear very heavy legal expenses in his own defence, steps can be taken to refund some of this money in accordance with Army Regulations relating to trials by district court martial.

I have looked into this case and have ascertained that this soldier was given the opportunity of applying for legal aid but failed to take advantage of it. I am therefore unable to make any refund of his legal expenses.