asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware of the hardship that is being caused by the fact that widows' pensions are taken into account in computing unemployment benefit; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this.

Under the rules made in 1948 a widow who is unemployed will receive at least as much as other unemployed people from the Insurance Fund. I see no reason for thinking that this gives rise to hardship or for altering the rules.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this obviously causes real hardship, particularly in cases where widows have brought up a family and have to go out to work in much more difficult conditions? Would he reconsider this matter and rather take the view that though this was done in 1948 we were big enough to reconsider things when their working caused people hardship? Would he treat the whole matter on these lines?

This has been the adopted practice for many years. Pensionable widows are, of course, given the option whether or not to continue their contributions to the Insurance Fund.

asked the Minister of National Insurance upon what basis and under what statute a widow's pension, payable in respect of the loss of her husband during the 1914–18 war, becomes merged in a right to a contributory widow's or retirement pension under the National Insurance Act.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind cases where a pension is payable to a widow under the National Insurance Acts at a reduced rate because she has a war widow's pension. This is done by virtue of Regulations under Sections 30 and 65 of the main Act.

I am not quite sure what that answer means—I say that quite seriously. Is the Minister aware that what I have in mind is precisely what the Question on the Order Paper says—the case of a widow drawing pension in respect of the loss of her husband in the 1914–18 war—a war widow's pension—who has had her unemployment pay reduced because she is drawing that pension? Is it not abundantly clear that nothing could be more inequitable than to say, "You have qualified for a pension awarded in respect of the 1914–18 war but because of an Act passed in 1946 you are to have your benefits reduced because of something that happened 30 years ago"?

This Question deals with the super-imposition of a widow's or retirement pension under the Insurance Acts over and above a widow's pension accruing in respect of someone who was killed in the 1914–18 war. The position is complicated. Up to 1939 no duplication was allowed. Since 1939 pensions at reduced rates became payable under the National Insurance Acts in addition to the Service penson, and after 1953 any widow attaining pensionable age will be entitled to duplication of pension in full.

Cannot we get together, thrash this out and put it right?

asked the Minister of National Insurance what is the amount of the weekly entitlement of unemployment benefit under his regulations for a wholly unemployed married woman living apart from her husband and not maintained by him; and the amount of the entitlement of a married woman living apart from her husband and in receipt of a nominal payment of 2s. 6d. per week under a maintenance order.

Whether a married woman living apart from her husband is entitled to unemployment benefit at the rate of 20s. a week or the higher rate of 26s. does not depend on whether she is actually being maintained by him, but on whether she is able to obtain any financial assistance from him. This rule is laid down in the Act and I have no power to alter it by regulations. The present rates will be increased to 26s. and 32s. 6d. respectively on 24th July.

What about the second part of the Question?

The second part of the Question raises a hypothetical case which would fall for decision by the independent statutory authorities and not by me as Minister.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am raising a specific case in which a woman, because she receives a nominal payment of 2s. 6d. per week from her husband under a maintenance order, has 6s. deducted from her unemployment pay? Will the Minister have a look at that?

Cases of separated wives are one of the most difficult questions under the Insurance Act. We had to pass Insurance Acts for the group, for categories, and not for individual cases. We take the view that in a case of the sort which the hon. Member quotes the wife's primary recourse should be against her husband for an increased payment under the maintenance order when she falls unemployed.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that the Prince Albert Road office of his Department has refused to employ coloured students; and if he will take steps to remedy this matter.

Coloured students have from time to time been employed on temporary work in this office, and although difficulties have occurred they will be employed again if temporary staff is needed in future.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has yet received the Report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee on the amounts payable to hospital inpatients; and what action he is taking upon it.

Yes, Sir. I received the Committee's Report on 27th June and copies will be available at the Vote Office after Questions. Provisional regulations are being laid today to give the earliest effect to their recommendations. As a result the benefit of hospital inpatients will go up, when the recent Act takes effect, broadly in the same proportion as other people's benefit. Those who have been a year in hospital will receive an increase of 1s. 6d.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this decision will be very widely welcomed?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what success has attended the experiment in the utilisation of low temperature heat at Battersea Power Station; and what plans are in hand for the further utilisation of such energy now being wasted in other generating stations.

This experiment has proved technically successful, but it will take some time to weigh up its economic merits. Discussions are taking place between the British Electricity Authority and other bodies with the intention of promoting other schemes of a similar nature.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proposals he is making to industrial, commercial and other users of electricity, with a view to the avoidance of power cuts during the coming winter.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour will be making a statement tomorrow on the Government's proposals for load spreading arrangements next winter, and I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to await that statement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he expects to allow branded petrol to be once again on sale to the public.

The oil companies have asked the Government to reconsider this matter. It involves questions not only of supply, but also of the general balance of payments, and I am not able to make any statement at present.

Is the Minister aware that we are almost the only civilised country in the world which gives the consumer no opportunity of buying better petrol and thus getting a greater mileage per gallon?

I am very anxious that the best qualities of petrol should once again be on sale in this country as soon as possible, but I would not take any step which would injure the country in its balance of payments in the present difficult situation.

Would not the Minister agree that, at the moment, we are to some extent getting the worst of both worlds? Would not he insist that we not only retain the branded pool petrol, but also that we revert to the pool system of distribution, with its attendant economies?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of his support for the principles of back pressure generation in properly balanced domestic and/or industrial power-cum-heating schemes, in the interest of coal conservation, he will hold consultations with the Minister of Housing and Local Government with a view to promoting a pilot and experimental scheme, on a district basis in one of the new towns or in a suitable district scheduled for rebuilding, in one of the bombed towns.

Yes, Sir. There is already one scheme of this kind, and I will certainly discuss with my right hon. Friend the possibility of promoting other similar schemes.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has had a special committee investigating this complex and technical matter for months past, and that whereas my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams) and myself have been pressing for the publication of the report of that committee we have not yet succeeded? Is it not in the public interest that these details should be made available to hon. Members of this House in order that they can adjudge the efficacy of these schemes?

I am not aware of an actual committee, but the fuel engineers of my Department have been making advice available to local authorities.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that during the debate initiated, I think it was last week, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government said he had a committee in being and that what we really want is the report of that committee? Will my right hon. Friend consult his right hon. Friend and find out what conspiracy has taken place about which he knows nothing?

I do not think that there has been any conspiracy, but I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action has now been taken to assist small mine owners in North Staffordshire to find markets for their coal so as to prevent overstocking and maintain production.

I am informed that the National Coal Board have suggested a number of outlets for the coals produced by these small mines, and most of them are disposing of their output currently and reducing their stocks.

While thanking the Minister for the action he took last week in this matter, may I ask if he is aware that these small mine owners cannot afford to carry large stocks of coal and have been badly hit by the Lancashire slump and the recession in the salt trade? So far as I am informed there are still many complaints of over-stocking, which is impeding the flow of production. Will he keep an eye on this matter?

Yes, Sir, that was one of the reasons for the action that was taken. I shall certainly keep an eye on the matter, but the remedial measures have only recently been put into operation.

Is anything being done to enable local firms or householders to take up this extra stock off the ration in addition to normal supplies?

Yes, Sir, that has been in force for some time in the various localities.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what distributed stock of coal, expressed in terms of weeks' supply on 31st October, he proposes to allocate to industry, other than engineering and other metal trades, for the coming winter.

Five, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what distributed stock of coal, expressed in terms of weeks' supply on 31st October, he proposes to allocate to the engineering and other metal trades for the coming winter.

Six generally, but seven in the Midlands.

As the stocks are now nearly up to their targets, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that when they actually reach the targets coal will be diverted to other uses, so that industrialists may be encouraged to practise economy in the use of coal?

It is the policy of the Government to export as much coal as possible consistent with reaching a safe target for the beginning of the coal winter.

Will my right hon. Friend explain why this Midland cartel should have more supplies than anywhere else?

My hon. Friend has the same curiosity as myself, and the answer I received is that for many years there has, in the Midlands particularly, been a risk of difficulty due to transport congestion in that area.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the threat to Britain's European coal markets inherent in the present rate of deliveries and the anticipated total exports for 1952; the growing foreign competition in European markets; and what early prospect exists of increasing the annual rate of 12,500,000 tons in 1952.

I propose to deal with this among other matters during the debate later today.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statistical statement on coal mining recruitment during the six months to 30th June, 1952, and on the total labour force in the industry compared with 1950 and 1951.

I am circulating a table of figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received from the United Nations organisation as to the estimated cost of the modern military equipment now being supplied to the Communist forces in North Korea.

None, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what offers of mediation on the question of the repatriation of prisoners of war in Korea he has received; and what action he proposes to take.

No formal offer of mediation on the prisoners of war question has been received from any quarter by Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present state of the armistice talks at Panmunjom.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the latest proposals for an exchange of prisoners made by the Communists at Panmunjom.

The talks at Panmunjom are at present being held in secret session. I should prefer not to add at present to the accounts already given the House in my statement on 1st July, and in the White Paper published the same day.

Have Her Majesty's Government conveyed their views on these latest proposals to the United States Government and other interested Governments?

We are in touch with the United States Government and other interested Governments on the latest proposals for resolving the deadlock. We are also in touch on other proposals designed to achieve the same object.

Will the Minister impress in the proper quarters the fact that this is not a mere talking point as far as the Communists are concerned, because very real considerations of prestige are involved for them? Does he not agree that their latest proposals represented a slight advance and that they should be followed up rather than dampened down?

I quite agree that any proposal must be carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far Part II of Command Paper No. 8596 on Korea is based upon the report of the United Nations court of inquiry; and whether he will now publish this report in full.

Part II of Command Paper No. 8596 was based partly on the United Nations Commander's report and partly on information obtained during my recent visit to Korea. I do not think that the information available to the House would be substantially increased by the action proposed in the second part of the Question. However, if the hon. Gentleman wishes, I am willing to place a copy of the United Nations Commander's report, as published in the United States, in the Library.

Is it clear, then, that there has been a court of inquiry? Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman refreshed his memory on the answers he gave last week and on 19th May, when he said there was a court of inquiry as well as a report made by the Red Cross? Last week he was in some doubt whether the United Nations Commander's report was the report, and that there was not a court of inquiry. Could we have it clear that there was a court of inquiry, and, if there was, will he make that report available?

I do not recollect ever having stated that there was a court of inquiry, but I certainly have stated that inquiries have been made. However, I have the document in my hand, and I am willing to place it in the Library so that the hon. Gentleman will be able to investigate it.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman recall that on the occasion to which my hon. Friend has referred he did say that the White Paper, when published, would give us ample information about the report of the Red Cross? Is he aware that it does not give us much information about the Red Cross report and that it is very difficult to find anywhere in this country any copy of it? Does he not think that it would be useful if the Government made available to the House, as another White Paper, the report made by the Red Cross on their inquiry into the handling of the camp?

That is a very different question from the one on the Order Paper.

Has the Minister read his reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 19th May, when he said:

"… let us see what is the result of this court of inquiry"?—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th May, 1952; Vol. 501, c. 11.]

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that it is hardly a sufficient answer to say, "That is quite a different question," when what I was asking about was his own undertaking that ample information about this Red Cross report would be given in the White Paper the Government published, and when he has not given it?

asked the Prime Minister if he will move for the appointment of a delegation of hon. Members of this House to visit and report on affairs in Korea.

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee to make a full investigation of the conduct of the Korean war, and ensure that all the necessary documents, papers, etc., shall be produced and that the committee have power to call for all persons and papers, which shall include a full report on what happened at the Wake Island Conferences and during the visits of Her Majesty's Ministers to India, Korea and other countries.

No, Sir.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the increasing disquiet among our people about the carrying on of this war, particularly among those whose sons, husbands or other relatives are out there and many of whom have been there so long? As the Prime Minister cannot accept the proposal in the Question, will he say what other action he is taking?

Is the Prime Minister aware that, when the Korean war started, it was explained that this was not a war, but an international police act; and, in view of the fact that millions of people are homeless and that great devastation has occurred in Korea, is it not time that we have a full investigation of how it is affecting the people whom we are supposed to liberate?

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements have been made for the further shipment of meat from the Argentine when the amount of meat provided for by the Protocol has been supplied.

Shipments under the Protocol are now virtually complete. The arrangements for further shipments are one of the main subjects of the negotiations in Buenos Aires which were recently suspended for President Peron's inauguration.

In view of the fact that reports state that the ships leaving the Argentine recently left only partially loaded, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman use his good offices to endeavour to get the negotiations commenced effectively as early as possible?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Food why there were no consultations with representatives of the meat traders about the new schedules of retail meat prices.

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. My officers consulted precisely the same representative traders as they did when the meat prices were altered in July last year.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that this time the meat traders asked that they should be officially consulted at the earliest possible stage in the negotiations and that they now complain that this was not done; and, further, that they complain that the schedules were issued to the Press before they were given to the federation?

I can add nothing further to my answer. They were consulted.

Is the Minister aware that there have been many criticisms from trade leaders about the consequences of these rises in price? Would it not be a good idea if the traders were always consulted fully before rises took place?

There has been no departure from the practice of past years. I have just said that the same people were consulted, precisely as before.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that this time the butchers are saying that the Minister is quite out of touch with what is happening in the butchers' shops, and that this is a new circumstance?

asked the Minister of Food whether the statement on the future purchase of bananas was made after consultation with the representatives of colonial suppliers; and what is the position regarding the present Government contract.

My statement of 19th June was a preliminary to the consultations now starting. I am unable at this stage to make any further statement.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the banana growers are most apprehensive about their trade with this country and that it would have been far better if he had consulted them first and then made a statement?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer to which I have referred him he will see that I said that we must be satisfied, before we do anything at all, that the interests of the colonial growers are safeguarded. That is what I said and that is what I stick to.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider making facilities available for the use of SO, for preserving plum pulp in barrels and tanks and thus increasing the opportunities for the use of home-produced crops of this fruit.

Such facilities are already available and I do not think that I could usefully intervene.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that the facilities are equal to those available during the war, because if there is not enough sugar it is most important, especially for the plum crop, that SO₂ should be used?

I gather that the position is that there is a plentiful supply of SO₂ available for this purpose. Therefore, if it is necessary to do this, I do not think that there is anything to prevent it being done.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that one of the difficulties is the actual place in which to put the fruit, not so much the supplies of SO₂? Would he look into that matter to see that the capacity for taking the fruit is adequate?

I will certainly look into that point.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents occurred during the last 20 years at the Thickthorn crossroads where the B.3081 crosses the A.354 road; how many of these involved motor cars or lorries, and motor cycles, respectively; and how many of these accidents have proved fatal.

I regret that the information is not immediately available, but I am having inquiries made.

When my hon. Friend has the information will he, in the light of it, make money available to the local authority so that it can try to do something to prevent further accidents at this crossroads? Nothing more than two "Halt" signs have ever been erected on the two side-roads.

The first thing to do is to obtain the information.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the copy of the resolution on road safety passed by the National Conference of the Sons of Temperance which has been sent to him; and what steps he proposes to take to implement the suggestions contained therein.

Yes, Sir, and I have replied to the hon. Member's letter sending me the resolution. As opportunity occurs I will consider what propaganda can be directed against the misuse of alcohol as a factor in road accidents.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that German coastal shipping is avoiding the use of British ports because of heavy charges and of the long time taken in turn round; and if he will take further steps to remove this disability to our trade.

I am not aware of any such development. As regards the second part of the question, the Ports Efficiency Committee is charged with the duty of investigating all aspects of port operation in the United Kingdom.

Will my right hon. Friend try to make the country realise that unless there is a quicker turn round at the docks, unless dock charges are lowered, unless we all work a bit harder and the vicious spiral caused by the continued demand for increased wages is stopped, we shall be faced with starvation?

I think that most of those considerations are fully borne in mind. Nearly all of them are now operating, including better weather conditions which also help.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continuing loss and inconvenience caused to seaside resorts by the pollution of beaches by oil; if he has now concluded his examination of this matter; and what steps he is proposing to take by way of remedial action.

My right hon. Friend is well aware that the pollution of beaches by oil is causing grave concern, and he is most anxious to do everything possible to solve it.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether it would not be possible, by international agreement, to have separators installed in all merchant ships, which would solve this problem almost overnight, and, at the same time, save the lives of thousands of sea birds every year?

Yes, Sir. This is the type of information which is at present being collated with a view to preparing a report for the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will make a statement in regard to the appointment of a chairman, deputy chairman and two full-time members to the British Transport Commission, in view of the fact that the terms of appointment of the present incumbents expire on 31st August, 1952;

After discussion with the Commission, I am offering to all those full-time members mentioned in the Questions, and also to the members of the Railway Executive, the continuance of their services for a further year, although they will not necessarily in every case retain their existing appointments.

Is the Minister correct in making the assumption that the terms of the Bill will be carried into effect; and, secondly, will the members of the Road Passenger Executive receive any compensation for the termination of their offices at such short notice?

It is in no sense short notice to the members of the Road Passenger Executive, because my predecessor in the Labour Government told them that they were not to be continued in office. In reply to the first part of the Question, I have powers to add to or diminish the number of the Executive without any regard to the forthcoming Bill.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the elimination of bureaucratic control is the surest means of restoring efficiency in transport?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now give the date on which the Transport Amendment Bill will be available to hon. Members.

I am giving notice of presentation of the Transport Bill today, and will present it to the House tomorrow. Copies will then be available to hon. Members the following day, Wednesday, 9th July.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Annual Report of the British Transport Commission for 1951, which was promised about three weeks after the issue of the financial and statistical statement, will be made available to hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to publish the Report of the British Transport Commission for 1951.

The Report will be laid on Friday next, and will be available to hon. Members about mid-day.

Will the Minister arrange to take the debate after we have had a reasonable chance of examining the Report?

As we have always made it plain that there would be a reasonable delay between the publication of the amending Bill and the Second Reading, the same naturally applies to the publication of the Report.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to those parts of the Metropolitan Police Report on London accident figures for 1951 which are critical of incompetent and careless driving; and if he will now consider bringing proposals before the House for an overhaul of all the arrangements connected with the licensing of persons to drive road vehicles, with a view to keeping off the roads those whose records or personal characteristics show them to be a danger to other persons using the roads.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has seen the statement of the London Commissioner of Police to the effect that many drivers on the road cannot drive a car competently; and if he will seek powers to strengthen the traffic laws of the country to combat the toll of road accidents.

I am aware of the Commissioner's report. It criticises pedal cyclists and pedestrians as well as drivers. There are limits to what legislation can do to prevent accidents, and, in general, I do not think that the present law as regards the driving of motor vehicles is inadequate. The courts can inflict heavy penalties on persons who drive a motor vehicle without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

Is it not a fact that this report is of very great importance, and that nothing which has so far been done in regard to the whole problem of road safety is having any real effect? Is it not obvious that it is the drivers themselves who, very often, have to be protected against others who are incompetent and prone to accidents?

All these matters are considered.

Does the Minister regard as an encouragement to road safety in London the recent decision by the London Sessions Appeals Committee, which cut from 15 years to six months a driving ban imposed upon a deaf-mute motor-cyclist for a traffic offence? Does he consider that that is the way to earn respect for the law?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down.

Is it in order for an hon. Member to criticise a particular court?

No, it is not in order.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a young child was seriously injured on 29th June, 1952, when she fell some 20 feet on to the railway line from the parapet of the Glenfield Tunnel at Leicester; and if he will take immediate steps to protect children from such danger in future.

My right hon. Friend has received a report on this accident. The Railway Executive inform me that the line which at this point carries very little traffic, is protected by post and rail fencing. It was in good condition on the day before the accident, but it was found on the day after that some of the rails had been removed.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him to give further consideration to this matter, particularly as there are thousands of children in that area now who were not there some years ago, and that there has been considerable pressure brought to bear by the tenants' association to have proper railings erected? Is he also aware that this child, who was very seriously injured, has been unconscious for about six or seven days, and that the matter is causing very grave concern in the district?

The obligation rests upon the railway. Experience has shown that trespass of this kind by active children is very difficult indeed to prevent, and that the real remedy lies in better parental control and the education of the children in the danger of trespassing on the tracks.

This is a very serious matter. May I ask the hon. Gentleman to go into it himself, and not pass it on to others? It is a matter which can be put right, and which ought to be put right.

The original answer indicates that we are giving serious consideration to it, and my right hon. Friend has read all the papers connected therewith.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will give an assurance that the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association have now implemented the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission Report, in accordance with the agreement made between him and the association.

I am assured that the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association have made the necessary changes in their rules and methods.

May I take it that all the changes which they have made are in accordance with the promise they made to the Minister arising from the Question which I put down a month ago?

Yes, Sir.

Does this mean that the public are now to get cheaper and better lamps, because that is the prime test of whether the whole thing has been worth while or not?

That is quite a different question.

asked the Minister of Supply how many of the headquarters staff of his Department have been discharged this year; and what steps are being taken to ensure that other and suitable employment is found for them.

Throughout the country about 650 temporary headquarters staff of the Ministry of Supply have been discharged this year. In the case of those discharged on grounds of redundancy, information about their qualifications is given to the Ministry of Labour so that they can help them find other employment.

Is the Minister aware that some of the temporary people who are being discharged are being asked to train two others to take their place? I have a case of that kind in my constituency, of which I can provide the right hon. Gentleman with details, where a woman who has given a number of years' service in his Department has now been given notice of dismissal as being redundant and has been asked, in the meantime, to train two others to do the job which she is doing.

I cannot believe that the hon. Gentleman is really suggesting that we are discharging one person and then engaging two others to take her place. I know nothing about the lady to whom he refers, but, quite clearly, the purpose of this operation is to reduce the total number of staff, and we are making some progress towards that objective.

If I send the Minister a letter in connection with the case in question, will he look into the matter?

Gladly.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the jet plane crash on Bemerton Heath Housing Estate, Salisbury; and if he will do all that is possible to assist the city authorities to help to re-accommodate the injured and homeless.

The aircraft involved in this crash was a piston-engined machine engaged on a flight from the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down for the purpose of photographing a trial of Army parachute equipment from another aircraft. A court of inquiry is investigating the cause of the accident.

While I am sure that hon. Members on both sides of the House will wish to associate themselves with my right hon. Friend's expression of sympathy for the bereaved and for the injured and homeless, may I ask if he is aware that those who lent a hand at the scene of the tragedy should be congratulated on the rescue work which they performed? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that there is growing disquiet in the built-up areas in and around Salisbury at the continued practice of low flying, and will he be good enough to contact his right hon. Friends at the appropriate Ministries with a view to looking into the question of low flying and dealing with it?

I will certainly look into it.