asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what instructions have been given to his officers in England as to the acceptance of Scottish bank notes for the payment of the purchase of savings certificates, postal orders, stamps, etc.

Instructions are to accept them.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him if he will consider the encouragement of a more general acceptance of Scottish bank notes by placing in post offices a notice saying, "Scottish bank notes accepted here"?

They have never been refused. My hon. and gallant Friend is asking me to do something which is really unnecessary.

Are they accepted at their full value of 20s. or at a discount?

They are accepted at their full value.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many sub-postmasters are now drawing remuneration below the level of £250 per annum.

Approximately 9,000.

In view of the large number of sub-postmasters concerned, will my hon. Friend consider obtaining for those who are in outlying districts some additional work, such as the issue of driving licences and possibly even motor-car licences?

That raises an entirely different matter, which has no connection with the original Question. I would point out to my hon. Friend that the remuneration from the Post Office is not supposed to be the sub-postmasters' sole means of livelihood.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many vacancies there are for sub-postmasters.

Two hundred and sixty-seven on 31st January, 1953.

In view of the rather rapid turnover of these gentlemen, does not my hon. Friend consider that some of the difficulty in filling these appointments is due to the continual upgrading of sub-post offices to Crown offices, and will he consider granting these people term appointments?

The turnover of the gentlemen, as my hon. Friend puts it, and of ladies, too, is not as rapid as all that. The number of vacancies unfilled at the moment is less than 1 per cent. of the total.

Is it not true to say that in any case conversion would not apply to people in this grade of £250 per annum?

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the number of sub-postmasters in Scotland; how many of these are drawing less than £250 per annum in remuneration; and how many are drawing £250 a year or more

Two thousand three hundred and seventy, of whom 1,300 are drawing £250 a year or more and the remainder less than that figure.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the sick rate amongst Post Office employees in terms of days' absence per person for the years 1952 and 1951; and how this compares with the pre-war figure.

The average number of days sick absence per person for non-disabled established staff was as follows: In 1938, 8.1 days for men and 9.3 for women; in 1951, 15.0 days for men and 18.4 for women. The corresponding figures for 1952 are not yet available.

Does my hon. Friend know the reason for this alarming increase in sickness absence; are people paid while absent, and can he give any idea of what the saving in manpower would be if the absence rate were the same as before the war?

This is a very alarming increase and the Government and the Post Office under successive Administrations have been disturbed about it. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I estimate that if the figures were the same as before the war there would be a saving in staff of at least 6,500 people.

Is it not a fact that there has been a change in Post Office regulations and practice in connection with the notification of illness?

Before the war the Post Office had their own doctors, whereas now the staff comes under the National Health Service.

Are wages paid during sickness, and has anything been done to check this?

The ordinary sickness regulations governing Government employment, of course, apply. With regard to the second point, this matter is under very careful consideration, not only by the Government, but also in co-operation with the trade unions, whose help and advice have been sought in this matter and are being very readily given.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made with those consultations which I set in motion when I was at the Department? It is a serious problem and the unions undertook a general examination in each region. Could the hon. Gentleman say what has happened?

I am afraid I am not in a position to make a definite statement to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the allowance payable for the maintenance of cats in his Department was last raised; what is the total amount involved; what is the present rate per cat in Northern Ireland; and how this compares with the rate in London.

There is, I am afraid, a certain amount of industrial chaos in the Post Office cat world. Allowances vary in different places, possibly according to the alleged efficiency of the animals and other factors. It has proved impossible to organise any scheme for payment by results or output bonus. These servants of the State are, however, frequently unreliable, capricious in their duties and liable to prolonged absenteeism.

My hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed regarding the differences between rates for cats in Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. There are no Post Office cats in Northern Ireland. Except for the cats at Post Office Headquarters who got the special allowance a few years ago, presumably for prestige reasons, there has been a general wage freeze since July, 1918, but there have been no complaints!

How does my hon. Friend account for the fact that no allowances are payable for cats in Northern Ireland? Is it because the post offices there are more sanitary, and will he say what happens if a cat has kittens? Is there a family allowance payment?

There are no cats in Northern Ireland, I presume, because there are no mice in post office buildings. With regard to the children's allowances, I am afraid there is none. But the head postmasters have full discretion to give a maternity grant.

Can the Minister tell us whether his Department provide an adequate maternity service.

Very adequate.

Can my hon. Friend say whether this is one of the occasions on which equal pay prevails?

Equal pay has been accepted both in principle and in practice.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter again.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General on what grounds the Post Office changed the address of Flimwell, Kent, from Flimwell, Goudhurst, Kent, to Flimwell, Wadhurst, Sussex; whether he is aware that since this change there have been delays in the delivery of post to the residents of Flimwell; and whether in view of the petition signed by the majority of the residents there protesting against the change, which has been forwarded to him, he will restore Flim-well's original, long-standing and geographically correct address.

The postal address of Flimwell has been changed from Kent to Sussex because the greater part of the village itself lies in Sussex and only a small part in Kent. I was not aware that this change had led to any delay in delivery, but I am looking at the matter again in the light of the petition which my hon. Friend has sent on to me, and I will write to him as soon as possible.

Is my hon. Friend aware that he undertook to look into this about two months ago, that nothing has happened, and that the mail delays have continued? Is he further aware that many of these residents, as a result of this decision, are now being asked to change their administrative centre for such purposes as Income Tax, and so on, from Kent to Sussex, and that this really involves a great many people in a very great deal of inconvenience? Will he look into the matter really urgently?

I promise to let my hon. Friend have a report on this matter in the very near future.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how far the damage done in Northern Scotland by the recent gale has been repaired; if he will give some estimate of what cost and work this has involved; and how far the provision of new telephone facilities will be delayed.

Temporary repairs were completed by 28th February and most of the work of permanent repair should be completed by the end of May. The estimated cost of restoration work in Northern Scotland is about £135,000, including the equivalent of 220 men's time for six months. The cost for Scotland as a whole is £170,000. Assistance from other parts of the country was provided on a considerable scale, but even with this, the repair of the storm damage will put back the planned programme of development by four or five months. While precise figures cannot yet be given, a substantial reduction, probably amounting to some thousands, will be unavoidable in the number of non-priority applications that can be met this year.

Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that people in the North of Scotland are very grateful to his Department and its workmen for the work they did, and will he do his best to see that the future programme, which will inevitably be held up—we appreciate that—will be held up as little as possible through lack of materials?

I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said about the Post Office staff, and I know that they will appreciate it. I shall certainly do my best to reduce as far as possible the devastating effects on the Post office programme of the damage done by the storm.

Would the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of paying a compliment to the staff, who made very special efforts to remedy all these defects, both in England and Scotland?

I thought I had stressed that when I was answering the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond). If I have not done so, I will willingly do so now. What struck me so much about this disaster was that in England and also in Scotland the Post Office staff did not have to be sent for— they turned up.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why he will not consider issuing a series of stamps portraying eminent British personalities, in view of the types of stamps issued by other Commonwealth Governments and the British Colonies.

British postage stamps have always portrayed the head of the Sovereign, and to do otherwise would break a tradition which was established when this country first issued postage stamps in 1840.

Is that any reason why we should not depart from tradition at times and supplement the very desirable printing of the monarch's head by the portrayal of other prominent personalities?

This has always been our tradition. We have a small type of stamp, incidentally, which would not lend itself to more than one head on it. There is no demand, in my opinion, for any change, and if eminent people are to be commemorated I think they can be commemorated in some way other than on postage stamps.

Could the Minister tell us why he has dropped the numeral "II" in the new issue of postage stamps but is not dropping it on his pillar boxes?

There has been no dropping of the numeral "II" on postage stamps or anywhere else.

On a point of order. Has the Minister not seen his new stamp which does not contain the numeral?

That is not a point of order.

Would my hon. Friend consider the possibility of advising Mr. Speaker to have a weekly ballot to see which hon. Member is to appear on the postage stamp for the following week so that everybody can be satisfied?

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will now make a statement as to the extent to which his Department are availing themselves of timber blown down in the recent gales for the purpose of stockpiling.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Mr. Spence) on 11th March. Offers have been invited for poles of sizes and types required by the Post Office, but it will be some time before we know how many suitable poles are likely to be available.

May we take it from that reply that my hon. Friend will do his best to use this home-grown timber wherever possible rather than spend currency on buying foreign poles?

Yes, I fully give that assurance.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to apply nuclear power to the production and projection of television pictures through Britain.

The B.B.C. are not aware that it is possible to apply nuclear power to television, but I shall be glad to put to them any proposal which the hon. and learned Member may have.

Is the Minister not aware that this matter has already been discussed in scientific papers? Will he take steps to secure the scientific distribution of television instead of wasting his time making invidious distinctions against the North of Scotland and Cornwall?

I am not quite sure what Cornwall has to do with this Question, but the B.B.C. have never heard of the application of nuclear energy to television. If the hon. and learned Gentleman has any proposals to make in the matter, I shall be delighted to pass them on.

Will the hon. Gentleman give us due warning when these experiments are going to take place?

Will my hon. Friend tell us what is likely to happen when television pictures are "projected through Britain"?

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General to make a statement giving details of the additional television facilities which he has recently provided for Brighton and Hove, beyond that which Brighton and Hove heretofore enjoyed; what other places have been given such additional facilities; and in what circumstances such additional facilities are granted.

The booster station which the B.B.C. propose to erect in the neighbourhood of Brighton will pick up television signals direct from Alexandra Palace, amplify them and then rebroad-cast on low power. The purpose of the booster station is to give a reasonable service to some thousands of people at Brighton, Hove and Worthing, who have already invested in television sets but can make little effective use of them at present owing to the screening effect of the South Downs. No other booster stations have been authorised.

Is the principle upon which the Minister acts in this matter the ancient one of "To him that hath to him shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he seemeth to have"?

asked the Assistant-Postmaster-General whether he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit the sale of wireless sets unless a licence-is produced.

My noble Friend has already carefully considered this idea, but he is reluctant to introduce this drastic change, involving as it would a system of control and restriction of dealers, unless he can be satisfied that it would be more effective and not cost more than the present system.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what representations he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation on the losses they expect to sustain in regard to the services of key television technicians, artistes and other performers if, and when, sponsored television is permitted.

None, Sir.

Is not the Minister aware that the mere possibility of commercial television is already making it very difficult for the B.B.C, and will he confirm the assurances given by the Government that there will be no commercial television in this country until the conditions already announced are fulfilled?

If it is making it difficult for the B.B.C, they have not said so. One of the virtues of the new policy is that it will give a chance of alternative employment to artistes and technicians. I am very surprised that the hon. Gentleman should wish to restrict that chance, and I am sure that as a member of the legal profession he would have a very genuine sense of grievance if he had only one client.

Is my hon. Friend aware that it would be deeply resented if it were proposed that a ring fence should be put round the B.B.C. or any other State monopoly in order to stop employees going to other jobs where they might get better pay?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a little bit of special pleading for commercial television? May I take it that his failure to answer the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary does not indicate that there is any change at all in Government policy?

There is no change whatsoever in Government policy. Of course it is special pleading for com-mercial television; this Government happens to believe in it.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what indication he has given to the Television Advisory Committee as to the date by which he wishes them to report; and when he expects to be in a position to inform the trade about the wavelengths to be made available for commercial television.

My noble Friend asked the Television Advisory Committee to give first priority to the question of what wavelengths could be allotted for commercial television. I understand that the Committee has made substantial progress and will shortly be drafting its report on this problem.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in order to hasten the provision of brighter and better and more popular television programmes, it is essential that the trade should get this information about wavelengths as soon as possible, and will he urge upon the Television Advisory Committee the greatest haste?

The Television Advisory Committee has made very fast progress, and, as I have said in my answer, it hopes to be drafting its report in the very near future.

In view of what has been said, can the hon. Gentleman tell us what are the complaints and the grave objections of the Government to the television programmes, which most of us find quite good?

I was not aware that the Government had made any complaint about the B.B.C.'s programmes.

If the Government have no complaint about the B.B.C. television programmes, why are they playing about with this commercialisation that will bring crime and vulgarity on to the television screens?

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us when the Report of the Television Advisory Committee will be made available to Members?

I cannot say.

Does he expect it to be made available to us?

I hope so, yes. It is now being drafted, and I hope it will be published before long.

The capital interests over there!

In view of the fact that the Assistant Postmaster-General's answer shows that no decision has yet been reached on this matter, would he be good enough to consult his colleagues and the Treasury and point out the extent to which large sums of money are being expended by private interests which the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are allowing for taxation purposes that ought not to be incurred at all, in view of the fact that the Government have reached no decision on these matters?

What the hon. Gentleman has just said has not the slightest relation to the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the Government's policy towards political broadcasting on commercial television stations.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to paragraph 9 of Command Paper 8550.

How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile the statement in the White Paper that political broadcasting will not be permitted with his statement last week that licences are being considered for newspapers of all political opinions? How can any programme financed by Lord Beaverbrook or by Mr. Pollitt be non-political?

A newspaper does not necessarily contain only politics. If it did, people would not buy it.

Is not this a matter for the controlling authority envisaged in the White Paper; and can my hon. Friend say when this controlling authority is likely to be set up?

The Question asked about the political side of the new stations, and that matter is covered by paragraph 9 of the White Paper. I cannot yet tell my hon. and gallant Friend when the new controlling body will be set up.

May we know whether it is the policy of the Government in introducing these capitalist interests into television—and I think that hon. Members who have interests in that quarter ought to announce it every time they get up—to extend the already considerable power of newspaper proprietors into the field of television?

No decision has yet been given as to who shall be given the licences. It will certainly not be restricted merely to newspaper proprietors.

Is there any real difference between those who have a vested interest and those who have a capitalist interest?

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us how "political" is going to be defined, and by whom? Is it to be defined by the Government or by the controlling board? It is a very difficult thing to do.

That is quite right, and that is one of the things which has to be referred to the controlling body.

On a point of order. In view of the inference in the supplementary question asked by the right hon. Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison) just now, might I point out that I have no interest whatever.

That is not a point of order.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General from how many foreign-controlled commercial interests he has received applications for a sponsored television licence.

No applicant at this stage has been asked to state his nationality, nor has the ownership of companies yet been investigated.

Why will the Assistant Postmaster-General not state plainly that he will not permit British television stations to be controlled by foreign commercial interests?

This is one of the matters—I keep repeating this, but the hon. Gentleman would see it for himself if he were to read the White Paper once more—upon which the Government propose to seek the advice of the controlling body.

Will my hon. Friend take note of the bogies being raised, by the right hon. Gentleman opposite in particular, and draw from that the conclusion that commercial broadcasting must be introduced as soon as possible in order that these misrepresentations may be caught up, as was the "warmonger" campaign at the last Election?

We are getting very far from the Question.

On a point of order. When my right hon. Friend said just now that hon. Members asking Questions should declare their interest, the hon. and gallant Member for Down, South (Captain Orr) got up, I think quite rightly, and said that he had no interest to declare. Now a few weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, you gave your Ruling on the declaration on interest at Question time. I have read that but, frankly, I have not quite understood it. As I understand it, in these matters of sponsored television there are hon. Members who have an interest— and when I refer to an interest in sponsored television I mean some financial interest in the capital investment issue in putting on a sponsored television programme. Now, in view of that, is it your Ruling that such hon. Members— who, I think, are almost exclusively on the other side of the House—

All of them.

—are under no obligation to declare their interest when they put a Question?

Without agreeing with the hon. Gentleman in his statement of the facts, my Ruling certainly meant that there was no obligation on an hon. Member in putting a Question on the Order Paper to declare his interest.

Did not your Ruling also say that an hon. or right hon. Member having such an interest could not take part in a Division? Do we understand, therefore, that in the event of this matter coming up for discussion again, such hon. or right hon. Members would be expected to declare their interests and would not be allowed to go through the Division Lobbies?

That is quite hypothetical, as there is no Division at the present moment.

Is it in accordance with the best traditions of this House that hon. Members opposite, who are undoubtedly interested financially in this commercial racket, should put Questions on it?

I deprecate these charges of personal interest from either side of the House. It would be very easy for both sides of the House to object to each other on Questions on many occasions. I hope that the House will now proceed with the Questions in the ordinary way.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General in which month of this year the British Broadcasting Corporation expects to make available for the radiation of the Home Service the proposed third transmitter at Redruth.

The B.B.C. hope that the new transmitter will be working before next winter, but cannot yet say in which particular month it will start.

Will the Minister bear in mind and request the B.B.C. to bear in mind that the people of Redruth and district have been waiting patiently for a long time for better facilities for the Home Service, and hope that this new transmitter will be erected early in the summer instead of later in the year?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman's constituents will not have to wait very much longer.

Can my hon. Friend say whether this new transmitter will improve the Home Service for those in West Cornwall farther west than Redruth?

I am afraid I should want notice of that.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the Government expect to be able to release the British Broadcasting Corporation from the ban on capital expenditure projects which now prevents the Corporation from introducing very high frequency broadcasting.

Before very high frequency sound broadcasting can begin the form of modulation to be used and the best way of developing the service must be decided. The Television Advisory Committee has been asked to consider these questions as soon as possible. When they have been settled, the rate of progress will depend on the amount of the national capital resources which can be allotted to this and other B.B.C. developments.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the whole of Cornwall has bad reception on the Home Service, and that at Penryn and Falmouth, which are within a few miles of the Redruth transmitter, there is very bad reception on the Light Programme, and that this also applies, so far as the Home Service is concerned, to many parts of the country? Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to persuade the Government to relax the ban on capital expenditure as quickly as possible?

I know that many parts of Cornwall have very unsatisfactory reception, but the extent to which that can be remedied soon must, of course, depend, as I have said in my original answer, on the allotment of capital resources.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the decision of the Television Advisory Committee with regard to the form of modulation, because it is very essential in view of future developments?

I am hoping that the Television Advisory Committee will make a report upon this matter before very long.

Can my hon. Friend give any idea of what amount of capital expenditure is involved in the introduction of V.H.F.?

I should want notice of that.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps he is taking, or proposes to take, to secure agreement between the professional sports organisations and the British Broadcasting Corporation's television department, so as to secure the maximum possible televising of sports events.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Ness Edwards) on 11th March, 1953.

As the answer to which the hon. Gentleman has referred the House contains absolutely no information whatsoever, may I ask him whether it would not be a wise step for him to reconvene the Sports Television Advisory Committee set up by his predecessor to consider this vital question?

Yes, my noble Friend is considering doing that, but I think that the very large question that the hon. Gentleman has raised goes far outside the functions of the Sports Advisory Committee.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is no telephone at the Forest Lodge infant and junior school at Charnor Road, Leicester, which has a complement of 1,537 children; that this causes inconvenience in cases of illness, as the nearest telephone box is some distance from the school; and whether he will arrange for a telephone to be installed at the school without further delay.

I am sorry that the schools in this new estate are having to wait for a telephone. We have been held up for cables, but these are now being laid and I hope that the schools will be connected to the telephone within a few months.

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that a telephone is particularly needed in this school? A child was taken ill not so long ago; two teachers had to attend the child; the headmistress had to go by car to get the mother, and it was only after that that she was able to telephone. Can he please hurry the matter up as speedily as possible?

I shall hurry it up as quickly as I an, but I would remind the hon. Member that, according to my information, the nearest kiosk is only 300 or 400 yards away.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are outstanding in Goole; what is the date of the oldest outstanding application; how many have been offered connection to a party-line; and how many have refused the offer.

Sixty-seven applications were outstanding at 31st December, 1952, the oldest one being dated the 24th February, 1947. One hundred and thirty-four subscribers share telephone lines on the Goole exchange. Detailed records are not kept, but there is no recollection locally of a single refusal, although a few subscribers have shown hesitation when first asked to share.

When considering the extension of telephone lines in Goole, will the Minister bear in mind that it is the only port in the West Riding, that it is playing a considerable part in our export trade, and that trade telephone subscribers should be encouraged in every possible way?

We hope to have an extension of equipment this year and a further cable extension next year.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for new telephone receivers were unsatisfied in the years 1951, 1952 and 1953, respectively, in West Cornwall.

The numbers are: 1,841, 2,095 and 1,614.

Can my hon. Friend give some assurance that he will use his best endeavours to cut down this very formidable waiting list, especially for those engaged in agriculture in West Cornwall?

I wish it were possible to cut it out altogether. It entirely depends on the percentage of the national resources which can be allotted for purposes of this sort.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will now consider sending home by air members of Her Majesty's Forces on leave from Middle East stations.

No, Sir.

Would the Undersecretary make a clear and comprehensive statement, for the benefit of members of Her Majesty's Forces in the Middle East, as to the circumstances in which they can, at Government expense, come home on short leave?

I think the members of Her Majesty's Forces know quite well that the circumstances in which they can come home are on compassionate grounds.

But will the Under-Secretary take this opportunity of telling the Forces in general, as well as informing the public, the conditions in which they can come home?

Certainly, and if the hon. and learned Gentleman would like to put down another Question asking for a statement, I shall be very glad to give it.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether in view of complaints being received in this country, he will cause an inquiry to be made into terms of service, serving conditions and arrears of leave for officers and other ranks in the Royal Air Force stationed in the Canal Zone; and whether he will undertake a corresponding inquiry into conditions of civilians employed by his Department there.

I am fully aware that conditions in the Canal Zone are not ideal at the present time. We are, however, doing what we can both for members of the Royal Air Force and civilian employees, and I should, of course, be happy to look into any points which my hon. Friend may have particularly in mind.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air in what Colonies photographic reconnaissance squadrons of the Royal Air Force have made an aerial survey since the war; and to what extent it is proposed to continue with this work.

The Royal Air Force has successfully surveyed well over a million square miles of Colonial Territories since the war. I am circulating a list of the territories in the OFFICIAL REPORT. AS my hon. Friend knows, the medium range photographic reconnaissance force is being ire-equipped with Canberras and will be concentrating on conversion training. This means that we shall be unable to carry out fresh aerial surveys for some time to come.

Will my hon. Friend give a second thought to a policy which at the same time meets the need of Air Force training and colonial development?

Yes, Sir, but this conversion training on Canberras must take place. There are still the resources of private charter companies for air survey.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what explanations his experts in the Meteorological Office have advanced for the inordinate amount of fog suffered by the country during recent months.

Fogs occur in calm and cloudless conditions associated with persistent anticyclones. These have been unusually frequent this winter.

Since fog has now become a major weapon of killing can we be assured by my hon. Friend that his experts are now in close touch with the Ministry of Fuel and Power as to the extent to which fog is caused by the unwelcome and undue amount of soot and smoke coming from the chimneys in our large cities?

Fog itself is not caused by smoke; it is only polluted by smoke.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation why the facilities offered by the Cyprus Government for the construction of an international airport on the island for use by British Overseas Airways Corporation's Asiatic and African services have been refused.

I am not aware that an offer has been made.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether Cyprus will be transferred from the British European Airways Corporation's operating area to that of the British Overseas Airways Corporation at an early date.

An agreement has been reached between the two Corporations for the British Overseas Airways Corporation to operate certain services through Cyprus additional to the present terminating service operated by British European Airways in conjunction with Cyprus Airways. My right hon. Friend hopes to reach a decision in this matter very shortly.

Does not my hon. Friend think that this change would enable Cyprus to be developed as a first-class Commonwealth airport, instead of the use of foreign airports in the Levant as is at present the case?

I have no doubt that this will help.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation why the Scottish Aviation Company has discontinued its service from Prestwick to London; and what steps are to be taken to supply an alternative service for the convenience of the public.

I understand that the Company discontinued the service because it was uneconomic. The facilities provided by British Overseas Airways Corporation for travel between Prestwick and London will be substantially increased this summer and British European Airways provide services from Renfrew to London. It is open to any independent company to apply to the Air Transport Advisory Council for permission to provide additional services.

Has not private enterprise failed to carry out this service? Is the Minister aware that if one goes by B.O.A.C. one may go to Iceland instead of to Prestwick; and will he consider arranging for the B.E.A. service from Renfrew to London to call at Prestwick?

Such arrangements are not within the power of my right hon. Friend. I think that if the hon. Gentleman finds himself on the wrong aeroplane, it is not the fault of our Department.

Is not the real reason that so many travellers feel it to be a patriotic, although possibly a mistaken, duty to support the bankrupt British nationalised railways?

The Minister has not got the point. Is he aware that almost at the last moment the service scheduled for Prestwick may be diverted via Shannon, and there is no alternative service provided for the traveller?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation how many charter licences have been applied for between Edinburgh and London.

None, Sir.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what ways are now open for initial flying training for young men in this country who wish to follow the career of civil air-line pilot; and if he is satisfied that civil aviation will have adequate numbers of pilots within the next five years.

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will continue to provide a source of initial flying training for young men who wish to become civil airline pilots. Initial flying training can also be obtained at a number of civil establishments. My right hon. Friend is at present examining in consultation with my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air how many pilots are likely to be available in the future.

Since the restriction on the training of National Service men and on Volunteer Reserve training, it is now almost impossible for a young man to get the initial expensive training unless he goes into the Royal Air Force as a Regular recruit, and will the hon. Gentleman look again into this matter, because in two or three years' time there will be a shortage of civilian recruits?

My right hon. Friend will, of course, take any action which he may consider necessary in this respect.

In taking whatever action is considered necessary, will the hon. Gentleman read the report of the debate on the Air Estimates showing the alarming state of training as a result of the Government's policy?

Will my hon. Friend represent to his right hon. Friend that a committee should be set up to see that the country is adequately served with sufficient pilots in the years to come?

We are at present in touch with the operators on this aspect.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is aware that the reduction in the number of flying training schools will mean that some municipalities will have to consider closing their airports; and, as this will further restrict private flying in this country, what steps he is taking to provide alternative facilities.

I am aware that a number of licensed aerodromes, both municipal and privately owned, will be seriously affected by the closing of the training schools, and that some, though I hope not many, may be forced to close down. While I should regard any reduction in the facilities available for private flying as a matter for regret, there has never been any question of aerodromes being provided by the State specially for the use of flying clubs and private owners.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that because facilities at municipal airports are being reduced, the number of civilian flyers is going to be reduced, and that, in turn, is going to affect the position at other municipal airports; and does he mean to say that no steps are being taken to break into this vicious circle? Are we going to be left right behind in the development of civil aviation?

I am in close touch with the Aerodrome Owners' Association on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will raise in the appropriate United Nations Committee, the problem of the Mount Scopus demilitarised area in Jordan; whether he is aware that since June, 1950, there have been more than 50 recorded instances of firing by Jewish police in this area, as well as other abuses of the agreement of 7th July, 1948, many of which have been the cause of regular protests by the Jordan Government, and none of which has resulted in any action by the United Nations Chief of Staff; and why the agreement of 7th July, 1948, did not automatically lapse in accordance with paragraph 1 when hostilities ended between Israel and Jordan.

The proper authority for dealing with the points raised in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question is the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, which is responsible through its Chief-of-Staff to the Security Council.

There have for some time past been disputes between Israel and Jordan in connection with the demilitarised zone of Mount Scopus and we have done what we could by good offices to provide solutions for them. Under the cease-fire agreement of 1948, the United Nations is responsible for the security of the area. In Her Majesty's Government's view any request which the United Nations Chief-of-Staff may make to the parties should be complied with without unnecessary delay.

The question of whether the cease-fire agreement of the 7th July, 1948, was superseded by the General Armistice Agreement signed between Israel and Jordan on 3rd April, 1949, raises intricate legal issues affecting both Jordan's and Israel's claims to the area and the part played by the Truce Supervision Organisation. As we are not members of that Organisation, these are not matters for Her Majesty's Government to decide.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that among the many unfortunate consequences of the so-called Demilitarisation of the Mount Scopus area is the very unhappy position of the British graveyard in that area, and can he say a word about that?

I do know about that. I have had representations from various sources about it. We have approached the Israel Government about the matter, but it affects the Commonwealth Governments as well as ourselves. I am sorry to say they have not yet found themselves able to remove the mines which are the chief cause of anxiety.

Would the right hon. Gentleman direct the attention of the appropriate Committee to Article 8 of the General Armistice Agreement between Jordan and Israel which provided that there should be deliberations between Jordan and Israel, or their representatives, so that the normal functioning of the cultural and humanitarian institutions at Mount Scopus shall be accessible? Does he realise that it is a very serious and disgraceful thing that these institutions are not being used, and will he do what he can to help in this matter?

I have indeed done what I can, but I do not think any discredit can lie upon Her Majesty's Government because an organisation of which we are not a member has failed to bring about better relations between Israel and Jordan.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that any further attempt on his part to resolve the problem as a part of a wider settlement would have the general support of all sides of the House? In the meantime, would it not be advisable for the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Major Beamish) to couch his Questions in a less provocative fashion?

I do not think I should like to set myself up as a judge of provocation in any differences between Israel and the Arab States.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider extending the amnesty for deserters who served all through the last war and deserted in the following years.

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on 2nd March.

Is not the Prime Minister aware that the present amnesty is unfair to the men who served throughout the war and did not desert until later? Is he aware that I have here a letter from a man who served in Egypt, Italy and France and only deserted in 1947, when the Prime Minister was out of office, presumably doing so as a protest? Will not the Prime Minister show a little human sympathy towards such people?

I hope I shall not be accused of lacking in human sympathy if I do not add anything to the answer which I have just given the hon. Gentleman.

Does not the right hon Gentleman realise the anomalous position which has been created in that men who served throughout the war and rendered excellent service, and against whom no blemish can be imputed, but who deserted after the war are not brought within the ambit of the amnesty, whereas those who deserted during the war and did not render appropriate service come within its scope?

When a measure of this kind is taken, there are always a certain number of hard cases which do not fit in. They deserve attentive and patient consideration.

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does it denote that, in view of this anomalous position, and without his making any commitment at this moment, he will give the matter further consideration?

I could say an awful lot in this House if I were given the general guarantee that I was making no definite commitment at the time, but, lacking that guarantee, I should like to see that supplementary question put upon the Order Paper in the ordinary course.

Since this amnesty policy has been decided upon and published, is my right hon. Friend aware that the country warmly supports this generous method of dealing with the problem?

While appreciating that the amnesty is bound to give rise to very difficult anomalies, might I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind when he is considering the matter that there is probably more justification for mercy being shown to those who deserted prior to the war but voluntarily enlisted and gave full service with the Forces during the war?

I certainly do not close any door upon the careful and patient consideration of exceptional cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will announce the result of the consultations between the Service Ministers and the Law Officers relating to the amnesty for deserters.

On the legal matters arising from the amnesty, I must refer the hon. Member to the statements made by my right hon. and learned Friends the Attorney-General and the Home Secretary, on 11th March and yesterday. No formal consultations are taking place between the Service Ministers and the Law Officers, but, of course, the decisions announced have been reached after taking account of Service and legal considerations.

Is not there a special problem of the deserters who applied by mistake, some of whom are under close arrest at the present time? Is the Prime Minister aware that at the present rate we shall never get rid of this wretched hangover of the war period? Will he wipe the slate clean and once and for all cut out the documentation and adjudication of individual cases and let these men fit themselves back into civilian life as best they can?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has received from the West German Government to the effect that Britain should pay substantially all the cost of maintaining British Forces in Germany after next July; and what reply he has made to these representations.

None, Sir. In view, however, of a public statement by the German Federal Finance Minister that no German contribution would be made after 1st July, 1953, to the cost of Allied troops stationed in Germany, the Allied High Commission has recently reminded the German Federal Chancellor that the amount of assistance to be provided for the support of Allied forces after 1st July, 1953, remains to be negotiated, on the assumption that the Conventions and the European Defence Community Treaty will have come into force by that date. Until they do, the local costs of our Forces in Germany will continue to be met by the Federal Government as Occupation Costs.

Does that mean that whether the present plans for German rearmament under treaties which have not yet been ratified go forward or not, the Government will do their best to obtain a maximum contribution from Germany for the maintenance of our Forces there?