asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case of a man twice convicted in a civil court being accepted into the commissioned ranks of the Royal Air Force; and whether he will see that proper steps are taken to check up on the antecedents of such persons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a recent court-martial on a Royal Air Force officer disclosed that this officer had been granted Her Majesty's commission despite two previous convictions in a civil court, including one for bigamy at Liverpool Assizes in 1940 when he was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment; and what steps he is taking to prevent similar occurrences arising.

Inquiries are made about the antecedents of all candidates for commissions. Before the officer whom, I think, my hon. Friends have in mind was accepted for a short service commission in 1951, the usual inquiries were put in train, but his criminal record was not discovered. It is impossible at this point of time to establish where the responsibility for this lies, but I am satisfied that the mistake was due to human error and not to a fault in the system.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that this is not likely to occur again?

Any system is apt to slip up occasionally, but we have made certain improvements within the Air Ministry which should help to insure against its happening again.

Can my hon. Friend say what the system is if it is not going to slip up again?

The system is mainly checking with the Criminal Record Office at New Scotland Yard.

asked the Under secretary of State for Air how many National Service men have completed their two years' service since 1st January, 1949

:Since 1st January, 1949, about 120,000 airmen have completed National Service and passed to the Reserve. Of these, about 110,000 had served for two years and about 10,000 for 18 months.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Air how many National Service Reservists were called up for 15 days' training during 1952 and 1953, respectively

Six thousand and 10,000.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Air the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of those 100,000 National Service reservists who have not been called up for any training, following the completion of their Colour service with the Royal Air Force.

At present, we call up for training only a limited number of Class H reservists whom we shall need immediately on mobilisation and whom we consider must have refresher training in order to be ready to play their full part at once if war should come. We have been considering some modification of the existing arrangements, and I hope to make an announcement on this subject shortly.

:Will the Undersecretary bear in mind that, as I am sure he will agree, unless these reservists are given some kind of training after their Colour service, they will be more or less useless? Is it not possible to follow the example of the War Office and attach these men for training to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons, both of which are roughly 50,000 men short of their target?

:I have said that we are considering modifications to our existing arrangements, and I assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that his suggestion will be borne in mind during our deliberations.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what tradesmen are called up at present?

:No, not by trades. Our policy is to meet the needs of the Royal Air Force in the most economical way and not unnecessarily to take people away from civilian employment.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Air whether he has investigated the complaints which he has received from the principal of a preparatory school in Sussex, that three pillars of the school were cracked by vibration arising from a Royal Air Force machine breaking through the sound barrier; and whether he will make a statement

A letter from Mr. Everett was received in the Air Ministry on 1st February, 1954, and I am having inquiries made. I will let the hon. Member know the result.

:I am sure the Under-secretary realises that the question of shock-waves or sound-waves will be a most important one. Will he assure the House that the Air Ministry are taking research into these matters very seriously?

:Yes, indeed I can. Already local orders have been issued to all stations prohibiting pilots from deliberately causing supersonic bangs, except at authorised demonstrations or when carrying out legitimate and essential forms of operational training.

:Will the hon. Gentleman go a little further? We shall reach the time when it is quite impossible to keep the speed below that of sound and it is essential that we get all the data possible. Will the Under-Secretary make certain that we are collecting whatever information is possible about the consequential effects?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that his advice to county councils to substitute by the gang system the use of lengthsmen on the maintenance of roads has been successful.

We have not given any advice to county councils about this. Many councils have decided to adopt the gang system because of the shortage of labour. On the whole, the system appears to work satisfactorily.

Whilst appreciating the Minister's desire for economy and to move with the times, may I ask whether he is aware that the county councils are not getting the desired results? The lengthsman has pride in his length of road and can deal with things which crop up sometimes overnight. Is my hon. Friend aware that the lengthsmen kept the roads in better condition than has been the case so far under the new system?

:This is really entirely a matter for the county councils, and 79 of the 95 councils responsible for road maintenance have adopted this system. I think it results in the better supervision of the work that is being done. On the whole, my impression is that it is working satisfactorily.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Leominster had an opportunity of looking at the costing of these maintenance teams, that the result is a great saving in cost, and that very good work indeed is being done.

That is entirely in accordance with the information that my Department has received.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the danger occasioned by the parking of motor cars close to zebra crossings so that a driver cannot see the pedestrian leaving the pavement and vice versa; and what proposal he has to remedy this difficulty.

:Yes, Sir. We propose to deal with the point in new Pedestrian Crossings Regulations, which will be laid before Parliament very shortly.

How is my hon. Friend going to do it?

:The existing regulations allow the crossing authorities to prohibit waiting within 45 feet on the approach side of a zebra crossing. Most local authorities have not availed themselves of this power and it is proposed in the new Regulations to make this compulsory in the case of all zebra crossings.

Will the road be painted with zebra stripes so that the people will know where this line is?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the public disquiet resulting from the toll of road accidents, he can yet state when the proposed legislation to improve road safety is to be introduced.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when it is proposed to present legislation to Parliament to improve measures of road safety as announced in the Speech from the Throne.

:I regret that I cannot add to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton) last week.

:Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that in July he said that he hoped to bring out some new ideas fairly soon and that July is a long time ago? Since then there has been a heavy death roll, and is it not necessary to get down to the job and to get on with it?

:New ideas do not always involve legislation but can sometimes be brought about by good administrative action.

Does the Minister realise the urgency of this, andwill he urge those responsible for the programme of legislation in this Parliament to give greater priority to this matter than to such unnecessary measures as commercial television?

In regard to accidents on the road, particularly those in which children are involved, could the Minister tell the House how many are caused when children run hurriedly across a road? Would he further agree that if children never ran, but went slowly across the road, accidents would be greatly reduced?

:In view of the fact that the legislation involved would be based upon a report made in 1947, may I ask the Minister what technical reasons are holding up the presentation of the Bill, inview of the fact that work based upon the report has been going on continuously since 1947 in order to prepare the Bill which the Minister promised last July?

I have made it plain in earlier answers in the House that a good Bill involves a great deal of preliminary consultation, so that some of the problems which might otherwise occupy public attention after the Bill is presented can be thrashed out first.

With respect, does not the Minister think that he has had sufficient time when he recalls that consultation has been going on since 1947—seven years?

:Would the Minister take the House and the country into his confidence and reveal to us when he had his last new idea?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will take powers to enforce the cutting of hedges and trees that overhang the public highway to the detriment of traffic and the public

Highway authorities already have some such powers. Their nature and extent are not, however, entirely clear, and my right hon. Friend proposes to consider the possibility of amending legislation.

Whilst thanking the Minister for saying that he is considering this matter, may I ask whether he realises that at the moment county councils have no power, except in built-up areas, and that in any case they have no power to incur any expenditure? They can appeal and they can threaten, but if nothing is done the public are endangered and suffer considerable inconvenience. However, I thank my hon. Friend for saying that he will look into this matter.

:Will the Minister also consider that destroying trees can be a certain evil without any certainty of increase in safety?

:Yes, Sir. There is doubt upon this subject. Representations were made to us by the Kent County Council, and we have undertaken to go into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why, in streets in London designated as car parks, waiting time is restricted to two hours, while in streets not so designated it is not restricted.

:Except in streets in London designated as car parks, drivers have no absolute right to park on the highway and those who do so may be, and frequently are, prosecuted if they cause obstruction. Authorised street parking places are provided for short-term parking where they cause least inconvenience.

But is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that there are certain squares, for instance in Central London, where everyone wishes to wait for a substantial period? It is extremely inconvenient to have to leave one's car in the middle, which is designated as a car park and where a ticket is placed on the car for two hours whereas, in practice, one is all right if one can find a space at the side to leave it which is not designated as a oar park.

:I have no doubt that the hon. Gentleman has done that on many occasions, and no doubt he has not found himself before the courts, but he is liable to find himself there if he obstructs. It is not intended to provide facilities for parking on the highway for a period longer than two hours.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation his policy with regard to parking lights and the parking of cars without lights on the verges of roads or in other appropriate places.

:I cannot add to the answers given to my hon. Friends the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell) on 26th January and the Member for Dulwich (Mr. Robert Jenkins) on 27th January.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will take the necessary steps to stop the diversion of traffic from the Manchester outer ring road over the Barton Bridge, as the resultant congestion at Barton causes delay and inconvenience to the workers in Trafford Park Trading Estate

I am unable to identify the outer ring road referred to. If the hon. Member will be good enough to give details, I will look into the matter.

:If I supply the hon. Gentleman with a report from the traffic manager of Metropolitan Vickers in Trafford Park, will he have it considered, and will he also consider the question of diverting the through-traffic away from Barton Bridge wherever possible? Further, is his Department prepared to receive a deputation from Metropolitan Vickers and their representatives in Trafford Park in order to consider the whole question.

It is obvious that the report to which the hon. Gentleman has referred would give those further details for which I have asked and which would enable us to look into the matter. Naturally, on any occasion that the hon. Gentleman wanted to come and discuss this matter, either my right hon. Friend or I would be happy to see him.

:Will the Minister look into the question of the serious congestion at this bridge until such time as the Government intend to rebuild it?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the separate purposes for which road and rail casualty statistics are compiled

:They are compiled and analysed so that the major causes of accident and casualties can be segregated, and remedial measures introduced where practicable, either on the road or on the railway or on both, as the case may be.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total number of road deaths in 1930 and the corresponding total in 1952; and how many children were killed in road accidents in 1930 and in 1952

:In 1930, 7,305 persons were killed on the roads, of whom 1,433 were children under 15 years of age. In 1952, the corresponding figures were 4,706 and 786.

Does not this represent, therefore, a substantial improvement in road accident figures despite the popular belief to the contrary?

:There has been an improvement in the sense that between 1934 and the present time the amount of traffic on the roads has doubled. But we must realise that there has been a steady increase in the number of accidents ever since 1934, and the figures for December last were the highest that have ever been reached in that month. Therefore, whilst realising that a very great measure of progress has been made, we should also realise that the present state of affairs is not one that justifies any complacency.

:Whilst not desiring to introduce any party polemics into this question, may I ask if the Minister is aware that very acute anxiety hasbeen caused by the action of the Ministry of Education in forcing local education authorities to adhere rigidly to the mileage minima requirements of the 1944 Education Act, which results in the cutting down of school transport? Is he aware that this acute anxiety is caused by the increased danger to which, as a result, children are subjected, especially in country areas?

:That is an entirely different matter and I do not believe that it has any direct bearing on road casualties.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the length of the part of the main trunk road A34 which runs within the boundary of the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and what was the number of accidents which have occurred thereon in the years 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the length of that portion of the A34 road which falls within the boundaries of the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme; and how many accidents occurred on this stretch of road in each of the years 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report:

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what was the accident rate per million ton-miles of freight carried on roads, railways and canals, respectively, during the latest five-year period for which figures are available

I regret that this information is not available.

Is it not apity that such statistics should not be available? If they were would it not be clear that one of the ways of reducing the appalling casualties on the road would be to divert a great deal of heavy traffic, which is increasing on the roads, to the railways and canals?

:To arrive at this figure would require a quite inordinate amount of research, and it is not clear to me that any beneficial results would ensue from obtaining these statistics.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with my conclusion, even though the exact figures are not available?

No, Sir, I do not agree with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many bicyclists were killed in accidents on the road, and how many were injured during hours of darkness in each year since 1944.

As the answer is nearly all figures, I am circulating it in the Official Report.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give an assurance that the improvements to the Forth Ferry service, the preliminary work of which he has asked the British Transport Commission to proceed with, will be put in hand in time for the full benefit to be felt no later than the summer of 1955

:I regret that I cannot give such a categorical assurance. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that a final decision as to the ferry improvements depends on the results of the investigation into Sir Bruce White's scheme.

In view of the urgency of this matter, could my right hon. Friend not give us a firm date by which time some improvement in the service will be felt?

:As I have repeatedly pointed out, the British Transport Commission would be quite ready to make substantial improvements in the ferry if it could be quite certain that they would not be rendered abortive by some great schemes. It is in order to find out the rights and wrongs of Sir Bruce White's proposal that I set up a Committee with a view to its making a report.

Is the Minister aware that no improvements that he makes to the ferry will in any way alter Scottish opinion of him and his Department, which I could not express in Parliamentary language? Will he assure us that any improvements in the ferry will in no way prejudice the prospects of getting on with the bridge in the near future?

As to Scottish opinion I was delighted with my reception in Glasgow on Saturday.

:Is it not a fact that improvements to the ferry will be a much quicker proposal than any proposal that arises from an inquiry into Sir Bruce White's project, and that therefore that should come forward without relation to it?

:I have asked the British Transport Commission to get on with the preliminary work in the full knowledge that some will be wasted if Sir Bruce White's proposals are possible.

:Would the Minister consider getting into touch with those responsible for the road haulage and the road passenger services with a view to restoring the Granton to Burntisland ferry service? The ferry boat and piers are still there and they would relieve the pressure at the Queensferry passage.

I have taken up that point.

the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will instruct the British Transport Commission to investigate forthwith the possibilities of some temporary expedient to alleviate the traffic congestion on the Forth Ferry services during the current year in view of the fact that the improvements he has authorised will take at least 18 months to complete.

:The British Transport Commission whom I cannot instruct in this matter, are doing their best to relieve congestion, and I doubt whether any temporary expedient would be effective. I will, however, discuss this matter with them again.

:Can my right hon. Friend mention any actual proposal that the British Transport Commission have in view?

:As I told my hon. and gallant Friend at some length last week, they have substantial proposals for improvement of the ferry service. I gave a long list of what they were.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects that the new by-pass round the north of Bristol will be in operation

:I was very glad to be able to inform the Gloucestershire County Council that this important road project should proceed. It will take about four years to finish.

:I have given full authority and, so far as I am concerned, I think there is little more I can do. There is a great deal of preliminary work which has to be done.

May I ask whether the bridge over the Severn will be constructed at the same time?

sasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many railway accidents occurred in Great Britain during each year since the Second World War, involving human injury and death; what was the cause of each; to what extent speed, inadequate signalling devices, defective rolling stock and defective permanent way were related causes; and what steps are now being taken to prevent future accidents and give greater safety to the travelling public

:As the first part of the answer contains a large number of complicated figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the Official Report. As to the last part, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) last week.

:Does the Minister realise that the number of recent accidents has caused great uneasiness in the public mind, particularly accidents caused by defective bridges, and will he see what supervision is kept over bridges above and under railways?

:I am aware of the anxiety, but I am anxious to put it into its proper perspective. If the hon. and learned Gentleman reads my answer, it should help him a little.

Canmy right hon. Friend say what progress is being made with the experimental development of automatic train control, a demonstration of which was given to certain hon. Members last year?

Progress is being made, but the Transport Commission not unnaturally is very anxious to perfect it before making it universal.

:Would the Minister be prepared to compliment the signalmen and guardsmen on their skill in preventing accidents? At the present moment these very lowly paid men are being called upon to undergo an examination every two years, which is more than any other section of industry is required to undergo. Would the Minister pay a compliment to these men for the work they do in the prevention of accidents?

I gladly do so.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has yet consulted the Transport Tribunal concerning the application made by the British Transport Commission for a 10 per cent. increase in freight charges; and whether, before coming to a decision, he will consult representatives of the Scottish fishing industry, whose communities in the North and North-East of Scotland will be imperilled by any further burden of transport charges

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has received the report from the permanent members of the Transport Tribunal on the application by the British Transport Commission for an increase in freight charges; and what action he proposes to take on it

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, before he approves the proposed increase in freight charges, he will bear in mind that an overall increase would bear especially heavily on the North of Scotland and further increase the economic difficulties of that area; and whether he will therefore withhold his approval to any increase affecting the North of Scotland

:I have received the advice of the permanent members of the Transport Tribunal, acting as a consulta- tive committee, I am now considering that advice, together with the representations made to me, which include representations from a number of Scottish bodies. I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

:Does the Minister realise that this increase, if made, will ruin the whole fishing community who are useful to this country in both peace and war, and will he throw his influence against any such increase that will have such disastrous results?

:Does the Minister realise that this application is due to the policy which the Government have followed, that the economies and efficiency which were resulting from the 1947 Act have been destroyed by the action of the Minister and, as a consequence, this application has been made? Does he further realise that there is a limit to the extent to which charges and fares can be put up and at the same time retain the traffic, and that if he pursues this policy he will inevitably be driven to introduce a subsidy scheme for the railways?

:If the hon. Gentleman really believes that the application made by the Commission to govern increases in the price of coal, steel and other commodities is due to the policy of the Government, he will believe anything. I am actually following scrupulously the procedure laid down in the Socialist Act of 1947.

Does not the Minister appreciate that £8 million was earned last year by British Road Services, which this year is being broken up, and that therefore that very large proportion of income will not be earned this year by the Transport Commission. If that money were earned at this time, it would not be necessary to apply for an increase to this extent.

:I am afraid the Minister, in answering the second supplementary, has overlooked my supplementary, which I hope he will now answer.

I apologise to the hon. and learned Gentleman. I am aware of the particularly severe consequences in remote districts of the United Kingdom, not least in Scotland, of any increase in transport charges. I have had the representations to which I have referred in my answer and to which I will pay regard. I am also aware of the difficulties confronting the British Transport Commission and the need to help them in their very great difficulties.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what Government restrictions exist at present on capital expenditure for the railway telephone and telegraph system of this country

None, Sir.

Would the Minister so inform the Chancellor, in order that he may perhaps be persuaded to remove the restrictions on corresponding capital expenditure on the public telephone system?

I am delighted to learn the reason for this Question, as I could not make it out before.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is now in a position to make a statement about the new scheme for pensions for the wage grades working on British Railways.

The British Transport Commission have reached agreement with the trade unions upon the outline proposals for a pension scheme for male wages grades. The detailed drafting of the rules is now proceeding in consultation with the unions.

When does my right hon. Friend expect these consultations are likely to be completed?

:They are getting on with them fairly fast. The rules are rather complicated and I think this matter is best left to the Commission and the trade unions concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the latest estimate which he has received from the British Transport Commission, during the course of his discussions, of the life of the existing Forth railway bridge

I am advised that, with the present standard of maintenance, the approach and internal viaducts and the floor of the bridge should have a life of another 40 years or more before needing renewal, while the main structure should last at least another 140 years.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the concern caused by requiring Dr. Oestreich of Germany to pay £1 1s. for guardroom and £6 at the rate of 8s. per hour for his guard when detained at London Airport; what other payments were required for services rendered; what was the total sum charged; and how much money was Dr. Oestreich allowed to retain on his enforced return to Germany.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why Dr. Oestreich, a German national, who was refused admission on arrival at London Airport, was detained at the airport overnight in an unheated or badly-heated room, and was charged the sum of £8 10s. for this compulsory detention

:The room in which Dr. Oestereich was detained has an efficient heating system, thermostatically controlled at 70. A charge of £8 10s. is the inclusive rate agreed between all European airline operators at London Airport to cover their total expenses for overnight detention under escort when this is involved in the fulfilment of their obligation to return an alien to his place of origin. No information is available as to the amount of money in this passenger's possession.

:Is not this extortion with a vengeance to charge £8 10s. for 15 hours in the guard room? Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there are Government Departments spending a lot of money to impress the Germans about theBritish way of life and that in the German newspapers this incident is being splashed all over the front pages under the heading, "Democracy at 8s. an hour"? Is he aware that B.E.A. has twice denied this charge, which shows that there is some shame about it?

:What happens if the person detained does not have enough money to pay this charge; and, secondly, if this charge is imposed, would it not be cheaper to put the individual up at the Dorchester Hotel?

I am sure that neither I, the Corporations nor the airlines have any desire to profiteer even at the expense of unwelcome visitors. I must point out that the best way to deal with this problem is for those likely to be sent back not to come at all. Finally, in regard to theactual sum charged, my Department made 15s. out of it, which was for the rent, heating and letting of the room, and the other charges about cover the pay required for Sunday work, which was double pay, and other incidentals which have been internationally agreed.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in respect of the seven Belgians, four French nationals and two Germans who sought to enter this country to attend the conference organised by the National Committee of Teachers forPeace, the total sum charged whilst they were under detention; and what services this covered

:A charge was made only in the case of Dr. Oestereich. In the remaining oases the travellers either returned the same day or were held on board ship overnight and no question of a charge arose.

:How is it possible that 13 people came for this conference and that one man was not only charged for the guard room, but for food and other services rendered? Did the other people who were here many hours get nothing to eat at all, and is the Minister not aware that there are many people who feel that this savours more of America than Britain? Is it not surprising that some Germans are beginning to wonder wherein our democracy lies?

:The hon. Gentleman has almost all the facts wrong. In cases of this kind the passenger pays for any meals. In this case they either returned by sea, and were held with no charge in the ship which brought them, or immediately by air and did not thereforerequire the services of the guard.

:In view of the unsatisfactory answer that has been given, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans have now been formulated for the erection of the memorial to Alcock and Brown at Heath Row.

:The memorial to Sir John Alcock and Sir Arthur Whitten-Brown which Mr. William McMillan, R.A., has nearly completed will be erected temporarily on a site in the Bath Road Terminal of the Airport, where it will be easily seen by passengers arriving in the United Kingdom. Later, when the new Terminal Area in the centre of the Airport is brought fully into use, the statue will be permanently erected there in a suitable position.

:In view of the fact that American history books are doctored to avoid the mention of this achievement by Alcock and Brown, would the right hon. Gentleman take steps, with his appropriate colleague Minister, to see that when this memorial is erected suitable leaflets and illustrations are distributed in the United States?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the public interest over the advisability of installing backward-facing seats in aircraft; that, in giving evidence before a Select Committee on 22nd April last, both the Chairman of the British Overseas Airways Corporation and the Chief Executive of the British European Airways Corporation were of the opinion that the value of such seating accommodation was exaggerated; and if, in view of the accident to a transport aeroplane on 20th January last when 12 people were saved, he will make a statement of his policy regarding safety regulations for civil aircraft.

The answer to the first and second parts of the Question is "Yes." Until the International Civil Aviation Organisation makes backward-facing seats a standard international requirement, any compulsory provision in British certificates of airworthiness alone would impose competitive penalties on British airlines and might prejudice the sales of our aircraft abroad. Nevertheless, I am glad to say the structures of new types of aircraft to be delivered to the Corporations will allow of the fitting of backward-facing seats if they should be generally adopted.

:Is the Minister aware that I was not necessarily advocating these seats, since I do not know enough about the subject, but that there is considerable public interest in it and I am grateful to him for what he has done?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the lack of an air service between London and Yorkshire; and what plans he has to remedy this.

:I realise that there is no air service between London and Yorkshire, but no one has applied to the Air Transport Advisory Council to fly one. Provision of this service is essentially a matter for the commercial judgment of operators.

:Is the Minister aware that there are many people, who have to travel frequently and as rapidly as possible between London and Yorkshire, who would appreciate the provision of an air service between the two points and that there are excellent facilities at Yeadon and Doncaster which could serve Yorkshire?

:If the hon. Member can succeed in selling the idea to a sufficient number of people, I am sure that an operator would come forward.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give all the publicity he can to the facilities at Doncaster?

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proposals the British Overseas AirwaysCorporation have submitted in the past 15 months to him, or to the Air Transport Advisory Council for operating an all-freight service over the North Atlantic: and what machines have been ordered to operate such a service.

None, Sir.

:Is it not a fact that the Corporation did put in an application some time ago and the chairman, in evidence before the Select Committee, said that they had actually bought the aircraft to operate along this route? Can the right hon. Gentleman see any reason for this change of policy?

:I have answered that no such application was made in the period asked for—15 months. As the hon. Member knows, the chairman of the Corporation gave me an assurance that they would not apply for such a freight service for one year after 16th July, 1952, and there has not been such an application even though that year has past.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman say for what these machines which were originally purchased to operate this route would be used?

That neither arises out of the Question, nor falls within my province to answer.

:Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the second part of the Question I put to him?

I think the next Question deals with that, but, if the hon. Member likes, I will answer it now.

I should like an answer to the second part of Question No. 45.

The hon. Member has asked

"what machines have been ordered to operate such a service."

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the policy of his Department with regard to permitting independent air transport companies to offer all-freight services over the North Atlantic; and how far this opportunity will be open equally to all operators

The policy of Her Majesty's Government is set out in the terms of reference of the Air Transport Advisory Council. All operators are equally free to apply.

:Can the Minister say if it would be in accordance with his policy for one private company to be put into a specially protected position on this route? Can he say whether any company has been assured that it would be given a monopoly of service on this route?

It is certainly not my policy that any company should be given any preferential advantage when they first appear before the A.T.A.C. Once they have made an application and I have approved, clearly any other applicant would not have to undermine the service provided by the first successful applicant. Otherwise, British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways would be in considerable difficulty on their protected routes. I have given conditional approval to Air-work to operate an all-freight service to the United States, subject to authority at the receiving end by the President of the United States, in whose authority it lies to give an operating permit. If that is granted, I will consider a detailed programme from this very enterprising private company.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that this company has been assured that the Corporation will not under any circumstances be allowed to operate along the North Atlantic route? Can he say why that company has also been given assurances in connection with other routes?

:The hon. Member surely knows enough to know that, once a company has been chosen to operate a route, all applicants—whether Corporation or private operators—have to satisfy the A.T.A.C. that their service will not undermine the existing service. No privilege of any kind has been given this firm which would not be given to any other successful firm or to the Corporations.

Will the Minister assure the House that no private company has been given a specially protected position, not only along this route, but along other routes? Has any arrangement been reached between this private company and the Corporation without his consent?

Certainly not. The proper constitutional procedure, disclosed to Parliament in full detail, has been followed in this and every other case.

:Is it not a fact that the only organisations which have specially protected conditions are the public corporations?

That is so.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement regarding an international airport to serve the North-East area

:The municipal airport at Woolsington, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is adequate for the foreseeable needs of international air services for the North-East of England. I am, however, continuing to safeguard the site at Boldon against surface development which might prejudice its use at some future time.

:Whilst appreciating the present difficulties and whilst thanking the Minister for his assurance, may I ask if he will keep the matter under constant review because the North-East is unfortunately placed so far as airports are concerned?

:In the absence of an international airport, will the right hon. Gentleman remember that Tees-side is 30 miles from Woolsington and therefore persuade the Treasury to authorise Customs facilities for Greatham?

That is another question, but I can say that the matter is under review.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the continued delay in dealing with the dazzle problem on the roads, he will give reconsideration to the use of yellow lights.

:There is no ban on the use of yellow headlights provided that two white sidelights are shown at the same time. I do not consider there is a case for making yellow headlights obligatory.

:Does my right hon. Friend realise that the roads of this country are still the most dangerous to drive on at night and that something must be done? Is it not a fact that his Ministry takes the view that yellow lights have no advantage over a lower-powered white light and that this view cannot be endorsed by an experienced driver?

:I have consulted the Road Research Laboratory and other people in this matter, and it would be no help to reduce dazzle at the sacrifice of adequate driving lights.

:Will the Minister have a meeting with the people who make the lamps, many of which are far more powerful than is necessary for driving at night; so powerful, indeed, that they merely provide opportunities for people to drive an dangerous speeds?

:I think that is quite unjustified. It is not the intensity of the lamp but the angle at which it is often fixed which causes disaster.

Does the Minister not considerthat the system of headlights should be standardised, and that all cars should either dip two headlights or put out the off light and dip the near light, as this latter system has the advantage that the approaching driver knows that at least the other has dipped, whereas with the two-dipping system often he does not know whether the other has dipped or not and switches on and blinds him in retaliation?

There is a lot to be said for that, and I hope that education will avoid consequences like that.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when his Department proposes to publish the results of the sample census of roads goods vehicles usage taken by his Department in September, 1952.

A report on the results of this inquiry is being prepared, but I cannot yet say when it will be ready. I intend to circulate it among interested parties, and I will have copies placed in the Library of the House.