asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average earnings of a skilled worker in Portsmouth Dockyard; and how these compare with the wages of skilled workers in other comparable branches of industry.

Average weekly earnings of a cross-section of skilled adult workers in the main departments of Portsmouth Dockyard are estimated to be £9 4s. 6d. Realistic comparison with earnings in industry is difficult, in view of the wide divergences in piece-work and overtime practice. Basic wage rates in the Dockyards are, however, fixed with regard to those in the shipbuilding, ship-repairing and engineering industries.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average earnings of an unskilled worker in Portsmouth Dockyard; and how these compare with the wages of unskilled workers in other comparable branches of industry.

Average weekly earnings of a cross-section of unskilled adult workers in the main departments of Portsmouth Dockyard are estimated to be £7 10s. 10d.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present policy of Her Majesty's Government towards die placing of shipbuilding orders in the United Kingdom shipyards by the Union of Soviet Republics and Poland.

Her Majesty's Government are preparted to license the construction of shipping for export to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Poland subject to the requirements of security.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many telephones have been installed in Crawley during the past 12 months; and what is now the waiting list for the new town.

Three hundred and twelve new lines have been connected in the past 12 months. One hundred and ninety-nine applications are outstanding, including 120 in course of being met or under inquiry.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many public telephone boxes have been planned for Crawley New Town; how many have been erected and are in use; and how long it is anticipated it will be before the programme is completed.

Thirty-one kiosks are planned for those parts of the New Town which have been completed or are at present being developed; 18 are already in use, and I expect that the balance will be installed early next year.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many telephones have been installed in Rugby from October, 1951, to the latest convenient date; and what are the applications still outstanding.

About 500 telephones have been installed since October, 1951: 324 applications are outstanding.

asked the Under secretary of State for Air what qualifications are required to obtain a branch commission from the ranks; and how many commissions have, so far, been granted to chief technicians.

The criteria for a branch commission are personal quality, proven skill and length of service. Four chief technicians have been appointed to branch commissions and 10 others have been selected subject to medical fitness and successful completion of officer training.

asked the Under secretary of State for Air how many 40- gallon oil drums were used by the Royal Air Force during 1953; what approximate weight of sheet steel this represents; whether any attempt was made to recondition them, and how they were disposed of.

About 11,500 40- and 45-gallon oil drums were issued for current use in the Royal Air Force in 1953. This represents about 350 tons of sheet steel. Used drums from this country and Germany are reconditioned. Elsewhere overseas they are put to other uses or sold. Unserviceable drums are sold as scrap.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air if he is aware of the unsatisfactory administration of the camp at Hednesford and, in particular, of the bad condition of the bedding and of the refusal of leave entitlement; and if he will make an investigation into conditions at the camp.

R.A.F. Station, Hednesford, was built as a temporary camp during the war and the standard of comfort is, therefore, rather below that provided at permanent stations. The camp has had to be kept in use because of the present shortage of accommodation both in the Service and in the country as a whole. I am not, however, aware of shortcomings in the administration there. At a recent inspection, the condition of the bedding was found satisfactory. There has been to my knowledge no refusal of leave entitlement. If the hon. Member could let me have details of complaints he has had, I would be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the road accident statistics of 1952 reveal that the largest single contributory factor in road accidents was the habit which drivers of vehicles have of turning to the right without due care; and what steps he proposes to take in order to cure this habit.

I agree that turning to the right without due care is one of the most frequent factors in road accidents. I will continue to encourage better habits by continually stressing this danger in the driving test, in the leaflet "Hints on the Driving Test" issued free to learner drivers, and in the new Highway Code.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is satisfied that the normal scale of work on widening roads in country districts and improving visibility on corners is not unnecessarily extravagant in its demands on agricultural land.

I believe that highway authorities make every effort to keep their demands on agricultural land to a reasonable minimum, but if my hon. Friend is uneasy about any particular case and will let me have details, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the amount of road improvements authorised to be done in Durham County during the next three years; how many improvements are estimated to cost under £100,000, and how many over £100,000; and what are the places where such improvements are to take place.

No schemes have yet been authorised. Trunk and classified road schemes to be included in the programme for the coming financial year are still being selected in consultation, where necessary, with local highway authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has considered the proposal for the erection of the Severn bridge by omitting the removal or destruction of the Chepstow Army School at a saving of £2½million made by the Gloucester divisional surveyor whether he will approve this proposal; and what action he is taking in the matter.

I take it that this proposal is the one about which the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East wrote to me in April last. I replied that, since the main approach road would interfere seriously with the site, which would, further, be needed for workmen's accommodation, it would not be possible to avoid removal of the Army School.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has considered the letter from the town clerk of Newport, protesting against the omission of a river bridge over the Usk from the Government proposals, in view of the continued congestion and the vulnerability at this point; and whether he will include it in the next year's capital expenditure.

I have considered that letter. As I have already told the hon. Member, I hope to find a place for the by-pass and bridge in a later stage of the programme, but if he is referring to a proposal for an additional local bridge South of the existing bridge, I regret that I can give no undertaking as regards this project.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the income from, and the number of, daily vehicle users estimated for the Mersey Tunnel at the time of its approval; what is the latest average daily income; and the number of vehicles using the tunnel.

It was estimated at the time of approval that there would be a daily income of about £400 from 3,560 vehicles. During the financial year now nearly completed the average daily income to date has been £1,940 and the average daily number of vehicles 22,200.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that the provision of roads without sidepaths constitutes a serious safety hazard at East Kilbride; and when the pedestrian underpaths below the traffic roundabouts will be completed.

Footpaths have been authorised on classified roads in East Kilbride when traffic conditions warrant them. I am informed that the underpaths are expected to be completed within the next few months.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many traffic roundabouts there are at East Kilbride; and how many others are to be constructed.

Six roundabouts have already been constructed; it is proposed to construct one more in the next two years and two others are provided for in the long-term plan.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will publish the report of the Waterways Committee set up by the late Government.

If the hon. Member has in mind the Central Canal Committee set up in 1941 and terminated in 1947, this Committee compiled weekly appreciations of the canal position, but made no general report.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that hardship and loss of staff has resulted from the 23 transfers from Redbrae, Prestwick, to Birdlip, in Gloucestershire; and if he will give an assurance that no further transfers will take place.

I regret that some loss of staff and temporary hardship was involved in these transfers which took place in 1952. They were, however, unavoidable owing to the reduction in communicator work at Redbrae. A further eight to 10 transfers will be required in the next six months and, as I explained to the House in the debate on Civil Aviation last Monday, I am satisfied that these are inevitable.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proportion of the commercial freight between the United Kingdom and Europe is carried by British European Airways Corporation and by British companies, respectively.

The figures for October to December, 1953, on a tonnage basis, were: British European Airways 46 per cent.; other United Kingdom operators, 12 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proportion of the commercial freight between the United Kingdom and overseas territories outside Europe is carried by British Overseas Airways Corporation and by British companies, respectively.

The figures for October to December, 1953, on a tonnage basis, were: B.O.A.C., 46 per cent.; other United Kingdom operators, 7 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why the recommendations made by the Central Transport Consultative Committee and referred to in paragraph 19 of their report to him of 12th January, 1954, were not accepted; and why they were refused permission to submit their views upon the question of the number of persons allowed to stand in public service vehicles.

Much as I value the advice of the consultative committees, I have to take my own decisions on matters of national policy after considering representations that I may receive from any quarter. The question of standing passengers concerned regulations of general application to be made by myself rather than services or facilities provided by the British Transport Commission, which constitute the main terms of reference of the consultative committees. However, I have told the chairman of the Central Committee that, leaving the questions of legal interpretation aside, I shall be glad to consult with them on such matters in future, and I think, on reflection, I could well have done it this time.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he has taken on the recommendation of the Central Transport Consultative Committee that they should be consulted on schemes of reorganisation prepared by the British Transport Commission under the Transport Act, 1953.

It is my intention to include the Central Transport Consultative Committee among the bodies whom I shall consult when I receive the scheme from the British Transport Commission.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now state whether he proposes to introduce legislation this Session to implement any of the recommendations of the Thesiger Report with regard to coach licences; and what interim steps he proposes to take to remove existing difficulties in connection with the use of coaches by private parties who come in from outlying rural districts to entertainments in the nearest urban centres.

In accordance with the reply which I gave on 20th January, I hope to circulate a memorandum on this part of the Thesiger Committee's Report to the interests concerned very shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has noted the support given by the Central Transport Consultative Committee to the representations made by the representative bodies in North London for improved transport facilities; and whether he will make a statement on progress made since he received a deputation on this subject in December.

Yes. The British Transport Commission are having detailed plans of Route "C" prepared.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make on the re-opening of negotiations with the Egyptian Government.

My right hon. Friend has no further progress to report.

asked the Minister of Food what progress is being made in providing adequate slaughtering facilities when the butchering trade is returned to private hands in July.

All local authorities have been asked to consult organisations representing farmers and meat traders in their districts to ascertain what slaughtering facilities will be needed on decontrol. In view of the urgency of the problem I have discussed with representatives of the associations of local authorities the special measures which have to be taken for the licensing and provision of slaughterhouses, and I am shortly sending a general letter of guidance to all local authorities.

asked the Minister of Food the precise lead content of orange juice being offered by his Department for sale through the trade for food manufacturing purposes; and what is the maximum lead content which orange juice for sale may contain.

Two samples of the orange juice concentrate being offered by my Department for sale through the trade for food manufacturing purposes have been examined by the Government Chemist and have been found to contain 0.2 and 1.0 parts per million of lead. There is at present no statutory limit on lead content, but these figures are well within the general limit of two parts per million recommended by the Food Standards Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schemes of economic development are contemplated for Nyasaland.

In addition to schemes of economic development which have already been started in Nyasaland, the following are among those now contemplated. Their timing and financing have still to be considered, and in many cases the details have still to be worked out before final decisions are taken.

1. Cotton Experimental Station, Lower River.

2. Equipment and Buildings Experimental Station.

3. Dam Building Unit.

4. Fencing Material Scheme.

5. Chilwa Rice Pilot Project.

6. Hydrological Survey.

7. Shire Valley Hydro-Electrical and Irrigation Scheme (First Stage):

(a) Construction of Barrage.

(b) Hydro-Electric Scheme with flood storage and transmission.

(c)Pilot Irrigation schemes.

8. Livestock Improvement Centres, Capital Development.

9. New Livestock Improvement Centre, Karonga.

10. Central Abattoir, Blantyre/Limbe.

11. Extension of Dipping Services Mzimba/Kasungu.

12. Poultry Development Scheme.

13. Ranching Scheme Palombe Plain.

14. Veterinary Training Centres, Mbawa and Mokolongwe.

15. Softwood Afforestation Scheme.

16. Silvicultural Research Station.

17. Forest Roads.

18. New water drilling unit, Northern Province.

19. Establishment of Fish Farms.

20. Model Fishery.

In addition, considerable capital expenditure is envisaged on roads, railways, harbours and airfields.The Federal Government will shortly take over responsibility for a number of these projects

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what length of leases are allowed in Tanganyika for non-African settlers.

Under the Tanganyika Law the Governor is empowered to grant rights of occupancy to both Africans and non-Africans for any term not exceeding 99 years. Unless there are reasons to the contrary in particular cases, leases are normally granted for the maximum period.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the system whereby permanent civil servants sit as members of a Legislative Council tends to destroy confidence in that Government; how many permanent civil servants now sit on the Legislative Assembly of Malaya; and if he will take steps to see that under the new constitution no civil servant will be able to hold the two positions at the same time.

I do not agree that the presence of civil servants in a Legislative Council tends to destroy confidence in the Government concerned. There are at present 21 permanent civil servants in the Federal Legislative Council. The future position of civil servants is one of the matters now under consideration in the light of the recommendations made by the Committee on Federal Elections.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply he has sent to a petition from the National Convention of Malaya, which he has received through the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya, against some of the majority recommendations of the committee dealing with elections to the Federal Legislative Council.

None. The Petition was not addressed to my right hon. Friend but to the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Malay States, and my right hon. Friend has not received it through the High Commissioner.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has received on behalf of Jamaica about the import into this country of cigars from Cuba.

My right hon. Friend has received representations from the Jamaica Cigar Manufacturers' Association and these are now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what documents have to be produced by British subjects and United States citizens, respectively, on entering the Bahamas.

Passports, with, in the case of United States citizens, visas, must be held except for persons who are on a temporary visit not exceeding a stay of three weeks and in possession of a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for their maintenance. Immigrants must make prior application to the Colonial Secretary for permission to enter and remain in the Colony and must give complete information regarding the work, if any, in which they propose to engage; supply evidence of financial standing; and submit on arrival health and character certificates. They are also required to deposit with the Immigration Officer the sum of £20 or sufficient bond of two residents good for five years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further progress he has made regarding the emigration of Mauritians to Tanganyika, particularly of clerical workers.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the final report of the Committee which is studying this and other aspects of the population problem in Mauritius and there is nothing to add to what he said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on this subject on the 18th November last,

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what amount accrues to the Groundnuts Marketing Board in Nigeria on each ton of groundnuts sold and what amount on the equivalent expressed as oil and cake; and what amount is paid to the Nigerian Government in export duty on similar quantities.

My right hon. Friend is consulting the Governor of Nigeria in order to obtain the most up-to-date information and will publish a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has regarding links between the People's United Party in British Honduras and Guatemala.

In view of the allegations which have been made from time to time of connections between the People's United Party and the Guatemalan Government, it has been decided that an impartial inquiry shall be held as soon as possible by a Commissioner appointed from outside the Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now offer to the Kabaka of Buganda the opportunity of returning at an appropriate time to his own country provided that he will relinquish all claims to the Kabakaship and give assurances of his intention to live as a private citizen.

If the Kabaka wishes to make proposals in this sense to my right hon. Friend, he will be very willing to consider them.

asked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, if the Government have now approved contracts for imports of additional newsprint from Canada and Scandinavia to enable British newspapers to regain their size and scope.

My noble Friend has nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Question put to him about newsprint by my hon. Friend on 2nd March.

asked the Minister of Works the total estimated cost of the repairs to Chiswick House; and how much has already been spent on this work.

The estimated cost of repairing Chiswick House is approximately £100,000. About half of this sum has been spent.

asked the Minister of Works the date on which repairs to Chiswick House were started; and when it is anticipated they will be completed.

The work of repairing Chiswick House was started in October, 1948, and is due to be finished in three or four years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost to the Exchequer if an Income Tax allowance of £75 were made to parents in respect of each child attending an independent school.

About £10 million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture for an assurance that properly constituted marketing companies, cooperative or otherwise, will be recognised as agents for the price guarantees on fat-stock sold by grade and deadweight.

My right hon. Friend is prepared to arrange, in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food, that guarantee payments should be made to farmers through bodies operating recognised schemes for the sale of fatstock on grade and deadweight.

asked the Minister of Labour how many promotions from clerical officer to executive officer, excluding entrants from the limited competition, from executive officer to higher executive officer, and from higher executive officer to senior executive officer, respectively, have been made in his Department during the year 1953; and what ratio the number of promotions made bears in each case to the number of candidates.

In the Ministry of Labour and National Service the work normally undertaken by clerical, executive, higher executive, and senior executive officers is performed by members of

Year		Promotions to Grade 5		Promotions to Grade 4		Promotions to Grade 3
		Number of Promotions	Percentage of candidates	Number of Promotions	Percentage of candidates	Number of Promotions	Percentage of candidates
			Percent.		Percent.		Per cent.
1953	…	Nil	0·0	149	3·7	4	0·4
Notes:—
(1)Promotion to Grade 5 is broadly equivalent to promotion to Executive Officer, to Grade 4 Higher Executive Officer, and to Grade 3 Senior Executive Officer.
(2)The number of candidates has been taken as the total number of staff in post in the appropriate grades at the beginning of the year.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many promotions from clerical officer to executive officer, excluding entrants from the limited competition, from executive officer to higher executive officer, and from higher executive officer to senior executive officer, respectively, have been made in his Department during the year 1953; and what ratio the number of promotions made bears in each case to the number of candidates.

The information asked for is as follows:

Promotion to	Number of promotions	Percentage of Candidates
Executive Officer	127	0·8
Higher Executive Officer	23	0·5
Senior Executive Officer	16	1·0

asked the Minister of Health how many promotions from clerical officer to executive officer, excluding entrants from the limited competition, from executive officer to higher executive officer, and from higher executive officer to senior executive officer, respectively, have been made in his Department during the year 1953; and what ratio the number of promotions made bears in each case to the number of candidates.

The information is contained in the following table:

Promotion to	Number of Promotions	Percentage
Executive Officer	3	0·36
Higher Executive Officer	5	1·19
Senior Executive Officer	7	3·05

(