asked the Minister of Health the number of persons known to be suffering from tuberculosis in the county borough of Sunderland on the latest available date.

1,695 at 31st December, 1954.

asked the Minister of Health how many beds in hospitals within the area of the Sunderland Management Committee are at present unoccupied owing to a shortage of nursing staff.

There are 44 beds in this group which will be available for patients as soon as the regional hospital board is able to staff and maintain them. Apart from these, the answer is "None."

asked the Minister of Health the number of National Health Service general practitioners in the county borough of Sunderland on the latest available date.

On 1st January, 1955, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 85 general practitioners on the medical list of Sunderland Executive Council.

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that children attending several schools in the Wembley area are being inconvenienced and delayed on their way to school by the erratic service on No. 18 omnibus route; and if he will make representations to the London Transport Executive about this hindrance to education.

I am not aware of any such difficulty, nor, as far as I know, have any complaints been made to the local authority concerned.

asked the Minister of Education what advice has been given to local authorities since 1st December. 1954, relative to the purchasing of meat for school meals; and the policy with regard to this matter.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the memorandum which my right hon. Friend sent to all local education authorities on 10th January, together with copies of the documents to which it refers.

asked the Minister of Education how many proprietors of private schools have still not yet responded to the request to supply lists of their staffs; the estimated number of children attending the schools; and what action he proposes to take in his efforts to ensure that young people are given the utmost possible protection from undesirable teachers.

My right hon. Friend has written to 3,785 schools and has received replies from all but 172, of which 32 have probably closed. The outstanding cases are being followed up. My right hon. Friend does not know the number of children involved, but it is probably small.

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement in respect of the early leaving from grammar schools following completion of the report on this aspect of the educational system.

I want to hear what other people have to say about the Council's recommendations before making any general statement. I hope shortly to let authorities know the kind of proposals on maintenance allowances which I am prepared to entertain.