asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made to date with his plans to provide additional accommodation for mentally retarded children in or near Aberdeen.

The North-Eastern Regional Hospital Board proposes to develop Woodlands Home, Cults, as a regional centre for mentally defective children requiring institional care. The centre has already been expanded from 62 places to 120, and will ultimately provide about 250. There is no evidence that additional accommodation is needed in this area at present for mentally handicapped children whose need is for special educational treatment.

I am aware that that area is rich in accommodation for such children, but surely the Minister has some plans for extending the accommodation still further?

That will be done if required. At present, there does not appear to be any need.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to extend and increase the accommodation for treatment of spastic people in the north-east of Scotland.

Children in the north-east of Scotland suffering from the more severe degrees of spastic disablement and requiring institutional care are admitted to the Woodlands Home, Cults. The accommodation at Woodlands has recently been doubled, and the regional board envisages its further extension later on. Educational provision for spastic school children is made in the physically handicapped section of the new Beech-wood School in Aberdeen.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what relation the accommodation bears to the actual number of spastic people awaiting accommodation?

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that at Beechwood School the total number of places available is 85 and that there are 63 pupils on the roll, so it would appear that there is room for more.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is one of the finest schools of its kind in the whole country? He is not distinguishing between children who are handicapped and children who are not handicapped, so giving them the feeling that they are being educated in a normal way.

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the number of spastics in Scotland of school age; the extent and nature of the educational facilities provided for them; and the number that are benefiting from such facilities.

An inquiry on the lines the hon. Member suggests is being conducted by the Scottish Council for the Care of Spastics, based on its experience at Westerlea School, and my right hon. Friend expects in the near future to discuss with it its draft report which will, he understands, include the results of local surveys. Special provision for spastic pupils is made at one residential school and one day school, but many other schools and classes for handicapped pupils also provide for children who are not too severely handicapped. About 440 pupils in all are benefiting from these facilities.

While thanking the Joint Under-Secretary for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that although this question deals only with children of school age, the children under school age are very important too?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the provision for beds for tubercular patients in Scotland; and how many were awaiting beds in 1952, 1953, 1954, and at the latest date.

The number of staffed beds available for the treatment of respiratory tuberculosis in Scotland has increased from 5,335 at the end of 1950 to 6,098 at the end of 1954. The number of patients awaiting admission has dropped from 2,303 in December, 1950, to 486 in January, 1955. I will circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these figures must give very great satisfaction to everyone, but, at the same time, can he say whether they indicate any change in his policy in regard to the provision of beds or their situation?

I shall be answering a Question later concerning the general situation with regard to tuberculosis. Perhaps my reply to the hon. Lady's supplementary question could wait until then.

Is the Minister satisfied with the arrangement made between the different regions for taking patients from another region if surplus beds happen to be available in any region?

I understand that arrangements have been made for co-operation in that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients from Scotland have been treated in sanatoria in Switzerland since the scheme began.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the future of the Scottish Swiss sanatorium scheme.

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I shall make a statement in reply to these Questions at the end of Question Time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for future employment in North Lanarkshire as an alternative to those put forward to him by the hon. Member for North Lanarkshire.

I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to her on 2nd December last.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that, in an intervention in a previous debate, he tried to say that he had a solution for this problem? Is he also aware that this is a very serious problem which receives great publicity in the Press, and that the "Glasgow Herald" had a first leader on it and the "Citizen" an important article? It he further aware that his former replies have been most unsatisfactory, and that my people are coming to the conclusion that this Government, including the Scottish Ministers, are quite ineffectual in bringing any hope to them?

Sir Robert Boothby.

I wonder if I could have an answer to my supplementary question, Mr. Speaker?

I cannot get an answer from the Minister.

What I said to the hon. Lady was that these particular established factories—or whatever is the right word—did not form the only solution. Inever said that I had a solution. I can assure the hon. Lady that all the facts which she has put to us have been most carefully considered. We are doing many things, but not exactly the things which she suggests. I am sorry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the reconstruction of the inshore fishing fleets has proceeded to a point at which it is becoming difficult to man the modern craft which are now available; and, in view of the desirability of limiting the size of the fleets to a level at which they will give a good economic return, whether he will direct the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board to curtail the operation of the grant-and-loan scheme in respect of new construction, and to concentrate on engine replacement.

I have no evidence of serious difficulty in manning inshore fishing vessels or of a need to curtail the grant and loan scheme for the reason stated. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries has, however, already announced that we propose to amend the scheme so as to put it beyond doubt that the White Fish Authority, in considering applications for grant, may have regard to the needs of the fisheries as well as to the individual merits of the applicant. A similar amendment of the Herring Grants Scheme is also proposed. Both the Authority and the Herring Industry Board already give grants freely for new engines in suitable cases.

If the hon. Gentleman has any doubts about the difficulty of manning the fleets, will he pay a brief visit in the near future to Fraserburgh and Peterhead and have a look at the number of craft tied up in harbour in those two ports?

According to the facts which were given officially, only four boats have been held up recently for lack of crews. Those are all that have been brought to our notice. If my hon. Friend can give me further information, I shall be very glad to have it.

asked the Secretary, of State for Scotland the total number of beds available for patients in Edinburgh hospitals.

The total number of staffed beds in Edinburgh hospitals on 31st December, 1954, was 6,215.

In view of the fact that three weeks ago the Minister submitted some figures to me which showed that there are about 1¼ million people in and around the City of Edinburgh, does he not think it high time that more hospitals were built about Edinburgh, the Dalkeith area, for example?

It depends of course, on how many people there are requiring hospital accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 12 projected atomic power stations are to be in Scotland; and how far it is proposed that the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board shall participate.

No decision has yet been reached on the location of any of these stations, but the Scottish electricity boards and the British Electricity Authority are in consultation with the Atomic Energy Authority on this and other matters.

Mr. Nabarro.

Question No. 17.

The hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) gave us no chance on Question No. 16. That is lousy.

On a point of order. I distinctly heard a Scottish Member opposite say that I was lousy.

Order. Mr. Nabarro. Question No. 17.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to revise the new water-power capital construction plans, 1955–65, of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, in view of the onset of nuclear power generation of electricity and the recent White Paper on that subject.

My right hon. Friend does not consider that the nuclear power programme requires any revision of the Board's plans so far submitted to him. The Board has told him, however, that it is considering the development of large-scale pumped storage schemes which may prove to be of increasing importance as the development of nuclear power proceeds.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that the conventional hydro-electric scheme which has been built in the Highlands has an anticipated length of life of 100 years? In view of the fact that nuclear power stations will probably be in operation within ten years, is it not desirable to reconsider any plans for building further conventional hydro-electric stations?

These considerations are very much in our minds and in the minds of the authorities. I assure my hon. Friend, for reasons which I could well give him, that what we are doing now is very sound.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as modern knowledge goes, at present the cost of the raw material for hydro-electric power stations will always be cheaper than the nuclear material, which has to be imported? The raw material for a hydroelectric scheme comes from the skies.

Can my hon. Friend say whether a single suitable site has been found so far in the United Kingdom for any one of these stations referred to in the White Paper?

I am not aware that the authorities have yet decided upon one.

Can the Minister say whether or not he has had any consultations with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board with regard to the part it may play in nuclear power development?

I am in very close touch with it in this matter. I assure the hon. Member that it is very much in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much Scottish peat was cut and used in 1954 in the United Kingdom for domestic fuel purposes; and, in view of the increased and increasing shortage of house coal in all parts of the country, what steps he is taking to increase the output and popularise the use of peat as domestic fuel.

I regret that information is not available as to the quantity of peat cut and used for domestic fuel. A Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Edward Appleton has reviewed possible uses of peat, and it is doubtful whether it could be marketed at an economic price in most of our towns. The matter is, however, being kept under review.

I suggest that my hon. Friend takes steps to get the information. [Hon. Members: "Question."] Is my hon. Friend aware of the high and rising price of coal for domestic purposes, and the fact that this country has had to import 4 million tons of coal this year, mostly for domestic use? Would it not be well worth while considering the development of Scottish peat resources, which would be very welcome in England, which is extremely short of domestic coal?

With respect, I suggest that my hon. Friend should read the Report of the Appleton Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of expenditure on fire services is borne by Government grant.

The proportion of approved fire service expenditure borne by Government grant is 25 per cent.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why the proportion is so low, compared with the ordinary local authority services, especially in view of the fact that this, in a very large measure, is a non-localised and almost a national service?

This was the proportion settled by the hon. Member's friends when they were in office, and we have merely maintained it. In all the circumstances, I think it is about right.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities regret the enthusiasm with which they demanded the return to their administration of the fire services at that period?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the decision of Sheriff Middleton on 29th November, 1954, in the case of a wildfowler charged with shooting wildfowl in Aberlady Bay, he will take steps to make possible the prohibition or restriction of shooting on the foreshore of any Scottish nature reserve.

An appeal has been taken to the High Court against the Sheriffs decision. The court has reserved judgment, and it would, therefore, be improper for me to comment on the case.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether steps have now been taken to explore the magnetite deposits in the island of Tiree; and with what results.

I understand that the deposits have been investigated by a commercial firm, which decided not to develop them.

In view of the very extensive nature of these deposits—they are about 4 miles in length and stretch to a considerable depth—will the hon. Gentleman not try to pursue the matter further through the Scottish Council?

The hon. Member was a member of the Mineral Development Committee. Its Report did bring out the fact that there were great difficulties here, and I gather that it is because of those difficulties—for example, the high percentage of phosphorus—that this firm did not feel it possible to do anything.

Will the Minister try, through the research department in Glasgow, to get something done about this particular difficulty?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Forth Purification Board has yet met; whether he has yet received recommendations; and what action he has taken.

The board's first meeting was on 7th March, when it decided to advertise for a river inspector. When this officer has made a survey of the rivers in the board's district, the board will frame and submit by-laws for my right hon. Friend's confirmation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increased sums are to be made available to north Ayrshire for hospital building; and whether any project has yet been approved for accommodating the chronic aged sick.

The tentative programme of major works to be undertaken by the Western Regional Hospital Board as a result of the recently announced increase in capital allocations does not include any project in north Ayrshire. I understand that no proposal to build new accommodation for chronic aged sick in the area is at present under consideration.

Surely the Joint Under-Secretary of State realises that the problem exists. We have had many speeches from Government benches expressing general sympathy in relation to this need; will not the Government do something about it?

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is great need for these matters to be considered continually, and for measures to be taken, but he will realise that there are other means than providing accommodation for the chronic sick. It is better for them to be cared for in their own homes as much as possible.

It is all very well to care for them in their own homes, provided that the local authority is going on with the home-help scheme. In many areas this scheme is being cut down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the protest from Newmilns Town Council about the effect of the increased rates of interest of the Public Works Loan Board; and what reply he has made.

My right hon. Friend has informed the town council that its protest has been noted, and that in so far as expenditure of local authorities in general is increased it will be reflected in the Exchequer equalisation grant in England and Wales and Scotland.

All this means is that an increased burden will be borne, partly by ratepayers and partly by taxpayers. Surely the right hon. and gallant Gentleman must be aware that any increase means an increase in the rates, and is a very serious matter in view of the present parlous situation of local authority finances?

Is the Minister aware that this matter is causing great concern in Ayrshire, and that even the Burgh of Ayr is demanding that interest rates be reduced forthwith? Is he not aware that the hon. Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) will be committing hara-kiri on the Minister's doorstep if this demand is not acceded to?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the Government's proposals for discouraging inflationary spending will involve curtailing or slowing down the programme for additional hospitals, schools and other public developments recently announced.

I have no reason to think that the programmes to which the right hon. Gentleman refers will be affected.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consulted the local authorities to find out whether the increased interest rates will not have the effect of discouraging their enthusiasm?

The right hon. Gentleman referred to hospitals. I can assure him that there will be no diminution in the programme announced for them. With regard to schools, it is not expected that there will be any diminution in the programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made towards consideration by local authorities and others of the proposed under-water crossing of the Forth; how far it will be competent for the existing committee for the Forth Road Bridge to do so; and what otherwise is being done.

The local authorities represented on the Forth Road Bridge Joint Board accepted, on 18th March, the suggestion of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation that, in consultation with the Secretary of State, he should appoint a group of independent experts to consider the proposal for a tube under the Forth and its merits in relation to a bridge. The necessary steps will be taken as soon as practicable. The present Joint Board was set up under a Provisional Order to build a bridge; and new powers would be needed for the construction of a tube.

From Press reports it appears that the existing Board has no power to deal with the new proposition. Is the Minister going to take steps to see that no delay is occasioned by the Board—which must make the decision—being in its place when this committee has reported? What is causing delay in appointing the committee which is to carry out the scientific investigation?

There has been no avoidable delay. The authorities met on 18th March and asked that in the drawing up of the terms of reference they should be consulted, and that the terms should include a reference to roads. We are in the process of getting the terms of reference agreed, and as soon as that is done everything possible will be done to get the committee started.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether we can have a definite statement one way or the other about this tube before the General Election?

The Government have given, as the hon. Member knows, a firm undertaking that a start will be made during the next four years with a crossing of the Forth, either by bridge or by tube, and we stand firmly by that undertaking.

Is my hon. Friend prepared to give a date by which this new committee will be set up?

On 16th June, I suggest.

It should take very little time once we get agreement with the authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average number of patients on doctors' lists in Scotland at February, 1955, or the latest available date, as compared with April, 1953, and December, 1951.

The average in January, 1955, was 1,976, compared with 2,016 in April, 1953, and 2,152 in January, 1952.

How does that position compare with the rate of progress south of the Border?

I could not say.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of dental courses devoted to preservative work in Scotland in 1954, as compared with 1951.

The number of courses of treatment, other than emergency extractions and the supply of dentures, increased from 603,000 in 1951 to 715,000 in 1954. The great majority of these courses were devoted to conservative work.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that these figures establish, especially after the reply to the previous Question, that there is now a very satisfactory rate of progress? Is he satisfied that the progress is likely to be maintained?

I sincerely hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give further details of the scheme by which, up to £25,000, is to be made available as special assistance to schemes of land improvement in the Scottish Islands.

Details of this scheme are now being worked out, following the Price Review, and my right hon. Friend hopes to publish them very shortly.

Is the Minister aware that these figures will be a mere drop in the ocean? Will he explain how it will be possible to help producers, for whom we understand the scheme was particularly designed?

The scheme was extended to the Islands to give support, particularly in relation to fertilisers and land reclamation. I hope it will do that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a further statement in regard to the special payment for hill sheep; and to state whether the Government intend to give immediate assistance over the provision of fodder to hill farmers whose flocks have been gravely weakened by bad weather.

Arrangements to make the special payment of 5s. per ewe on hill flocks, on the same lines as hill sheep subsidy, are being treated as a matter of urgency. A scheme under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, has to be prepared and appropriate application forms will be distributed to all those who at present appear to be eligible as soon as these have been printed.

Is the Minister aware that there has already been too much delay? I am informed that the application forms have not yet been printed. In the meantime, there is urgent need in the Highlands, especially in view of the recent snowstorms, for assistance in providing fodder for sheep. Will he try to bring in some scheme now to help the crofters concerned?

The forms have been sent to the printer and should be out before the end of next month. As soon as they are returned, subject to checking, payments will be made. As to the provision of fodder, the hon. Member knows that there is already a scheme for advancing credit on low terms to farmers and it is available for this purpose.

If it is to take to the end of next month to get the forms out, would it not be wise to invite the co-operation of the Press—have the forms printed in the Press—and get them dealt with forthwith?

As the right hon. Gentleman very well knows, we have to be careful about that sort of thing. We must have the forms filled in and the figures checked, otherwise things could happen which would not be proper.

Are the figures for the sheep on which subsidy is paid those of 4th December last, which are already in the hands of the Department? Further, are the sheep to be in age groups, as they used to be under the old hill sheep scheme?

I do not know about the age groups, but my hon. and gallant Friend is quite right about 4th December.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the housing programme for Scotland, apart from Glasgow, is being overtaken; in how many burghs it is nearing completion; and if he will make a statement.

A total of 255,000 permanent and temporary houses have been built since the war, including 37,000 built in Glasgow. Of the 230 housing authorities in Scotland, 51 have no houses under construction and 28 have less than 10. These 79 authorities comprise five county councils and the town councils of 74 small burghs. While other considerations may apply in particular cases, the reduction of the waiting lists is the main reason why building has come to an end or been slowed down in most of these districts.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that a reduction of the waiting lists is an indication that no more houses are required? Is it not possible to have a survey of houses that are in the last stages of their life and are proving to be dangerous and in a state of decay?

I should have thought that to be a matter for the local authority concerned. The hon. Lady will know that, under the Act recently passed, my right hon. Friend has asked for information to be conveyed to him about the position, which involves a survey by August of this year.

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware, of course, that returns are sent to the Department of Health regularly by the local authorities. In Scotland, there has been no survey of the number of houses necessary and of the wastage which has taken place since 1943. Can the Minister give an estimate of what has been the wastage for the last 12 years?

No, Sir, I am not able to supply that information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the Edinburgh Corporation submitted a request to his Department for permission to demolish and rebuild houses in the Dumbiedykes area of the Holyrood ward of the city;

The only proposals submitted by the corporation for the demolition and rebuilding of houses in the centre of the city are those relating to the Dumbiedykes area contained in the corporation's development plan. These proposals were submitted by way of an amendment to the plan on 14th January, 1954; and, as the plan is still under consideration, the corporation asked, on 17th February, 1955, that the proposals be separately considered. My right hon. Friend hopes to give his decision on the proposal very shortly.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that there is a considerable waste of time between when the application is made by the corporation and when the decision is actually made? There is a long period between the two. Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman further aware that the conditions in the area are appalling in consequence of the inclement weather, and cannot something be done to speed this matter up?

No, Sir. The development plan for the City of Edinburgh is a very important matter, and calls for very great consideration. This proposal in regard to the Dumbiedykes area was only put in apart from the plan in February this year.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Edinburgh Corporation is as far behind with its housing programme as the Coal Board is with its deliveries?

I think that the hon. Gentleman knows the answer to that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from Edinburgh Corporation for slum clearance and rebuilding schemes in Leith.

My right hon. Friend confirmed a Clearance Order in 1952, under which the demolition of 88 unfit houses is now proceeding at Burns Street, Leith. He understands that the corporation is giving preliminary consideration to the clearance of other small central areas in Leith, but no specific proposals have yet been submitted to him.

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman help the carrying out of this work by approaching the Secretary of State for War with a view to getting the War Department to release Leith Fort for housing purposes and so accelerate any scheme for slum clearance?

I understand that that matter is before the Edinburgh Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a wider survey of the slum areas of Glasgow.

The Corporation of Glasgow carried out a comprehensive survey of all properties in the city for the purposes of its development plan which my right hon. Friend approved last year, and he does not think any further survey is required meantime.

In view of that reply, will the Joint Under-Secretary ask the Secretary of State to go to Glasgow and view the problem of the slum areas for himself? Is he aware that, if the Secretary of State does so, he will take a more human attitude to the problem of Cumbernauld than he is at present showing?

My right hon. Friend has already visited Glasgow and looked at the slum areas in the city and the conditions which exist there, but this is a matter more for the Corporation of the City of Glasgow than for the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which educational bodies he is consulting in connection with the proposed leaving certificate for 16-year-old pupils.

My right hon. Friend is consulting the Educational Institute of Scotland, the Association of Headmasters of Senior Secondary Schools, the Association of Headmistresses (Scottish Branch), the Association of Directors of Education, the Association of County Councils, and the Association of Councils of Counties of Cities. The Scottish Universities Entrance Board will also be consulted.

Will the Minister bear in mind the importance of getting a special leaving certificate adapted to the needs of those who are likely to leave school at the age of 16; and will he also say whether he is treating this matter as one of urgency, in view of the great contribution that it would make towards reducing the wastage in our schools?

We share the hon. Member's view about the contribution which this step could make, and we are doing it as quickly as we can, but we must consult other people.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many recruits to the teaching profession have been obtained under the special recruitment scheme; how many are, or will be, honours graduates and of these how many are, or will be science and mathematics graduates; how many are, or will be, ordinary graduates; and how many in all categories are men.

One thousand three hundred and thirty-one recruits were obtained in the period up to 14th March. Four hundred and eighty-eight of these are now certificated teachers, and the rest are still pursuing their studies; 155 are, or will be, honours graduates, 45 in science and 18 in mathematics, and 549 are, or will be, ordinary graduates. Six hundred and twenty-eight of the 1,331 recruits are men.

Since these figures show that there has been some success with this scheme, will the Minister ensure that every step is taken to try to publicise it even further, in the hope of attracting more?

I agree. The hon. Lady has already received my compliments on the scheme. Recruits are coming in at the rate of about 40 a month, of whom about 20 are being accepted. We are doing all that we can to keep it going.

Will not the hon. Gentleman do something to deprecate the sort of propaganda which seeks to underestimate the value of these recruits and to suggest that these people are not fully qualified?

I have done what I can, by broadcasts and otherwise, to bring the right hon. Gentleman's idea to the notice of the public. It is an excellent scheme—there is no possible dilution in it—and it is of great service to Scottish education.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of school children in the town of Penicuik, Midlothian, who are being taught in temporary premises.

One primary class of 43 pupils is at present being taught in premises out with the school.

I understand that two halls are being used in Penicuik. In view of that fact, would it not have been far better if the Government had concentrated upon a balanced building programme, instead of trying to build 300,000 houses when they know they have to patch up prefabricated houses built in 1945 in order to get another five years of life out of them?

It is not my duty to talk about housing, but the hon. Member should know that work upon the extension of Penicuik junior secondary school is going ahead. It is hoped that the first part of the extension will be completed in time to be able to dispense with these halls next session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average class attendance register in elementary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, respectively, in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, respectively; and what action he intends, in co-operation with the local authorities, to reduce the size of classes.

Separate figures for the three types of school are not available, but in Glasgow in January, 1955, the average size of classes in primary departments was 39·9; in the first three years of secondary courses of all types 29·6; and in the fourth and subsequent years of secondary courses 22. The comparable figures for classes in Lanarkshire at the end of December, 1954, were 39·3, 29·5 and 21·2. Reductions in the sizes of classes must depend mainly on the success of the efforts which are being made, in cooperation with the education authorities, to recruit more teachers and speed up the provision of new schools.

What is the Minister doing to try to ease the problem of overcrowding? The figure he gave does not give the true picture. In some of the primary schools classes there are as many as 60 pupils. With the best will in the world, nobody can teach children in such large classes. What is the Minister doing, in association with local authorities, to ease the problem?

I entirely agree that these large classes make it almost impossible to teach properly. We are doing everything we can, in association with the authorities, such as using temporary buildings, trying to get more teachers and, under the latest circular, adding to old school buildings. Of course, it is taking time, but we are in a peculiarly difficult position because of the bulge in the birth rate, a factor which we must face for some years yet.

Can the Minister tell us whether these statistics were taken just before the two leaving dates, in January and August?

I am not able to answer that question, but the figures were given to us by the two local authorities, and they cover the dates which I have mentioned in my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now review the arrangements for grants to students at universities and other comparable institutions with a view in particular to satisfying himself to what extent the present system of assessment of contributions by parents in middle income groups, when considered in conjunction with Income Tax, involves a double handicap.

In the present review of the Education Authority Bursaries (Scotland) Regulations, under which such grants are made, the point which the hon. Member has mentioned will be kept in mind.

Will my hon. Friend also keep in mind the fact that many of these people in the middle income groups have fixed commitments which they cannot easily vary? Will he further bear in mind the comparison between these groups and those who have capital to supplement, as compared with those who have no capital to supplement, the university education of their children?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of new school places provided by local authorities in grant-aided and approved schools during 1954.

Thirty-four thousand three hundred and seventy.

Do not these figures give the answer to any attempt made by the Opposition to allege that the Government are lagging in the school building programme? Though the problem of overcrowding is very great, has not remarkable progress been made in overcoming it, and do not these figures constitute something like an all-time record?

Is not the Minister aware that the figures given are completely wrong, and that in each year since the present Government came to power capital investment in the provision of new school places has been cut?

That is not correct. The House may like to know that the figure for the year which I have just quoted is 27 per cent. higher than for the previous year and nearly double the figure for 1950.

asked the Minister of Works when the memorial to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, which was removed from Parliament Square, will be re-erected and where.

I am considering this question but I have not reached a decision.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that the Parliament Square Act stipulated that memorials which were removed should be restored, and that on at least three occasions his predecessors have said that this monument to the work of Buxton, Wilberforce and others who abolished slavery in the British Empire would be restored, and a place found for it in Victoria Gardens?

I realise that the feelings of the Anti-Slavery Society are very strong; so are the feelings of the Royal Fine Art Commission.

asked the Minister of Works the total number of Government offices in the area bounded by a line drawn from Charing Cross to Piccadilly Circus, thence down Piccadilly and Knightsbridge to Sloane Street and Sloane Square, thence to Victoria Station passing along to Vauxhall Bridge, and in the area south of the river bounded by a line drawn from Vauxhall Bridge, the Oval Station and gasometers, Elephant and Castle, New Kent Road, Tower Bridge Road and thence to Tower Bridge, respectively; the estimated total number of civil servants employed therein; and the estimated rent paid out of public funds, together with the estimated amount of rental per head.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

But why should the civil servants dig themselves in in the heart of Mayfair and Belgravia and the most expensive sites in London, like Bond Street and Carlton House Terrace? Could not they file their forms equally well on less expensive sites south of the River and be equally close to the House of Commons? How about the gasometers at the Oval? Could they not be put underground at the Elephant and Castle?

For myself I must plead "not guilty," because my own office is south of the river, but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the seat of Government is north of the river.

asked the Minister of Works by what bodies, outside Government service, he has been advised that traffic would be impeded by allowing vehicles going from Kensington High Street to Bayswater to enter Kensington Gardens by Queen's Gate and proceed by a cut just to the north of Coalbrookdale Gate along the west carriageway in Hyde Park.

None, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me whether this road is not, in fact, a right of way? In reply to a Question which I asked last week about the filter, he said that he was advised that it was bad for traffic, but can he say how a filter to the left can possibly be bad for traffic? If, as I suspect, it cannot be bad for traffic, will he consult the Minister of Transport and the Metropolitan Police with a view to opening this passage?

I am advised that it is not a right of way. Before giving my earlier answer, I very naturally consulted the Ministry of Transport and the police.