asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses unfit for human habitation there now are or were at the latest available date in the Borough of Kettering, the Urban Districts of Burton Latimer, Corby, Desborough and Rothwell and the Rural Districts of Brixworth and Kettering, respectively.

Local authorities have been asked to submit by 30th August, 1955, statements of the estimated number of unfit houses in their area and of their proposals for dealing with them. Of the authorities mentioned in the Question, I have so far received a statement from only one, Brixworth Rural District. Its estimate of unfit houses is 621.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government with what regulations prescribed by him under Section 5 of the Housing Act it is now the duty of local authorities to comply; and what records so prescribed it is now their duty to keep.

I assume that the hon. and learned Member is referring to Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1936. If so, the answer to both parts of his Question is "None."

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total funds authorised for the programme of Scottish roads in general and Highland roads particularly, for each year since 1951; how much has been actually spent on the work; what sums remain unused, and how far money not taken up in the year of allocation accumulates as credits for the time when the work can proceed

This information is not readily available in the form in which the right hon. Member asks for it. With permission I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if a decision has yet been reached with regard to the tube crossing of the Forth.

With the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, I have appointed a panel of experts consisting of Sir William Halcrow (as Chairman), Mr. Gilbert Roberts and Mr. Shirley Smith to consider the respective merits of the bridge scheme and the tube crossing. This will involve much detailed technical investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present policy of the Government in relation to the reunification of East Germany and West Germany.

It remains the view of Her Majesty's Government that the first essential step to the reunification of Germany is free all-German elections. How this can best be brought about will be considered in consultation with the Governments interested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation on the subject of non-industrial employment, based on the recommendation of the Gowers Report.

As stated in the Gracious Speech, legislation will be introduced this Session on health, welfare and safety in agriculture and forestry. Corresponding legislation for other non-industrial places of employment will be introduced as soon as time can be found for it.

asked the Minister of Health the number of people who are acting as consulting specialists in National Health Service hospitals under the designation of senior hospital medical officer, and not receiving consulting fees.

In May, 1954, the latest date for which detailed information is available, there were 2,266 senior hospital medical officers in England and Wales.