asked the Minister of Defence the difference between the standard of medical fitness demanded of recruits for the Regular Forces compared with men called up for National Service.

Broadly speaking, to be accepted for a Regular engagement in the Forces a man must satisfy a Medical Board that he is fit to carry out the training and duties required of men serving in the branch, arm or trade for which he enlists in any part of the world throughout his engagement. A somewhat lower standard of fitness can be accepted in the case of a man called up for National Service. There is scope for his employment on less active duties or in a temperate climate where such employment is not likely to aggravate any minor disability from which he may suffer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will facilitate the provision of supplies of coal and coke to Slough and district.

I am not aware of any special difficulties in Slough, but I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present monthly rate of imports of coal into this country; the average price, cost, insurance, and freight, per ton which we pay for it; at what price it is sold in this country; and how far it is his intention to increase these imports.

About 1 million tons per month at an average landed price of nearly £7 per ton. Imported coals are sold at the same prices as similar grades of home-produced coals. I am not contemplating a higher rate of import.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now prepared to order an independent investigation into the treatment received by the son of Mr. T. B. Shearer, of Dumbarton, in two hospitals in Glasgow, because of which he removed his son from the care of the regional board and arranged for private treatment.

After most careful investigation of Mr. Shearer's allegations, replies have been sent both to the hon. Member and to Mr. Shearer himself. I am satisfied that there is no case for further inquiry.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what representations have been made to his Department regarding the maintenance of Wellesley Road, Chiswick, W.4, as a through road, both during the construction of the Cromwell Road/Great West Road extension and after its completion; whether he is aware of the need to allow traffic proceeding between Chiswick and Brentford to use this road after the extension has been finished; and what provision has been made in the plan to keep Wellesley Road open without hindering the flow of traffic along the main highway.

Representations have been made by the Borough of Brent-ford and Chiswick that Wellesley Road should be maintained as a through road both during the execution of the works and after completion. I am aware of the advantages which would be gained if Wellesley Road were to remain open for traffic proceeding between Brentford and Chiswick. I am therefore having further investigations made into the practicability and probable cost of carrying the new road on a viaduct over Wellesley Road.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the difficulty which local authorities have to face as a result of his circular letter of 25th March informing local councils that road safety expenditure must be kept within the amount of the previous year's budget; and if he will consider the position as in most cases the rate was fixed before the receipt of his letter.

I appreciate that local authorities would in many cases be glad of increased grants for this valuable work. I am afraid, however, that it is not possible to increase the grant this year.