asked the Minister of Works what action he proposes to take to clear Bushy Park of dead and fallen trees and of derelict war-time buildings; and how many new trees he proposes to plant this coming winter.

Only two fallen trees remain and these will be removed this week. There are some roots of fallen trees still in the ground and a few dead trees in the avenues which will be removed during the winter. About 300 trees will be planted during the coming winter.I propose to start clearing the remains of the derelict war-time camps as soon as funds are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the missing Army reservists, who failed to return from leave to join the troopship "Asturias" on 24th and 28th October, are still absent without leave; how many have been apprehended; what form of disciplinary action has been taken against them; and if he will make a statement.

No reservists are still absent without leave; 32 have been apprehended. In all other cases it was found on inquiry that the soldier had already set off to rejoin his unit or had been granted compassionate or sick leave by his unit. Of those who had overstayed their leave many missed the ship by a matter of hours and only a few were absent for more than two days.Disciplinary action is a matter for commanding officers. I have, however, called for a report on the 32 men who were apprehended and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why local contractors were not invited to tender for the work of repainting his Department's houses in the Penrhos Airfield, Pwllheli, especially in view of the unemployment existing in the district; why a firm, operating at a distance of 50 miles from the airfield, and paying lodging allowances to the men it employed to do this work, was given the contract; and whether in future local contractors will be invited to tender for all such work.

As is the normal practice, tenders for this work were invited from all of the firms which had applied, and been accepted, for inclusion in the appropriate Air Ministry list of approved contractors. The lowest tender was accepted. If there is any firm at Penrhos which wishes to be included in the approved list, I shall be glad to have its application considered.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what the total inclusive cost would be to a local authority in borrowing £1,304 in 1951, from the Public Works Loan Board, for the purpose of building a three-bedroom house, on the assumption that the capital and interest was paid back spread over a period of 60 years; and what would be the cost, on the same basis, of borrowing £1,448, the cost of a similar three-bedroom house in 1956.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 31st October last.