asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the cause of the fractured pipe in a Royal Naval installation that led to the pollution of Dover Harbour by 900 tons of oil; and what assistance the Admiralty is giving to rid the harbour of the oil.

My information is that the loss of oil amounted to between 200 and 300 tons of which only a small quantity found its way into the harbour. An underground pipe developed a crack probably due to the movement of heavy equipment in the area during the preceding fortnight. The pipe was of cast iron and is now being replaced by a steel pipe. Floating booms have been laid in the inner camber to contain the oil within limited areas and the oil is being dealt with by means of chemicals. This work is being done by Admiralty officers.I very much regret this occurrence and any inconvenience caused. I am satisfied that immediately the leakage was discovered all reasonable steps were taken to stop it and to minimise its effect.

asked the Minister of Health how many patients are now at Rampton Hospital; and how many have been transferred from there to ordinary mental deficiency hospitals during the last twelve months.

1,101 patients. In the year ended 31st October, 1956, 61 patients were transferred to ordinary mental deficiency hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the observations of Lord Goddard in the Court of Criminal Appeal in the case of Regina versus Evans regarding the immediate desirability of amending Section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1948, in the case where a previous sentence of preventive detention or corrective training has been imposed upon a person subsequently thereto convicted, so as to make a notice of intention by the police to prove a previous conviction for the purposes of Section 23 sufficient to enable the court to apply the provisions of the section; and if he will accordingly introduce legislation to that effect.

I have caused a circular letter to be sent to chief constables drawing their attention to this case and to the strict requirements of Section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1948. I have also noted the point for amending legislation when a suitable opportunity occurs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment the estimated cost of providing a more up-to-date badge for London taxi drivers in place of the unsightly metal disc they are at present compelled to wear.

£1,500.