asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state the cost of transporting three Bahraini convicts to St. Helena in H.M.S. "Loch Insh".

Approximately £170 which will be reclaimed from the Bahrain Government.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is only a tiny fraction of the real cost? Is he seriously suggesting that this return journey of 12,000 miles outside the normal command area, made by a frigate specially air conditioned for service in the Persian Gulf area, was part of the normal tour of duty? Is not the Parliamentary Secretary disguising the fact that it is the British taxpayer who will pay the major part of the cost of using a Royal Naval vessel as a "black maria" of the sea?

No, Sir. The vessel went ninety miles out of her way.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has now received the technical information requested from the United States of America regarding the submarine "Nautilus".

Exchanges of information on nuclear propulsion for submarines have not yet begun. Discussions as to the procedure for such exchanges will take place shortly.

In view of the great strategic importance of nuclear-driven submarines for both offensive and defensive purposes, will the Minister say whether he is satisfied that adequate arrangements are being made with the United States for the exchange of technical information on this important subject?

As I said in my Answer, discussions on the procedure for such exchanges are shortly to take place—next month, in fact.

Can the Civil Lord say what has caused the delay? Why have not talks taken place earlier?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, originally exchange of information on nuclear plant for submarines was not allowed to take place. It was only last year that agreement was reached that information on this subject should be exchanged, and now the precise procedure is to be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress has been made with the project for building a British atomic powered submarine.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Major Wall) on 30th January, and to the speech made on 5th March by my hon. Friend on the Navy Estimates, Vote A.

Will the Minister say whether responsibility for this very important development rests with the Admiralty or with the Atomic Energy Authority? Can he assure us that, wherever responsibility rests, real priority is being given to this matter?

The responsibility for this submarine rests with the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers of the rank of admiral, vice-admiral and rear-admiral are on the active list; how many hold commands, are employed at the Admiralty, are employed on other staff duties, or are not employed on any specific duties; and what were the corresponding figures on 1st March, 1939.

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend give me two figures out of those for which I have asked? Will he say, first, how many admirals are now employed in commands and how many of those are operational commands which involve going to sea; and secondly, how many admirals are now employed in the Admiralty and how many were employed in 1938?

My hon. Friend has asked for a number of figures. I would ask him to wait until he sees them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it the intention of the Government to cut down the number of admirals, rear-admirals and similar officers at the Admiralty?

The number of flag officers will depend on the size of Vote A.

On a point of order. This simply is not good enough. I asked only for three figures and I really must insist on having those figures.

I understand that they will be in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Further to that point of order. Is it not a fact that figures have already been given and show that there are more captains and commanders in the Navy today then there were in 1945?

That is not exactly a point of order. The Minister is quite entitled to circulate a number of figures and that saves the time of the House. The hon. Member ought to look at the Answer when he gets it and then see whether he wants further information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the date and cost of constructing and fitting out the battleships "Anson," "Howe," "Duke of York," and "King George V"; what has been their cost of maintenance per annum since construction; and what is the number of crew.

Her Majesty's Ships "King George V," "Duke of York," "Anson", and "Howe" were completed between 1940 and 1942 at a cost of approximately £M8½ each. No record was kept of their maintenance cost during the war years. For the past ten years it has averaged £40,000 for each ship. During this period maintenance costs have been progressively reduced until they are now very small indeed. These ships carry no crews.

Does the Minister not think the time has come when we could dispense with these huge warships, which would be sitting targets in the event of hostilities?

The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised if I tell him that that is under active consideration.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be a little more frank with the House when these Questions are asked? Does that mean that it is the intention of the Government to dispense with these battleships altogether in view of the fact that they will never be used again in any kind of war?

It means that the Government are considering it. When a decision has been taken, it will be announced to the House.

Where does the hon. Gentleman think he is?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in which actions against the enemy the battleships "Anson," "Howe," "Duke of York," and "King George V," have taken part; and how many times their guns were fired during those actions.

These ships played a notable part in the Second World War. "Anson" took part in ten actions, "Howe" in four, "Duke of York" in fourteen and "King George V" in thirteen. Since the detailed list of these actions is lengthy, I will with permission have it printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. During these actions, "Anson" fired a total of 509 rounds from her main batteries alone. "Duke of York" 1,265, "Howe" 602 and "King George V" 1.181.

Can the Minister say how much that works out per round? Will he be good enough to speed up the Government with regard to getting rid of these large warships, which would be no earthly use in a future war?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how the amount of incentive work performed in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Sheerness, during 1956, compares with the amount done in the previous twelve months.

The amount of work paid for under incentive schemes in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Sheerness, during 1956 increased by 41 per cent, as compared with the previous twelve months.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what saving, if any, has resulted?

Not without notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty his estimate of the expenditure on the "Britannia" for 1957.

It is not possible to predict with any precision what will be the cost of Her Majesty's Yacht "Britannia" during the calendar year 1957.

Does not the Minister know that this £2,500,000 ship has cost £416,000 extra since she was in commission and until recently was costing £7,000 a week? Does not he think that we should actively consider economising on the ship? Does not he think that we would earn valuable dollars if we put her on the route between New York and Florida?

Strangely enough, I am aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, because I gave them to him. He is looking at the problem in a purely materialistic form. It is impossible to estimate the value to the whole Commonwealth of this yacht and the use to which the Royal Family puts it.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is a source of great pride to those who have the honour to serve in the Royal Yacht, which it is extremely difficult for Service personnel to get into; that, therefore, a high standard is maintained, and that it is quite impossible to estimate in terms of £ s. d. the invaluable work carried out through the Commonwealth and the world by the Royal Yacht

I quite agree.

While in no way seeking to show any disrespect to the exalted personages who use this vessel, and recognising that it has some value in respect of Commonwealth relations, may I ask whether the bon. Gentleman does not agree that to spend £7,000 a week on a vessel of this kind is going a little bit too far? Is not it possible to effect some economies?

The fact remains that a vessel of this size and character costs a lot of money to maintain.

Hughes asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the weekly cost of maintaining the latest type of destroyer in commission.

The average weekly cost of maintaining the latest types of destroyer in commission is £8,000.

Is the Minister aware that the admiral in charge of the "Britannia" said that a destroyer costs more than the "Britannia"? Is not there something wrong with the arithmetic in the Admiralty?

I remember the figure which I quoted to the hon. Gentleman in a Written Answer last week, when I said that the costs of the "Britannia" were in the neighbourhood of £7,000 a week. This is £8,000 a week, which is more.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a further statement on the help his Department is giving to assist in developing atom-powered tankers and freighters.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member yesterday.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reply that was given to me yesterday, although helpful, still shows some complacency on the part of those concerned? Is not the Civil Lord further aware that unless we move speedily in the development of atomic-powered ships, we shall be cut out of the commercial market?

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that there is no complacency at all. We are going ahead as fast as we possibly can.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that we must keep the lead in any new form of ship propulsion? Will he give every assistance possible in the development not only of nuclear propulsion but also possibly of jet propulsion?

Yes, I give that assurance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the estimated supply of steel to British shipyards in 1957.

I cannot forecast what quantities of steel the steel makers may supply to shipyards during this year. As I said in the Adjournment debate on 13th March, the shipyards could absorb 75,000 to 100,000 tons of steel more than they received in 1956. The Iron and Steel Board knows of this requirement, and I have confidence in its expectation that it will be met.

Is the Civil Lord aware that we all earnestly hope that there will be an early resumption of work in the yards by giving a square deal to the men?

That means an increase in wages.

Meanwhile, will the hon. Gentleman continue to take all possible steps to see that when work is resumed there is no hold-up and output is speeded up so that we can compete with foreign yards?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will now make a statement on the discussions regarding steel supplies to the shipbuilding industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 6th March to a Question by the hon. Member for Sunderland. South (Mr. P. Williams)

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not satisfactory? We really should get a result from these discussions, which are about as bad as those with the employers in the industry.

I cannot agree with that. As a result of the discussions which have taken place, the amount of steel going to the yards has show a continuous improvement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we are also anxious to get some real assurance about sequence of supplies? It is the sequence which is causing a good deal of the trouble.

As I have pointed out to the hon. Member more than once, the sequence of the supplies will improve as the supplies themselves improve.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the alteration of the regulations for the despatch of books abroad at a bulk rate of postage so as to allow the use of wire tape for packing instead of string which is stipulated at present.

It seems reasonable to allow wire tape for packing for those books sent abroad in bulk in direct bags to agents, so I am asking other Administrations whether they would agree to this change.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply?

asked the Postmaster-General how many, and which, railway stations in Great Britain have no postal, as distinct from telegraph, facilities including the sale of letter cards, stamps, postal orders, &c., available for travellers and others; why the public are deprived of these facilities; and if he will take steps to rectify these omissions.

The information asked for in the first part of the hon. and learned Member's Question is not centrally available, but if he will let me know of any particular case he has in mind I will gladly look into it.

Does the Postmaster-General not realise that, although this is linked with the economy campaign, the absence of these facilities not only involves inconvenience to the public but loss of revenue to the Post Office? Would he look into that in some constructive way?

I cannot accept the assumptions underlying that supplementary question.

Before considering providing such facilities at railway stations, will my right hon. Friend undertake to equip all our rural villages with postal facilities, which is far more important?

There is a balance of advantage in any given case. If the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir P. Agnew) will send me details of the cases they have in mind, I will look into them.

asked the Postmaster-General why the accommodation in King's Cross railway station which is now, and for six years past has been, used as a telegraph office, cannot be used for full postal facilities such as sale of letter cards and postal orders for travellers and other persons; and if he will now so reorganise that office as to provide these facilities.

As I told the hon. and learned Member in my letter of 13th March, we are getting into touch with the British Transport Commission about the possibility of providing facilities of the kind he mentions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his letter was by no means satisfactory, that there is a good deal of space going to waste in this office, and that there is ample space to provide the public with the facility sought in the Question and to provide the Postmaster-General, incidentally. with more revenue?

I thought that my letter was eminently satisfactory. I am disappointed to learn that it was not so to the hon. and learned Member, because in King's Cross station there are stamp machines, a posting box, a telegraph office and a telephone kiosk and, 150 yards away, there is a branch office. In addition, I said that I would look into the matter and write to the British Transport Commission. I do not think that anyone could give the hon. and learned Member greater satisfaction than that.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the representations of the West Bromwich Council about his decision to erect overhead cables on some of the council's new housing estates; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. We propose to provide underground cables. In accordance with our usual practice, cables will run underground to distribution points, and from there by overhead wires to the houses. To provide underground cables all the way to the houses would nearly double the cost, and I do not think this would be justified.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very unfair to local authorities which try to lay out their estates as pleasantly as possible that these horrible things should be peppered all over them? Would he like one in front of his own house? Has he one? Would he like to have one?

I have one at the back of my house.

asked the Postmaster-General when the promised post office for Longbenton Estate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, will be established.

As soon as shops in unit 4 on the estate are available, but no date far this can yet be stated.

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he is considering for the provision of a separate wavelength for listeners to the British Broadcasting Corporation in the North-East.

The international allocation of medium wavelengths to the British Broadcasting Corporation is insufficient to provide separate medium wavelengths for the stations at Stagshaw, near Newcastle and Lisnagarvey, near Belfast. However, a very high frequency station at Pontop Pike was opened in December, 1955, and listeners to this have available the North of England Home Service with special items for the North-East.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people cannot afford to buy these new V.H.F. sets and, therefore, are not able to enjoy this facility? Would not it be a good idea to call another international conference similar to that which took place in 1948 to consider the allocation of medium wavelengths? Perhaps by that method we could obtain another wavelength which could be given to the North-East.

I think it highly improbable that this country would get an extra medium wavelength, because in 1948 we were allocated one less than we asked for and since then the number of medium wavelength transmissions have increased two-fold. Therefore, I think that highly improbable. Most European countries and this country are turning to V.H.F. as a solution to the limitations imposed by the general shortage of medium wavelengths. That is why special priority was given to the North-East in establishing one of the first V.H.F. stations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the response of listeners to the new V.H.F. has been meagre? Will the B.B.C. do something to popularise V.H.F. reception, since apparently it is the only way by which the North-East can get decent listening?

I will see that that suggestion is passed on. However, some of the existing sets can be converted to V.H.F. reception. It is not necessary to buy a new V.H.F. set.

At what cost?

At very small cost. I can say that because long before I took my present appointment I had my own set converted to V.H.F.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Western Region has two wavelengths and why we in the North-East cannot have one of them when we have not one of our own? If it is not possible for the Western Region to give up one, why cannot two other regions share for the next twelve years, for we in the North-East have been sharing for twelve years, and surely it is fair that somebody else should take a turn at sharing?

The difficulty is that when two stations broadcast over the same medium wavelength there is an area in between which receives extremely bad reception, which is, I think, technically called "mush." That area between the stations in the North-East and in Belfast is in the Irish Sea, where it does very little harm.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I give notice that we shall raise this matter again, and that we shall go on raising it until the Postmaster-General does something about it.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what steps have been taken to increase the staff of the news editor of the Welsh Region of the British Broadcasting Corporation, in accord with the Report of the Ince Committee of Inquiry;

The B.B.C. has informed me that the Ince Report recommendation that the B.B.C. in Wales should consider adjusting the staffing to enable more positive steps to be taken to obtain news, is accepted and is being implemented.

Is the Postmaster-General able to assure us that the lack of balance which was admitted in the Report will now cease, and that adequate financial resources will be made available to the Welsh B.B.C. to increase the number who are collecting news for it?

I prefer not to go into the day-to-day administration of the B.B.C. in this respect, but the B.B.C. has accepted that Report in principle, and has already taken steps to see that it is implemented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the National Broadcasting Council for Wales, which is his instrument in this matter, the necessity to pay close attention to this Report and to ensure that cause for complaint will not arise on the same count again?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I have here a detailed report of all that the National Broadcasting Council for Wales has done, and I think it has taken steps to implement that Report.

On a point of order In view of the fact that the Postmaster-General has revealed that he has information——

A point of order?

I am on a point of order. The hon. Member should be patient. In view of the fact that the Postmaster-General has revealed that he has the information for which I asked, would not it be in order for me to press him to give the information to the House and——

That is not a point of order.

There is only one Speaker in this House that I know of. Would it be in order for me to press him to give the information to the House so that people in Wales may also know the answer?

It is in order for the hon. Member to do so at another time.

Further to that point of order. Surely, Mr. Speaker, if a Minister in reply to a question says, "I have the information here", that can be of no possible benefit or advantage to anybody unless the Minister is going to publish that information in HANSARD. May we not, Mr. Speaker, have it laid down that if a Minister refers to a document he shall at any rate publish it in HANSARD?

I did not hear the right hon. Gentleman read from any document.

asked the Postmaster-General what recent discussions he has had with the British Broadcasting Corporation and Independent Television Authority about television broadcasts of national sporting events throughout the United Kingdom.

None, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is, for example, that the international football match, England v. Scotland, due to be played at Wembley on 6th April is not to be televised this year, when last year the match was televised from Glasgow? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.B.C. is receiving a good deal of misdirected criticism because of this, and can he say what the difficulties are?

I have my own personal view as to why, perhaps, it is not being broadcast, and that is that it is fairly certain that the result will not please some Scottish Members of this House. Generally speaking, in any TV programme there are two contracting parties, the organisation running the event and the televising company. I have no control over the organisations running the events. It may be that the Scottish Football Association has its own objections to televising this match. I think that most football clubs consider that the televising of an important soccer match affects the gates at other matches held at the same time. That has nothing to do with me. It is not my responsibility. I do not want to be unhelpful, and if the hon. Member would like to write to me giving the reasons why he thinks the B.B.C. ought to broadcast the match I will forward his letter to the B.B.C. More than that I cannot do.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the objection which he mentioned is likely to be obviated by the fact that there are likely to be only three or four games in Scotland that day and that most players also are likely to be down here to watch that game? Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the parties concerned to see whether even at this late stage this game can be televised?

I have no responsibility for the Scottish Football Association, and the hon. Member really cannot hold me responsible for any views which it may hold.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to bring television to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and what areas will be covered.

The B.B.C. is considering what further extensions of its television service can be planned beyond the 98 per cent. population coverage which it will achieve about the end of this year. The needs of the Highland and Islands and of other areas are in mind, but it is too early yet to say what may be practicable.

Will the Postmaster-General bear in mind that it may be too early for him but it is getting late for the Highlands and Islands where sound reception is very bad in some parts? Is he aware that we are most anxious to know when we may expect either better sound or television or both?

I agree that reception in the Highlands is bad and unsatisfactory. I went there myself recently. But the hon. Member must remember that even if financial considerations were out of it and finances were unlimited there would still be technical difficulties. With the mountains in this area, V.H.F. is not easy to get across.

Do I take it that there are no plans whatever for television in the north-west Highlands?

I was only pointing out the difficulties of giving the service to the Highlands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no part of the country shall have three pictures before other parts have one?

One would have to take all these factors into account. It would be wrong if some parts of the country had an unlimited service while places in the Highlands had none at all, but I should not like to make any specific commitment at this stage.

Do we understand from what the hon. Gentleman has said that the kites which are being flown for a third transmission in London are to take precedence over the North-West and Scotland?

That would be an unwarranted assumption.

Is not it a fact that the B.B.C. really has some duty in this connection to provide not 98 per cent. but possibly 100 per cent. coverage for television, particularly since it is getting, as a result of the popularity of the I.T.A., an increased revenue for itself and it really ought to spend some of that revenue?

When the B.B.C. has provided 98 per cent, of coverage, which is its first objective, it wants to do two things. First, it wants to provide fill-up stations for places within the general coverage area where reception is inadequate, such as Peterborough and Berwick. Secondly, it wants to extend the service to those places, like the Highlands and islands, to which the original Question referred.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the result of the inquiry into the conduct of Desmond Bishop, a native of British Guiana and a member of the Royal Air Force, who was threatened with arrest and returned to his ship in a police car because he was walking hand-in-hand with an English girl in Durban.

No action is being taken as the result of our inquiries.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that statement is very contrary to all the public statements at the time of this incident?

All the inherent probabilities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when I addressed a Question to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations no reply to that effect was made? Is he aware that the reply was to the effect that because of the conditions in South Africa representations had not been made? Will the hon. Gentleman make further investigations into the matter?

I do not want to exaggerate this incident. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations explained, the airman was neither arrested nor charged. He was questioned, and at his own request was escorted back to his ship. Surely, the answer to the problem which the hon. Member has in mind is to ensure that men receive some guidance about local laws and customs before they go ashore in other territories. This was done and is always done.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that an abnormal, brightly illuminated airborne object was seen near Wardle in Lancashire at about 10 p.m. on Friday, 15th February, 1957; and what reports he has received from the radar warning system about this.

Yes, Sir. This object, which was described in the Press as a flying saucer, did not emanate from outer space, but from a laundry in Rochdale. It consisted of two small hydrogen-filled balloons illuminated by a flash-light bulb, and devised by a mechanic employed at the laundry. I understand he planned to construct from these experiments a small radio-controlled airship. There would be no reason for the radar system to report the appearance of a small, slow-moving object of this type.

While noting my hon. Friend's explanation, may I ask him whether he is aware that it is most unlikely that that explanation will be accepted by those who saw this object? Is he aware that, in spite of the lighthearted tone of his reply, there is some general disquiet about these objects? Will he, therefore, take an early opportunity, preferably now, to make a general declaration that his Ministry is not at the moment involved, and has not been involved in the immediate past, in releasing objects which are normally described as flying saucers?

I can certainly give that assurance. We have not been launching any flying saucers.

Is it possible to produce a few abnormal, brightly illuminated objects on the Government Front Bench?

Is there no truth at all in reports that radio amateurs have, at this very hour, picked up words spoken in English with a very strong Martian accent?

I think that that question should be addressed to the Postmaster-General.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) what increase there has been in the Royal Air Force meat ration since the end of civilian meat rationing;

The daily meat ration in this country was increased by one ounce in November, 1954.

While we are all grateful that the matter is receiving consideration, may I ask whether my hon. Friend would please remind his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence that this is a longstanding and genuine grievance and that action must be taken shortly to put it right? Is my hon. Friend aware that if that action is not taken the matter will certainly be raised again in the House?

I know that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence treats this matter as one of great seriousness and also of some urgency.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been under active consideration for a few years? When will this activity result in something?

I am aware that it has been under consideration for a long time, but it is necessary to co-ordinate the rations for the three Services. I hope that my right hon. Friend will be able to announce the results of that examination in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force of the rank of wing commander and above, with scientific and technological qualifications, are now employed at the Air Ministry in positions which had in recent years been filled by arts graduates.

One, Sir.

Is my hon. Friend quite satisfied that officers are being used in the most useful capacity in the Air Ministry? Is he quite satisfied, for example, that no officers who have expert knowledge of radio and radar teaching are employed on general education duties in the Air Ministry?

I think that my hon. Friend would agree that, as the Royal Air Force becomes more and more technical, it is important, particularly in the educational sphere, to have officers who have some knowledge of scientific and technical matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the shortage of scientists and technologists, how many officers of the Education Branch, of the rank of wing commander and above, who have scientific or technological qualifications are employed in established posts in which it is essential that they should have these qualifications; and how many officers of the Education Branch of the rank of squadron leader and above who have scientific and technological qualifications are now filling vacancies which could adequately be filled by suitable officers with arts qualifications.

Twenty-seven wing commanders and above and 54 squadron leaders are employed in posts for which technological, as distinct from general scientific, qualifications are essential. To meet the needs of a highly technical Service such as the Royal Air Force it is important that a high proportion of the remaining 114 posts in these ranks should be filled by officers with scientific qualifications. At present forty-one are so filled.

Does my hon. Friend really think it is necessary to employ forty-one highly-skilled officers with scientific and technological qualifications in the Education Branch in posts which were filled perfectly satisfactorily before by arts graduates?

I would underline this point. I think that as the Royal Air Force becomes more and more highly technical it is important that there should be people at a high level in the Education Branch who have a deep knowledge of scientific matters.

Can the Minister assure the House that these men with scientific knowledge are required to use that knowledge and are not merely fulfilling arts teaching?

The original Question said "essential," and in my Answer I gave the facts for those posts which we believe essentially require a knowledge of scientific matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he proposes to take, when the United States Air Force resumes the use of the base at Greenham Common, to prevent the considerable nuisance which has been caused in the past to residents of the area by the noise of aircraft.

I have recently visited a U.S. Air Force base and discussed the problem of noise at length with the general commanding. I can assure the hon. Member that the United States authorities are doing all they can to reduce disturbance to an absolute minimum. They could prevent it at Greenham Common only by stopping flying. The importance of the airfield to the common defence effort makes that impossible.

Whilst thanking the hon. Gentleman very much for the action he has taken, which I am sure will be greatly appreciated, may I ask him to represent to the commander of the base that, as far as possible, he ought to try to bar low flying near the National Institute for Research in Dairying which is nearby and in which the experiments are very much upset by vibration and noise from low-flying aircraft?

I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the fact described in the letter sent him by the hon. Member for Accrington, he will issue a general direction to the British Transport Commission with a view to removing the danger caused to children by canals.

No, Sir. I greatly deplore these accidents, but the dangers cannot be entirely removed without interference with the very necessary right of access to canal banks. In the particular case about which the hon. Member wrote to me, British Transport Waterways is meeting the local council on the site tomorrow to see what can be done to reduce the danger there.

As the Minister is apparently well aware of the case I have in mind where there has been a series of tragic accidents to children, will he do everything he can in his Department to help the local authorities and the Commission to overcome this difficulty?

Yes, I certainly will.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action has been taken following the inquiry into starting and finishing times of work instituted by the Committee for Staggering of Working Hours in Central London, and otherwise to relieve traffic congestion by staggering the hours of work.

After its preliminary review the Committee is tackling the problem by dividing Central London for this purpose into zones, each with a widely representative sub-committee to work out and progress a scheme for each zone. Further information is being provided by the travel census now being taken by the British Transport Commission. Good progress is being made outside the central area in discussions between London Transport and education authorities. Fourteen schools have already changed their hours.

While appreciating that this action is being taken in regard to this very necessary matter of staggering working hours, may I ask the Minister whether he appreciates that, in view of the improved traffic conditions, public opinion now is far more receptive than formerly to action being taken? Would not it be advisable to undertake an educational campaign among the travelling public in order to get them interested in continuing the staggering of hours even after petrol rationing has ended?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. In conjunction with the London Transport Executive and British Railways we are shortly going to start a publicity campaign, which I hope will do some good.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is satisfied that the rule limiting the number of standing passengers in London Transport omnibuses is not causing unnecessary hardship to the travelling public at a time when the services on many routes is less frequent; and if he will amend his Regulations so as to increase the maximum permitted number.

The Regulations already permit a greater number of standing passengers than are in fact carried under an agreement between London Transport and the Transport and General Workers' Union. Services have not been reduced during peak periods and buses are running better because of easier traffic conditions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is not an answer to my Question? I asked whether, during the present petrol shortage and reduction in the number of services, my right hon. Friend would look into this matter again?

I am not quite sure into what my hon. Friend wants me to look. If he means, are we trying to take steps to ensure that the regularity of bus services continues, the answer is "Yes, very much."

Is not this a matter for consultation between the unions and the London Transport Executive? The Minister does not come into the matter. Agreement must be reached between the unions and the London Transport Executive before any change can take place.

I am not seeking to vary the number of passengers.

Is not this a case of the Minister looking after the interests of the travelling public as well as of bearing other considerations in mind?

Of course it is my duty to look after the interests of the travelling public, but what I have already said is that it does not appear to be necessary to increase the number of standing passengers, because the buses are already coping with the load quite adequately.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the result of his consultations about the establishment of a conservancy authority for Milford Haven.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has reached a decision regarding the setting up of a conservancy authority for Milford Haven.

The proposal to establish a conservancy authority for Milford Haven has been welcomed by all concerned, and the Government will introduce a Bill in the next Session of Parliament for this purpose.

May I put two questions to the Minister? The first is, has the right hon. Gentleman come to any decision about the constitution of the conservancy authority and will he bear in mind the importance of having a National Parks representative on it? Secondly, can the right hon. Gentleman say what is to happen while we are waiting for legislation?

In answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary, the constitution of the authority is under discussion with all the interests concerned, and I am most anxious that it should be as representative as possible. With regard to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary, I believe he knows that I have already set up a small technical ad hoc committee representing most of the main interests concerned to deal with the immediate problems that may arise until the Bill comes before the House.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the reduction in the number of road accidents and of persons killed and injured in such accidents, respectively, since petrol rationing was introduced; and what steps he is taking to stress the need for the road safety campaign on motorists and the general public.

From 1st December last to 28th February deaths fell by 280 and injuries by 8,457 compared with the same period a year ago although February itself shows a slight increase. Figures for accidents as distinct from casualties are not yet complete.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, and noting the welcome reduction in the number of accidents and deaths, may I ask him to make sure that when petrol rationing ends and there is more traffic on the roads, the public is not lulled into a belief that the figures have fallen? Also, will the right hon. Gentleman stress the need for conducting even more vigorously the road safety campaign in the interests of the general public?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this point. I am raising with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents the question of a special campaign which we might try to time with the ending of petrol rationing in an attempt to do what the hon. Gentleman suggests.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what provision is made by his Department for the protection and salvage of shipping and seamen in danger at sea round the coasts of Scotland; who carries out these duties on shore and at sea; and what are the wages, allowances, pensions and conditions of service of the persons who do this work.

As the Answer is rather long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While thanking the Minister for that uninformative Answer, may I ask him whether it is not time that these services were taken over by his Ministry instead of being left to public charity and flag days? Will he take steps to that end?

I should hesitate to interfere with a voluntary service which contains some of the bravest men in the country and which is providing a very adequate service.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will restore the priority formerly given to the Severn bridge project; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave my hon. Friend on Wednesday, 6th March.

Has my right hon. Friend noted that since responsibility for the Forth Bridge passed from his own Department to the Scottish Office that project has been advanced in priority, despite the fact that local opinion was divided on the question of tolls? As the people in West Wales and the West of England want a Severn Bridge, with or without tolls, will the Minister name a starting date for the Severn crossing?

No. What I have noticed is that the Scots have stolen a march on the English, as they often do, but that does not affect the priorities either for the Tyne crossing or the Severn Bridge, which I have very much in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what decision he has made since his meeting with the Tyne Tunnel Joint Committee on 1st February, with regard to the construction of a bridge or a tunnel, the use of a toll to defray its cost, and the method by which such toll should be fixed.

I have asked the shipping interests concerned to reconsider the headroom needed for a bridge, and until I have received and considered their views I cannot reach any conclusion yet about a bridge or a tunnel. I consider that either type of crossing should be financed at least partly by tolls, but it would be premature at this stage to consider how they should be fixed.

Is not the Minister aware that today several hon. Members have received a report of the decision made by the Tyne Commissioners on this very project and that they have sent the same report to him, which he should have received this morning? Further, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Tyne Commissioners have spent about £ 60 million on improvements to the Tyne, and is not it correct that, after seriously considering the Minister's suggestion, the Commissioners have definitely turned down the project of building a bridge? Is not it correct that the Commissioners have informed us that a ship has already been designed with a 190 ft. mast which is higher than the proposed bridge, and will the right hon. Gentleman make some real effort to get a tunnel?

Order. I think that is enough for one question.

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is that the Tyne Commissioners' advice will be very carefully considered, but they are not the only people I have to consult.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give further information on the proposed railway link to London Airport from Central London.

The British Transport Commission and the Airline Corporations are considering the Report of a Working Committee set up to examine this matter. I expect to receive their recommendations in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will in all cases consult representatives of the air pilots on the possible dangers before agreeing to the erection of tall television masts within a radius of five miles from an aerodrome.

Yes, Sir, on those occasions when the erection of a mast is likely to infringe the internationally agreed standards and procedures.

Is the Minister aware that my information is that the pilots have not been considered, and that as a result 158 hours have been spent in the air unnecessarily because of the Wenvoe mast; and, as £ 6,000 has been wasted, will he now consult with these men before a mast is erected in the neighbourhood?

I answered the hon. Gentleman's Question. If he wants to ask a Question about the Wenvoe mast, and will put one down, I will answer it.