asked the Minister of Works why banners may not be displayed at political rallies authorised for Hyde Park.

I am anxious to ensure that assemblies in the Royal Parks are orderly and cause as little interference as possible with other users of the Parks. This is more likely to be achieved if banners are not carried.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will provide an awning to keep off the rain from the queues waiting to enter the Jewel House in the Tower of London.

This suggestion has been made before and it has been thought that an awning in the Tower of London would be objectionable on aesthetic and archaeological grounds. I am reconsidering the matter, however, and will let the hon. Member know my conclusion.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning Watnall Hall, Nottingham.

No. Negotiations are in progress about the preservation of Watnall Hall, and I hope to be able to make a decision shortly.

asked the Minister of Works what action is being taken to meet the need for employment exchanges in the new town areas.

I am notified from time to time of my right hon. Friend's requirements for employment exchanges in the new towns; these usually involve the erection of new buildings. A combined office for Government Departments, which will include an employment exchange, is at present being built at Crawley; other new buildings, which will include employ ment exchanges, are being planned for Hemel Hempstead, Harlow, Hatfield and Stevenage.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will consider extending the system of air-conditioning to other parts of the Palace of Westminster in the interests of the health of those who have to spend long hours daily in the buildings.

The air-conditioning system could be extended only at great cost, which my hon. Friend does not think could be contemplated at present.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent the Building Research Station is at present concerned with the problems which will arise in the very near future as a result of diminishing supplies of sand and gravel in the United Kingdom; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

In consultation with other interested Departments, including the Building Research Station, my Department keeps under review problems affecting sand and gravel reserves and substitute materials. I understand that there is no apprehension of a shortage of sand and gravel supplies in the near future.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give an indication as to what progress has been made during the past year in eliminating the unnecessary waste of steel in the construction of buildings in this country by the substitution of reinforced concrete wherever possible; and what plans he has for giving further encouragement to such substitution.

I have no means of estimating the extent to which reinforced concrete may have been preferred to steel for the construction of buildings during the past year, but I have no reason to believe that designers generally are not aware of the advantages of reinforced concrete in many circumstances. I believe that the best encouragement I can give is by example. In the past twelve months, out of 251 buildings designed at the headquarters of my Department, 163 have been in reinforced concrete and 15 in joint construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the public interest aroused by the proposal for a drainage scheme for the Spey Valley, he will now make available for inspection by the public the report of the survey already carried out by the engineers of the Department of Agriculture.

I am arranging that a copy of the report should be available for inspection at a suitable centre in the area to which it relates, and I am also arranging to place a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities and other interested local organisations about the report of the proposed Spey Valley Drainage Scheme.

Representations relating to the River Spey drainage report have been received from Grantown-on-Spey Town Council and from Inverness County Council in May and from the District Councils' Association for Scotland in July this year. Inquiries about the report were received from the Spey District Board in May. 1956, and from the Convention of Royal Burghs, in February, 1957.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recent official instructions given by the Lyon King-of-Arms to local authorities concerning their ceremonial robes.

I understand that Lyon has recently written to the Convention of Royal Burghs on this matter; and they will no doubt consider the suggestions he has made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the total receipts of local authorities from rates in 1950 as compared with 1957.

The receipts from rates (including domestic water rates)of Scottish local authorities in the year ending 15th May, 1950, totalled £30,594,000; for the year 15th May, 1957, the receipts are estimated to amount to £62½million.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the National Association of Boys' Clubs concerning the danger to the Youth Service of the Government's proposals for block grants to local authorities; and what reply he has made.

I have received a letter on this subject from the Scottish Association today. I will consider the detailed points the Association raise, but in general there is no reason to suppose that the new grant system will endanger the development of the Youth Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the provision of the promised technical colleges in Kilmarnock and Ayr.

The accommodation for the first development of the new college at Ayr is settled and the education authority aim at starting building by 1958. They are also considering the accommodation which will be required in the Kilmarnock College, with a view to starting by 1960.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total additional annual charge to be met in rent or rates due to changes in costs, interest rates, and subsidies in respect of the average authorised four-apartment house presently being built by local authorities, as compared with a similar house in 1951.

The addition is about £50. But any such arithmetical comparison is misleading since the local authorities have a large pool of Exchequer subsidies which they can spread over their houses in accordance with their rent policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to give oral or written information concerning the new Rent Act; and where this information can be had.

As I informed the hon. Lady on 25th June, I had a booklet published setting out in question and answer form the main provisions of the Act as they affect Scotland. This can be obtained for 6d. from H.M. Stationery Office and from most booksellers and newsagents. In a circular of 14th June, I asked local authorities to do everything they can to assist people affected by the Act. I have also asked citizens' advice bureaux to provide information to the public, and on 17th June I gave a short broadcast talk on the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the remuneration due to general practitioners is held up for three months before being paid, and that English practitioners are paid monthly; and if he will introduce monthly payments in Scotland.

In Scotland, and normally in England, remuneration due to general medical practitioners has hitherto been paid quarterly. Amending regulations to enable monthly payments to be made will be laid before the House soon to come into effect on 1st October.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage Scottish industry to employ more Scottish graduates.

The Government, in cooperation with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), the Scottish Board for Industry and other bodies, has taken every opportunity to urge upon industry the advantages of increasing their employment of persons trained at universities and technical colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that large sums of money are being demanded for furniture and fittings where houses are offered to let; and if he will institute proceedings to stop this practice.

No. In any event, the question of taking legal proceedings is one for the criminal authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a complete list of the approved new research projects covered by the Research Vote, 1955–56, of the Department of Health for Scotland; and a complete list of all other research projects which were not approved for primarily financial reasons.

A list is given below of approved new projects. No projects were not approved for primarily financial reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many air-raid shelters now remain in the City of Aberdeen and what is his present policy with regard to their maintenance and demolition and with regard to allowing those occupiers on whose premises they stand to adapt them or use them for storage or as workshops or for other purposes.

There are some 2,830 shelters in the City of Aberdeen for which the Corporation are responsible. It is the policy of the Government to preserve sound air-raid shelters unless there are compelling grounds for removal in individual cases; and the Civil Defence (Shelters)(Maintenance)(Scotland)Regulations, 1956, make it a function of local authorities to maintain them. Permission to adapt a sound shelter for other purposes is given only in exceptional circumstances, where the alterations are of such a minor character that the structure could readily be restored at short notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations took place between him and the Ministry of Supply before the decision was reached to close the Royal Ordnance factories at Irvine and Dalmuir and reduce employment at Bishopton.

The decisions announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply on the 15th July were taken by the Government as a whole after full discussion between Ministers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the growing company practice of issuing nonvoting ordinary shares, usually designated A shares; and if he will now state whether Her Majesty's Government propose to intervene in the matter.

My right hon. Friend does not consider that there is a case for Government intervention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions are still imposed on imports of manufactured goods into this country from Canada.

In general, for balance of payments reasons, manufactured goods from Canada can only be imported under licence to meet specific needs here. Consumer goods are licensed only under the token import scheme. Some manufactured goods are, however, covered by the decision, which my right hon. Friend announced on 2nd July, that a number of commodities used in industry will be freed from control on 1st August.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent industry is able to take advantage of Canada's need to import larger quantities of capital equipment.

Our exports of capital equipment to Canada are substantial and have been increasing. British industry has the manufacturing capacity to supply more of Canada's needs, and I am confident that, with determined sales efforts, exports can be further increased.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in respect of what quality and width of imported hessian the previous mark-up of 40 per cent. has been reduced to 30 per cent.

Hessian cloth, 40 inches wide, weighing 10 oz. to a linear yard, and hessian cloth, 45 inches wide, weighing 11 oz. to a linear yard.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that for the first time in 200 years the volume of cotton cloth imports in June exceeded Lancashire's exports, he will announce forthwith what conclusions he has reached, and what action he proposes, as a result of the study which the Government is giving to this trend in our overseas trade.

I cannot usefully add to my right hon. Friend's reply of the 18th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new town of Peterlee has only two light industries for a population expected to reach 20,000 in the next few years; and what steps he is taking to see that new industries are introduced.

We are still trying to interest suitable firms in Peterlee, but so far have found none who are willing to go there.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the restriction of imports by the Government of India has affected, and is likely to affect, the export from this country to India of umbrellas and umbrella frames; and to what extent Indian export of these goods has curtailed British exports in competitive markets.

As the hon. Member knows, the severe restrictions now being operated by the Government of India arise from India's need to safeguard her currency reserves. So long as this need continues, I am afraid that our exports to India of umbrellas and umbrella frames, as of very many other goods, are bound to suffer. But I have no evidence that our exports of umbrellas and frames to other markets are being affected by Indian exports of those goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many technically satisfactory flame-resistant processes in textiles are available in this country; and what the Government are doing to promote their use.

There is at present no recognised standard by which to determine whether a flame-resistant process for textile fabrics is satisfactory. I understand that the British Standards Institution is well advanced in preparing both a British Standard for flame-resistant fabrics and also a specification for methods of testing flame-resistance. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, West on 28th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1)whether he will explore the possibility of establishing a trading estate at the Royal Ordnance factory, Swynnerton: and whether he will consult with the Staffordshire County Council and the Council of the City of Stoke-on-Trent on this matter;(2)what approaches have been made to him by large-scale industrial firms which might use Swynnerton Royal Ordnance factory for alternative industrial production; what further steps he is taking to find users for this factory; and whether he will make a statement.

The future of this large factory area is receiving active consideration. I hope to discuss specific points raised on this subject with a deputation of North Staffordshire Members of Parliament, including the hon. Member, whom I have arranged to meet for this purpose later this week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will increase the annual grant to the British Museum for purchases and for maintenance.

I must ask the hon. Lady to await the Estimates for 1958–59.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vacancies exist in all grades of staff of the British Museum.

Ten.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that the annual financial provision for our national museums is sufficient to enable senior staff to travel abroad when it is in the interests of their duties to do so; and if he will make a statement.

Yes; given the present need for all possible economy both in public expenditure and in foreign exchange.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to furnish an analysis of the figure of 221 net closures of cinemas in the year ended 31st March, 1957, to show how many were small cinemas, with a capacity of 400 seats or less; and how many of these were exempt from entertainments duty.

The figure of 221 net closures of cinemas in the year ended 31st March, 1957, was made up as follows:

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the cost to the National Land Fund of the acquisition of the Leconfield estates.

The gross cost of these Lake District properties will be £22,000. The net cost may ultimately be somewhat less, as a result of the resale, subject to protective covenants in favour of the National Trust, of a small part of the properties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what approximate expenditure has been incurred by industry during each of the three years on fuel-saving plant and insulation of such a kind as to qualify for the investment allowance given in respect of such items.

I regret that this information is not available. Up to 17th February, 1956, expenditure on fuel-saving plant was not distinguished from that on other forms of plant and machinery qualifying for the investment allowance. Figures for expenditure after that date will, in clue course, become available from the accounts for periods ending in 1956–57 forming the basis for assessments for 1957–58, but these will relate only to the expenditure in part of a year. Figures covering a complete year will not be forthcoming until the assessments for 1958–59 are analysed.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number of dwellings approved for grant by local authorities for the first six months of 1956 and 1957 under Section 20 of the Housing Act, 1949, as amended by the Housing (Repairs and Rents)Act, 1954.

15,894 and 16,750, respectively.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government which county councils and county boroughs in England have so far not used the powers given to them to make grants to persons for the improvement of housing accommodation.

Apart from the London County Council, itself a housing authority, county councils are not empowered to make improvement grants. Only four of the seventy-nine county boroughs in England have not so far made any of these grants. They are Burnley, Derby, Stockport and Wigan.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will circulate to local authorities an explanatory memorandum on those forms of dampness, bad ventilation, and other insanitary conditions which may be included by a tenant in his notice of disrepair to his landlord under the Rent Act, 1957.

Local authorities are not lacking in experience of these matters, and general guidance is already available to them, as well as to tenants, in a note forming part of Form G.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1)if he is aware that some stationers are charging as much as 2s. per copy for form G required under the Rent Act, 1957; and if he will fix a reasonable price for all forms required under this Act and take steps to see that a sufficient supply is readily available;(2)if he is aware that some 2 million copies of Form I will be required by the end of August; and if he will arrange to make these available for distribution throughout the country, free of charge, by local authorities.(3)if he is aware that stationers in Shoreditch who have no stocks of Form G are informing their customers that the hon. Member for Shoreditch and Finsbury is the only holder of stocks in the area; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will arrange for supplies of forms required under the Rent Act, 1957, to be supplied to local authorities on sale or return.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on his latest arrangements to make available all the forms required under the Rent Act, 1957, at local council offices; and whether these will be available free of charge to the applicants.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps his regional officials have taken to ensure that an adequate supply of forms required under the Rent Act, 1957, are available in the Central constituency of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained a week ago in reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis), I have invited local authorities to place Forms A, G, I, T and U on sale at their offices. Forms A and G will sell at 4d. and the others at 3d. each. Stationers can obtain supplies for sale at the same prices. Ample supplies are available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the strain being imposed upon local authorities in finding staff to deal with the inquiries they are receiving arising from the Rent Act, 1957, that councils are finding it difficult to find adequate suitably qualified staff to deal with house inspection in connection with Form G, and that this is causing additional financial burden to local authorities; and what action he proposes to take to assist local authorities to deal with these difficulties.

I am aware that there is some shortage of public health inspectors. In Committee on the Bill, the Opposition moved and the Government resisted amendments which would have greatly and needlessly enlarged the load of work falling on these inspectors. I have every confidence that local authorities will meet the demands falling on them as a result of the Rent Act with the same energy and resource they always show where service to the public is involved.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will establish an office at Cardiff to advise tenants given notice to quit under the terms of the new Rent Act on means of obtaining alternative accommodation.

No. No notice to a sitting tenant to quit a house decontrolled by the Act can take effect before October of next year. Tenants who are not able meanwhile to negotiate new three-year leases with their landlords, as many are doing, will be helped by the increase in the accommodation available for letting which will take place between now and then.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has now made of the number of tenants likely to ask to be put on municipal housing lists as a result of cessation of tenancies in October, 1958, under the terms of the Rent Act, 1957: and whether he will make a statement.

Neither I nor anyone else could make any such estimate, any more than an estimate could be made of the number of persons who will take their names off the housing lists between now and October, 1958, because they have found accommodation as a result of the Rent Act.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that thousands of tenants in northern towns are receiving rent increase notices for houses which have no baths or hot water systems and which were built during the industrial revolution more than 100 years ago; and if he will consider introducing legislation to protect such tenants against the effects of the Rent Act, 1957.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to houses whose rents remain controlled. The new rent limit is based on the 1939 letting value of the house as it was at the time of valuation, and therefore takes account of matters of this kind.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the service of notice to quit under Section 11 and Schedule 4 of the Rent Act, 1957, on any tenant who is the widow of a man who died or was killed while serving with the armed forces of the Crown.

I do not think that special exceptions could be made as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce legislation to exclude from the operation of Section 11 of the Rent Act, 1957, dwelling-houses which were acquired by their present owners at a date later than 30th June 1956.

No. The point raised by this Question was thoroughly discussed during the debates on the Bill, and the House decided against making any exception.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take to protect tenants who are threatened with eviction if they call for repairs to be carried out.

I presume that the hon. Member is thinking of cases where the tenant of a house remaining in control has served notice of defects of repair on his landlord. The answer is that such tenants are already protected against eviction under the Rent Acts.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on the petition from tenants in the new town of Peterlee on the subject of high rents sent to him by the honourable Member for Easington.

In a letter which I have sent to the right hon. Gentleman I have explained why the Development Corporation have lately found it necessary to increase rents at Peterlee. I do not consider the present level of rents unreasonable.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he has not yet authorised the Newcastle City Council to begin a new shopping street parallel with Northumberland Street.

I am considering the revised proposals put forward by the City Council and hope to be able to let it have my decision in the near future.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the causes of the sudden pollution of the River Ribble during the night of Wednesday 3rd July have yet been ascertained by the Ribble River Board authorities.

The Lancashire River Board attribute this sudden pollution to de-oxygenation of the upper tidal waters of the river. During some weeks of hot dry weather sewage solids had settled in certain stretches of the river, and the damage was done when this sediment was disturbed by the run-off from a heavy thunderstorm on 3rd July and carried upstream by the next incoming tide.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the destruction of thousands of fish by polluted waters in the River Ribble on 3rd July, he will review the powers of river boards and local authorities to enable them to deal more effectively with the menace of pollution.

A sub-committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee is at present enquiring into the law dealing with trade effluents. I think it right, however, to say that an effective and lasting solution to these problems of pollution—about which I share the hon. Member's concern—depends more upon such practical factors as chemical and biological research and the expenditure of considerable sums of money on new and improved sewerage works than upon changes in the law.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he has taken to increase the recruitment of public health inspectors who are qualified to undertake air pollution duties; and in what ways he helps local authorities with unfilled vacancies to find suitable candidates.

I cannot offer assistance to individual local authorities in filling particular posts, but I hope that the steps to be taken by the new Public Health Inspectors Education Board, set up in 1956, will encourage recruitment of suitably qualified staff.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to reach a decision on the recent inquiry into the question whether further classes of works, including power stations, should be brought within the scope of the Alkali Act in order to reduce air pollution.

I hope to do so in the autumn.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans have been laid before him for the removal from its present site of Covent Garden market.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for the resiting of Covent Garden Market.

No proposals for removing Covent Garden market from its present site are currently before me. The recommendations of the Runciman Committee on Horticultural Marketing, which have some bearing on the future of Covent Garden market, are under consideration by the Government.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that condemned houses in Atlas Place and St. Thomas Walk, Scarborough. and elsewhere are being compulsorily purchased at £1 each; and if he will take steps to see that the owners are paid a price more approximating to the site value.

The amount of compensation paid for the sites of unfit houses is a matter of valuation assessment. I have no jurisdiction. In the event of dispute, appeal lies to the Lands Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whethter he is aware that payments of 20s. and of 1s. as the compensation for freehold properties compulsorily acquired, as has occurred in recent slum clearance schemes, are inconsistent with the recommendations of the Franks Committee that fair compensation should be paid; and whether he will introduce legislation to allow local authorities to pay a fair additional compensation for past cases and require them to pay fair compensation in future cases.

No. Compensation for property acquired in connection with slum clearance was not within the terms of reference of the Franks Committee. The present system of compensation was reviewed when the Government introduced the Bill for the Slum Clearance (Compensation)Act, 1956, and no further changes are proposed.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will state, in square feet, the amount of new office building erected in Manchester each year since July, 1945; the amount at present under construction; and the amount for which planning permission has been given.

I am obtaining this information and will send it to the hon. Member as soon as it is ready.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the continuing existence of widespread anxiety at the present unsatisfactory state of the law and its administration in relation to caravans what steps he is taking to reconcile the conflicting interests of owners of property, caravan dwellers, local residents, and the general public; and what consultations he has had, or intends to have, with the local authorities particularly concerned.

I have been considering the whole question of caravans in the light of discussions which my officers have had with interested organisations and with the local authority associations. I am keenly aware of the problems which have arisen in this connection in some parts of the country. It seems to me that the question whether a particular piece of land should be used as a caravan site is essentially one for local decision, subject to the usual rights of appeal to me. Circumstances vary widely from area to area, and different authorities, as is natural, may take different views. On the information before me I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to offer universal guidance to local authorities on the use of their planning or public health powers, or of the powers which they possess to provide caravan sites themselves. But I shall certainly be ready to consider taking up with the authority concerned any particular local problem which is brought to my notice. I have taken note of various suggestions for altering the existing law bearing on this subjects although I cannot hold out any early prospect of amending legislation.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many electrostatic precipitators at cement works in the Thames-side area have been out of action and for how long.

Since the beginning of March the one precipitator then out of commission has been brought back into service after being out of action for rebuilding for about six months. A further precipitator has subsequently been taken out of service for rebuilding. Apart from minor stoppages, no other precipitator has been out of action in this period.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made with the re organisation of Bevan's Works, Swanscombe, to allow the installation of electrostatic precipitators which he announced on 3rd November, 1955, was to be undertaken: and when he anticipates that this work will be completed.

This task is proving more difficult than was expected. I understand that owing to the nature of the subsoil it may now be necessary for all four precipitators and the 350 foot chimney to be constructed on piles. The wore may take two years to complete.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what the results of his consultations with the industries concerned have been in relation to the need for an increase in the number of the Alkali Inspectorate.

The need for additional Alkali inspectors will depend largely on the outcome of the recent public inquiry into the question of scheduling further works under the Alkali Act. I hope to give my decision in this matter in the autumn.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government which local authority associations he consulted on the substitution of block grant for percentage grants and which of these associations were in favour of the proposed change.

The normal practice was followed of consulting the London County Council and the five associations representing the different categories of local authorities in England and Wales. In reply to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 4 of the White Paper.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will issue regulations prohibiting the siting of slaughterhouses in residential areas.

Adequate powers already exist under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, for ensuring that slaughterhouses are not wrongly located.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what information he obtained, in coming to his decision not to intervene in the granting of planning authority by the London County Council for the demolition of the St. James's Theatre, concerning the identity of the new owner of the site and the purposes for which the site is intended to be used.

The London County Council have given no permission for the demolition of this theatre. Permission is not required for that, but permission has been given by the Council to use the site for offices. I saw no reason to seek particular information about the present ownership of the site, because the identity of the owner is not relevant to the planning issue.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the feeling shown in the provinces and especially in towns where the theatre is particularly prominent such as in Brighton, where over 2,000 people have signed a petition which is being forwarded to him asking him to do all in his power to save the St. James's Theatre, and in view of the fact that it is not considered desirable to make a financial appeal to save this theatre, he will reconsider his decision not to provide the money necessary to compensate those who have bought the site of the St. James's Theatre.

It is the London County Council who would be involved in the payment of compensation if the permissions which have been given to build offices on this site were revoked. Exchequer grant at the rate of 50 per cent. would be payable, and so in effect the cost would fall as to half on the London ratepayers and half on taxpayers generally. The Council were not themselves prepared to make a revocation order, and after careful consideration I decided that I should not be justified in directing them to do so. It is net the case that, if a revocation order were made and compensation paid, this would ensure the continued running of the St. James's Theatre as a theatre.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the golf club at Henbury, Bristol, has sought permission from the local authority to have its land scheduled as a building site, and on being refused in the interest of good planning has claimed substantial compensation; and, in the interests of public economy, if he will refuse his sanction to this and any similar claims.

I am aware of this claim. Where compensation is due for refusal of planning permission, I have no power to withhold payment unless I substitute for the refusal a decision more favourable to the applicant. In the present case I was not prepared to do this. Should the land at any future date be developed, the compensation will of course have to be repaid.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has yet reached a decision concerning the inquiry into the Derwent Valley Reservoir held by the Durham County Water Board.

I hope to do so very shortly.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has now completed his consideration of the working of the law relating to compensation for compulsory acquisition of land; and if he will make a statement.

As the Parliamentary Secretary indicated in the debate on 8th July on the Second Reading of the London County Council (General Powers)Bill, this matter raises wide issues which are very much in my mind; but I am not in a position to make any statement about it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many meetings of the Clean Air Council have taken place since its establishment; and whether he will make a statement with regard to its activities up to date.

The Council has held one meeting, which took place on 11th July. The principal subjects of discussion were the actions taken since the passing of the Clean Air Act, and the research and development work on air polution problems. The Council proposes to meet next in the autumn.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied that the new building in the Welsh National Folk Museum fits in architecturally and aesthetically with the mills, farmhouses, chapels, etc., in the museum grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Planning permission for this building was given by the Cardiff Rural District Council, acting for the Glamorgan County Council, the local planning authority, and not by me. I understand that only a very small part of the proposed new building has been constructed and that it is not possible to judge the scheme adequately by what is so far visible.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities in Wales have applied for additional financial assistance under Section 5 of the Housing Subsidies Act, 1956; how many have been disallowed; and what are the figures for the Mid-Wales counties.

Nine. Three of these applications have been refused, and the remaining six are still under consideration. Included in the above figures are three applications from authorities in the four Mid-Wales counties, of which one has been refused, and the other two are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of failures in proportion to the total number of entrants of children in Mauritius taking the sixth standard examination during the years 1954 to 1957, respectively.

A total of 17,425 children took the examination between 1954 and 1956; the 1957 examinations have not yet taken place. The percentages of failures in Government and Government-aided schools were 32 per cent. in 1954, 64 per cent. in 1955 and 39 per cent. in 1956. The figures for private schools are not immediately available but if the hon. Member wishes I will ask for a further report on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate numbers of Africans in Northern Rhodesia who would obtain the vote under the qualifications of £240 per year income, Standard VI education, £180 per year income, Standard IV education, £120 per year income, and the jobs of hospital orderlies and nurses, and teachers, respectively

I have asked the Governor if he can provide an estimate of the numbers who would qualify under each of those heads, and when I have his reply I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the reasons for the recent strikes at the Roan Antelope and Mufulira Copper Mines in Northern Rhodesia: and what decisions have now been reached on the causes of these disputes.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd July, 1957; Vol. 572, c. 90], supplied the following further information:The former strike was called without notice by the branch officials of the African Mineworkers Trade Union because they objected to the presence of a certain official (a member of the Mines Study Department)among the management's representatives at discussions with the union on 3rd June over "advancement" posts. The management refused to accept that the union had any right to object and the meeting was adjourned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the minimum wage payable to Africans in the building industry in Northern Rhodesia; and the number of Africans receiving minimum wages, the number receiving skilled labourers' wages, and the number of European skilled labourers receiving similar wages.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July, 1957 Vol. 573, c. 929], supplied the following further information:The minimum wage payable to African unskilled labour in the building industry is £4 15s. 4d. per month. At a rough estimate, 30,000 Africans are employed in the industry of whom approximately 46 per cent. are receiving minimum wages and approximately 34 per cent. skilled labourers' wages. There are no European skilled labourers on similar wage rates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate average salary paid to Africans and Europeans, respectively, in the territorial Civil Service in Northern Rhodesia; and what provision is being made to train Africans for higher positions.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July, 1957; Vol. 573, c. 929], supplied the following further information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what encouragement is being given by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to the dry land production of wheat and what proportion of the total wheat consumption of Northern Rhodesia is imported.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July, 1957; Vol. 573, c. 930], supplied the following further information:The prospects for dry land wheat in Northern Rhodesia are not very good. Production in the cool season is not successful because of the almost complete lack of rainfall and consequential lack of moisture in the soil. On the other hand conditions are not favourable during rain, because of the warm humid conditions which prevail and the fact that weeds, especially

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Somali students are in the United Kingdom at present and what arrangements he has made for their welfare and supervision.

Thirty-one: forty more are due to arrive this autumn. Arrangements for their placing and academic supervision are made by the Students Branch of the Colonial Office and a liaison officer attached to the branch sees to their personal welfare.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread nutritional disease existing among the young children of Sierra Leone; and whether he will consider appointing a medical officer, temporarily or permanently, for work in this field.

I am aware that there is malnutrition in Sierra Leone, as elsewhere in Africa. It is primarily for the Sierra Leone Government, who I am sure are well aware of the problem, to decide how best this can be tackled.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the hospital bed accommodation for maternity case in Singapore relates to the birth rate; and what is the average duration of stay in hospital of a non-paying patient.

There were about 60,000 births in Singapore in 1956, of which delivery in about 25,000 cases took place in the Government Maternity Hospital, where there are 276 beds. Nonpaying patients on the average stay four days in the hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will either release Lim Chin Sing, a member of the Legislative Assembly, Singapore, from detention, or arrange for the election of a representative from his constituency to the Assembly.

This is a matter for the elected Government of Singapore, by whose decision Lim Chin Siong was detained. As he remains a member of the Legislative Assembly the question of a by-election in his constituency does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the transcript of the case of Njau Kariuki has not yet been placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

A transcript of the judgment given in this case has been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Governments were invited by the Malayan Federation to attend the Merdeka celebrations; which of such invitations the British Government refused to forward to their destination; and for what reasons.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what proportion of Malaya's sterling balances held in London will be released when her independence is achieved next month in order that she may proceed more rapidly with her social development.

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question on the 9th July, the Federation of Malaya will continue to own and control its sterling balances after independence as it does now. It will therefore continue to be a matter for the Federation Government to decide what proportion of those balances it wishes to devote to social development.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the elimination of malaria and the treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis during the past ten years in British Colonial Territories.

The following is the reply:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to renew the contract for bulk purchase of wolfram in Uganda in view of the threat to the industry from the fall in the world price and the burden of the industry's mechanisation programme.

I have been asked to reply.I regret we cannot see our way to renew these contracts which expire in September. The situation has changed radically since the contracts were placed at the end of 1952. Tungsten ores are in ample supply and the price has fallen greatly in consequence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies charges are now made to Africans for medical attention in Government units; what is the charge in each case; what is the yield in revenue; and what has been the effect on attendances, since their introduction.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th May, 1957; Vol. 571, c. 29], supplied the following further information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the numbers of Africans from Tanganyika who are receiving technical training at Makerere College, at the Royal Technical College, Nairobi. at the Yunda Trade School, the number who will be admitted to the new trade school at Moshi and the numbers receiving technical training in the United Kingdom respectively, for the years 1955–57 inclusive.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th July, 1957; Vol. 573, c. 185], supplied the following information regarding the numbers of Africans from Tanganyika who are receiving technical training:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the residential and labour conditions under which Africans are employed in prospecting for uranium-bearing ores in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland; and what are their wages.

pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July. 1957; Vol. 573, c. 96], supplied the following further information:In Northern Rhodesia no prospecting is confined solely to uranium-bearing ore. The residential and labour conditions for Africans employed in prospecting are those usually obtaining under camping conditions. In the remote areas employers provide rations in kind and allocate time for the erection of temporary bush quarters. Wages for unskilled workers vary from £2 12s. to £4 15s. monthly, according to the locality. Wages for semi-skilled and skilled workers vary from £9 to £25 monthly according to qualifications.In Nyasaland there is one Company prospecting for uranium-bearing ores, which employs an African labour force of approximately 130. Of those, 90 are housed by the company in houses of traditional construction, each house being occupied either by one family or by three bachelors, while the remaining 40 to 50 employees live in their own villages, motor transport provided by the company where necessary. Employees engaged on tunnelling work in the pits are issued with protective clothing consisting of overalls, boots and tin helmets. The wages of those housed on the site vary from 1s. 8d. to 2s. 9d. per 8-hour day in addition, rations are supplied in kind. Labourers living in their own villages are engaged at 1s. 6d. per 5-hour day.

asked the Attorney-General in what circumstances patients in mental hospitals may obtain free legal aid.

Except that there are special provisions enabling applications to be made on behalf of persons of unsound mind, the circumstances in which patients in mental hospitals may obtain legal aid are the same as for other people.

asked the Attorney-General how many applications were made for his fiat for leave to appeal to the House of Lords in the last available twelve months; and how many applications were granted.

129 and one, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour what reply has been sent to the communications from the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation drawing the attention of the United Kingdom Government to the undesirability of having resort to a general Press censorship in connection with an industrial dispute and to the fact that it may be desirable that certain of the restrictions in the legislation governing the compulsory registration of trade unions should be reconsidered at an appropriate time.

I assume the hon. Member has in mind the conclusions of the Governing Body on certain allegations by the Miners' Trade Unions International against the Government of Northern Rhodesia. No reply was specifically requested or called for on the two conclusions in question; but as regards the reference to Press censorship the British Government representative on the Governing Body of the I.L.O. pointed out that the situation in Northern Rhodesia at the time in question had gone far beyond an industrial dispute and that the censorship, which had been applied to prevent the circulation of alarmist rumours, had in fact lasted for only a few days. The Governing Body's conclusions have been communicated to the Governor of Northern Rhodesia.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the appropriate local employment committees have, to date, advised him of their views upon his proposals for the closure of local offices of his Department: and how many of this number have indicated their approval or disapproval, respectively.

114 local employ-men committees have advised me of their views about 172 of my 186 proposals. In 83 cases they have accepted my proposals; in 64 they have opposed them, while in 25 cases, where I had proposed closing a full-time office, they have asked me to retain a part-time office. I am giving full consideration to their views.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North can expect a reply to his letter of 19th June regarding compassionate leave for Rifleman B. K. Blanchett; if he is aware that Rifleman Blanchett's commanding officer has rebuked him for writing to his Member of Parliament; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

I wrote to the hon. Member on the 23rd July. Because the unit is in North Africa, I have not yet completed my inquiries into the second part of the Question. When I receive a report, I will write again to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give, in round figures, the total expenditure on bases in the Middle East since 1945, including those in the Negeb, the Canal Zone, Kenya, Libya, Jordan, and Cyprus, and the estimated value of the buildings, stores, and equipment which have been abandoned.

I regret that records from 1945 are not available in this particular form. When British forces are withdrawn from a base overseas, their buildings and stores are not abandoned. They may be sold or handed over to the National Government by agreed settlement. Some equipment is taken away for use elsewhere. Assets in the Canal Zone are still the subject of negotiations with the Egyptian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in deciding upon the cap badge to be worn by officers, warrant officers, and men of the proposed Wessex Brigade, consideration will be given to the desirability of perpetuating the unique distinction enjoyed by the Gloucestershire Regiment in wearing a second badge on the rear of the hat.

A number of changes in regimental dress and insignia will arise from the re-organisation. The customs and traditions of the regiments concerned will be taken fully into account. Colonels of regiments will be freely consulted. No decision has yet been made about badges for the Wessex Brigade.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what arrangements exist for the coordination of repairs in towns and cities between the various services, such as electricity, gas, water and telephone, to obviate the same street being dug up each time for each separate service.