asked the Secretary of State for War if recruiting for the Royal Army Service Corps, the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Royal' Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and other Service Corps has been proceeding at the same rate as recruiting for the infantry, artillery and armoured units.

No, Sir. Only the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers are keeping up with the teeth arms. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on this subject in paragraphs 61 and 62 of the White Paper on Defend (Cmnd. 363).

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the unsatisfactory recruiting figures for the Service Corps may be due to the fact that they appear to lack the glamour of the fighting arms of the Service? In his recruiting publicity, will my right hon. Friend draw attention to two points: first, that the most intelligent men are required for the Service Corps, because they are expected to train both as fighting soldiers and as tradesmen; and secondly, that the trade they learn while in the Army will stand them in very good stead when they leave to take up civilian jobs? If these two appeals are unsuccessful, will my right hon. Friend consider reintroducing corps pay?

It is, of course, too early yet to be able to know the success of the appeals, but I will certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a Scottish regiment is to carry out a recruiting march in Cumberland on 17th and 18th March.

The regiment is the Scots Guards which, like the rest of the Brigade of Guards, draws its recruits from many parts of the United Kingdom. Scots Guards recruiting marches in Cumberland have been a regular feature since the end of the war. They are well known to the county and the march will be made with the full co-operation of the Border Regiment. The benefits of these marches are not confined to the regiment concerned. They bring forward recruits for the Army as a whole.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the county values the cooperation between the Border Regiment, the Scots Guards and other regiments which seem to adopt Cumberland as their second home and that nobody wants to disturb the recruiting organisation in Carlisle, which has done a lot of good for the whole Army and not least in attracting a number of recruits from the southward-moving stream of Scotsmen? On the other hand, operations on the scale of large Border raids seem to fall into a different category. If my right hon. Friend feels that I am exaggerating, will he look at the map and refresh his mind as to where the Border between England and Scotland runs?

I can confirm that the relationship between the Scots Guards and the Border Regiment is both very satisfactory and of long standing. In fact, at the invitation of the Border Regiment, the Scots Guards have a recruiting sergeant in the depot of that regiment.

Is the Minister aware that the probable reason for this is that, judging by the latest recruiting figures, the Scots Guards cannot collect soldiers in Scotland and are going across the Border to see whether they can get some stupid Englishmen?

No, Sir. That is not so.

asked the Secretary of State for War, from the figures so far available, what percentage of officers and other ranks, shown separately, will retire voluntarily as a result of the planned reduction in the size of the Army; and when he expects to be able to announce the final figures.

About 90 per cent. of the officers and 85 per cent. of the other ranks to be prematurely retired before 31st March, 1959, will be volunteers. The numbers to be retired after that will be decided annually, and until the final batch of applications has been received we shall not know the overall percentage of volunteers.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is very comforting that it has not so far been necessary compulsorily to retire more than a very small number of officers and other ranks?

asked the Secretary of State for War how frequently sales of Government surplus stock are held by his Department; and to what extent financial loss is thus incurred.

In the United Kingdom. direct sales by Army depots are exceptional and take place only when the total stock to be sold is of not more than£500 in value. The great majority of disposals are arranged by the Ministry of Supply. Commands overseas are authorised to sell surplus stores by auction or competitive tender. The frequency of these sales depends upon the accumulation of stock. The stores are always sold for the best price obtainable.

Is it not possible for these sales to take place a little less frequently, perhaps by more moderate buying on the part of those who place orders for Army equipment? I am informed, for example,

I do, indeed. I hope it will remain so.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Regular recruits have enlisted in the Army in each of the last four months; how these figures compare with the same months one year and two years earlier; and how many of these recruits are on a six-year, or longer, engagement.

I will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the latest figures available of men's engagements, which are for the months of October to January.

When we have stocks to sell, we get in touch with the Ministry of Supply, which decides upon the timing of the actual sales. I am not cognisant of the question of the pillowslips, but if my hon. Friend would like to let me have details I will gladly look into it.

I hope that supplementary questions will be worded more concisely than those we have had hitherto.

otherwise we shall never get on. This is unfair to hon. Members who have later Questions on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War what general rules or regulations apply to soldiers serving overseas who desire to marry or do marry indigenous women; and how far on marriage those wives become entitled to the same privileges as British wives living with soldiers serving overseas.

There is no bar to such marriages, provided that they conform with the laws of the country in which they take place. To discourage ill-considered marriages, however, it is stipulated in these cases that a soldier must wait for a period of up to four months after informing his commanding officer of his intention to marry; and, of course, he must have his parents' consent if he is under 21. Once married, the soldier becomes entitled to marriage allowance and similar benefits on exactly the same terms as soldiers who have British wives. The rules about entitlement to a return passage to the United Kingdom were published in answer to the hon. Member on 11th December last year.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether the same delaying period is applied to British girls as to indigenous girls?

This is designed in the best interests of everyone and to make sure that the British soldier gives adequate contemplation to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War what consideration has been given to the need for providing marriage guidance councils in areas, particularly in overseas stations, where there are large numbers of families of Service men, or of drawing attention to the availability of those councils where they exist in or near those areas.

Help and advice in matrimonial difficulties are available to forces overseas from local committees of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association. In this country, S.S.A.F.A. work closely with the marriage guidance council. The present arrangements work very well, and I do not think that the provision of specially selected and trained staff in all our garrisons abroad would be justified.

Since marriage guidance councils have proved their value in this country, does it not follow that some of those who are engaged in marriage guidance councils possess a certain knowledge and equipment which might be useful overseas as well?

Undoubtedly they would be useful, but, for the reasons I have stated in my original Answer, we do not feel it would be right to have these specially selected people in all garrisons.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are his plans for the future use of the island of St. Kilda.

The island of St. Kilda will be used as an observation post for the guided weapons firing range in the Hebrides.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether it is still intended, despite the virtual abandonment of the rocket range, to make every possible provision for the troops and other personnel stationed on St. Kilda, including television, which was to have been provided for them?

We will certainly do everything we can to make life pleasant for them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my last point, namely, whether it is still intended to bring them television from the Londonderry and Northern Ireland area?

I could not say that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the British garrison in Berlin is armed with nuclear tactical weapons.

The British garrison in Berlin has no nuclear tactical weapons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us will be pleased to hear that, and so will the people of Berlin, because it will help to dispel the prospect of any side using nuclear tactical weapons in Berlin which would blow up a city which has already suffered enough?

I did not expect the hon. Gentleman to be displeased.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers in Germany with private cars get duty-free petrol; and what is the value of this concession.

There are 9,200 private cars in Germany belonging to the soldiers in B.A.O.R. They are all entitled to this concession which saves about 2s. 4d. a gallon on petrol. The concession is limited to a ration of about 20 gallons a month for a small car.

Is there any similar restriction imposed upon the duty-free petrol which is to be issued to American troops in this country, and are they getting comparable treatment to that which we are getting from the German Government for our troops in Germany?

That is an entirely different question. This is an agreement reached between Her Majesty's Government and the German Government for our troops in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many generals are employed in the War Office; and what was the number last year.

Forty, the same as last year.

How does the right hon. Gentleman explain why, with all the cuts and the closing downs and the redundancies, the number of generals at the War Office is still the same? When will he tackle this rash of generals and bring about a proportionate reduction in that particular range of the stratosphere?

In fact the reorganisation and reductions in the Army impose a greater rather than a lesser burden on the administration in the War Office. There is, however, a plan for the gradual reduction of the staff of the War Office, and there will be a reduction in the number of generals during the current year.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, whilst during the transition that may be so, the numbers should in the end come down in proportion to the reduction of the Forces, which is considerable?

Certainly they will come down in the end, but we are entering into the second year of what the right hon. Gentleman calls the transitional period. As to the proportion by which they will come down, I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree with me that it is important to keep a sound promotion structure in the Army.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year when I put a similar Question to his predecessor the House was given the impression that he would reduce that number? In fact, I think he almost gave an undertaking. Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously mean that he will reduce the establishment of senior officers of major-general rank in the War Office, because it is obvious that there is every opportunity to do so now that the Army is being cut?

Yes, Sir. The numbers will be reduced over the period of years of the run-down of the Army.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to certain recruiting advertisements referring to Her Majesty's land Forces as "The New Model Army" whether he is satisfied that this title is appropriate in view of the facts that the original Force of this name was largely recruited by the press gang, fought against and executed its Sovereign, forcibly interferred with the privileges of Parliament, and established a military dictatorship in England; and if he will make a statement.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I refer you to Question No. 12 and ask if it is in order for an hon. Member to put down a Question which is a travesty of historical facts?

The hon. Member for Ealing, South (Mr. Maude) has not asked the Question. Dame Irene Ward.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) on what basis widows of warrant officers and other ranks at present receive pensions on a lower scale than the National Insurance pension, having regard to recent increases in this pension without additional contributions; on what principles it was decided that Service widows should not have a comparable increase for the same reasons which governed the increase in the National Insurance pension; and if he will take appropriate action;

(2) on what basis widows of officers of certain ranks at present receive pensions on a lower scale than the National Insurance pension and below, in some instances, the National Assistance scale, having regard to recent increases in these rates of benefit without additional contributions from the beneficiaries; and if he will give an assurance that an appropriate increase on the same basis of calculation will be given to officers' widows.

I will, with permission, answer Question Nos. 13 and 14 together.

No.

The rates of all Service pensions are reviewed from time to time. The rates of Service widows' pensions are related to the rank and service of the husband, and may be drawn in addition to National Insurance widows' pensions.

Yes, but that does not always apply to those who are too old to have contributed to the National Insurance Scheme, so may I, on the first Question, ask my right hon. Friend why it is that money is being paid from the Treasury to balance the fund and why other widows should not be able to get equal benefit from the Treasury? In regard to officers' wives, is my right hon. Friend aware that the basic pension was not increased for 100 years? Why, therefore, should they have had only one increase when everyone else has had a large number of increases?

As my hon. Friend knows well, Service pensions are an inter-Service matter.' I am afraid I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence said to the hon. Lady last month in answer to a Question.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what notice he has given to the Independent Television Authority under Section 9 (2) of the Television Act, 1954, regarding transmissions between the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. of cinematograph films originally produced for showing in cinemas, and the proportion of such films which must be of British origin;

(2) what notice he has given to the British Broadcasting Corporation under Section 15 (4) of the Licence and Agreement regarding transmissions between the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. of cinematograph films originally produced for showing in cinemas, and the proportion of such films which must be of British origin.

None, Sir.

The Minister is aware of the difficult conditions now existing in the British film industry, so will he not now consider discussing with both of the bodies the advisability of encouraging British films on television at the expense of old American films with a view to improving the conditions in the British film industry?

I do not think that cinema films which are shown on television are necessarily the only competition which the cinema has to face. Other items on television, such as boxing and perhaps Soccer, are a greater attraction to people, and I think the public should have a free choice of their own.

In view of the shortage of dollars, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is time a limit was put on the number of American films shown by both the B.B.C. and I.T.A.? Cannot he use his powers to stop this?

The hon. Gentleman should remember that this is a two-way traffic. Not only are the American films for which we pay dollars shown here, but the Americans show British films for which they pay dollars, and any action we might take of a drastic nature here might provoke action which might, on balance, prove adverse to us.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that there is a probable run-down of British film production due to the situation which is developing on the exhibiting side? Would not this act as a stimulant to British film production?

I am not responsible for the cinema industry. I am responsible for the operation of the Television Act. If the hon. Member has any question in mind on the cinema industry, it should be put down to the President of the Board of Trade

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has for prescribing regulations or directions under Section 4 (6, e) or Section 9 (2) of the Television Act relating to matters requiring the appearance of Government Department public relations officers on television programmes.

None, Sir.

In view of the Answer given yesterday and the Answer given now, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the undesirability of interposing civil servants between the Minister and the public?

The Prime Minister said yesterday that he would look into the question of the appearance of public relations officers on television, and I think we had better await the result of that inquiry.

asked the Postmaster-General what further steps he will take to lessen interference with television reception in the Swindon area.

The general position remains as stated in answers given to the hon. Member on 21st and 22nd January. In a current case, in which the hon. Member is interested, the firm whose apparatus is causing some interference intends to replace it by apparatus of an improved design. This will inevitably take some time, but the firm are cooperating with us in interim measures to minimise the trouble.

While thanking the Postmaster-General for that Answer, if I give him the complaints of 450 people which have reached me since the Question was put down, will he look into them? Would he like to express his thanks, which I am sure are due to the very co-operative firm which he mentioned in his Answer?

I am certain that the firm will co-operate; it has shown every desire so to do. I think that the complaints which the hon. Member has received have largely been the result of a letter inserted in a local newspaper asking for complaints, not, I agree, by the hon. Member himself, but I think by a man who has some connection with his local party.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is about time that there was full implementation of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949, which was introduced by the Labour Administration and would put an end to a tremendous amount of this interference to both television and V.H.F. reception?

I shall be grateful to receive any suggestion from the hon. Member on any step which he thinks we can take. The difficulty in this case is technical rather than administrative.

I am sure the Postmaster-General did not wish to imply that there was any political angle to this problem. I assure him that there is not. Is he aware that large numbers of listeners, irrespective of party politics, have been very much concerned with this matter and will appreciate the help that he and others can give in it?

We shall give all the help we can. We shall look into any genuine complaint, from whichever party it comes. All I was saying was that the complaints were encouraged by a certain letter which appeared in a newspaper asking for complaints to be sent in.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will honour the bi-centenary in January, 1959, of Robert Burns by the issue of a form of greetings telegram explicity designed to commemorate that event.

The future place of the telegraph service in our communications system is at present under review by the Advisory Committee whose appointment I announced last December. I expect their Report in a few weeks, and meantime I think that a decision on the hon. and learned Member's suggestion should be held over.

Does that mean that there are some prospects of such a deferred greetings telegram being issued in the near future?

No. The whole question will be held over until the Report is received.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will State the principles which have guided his Department in deciding the design and time of issue of new designs of postage stamps during the last fifty years; how, and how often, those principles and their implementation have varied during those years; and what those principles now are.

The principles have been and still are to maintain the Monarch's head as the basic feature of our stamps; to make new issues for each reign; and, since 1924, occasionally to issue special stamps to mark current events of outstanding significance and notable Royal or postal anniversaries.

Does not the Minister realise that other nations in the Commonwealth have introduced the heads of famous figures on stamps, without in any way interfering with the Sovereign's head? Why stick to antediluvian methods?

Withdraw.

I am not responsible for stamps issued in the Commonwealth. Secondly, I must reiterate that the principle on which stamps are issued in this country is that the Monarch's head should be the principal feature.

Hear, hear.

Does not the Minister understand plain English? Does he not understand that I am not making any attempt to exclude the Monarch's head from the Post Office stamps but suggesting that the two features can be combined?

Some feature is the dominating feature, and in this case it is the Monarch's head. I am not certain that all the people who have been famous in history would necessarily make a good combination with the present Monarch's head.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that for many years Her Majesty's Government have declined to celebrate by the issue of special postage stamps British citizens famous in literature, art, sport and other forms of human endeavour, and that other nations have shown, by their practice, that they do not refuse to honour their famous citizens in this way; and if he will appoint a cultural committee to consider the relevant problems and make recommendations.

I am satisfied that the policy of the Post Office in this matter is sound, and I see no need for a committee of the kind the hon. and learned Member suggests.

Does not the Postmaster-General realise that his objection to consulting educated people is unworthy of the Postmaster-General of a civilised country like Britain?

I cannot accept that statement. I consult a large number of educated people on the Post Office Advisory Council, including some hon. Members opposite, who I presume are educated.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will issue a special stamp to commemorate the trans-Antarctic journey of Dr. Fuchs.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that the rather flimsy reason which he gave for the rejection of the Burns stamp do not apply to a stamp to commemorate the feat of Dr. Fuchs? Is he aware that the Monarch's head can be combined with a suitable design, as was done in the case of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference? When, other countries would rush to honour their great people in this way, does he not think it is time that he revised these ideas of the Post Office?

We have a very full stamp programme. This year there are twelve new regional stamps, one of which is for the country which has the honour to have the hon. Member as one of its citizens. We also have three stamps for the Empire Games. We are producing more than we have ever produced before. If we are to single out every achievement, where should we stop?—climbing Everest, or running the mile in less than four minutes? There must be some point at which it is possible to decide to issue a stamp.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Postmaster-General when a public telephone kiosk will be erected in Fulmer Drive, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

This kiosk is nearly ready and should be working in a few days.

asked the Postmaster-General how many people are waiting for telephone connection to the Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire, telephone exchanges, respectively; and how many, in each case, have been waiting for more than six months.

The figures are 226 for Gerrards Cross and 127 for Chalfont St. Giles; 138 and 87, respectively, have been waiting for more than six months This year we expect to install about 110 telephones in Gerrards Cross and 120 in Chalfont St. Giles.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many subscribers in these two areas have been waiting for as long as two or three years for telephone connections? Can he not improve the position in that district?

On the whole, the position is very satisfactory. One or two isolated cases may be difficult, but generally speaking the position in the area is satisfactory.

s asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to lay new cables so as to be able to meet the demand for telephones in the Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St. Peter and Chalfont St. Giles areas of South Buckinghamshire.

The duct work is due to start in a few days. Cabling work will follow, and the new cables will be brought into use progressively. But it is a big job and it will be the end of next year before we can finish it.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the extent of the waiting list for telephones on the Waxlow and Perivale exchanges, respectively; and when he anticipates being able to provide services for those still waiting.

The outstanding applications on 1st January were 312 at Waxlow and 580 at Perivale, of which 55 and 300, respectively, were under inquiry or in course of being met. I cannot say when service will be provided for all the outstanding applicants, but we expect to join up this year about 1,000 telephones in these two areas.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give an assurance that for five years ahead the flat rate charge for telephone calls recently introduced in the London area will not be discarded.

The enlarged local call area is an essential first step towards the goal of full automation, described in Cmnd. 303. I am therefore confident that this system has come to stay. But the actual charge for a call within the local call area will need to be reviewed from time to time.

Does that mean a review in the direction of lower charges or in the direction of higher charges? Is it not necessary to try to stabilise them for a period?

They will be reviewed depending on what it costs to produce a call. I cannot commit any future Postmaster-General.

asked the Postmaster-General when a telephone service will be provided for the community of Rhenigidal, Isle of Harris.

By the end of June, a radio link is being provided between a public call office at Rhenigidal and the mainland.

Will the Postmaster-General accept our thanks and congratulations to the Post Office on its persistent and very gallant efforts to bring a telephone service to one of the remotest and smallest communities in the Western Isles?

With the greatest of pleasure.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what link there is between the Flying Personnel Research Committee and those concerned with the medical aspects of long-range high altitude civil flying.

The Chairman of the Flying Personnel Research Committee has been associated with civil aviation for the past ten years, and the Committee keeps in close touch with civil flying problems. These do not differ essentially from the problems presented by military flying.

Subject to considerations of security, Committee papers dealing with the medical aspects of both civil and military flying are circulated to civil aviation interests. Both the Committee and the Institute of Aviation Medicine are ready to give additional information or advice at any time.

Although there is this link between civil and military flying, will the Under-Secretary consider whether, with the increased importance of high altitude long-range civil aviation, the composition of the Committee today is sufficiently representative? Will he reconsider his reply to see whether it was not deliberately constructed to avoid dealing with high altitude long-range flying?

My right hon. Friend will look at it, but I think that the Committee is doing excellent work and that there is no good reason for changing its membership at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of National Service men stationed at Wartling Royal Air Force camp who have enlisted in the Regular Force during the past twelve months.

One, Sir. In addition 31 Regular airmen decided to undertake further service.

Is the hon. Gentleman surprised that only one National Service man in the course of twelve months has enlisted in the Regular Force? Is not that due to the lack of encouragement in this camp, the petty restrictions, and the fact that the Air Force owns a piggery with 350 pigs adjacent to the camp where National Service men are frequently on guard? Does he regard those conditions as encouraging to men to join the Regular Force?

Naturally, we would like to see more National Service men signing on, but it is some indication that conditions at that station cannot be too unsatisfactory that 31 Regular airmen have signed on during that same period for extended service, which is double the national average.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the figures are unsatisfactory inasmuch as the Service is obviously not making one-quarter of the appeal to National Service men which it is making to Regulars? In view of the numbers, 31 and one, which he quoted, does he not think that he should make some inquiries to find out what is offending National Service men?

If a National Service man intends to sign on for a short Regular engagement he generally does so very early in his service, and thus gets an increased choice of trades and increased pay, so that when National Service men join the Regular Force they do so before getting to an operational station such as Wartling.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men at Wart-ling camp have been put on a charge since the beginning of 1958.

Up to the end of February, sixteen.

Does not the hon. Gentleman regard that as rather excessive? Is he aware of the conditions in this camp and of the fact that the officers in charge take a very casual interest in the welfare of the men and that all kinds of restrictions are imposed on the men? Is it not an absolute disgrace that the Secretary of State for Air does not occupy his mind with matters of that sort when he wants to build up the Regular Force?

The figures are in no way exceptional. Over the previous two months 28 airmen were charged, and in September and October 13 airmen were charged. That is about the average throughout the command concerned. As recruiting to the Regular Force is very good on this station, I do not think there can be very much wrong.

Can my hon. Friend give an estimate of the number of airmen serving on the station?

It is 361, if my memory serves me right.

is the hon. Gentleman aware that if he maintains this argument that there is nothing wrong at this camp he is in for a very great deal of trouble, not only from the men concerned but from some people in this House?

I did not say that there was nothing wrong with the camp. I said that there could not be anything basically wrong if large numbers of men on the camp are undertaking Regular engagements. I should be delighted, as would my right hon. Friend, to look into any specific complaints. The right hon. Gentleman has, in fact, written a letter, with which my Department is dealing, and he will receive an answer on the detailed matters he has put before us.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is satisfied there can be no serious accident resulting from towing hydrogen bombs on public thoroughfares; and if he will make a statement.

When nuclear weapons are moved by road they are broken down into components, and the special nuclear components are carried separately. Further special precautions are taken, and my right hon. Friend and I are satisfied that there is no risk of a serious accident.

Is the Minister positive that there can he no radioactive contamination following an accident? Was it not only by accident that it leaked out that there were planes patrolling with H-bombs, and has it not now leaked out by accident that these things are being towed along the main roads? What next? Is this secrecy due to the Government knowing that the British people are opposed to increasing risks being taken?

I cannot go into details, but specially trained Service personnel always travel with these weapon components and are capable of dealing with any incidents which may arise. I think the House will agree that it is not in the general interest so to identify these convoys that potential enemies of this country might be able to trace the movement of these weapons.

This is a serious matter which is causing some concern. Can the hon. Member develop his reply a little and state what special methods are used for moving these atom bombs? Are they at any time used on British Railways?

Is it not a fact that some hon. Members opposite are considerably more "windy" than those whom they represent?

The Under-Secretary referred to the security aspect about where these bombs were. Will he therefore insist that, when officers are called into court on cases involving them, they will not say in public that these men are employed on dragging hydrogen bombs to certain definite stations?

asked the Secretary of State for Air from the figures so far available, what percentage of officers and other ranks, shown separately, will retire voluntarily as a result of the planned reduction in the size of the Royal Air Force; and when he expects to be able to announce the final figures.

Rather more than 90 per cent. of the airmen whose retirement has been approved had applied under the scheme. It has not so far been necessary to retire any officers who have not applied. The redundancy scheme is being operated in phases, and I cannot yet say when it will be possible to give final figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Air in what way liaison will be maintained between the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force in the supply, maintenance and operation of missiles.

So far as supply and maintenance are concerned, we shall adapt existing links between various agencies both in the United States and in the United Kingdom. On the question of operating these missiles, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence told the House on 24th February.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that when what he told us is read in the light of what an American officer in Washington said, it does not make sense, and that even after the publication of the missile agreement the Americans were under the impression that they had operational control? Will he not give us some idea about how we exercise operational control in co-operation with the American Air Force?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence made it clear that there would be joint operational control, and also made it clear that the statement made in the United States concerned the installation and not the operation of these weapons.

This is an important matter. The colonel in question referred specifically to operations. It is all very well for the Under-Secretary to say what he did, but cannot he give us some idea of how the arrangement will work?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what new roads have been constructed, or reconstructed, what road works are now being carried out, and what road schemes are to be abandoned by his Department in the area of the South Uist Guided Missiles Range and training ground.

About 5½miles of the road from Loch Carnan to Greagorry have been reconstructed. No other road works have been put in hand. We had planned to build a new loop road to the firing site from the Loch Boisdale-Benbecula Road—A.865—with a causeway across Loch Bee. It will now be possible, however, to manage simply with a spur to the southern end of the firing site. This will be provided by improving and extending the existing road through West Geirinish village.

Is the Minister aware that one of the considerations that induced the Inverness County Council and other local authorities to withdraw their objections to the rocket range in the first place was that the Ministry undertook to make good any dislocation of plans relating to roads, water supplies and schools for the local and new incoming population but that the Ministry has now abruptly pulled out and abandoned the range, completely dislocating the planning of that area in the matter of water supplies, roads and so on, without making any compensation to the local authorities in respect of it? Will he and the Secretary of State for Scotland consult the Departments concerned to see that these plans and schemes are brought up to date?

Perhaps the hon. Member will write to my right hon. Friend giving details of the dislocations which he feels have taken place. We will certainly examine them most carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has now considered public comments on the conclusions to be drawn from "Operation Quickstep" regarding the inadequacy of present arrangements for transporting troops by air; and if he will make a statement.

"Operation Quickstep" was a joint R.A.F.-Army air mobility exercise, primarily intended to test the organisation required for moving part of the Strategic Reserve at short notice. Only four Hastings, four Beverleys and one Comet were used. The exercise was in no way designed to call on the full resources of Transport Command and of the air transport forces in overseas theatres which would rapidly be made available in emergency. As I emphasised on Monday, the total airlift available from military aircraft has almost doubled since 1951, and a further large increase is planned. In addition there is considerable civil capacity which could be used for troop movement if required.

In view of the misunderstandings which seem to have been created by this operation, will the Under-Secretary see that publicity is given as to its real purpose?

I am most grateful that the hon. Member should have put down a Question which directs publicity to the fact that this was a limited operation with a very limited force and using mixed aircraft. We chose to do it at short notice and in one of the most difficult months of the year. That is a true test of operational capability.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he is now taking with regard to the installation of F.I.D.O. at London Airport.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 11th December last. The experiment at an R.A.F. aerodrome is now expected to begin in April or May; it will last for some months.

I pay tribute to the interest which the Joint Parliamentary Secretary is showing in this matter, but is he aware that for eight years I have been told that new experiments are in hand, and that the cost of diversion and delay is mounting? Can he say when he hopes to do something about this matter?

I regret the delay in this matter, but there has been great difficulty in obtaining the specialised equipment for these experiments. We hope that in four or six months we shall have the information that we require in order to enable us to take a decision.

Is it not a fact that within the eight years referred to by the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for at least two years?

As a matter of fact, eight years ago the hon. Member was demanding that the equipment should be installed in the winter of 1951. Since then he seems to be quite content that diversions continue.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what advice he has received from the Air Registration Board with regard to the installation of rearward-facing seats in civil aircraft; and what action he is now taking in this matter.

The Air Registration Board has advised me that on present evidence there are insufficient grounds for making rearward-facing seats compulsory. It has, however, recommended that, where practicable, such seats should be provided. This reflects current international opinion and I agree with it.

The question now arises as to what the right hon. Gentleman is doing about it. Here we have a situation in which the Air Registration Board says that it would be safer if passengers were seated in rearward-facing seats, and the Royal Air Force have already adopted this suggestion. Is it not difficult to explain why, as the Minister responsible for safety, he is not acting upon this recommendation?

I do not find it at all difficult to explain. The answer is that all modern aircraft will be so constructed—and this is my responsibility—that seats can face either forward or rearward as the operating companies so desire. The Air Registration Board has said that there was not a clear case, on safety grounds, for making rearward-facing seats mandatory, and I agree.

But is it not a fact that the Board said that the reason why this should not be made mandatory was not on grounds of safety but for commercial considerations? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied to leave this matter to be settled upon commercial considerations and not on safety grounds?

I do not think that that reflects the advice which the Board has given me. If it were to give firm advice that this must be done and that the safety differential was so great that it should be done, it would be a different matter.

It may be that my right hon. Friend and the Board are not satisfied that rearward-facing seats should be mandatory, but will he bear in mind that many people are so satisfied? Will he consider making it compulsory that at any rate a proportion of seats face in a rearward direction?

As my hon. Friend knows, in most modern British aircraft that is so.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many air accidents involving civil airliners are currently being investigated by his Department; and what was the date of the first of these accidents.

Six accidents to transport type aircraft are currently under investigation in the United Kingdom. Three involved aircraft engaged in ordinary passenger transport. One concerned an aircraft on scheduled freight operations. The other two aircraft were a Heron on an ambulance flight and a Britannia on a development flight. The earliest of these accidents was on 28th September, 1957. Four accidents to United Kingdom registered transport type aircraft are currently under investigation by overseas authorities.

The Minister will be aware that I am not trying to direct attention to the fact that there have been a number of accidents. I am dealing with the point that the staff at his disposal is not now adequate to deal with the number of accidents that are likely to occur, with the increased amount of traffic within his responsibility. In view of the complacency which he displayed when I raised this matter last time, may I ask him how many additional people with technical qualifications have been added to his safety and accident investigation branches in the last seven or eight years?

If the hon. Member wants an answer to that question, he had better put it down. As for saying that I am complacent, I have already given the date. The oldest outstanding accident occured on 28th September last year, and the hon. Member knows from his own practical experience in the past that the proper investigation of these accidents must take a considerable time. It is nonsense to say that my Department is not capable of coping with the situation.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what representations he has received from Southampton Chamber of Commerce on the future of Southampton Airport, Eastleigh; and whether he has yet reached a conclusion about the future of that airport.

My right hon. Friend has recently received a letter from the Southampton Chamber of Commerce expressing concern about the effect of proposed railway developments on the future of the airport. A technical study of this complicated matter was already well advanced, and I intend to hold further consultations with interested parties, including the Southampton Corporation, as soon as possible.

May I thank my hon. Friend for that reply on a subject to which I know he has given considerable personal attention and ask him to speed up this matter? Does not he agree that without a hard runway there is no future for this airport?

I will do my best to speed up the discussions. My hon. Friend already knows that the problem of the construction of the new marshalling yards at Eastleigh at one end of the aerodrome raises a technical difficulty.

Will the Minister bear in mind that Southampton Airport is of great potential value to the economy, not only of Southampton but of Southern England, and that it should be possible to carry out the developments proposed at Eastleigh if the rail were diverted slightly to allow the airport to remain for subsequent development?

I will bear that in mind, and the hon. Member may be assured that we are trying to solve this problem as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, when all the inquiries into the Munich air disaster are completed, he will make a further statement.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the cause of the accident to the Elizabethan aircraft of British European Airways at Munich on Thursday. 6th February.

I cannot make a statement until I have received the report of the German authorities.

May I say that there is no intention to embarrass anybody with this Question? In view of the fact that the German authorities will issue no report and that B.E.A. will not issue a report of its private inquiries, will the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would relieve a lot of anxiety, particularly in my part of the country, if a statement could be made?

Perhaps it would help if I said what I think will happen, although the House will appreciate that this is the responsibility of the German Government and not my responsibility. I have seconded a senior inspector of accidents to be an observer at the German commission of inquiry. I assume, I think rightly, that the report of that commission will be submitted to me—that I shall be given a copy of it. I will then, in consultation with the German authorities, certainly consider the question of publishing it. I am most anxious that the fullest information about this accident should be made public.

Will my right hon. Friend inform the House when he expects to receive a report from the German authorities?

I am in the hands of the German authorities, and their inquiries are very painstaking and detailed. But they know my wish is that it should be done as soon as they can conveniently do so.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he now has any statement to make on the Tyne Tunnel.

I am now prepared to consider for authorisation in the next financial year the scheme proposed by the County Councils of Northumberland and Durham, and I am writing to them to this effect.

The scheme provides for a vehicular tunnel with a two-lane carriageway and approach roads to connect with the Gateshead-Sunderland trunk road and the Newcastle-Tynemouth road. The scheme is estimated to cost about£13 million, of which I expect that 75 per cent, will be met from central funds. Tolls will be charged.

I hope that it will be possible to begin work soon after the scheme has been authorised.

Will my right hon. Friend accept through me the appreciation of the people of the North-East Coast that this decision has now been taken? Would I be right in assuming that this decision is an expression of the confidence of the Government in the future prosperity of the North-East Coast as a whole?

Certainly. This tunnel is necessary because of the view we take of the developments in industry and commerce which are likely to take place in that part of the world.

I think that the Minister said that tolls would be charged for the use of this tunnel. This is a departure from the present policy. [HON MEMBERS: "Question."] Will the Minister allow Parliament to debate this matter before a final decision upon tolls is taken?

That is not so. I think that it was at least six months ago—and probably more—that I stated my policy quite clearly, which was that all new large bridge and tunnel schemes would have to bear tolls in order that their costs might not be inflationary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that everyone in the North-East will be happy to hear his answer? Can he say how long the work will take and, on the question of tolls, whether there was full consultation with the local authorities?

There will be full consultation with the authorities concerned upon the question of tolls. I hope that the work will start in the next financial year—1958–59. As all hon. Members know, it is a very big task, and it would be unwise for me to give a firm completion date. It will obviously take several years to complete the task.

Is the Minister aware that hon. Members on this side of the House who represent constituencies in the North-East associate themselves with what was said by the hon. Lady about this announcement being welcomed by the whole of the North-East? Is he aware that there is a wide divergence of opinion over the question of tolls, and will he enter into consultations in the House before pledging himself on this matter? In the meantime, we are delighted that the tunnel will be started next year?

I do not think there is any misunderstanding about this. I have told local authorities who came to see me, not only about this project but about the Severn Bridge and other projects of a similar nature, that these works, under present circumstances, can be carried out only if tolls are charged. I am satisfied that local authorities accept this as a general principle. Negotiations about amounts must of course be carried out.

As my right hon. Friend has now authorised the commencement of work on two or three schemes which formerly ranked behind the Severn Bridge crossing in priority, will he give an assurance that he will authorise that project without delay?

My hon. Friend is wrong. As was made plain by my predecessor, the Tyne Tunnel was the next large project that would be authorised.

Is the Minister aware that in October, 1947, an answer was given in this House indicating that the Severn Bridge had top priority—I remember it very well, because I gave the answer? May I ask the Minister what has happened? With these schemes now coming on, why is the Severn project lagging so far behind?

I think that what happened is obvious to every hon. Member. These priorities are being examined carefully, and I am satisfied that the next big scheme to put in hand is the Tyne Tunnel, which is why I have just announced it.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement about the timetable for the work on the Staines by-pass.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to the Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Beresford Craddock) on 4th March.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied, in view of the serious nature of the situation at Staines, that suitable progress is being made? Does he appreciate it is highly important that the matter should be dealt with as speedily as possible?

Yes, I am satisfied that we are making good progress with this scheme, and it will not be long before construction starts.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in order to meet the particular problems of South Wales, he will expedite the chief road schemes already approved, including the Ross Spur project and the Aberavon By pass; and if he will advance the date for the Head of the Valleys road scheme.

I inaugurated the construction of the Ross Spur on 3rd March. Work is well advanced on the Neath By-pass, and we are proceeding as quickly as possible with the necessary preliminary work on the Aberavon Bypass and the Heads of the Valleys Road.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will review the number of centres arranged for driving tests; whether he is satisfied that people in country districts do not have to travel undue distances in order to take the test; and if he will make a statement.