asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of aircraft carriers or support carriers that have been built or are being built in 1958, and the amount to be spent on these vessels during this year.

As indicated in my noble Friend's Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates, 1958–59, "Hermes" is the only aircraft carrier under construction. The amount to be spent on her construction during the current financial year will be £2½ million.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is anxiety that the rate of disposal of Her Majesty's vessels is far greater than the rate of replacement? Is he satisfied that the rate of replacement indicated in his Answer is sufficient?

Yes, Sir. We prefer to modernise existing carriers. This is cheaper, and also quicker, and speed is important in view of the developments being made in aircraft and guided weapons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many aircraft carriers or support carriers it is proposed to dispose of in 1958; and what is the annual cost of maintaining these ships in care and maintenance.

Five, Sir. They are not in care and maintenance. At the moment, each ship requires an annual expenditure of less than £1,000.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the rate of disposal of these ships is really giving us an economy? We all want to observe economy in defence, but may not it turn out to be false economy when these vessels could still be used as anti-submarine carriers in time of war?

I do not think that there is need, or that there is likely to be need, for any additional carriers. At the moment, we have six other carriers, either with the fleet or being made ready for it, and, further, we have another two carriers which are not in the category mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Would not it be right to say that if we had more carriers we would have no more aircraft to put in them?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what compensation will be paid to the property owners and occupiers in the area north of Albert Road, Devonport, in respect of the hardship and loss of trade they have suffered by the fact that his Department has changed its plan for the development of this area.

We have been forced to reduce the dockyard extension area, and regret any hardship to individuals which this may have caused. Compensation in planning matters is fixed by reference to Statute, and there is no such authority to cover cases of this sort.

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman has agreed to pay compensation amounting to over £12,000 to the city council, how is it that he cannot pay compensation to the individual owners of properties who have been expecting the Admiralty to take over their properties since 1945?

The cases are really quite different. The council bought a site for a new shopping centre as part of the phased programme to help the dockyard extension plan to go forward. Having incurred this expenditure to help the Admiralty, its claim to compensation was perfectly valid.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why he has not included in his proposed new development area between Charlotte Street and Garden Street, Devonport, the row of small dwellings facing Charlotte Street.

To include this row of houses, we should have to buy 11 of them, all occupied, and then knock them down. This would be extremely expensive, and I do not consider the circumstances would justify it.

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman's Department already owns 22 cottages, and that he will be forced to sell a great many of them, at a loss to the Admiralty, would not it be a better idea to buy the remaining 11 and develop the site according to good town planning instead of leaving a row of old cottages in this area?

I can well understand that the hon. Lady may feel a little disappointed at my reply, but she must not under-estimate how much she has achieved. As a result of her suggestions backing up the city council, the Admiralty has modified its intention to hand back the whole of this area. We are using some of it to build as many naval married quarters as is financially reasonable, and we are paying compensation where we can. If we have not met the wishes of the hon. Lady and of her constituents in every particular, it is only because that is beyond our power.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of vessels of the Fishery Protection Squadron now in Icelandic waters.

One, Sir, Her Majesty's Ship "Hound".

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that the British trawlers will receive adequate protection, particularly in view of possible unilateral action by foreign Governments, and can he also say whether the captains have received up-to-date orders to enable them to compete in any possible situation which may arise?

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, there are other ships in the Fishery Protection Squadron. Two of these are now carrying out normal programmes and could. if necessary, be moved to Iceland.

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, the captains of these vessels have the normal instructions to assist British trawlers and indeed, as they so often do, to assist trawlers of any nationality.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what naval vessels will visit the Riviera in the next few months.

Subject to the agreement of the French authorities, present plans are that the submarine depot ship "Forth" accompanied by a torpedo recovery vessel will visit Villefranche from 25th to 30th June, and at the same time two of Her Majesty's submarines will visit Nice. The cruiser "Cumberland" will visit Genoa from 14th to 19th July.

Am I correct in assuming from that reply that the Government have at last abandoned the costly and unnecessary practice of sending battleships to the Riviera to film festivals, with their dubious retinue of hangers-on and would-be starlets, as has been the case in previous years?

I think last year the then Parliamentary Secretary explained that it was a coincidence. In fact, I think the film festival this year is being held now, and certainly it will be over before any of these ships get there.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the tonnage at present being built in United Kingdom shipyards for registration abroad.

There are 336,990 gross registered tons of shipping at present under construction in United Kingdom shipyards for foreign ownership, and a further 936,677 gross registered tons are on order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the tonnage of foreign orders in United Kingdom shipyards which have been cancelled this year.

A total of 58,860 tons of foreign orders in the United Kingdom shipyards have been cancelled during 1958.

While appreciating that cancellations would affect foreign orders more than home orders, may I ask the Civil Lord if he would, nevertheless, pay attention to the fact that we are somewhat disturbed by the run-down in the proportion of foreign orders? Would he do his best to try to reverse this tendency because, after all, shipbuilding is a very important exchange earner?

Naturally, we want to reverse this tendency, but this figure does not represent a very large proportion of the total order book of approximately 6 million tons, or even a large proportion of the total foreign order book of 1·2 million tons.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these cancellations apply to Clydeside?

Not without notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how the tonnage of shipping completed in United Kingdom shipyards this year compares with the tonnage completed in the corresponding period last year.

Approximately 455,000 tons of shipping were completed up to the end of April, 1958, compared with 417,877 tons in the corresponding period last year.

While appreciating the difficulty of making any comparison, a ship being a very large item itself, nevertheless would the hon. Gentleman do his best to see that everything possible is done to obtain the utmost completion in present circumstances? Is he aware that it is essential that in the present state of world competition we should get the highest completion rate possible?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. I think that, in the difficult times that lie ahead, unless we can reduce our order books we will not be able to get the orders when they come along.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many seats will be provided for this year's ceremony of Trooping the Colour; and how they will be allotted.

There will be 5,839 seats. The majority are distributed among the regiments taking part and elsewhere in the Regular and Territorial Armies.

A number of tickets are made available to High Commissioners, ambassadors and other visitors, especially from the Commonwealth. There are 1,150 reserved for direct sale to members of the public.

Will these figures that my hon. Friend has given mean an increase in the total number of seats provided?

Yes, Sir. We have this year enlarged some stands to provide for an extra 700 seats.

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is very welcome news?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many recruits have joined the Army in the first three months of this year; how these figures compare with the same period last year; and if he will also give these figures in terms of man-years.

In the first three months of this year 6,217 men joined the Regular Army as against 8,997 in the same period last year. But 4,647 of this year's recruits engaged for six years or more, compared with only 780 last year. As a result, there has been an increase in recruiting in terms of man-years from about 30,500 to about 35,000, a rise of some 15 per cent.

Does my hon. Friend feel that all the constructive work in the last three years to try to make an Army career more attractive is at last beginning to pay worth-while dividends, and is he hopeful that the rate will be maintained?

These figures are certainly very encouraging, but I would not wish, on the basis of only three months' experience, to give any definite forecast.

Is not the improvement in man-years due solely to the fact that the Government last October took the advice which had been offered to them for many years and got rid of the three-year engagement?

I think the fact remains that the three-year engagement was very valuable so long as we had National Service.

Do these figures, if maintained, mean that the target which the Government set for themselves of 165,000 is, in fact, likely to be achieved, or is there to be a great improvement on these figures? Could we have some indication from the long-term point of view?

Our view is that three months is much too short a period in which to form a statistical opinion. Therefore, I would not like to give a forecast on that basis alone.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many F.N. rifles have been issued to units engaged in troop trials in their use; how many of the 36,000 for which estimates have been presented will be manufactured and how many will be issued in the present financial year; and whether he will state the date by which the equipment of the Army with F.N. rifles will be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the Number 4, Mark 1, Rifle has been replaced by the F.N. automatic as the standard infantry weapon of the British Army.

About 14,000 F.N. rifles were issued for troop trials. These trials have been completed satisfactorily and normal issues of the rifle have begun. All of the 36,000 for which estimates have been presented will be manufactured in the present financial year; and all will be issued. We expect to complete the equipment of the Army with the F.N. rifle by 1961.

While congratulating the Government on making such rapid progress, which will leave the Army with a period of over four years to continue using the same personal weapons as it has had in two world wars, may I ask whether it is a fact that the equipment programme has been slowed down because the Government have found it necessary to save on weapons in order to bolster up the bankrupt and expensive manpower policy of the Minister of Defence?

I am glad to say that production has exceeded the figure on which we based the estimate, and we shall be able to take up any extra production there may be.

But surely it is a fact that a very serious state of affairs is disclosed with regard to the adequate arming of our Forces when we consider the vast amount of money which the House has approved over the last few years? Is not it deplorable to learn that up to 1961 our men will be armed with the sort of rifles which were issued in the 1914–18 war?

It is wrong to say that the Army will be equipped with only these rifles up to 1961. This is a progressive introduction of new weapons; 36,000 or more will be in production in the course of this year.

Is it a fact that there is no country behind the Iron Curtain whose infantry have not got the automatic rifle?

We have been equipping the Army with a whole new family of weapons of which this is one element.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the operations at present being undertaken in the Aden Protectorate.

As my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary explained on 1st May, some 500 dissidents instigated, bribed and armed by the Yemeni authorities, recently attacked a Government fort at Assarir in the Dhala area of the West Aden Province. It has been reported that some regular Yemeni troops and Yemeni tribesmen also took part in the attack but the numbers are uncertain.

A force consisting of three companies drawn from the Buffs, the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and the Aden Protectorate Levies, supported by aircraft of the Royal Air Force, was sent to relieve the fort. Its attack was launched on the 30th of April and, despite strong resistance, the fort was relieved. By the next day we had regained control of the area and a large convoy passed into it without incident.

The casualty figures are not complete, but we have been notified of 23 wounded among our own forces. Enemy casualties are estimated to be between 50 and 75. Since then our troops have been engaged in mopping up dissidents in the Jebel Jihaf, and in patrolling the frontier. One of these patrols came under fire yesterday by heavy machine guns from posts which had been established illegally on the Protectorate side of the frontier. This led to the counter action which was reported in the Press today.

Speaking for myself and, I am sure, for everyone in the House, may I express sympathy with those men who have become casualties and their relatives? Also I should like to compliment those responsible upon the efficiency with which this operation has been carried out. Having said that, may I ask the hon. Gentleman how it is that, when it was necessary to reinforce this area, the K.S.L.I., which should have been back in this country in Colchester by April, I think, has been separated from its heavy baggage and moved to Aden, while, at the same time, the Government were forced to move the York and Lanes from Britain, and is not it a fact that they now have three battalions in the Aden area one only of which has its heavy baggage? How long is this situation to continue? Is it Government policy to reinforce the area and, if so, will it be done with units posted to the area in reasonable and normal conditions, because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is not a pleasant climate in Aden? Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that reasonable amenities are being provided for these men? Is their post arriving, for example?—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—Have they reasonable accommodation?

The hon. Gentleman's question is a little too long for a supplementary question.

I admit that it is long, Mr. Speaker, but it happens also to be a very important subject—the welfare of British troops recently engaged in action. I should have thought that it was quite in order to question the hon. Gentleman to find out what the situation is.

The hon. Gentleman asked me for a statement on the operations recently finished, and I gave him such information as I had available. I should want notice of the other questions before I could reply.

Will my hon. friend take into consideration the possibility of making known more widely than is the case at the moment the details of the air trooping operations to the Middle East so that the world may be suitably impressed with what this country is capable of doing if pushed to it?

There is another Question on the subject on the Order Paper today. I hope to make a fuller statement in a moment or two.

Did I correctly hear the Under-Secretary of State? Does he really know no details about whether the troops have their heavy equipment with them or not?

Of course I am informed on all those matters, but there is no Question on the Order Paper about it.

asked the Secretary of State for War when a notice to treat in respect of Wilton Park, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was served upon the owners by his Department; and why the matter has not been completed.

A notice to treat was served on 7th September, 1955. Since then, negotiations, which have been complicated and difficult, have been going on about the terms of purchase. The price for the land has been settled but certain differences on other matters still remain.

Has not the acquisition of this land been hanging fire for a very long time, even before the notice to treat was issued, and does not my hon. Friend think it unfortunate that delays of this order should be taken for granted in compulsory purchase and even considered relatively moderate? Is not it really a very long time?

It takes two to make a bargain, and the delays have not been of our making.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether it is right to say that it takes two to make a bargain under a compulsory purchase order? I thought that it took only one.

We could, no doubt, have proceeded much faster. We have not wished to push our powers too far.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the pensions of Service widows, qualifying for pensions under a recently rectified anomaly, will be back-dated to come into line with the other Services.

The amended rule about the rate of pension following voluntary retirement, which was announced by my right hon. Friend on 26th February, will be effective from 1st January this year.

We cannot backdate it beyond that.

Can my hon. Friend explain to me why widows should have to pay for gross maladministration in the War Office? Further, in view of the fact that I got an answer within two days, satisfactory up to a point, can he explain why, when the Officers' Pension Society raised this matter nearly two years ago—after all, the Admiralty and the Air Ministry are in the clear on this—the War Office administration was so slack that it did not even bother to deal with the case? May I have an assurance from my hon. Friend that he will convey these observations to his right hon. Friend and ask him to go to the Chancellor himself and argue in favour of widows and not allowing them to have to bear the burden of maladministration by the War Office?

I am sorry if there was any delay, but, as can be seen, we did take up the matter, and we were able to make the concession asked for. I am glad that we were able to do so, but the old rule was a recognised condition of service of the officers concerned, and there is, therefore, no queston of unfair treatment.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Owing to the grossly unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a further statement on pensions for widows of officers and other ranks who by virtue of age have been unable to qualify for National Insurance pensions.

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend on 12th March.

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State and I have been in correspondence for quite a long time, and in view of the undertaking which the hon. Gentleman himself gave me in the debate on the Army Estimates, am I right in assuming that my right hon. Friend is negotiating with the Treasury? If so, will he be very firm with the Treasury? Further, can he say when he will receive a satisfactory reply to remedy the grievances of these really wretched widows for whom we have a responsibility?

I am sure Friend will appreciate widows' pensions are an matter.

Could I have an answer to my question? On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Should I be in order in raising the two matters on the same Adjournment?

The hon. Lady can try, and, if she is in order, she may do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that the recent move of the 1st Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment to Aden adequately demonstrated the mobility of the Central Reserve; and if he will make a statement.

The battalion concerned is one of the units of the Strategic Reserve earmarked for internal security duties. Orders to move were issued on the evening of 11th April. On the 14th, the battalion was moved south from Yorkshire and the first troops left by air on the morning of the 15th.

The move to Kenya was complete by 19th April, eight days after the original order was issued. By then, advanced elements had already been sent ahead to Aden.

This move gives encouraging evidence of the readiness and mobility of the Strategic Reserve, and the flexibility of Transport Command.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that encouraging Answer, but could he tell us why it is that this particular force was not delivered to its ultimate objective which was, presumably, Aden, and was staged, as I understand it, through Kenya?

As I said in my Answer, the advance elements were already in Aden before the last elements of the battalion had reached Kenya; they were phased through as quickly as possible.

Will the Under-Secretary of State tell us what equipment was moved for this battalion, because it is not really so impressive unless most of its equipment was moved with it? Also, will he hesitate in claiming too much for the mobility of our Strategic Reserve out of the movement of a single battalion?

I do not think that I am claiming too much. I am only saying that it is encouraging evidence in so far as it goes. Where the equipment is concerned, the troops involved took their own personal and light equipment but we had, of course, taken precautions to stockpile equipment in Aden.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the heavy anti-tank recoilless weapon for infantry units, the Mobat, will be issued; how many pieces will be issued in the present financial year; and by what date all infantry units will be re-equipped with this weapon.

Issues of this weapon have already begun and a substantial number will be supplied to the Army this year. It would not be in the public interest to give further details.

The hon. Gentleman will recollect that at the time of Suez it was found that the ammunition of the Mobat was deficient and, therefore, the Government had to steal American equipment to supply the Suez operation. Is he quite sure that this will not happen again?

Yes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend said in his Estimates speech, the initial teething troubles of the Mobat have been overcome.

I take it that the teething troubles were ineffective ammunition. Is the Minister now satisfied that the ammunition is satisfactory?

I repeat what I have said: the teething troubles have been overcome.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will amend the regulations governing wireless licences so as to allow the holder of a television licence to surrender it, or to revert to a licence for sound radio only, and to obtain a rebate for the unexpired part of the period for which the television licence was issued.

No, Sir.

May I ask my hon. Friend if it would be possible to allow rebates on these licences in the same way as they are allowed on motor-car licences? What is the particular difficulty?

There are two difficulties. The Wireless Telegraphy Act, under which the licences are issued, does not permit us to make rebates. Secondly, my right hon. Friend has to take into account the fact that there are about 15 million wireless licences in existence, and we have to keep the system for handling them as simple as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General at what time and on what day his Department posts letters at the General Post Office in London in order to be certain of delivery in Dundee on a Saturday morning.

The scheduled latest time of posting from the London Chief Office of the G.P.O. for Saturday delivery in Dundee is at present 3.30 p.m. on Friday. I am arranging to change this time to 5.0 p.m. in the near future; but the train carrying these mails is liable to run late, and those who wish to be certain that their correspondence will be delivered on Saturday morning should post by 1.15 p.m. With the British Transport Commission, we are doing all we can to get the running of the train improved and we are taking steps to minimise the effects of the late running on the delivery in Dundee.

Is the Minister aware that the only way I can be absolutely certain of getting a letter delivered in my constituency before the weekend is to post it on a Thursday afternoon? Is he further aware that the delay is due to the changing of the timetable of this train, apart from its late running, and that he will have the support of a very large number of people in Dundee if he will make really strong representations to go back to the original time of this train?

We are conducting negotiations with the British Transport Commission to try to find the best way of getting these mails through regularly.

asked the Postmaster-General at what time it is necessary to post letters in Westminster and central London for them to be delivered by the first post in Chigwell, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chipping Ongar, respectively.

In street boxes generally by 7.30 p.m.; but there is a collection from selected street boxes at 9.0 p.m. connecting with the delivery, and also one at 9.30 p.m. from the main post offices. As my hon. Friend will know, mail has been delayed in London recently, but I am glad to say that there have been definite improvements in the last few days.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the Palace of Westminster one day last week before 5.0 p.m. I posted an urgent and important letter to a constituent in Chigwell and it was not delivered to my constituent before the afternoon of the following day? This sort of delay could be very serious. What is happening in the Post Office, because there are very disquieting reports, both at home and abroad, about these delays? May we be assured that full efficiency will be restored before very long?

Yes, Sir. We are doing all we can to make sure that the high standard of the Post Office is restored as quickly as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the concern about the delay in the delivery of mail in the London area? Will he personally, along with his right hon. Friend, go to the West Central Post Office to see if something can be done in that office?

We have been concerned for some days about the delays in deliveries in the London area. We are taking steps in consultation with the union, which has been very helpful, to try to get some misunderstandings that exist ironed out.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now state what new denominations of stamps he proposes to issue and what existing denominations he proposes to discontinue, and when.

The only new denomination I have at present in mind to issue is the 4½d. stamp, which I mentioned in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 4th December. I expect this stamp to be available in the autumn. I am considering whether any more new denominations are needed, and which of the existing denominations might be discontinued, but my inquiries are not yet complete. I will make an announcement about this as soon as I can.

In considering the revision of denominations and new denominations, will the hon. Gentleman also consider the issue of a Burns stamp?

That matter is constantly before us.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider his decision to charge a 6d. search fee when the public collect their letters on Saturday afternoons.

No, Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this follows the taking away of the second delivery on Saturdays, which already must have meant a substantial economy? How much longer have the public to put up with increased charges and less efficient service?

These charges were announced by my right hon. Friend in the House last year, and so far as we can judge they seem to be working with reasonable smoothness and satisfaction.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what aircraft will replace the Venom which acquitted itself so well in the recent action in the Aden Protectorate.

I would endorse the tribute paid by the hon. Member to No. 8 Squadron, which has been carrying out its ground attack rôle in the Protectorate with considerable skill and accuracy. We are at present considering which aircraft will be the most suitable replacement for the Venom when the time comes. We plan during the summer to give operational trials in Aden to certain possible successors.

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Can he say to what extent the Gnat fighter has been considered as a possible successor to the Venom?

We are certainly giving serious consideration to that aircraft as one of several.

May I ask my hon. Friend if what came out of yesterday's Air Ministry conference has any bearing on this Question? Is he aware that what a member of the Air Staff said yesterday was quite contrary to what was said by the Minister of Defence in all his White Papers? May we have some information on this matter?

A number of matters were discussed in the course of the conference, but they were all within the framework of agreed Government policy. Some of the requirements discussed were for future weapons which were unlikely to be needed until the 1970s. In this context, some matters naturally arose which went rather beyond the time scale of existing Government decisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent he is successfully pursuing his policy of accelerating the build-up of the Women's Royal Air Force, and increasing their contribution to the Royal Air Force; and what plans he has in mind to attract more women into the force.

In the first four months of this year the number of recruits was about the same as in the first four months of 1957. In the second part of this period there was an encouraging upward trend, which no doubt reflects the early results of the recent pay increases. The figures for April were 50 per cent. up on last year's. Resignations have been marginally down.

The review of conditions of service which is being undertaken by the Grigg Committee, of course, extends to women as well as men. Meanwhile, we are stepping up publicity for the career which we are already able to offer. I am grateful to the hon. Member for the chance to emphasise once again the opportunities that are open to young women in the Service.

Is that sufficient? What plans, or should I say, what sketches, has the hon. Gentleman in mind for glamourising the W.R.A.F. uniform? Has not he noticed the recent fashion trend towards shorter skirts? Would not the introduction of shorter skirts not only prove attractive to the W.R.A.F., but also provide a stimulus to R.A.F. recruiting as well?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's remark that perhaps a little more femininity in the uniform would prove an attraction, and we are, in fact, examining some concrete proposals, if I may use that term. I hope that that will effect the right result.

Whatever figures the Under-Secretary looks at and studies in this connection, will he look at the recruiting figures of the R.A.F. as a whole for the last quarter, which reveal that the figures which showed the greatest shortage are not in skirts, but in the trades which women could carry out very well indeed—the administrative trades? This is a highly important point. Should not the hon. Gentleman emphasise W.R.A.F. recruiting for those trades?

If I may make a serious reply, the right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. We are particularly anxious to attract new recruits for the Women's Royal Air Force in these trades, such as the radar operating and administrative trades.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the date on which he hopes to publish the Bowes Committee's Report on the Canals and Inland Waterways.

We hope to receive the Report within the next few weeks. We will then arrange to have it printed and it should be available before the end of July.

Will my hon. Friend arrange to have the evidence printed separately? It would be rather too voluminous to have with the Report, but I certainly hope that it can be printed.

I will look into the question, but, as my hon. Friend apprehends, it would be very voluminous indeed.

As the Report has, no doubt, been in the hands of the Minister for some little time, will it be possible at the same time as the Report comes before us to publish any idea of the action that the Government propose to take in this matter?

We have not yet received the Report. In the interval before publication, we shall be considering what action should be taken and my right hon. Friend will, of course, make a statement at that time.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that one examiner for driving tests in Lanarkshire carries addressed postcards to the publishers, Iliffe of London, which he gives to those who fail the test, and assures the L-drivers that, if they send this postcard for a book entitled "Methods of the Experts", they will then be able to pass their driving test; and if this is done with his authority.

All waiting rooms at driving test centres hold stocks of postcards which applicants can post to get a free copy of this booklet. It gives sound advice on riding a motor cycle, and the whole cost of this contribution to road safety is borne by Messrs. Iliffe & Sons Ltd., whose help I gratefully acknowledge.

Would I be wrong in suggesting, from the information supplied to me, that my constituent was asked 10s. 6d. for this book? Would that be correct?

It would not be normal practice, not south of the Border, anyhow. I shall be glad to see that he has a free copy if he wants one.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has yet considered the implications of the remarks of the Lord Chief Justice of England in the Divisional Count in refusing the appeal of Harry George Shaw Wilkinson against a decision of the Appeal Committee of Dorset Quarter Sessions, which refused his appeal against a conviction for using a heavy-duty ambulance for cars, which did not comply with the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation, 1955, made under the Road Traffic Act, 1930; and what steps he proposes to take to regularise the position.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if his attention has been drawn to the confusion which has arisen by the decision of the court on the use of ambulances for towing vehicles away; and, as there are 10,000 of these vehicles performing useful public service, if he will introduce new regulations to make their use on the road legal.

We are studying the implications of this judgment, but we are not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a great number of the civilian vehicles are recovered or rescued every month by means of these convenient appliances and that while there is doubt as to whether they can legally be used, the public will be put to considerable inconvenience? Will my hon. Friend speed up his consideration of the matter?

Yes, Sir, I am very well aware that there are large numbers of these ambulances in use. I would, however, point out that the offence in this case was where the trailer was by itself being drawn behind the lorry from the garage. That is illegal in any event.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are now 10,000 vehicles out of commission by the decision of the court? As there is a gap in the Act of Parliament, will the Minister put it right as quickly as possible so that these vehicles can be put back on the road again?

We will certainly clarify the position as soon as we can. I should, however, like to make it plain to the House that the offence was due to the garage lorry pulling the ambulance trailer behind the lorry without another car on it. That is an offence. The normal practice is to carry the ambulance trailer on the lorry until the broken-down vehicle has been collected and put on top of it. It is, therefore, by no means certain that the normal use is illegal.

Is not it a fact that the gap is not in the Act of Parliament, but in the Regulations made by the Minister under the Act, and that it can, therefore, be rectified as soon as the Minister makes up his mind what to do? Is not it also the case that, although the facts in the judgment were as my hon. Friend has stated, nevertheless until the matter is cleared up nobody knows whether it is legal or illegal to use these towing apparatuses with a car on them and that the whole use of these devices is in obeyance until my right hon. Friend's Department decides what to do?

I quite accept that it is an urgent matter. We will be as quick as we can in getting out a decision on it.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the regulations limiting the number of vehicles that can be drawn by one motor vehicle.

Subject to certain exceptions and exemptions a locomotive can draw three trailers, a motor tractor one laden trailer or two unladen, and a motor car or heavy motor car, one.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there seems to be an increasing number of these vehicles drawing sometimes even up to four vehicles behind them and that these road trains create complete chaos behind them for many miles? Will my hon. Friend reconsider the present position?

Those that my hon. and gallant Friend describes would, of course, be illegal.

Is not that an indication that there are not enough enforcement officers?

I do not think so.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the danger of accidents at the junction of Carlton Avenue West and The Fairway, Wembley; and if he will have one of these roads designated as a major road.

The signs at this junction are a matter for the local highway authority, which, I understand, is about to consider the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the considerable delays and consequent loss of time to industry caused by three simultaneous areas of road repair in the bottleneck of Slough, he is satisfied that these repairs should proceed at normal hours of work and should not be treated as emergency repairs.

On a point of order. I wish to point out, Mr. Speaker, that the name "Slough" should have been "Staines". Perhaps the error was due to my own bad handwriting.

I am afraid I am not able to answer the Question to suit.

No road repairs are at present in progress on the trunk or Class I roads in Slough.

About a fortnight ago, I had a written reply saying that the road repairs at Staines were being done at normal repair rates. Is not the loss of time that this bottleneck causes to industry such that it would immensely pay the economy to have the work done at urgent rates instead of normal rates?

My right hon. Friend will, I think, find that the arrangements we have made there will adequately meet the traffic needs.

No, they will not; that is the whole point. The arrangement at Staines is for normal rates. I felt that it should be at emergency rates.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what arrangements he is making to decrease the traffic congestion outside the north-west and south-west gates of Hyde Park.

Permanent alterations at these gates must wait until the effect of the Park Lane Improvement Scheme has been observed, but we are discussing with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works the possibility of making some minor easements that would help better traffic flow.

In view of the fact that the present small temporary roundabout at the north-west entrance to the Park has eased the traffic, is there any reason why there should be any further delay before something similar is done at the south-west entrance?

These alterations need very careful consideration to ensure that they cause benefit and not more congestion. I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we are considering the matter urgently.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to shorten the present period usually required for designating and acquiring land needed to widen existing roads or build new ones.

The necessary procedure has already been speeded up as far as is practicable and to go further could only be at the expense of reducing the rights of those who may be affected. I do not think that would be justified, particularly when it is borne in mind that the time taken to acquire land is not a vital factor provided it is possible to plan sufficiently far ahead, which we are doing.

Has my hon. Friend studied the recommendations of the British Road Federation published recently, and does he consider that these are helpful?

Sometimes.

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that, whilst the arrangements for acquiring land may have been speeded up, the arrangements for the terms on which it is acquired are not altogether satisfactory, and that in particular his right hon. Friend does not pay promptly for the land that he does so compulsorily acquire?

That is a matter which is under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) how many road accidents have occurred at the junction of Berkeley Avenue with Bath Road, Cranford, since the application of the 40 miles-per-hour speed limit; and what is the number of deaths involved;

(2) in view of the recent fatal accidents at the Berkeley Avenue pedestrian crossing, Bath Road, Cranford, if he will take steps to install traffic signals, or take other measures for the safety of local residents.

Three accidents, in which two persons were killed, have occurred at this junction since a 40 m.p.h. speed limit was imposed. A pedestrian subway is the right answer at this junction and we intend to build one when dual carriageways are constructed on this part of the Bath road. Work should start before the end of this year.

While thanking the Minister for the long-term policy, may ask him to endeavour to help the local residents now, by giving full consideration to their proposals for traffic signals at the junction of Berkeley Avenue with the Bath Road, Cranford?

We have considered carefully the possibility of putting traffic signals there. I am satisfied that they would not, on balance, help road safety there. The information I have given to the House this afternoon is not a long-term proposal. This work will be started before the end of the year; and that really is the answer to safe crossing.

While agreeing that the subway is the long-term policy, I would point out that these two deaths have caused great alarm and concern at Cranford. Is the Minister aware that there is a big agitation for the provision of traffic lights? If the Minister would consider the proposal, I should be grateful.

I will certainly look at the proposal again, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that we have already considered it very carefully.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he is taking to minimise traffic congestion in central London while road repairs are being completed.

In accordance with the London Traffic Act, 1924, after the advice of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee has been obtained, the starting dates of the major road resurfacing and repair works of local authoties in the London Traffic Area are coordinated at intervals of six months. Statutory undertakers must comply with the provisions of the Public Utilities Street Works Act, 1950, which permits the highway authority to control the starting date, and requires advance notice to be given to the police.

All possible action is taken by the local authorities and the police to minimise the delay and congestion which such works inevitably cause.

Will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary say which expert in the art of disruption decided that Holborn and the Strand should be dug up at the same time? Was not it quite crazy to add this almost insuperable handicap to the already difficult traffic congestion which prevails in central London? Is there any real co-ordination despite all the Statutes and authorities to which the hon. Gentleman referred in his reply?

Yes, Sir; as far as possible these activities are co-ordinated. The Strand work has had the additional complication of Metropolitan Water Board work which had not been entirely phased in with the other work.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many members of his staff also fly, or carry out other work, for air transport operators for hire or reward.

Eight members of my right hon. Friend's staff have flown as pilots in their own time during the past year for air transport operators.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is a little doubtful whether officers of his Department, who sometimes have to make decisions favouring one operator against another, should be employed, even in their own time, by some of these operators? Will he consider whether, in the public interest, this practice ought to be stopped?

We are having a full review made of the operations which these employees are carrying out and we will certainly bear in mind whether they conflict with the duties of these people in the way that the hon. Member suggests. In principle, I should not have thought it objectionable that they should get a certain amount of flying practice which would bring them up to date in operational matters.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that the local authorities concerned in the reconstruction at Prestwick Airport are strongly in favour of a tunnel under the main runway; and if he will take note of their views on this and other aspects of the proposed alterations.

Yes, Sir. Our Controller of Ground Services met representatives of the local authorities last week to hear their views on these matters.

Then is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that at that conference the local authorities were unanimous in their view that the road should be tunnelled under the western end of the main runway, and that there should also be a rail link? In view of the great interest in this redevelopment which is shown in Scotland, will the hon. Gentleman pay every attention to the views of the local authorities?

Yes, Sir, I certainly will. I am aware that there are strong feelings in favour of a tunnel.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the principle and organisation which govern the registration of British ships, and also on the number and kind of ships which have hitherto applied, and which are now applying, for registration by the British Ship Classification Society, Lloyd's Register of Shipping.

The qualifications for ownership of British ships, the obligation to register them, and the procedure involved, are set out in Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. Registration under the Act is a function of Government. Lloyd's Register of Shipping is not concerned.

Is the Minister aware that a certain foreign country which has never hitherto applied for such registration has so applied? Can he explain what advantage such a country can expect from the registration applied for?

The hon. and learned Member must distinguish between registration under the Merchant Shipping Acts and classification under Lloyd's Register, which caters for ships of all flags in this respect. As far as the advantage is concerned, I must make it quite clear that ships classified by Lloyd's Register, including those sailing under flags of convenience, are required to conform to safety standards in exactly the same way as ships registered elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what percentage of the total gross registered tonnage in the world now flies the Red Ensign; and what was the comparable figure in the years 1908, 1938, and 1948.

The Commonwealth proportion of total gross tonnage in the world was 22 per cent. in 1957. The corresponding percentages for 1908, 1938 and 1948 were 49 per cent., 31 per cent., and 27 per cent., respectively.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the figures which he has just given to the House reveal an alarming and dangerous tendency; that it would be intolerable if the Government, and indeed this House, should not determine now to take action to check and reverse that tendency? May I ask him particularly if he would agree that the time has come when a committee should be set up, representing all interested Government Departments, to give this matter the urgent attention it deserves?

As my hon. Friend knows, the Prime Minister answered him on this matter on 1st May, and what was said then is under very serious consideration. I would point out that the Commonwealth merchant fleet has, of course, increased in size during the period in question and that the decline is a relative one. However, the Government naturally desire to see this trend reversed and wish the British merchant fleet to prosper and expand, and these matters have our very careful attention.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the latest position with regard to the ratification by other countries of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil.

The Convention has been ratified by ten countries and comes into force on 26th July next.

Are there any maritime Powers that use our ports which have not yet signed the Convention?

Yes, indeed, there are. I have not any information about their ratification, but soon after the Convention comes into force it is proposed to approach them to see what can be done towards getting them also to ratify.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that the recent Regulations he has made under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955, are adequate to prevent the discharge of oil in the sea near the coasts and the consequent fouling of beaches, and danger to sea birds and shell fish; and if he will make a statement.

The Act and the Regulations my right hon. Friend has made under it have had good results and oil pollution of our coasts is much less than it was. Outside territorial waters, however, my right hon. Friend can only regulate ships registered in the United Kingdom, and there should be a further improvement when the 1954 Convention is in force. We shall continue to watch progress closely.

Are foreign oil-burning and carrying vessels which use our ports equipped with oil separators?

I should like notice of that question. We in this country are, of course, doing a great deal in that respect.

asked the Minister of Defence what plans he has evolved for providing for the mobility of a strategic reserve; and to what extent this includes provision for the movement of equipment and supporting weapons as well as men.

These plans were described in paragraphs 40 and 41 of this year's Defence White Paper. They provide for the movement of both troops and equipment.

Is my right hon. Friend confident that the stockpiles of heavy equipment are likely to be near enough to the scene of operations to be able to be moved by existing short-range heavy freighters? Further, is he confident that, in such war areas as Korea, we will be able to have long, permanent runways of the kind required by the Britannia?

I hope we shall not have any more operations in Korea for the time being. As regards the storage of equipment, I have already explained to the House that in addition to providing for the transportation of a certain amount of equipment, either by air or in the case of very heavy equipment by sea, we are planning to keep supplies of heavy equipment at certain focal points, and from there to transport them, where necessary, by Beverley aircraft, which I am glad to say are giving very great satisfaction.

But in view of the short range and limited lift capacity of the existing Beverley, can the right hon. Gentleman explain the curious reluctance to come to an agreement about, and to order a successor to, the Beverley aircraft?

That is a wider issue. One is always considering further equipment problems for the future, but I must say I am pleased with the performance of the Beverley. Provided that equipment can be stored at these various focal points, the distances involved are not so great, as the right hon. Gentleman will see if he will study them.

asked the Minister Defence to what extent the missiles to be operated by the Royal Air Force and the other Services will be of British design or manufacture; and what principles he applies in deciding whether British design or manufacture is preferable to allied design or manufacture.