asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what protest the Sultan of Lahej, Sir Ali Abdul Karim el Abdali, has made to the Governor of Aden about the presence of British troops in the Sultanate; and whether he will make a statement.

The Sultan has told the Governor that he considers that the movement of British troops into Lahej for the arrest of the Jifris and other purposes without his prior consent to be not in accordance with his Protectorate Treaty. The Governor made it clear to the Sultan that in order to carry out H.M. Government's treaty obligations British troops must be at liberty to go anywhere in the Protectorate at will, including Lahej as well as the other States. This statement has my full approval and endorsement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many Africans from the Union of South Africa are at present teaching in schools in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT 17th April, 1958; Vol. 586, c. 31–2], supplied the following information:Three in Northern Rhodesia, none in Nyasaland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a decision has now been come to regarding the continuance of the 6d. surcharge on London taxi-cab fares.

I have asked the accountant who is investigating the operating costs of London taxi-cabs to make a report to me taking into account costs up to the end of last March. The accountant will need time to analyse the figures after he has received them, and it will be some little while before I am in a position to make a further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government will institute an inquiry into the censorship of cinematograph films by the British Board of Film Censors, with a view to legislation on the subject.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend Section 32 (3) of the Second Schedule to the Representation of the People Act, 1949, so that only subsections (2) and (6) of Section 53 of the Act need be read to persons attending the counting of votes at Parliamentary and local government elections before they make the declaration of secrecy.

I have taken note of my hon. Friend's suggestion, but on present information I am not satisfied that there is a case for legislation to amend the law on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, as a result of his inquiries, he has now any information to give the House as to his intentions regarding a revision of the Criminal Justice Act, 1948, and the Homicide Act, 1957.

The report of the study of the Cambridge Department of Criminal Science on crimes of violence in the Metropolis, to which I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring, is not yet available. As to the Homicide Act, I am glad to say that the monthly figures for murders recorded as known to the police in England and Wales in the six months September, 1957, to March, 1958, have been considerably lower than those for the months immediately after the passing of the Homicide Act. The total for the six months was 92, which was slightly lower than the figure for the corresponding period in 1954–55. I shall continue to watch the situation closely, but experience so far does not suggest a need for amending legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what general circumstances the Metropolitan Police are authorised to remove cars in the highway adjacent to private residences.

The circumstances in which the police are empowered to remove vehicles from the roads or to move vehicles on the roads are laid down in The Removal of Vehicles (England and Wales) Regulations, 1957. I have given no instructions to the Metropolitan Police on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider making an ex-gratia payment to Mr. F. W. Chapman of Chipping Norton, who received injuries whilst undertaking training in the Oxfordshire Civil Defence Corps on 8th July, 1957, resulting in loss of wages and out-of-pocket expenses amounting to £33, in view of the fact that the regulations then in force which preclude this payment have now been amended to provide for future cases.

The amount of sick pay that can be paid to a member of the Civil Defence Corps who is injured in the course of civil defence training is governed by the terms of the Civil Defence Corps (Sick Pay) Warrant. Mr. Chapman received sick pay up to the limits prescribed at the time of his injury, and as the later Warrant authorising improved rates does not provide for retrospection, I regret that I have no power to make an additional payment to him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent it is necessary, under his regulations, to seek permission of or to notify the Metropolitan Police prior to to holding of a political meeting in the public highway in the London area; what protection is normally afforded by the police to such meetings of which they have been officially notified; and what general instructions are given to the Metropolitan Police with regard to meetings of which they have not been informed in advance.

While it is of assistance to the police and to the organisers if prior notification of a meeting is given, the police have no authority to give permission for public meetings to be held on the highway, nor does such notification secure any special rights or privileges. The duties of the police in connection with public meetings, whether prior notification is received or not, are to preserve order and prevent obstruction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were arrested in St. Pancras on 1st May; and on what charges.

Nineteen persons were arrested in the vicinity of St. Pancras Town Hall. Ten were charged with obstructing the police, four with using insulting words, two with using threatening behaviour, two with insulting behaviour, and one with assault on the police and obstructing the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police in addition to the normal strength were on duty in St. Pancras on 1st May.

Between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on 1st May a total of 142 police officers of all ranks were specially employed in the vicinity of St. Pancras Town Hall or held in reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the number of burning accidents in the home caused by clothing coming into contact with unguarded fires, the Government are now prepared to sponsor a national campaign of public education in the prevention of these accidents.

I share my hon. Friend's concern at the extent of this problem, and I believe that the biggest single contribution to its solution at the present time lies in persuading householders and other responsible persons to provide and use efficient fireguards. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have therefore decided, with the support of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to launch a "Guard that Fire" campaign next November. Circulars have been sent today to local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland inviting them to cooperate by organising local campaigns on this theme and I am arranging for special publicity material to be prepared for their use. I hope that the Press, sound and television broadcasting authorities, voluntary organisations, industries and traders will be prepared to support this national effort.

asked the Prime Minister (1) up to what date he has data on the effects of nuclear tests;(2) what information he now has on the cumulative effect of nuclear tests, including those recently held by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Monitoring of radioactive fallout in rain water, soil, grass, milk and animal and human bone goes on continuously. The results are assessed and published from time to time. The last Report covered the year 1956 and included some provisional figures for 1957. A further Report covering the year 1957 will, I hope, be available about the middle of the year. As I have previously informed the House, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation will be making a comprehensive report by July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps Her Majesty's Government propose in view of the request supported by both the African and European members of the Joint Advisory Council of Bechuanaland for the setting up of a Legislative Council for the Protectorate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, in view of the request made by the Joint Advisory Council of Bechuanaland, what steps he is now taking to set up a Legislative Council in Bechuanaland.

A Motion supported by the unofficial members of the Joint Advisory Council in the Bechuanaland Protectorate on 15th April expressed the view that "the time has come when a Legislative Council should be formed in the Protectorate and empowered to assist in the Government of the day". A similar Motion has been tabled for the meeting of the African Advisory Council during the week beginning 19th May. This will be the first opportunity for the majority of the Chiefs to express their views and it would be premature to comment before the views of both Councils have been received.

asked the Minister of Education the number of primary schools now under construction; how this figure compares with those for the same dates in each of the last five years; and to what extent an increase in primary school-building is being planned, in view of the rising birth rate in 1956 and 1957.

Following is the number of primary school departments under construction in England and Wales from 1953 to 1958:—

Year
(31st March)
1953	…	…	…	…	703
1954	…	…	…	…	582
1955	…	…	…	…	445
1956	…	…	…	…	355
1957	…	…	…	…	353
1958	…	…	…	…	281

The rising birth rate in 1956 and 1957 has not so far made necessary any change in building plans, but I am watching the position.

asked the Minister of Education in how many secondary schools in this country provisions are made for the teaching of Russian; and what provisions he proposes to make to increase the number of such schools and to encourage potential scientists in particular to learn that language.

About 60: the number is increasing and will, I hope, continue to grow as a result of growing interest. I do not at present think that any special action on my part is called for.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that children in urban areas have gained nearly twice the number of grammar school places obtained by children from rural areas, and that public disquiet is felt about this state of affairs; and whether he will make a statement about his proposals for dealing with it.

I have no evidence in support of the hon. Member's assumption.

asked the Minister of Education how many new primary school places and secondary school places, respectively, have been made available since 1951 in the areas of the Basildon Urban District Council and the Billericay Urban District Council, respectively.

The Billericay Urban District was re-named the Basildon Urban District Council on 1st April, 1955, but the boundaries were not altered. Following are the numbers of school places taken into use in the area between 1st January, 1952, and 31st March, 1958.

		Primary	Secondary
Major projects	…	3,360(1,120)	1,080 (0)
Minor projects	…	1,040 (440)	180 (90)
Total	…	4,400(1,560)	1,260 (90)

NOTE:The figures in brackets relate to the period up to 31st March, 1955.

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the difficulty and inconvenience being caused to local education authorities and to parents by the delay in the publication of the report of the Working Party on the Triennial Review of University Awards; and when the report will be available.

I hope to make an announcement on this matter shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the annual disclosures of the Comptroller and Auditor General, he will issue a Treasury circular to all Government Departments recommending that all Government contracts should be renewed bi-annually.

No. This would not be practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much he estimates the yield from the legal requirement to stamp receipts for amounts of more than £2 has fallen since the introduction of the Cheques Act; and what is the estimated yield from the sale of 2d. stamps to stamp receipts for the financial year 1958–59.

No precise estimate can be made, but for 1957–58 the Inland Revenue have accepted a reduction of £1,200,000 in the amount paid over by the Post Office in respect of receipt stamp duty. Discussions in regard to 1958–59 are still proceeding.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the special aptitudes scheme, under which boys who seek an apprenticeship away from their own towns because of inability to get suitable training locally, and whose parents are not able to support them financially, can get assistance for lodgings and for three trips home each year; what is the amount of income below which parents are entitled to such grants for their children; and to what extent this scheme applies throughout the country.

Under the scheme which is now known as the Training Allowances Scheme, parents whose income after a deduction of £150 for each other dependent child exceeds £475 are required to contribute towards the cost of the grant on a sliding scale. The scheme is open to young persons in all parts of Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) why this year instructions have been circulated from the Central Youth Employment Executive to the Youth Employment Bureaux informing them that, from 1st April, 1958, grants will only be considered for boys who obtain their jobs through the Bureaux;(2) whether he is aware that his latest decision not to give grants to boys who have not made use of the facilities offered by the Youth Employment Bureaux adversely affects those boys who wish to enter into apprenticeships for special training away from their home towns and seek such training by their own individual efforts; and whether he will reconsider this decision.

The condition was introduced as part of a revised set of rules which provide that in the future an applicant from another area can be considered for assistance under the scheme even though local boys and girls are available. It is designed to ensure that an employer considers both local young people and applicants from other areas before deciding whom to engage. It is open to an applicant to suggest to the Youth Employment Service where an opening can be found.The scheme has been carefully devised in consultation with the National Youth Employment Council, and I believe the changes recently made are well adjusted to the present situation.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the fatal effects of the dust of a new plastic compound used in aircraft production which is harmless until heated and then gives off an invisible toxic acid; and, as this is one of the hazards arising out of the use of untried and little understood materials, if he will increase the number of factory inspectors so that greater supervision and precautions can he taken in rapid scientific factory developments.

The only information I have about this substance having fatal effects is a reference to a fatality abroad about two years ago which further inquiry has failed to substantiate. There have been no fatalities in this country from this source over the period of several years in which the substance has been used. The manufacturers of this substance issue an advisory leaflet to users. Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate are in close touch with the manufacturers and give advice to users as necessary as to precautions. Among the reasons for the recent increase in the Factory Inspectorate authorised by the Government are those mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Paymaster-General to what extent, in view of the figures for the first quarter of 1958, the steel industry is likely to achieve its export target for the year.

The industry has not set up any export target for itself for 1958. While there was some easing in demand for steel exports in the first quarter of this year, it is too soon to attempt a reliable estimate of the figure for the full year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) why the nine fast patrol boats of the Proud class are being sold to private buyers, in view of the extensive refits which they underwent in 1953:(2) for what periods the nine fast patrol boats of the Proud class have been in commission since 1945–46.

Financial stringency has enforced, among other things, a reduction of the Royal Navy's strength in coastal craft, some of which are surplus to requirements and are therefore being sold. This saves money for more essential purposes. I regret that it is not possible in the time available to provide the detailed information for which my hon. Friend has asked.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now in a position to announce the names of the members of the Advisory Council on Rabbit Clearance.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are glad to be able to announce that the following have accepted our invitation to serve as members of the Council:

Lord St. Aldwyn—Joint Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Chairman).

Mr. H. Collison—General Secretary, National Union of Agricultural Workers.

Professor J. B. Cragg, M.Sc.—Professor of Zoology, Durham University; chairman, Pest Infestation Research Board.

Major J. E. M. Dugdale—Farmer in Wales.

Mr. B. C. Engholm—Under-Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Lieut.-Colonel W. Forbes, C.B.E., D.L.—Convener of the Executive Committee of the Scottish Landowners' Federation.

Lieut.-Colonel J. C. Lockwood, T.D., J.P.—Treasurer, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mr. J. C. Wallace Mann, C.B.E., J.P.—Farmer; a former President of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland.

Mr. Malcolm Messer, C.B.E.—Editor of Farmers' Weekly.

Mr. G. B. Redmayne—Farmer in Hampshire. Colonel N. V. Stopford-Sackville, O.B.E., T.D.—Landowner in Northamptonshire; chairman of County A.E.C.

Mr. J. C. Sandford, M.A.—Secretary, British Rabbit Council.

Mr. R. B. Verney, J.P.—Vice-Chairman, Country Landowners' Association.

Mr. W. D Vernon, J.P.—Chairman, Spillers Ltd.

Colonel J. C. Wynne Finch, C.B.E., M.C., J.P.—Chairman, Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission; member of the Nature Conservancy.

The Council's terms of reference are "to keep the rabbit problem in all its aspects under constant review and to advise on measures for expediting rabbit clearance."The work of the Council will include that previously carried out by the Myxomatosis Advisory Committee and the Humane Traps Advisory Committee. The Secretary of State for Scotland and I would like to take this opportunity of saying how grateful we are to the members of those committees for their valuable work on pest control.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that many speculators purchased rent-controlled property after the publication of the Rent Bill White Paper and are now exploiting the tenants of these properties; and what steps he has in mind to prevent the continuance of the exploitation of such tenants by this type of landlord.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to property decontrolled under the Rent Act, 1957. The majority of decontrolled tenants have already negotiated new tenancies on reasonable terms with their landlords, and more such agreements will be made in the coming months. To help tenants who may have special difficulty in making new arrangements and may in consequence be exposed to serious hardship, the Government have introduced the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to announce the location of the Welsh Infantry Brigade depot.

Yes. The depot will be at Cwrt-y-Gollen near Crickhowell.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the present provision for the protection of designs used in manufacture meets the needs of industry; and what proposals he has in mind on this subject.

My right hon. Friend believes that some sections of industry are coming to think that changes of one kind or another would be desirable. We are consulting the interested trade and professional organisations and, if it becomes clear that there is a general wish for the law to be reviewed, consideration will be given to holding an inquiry.

asked the Minister of Works what arrangements have been made for opening Chiswick House to the public.

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, whose ancestor designed and built and whose family for two centuries owned Chiswick House, has kindly consented to perform the opening ceremony on the afternoon of Thursday, 24th July. Representatives of the local authorities, antiquarian and historical societies and national organisations concerned with Chiswick House are being invited to attend. The public will be admitted to the house after the opening ceremony on payment of an admission fee.