asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the composition of the deputation from Basutoland Protectorate and what subjects are to be discussed at the forthcoming London Conference.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the scope of the coming discussions on constitutional development in Basutoland.

In September, 1955, the Basutoland Council, which is at present an advisory body only, passed a motion asking that it should be given power to make laws in all internal matters. In May, 1956, my noble Friend invited the Council to submit detailed proposals. The Council, working through two committees which had the assistance of Professor D. V. Cowen as constitutional adviser, had a report prepared which it approved unanimously in July, 1958. My noble Friend has invited a delegation from the Basutoland Council to visit London to discuss this report, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. The delegation is due to arrive in London today, and discussions will begin on 18th November. I should like to take this opportunity to welcome them and say that Her Majesty's Government look forward to fruitful discussions.The delegation from the Basutoland Council is as follows: Chief George Bereng, Chief Kelebone Nkuebe, Chief Mopeli Jonathan, Chief Leabua Jonathan, Chief Samuel Matete and Professor D. V. Cowen. In addition the Paramount Chief Regent of Basutoland, Chieftainess Mantsebo Seeiso, O.B.E., who is paying a private visit to the United Kingdom, will also attend the discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of murders known to the police in the months of July, August and September.

The numbers of murders recorded as known to the police in July, August and September were, respectively, 21, 11 and 19. These may include some cases which will be found not to be murder.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, what steps he intends to take to prevent flooding of the Wealdstone Beck in the Preston Hill, Wembley, area.

The Middlesex County Council have decided to start work in the current financial year on a £75,000 scheme (for which my right hon. Friend has promised loan sanction) to remove obstructions in the lower reaches of the brook, and they expect this to improve conditions upstream also. Their experience of the effects of this scheme will guide them in deciding whether any further work is needed to prevent flooding in the upper reaches, including Preston Hill.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many retired persons between the ages of 65 and 70 years have forfeited their pensions, in whole or in part, during the last complete year for which figures are available as a result of the earnings rule; and what sum of money was involved.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to men retirement pensioners between the ages of 65 and 70 and women between 60 and 65. I regret that figures are not available in the precise form which he asks for. I would, however, refer him to the Answer I gave on the 1st August to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale). On the latest information, the number of late-age entrant pensioners whose pension is at present being extinguished on account of regular earnings is rather less than the 60,000 then given.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of males, females, and juveniles, respectively, were without

Dwellings completed and under construction at the relevant dates by development corporations, and by private builders on land in which the corporations have an interest, were as follows:work in October 1957 and 1958, as recorded by the Bradford Employment Exchange.

The following table gives the information desired.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the growing short-time working in the Bradford wool textile industry and the hardships which this is causing to the workers; and what action he is taking to improve the position.

Although the November count of the unemployed will not take place until next week, present indications are that the volume of short-time working in the woollen industry in Bradford has fallen. The services of my local office are available to anybody seeking other employment.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation at what date it is anticipated that the present road works being executed in Kingston Road, Ewell, will be completed; and when a dual-carriageway will be operating between Stoneleigh Parade and Tolworth.

I understand that the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council hopes to complete the works between Ruxley Lane and Mavis Avenue by February. I have invited the council to submit a scheme for the remaining length, between Mavis Avenue and Stoneleigh Park Road, for my consideration in the current financial year. If I can approve it for a grant the council expects to carry out the work by December next year.