asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many British scientists and specialist officers of the Royal Navy will be employed at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation research centre on defence against submarines shortly to be set up at La Spezia; and if he will make a statement.

This centre, which is being inaugurated by SACLANT and financed, at feast for the initial period, entirely by the U.S.A., is intended to augment the scientific effort devoted by the several N.A.T.O. countries to anti-submarine warfare research. The centre will be concerned primarily with basic problems but will also undertake some operational research. The precise number of British scientists and Royal Naval officers to be employed there is still under discussion.

In view of the fact that this country will benefit more than any other country from any successful discoveries that are made at this new base, how is it that we did not take the initiative, and can my hon. Friend assure me that we are treating this matter as seriously as we should?

We have our own centres for research on under-sea warfare, and I can assure my hon. Friend that we in the Admiralty are treating the matter extremely seriously. This is well illustrated by the fact that the naval adviser on the Scientific Advisory Council which will guide the work of this unit will be the Chief of the Royal Naval Scientific Service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will now make available the documents referring to the loss of H.M.S. "Hampshire".

Records of historical naval interest, such as the loss of H.M.S. "Hampshire," are, with some exceptions and on certain conditions, made available to bona fide historians and also to private authors to assist them in the production of their works. The Admiralty reserves the right to scrutinise the draft of the proposed work and to require the author to make any amendments to the text which appear necessary in the public interest.

Does my hon. Friend's Answer mean that the Admiralty would not wish to censor those portions of a book derived from other sources? In view of the fact that apparently Mr. McCormick, who recently wrote "The Mystery of Lord Kitchener's Death", was refused access to papers, would it not be fair that he should now have first access to these records?

I am glad to have an opportunity of clarifying the first point raised by my hon. Friend. We normally wish to see the whole book or article in order to ascertain the context in which Admiralty information has been used. We also have a responsibility for the security which might be involved.

After 43 years?

In reading the whole book, the historical branch of the Admiralty is often able to help with matters of historical fact and to correct them, but I am aware that in a recent instance the wording of a letter went rather further than it should have done, and I am sorry that this should have occurred.

In answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, it would be wrong to give, as it were, overriding priority to any one author and thus exclude others. These records are often made available under the conditions I have laid down, and the Admiralty will be happy to make them available to those who take a genuine interest in research.

In view of the myth which has surrounded the loss of this ship for many years, I take it that the hon. Gentleman's reply does not mean that he is denying access to information about the loss of H.M.S. "Hampshire" on security grounds today. I take it that he is referring to a general rule and that his reply is not related specifically to H.M.S. "Hampshire."

Yes, it was a general reply. We must consider the security aspect before making records available. We must obviously study security, because in certain cases, particularly of intelligence matters—for example, signals intelligence— these are techniques which are still used today. We should not wish them to be available generally. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. We are very happy to make our records available under the general conditions which I have indicated to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) if he will treat as a matter of urgency the bad condition of Admiralty houses in Crombie, Fife; and whether he will give an assurance that immediate steps will be taken to carry out all necessary repairs, especially where failure to do so might endanger the health of tenants;

(2) if he is aware that in certain Admiralty houses in Crombie, Fife, drain covers are inside the houses, lavatories have no means of ventilation, interior walls are bare brick, and there is no hot-water supply and no bathroom provisions in many of the houses; and if he will give an assurance that the whole of the money drawn from the increased rents will be devoted to carrying out the much-needed repairs and modernisation.

I am aware that these houses are old fashioned, but they are not in such a bad state of repair as is suggested, nor is there danger to the health of tenants. The newly assessed rents are related to the value of the houses as they now stand. It is our intention to put in improvements where this is practicable, and plans towards this end are now being prepared.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that Answer is clearly dictated by the smoothness of the advice he has obtained from the people on the spot? I have been there in the last fortnight and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the conditions are as bad as the Questions indicate. Is the Minister prepared to give an assurance that he will give this matter very careful consideration and, if need be, go and see the conditions there?

I try to get round all Admiralty establishments. It is true that I have not visited Crombie yet, but I expect to be able to do so in due course. The undertaking which I gave was that plans towards the effective improvement of these houses are being studied.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of Landing Ships Tank, in commission and in reserve; and the number on loan to Army and civilian authorities.

As shown in my noble Friend's Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates (Cmnd. 674), there are four Landing Ships Tank in commission and six in reserve. Seventeen have been permanently transferred to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, which operates them on behalf of the War Office. A further eight are either on loan to the Ministry or on civilian charter and can be recalled in emergency.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient specialised shipping is available to move Army tanks or vehicles wherever they may be required in an emergency?

We are about meeting the likely needs, but it is impossible to say that one will have the ships available in the right place at the right time. That is a matter which we are studying closely.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what alternative naval contracts are to be offered by the Admiralty to the Coventry Gauge and Tool Company to counterbalance the transfer of existing contracts from Coventry elsewhere.

No additional naval contracts can be offered for this purpose. As I explained to my hon. Friend the Member for South Angus (Sir J. Duncan) on 22nd April, it is for the firm to decide at which of its factories work should be carried out.

While not wishing the unemployment figures to remain at the high level in Angus to which the Government have brought them, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to try to realise that we are raising this matter because of the wastage of skill which will be involved in Coventry? Is he aware that we are very disturbed that at Coventry Gauge and Tool Company skilled machine tool operators are having to leave and are not finding jobs commensurate with their skill? Does the Parliamentary Secretary say that that is Government policy, as he did last week?

I said it was Government policy generally to encourage work to go to areas of high unemployment. That is exactly what has happened in this instance, and the hon. Lady herself confirms that the unemployment figures for Angus are very many times above the figures for Coventry.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, and as the Parliamentary Secretary does not understand the problem, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what cold storage accommodation is available at Devonport for supplying Her Majesty's ships with quick frozen foods, including vegetables.

The Admiralty has no deep freeze facilities at present at Devonport. Ships do, however, occasionally buy these foods direct from the trade, and the possibility of making wider use of these foods in H.M. ships is being investigated.

May I ask my hon. Friend seriously to consider setting up this facility in Devonport Dockyard, as it would be a great convenience to the smaller ships, and I am quite certain that it would be widely patronised?

I do not think that deep freeze facilities would necessarily have to be put in the dockyard, if we came to use deep freeze food in ships. It might be possible to make commercial arrangements in the area. However, I will certainly bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is his Department's policy in regard to supplying Her Majesty's ships with frozen boned meat.

Packeted boneless beef has been supplied to smaller ships, where space is at a premium, for many years. We have arranged for supplies of frozen joints of beef without bone, as well as frozen joints of mutton and lamb, to commence this summer for ships generally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty on how many occasions, during the last two years, Her Majesty's ships in the operational fleet have been informed that they cannot be taken in hand by Devonport Dockyard because the yard was stated to be full up with work.

During the last two years ships of the Operational Fleet have been taken in hand for their refits and intermediate dockings broadly as programmed in Devonport and in other yards.

On occasion, these ships apply for work to be done other than at programmed refit and docking times for repairs arising from unforeseen circumstances. This work is undertaken if it is considered essential; otherwise, it is deferred until the next programmed refit. Requests of this kind are naturally numerous, but no occasion is known where work of an essential nature has not been undertaken.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he can assure me that no ship returning from a long period overseas will be denied facilities for leave because there is not adequate provision in Devon-port Dockyard? Will he assure me, too, that he will see that minor repairs are done in Devonport Dockyard in view of the fact that we have a large unemployment problem in that area?

I should like notice of the question to do with leave, but I can assure my hon. Friend that no essential work is ever delayed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what aircraft carriers will be available for operational duties in the Fleet in 1970.

It would be rash to predict what ships will be available over ten years hence. The remaining life of Her Majesty's ships "Victorious", "Centaur", "Eagle", "Ark Royal" and "Hermes" is, however, such that, barring the unforeseen, they should all be capable of operational service in 1970.

Can my hon. Friend give the House the assurance that there are no ships included amongst those names which will be over age by 1970? Can he say what plans the Royal Navy has for giving up-to-date air support?

I am happy to confirm that the hulls of these ships will not at that stage be over age. I think it would be wrong to lay down our exact plans for eleven years hence, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Admiralty are very conscious of the need to provide air support at that date, and plans will be made in order to afford it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Directorate of Officer Appointments has completed its job of bringing emergency planning arrangements into line with modern requirements; and when the substantial reductions in the personnel of this Office, promised in March, 1958, are to be made.

Not yet, Sir, though considerable progress has been made. This Directorate has, of course, many duties besides those mentioned by the hon. Member. Reductions which have been made during the year have been offset by the need to add staff to the Employment Liaison Section, which helps retired officers find civilian employment.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that thirteen or fourteen months ago this job was supposed to be a very short one and that I was informed that after this job had been completed there would be substantial reductions in this office? When is this reduction to be made? The staff is far too great.

I should like to assure the hon. Member that a Departmental investigation has recently taken place on this very count, and we will certainly see that action is taken as soon as possible to reduce the numbers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty at what stage in a ship's life he normally decides not to undertake further modernisation.

In very broad terms, a warship has a useful hull life of about twenty years. The pace of development of modern equipment and weapons is likely to make a modernisation necessary about half way through this period. Normally, we should expect a modernised ship to give some eight to ten years' useful service thereafter.

I am grateful for that reply. Can my hon. Friend assure me that he recognises that a ship which is not fully modernised and is getting old may still perform useful if somewhat more limited service and that he will keep a careful eye on that, since, if a watch is not kept upon it, a lot of work may be very wasteful?

In view of the distressing experience with the "Victorious", which will be thirty years old almost by 1970, can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there has been any recent review in the Admiralty of the comparative costs of modernisation as against scrapping and rebuilding?

May I first set the hon. Gentleman right? Although the hull will have been laid down some thirty years, it is not thirty years' sea life which that hull will have had by 1970. It is that criterion which has to be taken into consideration. I will certainly bear in mind the second point which the hon. Gentleman has made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the importance to the Royal Navy as well as the Merchant Fleet in ship design for the future of marine application of nuclear power, whether, before negotiations are finalised for subsidizing the replacements of the "Queens", he will recommend that an expert committee should be set up to consider the possibility of ensuring that any new techniques shall be made use of by the "Queens" in order to keep them supreme in their performance in the Atlantic.

I would remind my hon. Friend of the Committee under my chairmanship which has already been set up to tackle the problem of nuclear propulsion for merchant ships. The possible application to the replacements of the "Queens" will not be overlooked. The House will be aware that there are many questions, apart from technical feasibility, which require consideration before this method of propulsion can be freely used at sea.

Does that Answer mean that the design for the replacement of the "Queens", now or in the future, will be a matter for joint consultation between the Admiralty, the Ministry of Transport and the builders? Will it also be considered whether, if the nuclear-powered propulsion is not sufficiently far developed for the original replacement, it may be possible to arrange for the designs to be altered in the future?

What it means is that we are aware that nuclear propulsion may be available in time for these replacements and we are keeping the matter under review.

Is the hon. Gentleman keeping in mind the very large research resources in this direction which are available on the Tyne?

Yes, I am. The hon. Member has another Question down concerning that later.

And on the Mersey.

And on the Clyde.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that recent statistics show that the demand for new merchant tonnage is almost non-existent and, in view of this, what steps he is taking to safeguard the future of the shipbuilding industry in this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what factors have caused the fall in the tonnage of new shipping under construction and preparing in United Kingdom shipyards.

I am aware that the demand for new merchant tonnage is very small at the present time, but there has not been any significant fall in the tonnage under construction here and the level of output has been well maintained. The fall relates to ships whose keels have not yet been laid. This fall, due to lack of recent orders, is common in varying degrees to all countries and results in part from the very large number of orders placed in 1956 and 1957 and the current recession in world trade.

An increase in orders is dependent upon world trade recovery, which Her Majesty's Government are taking all possible steps to foster.

In view of the serious nature of that Answer, does the hon. Gentleman not agree it is time that the Government were thinking of framing a definite policy of replacement at an agreed age of ship? What consultations are being held, or are proposed to be held, with the shipowners for that purpose?

The hon. Member should address any Question concerning shipowners to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Concerning Question No. 7, is the Civil Lord aware that this figure has fallen for the past seven consecutive quarters and is causing concern? What we want from the industry, particularly in present circumstances, is to increase its rate of output. In view of the present intense competition, will the hon. Gentleman do his best to encourage the industry to endeavour to increase and not reduce its rate of output?

I agree with the hon. Member about what we want, but it is difficult to increase output when hardly any orders are being placed anywhere throughout the world.

Whilst I agree with the last part of my hon. Friend's Answer, can he give an undertaking that he will make representations to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer based upon the viewpoint that depreciation allowances in the future should be based on replacement cost and not on historic cost?

That also is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the tonnage under construction in United Kingdom shipyards for registration abroad.

Approximately 335,000 gross tons at 31st March this year, but in addition some 905,000 gross tons were on order.

Does the Civil Lord appreciate that this is the lowest figure since March, 1946, and that at the same time the amount of tonnage being constructed abroad for British shipowners is an all-time record? Again, does not the hon. Gentleman think that these factors should be called to the attention of both these industries?

The hon. Member has got it wrong. United Kingdom orders abroad are down this year compared with what they were last year.

Is my hon. Friend aware that shipowners, shipbrokers and all people connected with shipbuilding and ancillary industries seem to view this matter with greater gravity than his Answer today indicates that he regards it? Therefore, will my hon. Friend take serious note of the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) as one which deserves attention?

I do not wish the House to think that either myself or the Government are at all complacent about the state of the shipbuilding industry. All I am trying to point out to hon. Members is that when we have an order book of 5 million tons and when hardly any orders are being placed throughout the world, it is extremely difficult to get the impetus which a smaller order book or conditions in which orders were being placed throughout the world would encourage.

Is the Civil Lord aware, however, that my Question is about tonnage under construction and that the existing figures show that more tonnage is under construction for British owners abroad than ever before? Will the hon. Gentleman face up to this and see that the shipping industry recognises its responsibility also to British shipbuilders?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has yet received information about the potentialities of the advanced gas cooled reactor for propulsion of merchant shipping.

The Admiralty Committee under my chairmanship will have this information before it at its next meeting, which is to be held on Tuesday, 5th May.

I am much obliged to the Civil Lord. Will he ensure that an announcement is made as soon as possible in view of the apprehension which is felt in the light of developments that are taking place in other countries?

I shall certainly make an announcement as soon as possible, but I do not want to encourage the House to expect one in the immediate future.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent Her Majesty's Government are making use of research, now proceeding on Tyneside, into nuclear propulsion for shipping.

A design study of propulsion machinery to match a nuclear reactor for use in a ship has been undertaken on Tyneside.

Does the Civil Lord realise that there is some feeling that the Admiralty are proceeding on too narrow a basis for this work? Will he consider further work and the possibility of constructing a further experimental craft to see more clearly what the possibilities are?

I do not think the Admiralty can be accused of working on a narrow front when we have had schemes provided by no fewer than seven firms.

Is it not a fact that the by now well-known Galbraith Committee is doing a considerable amount in co-ordinating this work, not only on Tyneside but at all yards, and that shipyards and builders are taking part in this extremely valuable work?

I think that is a correct assessment of the situation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether it is now the intention of the Board of Admiralty to review the fitting of doors, coamings and sills on Her Majesty's ships with the object of removing those that are unnecessary to secure the safety of the ships.

(2) in what circumstances commanding officers of Her Majesty's ships are permitted to remove watertight doors, coamings and sills, without obtaining prior approval of the Board of Admiralty.

There is no intention of carrying out a general review of the fitting of doors, coamings and sills in Her Majesty's ships. Commanding officers are not normally permitted to remove watertight doors, coamings and sills without obtaining prior approval of the Admiralty. When, however, there are special circumstances which justify such an action, and it is clear that there would be no danger to the ship, and that the former conditions could be restored by the ship's staff at short notice, the Board would give its covering approval.

Does not that reply rather make nonsense of what the hon. Gentleman said last week, when he assured me that in one case these could be removed without jeopardising the safety of the ship? If they can be removed without jeopardising the safety of the ship, why should they not be removed for the convenience of the men?

I think it is true to say that after the war there may have been a slight over-insurance as a result of operational experience, in the extent to which ships were fitted with coamings and sills, but that position has slightly changed and we are reviewing—in this instance we have done so—the matter to see whether it is strictly necessary to have quite so many. I think the commander was absolutely right to remove those, as he did on this occasion.

Instead of sniping at these minor modifications—

I am not.

—would it not be more appropriate to pay tribute to the success H.M.S. "Eagle" has had during her commission?

I would endorse that H.M.S. "Eagle" has had a very successful commission indeed. She has taken part in the Mediterranean in a N.A.T.O. exercise with great success and, during her commission, has flown a record number of air sorties.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what plans are envisaged for the improvement of the older married quarters at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield;

(2) what redecoration and cooking facilities are offered to each new occupant of the older married quarters at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield.

New married quarters are planned for completion in about three years. In the meantime we cannot undertake major improvements to the old buildings, but they are redecorated at the normal intervals and also, if necessary, when new occupants move in. Solid fuel cooking ranges are fitted in the quarters and are repaired or replaced as needed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer will give little satisfaction to the unfortunate occupants of these older quarters? I recently looked into a case myself. A lady with two infants was supposed to cook on a single gas ring and her husband had to obtain an electric cooker and, in part, redecorate the accommodation himself, having spent £7 on paint out of his own pay. Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that among some of these barracks officers there is the feeling of "The colonel's lady and Judy O'Grady," and that their accommodation has fallen far short of what these ladies are entitled to?

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman about the quality of the accommodation. We are building new quarters and those old ones will be condemned and pulled down. I hope that the new ones will be completed within three years. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that meanwhile we cannot spend a great deal of money on existing quarters, but they are decorated at the same intervals of time as are others. If a quarter requires to be decorated a man can get the garrison engineer's signature to that effect. If he then decides to get on with the work and decorate the quarter himself he can get repayment of the money spent. If the hon. Gentleman knows of any instance to the contrary and will let me know about it, I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the future use of Weybourne Anti-aircraft Camp, Norfolk, has yet been determined; and if he will make a statement.

Weybourne Camp is no longer required by the Army and will be disposed of unless another Government Department has need of it. This is now being considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the R.A.F. are interested in taking over the camp?

A number of Government Departments are expressing interest at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War, (1) how many National Service men in the Army are married with a child or children;

(2) how many National Service men in the Army are the sons of widows living alone or with young children.

About 21,000 National Service men in the Army are married, but information about their children could not be obtained without a search of individual records. I have no data at all on the second question.

Is the Minister aware of the domestic tragedies arising particularly where a seventeen or eighteen year old mother and her baby are left alone? As certain classes of teachers have recently been exempted or released, would he seriously consider doing the same for these two categories? Does he appreciate the widespread feeling of injustice that such men are being called up when certain celebrated gentlemen are not?

I cannot agree with the premise of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. I do not think that we shall ever get to the point where, as a category, National Service men whose mothers happen to be widows will, because of that fact, be relieved from National Service or allowed out on compassionate grounds. If by virtue of the fact that the mother is a widow there is definite hardship, and that is shown, a man is allowed out. Indeed, last year, 1,200 National Service men were allowed out on compassionate grounds alone.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Army medical officers still prescribe "Medicine and duty"; and if the No. 9 pill is still in use.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir", and to the second, "No, Sir".

Would the Minister not agree that the old type medical officer had a very sharp eye for the scrounger and the "phoney"? If this treatment is still available, why is it not applied to lazy layabouts and neurotic nincompoops who seem to get discharged from the Army on the least possible pretext?

Give him the whole box.

Is the old-fashioned treatment reserved for privates who have no pull with the Press and are therefore likely to suffer injustice in silence?

The Question refers to "Medicine and duty" and the No. 9 pill. "Medicine and duty" is a formula which has become enshrined in Army custom and, in fact, means that it is not necessary for a man to return to see the medical officer. The No. 9 pill ceased to be used by the Army at about the same time as the hon. Gentleman left it.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what proportion of cases coming before Army medical officers during the past twelve months "Medicine and duty" and, or, a No. 9 pill has been prescribed.

No central record is kept of minor prescriptions.

In view of the disquiet about the easy release of certain individuals, would it not be advisable to keep these records, and if, as the Minister says, the "Medicine and duty" formula is still used, why was not Terry Dene given medicine and duty?

asked the Secretary of State for War what check is made on military personnel regularly carrying luminous compasses, and on those in charge of these compasses in store, to ensure that there is no danger from radiation.

Medical examinations are included among the protective measures which have been introduced for storemen and others who handle radioactive articles in bulk. It is not necessary to extend these precautions to soldiers carrying single compasses.

Would the Minister say whether there has been any evidence of overdosing by radiation caused by these compasses, because there is anxiety about this in quarters that ought to know?

I have no information on that, but these precautions are being taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements which in future will avoid the discharge on medical grounds from the Army of persons who immediately previously have been accepted as medically fit.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the cost to public funds in- volved, he is satisfied with the present arrangements whereby a national service man, who is placed in Grade 1 at his pre-service medical examination, can be found unsuitable, on medical grounds, for military training after only a few days' service; and if he will consult with the Minister of Labour to see what improvements can be effected in the present system, in the interests of financial economy and administrative efficiency;

(2) on how many occasions during the past ten years soldiers, called up for military service under the National Service Acts, have been discharged after serving for seven days or less; and if he will make a statement.

The medical authorities of the Ministry of Labour work closely with those of the Service Departments. They agree together the standards which are to be applied by pre-service medical boards.

Over the last nine years, 928,000 national service men entered the Army. Medical discharges during the initial period of service—that is up to sixteen weeks—numbered 11,000, or about one per cent. of the total. Those figures, which are the nearest I have to the ones asked for my my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), include those cases in which disability could not have been established before service.

The figures show that it is rare for discharges to result from the diverging views of medical boards, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I have every confidence in the present system.

Does not the Secretary of State see that his reply, which shows that this occurrence is comparatively rare, makes it all the worse that several very prominent individuals have been included in this very small category of persons who have been discharged on the second medical check-up; it is this which has caused public anxiety? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that very strenuous steps are taken better to co-ordinate these two medical authorities so that this does not occur?

The right hon. Gentleman says "many cases", but I personally know of only two such cases out of a total of eleven thousand, which itself is one per cent. of the grand total.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that public indignation and disquiet have increased as a result of the wholly unsatisfactory series of answers given by the Parliamentary Secretary last Wednesday? Is he aware that there is really no excuse at all for Terry Dene, Marty Wilde, Colin Cowdrey and the remainder being able to evade military service on grounds evidently that they earn large sums of money in civil life or are prominent sportsmen, whereas the overwhelming majority of young men have to do their full two years?

If the Waters case merited a tribunal of inquiry, would it not be advisable, to allay public disquiet, that we should have a similar inquiry about Dene, with full disclosure of the facts, including the medical reports, so that the House and the country may then judge the veracity of the statements which have been made by the Army medical authorities?

I must absolutely refute the inferences cast by my hon. Friend as to the attitude adopted by the medical authorities. I should be glad to say something to try to set this in a slightly different perspective. There is a small proportion of men who are considered fit for service at the pre-call-up medical board but in the event are found to be unfit-1 per cent. of the total over the last nine or ten years. The fact that the proportion is so small reflects credit on the medical profession. Occasionally it happens that one of these men is in the public eye, and that fact attracts publicity. I appreciate that it makes feelings run high. Neither the Adjutant-General's Department nor I, if I intervene in a case, have any alternative but to discharge a man, whatever his name may be, if the medical advice is as definite and unequivocal as it was in the case that the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for 23506251, Craftsman L. G. Edwards, to have a compassionate release from the Services, in view of the circumstances at his home in Willenhall, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Wednesbury.

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has received an account of our inquiries into this case. It is not one in which the soldier's discharge would be justified. Craftsman Edwards is on a Regular engagement with an option to leave the Army next March if he so desires.

Is the Secretary of State aware that both parents of this craftsman are in ill-health and that the burden of holding the family together falls on a 19-year-old sister? Does he know that the father's health has deteriorated considerably in the last two years? May I ask how much it will cost this man to buy his way out? Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter his sympathetic consideration?

I should require notice of the last part of that supplementary question, but I will certainly let the hon. Member know. As to the first part, the hon. Member has received a detailed letter from my hon. Friend on this case but, as far as we have been able to ascertain up to the present, there is no change in the home circumstances of this man now compared with what they were at the time when he voluntarily joined the Army three years ago.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the time would be appropriate now when his criteria for compassionate discharge could be considerably enlarged, not necessarily by whole categories as was suggested earlier, but in some way, because the right hon. Gentleman is not really scraping the bottom of the barrel by any means now in the way of call-up? I am sure that it would be appropriate to give instructions that a good deal more latitude could be given for compassionate discharge.

This is not a National Service man; he is a Regular.

He would get out if he were a "pop" singer.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to a television commercial broadcast at 8.15 on 11th April by Associated Television urging viewers to read details of the Messina case in the News of the World; whether he is aware that many children will have been watching at that time; and what consultations he has had with the Independent Television Authority regarding the advertising on independent television of newspaper features on prostitutes and procurers.

Yes, Sir, but in case there is some misunderstanding the Authority informs me that the advertisement, while referring to the Messina case, did not mention prostitutes and procurers. The Answer to the last part of the Question is "None, Sir."

Is it not quite hypocritical to say that advertisements urging viewers, including children, to read the Messina case in the News of the World is not referring to prostitutes and procurers? Is not the News of the World quite capable of making sex pay without resorting to commercial advertising on television? Are not the programme contractors making enough money without having to resort to methods of this kind?

The Authority assures me that it applied to this advertisement and others the standards which have been agreed and which are applied to advertisements of all classes.

Would the hon. Gentleman convey to the I.T.A. the view of the House that at least this was in bad taste?

asked the Postmaster-General how many subscribers in the Preston telephone area are actually on a shared-line service as compared with

I do not know in what capacity the right hon. Gentleman is speaking or why he claims to speak for the whole House.

asked the Postmaster-General how many people are waiting for telephone connection at the nearest convenient date, compared with the numbers in 1958 and 1951. in the United Kingdom and the Preston telephone area, respectively.

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The total number of people waiting for all reasons is now little more than a quarter of the comparable figure for 1951.

Whilst I am very glad to hear that preliminary remark, may I ask my lion. Friend whether the time spent waiting for a connection is being steadily reduced and whether we can have an assurance that it will go on being reduced?

We will certainly do our best to go on reducing it, but the time varies in different parts of the country and I am afraid that I could not give an answer which would cover all the cases.

Information is not available in the form asked for by my hon. Friend. Since 1st January, 1948, new and removing residential subscribers have been under a liability to share their lines if necessary, although as more equipment is installed it is becoming easier for us in many areas to avoid enforcing the sharing rule unless and until demand once again overtakes us. There are 32,306 residential subscribers in the Preston telephone area, of whom 11,811 are sharing. In addition, 3,097 business subscribers have voluntarily agreed to share their lines.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether consideration will be given to offering to a new customer, or indeed an existing customer sharing a line, a choice between having an exclusive line at the full rate or a shared line at a lower rate?

That is the policy at which we are aiming and, I am pleased to say, we are getting to the point at which we shall be able to make that offer. In the past two years the number of shared lines in the United Kingdom as a whole dropped by 47,000. In the Preston telephone area the number dropped by 107.

asked the Postmaster-General how many complaints

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the work performed during the past ten years by the Mountain Rescue Service of the Royal Air Force, both for civilians and members of the Royal Air Force; if he is further aware that the need for such a service is increasing and not diminishing, and that the skill acquired by these men will be lost if the service is discontinued; and if he will now reconsider his decision to reduce this service by 50 per cent. have been received by the Post Office of missing non-registered letters and packages posted in the United Kingdom during 1956, 1957 and 1958.

Central records of complaints are kept only for such letters when they contain articles worth 5s. or more and for parcels for which compensation has been paid. I am circulating the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Minister able to say whether the proportion of the total posted is greater or less?

It maintains a fairly steady average. The figures show about seven letters in every million go wrong in some way.

Is it not extremely unfair to blame the Post Office for these missing non-registered letters and packages? Should not some of the blame be apportioned to British Railways, which could not care less how bad a service it gives to everybody with its dirty, late and dangerous trains?

I can only speak for the Post Office and assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we do the best we can.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the Mountain Rescue Teams both in their primary task of rescuing aircrew and in assisting civilians. No decision has been taken to reduce the service. We are simply reviewing the number and location of the teams to see whether we could give as good a service more easily and economically.

Is the Minister aware that it has been reported that there are only six teams in the country? They have done excellent work but they are being reduced to three. Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the work that these people have been doing is continued and that the number of teams is not reduced as has been suggested?

That report, which I have not seen, is quite untrue. The hon. Member will appreciate that, in the nature of things, some of these teams are very much busier than others and, therefore, it is natural that we should see whether we should not strengthen the busy ones at the expense of the others.

Is not this a voluntary service?

Certainly, it is a voluntary service.

When he is considering the retention of teams and their location, will the right hon. Gentleman remember that the St. Athan Team has a very busy time in rescuing even military personnel in the Brecon Beacons?

Perhaps the hon. Member will write to me about that. I do not know what the position is with regard to the St. Athan Team.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the accommodation being provided for airmen at the Royal Air Force Station, Eastleigh, Kenya.

The strength of this station is temporarily swollen by a newly formed squadron which will remain there for some months while work is being done on the runways at its permanent base. I visited the station earlier this month and saw conditions personally. The permanent accommodation is good but we need more. Arrangements are in hand to provide it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the undesirability of uprooting married families unnecessarily, he is satisfied with the arrangements made by his Department for moving units from one station to another; what considerations of policy guide him in this matter; and if he will make a statement.

We do all we can to avoid unnecessary moves. Changes in airfield requirements, the need to lengthen or strengthen runways, and the concentration of units as the Service contracts make a number of moves unavoidable. Moreover, as opportunities arise we are moving units from temporary stations to suitable stations with permanent buildings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling in the Service that administrative convenience is often put too high and comfort, especially of married families who are in married quarters, too low? Will he look particularly at this matter where units established in married quarters are moved to other stations?

Yes, Sir. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are very conscious of the need to keep married families in the same place as long as we can.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) how many Royal Air Force personnel are stationed at Aldergrove; and what type of flight training is done there;

(2) what is the average number of flights per day from Aldergrove; and how many of these have been civil aircraft diverted from Belfast airport;

(3) to what extent the main runways at Aldergrove are suitable for trans-Atlantic aircraft; and if they are strong enough for regular flights to take off and land there.

There are about 800 officers and airmen at Aldergrove. The meteorological squadron based at the airfield carries out normal squadron continuation training. The average daily number of flights is now 25. Diversions from Belfast Airport, Nutts Corner, mainly during the winter months, number about 25 a year.

The main runways at Aldergrove are strong enough for most existing trans-Atlantic aircraft but do not provide the take-off run required by the larger types if they are to fly direct.

What is the full capacity that could be stationed at Alder-grove? Is there any likelihood that this capacity will be taken up in the near future? What is the maximum number of incoming and outgoing flights which could be undertaken from Aldergrove daily? Can my right hon. Friend say whether representations have been made to him about the possibility of the transfer of Belfast airport from Nutt's Corner to Aldergrove and what steps have been taken by his Ministry in connection with this matter?

I cannot answer the detailed questions put to me without notice, but I can say that discussions have started with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and that the joint study will be completed as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what use is now being made of the Royal Air Force Station, West Mailing.

The runways at West Mailing are at present being resurfaced. We plan to move in a fighter squadron when the work is complete.

Does the Secretary of State realise that the order restricting private fliers from an area round this station is going far to exclude the unfortunate private pilot from yet another large area? Will the Secretary of State look at the terms of the draft order to see whether it is really necessary to go as far as is proposed?

That is quite a different question. I was asked about the use of West Mailing. I will certainly look at it.

But is not that directly relevant? If the station is not being used at the moment and it is only being resurfaced, is the order justified? When it becomes a fighter station, is the area wider than is necessary?

I will have a look at that.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent Service men or civilians from the manufacturers will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of the Bristol Bloodhound surface to air missile.

We plan to make R.A.F. personnel responsible for limited servicing which can be done on the site. Major servicing and repairs will be undertaken by industry. The final division of responsibility will be decided in the light of trials which are now being carried out.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that on the London—Harwich road there are international route signs incorporating the international route No. E.8 and other signs of the normal type incorporating his Department's classification route number A.12; and to what extent it is his policy that both route numbers shall be shown on all roads in this country which were included in the international network.

There are eight routes in this country which are part of the international network. One of them follows the London—Birmingham Motorway, which is not yet completed, and three others branch off it. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will consider with us whether there should be international route number signs on the appropriate routes in this country when the motorway is completed. In the meantime, the number "E.8" has been painted out on the signs to which my hon. Friend refers.

Could my hon. Friend say whether consideration is still being given to the possibility of making all our road signs conform to a greater extent to the Continental type?

That is not, of course, strictly related to this Question. The answer, as my hon. Friend knows, is that it is not our present intention to change all our signs in this way, but where we are introducing new ones, as on the motorways, we are conforming as far as possible to the Continental practice.

But notwithstanding that reply, would it not be a good idea at any rate to start with school signs on these roads so that foreign drivers are aware of the proximity of school crossings?

If the hon. Gentleman can tell me where school signs are missing, I shall be pleased to look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the Royal Institute of British Architects has received an unsatisfactory answer from the West Midlands and West Riding study groups on urban motorways, set up by him, to its representations concerning the desirability of appointing architects to these study groups; and whether he is satisfied that adequate attention will be given in future to the danger of the "subtopianisation" of increasing areas of the country.

Yes, Sir. I fully appreciate the importance of using the best professional advice in this matter. I have written to the chairmen of the two committees, to which my hon. Friend refers, suggesting that they might consider associating an architect or planning expert with the work of their committees from an early stage. The committees are, of course, local authority committees, and not responsible to me.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, is he aware that the relationship between the architect bodies and the local authorities does not seem to be altogether happy, and would he use his good offices to see that things are smoothed out generally throughout the country?

I am aware that, on the whole, the professional architectural associations feel that their advice has not been sought as much as they would like. It is certainly my wish, and that of my Department, that we should use their advice as much as we can. We shall need all the advice we can get if we are to solve the urban road problem in particular, so there is no lack of good will on the part of my Ministry.

Whilst supporting the right hon. Gentleman in his attitude, can he do his best to prevent the use of the word "subtopianisation"?

I cannot agree with the right hon. Gentleman on many things but I can certainly agree with him on that.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the frustration created in the city of Bristol at his refusal to increase grants for the purpose of major road improvements to meet the growing traffic; and if he will now, in view of the urgent need, give reconsideration to the request of the Bristol City Council for such assistance.

I have carefully considered the representations recently made to me by Bristol Corporation against the background of my national responsibilities. I regret that I cannot at present add to the number of schemes I have already invited them to prepare.

Is the Minister aware that because Bristol is the gateway to the West it is necessary to have the roads in fine condition and that the Bristol Corporation is prevented from doing this because it has not got the finance to do so? Will he give the position careful consideration?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I saw a large deputation from Bristol, when they made their case ably, I thought, but I have to consider national priorities and not only those of Bristol. My answer is based on my decision on national priorities.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in Leicester and Leicestershire about the delay in dealing with the Leicestershire portion of the London to Yorkshire motorway; and whether he will now state what progress has been made in deciding on the route.

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member in the Adjournment debate on 13th April.

Would the hon. Gentleman explain why he is not proceeding further with this matter without delay? Did he not state in the course of that debate that he would give it early attention, and does he not think that after so many years he should be able to make up his mind about what he is going to do with regard to this road, which is so urgently needed?

Our difficulty is that the local people are not able to make up their minds. My right hon. Friend must take into account the very different conflicting points of view of the people in the neighbourhood to the north of Leicester as to which line shall be taken. My right hon. Friend will lose no time in reaching a decision on this difficult matter and will then announce his draft proposal. We can then hear what local opinion thinks about it.

As the line may pass close to my house, may I beg my hon. Friend to give full weight to the Leicestershire County Council's point of view and not let the Leicester City have its own way too much?

I think my hon. Friend has shown the difficulty now confronting us, namely, that it is not easy to reconcile the differing points of view, and we are trying to be fair to all concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) what advice he has received from the London Travel Committee regarding the number of people resident in the boroughs that would be served by the proposed Victoria line on its route from Victoria to Walthamstow;

(2) what advice he has received from the London Travel Committee about the need for major schemes to relieve travel congestion by the improvement of passenger transport schemes in the northeast London area, other than by the provision of the proposed Victoria tube; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what advice he has received from the London Travel Committee regarding the period within which it would be possible to complete the proposed Victoria line tube, in view of the need for speedy action to relieve travel congestion in London.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Members for St. Marylebone (Sir W. Wakefield) and Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 22nd April about the proposed Victoria line. I have no doubt that the committee will take into account other possible developments in North East London.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he does not consider that a very strong case has by now been made out for the construction of the Victoria line as the principally effective means of relieving the already heavily overloaded travel facilities in North-East London, and whether he will bear in mind that the longer a start is delayed the longer it will be before this much-needed relief can be given?

I do not disagree with that, but, as the House knows, this issue has been a current one for many years. I am anxiously awaiting the advice of the London Travel Committee, and I shall give it earnest consideration as soon as I get it.

Could the Minister first explain to us how something can be current for many years? Apart from that, as this has been under consideration for many years, and the British Transport Commission obtained the authorisation of this House to construct the line, is it not important that some conclusion should be reached shortly, and can he give any indication when the London Travel Committee will make a report to him? Questions have been asked him over a long period about this matter and it is time the Government made up their mind about it.

As the hon. Gentleman accepts, this has been a matter of current discussion in this House over a number of years. Speaking more seriously, this is a very important decision because, as the House knows, a very large sum of capital is involved and there are the difficulties of making the line pay. That is why I felt that it should be looked at impartially by the London Travel Committee, which has promised me that it will report as soon as it has managed to hear all the many people who want to give evidence. I have undertaken to get a decision as soon as I can after I have received its report.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) to what extent, since public money is to be spent in financing the building of the proposed new Cunard liners, the Government expect to be consulted about where they shall be built

(2) when he expects to announce the Government's decision about the financing of the proposed new Cunard liners;

(3) whether, in making his decision about the financing of the proposed new passenger liners, he will bear in mind the facilities available at Harland and Wolff, Belfast, and the high level of unemployment in that city.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 21st April to Questions on this subject from my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) and the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

I have read the reply which my right lion. Friend gave. Will he give an undertaking that in considering the placing of the orders he will bear in mind the employment position in Belfast, and in particular the capacity of the shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff which are at the moment building more passenger liners than any other shipbuilding yard in the country?

I understand my hon. Friend's interest in part part of the world, but I hope the House clearly understands that at the moment the Government are not committed to the project in any way and cannot be so committed until we have a great deal more information from the Cunard Company.