asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the play televised recently by the British Broadcasting Corporation entitled, "The Offshore Island", showed a strong anti-American bias; and if he will use his powers under Section 15 (4) of the Licence and Agreement to prevent the further showing of this film on the British Broadcasting Corporation's television.

I am aware that some concern has been expressed on this score, but I feel that it is a good principle to leave programme content to the British Broadcasting Corporation and I do not think it appropriate to use the powers of direction under Clause 15 (4) of the B.B.C.'s Licence and Agreement, as suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the purpose of the constant crossing and recrossing of the western part of Portsdown Hill by his Valetta or Varsity aircraft at altitudes of the order of one thousand feet; and what is the reason for the changes in engine revolutions which often take place during this process.

The aircraft are mainly those taking off from R.A.F. Station, Thorney Island. The main exit lane from the airfield takes the aircraft due west to a point just south of Portsdown Hill, at which stage they are in level flight at a height of about 1,500 feet above sea level. They then turn north under an airway and engine revolutions are increased as they begin to climb to their operating height.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent he was consulted before the introduction in 1959 of a new code of yacht racing rules which lays down rights of way at variance with those presented by the International Provisions for the Prevention of Collisions at sea; what was his policy; how far he is satisfied that the application of two contradictory codes in crowded waters is practicable; and which code establishes liability in the case of collisions within British territorial waters.

The Ministry was not consulted. In our view it is most desirable that International Yacht Racing Rules and the International Collision Regulations should be in harmony.The International Collision Regulations will be reviewed at an International Conference to be held in May, 1960, and we have at present under consideration a proposal from the Royal Yachting Association that they should be amended to accord with the yachting code. I cannot yet say what attitude the United Kingdom Government would adopt nor, of course, what the attitude of other Governments would be.The question of liability is a matter for the courts, but I am advised that the Collision Regulations normally establish liability in collision cases. Different considerations might apply where the collision occurred between two yachts, which, upon a particular occasion or in particular circumstances, had agreed to observe the code of Yacht Racing Rules, and where no other vessel was involved.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the number of ships registered in the United Kingdom which are at present laid up; and what is the total gross registered tonnage.

On 1st April. 1959, 183 United Kingdom registered ships of 1,108,300 gross tons were laid up for lack of employment.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what form of contract is entered into by the masters and crew of the tank landing ships which he operates; and whether he is satisfied that these contracts give him sufficient authority, including the authority to order these men into action.

The contracts for masters and crews of these landing ships are arranged by the commercial company appointed to manage the ships. These contracts follow the standard form of Merchant Navy agreements for voyages abroad. As the ships are intended for use in the logistic, not the assault, role there is no question of the contracts including authority to order masters and crews into action.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that Rye Bay is becoming a dangerous area by day and by night for fishing vessels by reason of increased traffic; and what steps he is taking to improve conditions.

During the last fifteen months one collision, into which a Preliminary Inquiry under Section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act was held, and four near-collisions in this area have been reported. I am reminding all concerned, through their representative organisations, of their obligations under the Collision Regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when appropriate aircraft will be available to enable the British Overseas Airways Corporation to resume a regular service from the United Kingdom to the South American countries.

British Overseas Airways Corporation hope to be able to resume the service with Comet IV aircraft in the spring of 1960.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that his handling of the Munich crash report is causing concern; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that a full report of all inquiries held in connection with the disaster is made available to the British public.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No."As regards the second part of the Question, we have already arranged for the full report of the German inquiry to be published in translation and it is now available to the public. My right hon. Friend has already announced that there will be an independent review in this case and he will make a statement in the light of that review.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has yet received the report from the Air Transport Advisory Council concerning applications by independent airlines for reductions in air fares; what decisions he has come to in the matter; and if he will make a statement.

I have not yet received the advice of the Air Transport Advisory Council in this matter. I shall take no decisions until the Council's advice is available.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what replies have been received to the representations made to the United States civil aviation authorities and to the State Department, respectively, regarding the failure to issue to British Overseas Airways Corporation an operating permit covering the trans-Pacific stage of their round-the-world air service.

It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to make direct representations to the Civil Aeronautics Board. The State Department have expressed their regret at the delay and have assured us that in their view the Air Services Agreement entitles B.O.A.C. to operate its new trans-Pacific route. They have explained that, while they have no powers to direct the Board to issue a permit, the Board is doing everything possible, within the limits of its authorised procedures, to expedite a decision. As regards the recent recommendation by the Board's Examiner that B.O.A.C.'s application for the inclusion of Tokyo in the route should be denied, the State Department have told us that they recognise the seriousness of the position but have emphasised that this is only a recommendation.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many fatal road accidents have occurred in he West Riding of Yorkshire each year since 1955.

The numbers of persons killed in road accidents in the West Riding of Yorkshire for the years 1956, 1957 and 1958 were 381, 393 and 392 respectively.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what repair work is now being carried out beneath the surface of Hammersmith Broadway; when it is scheduled to be completed; and to what extent double-shift working at that place is being undertaken.

No repair work is being done, but the London County Council is building pedestrian subways as part of the Cromwell Road Extension Scheme. It expects to complete the main part of the work, which interferes with traffic, by July and the rest by the end of the year. Work is being carried on by clay and night shifts and at week-ends.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will now include the Morpeth by-pass road, Northumberland, in his road programme; and whether he will make a statement.

The scheme is among those now being prepared for inclusion in the road programme in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on what trunk road and motorway projects, apart from the London-Birmingham motorway, he has consulted the Advisory Committee on Landscape Treatment of Trunk Roads; and to what extent, in respect of any such schemes, the Committee has expressed the view that it was not consulted at an early enough stage.

Since their appointment in 1956 the Committee have considered the proposed lines of route for 17 trunk road projects, and 5 motorway projects. The Committee or their representatives have also inspected 28 schemes at a later stage in order to consider landscaping treatment. Lists of these schemes are published below.The Committee have also considered 156 detailed planting schemes. I am very grateful to them for the great contribution that they are making to the amenity aspect of our new road system.It is our policy to consult the Committee at all appropriate stages. but in the early years of the road programme, as the Committee appreciate, it was not possible, without seriously delaying schemes, to give them a full opportunity to consider all lines of route for which plans were already far advanced or were of special urgency.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why there is a delay in carrying out the proposed widening of the Strood High Street from Rochester Bridge to Railway Bridge on the London-Canterbury-Dover trunk road A.2.

Acquisition of the necessary land has taken longer than was anticipated, but it is planned to start demolition work during the summer.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) in how many cases where land in Worcestershire has been taken by his Department for the construction of the Ross Spur motorway the owners are still awaiting payment;(2) whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that is caused by continued delays in the payment of compensation for land compulsorily acquired for trunk roads and motorways; and whether he will make a statement.

I am well aware of the dissatisfaction to which my hon. Friend refers and in view of the growing extent of the problem we have now decided that special arrangements are required.Accordingly, in future any person having an interest in land which is acquired by my Department for highway purposes will be able to obtain an advance, subject to my discretion, of up to 90 per cent. of the compensation payable as soon as possession of the land has been taken. Any person who seeks such an advance should apply to the district valuer, stating the amount claimed and describing the interest in respect of which the claim is made. If agreement has not been reached on the full amount of the compensation, advances may be made up to 90 per cent. of the district valuer's estimate.This arrangement is intended to be a temporary one. It is contemplated that in due course proposals will be put forward to make it possible to complete the acquisition of land by a more expeditious procedure than at present.In Worcestershire, payment has still to be made in 31 cases. They will be covered by the arrangements I have just described.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will give the total value of new construction and major improvement schemes authorised under the road programme for the financial year 1958–59.

The total value of new construction and major improvement schemes authorised under the road programme for the financial year 1958–59 was £69·5 million.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the average cost to local authorities in England and Wales of issuing and renewing driving licences; and, in view of the low administrative cost, if he will introduce legislation to enable him to reduce the fee.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress he has made in reviewing the fee for issuing or renewing a driving licence; and how the amount of such fee compares with the average administrative cost to the authorities in England and Wales of issuing and renewing a driving licence.

No figures are available to show how much of the administrative costs of local taxation offices arises from the work of issuing driving licences. These issues were debated in 1956, when the period of validity of driving licences was increased to three years and the cost increased to 15s.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he is taking to extend compulsory third party insurance in respect of motor vehicles to cover all passengers.

None.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what was the date of the most recent representation he has received from the London Transport Executive concerning the urgent need for work to be started on the construction of the proposed Victoria line; and what reply he has made thereto.

The Chairman of the British Transport Commission last wrote to me about the proposed Victoria line on the 2nd of this month. I have replied that I fully appreciate the arguments in favour of the line and that I shall endeavour to reach a decision when I receive the report of the London Travel Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will be prepared to receive a deputation from the local authorities of the areas which would be served by the proposed Victoria line, in order that he may be apprised of their views on the project.

The London Travel Committee, which is examining the Victoria line, is inviting local authorities in North-East London whose areas the line would serve to be represented at a meeting with the Committee. This being so I do not think that a meeting with me would be useful at the present time.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider the introduction of special concessionary air mail rates for letters and parcels passing between Service men stationed at Woomera, South Australia, and their families in the United Kingdom.

Members of the forces overseas enjoy concessionary postal rates on air mail letters and on surface mail. These concessions cost the taxpayer about £1 million a year and I do not think that it would be justifiable to add to this sum.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied that the present system whereby some tank landing ships and tank landing craft are operated by the Royal Navy, some by the Army, and some by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is the most efficient way of organising this part of United Kingdom assault forces; and whether he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that the present system of operation of our amphibious shipping is both efficient and flexible, and takes into account the differing requirements in peace and in war.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the opportunities for employment open to school leavers in Sunderland, and in the rest of County Durham, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

I can only be fully satisfied when young people leaving school are able to obtain suitable employment without delay. At the end of the Easter term 597 children left school in Sunderland, of whom 477 are understood to have found employment by 13th April.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient alternative means of employment in the Sunderland district for those who normally work in the shipyards; and if he will make a statement.

No. I regret to say that there are comparatively few vacancies notified to my local offices in the area and suitable for unemployed shipyard workers. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Board of Trade, informed the House on 10th April of the efforts the Government were making to help the area to obtain new industry.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure of unemployed in Newcastle-under-Lyme; what percentage of the working population this represents; and how these figures compare with the numbers and proportions 12 months and two years ago, respectively.

992 at 13th April, 1959, representing 3·7 per cent. of the estimated number of employees. The corresponding figures for 14th April, 1958, were 903 and 3·4 per cent., and for 15th April, 1957, 655 and 2·5 per cent.

asked the Minister of Labour on what date Marty Wilde, a professional singer, was called up for his pre-service medical examination; what medical grading he was given; and if he will make a statement.

This man was summoned to a National Service Medical Board on 3rd February, 1959. He was referred to a consultant and the Board subsequently placed him in Grade III. He will, accordingly, not be called up.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take action to bring about a settlement of the three weeks' strike in the shipbuilding yards of Messrs. Hall, Russell and Company Limited, Aberdeen; and whether he will make a statement on the dispute.

I understand that as a result of informal discussions between the employers and union officials yesterday, arrangements were made to resume work this morning pending further negotiations.

asked the Minister of Health why Miss Edith Haithwaite was sent to Rampton Mental Hospital.

Because she was too violent and dangerous to be managed at a mental deficiency hospital other than a State institution.

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were awaiting admission to hospitals in the South-West Metropolitan Region on the latest available date.

41,919 on 31st December, 1958, of whom 25,719 were awaiting admission to hospitals in the present Regional Area.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons over 21 years of age have contracted poliomyelitis in Great Britain during the last 20 years; how many of the cases have been paralytic; and how many have died from poliomyelitis.

The figures are given for ages 25 and over, as separate figures by reference to age 21 are not available. Figures by reference to age were introduced in 1944 and distinguishing paralytic and non-paralytic forms in 1950.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths from respiratory diseases in the first three months of 1959, compared with the first three months of 1958. in the South-Western region.

The numbers of deaths due to influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia in the south western region were as follows:

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths from respiratory diseases occurred in the South-West Metropolitan Region in 1946, 1956, 1958, and 1959, respectively.

Precise figures for deaths in the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital area are not available. Estimated figures for deaths due to influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other diseases of the respiratory system, are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health what inquiries he has made to establish the extent to which conditions requiring chiropody or orthopaedic surgery are caused by the wearing of shoes the design of which causes deformity in the human foot.

I have not instituted any such inquiries, but a number of surveys have established the dangers of ill-fitting or badly designed footwear, particularly to children. The Ministry helps in providing appropriate publicity to make the dangers known among parents and young people.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to control the growing nuisance of amplified music and chimes emanating from the vehicles of ice cream vendors.

No. As I said in reply to my hon. Friend on 23rd April, many local authorities have made—and others have power to make—byelaws making it an offence to operate an amplifier in a street so as to cause a nuisance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet inquired into the matters concerning traffic policemen of the Metropolitan Police brought to his notice by the hon. and gallant Member for Berwick and East Lothian; and with what result.

As I have informed my hon. and gallant Friend, I have caused inquiries to be made about a report that, following a complaint to the Commissioner of Police, a traffic policeman was reprimanded; and that as a consequence the officer's colleagues held a protest meeting and decided to adopt "blind-eye go slow" methods. The Commissioner informs me that these statements are untrue. I regret that such wholly unfounded statements should have been made, reflecting on the conduct of officers of the Metropolitan Police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the Nyasalanders detained under the Emergency Regulations and implicated in the events described in the Governor's despatch have received copies of the White Paper; and how many have been informed individually of their right to appear before the Devlin Commission.

The White Paper reproduced the Governor's despatch of 18th March and the full text of this despatch appeared in the Nyasaland Information Bulletin of 25th March, which was sent in quantity to each holding centre for distribution to detainees. Detainees cannot appear before the Commission as of right; but they have been informed individually that they may submit memoranda and apply to appear before it. It will then be for the Commission in its discretion to invite any detainee to appear before it.Mrs. Castle asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the 31 teachers arrested in Nyasaland under the state of emergency have been brought to trial; and how many have been dismissed from their posts.

One teacher has been brought to trial; he was acquitted and released. None of the teachers arrested have been dismissed either by the Nyasaland Government or, as far as can be ascertained, by any other educational agency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what Colonial Regulations the official salary of Miss Grace Kahumbe was withheld from the date of her conviction of being a member of an unlawful society in Nyasaland.

Under Colonial Regulation No. 64, which says that any officer convicted on a criminal charge shall not receive any emoluments from the date of conviction pending consideration of his case by the Governor. Miss Kahumbe's salary has now been restored in full and she continues in her post without any break in service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further consideration has been given to arrangements for the holding of a plebiscite in the Cameroons in respect of the future of this territory; and what are the specific questions on which the plebiscite will be based.

Arrangements are being made for a plebiscite in the Northern Cameroons in mid-November, as recommended by the U.N. General Assembly, on a choice between joining Nigeria and deferring a decision about the future of the territory. As regards the Southern Cameroons, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's Question of 9th April.

asked the Minister of Education when he proposes to make the local education orders with respect to primary and secondary education under the powers granted to him under Section 12 of the Education Act, 1944, in view of the fact that a period of some 10 years has now elapsed since the development plans for the areas of local authorities were submitted to him.

Substantial increases and movement in the school population since the war have called for very flexible arrangements in the provision and organisation of schools which could not readily be fitted into the rigid framework of local education orders. My predecessors and I have not, therefore, thought it desirable to attempt to define the duties of authorities in this way.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what time per week is devoted in British Broadcasting Corporation oversea programmes to countering hostile propaganda by Russia and Radio Cairo in the Middle East and Africa;(2) what percentage of the total hours on the air per week on overseas programmes by the British Broadcasting Corporation is devoted specifically to the Middle East and East Africa.

The B.B.C. Arabic Service operates for 66½ hours a week and it is to he extended to 84 hours a week. In addition, services in African languages (Swahili and Somali), in Urdu and Hindi, and in English are directed to the Middle East and East Africa for an aggregate of 18¼ hours a week. The General Overseas Service in English includes transmissions directed to this area for an aggregate of 113¾ hours a week.It is not possible to give a quantitative answer to the hon. Member's first Question. All the B.B.C.'s External Services are designed to serve the national interest by reflecting faithfully and vigorously the British way of life and responsible British opinion on current political developments, including where necessary propaganda allegations. They thus play their full part in countering propaganda hostile to British interests directed to the Middle East and East Africa from any source.

Bell asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the successful appeal of Albert Edward Taylor, Case List Number 14/6, to the Appeal Tribunal, Kingston, on 14th April, 1959, against the disallowance of his claim for sickness benefit, on the grounds that he had attained pensionable age and retired, or been deemed to have retired, from regular employment, he will amend accordingly paragraph 16 of Leaflet N.I.28 issued in June, 1955, and will, in the meantime, issue the necessary Departmental instructions to insurance officers.

I am informed that in this case the insurance officer has lodged an appeal to the National Insurance Commissioner against the decision of the local tribunal. The matter is, therefore, sub judice. I have, in any event, no power to issue instructions to insurance officers as to the discharge of their statutory duties.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will give a list of all Statutes and Statutory Instruments which stipulate that occupiers of dwelling-houses shall not refuse admission to designated authorities, together with the authorities designated in each case.

Powers of entry granted by statute usually refer to land or premises. Although this description includes houses, it is most unlikely that some of these powers would ever be used to obtain admission to dwellings. The public general Acts which give such powers within the fields for which I am concerned are set out below, together with the person or body authorised in each case to exercise the power. Powers of entry for the purpose of taking possession of land or premises have not been included. A number of orders made under the Water Act, 1945, incorporate the powers of entry set out in paragraphs 62 and 82 of the Third Schedule to that Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the proposed pier at Brevig, Isle of Lewis; what progress has been made towards its construction; and if he will make a statement.

Proposals for a breakwater pier at Brevig, estimated to cost £65,000 were put forward by Ross and Cromarty County Council, but I was unable to approve them because expenditure of this order would be out of proportion to the present or likely future level of fishing activity.I am in touch with the Council about the possibility of providing better landing facilities for the fishermen of Brevig and other townships in Broad Bay by less costly means.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the sewerage schemes now being undertaken in each of the islands of the Outer Hebrides, and the estimated cost, area, and population to be served by each scheme.

There are none at present. As I indicated on 18th December, the programme of sewerage work submitted by Inverness County Council and approved in principle includes two small schemes in the Outer Hebrides which are not expected to start for some time yet.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the need for an extension of the jetty at Bayble, Isle of Lewis, and more adequate provision of shelter for the local fishing boats; what representations he has had from Lewis District Council, Ross and Cromarty County Council, or other bodies or individuals; and what financial aid he is prepared to offer towards the cost of this work.

I have received no representations from any source about the need to ex tend Bayble jetty.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the total cost of the North Ford Causeway scheme in the Western Isles; and when the causeway itself is expected to be completed and open to traffic.

The present indications are that the cost of the bridge and road works will be approximately £463,000. This is the amount of the accepted tender, namely, £452,000, less some adjustments and with the addition of fees and the cost of land. There will also be some additional expenditure on the provision of cattle grids.Inverness County Council hope that the scheme will be completed in the spring of next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of the Paible circular road in North Uist, serving five crofting townships; and what financial assistance he is prepared to offer towards the cost of its reconstruction.

I have not received any proposals front the county council for the improvement of this road, and I am therefore not able to say what financial assistance could be offered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the failure to attract full-time dentists to the Outer Isles, he will now consider offering more effective financial and other inducements, to enable him to carry out his statutory duty to provide such services under the National Health legislation.

The inducements which I described in my reply to the hon. Member on 26th March were a considerable improvement on those previously offered, and I should not feel justified in altering them again at this stage.In the meantime, I have authorised the Executive Council to increase, if possible, the number of visiting dentists to the remote areas in the Outer Isles in addition to those who are already paying periodic visits to Barra, Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale.The local authority still have under consideration the appointment of a full-time school dental officer for the treatment of the children.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that heavy freight charges and passenger fares on the MacBrayne's services between the Western Isles and the mainland ports have long been discouraging economic development and the tourist industry in the isles; and whether he will have a full public inquiry made into the problem.

As the hon. Member is aware, considerable assistance is already given to the economy of the Western Isles by the annual grant that is paid by the Government to Messrs. David MacBrayne Ltd. The level of the company's sea freight charges and passenger fares is kept continually under review in accordance with the provisions of the agreement between the Government and the company, and I am not satisfied that an inquiry such as the hon. Member suggests would add to our knowledge of the problem of transport costs in this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the supplies of anti-polio vaccine to Scottish local authorities are inadequate and do not permit the scheme, officially sponsored by him, to be carried out; what are the reasons for this breakdown in supplies; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health on Monday and to my Answer yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many civilians were employed by his Department in the area comprising the parliamentary constituency of South Antrim in the month of January in the years 1955 and 1959, respectively.

490 and 480 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War which local authorities he has consulted while drawing up his plans for the reconstruction of Chelsea Barracks; and to what extent these authorities concur in these plans.

The London County Council and the Westminster City Council have been consulted, and there is general agreement with our plans.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of recruiting for the Regular Army, male adults only, for each of the months from September, 1957, to February, 1958, inclusive, and from September, 1958, to February, 1959, inclusive, broken down to show the figures for the principal recruiting centres in the British Isles.

Following is the information requested: