asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what experiments have taken place in the construction and use of inflatable life-rafts which can be filled with passengers before becoming waterborne; and with what result.

Our surveyors have witnessed two demonstrations of the launching of inflatable life-rafts filled with passengers. The device employed is in an advanced stage of development, but certain details require further consideration. Other similar projects are being developed.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has considered the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Bristol, Central, of discriminatory action taken by Her Majesty's Government 'against foreign shipping; to what extent he has given his authority to such discrimination; and if he will make a statement.

I know of no discriminatory action taken by Her Majesty's Government against foreign shipping, and the hon. Member's letter contains no details that would support such an allegation. Her Majesty's Government are of course, strongly opposed to any discriminatory action by Governments against the shipping of other countries.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has any further statement to make about his policy under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act, 1939.

On 30th July last I informed the House that I proposed to give a general sanction under the Act which would permit, with certain exceptions, the free transfer or mortgage of ships to all countries abroad. The exceptions related to the sale of former naval craft to any foreign country and also to sales to countries of the Sino-Soviet bloc. The general sanction which was issued on 8th September did not deal with sales of ships to the Sino-Soviet bloc, and I have today issued a further general sanction which permits the transfer to the Sino-Soviet bloc of ships with the exception of certain special categories.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why he has not yet given his approval Ito a control of dogs order made by the Leeds City Council on 4th March of this year.

We received this order from the Leeds City Council on 11th May and confirmed it on the same day.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent road accidents in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow increased above the national average after the replacement of trams by motor buses in those cities; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in future where such replacement takes place the road safety campaign should be intensified.

In Dundee and Edinburgh the casualty rate in road accidents was below the national average before replacement of trams by motor buses started. It has remained so and has increased more slowly than the national average. Replacement in Glasgow is incomplete, but the casualty rate was and remains below the national rate. The replacement of trams by buses in these cities would not therefore of itself call for intensified road safety propaganda.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the Turkish and Greek Governments.

The following are copies of the statements which I issued in Turkey and in Greece at the conclusion of my recent visits to those countries.STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MR. DUNCAN SANDYS, AT THE CONCLUSION OF HIS VISIT TO TURKEY AS THE GUEST OF THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT.I wish to express my appreciation to the Turkish Government, to the Turkish armed forces and to the Governors and Mayors of the places I have visited, for the hospitality and kindness they have extended to me during my stay in Turkey.My visit to Turkey has given me the opportunity to have valuable talks with the Turkish Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of National Defence, as well as with the Turkish military authorities.Turkey, which is the bridge between Europe and Asia, and Britain, with her base in Cyprus, have very special responsibilities for the protection of peace and stability in this vital area, We are members of N.A.T.O. and also of the Baghdad Pact. In fact we are the only countries which are members of both these defence systems.I was therefore particularly glad to be shown something of the training and equipment of the Turkish armed forces. Accompanied by General Erdelhün, the Chief of the Turkish Staff, I visited units in Eastern Anatolia and Istanbul. I was much impressed by their superb morale, by their efficiency, and by their high state of preparedness to meet any emergency.I have been much touched by the warm and spontaneous welcome which I have received from people in the streets in all the towns I visited. I interpreted this as evidence of the true friendship and mutual respect which exists between our two countries.Istanbul.25th May, 1959.STATEMENT BY MR. DUNCAN SANDYS, BRITISH MINISTER OF DEFENCE, ON THE CONCLUSION OF HIS VISIT TO ATHENS ON 1ST JUNE, 1959.I wish to express my gratitude to the Greek Government and the Greek Armed Forces for their kindness and hospitality to me during my week's visit to Greece. In particular I want to express my warm thanks to the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr. Karamanlis, and to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Averof, with whom I have had most friendly and useful talks. I also wish to express my appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Themelis, the Chief of National Defence Staff, General Dovas, and the Military, Naval and Air Commanders whose headquarters and establishments I have visited.My visit to Greece happens to have coincided with the visit to Albania of Mr. Khrushchev and his sabre-rattling speeches on the Greek frontier. I have greatly admired the robust reactions of the Greek Government, Press and people towards these threats and the attitude of calm and confidence with which they have received them.Greece has every reason to feel assured. Not only does she possess strong, well trained and well equipped armed forces inspired by superb morale; but she is also a member of the mightiest defensive alliance that the world has ever seen. A threat against any member of N.A.T.O. is a threat against all. So long as the partners in the Alliance remain united and determined and do not relax their defence efforts, no one will dare attack them.During my visit I was given the opportunity of seeing all three Services at work. I went to Tanagra where I was treated to a splendid flying display by the Fighter Squadron there, and I was much impressed at the obvious high degree of readiness of the Air Force. At Skaramanga I saw the fine young men of the Royal Hellenic Navy under training in the delightful surroundings of the various schools.At Larissa I visited the Headquarters of the 1st Field Army and the Headquarters of the 28th Tactical Air Force. I was particularly interested by what I was told of the Army's admirable plans for speedy mobilisation in the event of an emergency. I also admired the arrangements for close cooperation between land and air forces, which is vitally important in any modern military operation.In addition to official conversations and tours of military establishments, I have been able to see some of Greece's priceless archaeological treasures, and also to witness the opening night of the 'Son et Lumiére' spectacle on the Acropolis. The famous places which I have visited include the temple of the oracle at Delphi, the castle of Agamemnon at Mycenae, the recent excavations of the capital of Alexander the Great at Pella, the temple of Apollo at Corinth and the medieval castle which overlooks it from the rocky cliffs above. As the relations of amity between Britain and Greece return to normal, I hope that an increasing number of British visitors will come and see the unique monuments and natural beauties of Greece and the Greek islands.The Greek Government invited me here because they felt that after the Cyprus settlement my visit might help forward the process of restoring friendly relations. It was in that same spirit that I gladly accepted to come. Despite many rumours and speculations, I can assure you that my visit had no other purpose whatsoever. I did not come to express an opinion about rocket sites in Greece, nor to negotiate about Cyprus, nor to ask the Greek Government for military facilities nor anything else. My journey here was quite simply a goodwill mission.During my week's stay in Greece, I have had evidence in many different ways that the deep friendship which exists in Britain for Greece and the Greek people is warmly reciprocated here. I was particularly touched by the friendly waves and smiles with which I was greeted in so many villages through which I passed in my car, flying the British flag, and by the strong feelings of Greco-British comradeship which were expressed to me over and over again during my visits to the Armed Forces.It has fallen to me to be the first British Minister to come to Greece since the Cyprus settlement. Both the Greek Government, in inviting me, and I, in accepting their invitation, felt that, after the basic cause of the breach was removed, the sooner we started making things up the better.My visit has convinced me that there is the same sincere desire here in Greece as there is in Britain for the complete restoration of the old friendship between us. If my visit has, in a small way, helped to break the ice and to hasten the process of reconciliation, I shall be very happy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he will give a detailed list of the private property stored in Her Majesty's Embassy in Peking; what charges have been or will be made for such storage; if he will detail a list of the owners of this private property; and why these private individuals are allowed to use Her Majesty's Embassy for the storage of their private property;(2) whether he will publish in HANS 4RD a list of the Embassies which allow private individuals to store their private goods and chattels;(3) if he will state the cost to his Department for the Press and other advertisements informing private individuals that Her Majesty's Government will no longer store private property in Her Majesty's Embassy in Peking and advising owners to reclaim their private property.

This property consists of furniture, cases, clothing, books, photographs and other personal effects. No storage charges have been or will be made. I would not wish to make public a list of the owners of this private property without their consent. The cost of putting notices in the Press about this property was £25 17s. 6d.In normal circumstances individuals are not allowed to store private property on the premises of Her Majesty's Embassies. Her Majesty's Embassy in Peking accepted custody of this property at various times of disturbance in China in order to safeguard it against loss or damage.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) why he will not ease travel restrictions placed upon residents of East Germany desiring to visit this country;(2) whether he is aware that one of the obstacles to encouraging visitors from the Eastern Zone of Germany to see the advantages of democratic Britain is the difficulty experienced by residents in East Germany in obtaining their temporary travel documents from the Allied Control Office in Berlin; and whether he will discuss at the Foreign Ministers' Conference the possibility of making travel to and from East Germany and Great Britain easier, on a reciprocity basis;(3) what procedure has to be adopted by a resident of Eastern Germany to visit Great Britain; why, in addition to normal visa procedure, intending visitors have to obtain a temporary travel document; what restrictions exist on the issue of these documents; how long on average it takes to obtain such a document; and to what extent, before such a document is issued, it is the practice for the application to be vetted by the American and French authorities.

In order to visit the United Kingdom a resident of East Germany must obtain a temporary travel document and a United Kingdom visa. The need for the former arises from Her Majesty's Government's non-recognition of the East German regime and, consequently, of East German passports. Except that it cannot be issued to holders of Federal German passports, there are no restrictions on the issue of this document. It can normally be obtained in three weeks from the Allied Travel Office, although in cases of urgency this can be reduced to three or four days. I see no reason to seek to alter this procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent shooting incidents and the possible damage to craft and infliction of human death or injury, he will make a further approach to the Icelandic Government to achieve at least a temporary settlement of the dispute, and also endeavour to bring forward the date of the next World Conference on the Law of the Sea.

I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 11th May.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the Icelandic Government to Her Majesty's Government's protest about the shelling of the Hull trawler "Arctic Viking".

The Icelandic Government's reply of 14th May, which was published on that day, stated that the trawler "Arctic Viking" was found illegally fishing within Icelandic fishery limits (by that they mean the twelve-mile limit, which Her Majesty's Government do not recognise). The reply further stated that when the trawler tried to escape arrest the Icelandic coastguard vessel "Thor" fired eight warning shots, three of which were unexplosive projectiles, and that these three shots were fired from a range of 100 metres and aimed at between 30 and 50 metres ahead of the trawler.The reply reaffirmed the Icelandic Government's view that their fishery regulations of 30th June, 1958, and the actions taken to enforce them, are in accordance with international law and requested the withdrawal of British warships. As the House is aware, Her Majesty's Government do not agree that the Icelandic twelve-mile fishery limit is valid in international law and see no justification for the request that Her Majesty's ships should cease to protect British vessels lawfully fishing on the high seas.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he has recently taken to expedite the re-employment of disabled persons in Cardiff; and whether he will make a statement.

Between November, 1958, and April, 1959, my disablement resettlement officers in Cardiff placed 266 registered disabled persons in open or sheltered employment; 79 began courses of industrial rehabilitation and 29 entered vocational training. As regards future prospects, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on this subject on 13th May.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of unemployed persons in Sunderland at the latest available date; and how this figure compares with the figures for the corresponding period in 1958 and in 1957.

4,642 at 11th May, 1959, compared with 2,999 at 12th May, 1958, and 2,476 at 13th May, 1957.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the current inter-union dispute at Cammell Laird's Shipyard, Birkenhead; and whether he has yet considered the possibility of setting up an inquiry into it.

I understand that this stoppage originated in a dispute between members of the Boilermakers' Society and of the Shipwrights' Association as to who should mark off certain plates. As a result, two members of the Boilermakers' Society were withdrawn from a team and, following the refusal of the management to employ them on alternative work, 1,750 members of that Society went On strike on 27th April. The strike still continues and has led to the discharge of some 2,400 workers in other occupations. Efforts have been made by local officials of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions to bring about a settlement, so far without success.My officers, whose services are available to the parties at any time, have been keeping a close watch on the situation, but so far no request for assistance has been made to my Department. I am not satisfied that the possibilities of settling this matter by negotiation or arbitration have yet been completely exhausted, but it may be that, should no other course prove effective, I shall have to give consideration to the setting up of an inquiry.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will place a model of the revised Barbican Plan for the St. Giles area of the City of London in the Library.

The City Corporation teas already undertaken to keep its model on public show at Guildhall until 20th June, but for the convenience of hon. Members I hope to be able to make arrangements for it to be placed in the Upper Waiting Hall for two or three days towards the end of this month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the reasons which have led to the official announcement that H.M.S. "Daedalus" at Lee-on-Solent shall be renamed H.M.S. "Ariel"; and whether he will reconsider this decision to change a name of some 20 years' standing.

As part of our plans to streamline shore establishments H.M.S. "Ariel", the R.N. Air Electrical School, is being transferred from its present accommodation at Worthy Down to the R.N. Air Station Lee-on-Solent. When this transfer is complete, most of the officers and men at Lee-on-Solent will belong to the Air Electrical School and associated units. It has therefore been decided to transfer the name "Ariel" with the School.The Headquarters of Flag Officer Air (Home) will remain at Wykeham Hall, which it is planned to name H.M.S. "Daedalus" in order to preserve the connection of that name with Lee-on-Solent and with the Home Air Command.These changes in title are expected to take place in the autumn of this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total cost of agricultural research borne by his Department.

The total cost of all agricultural and related research and experimental work borne on my Ministry's Votes in the financial year 1958–59 was approximately £1,515,000.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now give the names of the other members of the committee which he and the Secretary of State for Scotland have decided to appoint to consider the question of an experimental importation of Charollais cattle.

Yes: I am pleased to be able to say that, in addition to Lord Terrington, who will be the Chairman, the following have agreed to serve on the Committee:

• Mr. J. W. Bruford, M.R.C.V.S.
• Sir Alexander Glen, K.B.E., C.B., M.C.
• Sir James Scott Watson, C.B.E., M.C., M.A., LI.D., D.Sc.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to meet the immediate financial needs of the settlements managed by the Welsh Land Settlement Society.

To meet the needs referred to in the Question, I am making an advance of £10,000 to the Welsh Land Settlement Society. For technical reasons, specific Parliamentary authority is needed for this payment, and this will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate to be presented shortly. In the meantime, the money has been advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund. In view of the difficulties which these settlements are experiencing, I am, in consultation with the Society, looking into the policy to be followed in the future.

asked the Minister of Education (1) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the approximate number of boys and of girls in the County of Kent who this year will be leaving school to take occupations, and the approximate corresponding number in each of the last five years;(2) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the approximate number of boys and girls who this year will be leaving school to take occupations, and the approximate corresponding number in each of the last five years.

The numbers of pupils leaving maintained schools and not continuing their education full-time are given in the following tables:

asked the Minister of Health if, in the face of the existing shortage of nurses in certain areas, he will consider allowing former nurses who have left the service but are now widows or can without difficulty leave their homes, to have a cheap refresher course of training and then be allowed to serve again as nurses in hospitals.

Many such nurses already return to hospital nursing. No formal refresher course is needed as on their re-employment the hospital concerned makes appropriate arrangements to ensure that their knowledge and experience are brought up to date as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement about the Report of the Working Party on the Senior Secondary School Curriculum.

I am issuing a circular to education authorities giving my views on the main recommendations of the Report. The circular will be published in a few weeks' time, but in the meantime I am placing copies in the Library for the information of hon. Members.