asked the Minister of Transport why he approved the recommendation of the Central Transport Consultative Committee that the British Transport Commission be permitted to withdraw the passenger service from Nottingham Victoria to Pinxton South, and to close Pinxton South, Pye Hill and Jacksdale stations for all traffic, both passenger and goods.

The Transport Users Consultative Committee for the East Midland Area considered objections to the proposal. They were satisfied that the alternative services were reasonable. The Central Transport Consultative Committee endorsed the Area Committee's decision. I found no evidence that the proposals would cause hardship to users.

asked the Minister of Transport why he has refused to meet a deputation of Swindon railway workers to discuss the present redundancy problem; and if he will now reconsider his decision.

As I informed the hon. Member in my letter of 31st October, 1962, discussions are still going on between the Commission and the unions about the Commission's proposals for their main workshops. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to receive a deputation at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will publish the recommendations of the Railway Board about the size and shape of the railway system before he comes to any conclusions about the general closure proposals.

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary told the House last Thursday, we have not yet seen these proposals. I cannot therefore give a categorical reply to the right hon. Gentleman's question. But I can assure him that the Government will take the House fully into their confidence before any final conclusions are reached on the Railway Board's proposals for the future size and shape of the British railway system.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to investigate the possibilities of using branch railway tracks as footpaths and bridle paths.

This is not an appropriate matter for a direction. The responsibilities of the British Transport Commission do not extend to the provision of footpaths and bridle paths. It is open to any appropriate authority wishing to provide such a path to negotiate with the Commission for the use for this purpose of land surplus to the Commission's requirements.

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to invite tenders for the construction of the planned extension of the London-Yorkshire motorway from Markfield to Lockington, and for a junction with the A.6 at that point.

I hope to invite tenders next spring for the section from Mark-field to the Trent including the Lockington junction.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the proposed East-West Horsham bypass road; whether the road will go north or south of the town; and when construction is due to start.

The West Sussex County Council are the highway authority. Their County Development Plan includes a bypass on a line to the north of Horsham. I cannot say when an east-west bypass might be built, but it is clearly a long-term project.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the widespread protests that he has received, he will now abandon his scheme for a projected lorry route through Islington.

As I promised, I am thoroughly re-examining all aspects of the proposals in the light of the many detailed comments and suggestions I have received. I hope to make an announcement early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will satisfy himself that there are sufficient lay-bys and areas for parking of vehicles on the section from Cray to Pont Llynfell, Craig-y-nos, on the Sennybridge-Gurnos Road, A.4067, which is within the area of the Brecon Beacons National Park, before he issues consent to the Breconshire County Council (Prohibition of Waiting) (Clearways) No. 1 Order 1962.

This Order does not require the consent of my right hon. Friend. We have given local authorities general advice on the criteria necessary for a clearway but the decision whether they are observed in a particular case rests with the local authority.

asked the Minister of Transport what consideration he has given in the interests of road safety to the circumstances where a "Slow" sign on a road junction approaching a very fast traffic crossroad has proved to be inadequate; what technical advice he has received on the matter; what proposals he has; and if he will make a statement.

The "Slow" sign is used where the visibility along the main road at the junction is good enough to allow a driver to judge whether it is safe for him to proceed without actually stopping. The "Slow" sign can, where necessary, be supplemented by an additional "Slow" sign, by carriageway markings, kerb marking and by alteration in the layout of the junction, but this will depend on the circumstances of each case. I am considering, however, whether any other form of sign or marking is necessary at such junctions.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of fatal road accidents in which commercial vehicles have been involved during the last 12 months for which figures are available, and the proportion which this figure represents of the total number of fatal road accidents which have occurred during the same period.

I regret that the number of accidents is not readily available. The number of goods vehicles involved in fatal accidents during the twelve months ended 30th September, 1962 was 2,271. This was 24 per cent. of the total number of vehicles involved in fatal accidents.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the line of the trunk road section of the King's Lynn bypass has yet been settled; and when he expects construction work to begin.

Yes. Although no Order under the Highways Act, 1959, has been made, the line is shown in the approved development plan. But I cannot say when it will be possible to include this section of the bypass in the Road Programme.

asked the Minister of Transport how many road signs are now displayed in Cromwell Road, Kensington; and whether he will reduce the number.

There are 118 traffic signs altogether. All are necessary at present, but it may be possible to dispense with a few when the Earls Court Road one-way experiment has settled down.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) when it is proposed to construct a direct link between Trafford Park and the M.62 motorway;(2) when he proposes to authorise the widening of Edge Lane, Stretford, from the junction with King's Road to the point where it is to be realigned with Chester Road.

I have no doubt that these two schemes will be among those considered by the committee of highway authorities in the South-East Lancashire area who are working out a comprehensive phased programme of road schemes for the area. We hope to receive the recommendations of this committee within the next few months.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reclassify the B.1062 road from Class II to Class I, in view of the need to improve communications between Lowestoft and the Midlands and the poor state of the existing road and bridges.

If the highway authorities concerned put a case for reclassification to us, we shall, of course, consider it.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects work to start on the Lancashire-Yorkshire motorway.

It is too early to say. Possible routes are now being surveyed and I expect to receive the report next summer. Start of work will depend on completion of the statutory processes which must follow and on the availability of funds.

asked the Minister of Transport by what date he expects to have completed the extension of M.1 into the West Riding of Yorkshire.

I have nothing at present to add to the Answer given on 28th November to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Dr. Broughton).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has plans for the construction of a motorway between north-east England and the Midlands.

Greatly improved connections between the north-east and the Midlands will be provided by the Durham-Darlington motorway, the reconstructed section of A.1 between Scotch Corner and the Doncaster Bypass, the Doncaster Bypass, the extension of M.1 and the construction of a link between it and M.6 at Birmingham.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider his decision not to place a pedestrian crossing over the Birmingham-Coventry road at Sheldon.

No, for the reasons which I have set out fully in correspondence with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he has plans for the construction of another bridge across the River Tyne.

I have agreed in principle to the local authorities' plans to replace Spotswood Bridge. I hope that work will begin next year. My trunk road programme includes a scheme for a new bridge over the River Tyne at Haydon in Northumberland.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received concerning the need to discourage heavily laden lorries going through the centre of the City of Lichfield in view of existing and convenient bypasses; and what replies he has sent.

We have recently been asked to consider proposals for prohibiting the use of certain roads in Lichfield by goods vehicles of more than three tons unladen weight unless they require access to premises in Lichfield. We are considering these proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the letter dated 22nd November, which he has sent to local authorities in the London area, with respect to classified roads which are main roads but not designated as trunk or metropolitan roads.

The letter was intended to invite the views of London local authorities on the list of proposed metropolitan roads included in the Greater London Bill. All other roads in Greater London, except trunk roads, will be the responsibility of the London Borough Councils or the Common Council. If they are classified roads they will remain eligible for grant.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to ensure adequate provision of off-street parking in Central London in view of the failure of the London County Council to provide adequate off-street parking facilities, as evidenced by their rejection of the plan of St. Marylebone Borough Council for a garage in Chiltern Street.

I understand that the Borough Council have appealed against the London County Council's refusal of planning permission for the Chiltern Street garage. I will not therefore comment on that particular matter. The job of providing off-street parking is in general one for the Metropolitan Boroughs rather than the London County Council. I have no powers myself. Some boroughs are getting on well, and I hope their example will encourage others.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the desirability of cars being left near outer London tube stations in order that their owners avoid congesting streets in inner London areas, what short- and long-term policies he has to minimise problems arising from parking near tube stations; and if he will take powers to ensure car owners a right of access to their own household garages in those localities.

The solution to these problems is the provision of adequate off-street parking space. This is the responsibility of the London Transport Executive and local authorities. It is also a field for private enterprise. The Executive, I understand, have already provided 3,374 spaces and have plans for a further 1,600.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the congestion on the present bridges in Sunderland and of the need to provide public works to relieve unemployment, he will consider the construction of a road bridge over the River Wear just west of Sunderland.

I have received no proposals for a new bridge from either the Sunderland Borough Council or the Durham County Council, who are the highway authorities for the area. I have recently approved additional road improvement schemes in Sunderland costing £250,000. Work has already started on some of them.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the reason for the difference between the estimated cost of £250,000 for the construction of the new River Ely Bridge at Penarth Road, Cardiff, and the lowest tender of £397,000; and when he proposes to take a decision on whether the scheme can go ahead.

This is a classified road scheme for which the Glamorgan County Council and the Cardiff County Borough Council are joint highway authorities. I understand that they first prepared their estimate of £250,000 early in 1961, when the design had not been finalised. Costs generally have increased since then. Moreover, in this particular scheme working conditions are difficult and the contractors must make proper provision for the inherent risks.I hope to issue a grant shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport when he intends to complete the extension of the Gatwick Road through to A.23.

I have received no proposals from the Surrey County Council who would be responsible as highway authority. But in any case, the result- ing increased traffic flow would create a serious problem at the junction with trunk road A.23 at Tinsley Lane.

asked the Minister of of Transport what is the total estimated cost of the two flyovers at Hammersmith Broadway and Chiswick and the projected elevated junction with the Welsh motorway; and whether it is proposed to recover any of this cost by the charging of tolls.

The flyovers at Hammersmith and Chiswick cost about £1·276m. and £1·03m. respectively The estimated cost of the two mile viaduct section of the M.4 between the Chiswick Flyover and Boston Manor Park is about £6·1m. Tolls will not be charged on these sections of road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to implement the Rochdale Report so far as Port Talbot is concerned.

This is a matter in the first place for negotiation between British Transport Docks and the Steel Company of Wales. I understand that discussions are in progress and I await their outcome with interest.

asked the Minister of Transport what further steps he is taking to remove the danger to shipping caused by the wreck lying in the channel of the harbour at Brancaster, Norfolk.

A bouy marking this wreck was laid by Trinity House on my behalf in September, 1961, and it has since been fitted with "Scotchlite" reflector panels as the result of a suggestion made by the fishermen of Brancaster that this would be an advantage to them.Continuous efforts have been made to get Mr. Clark, the owner to remove the wreck but I have no power to compel him to do so. There is no general navigation in the area.

asked the Minister of Transport when he now expects to make a statement on the Rochdale Report.

I have at the moment nothing to add to the reply I gave to a Question on the same subject on 21st November to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss).

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the announcement that a nuclear-powered merchant ship is to be built in Germany and of the effect of this competition on British shipping, he will reconsider his decision not to start the construction of one in this country.

I have seen the reports about the building of a nuclear-powered merchant ship in Germany. I understand, however, that the Germans have not yet decided what type of reactor to install in the ship.Our own policy is to concentrate on research to find a reactor system which is economically attractive to a wide range of shipping. Although the research programme is going well, the stage has not yet been reached of deciding whether to have a prototype nuclear ship built.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state for the last available six-monthly period for the County Borough of Oldham and County of Cheshire the proportion of test weighings made to the approximate total of loaded heavy motor vehicle journeys; what was the number of excessive loadings; and what action was taken on them.

I understand from the authorities concerned that in the year ending 31st March, 1962, figures of test weighings of road vehicles under the Road Traffic Acts were as follows. In the County of Cheshire, 2,497 vehicles were stopped, of which 687 were weighed; there were 369 prosecutions and the operators of 410 vehicles were cautioned. Fines totalling £1,127 were imposed. In the County Borough of Oldham 27 vehicles were stopped and weighed, of which one was over-weight; no prosecution was taken. It is not possible to relate these figures to a total of journeys.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements far notices to be sent to existing holders of road fund licences in respect of motor vehicles reminding them of the date on which their present licences will expire.

No. Expiry dates are clearly printed on licences which are their own reminder. A reminder system would be expensive to operate and ineffective in the regrettably large number of cases in which vehicles change hands without the licensing authority being notified.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the value of the receipts from the licensing of goods vehicles of over three tons unladen weight for the year 1961, and the estimated average annual mileage of goods vehicles of between three and five tons unladen weight.

It is estimated that the receipts were about £17 million. The average annual mileage of goods vehicles of between three and five tons is about 20,000.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to enable a British subject, returning to take up residence in the United Kingdom, to be allowed a driving licence if he had passed a test in any Commonwealth country, without having to pass a second test in this country.

No. This would not be in the interests of road safety, since driving conditions abroad may differ widely from our own.

asked the Minister of Transport what machinery exists for consultation between his Department and the designers of road haulage vehicles in the endeavour to secure maximum safety standards, particularly in regard to the braking capacity of fully loaded vehicles travelling at maximum speeds.

Consultation about general safety features in the design of motor vehicles and components, including brakes, takes place regularly between my Department and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Matters relating to the safety of any particular design of vehicle are discussed directly with the manufacturer concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport, if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to ensure freedom from political censorship in the use of their advertising sites.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport what recent tests have been carried out on road haulage vehicles in respect of their braking power and the ability to stop them in emergencies when travelling at the maximum permitted speeds and fully loaded.

Testing goods vehicles on the road is a normal part of the duties of my vehicle examiners and the brakes of laden vehicles have been given particular attention recently.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the congestion being caused in London by the increased carrying by road of heavy loads that were formerly carried by river; and what steps he is taking to discourage this trend.

I understand that there has been a recent fall in the amount of goods carried by river. This is only partly due to transfer to road and I have no evidence that this has noticeably increased road congestion in London.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons registered for employment at Coatbridge and Airdrie Employment Exchanges during October 1960, 1961 and 1962, respectively.

1,137, 1,540 and 1,882, respectively, at Coatbridge and 774, 872 and 1,388 at Airdrie.

asked the Minister of Labour what success he has met with in his efforts to encourage employers in and around Ilford to provide increased apprenticeship opportunities to match the exceptionally large numbers of school leavers this year.

Up to the end of October 204 boys and 121 girls obtained apprenticeships in Ilford compared with 251 boys and 105 girls in the same period of 1961.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the Government's policy for apprenticeships and the current situation and outlook in this respect.

In the first ten months of this year 110,800 boys entered apprenticeships. This was 9,600 or 9·5 per cent. more than in the corresponding period last year which was itself a record.Government proposals for the future of industrial training including apprenticeship are contained in a Command Paper which is being published today.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the total number of boys and girls unemployed in the Port Talbot and Glyncorrwg area, in England, and in Wales, respectively, at the latest available date.

On 12th November, 177 in Port Talbot and Glyncorrwg, 26,324 in England and 3,250 in Wales.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the 50 per cent. increase in unemployment in Goole during the past month; and what action is being taken to find remedies for this situation.

I am aware that the increase was substantial. My local officers will continue to try to find work for those unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of mineworkers, building trade workers, shipbuilding workers and school leavers, respectively, registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in the County of Durham at the latest available date.

On 12th November there were 1,541 registered unemployed who were last employed in coalmining, 5,836 from construction, and 3,010 from shipbuilding and ship-repairing, 624 summer school-leavers were registered as unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the extent of unemployment in Blyth, Bedlington and Seaton Valley areas in October, 1960; and what were the corresponding figures for the same period in 1951.

At 10th October, 1960, 448 workers were registered as unemployed at Blyth, 166 at Bedlington Station and 167 at Seaton Delaval; the corresponding figures at 15th October, 1951, were 368, 189 and 61 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the unemployment figures in Blyth, Bedlington and Seaton Valley areas at the latest available date; what were the age groups of those unemployed; and for how long each had been on the unemployed register.

At 12th November there were 661 workers registered as unemployed at Blyth, 368 at Bedlington Station and 300 at Seaton Delaval. Following are tables giving an analysis of unemployment by age and duration as at 16th July, 1962, the latest date for which such an analysis is available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many steel erectors are unemployed in the Thurrock area.

Twelve.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of boys and girls, respectively who left school in the Hull area at the end of the summer term; how many are still unemployed; and what steps his Department is taking to provide employment for these unemployed teen-agers.

1,777 boys and 2,020 girls; of these, 56 boys and 35 girls were unemployed on 12th November. The Youth Employment Service is making every effort to find them suitable jobs.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the latest unemployment figure for the Hull area; how this figure compares with the previous month and with that of November 1961; and what steps his Department is taking to check the increase of unemployment in the area.

4,682 at 12th November compared with 4,317 at 15th October and 2,930 at 13th November, 1961. My local officers will continue to try to find other work for those unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men have been made redundant in ship-repairing yards in Southampton during the past six weeks.

Thirty-nine.

asked the Minister of Labour how many people were registered as unemployed on the date of the last count at the employment exchanges of Motherwell and Wishaw; and how this compares with the count on the comparable date in 1961.

At 12th November 1,521 at Motherwell and 1,467 at Wishaw, compared with 909 and 891 respectively at 13th November, 1961.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of males in employment in Scotland and in Great Britain, respectively, from 1951 to the latest available date.

It is estimated that between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the number of male employees in employment decreased by 16,000 in Scotland and increased by 839,000 in Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of persons employed in the Scottish shipbuilding and marine engineering industries from 1951 to the latest available date.

Between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the numbers employed in shipbuilding and ship-repairing and in marine engineering in Scotland are estimated to have fallen by 8,400 and 2,700 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of persons employed in the Scottish coal-mining industry from 1951 to the latest available date.

Between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the numbers employed in the coalmining industry in Scotland are estimated to have fallen by about 9,000.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of persons employed in the steel industry of Scotland from 1951 to the latest available date.

Between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the number employed in the iron and steel industry in Scotland is estimated to have fallen by about 600.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of persons employed in the construction of locomotives in Glasgow from 1951 to the latest available date.

Between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the number employed in the manufacture and repair of locomotives and railway track equipment in the Glasgow area is estimated to have fallen by about 7,700.

asked the Minister of Labour by what percentage the average weekly earnings of male employees of 21 years and over in the manufacturing industries of the London and south-east region exceeded those of similar employees in Scotland at the latest date upon which an estimate was made.

Seventeen per cent. at April, 1962.

asked the Minister of Labour by what percentage the average weekly earnings of women employees in the manufacturing industries of the London and south-east region exceeded those of similar employees in Scotland at the latest date upon which an estimate was made.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the unemployment situation at Falmouth.

The number of workers registered as unemployed rose from 627 on 15th October to 1,462 on 12th November, mainly as the result of discharges from the ship-repairing firm, Messrs. Silley Cox. I understand that the firm expect work on further orders over the next three weeks, and this should substantially reduce the level of unemployment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will institute an immediate inquiry into the trade dispute arising from unofficial strikes causing hold-ups in industry to building and work in Ford factories in the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the trade disputes arising from strikes which have taken place on major sites in the construction industry, culminating in the recent troubles on Merseyside, which have hampered the provision of additional employment, what action he will take to deal with this problem.

The delays which have occurred on the Ford sites are, as the hon. Member for Bebington (Sir H. Oakshott) suggests, typical of the situation at a number of major constructional sites in various parts of the country, and should I think be considered against that background rather than in isolation. I have had it in mind for some time past to hold discussions with representatives of the employers' organisation and trade unions concerned with the construction industry to look into the problems which arise on these large sites. I have now arranged to meet representatives of the principal employers' associations concerned on 10th December and of the unions on 17th December.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the number of boys and girls in the Dearne Valley constituency area who left school in August of this year and who by the end of October had not been found employment.

A special count taken on 29th November shows that on that day 10 boys and 9 girls were still unemployed out of 486 boys and 442 girls who left school at the end of the summer term. Figures are not available for the end of October.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large number of persons involved directly or indirectly in docks employment at Barry, details of which were specified in a recent communication from the hon. Member for Barry; what steps he will take to ensure their future employment; and if he will make a statement.

I am aware of the substantial contribution which the Barry Docks make to local employment but, as my hon. Friend knows, no decision has yet been taken as to their future.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the increase or decrease in the number of persons employed in the railway wagon and carriage building industries of Scotland from 1951 to the latest available date.

Between mid-1951 and mid-1961 the number employed in the manufacture and repair of railway carriages and wagons and trams in Scotland is estimated to have fallen by about 1,100.

asked the Minister of Defence how much, in addition to the £25 million defence orders from Germany already announced, he has subsequently obtained; in view of the fact that the United States Government has received defence orders of $600 million already, what steps he is taking to increase Great Britain's share of the total West German defence orders; and if he will make a statement.

The £23½ million gun and ammunition order announced during my recent visit to Bonn falls within the scope of the Anglo-German Agreement announced in the House in March. Under this agreement, the Federal Republic have undertaken to spend about £54 million in relief of the United Kingdom balance of payments in each of the two years up to 30th March, 1963 and 1964. The total value of orders so far placed is about £40 million.

asked the Minister of Defence what report he has received from the Chief of the Imperial General Staff on his visit to the India-China border

I have nothing to add to the statement made on Monday to the House by my right hon. Friend ale Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

asked the Minister of Defence how many members of Her Majesty's forces are at present engaged full-time on learning Chinese.

It is not in the public interest to give this information.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the success of Aberdeen shipyards in building research vessels such as "The Discovery", when he will place further orders of this kind in Aberdeen shipyards where there is great and increasing unemployment.

The contract for building R.R.S. "Discovery" was placed by the National Institute of Oceanography and not by the Admiralty. It was awarded as a result of competitive tendering.So far as naval new construction is concerned, Aberdeen Shipbuilders, along with a number of other firms, will continue to be invited to tender from time to time for work for which they are suitable, such as tugs, fleet tenders, and salvage vessels.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider adjusting and bringing forward the naval building programme so as to assist United Kingdom shipbuilding yards, and take up the slack which at present exists in them.

Proposals have been made that the naval shipbuilding programme should be accelerated in order to help the shipbuilding industry in its present difficulties. We are considering the suggestion, in collaboration with other Departments concerned, but it raises difficulties and the scope for acceleration cannot be large.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Scottish tourist industry needs help and subvention; and if he will now state his plans for encouraging the tourist industry in Scotland.

I am in close touch with the Scottish Tourist Board who keep me advised on the state of the industry in Scotland. In June this year I asked planning authorities to carry out a comprehensive examination of tourist potentialities, and I look forward to studying the results of this review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a statement showing the calculation of the total Scottish Exchequer equalisation grant for the year 1961–62, including the total relevant local expenditure for England and Wales, the total weighted populations of England and Wales, the total weighted population of Scotland, the notional relevant local expenditure in Scotland, the total amounts of the Exchequer equalisation grants payable in England and Wales, the rates burden for England and Wales, the population of England and Wales, the population of Scotland, the notional rates burden for Scotland, and the notional Exchequer grant far Scotland, all as taken into account in the calculation, and, where final figures for any item are not available, showing the latest provisional figures.

Following are the figures, which are provisional, except for population.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in his capacity of landlord of land settlement crofts, he has now found a farm worker with greater claims to the tenancy of the Department of Agriculture croft No. 3, West Murkle, than Mr. A. D. Sutherland.

This croft is being advertised to let and Mr. Sutherland will be able to apply for it along with any others who may be interested. The closing date for applications will be 28th December.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of beds expected to be available for geriatric patients for the years 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967 in the area of the East Fife Hospitals Board of Management; and in which hospitals they will he located.

One hundred and fifty eight in 1963, 180 in 1964, 282 from 1965 to 1967. The beds will be located at Cameron Bridge, Windygates, Victoria Hospital Kircaldy, Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital Buckhaven, Kirkcaldy Orthopædic Hospital and Hunter Hospital Kircaldy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the maintenance allocations to each regional hospital board for each year from 1951–52, including the current year, indicating the percentage increases in monetary and in real terms over the allocations of the previous financial year.

Following are the figures: