asked the Minister of Transport, what is the average cost of administering each lighthouse under the care of Trinity House and the Commissioners of Northern Lights, respectively.

Information is not readily available in this form, but I am in touch with Trinity House and the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the outcome of the inquiry into the future uses of Whiting Bay pier.

A public inquiry into the proposed abandonment of Whiting Bay pier was held under Mr. Douglas Reith, Q.C., at Whiting Bay on 22nd–23rd November, 1962. Mr. Reith reported that in his view the evidence offered did not show that the pier was essential for the purposes of public transport and he recommended that the necessary Order of Abandonment should be made. This Order was made on 16th July, 1963, and releases the Arran Pier Company from all statutory and other obligations in respect of the pier. The bulk of the pier will be removed, but a small portion is to be retained as a landing jetty.

asked the Minister of Transport how many ships are now lying idle in ports and estuaries; what is their total tonnage; how many are coastal ships; and what is their tonnage.

There were 393 ocean-going ships of all flags totalling 2,530,000 gross tons laid up for lack of employment in ports and estuaries of the world at the beginning of July, 1963. Of these ships 60, totalling 395,000 gross tons, were registered in the United Kingdom. The latest available figure for coasters relates to the middle of May, 1963, when seven British dry-cargo coasters totalling 4,600 tons gross were laid up. No figures are available for coastal tankers or for foreign coasters.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Merchant Shipping Act was last reviewed; and if he will make another review to bring it into line with modern shipping requirements and to ensure higher standards for seamen.

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, deals with many different matters. They are kept regularly under review and the Act is revised as necessary. Indeed there have been 42 amending Acts, the last of which was passed in 1960. The question of further amendment is under review, and I am always willing to consider proposals from the shipping industry.

asked the Minister of Transport what details of the Cunard Steamship Company's proposals for the building of a new "Queen Mary" are unacceptable to Her Majesty's Government; to what extent, in respect either of capital or interest rates, they would require to be changed before they are acceptable; and if he will make a statement.

The Company's proposal dealt with the use to be made of the ship, the size of loan, period of repayment, rate of interest, security to be offered and other matters all of which were considered together. It would be misleading to single out particular features that were unacceptable.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the difficulties being caused by the situation in Cuba, and the subsidising of Italian liners by their Government on the steamship route to the west coast of South America, if he will seek powers to grant aid to British steamship companies operating on that route; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent road casualties and accidents are attributable to persons involved in them during the first year after they have passed the test; and whether he will take steps to cause such persons to carry some distinguishing sign on all vehicles driven by them.

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. I do not believe that a special sign to distinguish newly qualified drivers would contribute to road safety; and it might detract from the significance of the L plate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the implementation of Section 7(2) of the Road Traffic Act, 1962, when taken in conjunction with paragraphs 10 and 19 of Part II of the First Schedule to the Act.

These provisions have not been in force long enough to be able to draw any firm conclusions on how they are working. But if the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind I should be happy to consider them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to improve the weight-power ratio of road-using vehicles.

We have set up a Departmental Committee to develop a scheme to prescribe maximum permissible gross weights for goods vehicles. The fixing of a minimum power-weight ratio will be considered in this connection.

asked the Minister of Transport on how many occasions during the last 12 months he has consulted the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee.

The Committee met once during this period and gave me its advice on 13 proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport what further progress has been made by his Department on research into the problem of diesel fumes from heavy lorries and other vehicles; if an effective smoke measurement meter can yet be brought into operation; and if he will make a statement.

There is no immediate prospect of a meter being developed which could be used from the roadside to make useful observations of smoke emitted by moving vehicles. There are, however, meters which work by attachment to the exhaust pipe of the vehicle to be tested; the possibility of using them as a means of enforcing a stautory standard of smoke emission on roads is being investigated.The real remedy to the problem of diesel exhaust fumes lies in correct maintenance and operation of engines.

asked the Minister of Transport when the long-term development plan for the reduction of traffic congestion round Victoria Station will be implemented.

I understand from the London County Council that the two new roads are likely to be completed in April, 1964. I am working on a comprehensive one-way scheme for the Victoria area including these new roads.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the traffic congestion in the area of Victoria Station, S.W.1, on Saturday mornings and especially on 27th July; why buses whose routes terminate in the station yard enter and leave in the opposite direction to other traffic; and if, in order to lessen the congestion during the holiday period, he will experiment with one way working in this and other thorough fares such as Wilton Road.

I am aware of the difficulties in this area, including those of holiday traffic on Saturdays in summer.The bus routings into and out of the station have been the same for many years. They do not in fact cause difficulty.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the course of his review of the conditions to be satisfied before he authorises the conveyance of heavy and cumbersome loads by road, he will consider means of arranging for warning to be given beforehand to the highway authorities and police authorities concerned and for costs incurred by them thereby to be reimbursed by the hauliers.

Under the regulations governing the movement of abnormal indivisible loads, hauliers are required to give at least two days' advance notice to police, highway and bridge authorities concerned. The police have power to control the date and time of movement and the route.Hauliers must bear the costs of any work on roads or bridges needed to be carried out in advance, and must also indemnify the authorities against any damage which may be caused by the vehicle or its load.On the question of police costs, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department on 30th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford (Mr. Gibson-Watt).

asked the Minister of Transport how many children were injured or killed in the West Riding of Yorkshire in 1962 when crossing the road near ice-cream vans; and what were the corresponding figures for 1958 and 1953.

The information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has received from the Waterways Board under Section 10(2) of the Transport Act, 1962.

I am informed by the Board that it is examining all aspects of the future use of the inland waterways for which it is responsible. It is doing this not only from the point of view of commercial transport but also in the light of all the other varied purposes which the inland waterways could or might be made to serve. I understand that it hopes to be able to give me a preliminary report of its general views by about the end of the year. Mean while the Board has told me that it is not its present intention to promote any private legislation on individual waterways in the next Session.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has completed his analysis of accidents at the crossing of the Lichfield-Stonebridge road, A.446, and the Coleshill-Water Orton road, B.4417; if he will state the figures; and what remedy he proposes to apply.

Accident figures for this junction were given in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 29th May. As part of our study of the junction a special 3-day census of traffic movements has just been carried out. Until the results have been studied in conjunction with the accident record, it is not possible to devise a remedy.

asked the Minister of Transport what plains he has for easing acute traffic congestion at the junction of North Road and Western Avenue, Cardiff.

Traffic conditions at this junction are the concern of the Cardiff City Council, and any steps to improve them are their responsibility. Much has been done to increase its capacity by improving the traffic signal installations.We are aware of no other plans short of the complete rebuilding of this junction as part of the construction of Eastern Avenue.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the route of the proposed eastern bypass at Cardiff has been agreed by his Department and the city council; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. It was laid down by an Order under the Highways Act made in July, 1958The Cardiff City Council has made substantial progress in the preparation of the scheme, but I cannot yet say when work can be authorised on it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will place contracts for the manufacture of the new road signs with Royal Ordnance Factories, bearing in mind that a number of these Royal Ordnance Factories at Nottingham, Patricroft, Radway Green and Blackburn are equipped to do such work.

No. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that this is not work for which the Royal Ordnance Factories are suitably equipped.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the proposed tunnel under the Thames to replace Tower Bridge.

I understand that the City's plan for such a tunnel is still in a very preliminary stage. We have already said that, so far as we are concerned, the sooner this plan comes to fruition the better.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a progress report on the construction of the Tyne Tunnel.

The tunnel contract was let in October, 1961. The Tyne Tunnel Joint Committee, which is the highway authority, says that a pilot tunnel has been driven two-thirds of the distance across the river and good progress is being made with the main tunnel. The work is scheduled for completion in 1965. A road will then be built through the tunnel and is expected to be completed in 1966.

asked the Minister of Transport if, with a view to making the North-East more attractive both industrially and commercially, he will, when the Tyne Tunnel is completed, make it free of tolls.

No. The benefit to be gained by business in the region from this fine new facility will be apparent notwithstanding the tolls.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the dissent expressed by four members of the Advisory Committee on Traffic Signs, who are professionally qualified to speak on aesthetic matters, against the shade of green proposed to form the background on all main road traffic signs, he will reconsider that Committee's recommendation on this point.

No. This was considered most carefully by the Committee in the light of the functional as well as the aesthetic aspects.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now give a date for commencing the construction of the Potteries D road.

I cannot give a firm forecast at this stage but this scheme has a strong claim to an early place in the next phase of the trunk road programme.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the urgent need to devise a means of preventing multiple accidents on motorways, he will take steps to ensure that the experiment with remotely controlled illuminated warning signs on the M.5 will be in operation by this winter.

I am anxious to get this equipment installed as soon as possible. As I told my hon. Friend in reply to his Question on 19th June, because of its complexity, the design is taking longer than expected and I do not expect to have the warning system in operation before next spring.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he accepts the views expressed in paragraph 217 of the Worboys Report relating to signs indicating services in by-passed towns; and whether he will announce Her Majesty's Government's policy on this matter.

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the Answer given to my hon. Friend for Richmond, Yorks. (Mr. Kitson) on 17th July. I am not yet able to announce a decision on this point.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in assisting counties to repair frost damage.

Many counties have applied for grants additional to their normal programmes of maintenance and minor improvement so as to carry out repairs to classified roads damaged by last winter's exceptional frosts. These applications are being considered. We hope to inform them very shortly what additional sums we can make available to them.

asked the Minister of Transport in what year the M.1 will be extended so that it will couple up with the proposed Sheffield-Leeds section.

The extension of the M.1 is planned to reach the junction with the Sheffield-Leeds motorway by the time the latter is built. As for the date of construction, I cannot add to my right hon. Friend's reply of 24th July to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. A. Roberts).

asked the Minister of Transport when the main road between Barry and St. Athan will be improved; and, in particular, when a new bridge will be erected across the River Thaw at Aberthaw, Glamorganshire.

The Glamorgan County Council is the highway authority for this road. The section between Barry and Rhoose has been improved. I regret that I can give my hon. Friend no indication about further improvements.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the large number of road accidents that occur at the junction of Southgate Road and Englefield Road, N.1, and that the existing danger is likely to be increased as a result of a proposed new building at these crossroads; and what steps he is taking in the matter following the representations he has received.

I know that conditions at this junction are unsatisfactory at present. To improve safety here I have authorised the Hackney Borough Council to modify the traffic control signals to allow for a short all-red period. Work on this will begin this week.Planning permission for the proposed new building was given by the London County Council. I have recently received representations against it, which I have referred to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continued increase of traffic along the main Cardiff to Barry road via Dinas-Powis; and when this road will be straightened and widened between Dinas-Powis and Cadoxton, Barry.

Yes. We are aware of the need for the improvement of this road, for which the Glamorgan County Council is highway authority, but my hon. Friend will no doubt realise that there are others with stronger claims; I cannot say when grant will be made available.

asked the Minister of Transport what sums have been authorised for major improvements to, and maintenance of, roads in Cornwall during the current financial year.

A total figure of £1 million has been authorised for expenditure from Government funds on roads in Cornwall this financial year: of this total, £285,000 represents major improvements and the remainder maintenance and minor improvements.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will have immediate steps taken to put an end to the discomfort and hazard to health now being experienced by residents of South Avenue, Leicester Forest East, due to M.1 construction work.

The contractor is already taking steps to control the nuisance caused by dust from the access road to the M.1 construction works, so far as this is practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the approximate date for the completion of the M.4 motorway as it affects the Borough of Brentford and Chiswick; and when he expects the full, completed motorway to be ready for public use.

We expect to complete the viaduct section of the M.4 from Chiswick Flyover to Boston Manor Park in December, 1964, and the length from Boston Manor Park to Langley early in 1965.The Slough and Maidenhead By-passes are already open to traffic. The Newport By-pass should be ready towards the end of 1965 and Severn Bridge in the following year.We hope to start work on the Almondsbury-Hambrook section in Gloucestershire later this year. The Hambrook-Tormarton and Newport-Crick sections are still going through the statutory processes.Between Maidenhead and the Gloucestershire boundary my consulting engineers are still carrying out surveys. As soon as possible after receiving and studying their report I will publish a draft Scheme under Section 11 of the Highways Act, 1959, setting out the proposed line of route. This is unlikely to be before the end of 1963. It is too early to say when the whole of the M.4 will be open to traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continued increase of traffic regularly using the main Cardiff to Pontypridd road; and if he will authorise the extension of the Manor Way by-pass towards Pontypridd without further delay.

The answer to the first part of the Question is Yes. On the second part, I regret that I cannot add to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. A. Pearson) on 28th June.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Barry to Penarth road via Sully will be widened and improved near Swanbridge.

I regret that I cannot yet give any indication when I shall be able to pay grant towards the improvement of this road.

asked the Minister of Transport when the road between St. Fagans and Peterston-super-Ely will be straightened and improved, in view of the steady increase of traffic using this route.

I have lately paid grant for the provision of a footpath near the school at Peterston-super-Ely on this road. There are at present no other schemes which will call for the payment of grant for the improvement of this Class III road.

asked the Minister of Transport when further improvements will be carried out on the main Cardiff to Pontyclun road; and, in particular, what consideration has been given to the need to straighten this road near Llanilterne, and near the Radyr Chain.

I do not at present expect to be able to issue grant for substantial improvements on this length of road. I shall, however, keep in mind the proposals of the highway authority for the improvement of this road as further funds become available.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that the local organisation of his Department in the North-East concerned with roads is adequate, having regard to the special problems of that area; and if he will make a statement.

I am aware of the many problems in the area and of the importance of good communications for the industrial development of the region. I have decided to establish an additional Divisional Road Engineer's office based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The new Division will for the present cover the Counties of Northumberland and Durham. Tees-side and the County of Cumberland. It will start operating as soon as accommodation can be arranged in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which I hope will be well before the end of this year.

asked the Minister of Transport when the main Barry to Bonvilston, Sycamore Cross, road will be improved; and if he will pay particular attention to the need for straightening this road.

The Glamorgan County Council, which is the highway authority for this road, has put forward a proposal for widening the Weycock River Bridge. I regret that I cannot say when this scheme can be approved for grant. No other schemes on this road are in mind at present.

asked the Minister of Transport in respect of what railway mileage in Scotland he has so far been informed of proposed closures by the Railways Board.

Notice has been given of proposals to withdraw all passenger services from 154 miles of railway in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations he has now had with the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding such closure proposals as have now been made to him for passenger services in Scotland.

The Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee has not had occasion to report to me on any passenger closure proposals since August, 1962. But in any case, the hon. Member will, I feel sure, understand that I cannot undertake to keep hon. Members informed of the timing and nature of my consultations with my colleagues.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the large number of workpeople who now work a five-day week, he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board to issue a five-day weekly ticket with a consequent reduction in fare.

No. This is a matter for the commercial judgment of the British Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the light of the report of the Transport Users Consultative Committee of 24th April, 1963, and the representations made to him by the hon. Member for Croydon, South, he will now confirm that the Woodside-Sanderstead line will not be closed to passenger traffic.

This closure raises some difficult issues and I have not yet reached a decision on it.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received about the transport position in Garston Docks, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

The Docks Board tell us that recently work in Garston Docks has at times been held up because of shortages of railway wagons and ropes. This is, of course, a matter for management but we have sent the Railways Board a copy of the letter which the hon. Member was good enough to send me last week.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the damage which proposed rail closures in and around Aberdeen will cause to industry, commerce and employment there, what alternative means of transport will be available to enable business to continue as heretofore.

Any existing alternative services, and any services the Railways Board propose to provide or augment, must be set out in the statutory notice of closure. In the case of closure proposals affecting services in and around Aberdeen, the need for any further alternative services is, in the first place, a matter for consideration by the Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a further statement giving more details and dates of proposed railway closures in and around Aberdeen, to enable business and employment in the area to continue their operations.

The Railways Board has given notice under Section 56 of the Transport Act, 1962, of the proposed withdrawal of the passenger services between Maud and Peterhead, Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, and Fraserburgh and St. Combs. As objections have already been lodged, these closures cannot take place without my consent. The dates on which notices of any other closures contemplated by British Railways will be given are a matter for the Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received formal notice from the Railways Board to terminate passenger services on the Broad Street-Richmond line.

No. The Board is not required to give me formal notice of a proposal to close a passenger service, though where notice has been given and an objection lodged with the Area Transport Users Consultative Committee, the Committee must then inform me. I understand that formal notice of closure has not yet been published in the case of the Broad Street-Richmond passenger service.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to abolish the use of warning bells at level crossings and to substitute for them warning lights during the hours of darkness, thereby avoiding unnecessary disturbance of the sleep of people in the neighbourhood.

We have approved a simple form of warning light indication for use at certain types of level crossings, and the British Railways Board is developing the equipment. It will no doubt consider substituting these lights for bells that disturb people, but the decision will rest with the Board.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in the public interest, he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to hold a full inquiry into railway safety matters, notably fires in heavy and fast diesel passenger locomotives, when drivers are operating solo; and whether he will make a statement.

Railway safety is the responsibility of the British Railways Board. It is also the constant concern of my Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways, who has the particular question of fires in diesel locomotives under discussion with the Board. In these circumstances I do not consider that a general direction on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is called for.

asked the Minister of Labour what consideration has been given, or is contemplated, by his officials to the effect that the proposals for a new town for 25,000 people on Erith Marshes will have on the employment prospects for the local people now residing in the district.

Although I am aware that development of this area is under consideration, I understand that no final plans have been put forward. My officers are maintaining a careful watch on the employment situation in Erith and will examine closely any formal proposals made.

asked the Minister of Labour how many school leavers are registered as unemployed at the employment exchanges of Coatbridge, Airdrie, Wishaw and Shotts.

Separate school leaver figures are not available for these places which lie within the Airdrie and Mother-well Youth Employment Office areas. In these two office areas 353 school leavers were registered on 15th July.

asked the Minister of Labour how many bricklayers and plasterers, respectively, are employed in the building industry; how these figures compare with 1960 and 1955; and what steps he is taking to increase their numbers.

In 1962, 109,000 bricklayers and 30,000 plasterers. In 1960, 110,000 and 31,000. In 1955, 120,000 and 34,000. I am making provision for additional training in building trades, including bricklaying and plastering, in Government training centres.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the total unemployment figures in the building industry for January and February of each year since 1952, with the percentage that is represented of the manpower in the industry at that time.

Following are the figures:

Unemployed Workers Last Employed In The Construction Industries
	January		February
	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
1952	41,812	3·2	46,334	3·5
1953	59,383	4·4	52,442	3·9
1954	51,777	3·8	64,232	4·7
1955	38,811	2·8	33,128	2·4
1956	35,412	2·5	45,062	3·2
1957	52,831	3·7	55,167	3·9
1958	58,409	4·2	61,763	4·4
1959	107,235	7·5	100,796	7·0
1960	69,821	4·8	69,452	4·8
1961	53,793	3·6	47,844	3·2
1962	78,053	5·0	66,392	4·2
1963	256,656	16·4	286,010	18·3

asked the Minister of Labour what reply he has sent to the letter addressed to him by Mr. H. Booker, previously employed at the Slough depot of Securicor Ltd., a firm which has contracts with several nationalised services, alleging the dismissal of employees who decline to resign from their trade union.

Mr. Booker has been told that his trade union has given my officers the information contained in his letter. My officers have discussed the position with the trade union at a meeting earlier this week and will be writing to them.

asked the Minister of Labour, how many trade union officials have gone to developing Commonwealth countries under his auspices to advise on trade union organisation during the period June 1962 to June 1963.

None. Neither the Trades Union nor I would think it appropriate that such visits should take place under my auspices.

asked the Minister of Labour what recent consultations he has had with the Railways Board, the local authority and other interested parties, about providing suitable employment for men becoming redundant at Swindon railway workshops.

My Local Employment Committee in Swindon, upon which the Railways Board, the local authority and other interests are represented have been discussing this problem and my local officers are in close touch with the management of the workshops. So far redundant workers have found alternative employment without undue difficulty and I am hopeful that they will continue to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour what special facilities he will provide for redundant Swindon railway workers to re-equip them for appropriate alternative employment.

The facilities of the Government Training Centre at Bristol are available for redundant Swindon railway workers who are suitable for training in skilled crafts. I plan to open a further centre in Gloucester.

asked the Minister of Labour how many vacancies exist in Fife for boys and girls, respectively; how many boys and girls are currently unemployed; how many school leavers are currently unemployed; and what prospects they have for early employment.

On 10th July there were 70 unfilled vacancies for boys and 99 for girls. 552 boys and 355 girls were registered for employment on 15th July, of whom 315 boys and 128 girls were school leavers. The employment situation in Fife is difficult but the number of unfilled vacancies on any given date is not a measure of the total number of openings likely to become available to school leavers. I am hopeful that most school leavers will obtain employment without great difficulty.

asked the Minister of Labour when the details of Her Majesty's Government's proposals for the inquiries into the effect of automation on employment will be announced.

The effects of technological change upon employment in the metal using industries will be covered by the inquiry of which I gave details in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Stamford (Mr. K. Lewis) on 22nd July.I am considering what further studies on this subject should be carried out by the Manpower Research Unit recently set up in my Ministry. Details of such studies will be announced in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour how many aircraft workers have been made redundant in Coventry since July, 1962, to the nearest convenient date; and what are the prospects of employment in the industry.

Since July, 1962, redundancies affecting some 1,350 workers in the aircraft industry in Coventry have been reported to my local officers. The prospects for the industry appear generally good but there are always likely to be variations in the load on particular firms.

asked the Minister of Labour what information he has had from the National Coal Board regarding the proposed redundancies at Elemore Colliery during the next few weeks; and what plans he has to provide work for those who cannot be placed within the mining industry.

I understand that 175 workers will be affected. At least 80 of these will be redeployed in other local pits immediately. The Board will do its best to reabsorb the remainder locally or, failing this, will offer to transfer them to other divisions. Any workers who are not reabsorbed will receive every assistance from my local officers.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the position now reached in his discussions with both sides of industry on the problems of redundancy and severance payments; and whether he will introduce legislation on this subject in the next Session.

A special sub-committee of my National Joint Advisory Council has been considering these matters. It concentrated on the questions of definition and financial provision and concluded that two main problems could be distinguished. As regards the alleviation of hardship if redundancy was followed by unemployment, it was agreed that this question must be considered in the context of the National Insurance scheme and that the views expressed should be brought to the notice of the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance. On the second question of compensation for a redundant worker with long service, there was general acceptance, in principle, of the view that severance payments for long service workers who became redundant was socially just and desirable. The sub-committee considered the general principles involved in any statutory minimum requirement for severance pay and the problems of meeting the costs.I reported the progress made to the full Council last week and I am studying all the problems further as a matter of urgency. I will keep in touch with the employers, unions and nationalised industries.As regards the last part of the Question, I cannot as the hon. Member will be aware, forecast future legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a further statement about his propoals for implementing the recommendations in the Report of the Working Party on Workshops for the Blind.

The recommendations in the Report are generally acceptable to the Government and to the local authorities and other interested organisations with whom my Department has been in consultation about the main issues raised.Arrangements are being made to set up the central advisory corporation recommended by the Working Party and I hope shortly to make an announcement about the chairmanship. I intend, in consultation with the corporation, to carry out a review of the likely need for capital development in the workshops over the next ten years. In the light of this review I will make a further announcement about the sum which, subject to any overriding economic or financial considerations, I shall be prepared to make available for grant towards the cost of approved developments.Discussions between the interested parties about the recommendation that a Joint Industrial Council for Workshops for the Blind should be established, covering the whole of Great Britain, are expected to take place in the near future. The first task of the Council would be to consider a new wages structure for introduction into the workshops, as proposed by the Working Party's report.The remaining recommendations in the report will be the subject of further consultation with the organisations concerned over the next few months.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now make a statement about the outcome of the inquiry which he has been conducting, in conjunction with the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, into the reporting of accidents under the Factories Act.

It appears from the survey that some 40 per cent. of all the accidents which should be reported by occupiers under the Factories Act, 1961, are not being reported. I have been assured by representatives of the British Employers' Confederation and of the Trades Union Congress of their co-operation in measures to improve the standard of reporting and to secure better information on this subject than we have had in the past. I propose to put detailed proposals to them at an early date. I should add that I welcome the joint statement which they issued last week calling for a greater degree of joint consultation in industry on safety matters. I hope that this action by the B.E.C. and the T.U.C. will stimulate a greater awareness on the part of all concerned in industry of the importance of the subject of accident prevention, and that one result will be a better standard of compliance of the law.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the basis on which vouchers are issued under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act to applicants who have neither special skills nor jobs to come to.

The issue of vouchers to applicants who have neither special skills nor jobs to come to has up to now been on the basis of first come, first served, subject to a limit on the total number of vouchers being issued. During the debates on the Commonwealth Immigrants Bill I undertook to watch how this arrangement worked out in practice, and to adapt it if it appeared to be working unfairly. It has become clear, in the light of the very large number of applications received from India and Pakistan in recent months, that some modification of first come, first served is necessary in order to maintain a reasonable distribution of vouchers throughout the Commonwealth. I am therefore putting into operation the following modification to the scheme. The issue of vouchers will in future be subject to the condition that no Commonwealth country shall receive more than one quarter of the vouchers available for issue to applicants without special skills or jobs to come to. Subject to this limit it will continue to be on the basis of first come, first served. The arrangements for priority for those with Forces service will continue.We have informed all Commonwealth Governments of our intention to introduce this modification and the reasons for it. Vouchers will continue to be issued without delay to applicants who can show they have special skills or jobs to come to. I shall continue to keep the arrangements for issue of vouchers in all three categories under careful review.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to appoint a Labour Attaché to Madrid.

The need for a Labour Attaché is being kept under review. Since last October the Labour Attaché in Paris has been making visits to Spain to report on labour matters.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in his reply to the United States request to deny the use of Grand Cayman Island to Cuban airliners, he will make it clear that Her Majesty's Government will abide by Great Britain's obligations to Cuba under international civil aviation agreements.

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Helens (Mr. Spriggs) on 15th July.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will raise in the Security Council the action of the Organisation of American States, in taking enforcement action against Cuba in the form of the interruption of economic relations and other non-military measures of the type provided for under Article 41, without first obtaining the authorisation of the Security Council under Article 53.

No.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the continued participation of the Republic of South Africa and Portugal in the deliberations of the United Nations and its agencies, in view of the decisions made at the International Labour Office conference and the International Conference on Education called by the United Nations Education and Social Council.

Her Majesty's Government remain opposed to the expulsion of South Africa and Portugal from the United Nations or any of the specialised agencies. They do not believe that the international isolation of either of these countries can serve any useful purpose.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what report the United Nations have received from the International Red Cross, who have been asked to report on the condition of the wounded in the Yemen, regarding an Arab boy who has been brought to London by the Yemen Relief Committee for treatment for injuries alleged to have been caused by poison gas, and about whom a report has been made to the Red Cross.

A representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross has been asked to report to his Headquarters on the needs of the wounded in the Yemen. As far as I am aware, the United Nations do not expect to receive any report from the Red Cross. The representative was not asked to report on the boy who was brought to London, where adequate care was available. The doctors in charge of the boy's case announced their findings on 24th July.

asked the Lord Privy Seal on what date and in what terms the United Nations Secretary General stated his intention of investigating the alleged use of poison gas in the Yemen by the United Arab Republic; when the United Nations asked the permission of the Imam's Government to carry out these duties; when it was granted; when the United Nations observers began their investigations; what reports he has received; what evidence Her Majesty's Government has been able to give; and what conclusions it has drawn.

The United Nations Secretary-General announced on 12th July that he had given instructions on 7th July to the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission to investigate a Saudi Arabian complaint, received the same day, that gas had been used.The United Nations does not recognise the Imam's Government and would not, therefore, make any formal approach to it, but I understand the Imam has said that he would welcome an investigation.No report has yet been received from the United Nations and I therefore cannot say when investigations began.So far as the material sent to Her Majesty's Government is concerned, investigations have so far shown no evidence of the use of any gas other than a form of tear gas.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what undertakings have been given to the United Nations by the United Arab Republic and the Saudi Arabian Government to bring the fighting in the Yemen to an end; to what extent these undertakings have been carried out; what action the United Nations has now taken to ensure that neither the Republican nor the Royalist forces in the Yemen receive reinforcements of men or materials by land, sea or air; and whether he is aware that while Saudi Arabian assistance to the Imam's forces has been insignificant or ceased altogether, United Arab Republic assistance has continued on a large scale.

The undertakings were set out in the Secretary-General's report of 29th April, copies of which are in the Library of the House.We hope that the United Nations will publish a report on the work of their observation mission in the next few days. I understand that there are observers in the main port of Hodeida, as well as at Sana'a, the chief airport, and that patrols in the Saudi-Yemeni border area have recently begun.I should prefer to see the United Nations report before commenting on the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what instructions have now been sent to the United Kingdom's representative on the Security Council regarding proposals for an embargo on the shipment of arms to South Africa.

I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 22nd July in answer to a Private Notice Question from the hon. Lady, the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle).

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will raise in the United Nations, as a threat to peace, the present situation in Timor.

No. I think that it is for the Portuguese Government to say in the first place whether they wish this matter to be raised in the United Nations.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what proposals Her Majesty's Government intend to put forward regarding the strengthing of the peace-keeping machinery of the United Nations, in view of the recent resolutions passed on the financing of peace-keeping operations.

The resolutions in question relate to the financing of United Nations peace-keeping operations. They do not in themselves provide the basis for proposals by Her Majesty's Government for strengthening the United Nations peace-keeping machinery.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that a Soviet fishing fleet of between 185 and 180 vessels has arrived recently at Georges Bank in the North Atlantic in or near waters normally fished by Scottish fishing fleets; and, in order to avoid misunderstanding and to preserve international harmony, if he will state the agreements he has made with the Russian Government relating to apportionment between the fleets of the relevant fishing grounds.

I am aware that Soviet vessels fish in the general area referred to by the hon. and learned Gentleman, but I understand that very few Scottish vessels fish on the Georges Bank and that none of those which do has reported any encounter with Russian vessels.The answer to the second part of the Question is "None".

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the allocation of meat distribution in the United Kingdom, decided by the Argentine Government and approved by him, has resulted in British importing companies being allocated a smaller percentage of the trade than they have done since all controls were removed from the trade by the British and Argentine Governments in 1959; and what action he will take to remedy this situation.

As I informed my hon. Friend on 24th July, the Argentine Government made these allocations not to importing but to exporting companies. I am aware of the case, which I believe he has in mind, of a British importing company whose trade has fallen as a result of the allocation made to their principals, an Argentine exporting company. But it is for their Argentine principals to make representations to their own Government if they feel they have been treated less fairly than the other exporters which include British, American and Argentine companies.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now make a statement about extending the Horticulture Improvement Scheme to cover such developments as CO₂ equipment, chemical and steam sterilisation, automatic operation of ventilation and irrigation, as well as labour-saving devices and machinery, such as fork-lift trucks, and the retopping of glasshouses.

My right hon. Friend is examining these suggestions together with others, but is not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the operation of the testing scheme for antibiotics in milk; and if he will make a statement.

The testing by dairies of incoming milk for antibiotics is as yet only in its initial stages. We expect it to be extended as rapidly as the facilities available and the need to train laboratory staff in the techniques of testing permit. Meanwhile, I understand from the Milk Marketing Board that a number of milk producers have already been warned that their milk supplies have been found to contain antibiotics and that this is not in accordance with the warranty in their contract that the milk should be pure.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will re-examine the basis of the guaranteed price and method of payment to farmers for milk in order to ensure that producers of a higher quality product are fairly rewarded.

The guaranteed price for milk is a guarantee to the milk marketing boards and it is for them to determine within their schemes how producers should be rewarded for quality. But, as my right hon. Friend has already made clear, he is prepared to consider proposals for a higher quality milk of an approved standard under which the Milk Marketing Board might retain additional revenue from the sale of this milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that the Canadian and United States animal health authorities do not object, if he will now permit artificial insemination by Charollais bulls of Canadian cattle as long as he is assured that the progeny will all be returned to Canada.

I take it the hon. Member has in mind Canadian Charollais cattle. On this assumption the answer is: No. My right hon. Friend gave careful consideration to this possibility in reaching the decision, which he announced last November, to restrict the use of semen to the purpose for which the importation was made and to prohibit its use for inseminating any female of the Charollais breed. Exports of semen to destinations outside the United Kingdom are prohibited for the same reason. Further consideration of these matters must await the outcome of the cross-breeding trials now in progress.

asked the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek powers to provide a grant or loan for the construction of small fishing vessels in which to train potential skipper owners.

No. I am not aware of the need to provide grants or loans for small fishing vessels for training purposes. Skippers are best trained in commercial vessels.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the discussions concerning future food import policy, there will be special reference to canned meat products.

The Government's primary concern is to bring greater stability to the markets for fatstock and for carcase meat and bacon but we will certainly take account as necessary of the trade in canned meats during our discussions.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will now make a statement on the provision of a new aircraft carrier.

asked the Minister of Defence when a decision to build a replacement for H.M.S. "Victorious" will be announced.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement I made on this subject yesterday.

asked the Minister of Defence what plans Her Majesty's Government has to build new aircraft carriers; and when he expects work to commence on this programme.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made yesterday. As regards the second part of the Question it is too early to say when the keel will actually be laid.

asked the Minister of Defence if the Navy's low level long-range bomber which was in production in 1960 is now ready for use; and to what extent it has been superseded by more up-to-date armaments.

Two squadrons of Buccaneer aircraft are already in service and a third is being formed. The aircraft has certainly not been superseded but, as is usual, a second Mark is now on order with greater range and other improvements.

asked the Minister of Defence how much has been spent on nuclear arms since 1950 in research and development of weapons which are not yet operational.

Since 1950 nuclear weapons have been developed for aircraft now in operational service such as the V-bombers, while development work is continuing for systems which are not yet in service like the Polaris submarines. It would not be in the public interest to disclose details of expenditure in this field.

asked the Minister of Defence if Firestreak, with its range of about 10 miles, is now used by both Air Force and Naval aircraft; and to what extent the central organisation of defence will permit complete exchange of views on research in missiles and aircraft between the Naval aircraft industry and that if the Air Force.

The Firestreak missile is in use by aircraft of both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. There is already close consultation between the Services on their requirements for aircraft and missiles and research and development for both of them is undertaken by the Ministry of Aviation. One of the aims of the new reorganisation will be to strengthen further the machinery for co-ordinating the Services' research and development programme. This will include improved arrangements for formulating operational requirements for new equipment, designed to harmonise the requirements of the Services and prevent duplication of effort.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he has yet made an estimate of the total number of jobs that will be lost in the Royal dockyards as the result of the declining volume of work to be done;(2) what consultations he has had regarding the future decline of employment in the Royal dockyards.

I have nothing at present to add to my statement of 29th May. As I indicated then an examination of the work load at all the Dockyards is proceeding, and when this has reached a sufficiently advanced stage the trades unions will be consulted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, on the same basis as, and in a form which will make an easy comparison possible with, the figures given to the hon. Member for Dudley on 31st January, 1963, the number of Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and the Royal Artillery, units of the Royal Engineers and Royal Signals, and battalions of Infantry which were below establishment on 1st July, 1963, or on the latest convenient date on which the information is available.

The position in the "teeth arms" on 1st July, 1963, was as follows:

Royal Armoured Corps—Five regiments between 10 and 33 short of establishment.

Royal Artillery—Six regiments between 25 and 50 short of establishment.

Royal Engineers—All units up to establishment.

Royal Signals—A direct comparison with the 1st January is not possible because of a current reorganisation. However, since January the Corps strength has increased by approximately 300.

Infantry—Eleven battalions between 50 and 100 short of establishment, and 13 battalions over 100 short of establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, on the same basis as, and in a form which will make an easy comparison possible with, the figures given to the hon. Member for Dudley on 11th February, 1963, the numerical shortages on 1st July, 1963, or the latest convenient date, of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Pay Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Military Provost Staff Corps, Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Military Police, Royal Army Dental Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps and the Army Catering Corps.

Although the manpower ceilings for these Corps have been revised since 11th February, 1963, the total numerical shortages of men on 1st July, 1963, have been calculated on the same basis as in February and were as follows:

Royal Army Service Corps	…	336
Royal Army Medical Corps	…	382
Royal Military Police	…	140
Royal Army Dental Corps	…	37
Army Catering Corps	…	551

On 1st July, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Pay Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Military Provost Staff Corps, and the Royal Pioneer Corps were virtually up to strength.

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has authorised the obstruction by a gate of a public right of way, public path No. 17 of Whittington Parish, Staffordshire, in view of the fact that such an obstruction is in contravention of the Highways Act. 1959.

The gate was erected by a golf club to whom my Department has leased an area of land on Whittington Heath, through which the bridle path concerned passes.I understand that the path has been used extensively in the past by motorists to gain access to what is private land, and that by their behaviour some of them have caused nuisance to the golf club and to the occupants of nearby cottages. I am informed that in putting up the gate, the golf club intended only to prevent the entry of motorists to the land and not to obstruct the right of way along the bridle path of pedestrians or horse riders.

asked the Secretary of State for War what inquiries he has received from persons interested in taking over Madeley storage depôt; what steps he is taking, in view of local unemployment, to ensure that it is used in future to provide employment; and when he intends to dispose of it.

Three inquiries have so so far been received from parties interested in the future of the Madeley Depôt when it becomes surplus next year. In accordance with normal practice we are consulting other Government Departments. If they do not require Madeley Depôt, it will probably be offered for sale by public auction as soon as possible after my Department has ceased to use it.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will take steps to ascertain to what extent public opinion would support the continuation of the floodlighting of various London buildings during the winter months.

In view of the representations made to me I have decided to flood light the following buildings in Central London during the winter:

• Trafalgar Square—Nelson's Column.
• National Gallery.
• Admiralty Arch.
• Houses of Parliament—Clock Tower.
• Somerset House.
• Carlton House Terrace.

The total cost of floodlighting these six buildings from November to March inclusive will be about £7,500.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will publish the report of the mission which visited Canada last month under the leadership of the Director General of Research and Development in his Department.

Copies of the mission's Report are now available in the Vote Office and will be on sale tomorrow.The Mission recommends the erection in the United Kingdom by a Canadian Government agency of three pairs of 2-storey timber framed demonstration houses on sites in Scotland, the Midlands and the South to be followed by a second project consisting of 200 Canadian type dwellings. In both of these undertakings agencies of the Canadian Government will collaborate closely with British Authorities and the Canadian agencies will very shortly commence the necessary detailed studies. The Mission report also suggest? that the Canadian Government might arrange for Canadian construction methods, components and equipment to be displayed at building exhibitions to be held in London and Leeds this Autumn. It also recommends a visit to Canada by a group representing registered house builders, the building Trades Unions and the Building Societies.With the agreement of my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Housing and Local Government, I have accepted the Mission's recommendations. The Canadian Government have told me that they, too, accept the recommendations in principle, and we will now discuss their implementation.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he proposes to publish the next statement on dimensional co-ordination for industrialised building.

I hope to publish in September a further statement, D.C.2, on preferred dimensions for housing.

asked the First Secretary of State what police forces are at present maintained in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia.

The Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia Police Forces respectively which are constituted under the relevant Police Ordinances.

asked the First Secretary of State what inquiries he has made into the maintenance of law and order in Nyasaland since Thursday, 11th July, 1963.

I am in regular contact with the Governor. The situation in the territory continues generally quiet.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are being made for a tonsillectomy to be carried out on Keith G. Nelson and Elizabeth Anne Nelson, the children of Mrs. M. V. Nelson, of Brook side Avenue, Sutton Lane Ends, Macclesfield, in view of the fact that the son was first examined by their doctor in February, 1962; and what steps he will take to facilitate these operations.

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as they are complete.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons obtained binocular-type spectacles under the National Health Service in each of the years 1961, 1962 and 1963 to date; and how many of these persons were being so supplied for the first time.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that adequate emergency treatment and emergency beds are available within the area of the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group; and if he will make a statement.

In general, yes; help is given by surrounding areas when required.