asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many mooring buoys are now maintained throughout the world by the Admiralty; and how the cost of maintaining these has changed in the last three years.

The present number of mooring buoys maintained throughout the world by the Admiralty is 1,209, including 16 which will shortly be lifted. These numbers together represent a reduction of 217 in the last three years. As a result of this reduction and of other economies the annual cost of maintaining Admiralty moorings will have been cut by nearly 25 per cent. since 1960, in spite of the general increase in labour and material costs which we have had to meet during the period.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many Commonwealth cadets are at present studying at H.M.S. "Britannia"; and what is the cost to their respective Governments of each cadet.

There are at present seventy-seven Commonwealth officers under training at H.M.S. "Britannia". A charge of £230 a term is made for each officer, but in many cases the Commonwealth Relations Office assists in meeting this charge.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will name the ships stated in Annex B of Command Paper No. 2270, as being due for scrapping.

The names of the ships approved during 1963–64 for scrapping are:

• Cruiser—H.M.S. "Mauritius".
• Destroyer—H.M.S. "Chaplet".
• Frigates—H.M. Ships "Brissenden", "Termagent", "Terpsichore", "Tyrian", "Vigilant", "Virago", "Loch Alvie", "Loch Ruthven" and "Loch Veyatie".
• Ocean Minesweepers—H.M. Ships "Acute", "Chameleon", "Jewel", "Onyx" and "Rifleman".
• Inshore Minesweeper—H.M.S. "Bassingham".
• Submarines—H.M. Submarines "Sea Devil", "Sea Scout", "Seraph", "Tapir" and "Teredo".
• Submarine Tender—H.M.S. "Mindful".

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what provision is made for compensation to an officer of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service who is injured while off duty; and whether this and other conditions of service are made fully known to cadets on joining the service.

No provision is made for compensation to an officer of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service who is injured while off duty. Compensation is provided only for entitled categories whose injuries are sustained in the actual discharge of duty.All cadets on entry are required to sign forms of agreement, which are indentures (registered with the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen) in the case of deck cadets and agreements in the case of engineer cadets, who are non-indentured. Both agreements follow the pattern used in the shipping industry.These agreements cover general conditions of service but do not deal specifically with compensation for injuries. It would be quite impracticable to cover every aspect of conditions of service in entry documents of this nature. More detailed information on conditions of service, including compensation for injuries received on duty, is contained in the regulations for Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, a copy of which is held on board every Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel. I am arranging for these regulations to be amplified where they do not at present cover cadets specifically.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty which types of former naval aircraft have been preserved; where these aircraft are kept on view; and why he has decided not to preserve one of each type.

World War II front line naval aircraft types which have been preserved within the Naval Air Command are a "Fulmar" and a "Hellcat" at Lossiemouth; a "Seafire", "Martlet" and "Corsair" at Yeovilton; an "Avenger" and "Firefly" at Culdrose; two "Swordfish" at Yeovilton and one at Lee-on-Solent; and a "Walrus" currently at Arbroath, on loan from the Historic Aircraft Preservation Society. Post-war front line naval aircraft types which have been preserved are a "Sea Fury" at Lossiemouth and another at Yeovilton a "Sea Hawk" at Brawdy; and an "Attacker" at Yeovilton.The aircraft at Yeovilton will be kept in the Fleet Air Arm Museum which will be opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh during the Fleet Air Arm Review on 28th May, 1964.The collection may possibly be augmented as opportunities arise.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what authority will replace Admiralty in the address of naval signals despatched by Her Majesty's ships after 1st April, 1964.

For an interim period between 1st April and the autumn the authority in question will be Ministry of Defence, Navy. In the autumn it will be changed to Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the loss of arms consigned from Cyprus to the United Kingdom in the S.S. "Livorno"; and whether he is satisfied with the security arrangements in Cyprus made to safeguard this shipment.

32 boxes were consigned from Famagusta, Cyprus to this country on the S.S. "Livorno". 20 of the boxes contained a total of 95 self-loading 7·62mm. rifles, and the remainder radio and signal equipment. All the boxes were sealed and secured with metal bands, and gave no indication of their contents. They were taken by military transport on the 2nd February from the security compound of the Ordnance Depot to Famagusta Docks, under armed guard. They had been checked on loading on to the vehicle and again at the exit of the Depot.The boxes were unloaded on to the quay by the military, but under the Port Rules they were then handled by civilian dock workers, who transferred them to the ship under the supervision of two ship's officers. A receipt was given by the ship's representative when all the boxes had been received over the ship's rail. Responsibility passed from the Army to the ship as soon as the boxes crossed the tail; but in this case the military detachment commander boarded the vessel and watched the boxes being stowed in the hold. The usual lock-up space was not available. The cases were therefore put in the bottom of a hold and general cargo was stowed on top. The hatch planks were placed over the hatch and after further loading of other cargo the main hatch to the hold was secured by a locking bar and a lead seal. This seal was intact the following morning when the hold was reopened to complete loading. The ship sailed the next day, 4th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he received a deputation from Edinburgh Town Council about all forms of traffic problems in Edinburgh; and what conclusions were reached.

My noble Friend the Minister of State has suggested to the Lord Provost that a meeting should be arranged shortly to discuss a number of important questions including the future transport needs of Edinburgh. I shall let the hon. Member know the outcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when work will be authorised to start on the building of a jetty and improved approach road at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.

It is not yet possible to say when work will start on the jetty and approach road at Kyleakin. Formal objections to the proposed works have raised complicated legal issues which are still under active examination by the various bodies concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total rate-borne expenditure, and the total amount of interest charges paid by the local authorities, in respect of each financial year from 1950–51 to date.

The following is the answer:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of houses completed which have qualified for the £12 and £32 subsidies, respectively, under the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1962, to the latest available date; and the names of the local authorities concerned.

Claims by 69 local authorities for the basic subsidies under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1962, have so far been settled. Of the 5,216 completed houses covered by these claims 1,822 have qualified for £12 and 3,394 for £32 or more. The authorities concerned are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details showing the total approved teaching establishment in Scotland, the deficit, and the additions to the staffing complement he estimates will be required when the school leaving age is raised.

There is no approved teaching establishment in Scotland. As at 7th October, 1963, there were in public and grant-aided schools 41,085 teaching posts of which 3,482 were either unfilled or occupied by uncertificated teachers or re-employed teachers over 70 years of age. On present information it is estimated that some 4,200 additional teachers will be required when the school leaving age is raised.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what date he has approved for the building of St. Augustine's new primary school, Airdrie High School, Coatbridge St. Patrick's secondary school and Shaw-head primary school; what is the estimated cost of these projects; and when he expects that the new buildings will be ready for occupation.

I have not yet approved starting dates for these projects. If, as the education authority estimate, the first three are ready for starting early in 1965, I shall see what arrangements can be made to let them go ahead. Details of the projects are:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details showing the total number of primary schools in Lanarkshire which had no uncertificated teachers, at the latest convenient date; how many had up to five; how many had up to ten; and how many had more than ten.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details showing the ratio of pupils to teachers in primary and secondary schools, respectively, in Lanarkshire, the ratio of pupils to certificated staff only, and the percentage which uncertificated staff represents of the total, at the latest convenient date.

The information is not readily available but I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as it has been obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details showing the distribution of uncertificated teachers in each secondary school in Lanarkshire, at the latest convenient date.

The information is not readily available but I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as it has been obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details showing the number of uncertificated teachers employed by each local education authority in Scotland, and the percentage which this represents of the total teaching staffs at the latest convenient date.

At 7th October, 1963, the figures were as follows:

asked the Minister of Aviation what research is at present being undertaken in Great Britain to produce a passenger aeroplane of medium range in which speed would be subordinate to flying and maintenance economy.

A great deal of work is being done in the aircraft industry and in Government establishments with the object of reducing the operating costs of existing and proposed types of transport aircraft, by studying such matters as improved aerodynamic efficiency, engine fuel consumption, and reliability of systems and components. In addition, at the request of the Transport Aircraft Requirements Committee, a Working Party, consisting of representatives of industry, the airlines, and the Ministry of Aviation, has comprehensively reviewed the possibilities of new designs of aircraft for minimum cost operation on stage lengths of up to 500 miles in the 1970s.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will now make a statement about orders for Army helicopters.

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills).

asked the Minister of Aviation, if the Convention establishing the European Launcher Development Organisation is yet in force.

The Convention came into force on 29th February when the Federal Republic of Germany deposited its instrument of ratification. Australia, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdon had previously ratified the Convention.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of recent accidents involving heavily loaded lorries, if he will prohibit their use on steep hills in towns, as is done at present on certain unsuitbale country roads.

Where there are specific, restrictions on country roads, they apply to the weight of the vehicle, not to that of the load. This would not be appropriate to steep main roads in towns. What we need there—and indeed on all roads—is to ensure that the weight carried does not exceed what the vehicle can safely carry, and I am considering various measures aimed at this important end.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the braking efficiency of heavy lorries, in view of the increased speeds and increasing capacity at which they are operating; and if he will make a statement.

I am reviewing the braking standards for heavy goods vehicles as well as other points affecting their construction and use. Proper loading, good maintenance and good driving can all contribute a great deal to safety and efficiency.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that two and sometimes three sets of log sheets for the same journey are being made out by some commercial vehicle drivers; and if he will take steps to stop this practice.

There is no objection to duplicate records as such. The keeping of false records in any form is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, 1960, and the enforcement staffs of the licensing authorities take widespread action against it. Last year 8,500 convictions were obtained for records offences.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Geddes Committee on road haulage will make its report.

I cannot add to the reply I gave on 19th February to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. W. T. Rodgers).

asked the Minister of Transport how many licensing authorities there are for road haulage; and where they sit.

There are eleven licensing authorities. Their offices are situated as follows:

• Northern Traffic Area—Newcastle-uponTyne.
• North Western Traffic Area—Manchester.
• East Midland Traffic Area—Nottingham.
• South Wales 7 raffle Area—Cardiff.
• South Eastern Traffic Area—Eastbourne.
• Scottish Traffic Area—Edinburgh.
• Yorkshire Traffic Area—Leeds.
• West Midland Traffic Area—Birmingham.
• Eastern Traffic Area—Cambridge.
• Western Traffic Area—Bristol.
• Metropolitan Traffic Area—London, W.1.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the cost to his Department of road-haulage licensing authorities, including the salaries of staff, rent, lighting, heating, cleaning and upkeep of premises, correspondence and other incidental expenses.

There is no net cost. The total administrative costs of the licensing authorities, including associated costs of enforcement, were £940,000 in 1962–63, but this was offset by revenue of like amount from fees charged for carriers' licences.

asked the Minister of Transport what rights of appeal against a decision of a road-haulage licensing authority are open to an applicant.

Applicants have rights of appeal, under Part IV of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, to the Road Haulage Appeals Division of the Transport Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give details of the improvements to road services that are being undertaken in Scotland in connection with proposed railway closures.

In seven of the ten cases in which I yesterday announced my consent to closure of rail passenger services in Scotland, my consent is conditional on the provision of additional bus services. The following are the details:(a)

asked the Minister of Transport what improvements in road services are being made to compensate for the railway closures in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

Since the Railways Board's Reshaping Report was published, the only consent I have given to the closure of rail passenger services in the North Riding is for the Nunthorpe—Guisborough service. My consent was conditional on the provision of extra bus services between Middlesbrough and Guisborough, calling at Hutton Gate station. This will secure four buses in the morning to Middlesbrough and three to Guisborough in the afternoon and evening, with an additional mid-day bus to Guisborough on Saturdays.

asked the Minister of Transport what reply he has sent to the letter from the Southern Regional Council of the Labour Party on the proposed closure of the Isle of Wight Railways.

I have received no letter from the council, but I understand that it has written to the Chairman of the British Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that as a result of the 1962 Transport Act, the railway track and signalling system in Cardiff and other South Wales ports is maintained by the British Transport Docks Board but that operational control and supply of locomotives and wagons rests with the British Railways Board; and if he will seek to amend the 1962 Transport Act to bring this division of responsibility to an end.

The British Transport Docks Board own the railway assets within its dock areas and the rolling stock used exclusively within the docks. The British Railways Board, by agreement with the Docks Board, provides motive power and rolling stock for use also on the mainline railway system and operates the dock railways. The Transport Act, 1962, divided the assets of the British Transport Commission between the successor Boards, but the responsibility for operation and provision of motive power and rolling stock is a matter of management for, and agreement between, the two boards. I see no reason to promote amending legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport why he has refused to allow the British Railways Board to tender for manufacturing privately-owned railway equipment for their customers to use on British Railways or on the railways of any other board.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West (Mr. Popplewell) on 3rd March.

asked the Minister of Transport what grant he is now prepared to offer to the Birmingham Corporation towards the cost of a pedestrian subway under the new Shenley Lane, Northfield.

Birmingham County Borough Council, the highway authority for this road, has not yet made an application for grant towards the cost of a subway. I will consider any application it makes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that Wombourn Parish Council has requested the creation of a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Ounsdale Road and School Road, Wombourn, Staffordshire; and whether he will take steps to give effect to the council's wish.

The Staffordshire County Council, which is the responsible highway authority, has decided that a crossing is not justified at this junction. I see no reason to interfere with its decision.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to receive and publish the draft line for the M.3 London to Basingstoke motorway.

I received last summer a report commenting on several possible lines and recommending one of them. This is now being intensively examined. I expect to publish a draft scheme in a few months' time.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for increasing the road programme in the South-West; to which bodies he has disclosed such plans, apart from the local authorities concerned; and whether he will make a statement.

I am arranging for a survey to determine the line and design of a new dual carriageway road between East Brent, where the M.5 motorway is at present planned to terminate, and Exeter. As regards roads west of Exeter, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Hayman) on 28th February. I published these proposals in the normal way on 24th February.

asked the Minister of Transport what decision has been reached on the proposals put to his Department by the Billericay Residents Association concerning the speed limit on the A.129 Southend Road, at South Green, Billericay.

In addition to the proposals of the Billericay Residents Association, I am considering proposals made by the Basildon Urban District Council and by my own traffic engineers. A detailed investigation of conditions has been necessary. I shall shortly be giving public notice of my intention to make an order. I shall not reach a decision until I have considered any representations that may be made.

asked the Minister of Transport what information he has as to the number of prosecutions of highway authorities, prior to the enactment of the Public Health Act, 1961, for the use of vehicles in connection with the maintenance of footpaths.

None.

asked the Minister of Transport when the provisions of Section 1 of the Highways (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1961, are to be brought into effect; and whether he is satisfied that the new regulations preventing the use of effective rollers for the laying down and maintenance of macadamised footpaths will not place undue difficulties in the way of highway authorities concerned about their liabilities in connection with the said Section 1.

The section will come into force on 3rd August this year. The use of vehicles on footpaths is not prevented, but legalised, by the new Regulations made under Section 49 of the Public Health Act, 1961. With a speedy procedure for granting relaxations under Regulation 7, I see no reason why highway authorities should experience undue difficulties.

asked the Minister of Transport when a pedestrian crossing will be provided in Wickham Lane, London, S.E.2, between King's Highway and the Forester's Arms; and if he will make a statement.

I have had no request to approve a pedestrian crossing here from the Woolwich Metropolitan Borough Council, the local authority concerned. I am in touch with the council which is at present examining the need. If it proposes a crossing, I shall of course consider the request carefully.

asked the Minister of Transport when a decision may be expected on the proposals made to him for the improvement of Ninfield Road, Bexhill.

I cannot say when I might be able to find a place for this expensive scheme in the classified road programme. More urgent schemes in the county and elsewhere have to be considered first.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will impose a 30 miles per hour speed limit on High Road. Fobbing, Essex.

My engineers, in consultation with the police, are investigating conditions here as a result of the proposal for a speed limit. I will write to the hon. Member when I have their report.

asked the Minister of Transport what road improvements he will authorise on the main road between the Tynant Inn, Morganstown and the Ynys Bridge, near Taffs Well, Glamorgan.

The Glamorgan County Council is the highway authority for this road. I will consider any proposal it puts to me for grant assistance.

asked the Minister of Transport what information he has obtained under the Pilotage Act, 1913, from the port authorities in Hull regarding whether the Humber pilot cutters are able to communicate direct with the shore, under a port information service, as recommended by the Rochdale Report in September, 1962. on what equipment has been installed in the pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson", respectively, and on the further equipment required to complete the service; and what action he is taking, under the Pilotage Act, to ensure that the organisation at this port is uniform with that at other ports in the United Kingdom.

I have no power, under the Pilotage Act, 1913, or otherwise, to require harbour authorities or pilotage authorities to supply me with information or to give them directions about these matters.I am informed, however, that the Humber Conservancy Board's pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" are both fitted with VHF radio-telephone equipment. The "Frank Atkinson" is fitted with MF equipment also, and the "William Fenton" will be so fitted very soon. Both vessels are able to communicate with the shore. The Humber Conservancy Board has drawn up plans for a Humber VHF Radiotelephone Port Information Service and has installed suitable radio equipment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make available in the Library of the House of Commons a report of the coroner's inquest held at Gibraltar on those persons who died in the "Lakonia" disaster.

Yes, as soon as I receive a copy of the coroner's report myself.

asked the Minister of Transport, what type of life jackets was provided in the S.S. "Lakonia"; and whether these life jackets complied with his standards.

The "Lakonia" had a certificate, issued by the Greek Government under the 1948 Safety Convention (to which both Greece and this country are parties), stating that she carried life jackets in accordance with its requirements. A variety of types comply with these requirements.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals for major capital expenditure have been submitted to him by the British Transport Docks Board for improving docks facilities at Barry to cope with the increased traffic which is expected there.

The British Transport Docks Board has schemes involving substantial expenditure at Barry in its forward investment programme, including plans for now coaling appliances, but so far no specific project has been submitted to me for approval. Detailed discussions about the coal facilities are in progress between the Docks Board and the National Coal Board.

asked the Postmaster-General why it is necessary in certain circumstances with subscriber trunk dialling to dial 10 or 11 digits.

Digits or letters are required to reach the distant exchange by STD and these have to be followed by the number of the subscriber being called. In no case is it necessary to dial 11 digits or letters on a dialled trunk call, and for most calls 8 or 9 will suffice. There are a few local call codes which, when added to the called subscriber's number, require 10 or 11 digits to be dialled. Most of these local codes will be replaced by shorter ones as STD develops, but meanwhile they give the advantages of automatic service earlier than would otherwise be the case.

asked the Postmaster-General what types of very high frequency and medium frequency radio-telephone equipment and radius of action are approved by his Department for fitting in the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson", respectively, for communication with ships at sea and Hull commercial docks, respectively; what equipment has been approved by his Department; what further equipment is required to complete the Humber Port Information Service, recommended by the Rochdale Report in September, 1962; and whether approval will be given by his Department.

Any very high frequency or medium frequency radio-telephone equipment which meets the appropriate Performance Specification, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, can be installed in the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" for communication with ships at sea. The "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson" have been fitted with Redifon GR 286 MKII VHF equipment. The "Frank Atkinson" has also been fitted with Redifon GR 330 MF radio-telephone equipment. The radius of action of the VHF equipment is approximately 25–30 miles and of the MF equipment approximately 150 miles.The VHF equipment would be suitable for communication with Hull commercial docks, where I have just been asked by the British Transport Docks Board to approve the establishment of a Port Information Service. The use of MF equipment for communication with Hull commercial docks would not be approved.I have approved the Humber Conservancy Board's comprehensive plans for the Humber Port Information Service. As an interim measure certain VHF equipment is already being used to provide intercommunication by radio-telephone between the Board's office, vessels on the Humber, including the pilot cutters mentioned, and ships at sea. It is for the Board to determine whether any further equipment is required to complete the planned service, and when the full service will be introduced. Approval will be given to the use of any such equipment, provided it meets the appropriate Performance Specification.

asked the Postmaster-General what types of very high frequency and medium frequency radiotelephone equipment and radius of action are approved by his Department for fitting in Hull commercial docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson"; what equipment has been approved by his Department; what further equipment is required to complete the Hull Port Information Service, recommended by the Rochdale Report in September 1962; and whether approval will be given by his Department.

Any very high frequency radiotelephone equipment which meets the Performance Specification, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, would be approved for use in Hull commercial docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters "William Fenton" and "Frank Atkinson". The radius of action of such equipment will have to be approved by my Department in the light of the communication requirements when these are known. I have not yet been asked by the British Transport Docks Board to approve any particular type of VHF equipment for use in Hull commercial docks. The use of medium frequency radiotelephone equipment in the docks for communication with the Humber pilot cutters would not be approved.I do not know whether any equipment has already been acquired by the British Transport Docks Board and it is for the Board to say what equipment would be required. The British Transport Docks Board's proposals for the Hull Port Information Services have just been received and are being examined. Approval will be given to the use of any equipment which meets the Performance Specification.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is satisfied that the present fleet of cable layers is adequate for meeting immediate needs and the necessity for future expansion of the cable laying programme; and if he will make a statement.

Yes.

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for the construction of cable laying ships.

No additional cable ships are needed. As regards replacement of the existing ships, I cannot at present add to the information I gave the hon. Member in connection with his Question on 26th February.

asked the Postmaster-General what his plans are for the extension of cables to the Middle East and West Africa, and South America in the next three years.

Although various possibilities are under examination, I have at present no definite plans in mind for the provision of submarine telephone cables to the countries mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General at which post offices in Glasgow motor vehicle licences can be renewed.

At the following:

• Head Post Office—George Square, C.2.
• Anniesland—1594, Great Western Road, W.3.
• Anderston—18, Pitt Street, C.2.
• Bridgeton—169, James Street, S.E.
• Candleriggs—97, Candleriggs, C.1.
• Castleinilk—Dougrie Drive, S.5.
• Cathcart—3, Rhannan Road, S.4.
• Charing Cross—533, Sauchiehall Street, C.3.
• Crosshill—474, Victoria Road, S.2.
• Dixon Street—4, Dixon Street, C.1.
• Duke Street—1, Annfield Place, E.1.
• Eastpark—9, Sandfield Street, N.W.
• Eglington Street—131–133 Eglington Street, C.5.
• Fishmarket—54, Clyde Street, C.1.
• Gallowgate—417, Gallowgate, S.E.
• Govan—18 Pearce Street, S.W.1.
• Hecla Avenue—Hecla Avenue, W.5.
• Hillhead—310, Byres Road, W.2.
• Hope Street—216–226, Hope Street, C.2.
• Kelvinbridge—532 Great Western Road. W.2.
• Kingston—226–228 Paisley Road, C.5.
• London Road (160)–160, London Road, C.1.
• Maryhill—1741, Maryhill Road, N.W.
• Newlands—212 Kilmarnock Road, S.3.
• Parkhead—846–850, Springfield Road, E.1.
• Partick—384, Dumbarton Road, W.1.
• Pollok—4–8 Haughburn Road, S.W.3.
• Possilpark—139, Stonyhurst Street, N.2.
• St. Georges Cross—56, Great Western Road, C.4.
• St. Rollox—18, Glebe Street, C.4.
• Sandyford—1170 Argyle Street, C.3.
• Scotstoun—1381–1383, Dumberton Road, W.4.
• Springbum—87, Millarbank Street, N.1.
• Thistle Street—58, Thistle Street, C.5.
• Waterloo Street—81, Wellington Street, C.2.
• West Nile Street—41 West Nile Street, C:1.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a botanical inspection has been made in this country to ensure that there are no plants which are capable of synthesising fluoroacetates when foreign fluorides are added to the public water supplies.

We are not aware of any such inspection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what proportion of the home market was supplied with British-made butter before the war; and what proportion is now so supplied.

On average about 9 per cent. during the last three years before the war and about 12 per cent. during 1961–63.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the average price per gallon for milk supplied by the Milk Marketing Board to butter manufacturers this winter.

I understand that the final price for milk for butter-making during the past five months is not yet known but that the Milk Marketing Board's average provision price for this period was Is. 5½d. a gallon.

asked the Minister of Education in how many classes in primary and secondary modern schools in the area covered by the Colne Valley constituency the number of pupils exceeds 40.

One.

asked the Minister of Education in how many classes in primary schools in the area covered by the Colne Valley constituency the number of pupils exceeds 45.

None.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the numbers of Section 4 and Section 5 beds in teaching and in non-teaching hospitals and the percentage occupancy by paying patients, at the latest date for which figures are available; and what are the comparable figures for the two previous years.

The following are the figures:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what are the terms of the letter he has received from the Lord Provost of Glasgow dated 14th February, 1964, on the subject of extension of the Queenslie Industrial Estate; and what was the nature of his reply.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow asked that a decision by the Board of Trade not to acquire the 90 acres of land at Queenslie should be reviewed. My right hon. Friend will send the hon. Member a copy of his reply in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has of the extent to which, since the passing of the Betting and Gaming Act, there has been an increase in illegal betting with street bookmakers and runners, after the legal closing hour of betting shops, on evening horse-racing and greyhound racing.

I have no evidence of any increase, since the Betting and Gaming Act was passed, of street betting offences committed after the hour fixed for the closing of betting shops.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the number of successful prosecutions in the Metropolitan Police area of bookmakers and runners charged with taking part in illegal betting in London after the normal closing hours of betting shops, on racing taking place after 6.30 p.m. at horse-racing and greyhound racing tracks.

In 1962 and 1963 there were five convictions in the Metropolitan Police District for street betting offences committed after 6.30 p.m., but it is not possible to say from the records whether these offences concerned betting on evening racing.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what is the purpose of the inquiry he has ordered into the quality of elected members and officers in local government; and what form this inquiry will take.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the lion. Member for Fulham (Mr. M. Stewart).

asked the Minister of Labour what was the average number

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many temporary houses under the Housing (Temporary Accommodation) Act, 1944. have been cleared in each of the years 1960 to 1963 inclusive; and how many he estimates will be cleared in 1964.

The numbers cleared were as follows:

asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister of persons employed and unemployed respectively, as recorded at each of the employment exchanges in Lanarkshire, including Rutherglen, in 1951 and in 1963.

The following table give, the information required except that figures of employees in employment for 1962 have been provided in place of figures for 1963, which are not yet available.for Science what educational and outside organisations are invited to make submissions prior to the granting of a charter to a university; and what other consultations take place.

The Committee of the Privy Council to which a petition for the grant of a charter to a university stands referred does not invite specific educational and outside organisations to make submissions. It is, however, the practice to insert a notice in the London Gazette, and also, when appropriate, in the Edinburgh Gazette, inviting petitions for or against the proposed grant within a period of one month. Any such petitions that may be received are given due and proper consideration.

asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science whether he consults the Secretary of State for Scotland before a charter is granted to a Scottish university.

The Committee of the Privy Council to which a petition for the grant of a charter to a Scottish university stands referred always includes in its membership the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the facts that the salaries of members of area electricity boards with executive responsibility have been stationary since 1957, and that salaries of senior staff are now in some cases higher than those of board members, he will take steps to increase the salaries of board members with executive responsibility.

The facts to which the hon. Member refers are known to me, but I have no statement to make on this subject at present.

asked the Minister of Power whether the recent contract for the construction of a nuclear power station was based on the designs and specifications recommended by the Powell Committee.

No; Wylfa will be the last station under the present nuclear power programme, which was described in a White Paper on the nuclear power programme published in June, 1960 [Command 1083].