asked the Minister of Transport if he will hold a public inquiry under Section 248 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, into the crashing of a lorry into a shop in Linacre Road, Litherland, Liverpool 21, killing four persons and injuring six persons, on the 17th October, 1964.

I wish to express my sympathy with the innocent victims of this accident and with the relatives of those who lost their lives in it. I have received a report of the circumstances of the accident and I understand that an inquest is due to be held shortly. In the light of the report and the result of the inquest I shall decide whether any further action on my part is necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to make nationalised transport accountable to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

No. I see no reason to make any change in established relationships between Parliament, the Minister and the nationalised transport undertakings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will discuss with other departments concerned and the Institute of Hydraulics the feasibility of a road-rail link between Liverpool and North Wales across the estuary of the Dee.

I understand that the Flintshire County Council in association with the Cheshire County Council is considering a project for a Dee Crossing. At the request of the Flintshire Council, my Department will be having exploratory discussions with the council shortly. This is a large and expensive project which will have to be considered at the appropriate time in the context of regional planning.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will institute Government research into methods of limiting fumes both from diesel and petrol-driven vehicles, in conjunction with what is being done by engine manufacturers.

In common with other European countries, we are in close touch with developments in the United States where there are serious problems of air pollution, notably in parts of California. I do not consider that a special programme of Government research on this subject would be appropriate here at present, but the situation will be kept under careful review.

asked the Minister of Transport what action the Government proposes to take on the recommendations made by the Wilson Committee on checking the excessive noise made by all types of motor vehicles.

I propose to give effect to the recommendations by means of Regulations which will take into account comments received from the interested organisations.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give special consideration to further measures for the elimination of exhaust fumes from heavy vehicles.

If the diesel engine of a vehicle is correctly adjusted and maintained, there is no reason why it should produce excessive fumes or smoke. To induce vehicle operators to take further measures to stop this nuisance, I propose to continue the roadside smoke checks, under which defective vehicles have to be put right and can be taken off the road at once.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give general directions to the British Railways Board and the London Transport Board not to submit any further proposals for fare increases in the London area until the real costs and benefits of the transport systems concerned have been investigated.

No. A transportation study, with which the two Boards are fully associated, is already in progress. It covers an even wider economic field than the hon. Member suggests. Meanwhile, I could not justify intervening between the two Boards and the duties imposed upon them by Parliament. Fare changes in the London area are in any case subject to the Transport Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the case, details of which have been sent to him, of the car, number MXC 301, which passed his Department's test at two out of four garages licensed to issue certificates of roadworthiness and was immediately found by an Automobile Association inspector to be dangerous and completely unroadworthy; if he will circulate in HANSARD the report on this car drawn up by his testing centre at Hendon; if he will investigate closely the circumstances in which the certificates were issued; and what steps he is taking to ensure more thorough testing in such cases.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps the Government are taking to carry out the undertaking of the previous Government to give assistance to Aberdeen Harbour Board to build terminal buildings in Aberdeen for a ferry service between Scandinavia and Aberdeen.

I am not aware of any such undertaking and I understand that the Harbour Board has no present scheme for terminal buildings. The Board can

I am looking into this case. It would be inappropriate for me to say more just now since there might be proceedings. There are about 21,000 garages authorised to test vehicles under the vehicle testing scheme and these are normally inspected twice a year by my vehicle examiners. Standards and conditions for testing are prescribed in the Regulations and we receive few complaints about the operation of the scheme. I shall consider whether closer supervision of authorised garages is necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will publish in HANSARD a table of figures giving the contracts obtained by Marples, Ridgway & Partners Limited during the past 13 years, and the amounts of such contracts in each case.

The whole of the information relating to contracts let by my Department could not be made available without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. I am circulating a table showing the contracts awarded to this firm since 1st January, 1959, in all cases following competitive tendering.The following is the information:apply at any time for financial assistance for capital development under the Harbours Act, 1964, or the Local Employment Acts.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans Her Majesty's Government have for constructing a monorail to London Airport.

An interdepartmental Committee including representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and my Department is studying the various possible means of access to London Airport. I understand that no monorail proposals have yet been put to them in sufficiently comprehensive form for them to advise on whether a link of this kind is practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will receive the Report of the Committee on Carriers' Licensing set up by his predecessor; and if he will undertake to publish it as soon as it is available.

I am not yet able to say when the Committee will report or whether the report will be published.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans the Railways Board now has for the future of the Liverpool-Southport Railway Line.

The Railways Board has not so far told me whether or not it means to proceed with its proposal to withdraw the passenger services. But if it does decide to go ahead it will send me particulars, before publication, in accordance with the policy I declared in my statement on 4th November.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give an assurance that there will be no basic curtailment of rail transport facilities on the east coast route between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

If the Railways Board proposed a passenger closure affecting this line, we should consider it in accordance with the policy set out in my right hon. Friend's statement of 4th November. The re-routing or reduction of services, so long as they do not involve the complete withdrawal of passenger services, is a matter within the responsibility of the Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the future of the Exeter to Oke- hampton railway line, and his plans for the future of Meldon Quarry.

The Railways Board is responsible for Meldon Quarry, and it would also be its responsibility to initiate proposals for the future of the Exeter-Okehampton line.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take in regard to the British Railways Board's decision to close the Buntingford-St. Margaret's passenger rail service as from 16th November.

As my right hon Friend said in his policy statement last week, he has no power to reverse a consent to a closure given by his predecessor. We have, however, received some representations about the alternative services, and these we are considering.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to proceed with the closure of the railway line from Buntingford to St. Margaret's for passenger services.

Consent was given to the closure of the passenger service on 10th September, and I have no power to withdraw it. It is now entirely for the Railways Board to decide whether to proceed with closure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will request the Railways Board to inform him how many express passenger diesel engines have broken down in transit on the journeys between Paddington and Cardiff and between Cardiff and Paddington during the month of October, 1964.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent he proposes to introduce legislation to implement his new policy concerning closure of unremunerative railway lines.

We do not at present see any need for legislation, but if we find that a change in the law is necessary to implement our policy, we shall not hesitate to bring proposals before the House.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, before agreeing to closures of branch lines of the railways, he will give consideration to these lines being operated as a tramway service.

Where I find that a passenger service meets certain needs which could be met in other ways only with difficulty or at appreciable cost, I will consider with the Railways Board the possibility of maintaining the minimum rail service which would meet those needs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will seek powers to ensure that no railway freight services or goods stations are closed without his agreement.

I have no legislation in mind at present for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport when he received from the Thorne Rural District Council a representation against the closing of Thorne South and Stainforth and Hatfield railway stations on Sundays; and what reply he has sent.

My Department received on 3rd November a letter from the Thorne Rural District Council on this subject. My right hon. Friend has sent my hon. Friend a copy of the reply which went to the council on 9th November, explaining that this is not a matter in which he can intervene.

asked the Minister of Transport what are his proposals for the future of the Whitby to Malton and the Whitby to Scarborough railways.

Consent has already been given to the withdrawal of passenger services from these lines. We have however asked the Railways Board not to lift the track until we can decide whether a regional transport plan is likely to require the continuation of rail services on this route.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give an assurance that the Whitby to Malton and the Whitby to Scarborough railway tracks will not be taken up without reference to him, and that before consenting he will discuss the matter with the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have given to his other Question today about these lines.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the proposed withdrawal of passenger services from the Bury-Manchester line will be postponed pending the comprehensive review of all transport facilities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the proposed withdrawal of passenger services from the Accrington-Bury-Manchester line will be postponed pending the comprehensive review of all transport facilities.

My right hon. Friend will examine the Accrington-Bury-Manchester proposal as soon as he receives details from the Railways Board, in order to see whether it is one which they should be asked to withdraw. Notice of the Manchester-Bury closure was published 9 months ago and my right hon. Friend will decide whether to consent to it as soon as he has all the relevant information.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will give his decision on the proposals by the Railways Board for withdrawal of passenger service from certain stations on the Honey-bourne-Worcester line; and what consideration is being given to the conversion of them into unstaffed halts.

I am at present considering the reports of the Transport Users Consultative Committees and the Board's proposals generally. If I were to decide to refuse consent to the closure of any stations, it would be for the Board to consider whether it should maintain them as unstaffed halts.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now considered the future of the railway line from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and from Maud to Peterhead.

The Railways Board is free to close these lines to passengers as soon as it fulfils the conditions of the consents given by my predecessor on 28th July. The future of the freight services is a matter for the Board itself. I understand it is discussing its plans with its customers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will suspend the closure of rail passenger services in the county of Derbyshire.

I will consider the Railways Board's proposals for passenger closures in Derbyshire in accordance with the arrangements which I explained in my statement on 4th November.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in his consideration of the closure proposals submitted to him by British Railways, he will also consider the matter of the withdrawal of passenger facilities at stations; and why the up side booking office at High Wycombe has been closed, causing inconvenience to many passengers.

No. Changes in the facilities available at railway stations are the responsibility of the British Railways Board. I am sure it will give the hon. Member information about particular stations if he asks the Board for it.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans the London Transport Board has for the provision of further car-parking facilities at underground stations on the new Victoria line.

The London Transport Board tells me that, in conjunction with the Eastern Region of British Railways, it is planning increases in the existing parking facilities at Walthamstow (Hoe Street) and Tottenham (Hale) and is exploring the possibility of a multistorey car park at Blackhorse Road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the progress of the new Victoria tube rail project; it he will explain the nature and causes of the difficulties currently being experienced; and what the estimated increase in the total cost is likely to be as a result of those difficulties.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) and the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison).

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give an assurance that the Liverpool-Fazakerley-Wigan line will not now be closed; and what are the future plans for this line.

I shall consider this closure proposal in accordance with the general policy I announced in my statement on 4th November.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board not to abolish cheap day-return tickets.

No. The concessionary fares they offer are a matter for British Railways, subject of course to the maxima laid down by the Transport Tribunal for London fares.

asked the Minister of Transport why fares from Waterloo to Surbiton are calculated as a 13-mile journey, although milestone 12 is situated half-way along the Surbiton platform.

Fares on British Railways in the London Passenger Transport Area are settled by the British Railways Board in accordance with orders made by the Transport Tribunal. I have no responsibility in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds approval has been given to the closure of Stonegate Station on Sundays after 8th November.

Ministerial approval to this change was not given, nor was it required. This is a matter entirely within the Railways Board's discretion.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement regarding the future of the various lines at main-line stations affected by the Beeching proposals in the Merseyside area.

I have nothing to add to the general statement I made on 4th November on the closure of railway passenger services.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he intends to proceed with the closure of the railway line from Wolverhampton to Burton for passenger services;(2) whether he intends to proceed with the closure of the railway line from Birmingham to Walsall, via Penns, for passenger services;(3) whether he intends to proceed with the closure of the railway line from Walsall to Rugeley for passenger services.

Consents were given by my predecessor to the closure of these passenger services on 10th September and I have no power to rescind them. It is now entirely for the Railways Board to decide whether to proceed with the closures.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that recent railway closures in Scotland have inflicted loss and damage in traditional and other religious observances and in trade, industry, commerce and employment on the people in the areas affected; and if he will take steps to provide compensation for those people.

I am not aware of the effects referred to by my hon. and learned Friend, but I will certainly examine any details he may wish to send me. Where need is shown, I am prepared to vary or add to the conditions attached to consents given by my predecessor to rail passenger closures, but this could not of course extend to compensation for individuals.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for extinguishing ancient tolls on bridges.

The best answer in many cases is a by-pass. This is what we have in mind for the three bridges of this kind on trunk roads for which we are responsible.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made on the fencing of the A.30 where it runs over Bodmin Moor.

Broad agreement has been reached to erect permanent fencing on both sides of A.30 for about seven miles across the Moor on the line of the ultimate road width. Final details are to be discussed at a meeting to be held shortly with the Cornwall Commoners' Association and other interested parties.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has received for the extension of the Dover Radial Route through Blackheath.

The L.C.C. has sought and received my agreement to the appointment of consulting engineers to investigate possible alternative lines for the extension of the Dover Radial Route from Kidbrooke through Blackheath towards Lewisham.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will invite the Institute of Hydraulics and the relevant local authorities to join him in setting up a model of the Mersey to discover the effect on the river of a bridge linking the south of Liverpool with the Wirral Peninsula.

This is a matter in the first instance for the Merseyside local authorities. If they put to us a specific proposal for a bridge over the River Mersey its effect on the river would, of course, be investigated.

asked the Minister of Transport when work will commence on the Mutton bypass on A.64.

It has taken longer than expected to establish the land requirements. An Order under Section 9 of the Highways Act, 1959, is necessary. A draft Order will be published shortly. We hope to he able to start work by the end of 1965.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the congestion which builds up in the High Street, Cheadle; and if he will bring forward the starting date of the Sharston bypass in order to relieve this congestion.

Yes. Work on the Sharston bypass will be started as soon as land acquisition and the necessary statutory processes have been completed. This will probably be in 1968.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that the bus services provided by London Transport for the expanding working population of the London area are adequate; and what major reforms in its management structure he proposes to initiate.

I am satisfied that the London Transport Board is doing a good job in difficult circumstances. The management structure of the enterprise is entirely a matter for the Chairman and his Board.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is anticipated that road reconstruction in the vicinity of the Green Man, Leytonstone, will be completed; and if he is satisfied that temporary provision for traffic is adequate in view of the heavy traffic load and frequent congestion at that point.

Reconstruction of the junction at the Green Man, Leytonstone should be completed in October, 1965. Arrangements for traffic during the different stages of reconstruction have been planned carefully with the police, who tell me that they are working well so far.

asked the Minister of Transport what improvements he intends to authorise to A27 in the centre of Portchester, and at the east and west ends of Fareham, respectively.

My engineers are investigating, with Hampshire County Council as agent authority, proposals for a loop road in Portchester. Schemes for an inner by-pass in east Fareham, and for reconstructing the Station Bridge and improving its approaches in West Fare-ham, are already included in the road programme.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he has made towards the settling of the line of the southern trunk road in the areas of Portchester and Fareham.

Subject to an early and satisfactory outcome of my discussions with the Consultants as to how this road will fit into their proposals for expansion in Southern Hampshire, I would hope to be able to publish a draft Order as to its line in about a year's time.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dangers which face pedestrians endeavouring to cross Addington Road, Selsdon; and whether he will introduce light-controlled pedestrian crossings at suitable places in this road.

I understand that the Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council, who is the highway authority, have received representations about the difficulties of crossing this road and is now conducting a pedestrian traffic census. If as a result it makes proposals to me for pedestrian crossings or other measures I shall certainly give careful consideration to them.

asked the Minister of Transport if a final decision on the line of the Esher bypass has now been made; and when the project will begin.

I have asked Surrey County Council as agent authority to prepare draft plans for a bypass of Esher to the south and east. Draft Orders under the Highways Act 1959 will then be published as soon as possible. It is too soon to say when the scheme as finally fixed can be programmed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the worsening traffic delays at Tower Bridge which often paralyse the flow of traffic over a considerable area on both sides of the River Thames; what action is to be taken in this matter; and when an improvement may be expected.

The general increase in road traffic is undoubtedly worsening delays at Tower Bridge which must by law be opened when required by shipping notwithstanding the effect on road traffic. To get a substantial improvement we need new or improved river crossings. The L.C.C. is constructing a second Blackwall Tunnel which should be completed in about 18 months. And it is improving the Woolwich Free Ferry. The City Corporation has longer-term ideas for a new tunnel near Tower Bridge.To give some relief meanwhile we hope in the New Year to introduce a one-way traffic scheme south of the River, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and also one-way working for heavy vehicles in Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels.

asked the Minister of Transport how the discussions with local authority associations are proceeding with regard to the improving of lighting of trunk roads, and the introduction of legislation to enable highway authorities to provide street lighting on classified roads.

I will put proposals to the local authority associations as soon as possible. County councils have power to provide lighting on classified roads, but the question whether any expenditure they incur on this should be eligible for Exchequer grant must be considered in the context of the review of the financial relationship between central and local government.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's plans for the future of supersonic air transport in Great Britain.

As I told the House on 5th November, we have asked the French Government to join in an urgent review of the Concord project. Discussions are proceeding and I am not yet in a position to make a statement about the future of the project or the consequences of any hypothetical change in the present programme. In the course of the review I shall hold consultations with those concerned.

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to ensure continued co-operation between Great Britain and other European countries in specific aviation and aerospace projects.

The Concord project is, as the House knows, under review. We will continue to play our part in international organisations of which we are members.

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) whether he will make a statement on his discussions with the French Government on the future of the Concord aircraft;(2) what expenditure has already been made in connection with the British share in the Concord project; and what further expenditure is proposed;

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West in answer to a similar Question. Approximately £7½ million was spent by the British contractors between 29th November, 1962, when the Anglo/French Agreement was signed, and 31st October, 1964.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he expects to complete his review of the aircraft industry; and what outside bodies he has consulted in connection with this review.

I have not yet decided upon the precise form of the inquiry which I intend to make into the future of the aircraft industry, but it will certainly take into account the views of interested outside bodies.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the enlargement of the scope of the Winter Keep Scheme.

From my hon. Friend's announcement in the House last night, the hon. and learned Member will now be aware of the intention to take an early look at the present pattern of hill subsidies. This will of course take in the Winter Keep Scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to modify or enlarge the scope of the Hill Cow Subsidy Scheme; and what steps he is taking to see that farmers recently rejected from the scheme, but who were formerly within it, are reinstated.

As my hon. Friend announced in the House last night, I have asked him to look at the present pattern of hill subsidies to see whether they could be rationalised or modified in any way in order to assist this important branch of the agricultural industry. Those farmers who were excluded from the hill cow subsidy last year are ineligible because their land was found to be suitable for more than livestock rearing; and it would be wrong to hold out the hope that this policy review will result in their reinstatement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when he will announce his long-term plans for dealing with the problems of the small farmer;(2) whether he will make a statement on the future of the small farmers scheme.

The problems of how best to help small farmers and improve farm structure are among the matters which I shall be discussing with all sides of the agricultural industry in the coming months. These discussions will of course take in the Small Farmer Scheme. Meanwhile aplicants have until July, 1967 to lodge proposals under this Scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will institute a nation-wide survey into the position of the small farmer, with a view to subsequent action.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have today given to the hon. and gallant Member for Down, South (Captain Orr).

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the number of heifers entering the dairy herd.

Statistics of heifers entering the dairy herd are not available, but the total number of heifers in England and Wales calving for the first time, and intended either for the dairy or the beef herd, was 736,000 for the year ended 3rd September, 1964. The proportion of these heifers intended for the dairy herd can only be estimated approximately. The estimated proportion is some 87 per cent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the principal effects on British agriculture of the French Government's proposals for agriculture for the Common Market; what steps he proposes to take to protect British agricultural interests as a consequence; and if he will make a statement.

Much of the Community's common agricultural policy is already in force and this has not directly affected British agricultural interests. I cannot speculate in advance about the completion of their policy by the Six or the separate proposals of member Governments. It is clear, however, that the welfare of British agriculture must increasingly depend on arrangements for more stable and orderly marketing of all our food supplies, both imported and home produced. The Government will continue to take full account, particularly at the Annual Review, of all factors affecting the economic condition and prospects of the industry, including developments in the supply and marketing situation at home and abroad.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the need to give the blackcurrant growers of Norfolk and elsewhere protection against foreign dumped imports; and whether these imports will be covered by the recently imposed 15 per cent. surcharge.

I am not aware that blackcurrants are being dumped in this country. But it is always open to British growers, like any other industry, to make an application to the Board of Trade under the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act, 1957, if they have evidence that dumping is taking place and that it is causing them or threatening them with material injury. Blackcurrant imports are not subject to the fifteen per cent. surcharge.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of eggs entering the United Kingdom, and available for consumption in any form, came, respectively, from Holland, Poland and China.

As percentages of total imports of eggs and egg products, 8·9, 20·5 and 0·9 per cent., respectively, in product weight, came from Holland, Poland and China in the first nine months of 1964.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea will damage the health, development and fertility of fish there, and the fishing industry, and will deprive British people of fish for food; and if he will state his plans to prevent this damage.

I am advised that drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea is not likely to have the effect my hon. and learned Friend thinks. Nevertheless arrangements are being made to reduce to the minimum any unavoidable interference with the fishing industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total monthly gallonage of liquid milk produced from United Kingdom farms; and how this is in excess of liquid milk consumption.

In the year ended 30th September, 1964, the monthly average gross production of liquid milk by U.K. farms was 220 million gallons, of which 144 million gallons was consumed liquid and 76 million gallons was used for manufacture, or fed to livestock.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the need for tolls on the Forth Road Bridge.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take immediate steps to abolish the tolls on the Forth Road Bridge.

The Forth Bridge is the only highway project in Scotland where a toll of recent origin is being levied. I will keep under review its effect on the development of the areas served by the Bridge.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the position of hospital provision in Dunfermline; and whether he will consider bringing forward the date of the building of a new general hospital in the town.

I have put in hand a review of the hospital building programme for Scotland as a whole and I shall write to my hon. Friend about hospital provision in Dunfermline as soon as possible after my review is completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the number of lepers in Scotland during each of the past five years, respectively.

Information is not readily available about the total number of persons suffering from leprosy in Scotland. Two new cases were notified in each of the years 1959 and 1963 and one each in 1960, 1961 and 1962.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount spent on hospital building in 1963.

In the financial year 1963–64 approximately £6,300,000 was spent on hospital Pudding schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what pro- gress is being made with the review of the hospital building programme.

I have begun a review of the hospital building programme and I intend to consult the regional hospital boards when my review reaches the appropriate stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will set up an independent inquiry, similar to the one in England, to ascertain the nature and degree of exploitation by landlords as a direct result of the operation of the Rent Act.

The Milner Holland Committee to which I expect my hon. Friend refers, was set up to inquire into the special situation in London. Since the Government intend to restore control of rents shortly a similar inquiry in Scotland will not be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in relation to tolls in the transport system of Scotland.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave today to the hon. Members for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) and Dunfermline Burghs (Mr. Adam Hunter).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent he intends to authorise and assist financially the Islands and Highlands local authorities to provide water for those communities not yet supplied at dates earlier than those imposed by present financial restrictions.

I will consider sympathetically any proposals by Highland local authorities for the provision of water supplies in their areas at reasonable cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to authorise the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to proceed with their proposed major schemes, recently delayed on official instructions.

As regards the Fada-Fionn scheme, I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer yesterday to the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty. The Laidon scheme is covered by the same report. There are outstanding objections to the Nevis and Loch a'Bhraoin schemes which cannot be disposed of without an inquiry, and I shall consult the Board about further action on these schemes in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now remove the financial restrictions imposed upon the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board's proposed expenditure on their programme for supply in the Outer Isles and other unserved areas; and if he will make available to the Board now the £8 million interest-free loan for this purpose as recommended by the Mackenzie Committee.

The Board's investment programme will be reviewed in the spring, and the resources that can be authorised for extension of rural connections will then be fixed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his plans for the development of trade, industry, commerce and employment in North-East Scotland, with particular reference to the City of Aberdeen.

The Government are, as my hon. and learned Friend knows, preparing both a national plan and regional plans to promote economic development, with special reference to the under-employed areas of the country. It will take some time yet to finalise and co-ordinate these plans.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to speed up the review of local government finance; and what plans he has for the complete reorganisation of local government.

The review of local government finance, which is being undertaken in relation to Great Britain as a whole, will be completed as soon as possible. As regards re-organisation, I shall take stock of the position when I have the results of the financial review and also the report of the Allen Committee on the incidence of rate burdens. Meanwhile the Working Party appointed with the local authority associations last ear is having a further meeting later this month.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the installation of oil-fired heating in the new hospitals in Edinburgh; and whether it would be practicable to direct that the heating should be done by the use of coal.

A change to coal at this stage would involve, in one case, a complete change in boilerhouse and engineering design: and in the other, a change in space requirements which would adversely affect the layout of the hospital in relation to the site it is to occupy. There would therefore be delays in completing these hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, after consultation with the French Government, he will approach the Government of the New Hebrides Condominium and ask if the latter Government wishes the enlarged Admiralty jurisdiction conferred upon the High Court of the United Kingdom by the Administration of Justice Act. 1956, to be extended to the New Hebrides Condominium by an Order in Council or other appropriate means.

It is unnecessary for me to consult the French Government on this matter. The High Court for the Western Pacific is a Colonial Court of Admiralty whose jurisdiction already extends over the New Hebrides. The Resident Commissioner has agreed a draft Order in Council extending the Administration of Justice Act, 1956, subject to the provisions of the Protocol to the Condominium, but the High Commissioner Western Pacific's agreement has not yet reached me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, after consultation with the French Government, he will approach the Government of the New Hebrides Condominium and ask if the latter Government wishes for the terms of the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Act, 1958, to be extended to the New Hebrides Condominium by an Order in Council or other appropriate means.

I am now advised that the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Act, 1958, could only be extended to the new Hebrides as a whole by amendment to the Protocol; and that it is the responsibility of the French Government to give effect, if it so desires, to the International Convention relating to the Liability of Owners of Sea-going Ships in relation to its own nationals by appropriate modification of the French legal system. Inquiries are being made of the French Government about the extent to which it is giving effect to the provisions of the Convention in the New Hebrides.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present status of the ex-Royal Air Force station at Horsham Saint Faith; and if he will make a statement.

This is an inactive airfield, which has no air traffic control or fire and crash facilities. It is not listed in the Ministry of Aviation's publication, the "Air Pilot", as one of the Service airfields which may be used by civil pilots subject to prior permission. In these circumstances the Ministry of Defence cannot guarantee the safety of any civil aircraft which might use the airfield. Where, exceptionally, a civil pilot is allowed to use an inactive airfield, it is necessary for him to complete a form of indemnity.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future of the HS 681 transport aircraft.

I am reviewing the content of the Defence Programme. The HS 681 is included in that review. Meanwhile development of the aircraft is continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that at the recent general election a number of Royal Air Force personnel had not been informed of the correct procedure for registering as electors; and if he will take steps to ensure that all servicemen are fully informed of their rights in this respect.

pursuant to his Answer—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th November, 1964; Vol. 701, c. 50]—supplied the following as the full answer:As regards the first part of the Question, the answer is No. As regards the second part of the Question, all Servicemen are reminded annually of the steps that they must take, if they are not already registered as electors, to have their names included in the next electoral register. Furthermore, at each General Election, those already eligible to vote are given full directions to enable them to register their vote. If the hon. Member can give me details of any Serviceman who was not made aware of his rights, I will be happy to look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state his plans for further development of the Dounreay scientific station.

No decision has yet been taken regarding further development of the Dounreay Experimental Reactor Establishment.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) what the relationship will be between his proposed Regional Planning Boards, his proposed Advisory Regional Councils, and the existing Planning Authorities which have responsibility for land use planning;

I hope to be able to make a statement on these matters shortly.

asked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the grant by Her Majesty's Government of £50,000 to the Atlantic College at St. Donat's, Glamorganshire.

It was decided in August, in response to an appeal from the Governing Body of the College, to make this grant of £50,000. Payment has been made from the Civil Contingencies Fund. A Supplementary Estimate will be laid before Parliament in due course.I believe that the House will welcome this measure of support for an interesting experiment in international education.

asked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government have given to relieve the distress caused by hurricane Cleo in Guadeloupe.

A gift of 10,000 francs, the equivalent of about £750, has been made to the French Red Cross Fund for Guadeloupe Hurricane Relief. Parliament will in due course be asked to vote these amounts by means of a Supplementary Estimate. In the meantime an advance has been obtained from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now issue two-seater cars to the paraplegics who qualify for tricycles on issue by his Department.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the request of the Irish people to have the body of Sir Roger Casement returned to Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

I am reviewing this difficult matter, but the issues involved require careful consideration, and I am not in a position to make a statement at present.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development (1) what was the total value of the aid in cash and in kind given by this country to Ceylon in 1963, or in the nearest convenient year; through what agencies in Ceylon such aid is channelled; what are the objectives of this aid; whether she is satisfied that these objectives are being fully achieved; how many Britons were in the employment of the Government of Ceylon on Independence Day; and how many are today;(2) what was the total value of the aid in cash and in kind given by this country to Nigeria in 1963, or in the nearest convenient year; through what agencies in Nigeria such aid is channelled; what are the objectives of this aid; whether she is satisfied that these objectives are being fully achieved; how many Britons were in the employment of the Government of Nigeria on Independence Day; and how many are today;(3) what was the total value of the aid in cash and in kind given by this country to Ghana in 1963, or in the nearest convenient year; through what agencies in Ghana such aid is channelled; what are the objectives of this aid; whether she is satisfied that these objectives are being fully achieved; how many Britons were in the employment of the Government of Ghana on Independence Day; and how many are today;(4) what was the total value of the aid in cash and in kind given by this country to Kenya in 1963, or the nearest convenient year; through what agencies in Kenya such aid is channelled; what are the objectives of this aid; whether she is satisfied that these objectives are being fully achieved; how many Britons were in the employment of the Government of Kenya on Independence Day; and how many are today;(5) what was the total value of the aid in cash and in kind given by this country to Tanganyika in 1963, or in the nearest convenient year; through what agencies in Tanganyika such aid is channelled; what are the objectives of this aid; whether she is satisfied that these objectives are being fully achieved; how many Britons were in the employment of the Government of Tanganyika on Independence Day; and how many are today.

The following table shows the total value of bilateral economic aid disbursed by this country in 1963 to Ceylon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanganyika. It excludes military aid, British private investment in those countries, and aid received by them from the various international aid-giving institutions to whose funds Britain makes sub-

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to facilitate and develop passenger

It is for the shipping industry to develop services of this kind according to its own commercial judgment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state by trade and sex the number or unemployed in Aberdeen at the latest convenient date, with comparable figures for each of the last 10 years.

The tables contain figures of unemployment by sexes for each October from 1954 to 1959 and the analysis by industry and sex for each October from 1960 to 1964. The analysis by industry is not available for the years before 1960.Following are the tables: