asked the Minister of Transport whether he will extend the regulation concerning the use of flashing warning lights on motor vehicles so that these may be used by bona-fide recovery vehicles.

Yes. We intend to make regulations authorising breakdown vehicles to carry flashing lamps showing an amber light visible from all directions.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made by the Road Research Board into their experiments for the design of suitable mudflaps for motor cars.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 26th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. Harold Walker).

asked the Minister of Transport if he will appoint an independent committee to inquire into the co-ordination of transport services.

No. I am fully satisfied with the independence of mind of the advice which is already available to me, on this and other matters.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to amend the law to prevent persons who return stolen vehicles without driving them being charged under the Road Traffic Act with using a vehicle on the road while under age and uninsured.

No. I am not satisfied the suggested amendment would be justified.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the considerably increased use of stolen vehicles by criminals in recent months, he will give further consideration to making compulsory the fitting of thief-proof locks or devices on all new motor vehicles.

I have no reason to depart from the Answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 25th November.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take powers to withdraw operating licences from road haulage firms who are repeatedly convicted of allowing their drivers to work more than the statutory maximum hours or who allow their vehicles to operate in a dangerous condition.

No. The licensing authorities for goods vehicles already have power to revoke or suspend the licences of road carriers guilty of serious or repeated safety offences.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek power to require that each car registration log book be returned to the issuing office when the car to which it refers is no longer usable.

Under existing regulations, registration books have to be returned when vehicles are broken up or destroyed. Whether a vehicle should be regarded as no longer usable is a matter of judgment and would not be a suitable basis for imposing a further statutory requirement.

asked the Minister of Transport what London boroughs have applied to him to introduce the disc parking system.

None, but there were informal discussions with two boroughs some time ago.

asked the Minister of Transport what results have been achieved by the disc system of parking in Cheltenham.

None. Disc parking is not yet in operation in Cheltenham.

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the result of the recent drink and driving campaign.

I must await the results of research which the Road Research Laboratory is now conducting before reaching conclusions about the effects of the campaign.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what was the nature of the official communications he has received from the inventor of the Rutherford-Palmer anti-dazzle headlight; what replies he sent; and if he will make a statement;(2) if, in the interests of road safety, he will arrange for an official demonstration of the Rutherford-Palmer anti-dazzle headlight.

We have correspondence about the Rutherford-Palmer headlight dating back many years. One of my engineers attended a demonstration of the lamp on 18th March last year and I am willing to arrange for the lamp to be tested it the inventor wishes.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will discuss with the car industry the extent to which the average cost of safety belts would be reduced if the demand for them was increased by making their installation compulsory.

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind, but in view of the great value of seat belts in terms of safety I do not consider that their current cost should be regarded as a serious obstacle to their being purchased and fitted to any suitable vehicle.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange for his Department to participate in the Industrial Exhibition of Wales.

No. I regret that the limited amount of funds available for exhibitions does not enable us to take part in the Industrial Exhibition of Wales. But background information, maps, photographs and models dealing with the road programme can be made available to the organisers if required.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the results of his experiments to find remedies for the problems of rural transport.

Not in all cases.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will seek powers to stagger hours of work compulsorily in central London and other industrial centres when this is not done on a voluntary basis, so as to ease travelling congestion in the rush hours.

No. I prefer persuasion to direction.

asked the Minister of Transport how long the experiments with illuminated warning signs on the M.5 and M.1 will take before firm conclusions are reached.

asked the Minister of Transport what provisions he has made for the installation of adequate fog signals on the M.1 and other motorways before next winter.

Further examination of the simple manually-operated warning system for the M.1, to which I referred in my Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, North-West (Sir B. Janner) on 23rd December, has shown that this would not be an adequate solution.However, as I announced on 7th January, temporary warning signs will be placed on all motorways in advance of the junction just before a fog patch is reached, so that drivers can leave the motorway if they wish. Signs will also be placed on all-purpose roads so that they warn drivers about to enter motorways that there is fog ahead. At service areas there will be signs giving advice of conditions ahead.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the increased non-local use of unclassified roads in rural areas by seasonal and holiday traffic, the use of detours by through traffic and the increased population in newly developed rural districts, are throwing an undue burden on district council rates with the result that many such roads are deteriorating through lack of proper maintenance; and if he will arrange for a review and upgrade all such roads to Grade C or arrange for a system of seasonal grants in appropriate cases.

We already pay half the cost of improving and maintaining a large network of rural Class III roads. Any significant increase could only be at the expense of the improvement and maintenance of existing classified roads which function as through routes all the year round. This would not be justified. But we are always ready to consider particular requests for upgrading which meet the standard test.

asked the Minister of Transport by how much the road programme has been underspent in this financial year. compared with the estimates.

As we have three weeks to go to the end of the financial year, I cannot give a precise forecast, but on the information at present available I have no reason to expect an under-spending of any significance.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the representations which he has received, he will now reconsider his decision to refuse permission for the erection of temporary experimental traffic lights at the junction of Lower Gravel Road and Hastings Road, Bromley Common.

No. I do not think traffic signals are the right answer here, even as a temporary measure.I have approved in principle a scheme for installing central refuges with the necessary limited road widening. The borough council is working out the details. This, I am sure, is the best course.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects the pedestrian subway under A.40 near the French Horn at Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, to be completed.

In about a year, if all goes well.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet decided on a suitable method of assessing the priority to be given to the second part of the King's Lynn by-pass.

An assessment has been made of the travel and accident loss on trunk road A.47 at King's Lynn. This will be a factor in assessing the priority to be given to the second part of the by-pass.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to make a statement on his plans and programme for the proposed flyover at Gants Hill roundabout, Ilford.

The joint study of this problem by my Department and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government is well advanced. We expect to receive a report by Easter, and then to consult the local authorities affected. I will make a statement as soon as possible thereafter.

asked the Minister of Transport what stage he has reached in his consultations with local authorities on the route of the proposed M.11; which local authorities have been consulted; and when he now expects to publish a draft scheme.

The following is a list of the local authorities with whose representatives discussions have been held. We and they are now considering what has so far emerged from these discussions.I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Newens) on 9th February about the date of publication of a draft scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement regarding the provision of a road to by-pass Andover.

After careful consideration of objections to the draft Orders under Sections 7 and 9 of the Highways Act, 1959, I have made the Section 7 Order with modifications and will shortly be making the Section 9 Order. The objectors are being informed.Work will be started as soon as the land has been acquired and should then take about two years to complete.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the parking difficulties now being experienced by commercial travellers in town centres; and whether, in view of the disparity of treatment they receive, he will issue a circular to local authorities.

I am not aware of any disparity in the treatment of commercial travellers. Parking in town centres is a national problem affecting all urban authorities and the Government have given general guidance on it in Planning Bulletin No. 7 published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on 4th March.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now give a favourably reply to Bromley Council's request for an extension of the 30 miles per hour limit southwards from Rookery Lane to the borough boundary.

I have now told Bromley Council that I propose, subject to consideration of any objections resulting from advertisement, to impose a 30 m.p.h. speed limit on a shorter length of Hastings Road, from 50 yards north of Trinity Close to 70 yards south of Cherry Orchard Road. This would be a temporary measure until central refuges can be installed and the road widened in the vicinity of the junction with Lower Gravel Road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a statement concerning the provision of toilet facilities on trunk roads.

My Department and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are arranging an early meeting with the local authority associations. In the meantime I cannot usefully add to what has already been said by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and myself in reply to the many Questions on this important matter over the past few weeks.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee Year of the Road Safety Movement; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that in 1966 the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents hopes to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of co-ordinated voluntary effort for promoting road and other forms of safety. The Society is in touch with the appropriate Government Departments about its plans for this event.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to provide adequate pedestrian facilities for crossing the Western Avenue between Medway Parade and Greenford roundabout.

I have made certain proposals to the Middlesex County Council and the Commissioner of Police. When I have their views I will decide what additional pedestrian safeguards can be provided and will then write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans are under examination for major changes of that part of the Western Avenue that now runs through the built-up area of Greenford, Middlesex.

None, other than improvements of the junctions.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will reimpose the speed restrictions recently abolished on that part of the Western Avenue between Bideford Avenue and Greenford roundabout.

I have not recently abolished a speed limit here. A short length has a 40 m.p.h. limit which I am considering removing. I am at the same time considering a request from the local authority for an extension of the limit.

asked the Minister of Transport what decision he has reached over making Give Way notices at roundabouts a part of road traffic law.

No decision can be taken on this until later in the year when the experiment at selected roundabouts will be completed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the danger to cyclists and motorists caused by the state of the roads at many level crossings; and if he will issue a general direction in the public interest to the Railways Board to restore the road surfaces at these places.

I am not aware that the present state of the roads at level crossings is especially hazardous to road users. The Railways Board is well aware of its responsibilities and I do not think a general direction on the matter is called for.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that two people were killed at Fairburn on the A.1 on 22nd February and that the hon. Member for Goole drew his attention to dangers existing at that place on 5th November last; and what steps he now proposes to take to ensure the safety of the local residents on the A.1 and the service roads of this village.

When the dual carriageways on the A.1 at Fairburn were constructed, a footbridge and a vehicular bridge were provided to enable it to be crossed in safety. In addition a wooden fence was provided along each side of the new road to discourage pedestrians from crossing on the level. I have learned with regret of the deaths of these two young people who climbed over the fence and ventured on to the carriageway.I do not see what more I can reasonably do to prevent accidents of this kind.I hope to give a decision shortly on the application for a speed limit on the service road which was formerly part of the old A.1.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the current annual rate of expenditure on repairs per mile on the concrete section of the M.1 and on other surfaces, respectively; and what conclusions he has reached as to the relative value of the different surfaces.

The rate of expenditure on repairs in 1964–65 and 1965–66 will be £865 per lane-mile of repairs for the concrete section. There is no comparable figure for the adjacent flexible section since repair work cannot be costed separately from the reconstruction necessary to bring the flexible carriageways up to current specification. The total figure for this is £1,670 per lane-mile of repairs and strengthening.It is too early to reach conclusions as to the relative values of the different surfaces constructed to current specifications until more experience has been gained of their performance.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the statutory processes and engineering preparations for sections of the M.1 north of Pinxton, Derbyshire; when he expects to place contracts for extensions to South Yorkshire, Leeds and Doncaster, respectively; and whether he will make a further statement about progress north of Markfield.

The statutory processes arid engineering preparations are well advanced. We hope to place contracts for the remaining sections this year.Six contracts between Markfield and Pinxton are under way. We expect this length to be completed early in 1967, but each section will be brought into use as soon as it is ready.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from the Stroud Urban District Council about the Golden Cross crossroads; and what reply he has sent.

The council asked for a major improvement scheme at this junction. My Department has replied that the minor works to be undertaken are expected to provide sufficient improvement, but that the matter can be reviewed when their effects are known.

asked the Minister of Transport for how long discussions have been proceeding with the London County Council concerning the scheme to improve the southern approach to Wandsworth Bridge; if he is aware of the urgent need to rehouse people living in the neighbouring roads, particularly in Jew's Row and Pier Terrace; and when he expects to reach his decision.

Discussions have been going on since February, 1964. But, as my hon. Friend will understand from my Answer to him on 23rd February, I cannot give my approval to the scheme until the L.C.C. has satisfied me on certain important aspects of it. I am unable to say when this will be. I am aware of the housing problem in the area, but the decision to deal with it as part of this road improvement instead of under slum clearance powers was the L.C.C.'s.

asked the Minister of Transport what study he has made of the evidence put before him on the need for the immediate start of a by-pass for the existing A.56 road through Helsby and Frodsham; and whether he will make a statement about the proposed date of commencement.

I recognise the need to start construction of the Helsby-Frodsham By-pass as soon as the necessary statutory, and other, preparatory processes can be completed, entry on land obtained and funds made available. On present plans I expect this to be during the financial year 1968–69.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that pedestrians using pedestrian crossings have no indication that approaching motor cars will respect their rights by stopping and that many pedestrians have been injured as a result; and if he will take steps to provide that motor car footbrakes which automatically light the rear stop light shall simultaneously also automatically light a front Cross Now light as a guide to the pedestrian of the motorist's intention to stop.

I am afraid that my hon. and learned Friend's suggestion would not make for the greater safety of pedestrians. A driver's signals should indicate only his own intentions. Applying the brakes does not necessarily mean that a vehicle is about to stop.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider his decision not to provide traffic signals at the junction of Church Street, Willing-don, with the London-Eastbourne road.

For the reasons given to the hon. Member in my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary's letter of 8th December I cannot agree that signals are justified at this junction.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek to amend the law relating to grants on maintenance and minor improvements of classified roads in county boroughs so as to extend the grants for traffic signs as in the case of county councils.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek to amend the law so as to bring county boroughs into line with county councils on the question of grants for traffic signs.

I am reviewing the whole question of grants in urban areas with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Meanwhile I do not think it would be right to consider one aspect in isolation.

asked the Minister of Transport what report he has received on the result of the experimental crossing scheme in Green Lanes, Harringay; and what action he intends to take in continuing or modifying the scheme.

I have received reports from the authorities co-operating in this experiment. These are being studied and I will make an announcement about the future of the experiment before the end of the month.

asked the Minister of Transport when authority will be granted for the carrying out of a detailed soil survey for the Lancashire-Yorkshire motorway, M.62.

Detailed soil surveys have already taken place on the western 23 miles, including the Pennine section. Similar surveys on the remaining 30 miles will be authorised as soon as the line of route becomes reasonably certain.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the latest progress on the Lancashire-Yorkshire motorway M.62 project.

Preparation of this motorway, including the necessary statutory processes, is going ahead as quickly as possible. Part of it is to be the subject of a public inquiry.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the parking meter scheme, as operated in London, imposes inconvenience on residents; and if he will accept the proposal made by the Westminster City Council and others that meters should operate from 9 a.m. instead of 8.30 a.m. as at present.

I am aware that parking meter schemes do inconvenience some residents. But I am not satisfied it would be in the general interest at present to change the starting time from 8.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Vehicles left overnight would then be able to stay on 2-hour meters until 11 a.m. But well before that time it is already difficult for short-term parkers, for whom the meters are intended, to find parking places.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to change the present procedure whereby a person or persons can unreasonably delay the building of a major roadway by being allowed to make at least three separate objections, thus causing three separate public inquiries; and if he will make a statement.

The present procedures were laid down in the Trunk Roads Act, 1946 and the Special Roads Act, 1949, now consolidated in the Highways Act, 1959, and in the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act, 1946. There is provision for these procedures to be carried out concurrently and, except for Compulsory Purchase Orders, I have power to dispense with an inquiry where I am satisfied that in the circumstances it is unnecessary and where there is no objection from a local authority. Thus in practice it is common to hold only one inquiry for a major road scheme. These procedures are kept under constant review to see if any changes are desirable.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for the eventual extension of the Basingstoke motorway to the West in the direction of Dorset, as future motorways already announced will not serve the county.

None at present, but the need for further motorways will be considered in the formulation of my inter-urban road plan for the 1970s. Meanwhile the existing trunk roads westwards from Basingstoke are being improved.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will set up an inquiry into the overcrowding of certain roads at holiday time and the need for road improvements, in view of the importance of the tourist industry to the country as a whole and to certain districts where it is a major source of income.

No. I think that we already have enough information about congestion on roads at holiday times. The real problem is that there are so many urgent and important demands upon the road programme.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will increase the allocation of funds to the South-West for improving trunk road and motorway communications.

For the next four years the road programme is settled. The selection of schemes for later extensions of the programme will depend, as now, firstly upon the size of the programme as a whole and secondly upon their relative importance and cost.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will now make a statement on the Report of the National Ports Council for the Bristol Channel area;(2) when he intends to publish the recommendations of the National Ports Council, and the Government's proposals for the Bristol Channel area.

The Report is being examined by Departments concerned in consultation with the Council. A number of complicated issues arise, and I cannot yet say when the Government will be in a position to report its conclusions to the House.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will investigate the delay of seven weeks at the London docks of footwear exports to Malaya, which were dispatched from a Leicester factory on 26th November but not shipped from London until 11th January, details of which have been sent by the hon. Member for Louth; what causes such delays; what action he is taking to eliminate them; and if he will make a statement.

We have not received the details to which the hon. Member refers. The reasons for the serious delays at the end of last year were explained in the debate in the House on 23rd December. Over the last few weeks there has been a considerable improvement at the export berths, to which the special measures taken by the Port of London Authority and other interests have substantially contributed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction in the public interest to the Railways Board that it should use the profits made on shipping services so as to keep to a minimum the fares on those services.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to improve communications in London and other dock areas to assist overseas trade; and if he will make a statement.

Congestion in ports has been due in the main to factors other than communications with the dock areas. Nevertheless the current road programme contains many schemes which will directly or indirectly improve access to London and other dock areas. Traffic management measures also help. For example, the lorry route, on which substantial traffic management measures are being progressively introduced, should greatly help traffic from the Midlands for London Docks.

asked the Minister of Transport what decisions he has made on the proposed closure of branch railway lines in the Torrington division.

My right hon. Friend has decided to consent to the Railways Board's proposals to withdraw the passenger services between Halwill and Torrington and between Torrington and Barnstaple Junction. His consent to the latter is conditional on the provision of certain extra bus services.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce his decision regarding the proposed rail closures in the South-West.

I have not yet completed my examination of the Railways Board's proposals to withdraw the Okehampton-Bude and Halwill-Wadebridge passenger services, which affect the hon. Member's constituency. I will see that there is no unnecessary delay in giving my decisions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet reached a decision regarding the proposed closure of the King's Lynn-Dereham line; and whether he will make a statement.

I have not yet received particulars of this proposal from the Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the concern expressed by local authorities and others, he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board to review the formula used for calculating the estimates of losses which are prepared for submission to transport users' consultative committees in support of the Board's proposals for withdrawal of passenger train services and facilities.

No. The financial information to be supplied to Consultative Committees has been agreed between them and the Railways Board. The hon. Member may recall that after carrying out an independent investigation at the request of my predecessor, Sir William Carrington reported that these figures were appropriate for the purpose and that the bases on which they were compiled were well founded and sound in principle.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board to offer any railway houses for sale to their existing tenants before disposing of them in other ways.

No. The Board is subject to the general law governing relations between landlord and tenant and it would not be appropriate to impose other restrictions of this nature upon it. I understand that where possible the Board first offers surplus houses for sale to the existing tenants. But this is not always practicable where blocks of houses become available for disposal. In these cases the Board normally give the first offer to the local housing authority.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he will take when conditions attached by him to his consent to a withdrawal of railway passenger services are not observed by the bus companies concerned.

These conditions are binding on the Railways Board, not on the particular bus companies who may be providing the alternative services.A standard condition of consents requires the Board to notify me of any substantial changes in alternative services. I cannot say what action I would take in a particular instance without knowing the circumstances. I am looking into the case about which the hon. Member has written to me.

asked the Minister of Transport what decisions he has made concerning the closure of passenger railway stations in Derbyshire; and whether he will make a statement.

I have so far made no such decisions.

asked the Minister of Transport what official representations he has received about railway pensions; and whether he will make a statement.

I have received representations from the British Transport Officers' Guild and from various members of the British Railways Superannuitants Federation urging the inclusion of railway superannuitants within the scope of any future Pensions (Increase) Act.This would not be appropriate. Railway pensions are primarily the responsibility of the British Railways Board who already have adequate powers to increase pensions.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the percentage increase in charges for transporting private cars on British Rail this year as against last year; and whether he will break this figure down into regions.

I understand from the Railways Board that this information cannot readily be presented as a single figure of percentage increase. I am sure, however, that the Board would gladly help the hon. Member with information on any specific problem.

asked the Minister of Transport how many formal proposals for the closure of branch railway lines, in accordance with the Beeching plan, he has received from the Railways Board; how many of these proposals he has approved; how many he has disapproved on account of hardship or because the closures would be likely to conflict with regional transport plans; and how many he has disapproved because they might have been seen from the outset to be clearly unacceptable.

The Board has given statutory notice of 263 proposals for closure of passenger line services; Transport Users Consultative Committees have made reports on hardship in connection with 214 of these. My predecessor gave consent to 127 and refused consent to 11. I have consented to 15 proposals and refused consent to 4. Under the arrangement I have made with them for referring proposals to me in advance of publication the Board have sent me particulars of 16 proposals. I have raised no objection to the publication of 7 of these; I am still considering the remainder.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to arrange that Questions shall be taken on Fridays.

I should prefer to await any recommendations which the Select Committee on Procedure may decide to make on this matter.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in order to facilitate the implementation of Her Majesty's Government's legislative programme, he will now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's plans for the length of the present Parliamentary Session.

No. It depends on the progress of Government business.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the average weekly earnings for the latest available six months of police constables and baggage porters at London Airport, respectively.

For the six months ended 30th November, 1964, the average weekly earnings of police constables at London (Heathrow) Airport amounted to £21. This does not take into account a pay increase of some 7·4 per cent. recently negotiated, which is effective from the 1st September, 1964. During the same period baggage porters earned an average of £16 4s. 5d. per week.

asked the Minister of Aviation what arrangements are being made for handling, and for providing additional storage buildings at London Airport, with particular reference to British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

Plans are being worked out between my Department and the airlines for a new freight terminal at Heathrow. B.O.A.C. and B.E.A. propose to erect their own handling and storage buildings and 30 acres of land is on offer to them for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether, in view of the financial hardship caused to private and trainee pilots, he will now reintroduce the rebate on petrol to flying clubs and groups.

The decision to end the rebate, though unwelcome to the flying clubs, should not cause them hardship. The rebate served its purpose in helping the clubs during the post-war years, but I see no justification for its reintroduction.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will ensure that when foreign aircraft are purchased the use of British flight control equipment is specified.

In general we favour the use of British equipment, but it must meet Service requirements and be reasonably competitive for price and time.

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to ensure that there is no time gap between the ending of production work on the Trident IE and the opening of production work on the British European Airways order for the Trident 2 at the Hawker Siddeley factory, Hatfield.

British European Airways has not so far placed orders for Trident aircraft beyond its original order for 24 Mk. 1 aircraft. Its further requirements are presently under discussion with the manufacturer.

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress is being made with the Stepulator conveyance for helping passengers confined to wheel chairs into and out of aircraft.

I am not responsible for the development of this conveyance. I understand from B.E.A., however, that the manufacturers are considering modifications to increase its usefulness to potential airline customers.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware that the shortage of personnel in the Flight Operations Inspectorate affects the maintenance of safety standards in airline operations; and what steps he is taking to recruit further personnel.

Five of the Flight Operations Inspectors' posts are unfilled at present owing to resignations from the service during 1964. We hope to fill these vacant posts as soon as possible. Meanwhile the usual checks on U.K. airlines are being carried out.

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to alleviate the disturbance caused by aircraft, particularly at night, to residents in the vicinity of London (Heathrow) Airport.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made today.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will give an assurance that residents in the parliamentary constituency of Holland with Boston will not be inconvenienced by sonic boom demonstrations arranged for Members of Parliament.

Arrangements have now been made for the demonstration to be given at the R.A.F. Station at Upwood in Huntingdonshire, over which the Lightnings being used to create the sonic bangs will fly in a south-westerly direction. The bangs will be heard over a considerable area of the surrounding countryside, but I hope that no great inconvenience will be caused.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will now state where the sonic bang demonstration for Members and others is to be held.

Yes. It will be at the R.A.F. Station at Upwood in Huntingdonshire.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take on the report on the state of the fishing industry prepared for him by the chairman of the White Fish Authority; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his study of the report upon the fishing industry made by the Chairman of the White Fish Authority; and what action he will take upon it.

The chairman of the White Fish Authority has put forward his views about the development of fishery policy over the next few years. Specific proposals have been made in regard to the financing of a statutory scheme of minimum or reserve prices for fish on firsthand sale and the future of grants and loans for fishing vessels. These are under urgent consideration and decisions will be made known as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the outline recommendations made to him by the chairman of the White Fish Authority; and what action he proposes to take on these recommendations.

It would be inappropriate to publish these recommendations. They are under urgent consideration and decisions will be made known as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will refer to his scientific advisory panel for consideration the effect factory farming has on the quality and taste of food; and whether it can harm the health of the consumer.

Yes. I have asked the panel to consider whether intensive systems of production have any effect on the quality and taste of food. The limited amount of work which has been done in this field does not suggest that such systems have any materially adverse effect on the nutritional value of the resulting product as an item in a balanced diet. I know of no evidence that the products of intensive husbandry are harmful to the health of the consumer. The evaluation of such evidence would, of course, be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken on the petition of payers of drainage rates in the parish of Huntington for a review of the area of the River Foss Internal Drainage Board under Section 36 of the Land Drainage Act, 1961; and when he anticipates the matter will be determined.

A petition was made to the river board who consequently reviewed the boundaries of the district as required by the Act. The board has now intimated its intention to submit to my right hon. Friend within the next few weeks a scheme to alter those boundaries. Until it publishes this scheme and interested parties have had an opportunity to make representations, I cannot estimate when the matter will be determined.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the total administration expenses of the Potato Marketing Board in each of the past five years.

The administrative expenses of the Potato Marketing Board were as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which areas have made the greatest contribution to increased agricultural efficiency in the last five years.

While there is no reason to doubt that all parts of the country have contributed to the agricultural industry's excellent record of improving its efficiency, separate estimates for particular areas are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will continue the reconstruction and widening of Hillington Road, Glasgow, to its junction with Renfrew Road, in view of the fact that, with the opening of Abbotsinch Airport, it will become the main east-west highway for traffic.

I shall consider carefully any proposal which the responsible highway authorities concerned, namely, Glasgow Corporation and Renfrew County Council, decide to submit dealing with this.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take action to reduce the dangers to road and passenger traffic on the road between Larbert and the roundabout where Bellsdyke Road joins the round-about; and what records are kept of the accident rate in this vicinity.

Returns for the last three years disclose a high accident rate here. I have asked the chief constable for full details of the accidents during that period, and when I have these I will consider what can be done to make conditions safer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why refunds of expenses of patients from outlying districts attending hospitals and clinics are confined to patients living in the crofting counties; and whether he will now authorise such refunds to be made whenever such attendance is over a stipulated mileage anywhere in Scotland.

The new scheme which was introduced on 1st November, 1964, has been limited to the seven crafting counties, where the need is greatest. To extend it would add materially to the total cost and could be achieved only by allotting money which is urgently needed for other priority services. Persons suffering hardship anywhere in Scotland may be reimbursed if they qualify in terms of National Assistance Board standards.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to commence work on the maternity unit at Rutherglen.

The Western Regional Hospital Board is at present planning to start on this scheme in 1967–68.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when a decision can be expected on the proposal to build a general hospital in Rutherglen; and if a suite for the use of general practitioners will be included in the building.

No proposal for a general hospital in Rutherglen is before me at present. I understand that the Western Regional Hospital Board is examining the possibility of such a scheme, which might include a unit for general practitioners, in the course of its review of the future pattern of hospital services in the greater Glasgow area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take to improve the hospital services for the people of Lennoxtown, Kilsyth and parts of Dunbartonshire.

The Western Regional Hospital Board is at present reviewing the future pattern of hospital services in the greater Glasgow area and I am sure that it will consider the needs of these areas, which at present are served primarily by Glasgow hospitals, in the proposals which are submitted to me in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Buchanan Report, particularly as it affects Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

A land use/transport survey for the Glasgow conurbation, of the kind recommended in the Buchanan Report, is now under way and should be completed in 1967. The survey covers in detail an area of about 450 square miles with a population of about 1¾ million. Its results are likely to be of appreciable use over an even wider area. It will provide the basis of comprehensive plans for dealing with traffic movement and land use in west central Scotland on the principles recommended by Professor Buchanan.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what help he gives to pre-school play groups.

No grant is paid from central funds in respect of such groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if work on the Fada Fionn project submitted by the North of

Appointments of consulting engineers to prepare and supervise schemes of major improvement or new construction on trunk roads and motorways were made as follows:Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in March 1963 has yet commenced.

No. The public inquiry into this scheme raised important issues which I am at present considering.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many murders were detected in Scotland between 1900 and 1950, between 1951 and 21st March, 1957, and since 21st March, 1957; and how many acquittals, convictions, reprieves and executions there were during these periods.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many postal votes were cast in the General Elections of 1959 and 1964 in respect of Scottish constituencies.

The number of postal votes included in the count in Scottish constituencies was 46,723 in 1959 and 57,535 in 1964. The following is a more detailed summary:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what part of the present programme of road building and road improvements in the Highlands has been initiated since 1st November, 1964.

Since 1st November, 1964, schemes estimated to cost approximately £530,000 have been authorised and constructional work estimated to cost £282,000 has started.

The following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will enumerate the existing bodies which, with varying degrees of official backing, are concerned with looking after the interests of the Highlands.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis) on 9th February, 1965.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pedestrians were killed and injured by motor cars on Scottish roads, indicating the relevant counties, during each of the last 12 months; and what steps he has taken and plans to take to reduce the number of these casualties.

Engineering, enforcement, education and research all play their part in the action taken by the Government and the local authorities to reduce the toll of pedestrian accidents. I hope also that the National Road Safety Advisory Council, to the setting up of which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport referred on 23rd December, will be able to assist us in these matters.The following are the figures by police areas: