asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if in future he will allow the whole winter crop of Cyprus potatoes, amounting to about 12,000 tons, to be imported into Great Britain, in view of its small size in relation to total United Kingdom imports and its importance to Cyprus farmers.

Imports of main crop potatoes are permitted only when our home crop is insufficient to meet demand; we cannot undertake to make an exception in favour of any one country. That part of the Cyprus winter crop, however, which can satisfy the definition of new potatoes in our import licensing regulations can enter the United Kingdom without restriction as to quantity and free of duty. Taking the winter and spring crops together, in 1964 we imported 85,000 tons of Cyprus new potatoes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The staff of my Department is expected to fall by 182 between 16th October, 1964, and 1st April, and then to increase by 72 up to 15th October, 1965.

asked the Attorney-General what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The answer to both parts of the Question is, None.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Air Corporations to ensure that London Airport is served by modern buses and coaches capable of adequate speed to benefit from the opening of the Chiswick to London Airport motorway.

A direction would be inappropriate and unnecessary. B.O.A.C. and B.E.A. both tell me that their existing fleets of coaches can and do take full advantage of the new motorway. Both Corporations have more coaches on order.

asked the Minister of Aviation what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

There has been an increase of 70 in non-industrial staff since 16th October, 1964, and I anticipate a further increase of 400 between now and 15th October, 1965. Largely due to seasonal factors there has been a decrease of 200 in industrial staff since 16th October, 1964. I expect this to be made good and there to be a further increase of about 100 between now and 15th October, 1965. With the expected increases most branches of the Department will still be below complement.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The staff of the Commonwealth Relations Office on 16th October, 1964, was 867 and is now 474. The decrease is explained by the amalgamation of the Administrative Departments of the Commonwealth Relations Office and the Foreign Office on 1st January, 1965, to form a combined Administration and common services with a staff of 1,338.In the period up to 15th October, 1965, an increase of 10 is anticipated in the staff of the Commonwealth Relations Office. No increase is expected in the combined Administration or common services.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why 13,065 yards of textiles were offered for sale at the public auction in the Cheetham Town Hall, Manchester, on 2nd February, 1965; and, of the quantity sold, how the price obtained compared with the purchase price.

The 13,065 yards of textiles, which consisted of about 500 pieces of different materials, mainly bought before 1952, were offered, and sold, because none was suitable for future use. The purchase price is not known, and it is not usual to give details of the prices realised.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why he offered for sale as surplus stock at the public auction in Manchester on 2nd February, 1965, 13,540 steel helmets; why they were not retained in stock; how many were sold; and at what price.

The helmets were from Home Office civil defence stocks. I was asked to dispose of them because the linings had deteriorated through age and they were no longer serviceable. 12,540 were offered for sale and 417 sold. It is not usual for prices realised to be given.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why 2,594 pairs of trousers and 1,740 pairs of ankle boots were offered for sale as surplus stock at the public auction at Hurlford, Kilmarnock, on 11th March, 1965; how many were new; and how the selling price compared with the purchase price.

The trousers and boots, all of which had been worn, were offered for sale because they were no longer fit for Service use. The trousers cost £1 16s. 6d. a pair and the boots £1 15s. 0d. a pair: it is not usual to give details of prices realised.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why 5,944 pairs of leather ankle boots, 14,400 leather boot soles for sizes 5 to 7 and 2,600 leather boot heels were offered for sale at the public auction at Bicester, Oxfordshire, on 9th February, 1965; why they were not retained for future use; how many were sold; and how the price obtained at the auction compared with the purchase price.

None of the ankle boots was serviceable and the soles and heels were not required because they were either of a non-standard pattern no longer in use or, in the case of some of the leather heels, of a very small size for which there is little call. The soles were bought in 1940 and the heels in 1949. 5,287 pairs of boots and 4,800 soles were sold but none of the heels. The boots cost about £1 15s. 0d. a pair, the soles 4s. 3d. a pair and the heels 4d. a pair. It is not usual to give details of prices realised.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why 3,906 pairs of anti-mosquito boots were declared surplus and offered for sale at the public auction at Bicester; how many were sold; and how the price realised compared with the purchase price.

These boots were purchased some years ago and have now been declared surplus because of a decreasing annual maintenance requirement and because it was decided to reduce the reserves held. None was sold at the auction. They cost £1 13s. 6d. a pair.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the departments under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Based upon the returns nearest to 16th October last there have been to date decreases in headquarters and outstations staff amounting to approximately 4,200. I estimate that there will be a further decrease in headquarters and outstations staff of about 850 between now and 15th October next.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The total staff of the Department of Economic Affairs is expected to be 422 on 1st April 1965, an increase of that amount since 16th October, 1964. The published estimates provide for an increase in the next financial year to a strength of 452.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he will take to include colleges in the non-autonomous sector of higher education in the university clearing house scheme.

It has been the practice of the Universities Central Council on Admissions in appropriate cases to bring to the notice of applicants the opportunities to pursue degree and other advanced courses in regional and other technical colleges. The need, however, is not so much for a central clearing house as to ensure that qualified school leavers are aware of the facilities which are available. Proposals to this end were made in the Alexander Report on the Public Relations of Further Education which was commended to local education authorities and colleges in a circular last December.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for the future role in higher education of colleges in the non-autonomous sector of education, in particular of regional colleges and others doing a large proportion of higher educational work; and if he will make a statement.

As I told the House in the debate on higher education on 25th March, I hope shortly to initiate discussions about the future pattern of advanced work in the further education system, with the aim of ensuring that the technical colleges make their maximum contribution to the higher education needs of the country in their own distinctive way.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many British scientific visitors were assisted by the British scientific officer in the United States in 1964.

The United Kingdom Scientific Mission in Washington assisted about 270 British scientists in 1964.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made by his Department in the preparation of scientific educational films for use in schools.

Scientific and other educational films for use in schools are made by the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids, and by a number of commercial and industrial organisations. My Department gives grants for educational films made by the Foundation as contributions to international series sponsored by the Council of Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that educational interests have been consulted sufficiently to make possible an early introduction of courses by the various industrial training boards; and if he will make a statement.

There are education members on all industrial training boards, and the Education Departments are represented by assessors. There will, therefore, be full educational participation in the formulation by the boards of recommendations on industrial training and the associated further education.As a result of the work of the boards, I hope to see a substantial increase in the numbers of young people given the opportunity to take further education courses.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps he is taking to implement the proposals of the Summerson Committee on post-diploma courses in art education;(2) whether he is satisfied that the proposed names of centres for post-diploma courses in art education will provide a reasonable geographical distribution; and if he will make a statement.

I accept in principle the proposals for developing post-diploma studies in art and design contained in the Third Report of the National Advisory Council on Art Education—the Coldstream Council—and I am asking the National Council for Diplomas in Art and Design—the Summerson Council—to take responsibility for designating suitable centres. The number of centres needed will be reviewed in the light of experience.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what cuts were made in primary school building proposals submitted by the Carlisle Education Authority between 1959 and 1964; and if he will consider the restoration of these cuts.

For the five major building programmes from 1962–63 to 1966–67 which were announced by the previous Government between 1959 and 1964 the Carlisle local education authority submitted seven primary school projects at an estimated cost of £398,000; two of these valued at £107,000 were approved. I shall consider the needs of the Carlisle authority carefully when I come to make decisions about future building programmes.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary and infant schools in the City of Carlisle lack inside toilets, runing hot water, playground shelters, assembly halls, libraries, dining hall and scullery facilities, proper staff rooms, and proper medical inspection rooms.

I understand from the local education authority that 13 maintained primary schools in Carlisle have toilets which are mainly outside, two have no running hot water, 14 have no playground shelter, 11 have no assembly hall, 9 have no dining hall and scullery facilities on the school site and two have no separate staff room. There is no primary school in Carlisle without facilities for medical inspection, although 19 have no room permanently set aside for this purpose. Every school has class library facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will commence an inquiry into the need for nursery classes or nursery schools in the City of Carlisle.

No. This would be a matter for the local education authority, but as a general expansion of nursery provision is not possible at present, there would be little purpose in such an inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in establishing a National Documentation Centre for programmed learning at Birmingham University for research on the development of teaching machines; and if he will make a statement.

The University of Birmingham has accepted my invitation to establish a Research and Documentation Centre for programmed learning. The Centre will be set up in the University's Department of Education, under the direction of Professor E. A. Peel, and is expected to start work in October next. It will receive an annual grant from my Department.The Centre will have responsibility for co-ordinating research and development in programmed learning, and for collecting and disseminating information about such research within the educational system in England and Wales.My Department will shortly be writing to local education authorities, Institutes of Education, and other interested parties.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

At 1st April this year, the increase in the staff of my Department since 16th October, 1964, was 265. This figure includes 200 staff from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research who became part of my staff on 1st April. The figure also includes the staff of the University Grants Committee and of the Victoria and Albert and Science Museums. I anticipate that the increase between 1st April and 15th October, 1965, will be a further 80.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of marriages solemnised at the Central Registry Office, All Saints, Manchester, on 27th March, 1965, the number of registrars of marriage officiating, and the average time taken for each ceremony.

Eighty-seven; eight; just under a quarter of an hour.

asked the Minister of Health what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 15th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

An increase of 166 since 15th October, 1964, and a further increase of 183 by 15th October, 1965.

asked the Minister of Health if a chairman has now been appointed for the committee of inquiry into the pharmaceutical industry.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are pleased to announce that Lord Sainsbury has accepted this appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many aliens have registered as students with the Home Office for each of the last five years, respectively.

The number of foreigners who entered the United Kingdom in the years 1961 to 1964 having arranged to take full-time courses of study for twelve months or more were 8,210, 7,640, 7,401 and 7,168 respectively. No corresponding figure is available for 1960, nor are figures available of foreigners who came for shorter courses of study or who arranged to study after being admitted as visitors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what cost and by whose orders four Metropolitan policemen were diverted from their normal duties to that of invigilating at the disciplinary committee of the British Egg Marketing Board at Caxton Hall on 23rd March; and to what extent the cost of providing these policemen is borne on public funds.

I am informed that no police officers were present at the meeting of the committee. Police attendance in and near Caxton Street was arranged in conjunction with normal duties and no additional expenditure was incurred.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who will be Lord Mountbatten's deputy in his mission to Commonwealth countries to discuss Commonwealth immigration to this country.

As has been announced, the deputy head of the mission will be Sir Charles Cunningham, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Home Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take further steps to deal with the sale of imported coloured pencils that have a dangerously high lead content; and if he will make a statement.

Certain imported crayons were recently found to contain excessive amounts of lead which could be a risk to children's health. The importers have already stopped further supplies and have asked wholesalers and retailers to return unsold stocks. The Home Office has issued a Press notice warning the public against allowing children to use the crayons in question and has asked the trade generally to ensure that, in future, imported crayons offered for sale are lead-free or, at least, contain the lowest possible amount of lead. If these steps do not prove to be effective, I shall consider what further action may be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The staff of the Home Office (including immigration and prison officers) has increased by 347 since October, 1964. I expect a further increase of about 500 by October, 1965.

asked the Minister of Labour what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The date nearest to 16th October, 1964, for which statistics are available is 1st October, 1964. On that date there were in my Department 21,418 staff. By 1st March, 1965, there had been a reduction of 175 in that number.It is expected that by October, 1965, the total number of staff will increase by about 1,900.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what considerations led him to turn down the application to build 500 council houses in the Green Belt near Swanley which is of no amenity value, in view of the fact that he allowed the development of 2,000 houses in the Green Belt at Hartley, Kent.

Swanley is in the approve metropolitan green belt: Hartley is not and I have already stated my reasons for allowing that appeal. Local planning authorities are at present reviewing the approved metropolitan green belt to see whether any land which contributes little of value to the purposes of the belt can be released for housing. I consider that it would be premature to release any further substantial areas of land until the results of the review are known.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

None.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The Department was not set up until 21st October, 1964. The staff numbered 214 on 1st April, 1965, and I expect that there will be an increase of 60 by 15th October. These figures include the staffs of the National Parks Commission and the Water Resources Board.

asked the Minister without Portfolio what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Of my staff of two, one is now part-time only. I do not anticipate any change before 15th October.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the department under her control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease she anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

There has been an increase of 266 in the staff of my Department since the 16th October, 1964, and a further increase of 174 is expected in the period up to the 15th October, 1965.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the General Post Office have had possession for some time of a vacant piece of land adjacent to the Regal Cinema, Broadway, Norris Green, West Derby, Liverpool, reserved for a new post office, and that there is a need for more suitable Post Office facilities in the Broadway area; and what proposals he has for building a new post office on General Post Office land in the Broadway.

We intend to build a Crown Office on part of the site and dispose of the rest. As the existing sub-office is giving a satisfactory service, we have no immediate intention of building.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make arrangements for a permanent exhibition of the history of British postage stamps.

Some time ago Mr. Reginald M. Phillips of Brighton put forward to the Post Office certain proposals that he had originated for the establishment of a National Postal Museum for Great Britain.I am pleased to announce that today, as a result of the subsequent discussions we have had with him, Mr. Phillips handed over to me his unique and comprehensive collection of nineteenth century British stamps for its permanent preservation as a national treasure for the purpose of establishing such a Museum. In addition to this magnificent gift he has also handed me a sum of £50,000 towards its maintenance. The Museum will be situated in a Post Office Building in Central London, and will be opened in about three years' time. The material in Mr. Phillips' collection, together with that from our own archives, will enable us to mount a series of exhibitions illustrating the development of the adhesive postage stamp from the days of the Treasury Competition. The concept of the adhesive postage stamp has been one of the great contributions of this country to the development of national and international communication, a contribution of which we in the Post Office are justly proud, and I am confident that the detailed story of the British stamp which will be presented will be of the greatest interest to the general public in this country and to visitors from abroad.I should like to take this opportunity to put on record my admiration for the great generosity and imagination of Mr. Phillips which has been an inspiring force in this project.

asked the Postmaster-General what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Increases of 3,000 and 3,500 respectively.

asked the Minister of Power how many United Kingdom steelworks making bulk steel have a capacity of less than 750,000 ingot tons, of between 750,000 ingot tons and 1 million ingot tons, of between 1 million and 2 million ingot tons, and of over 2 million ingot tons; and what is the total capacity of the steelworks in each of these groups.

I have been supplied with the following information by the Iron and Steel Board:Less than 750,000 ingot tons—21 works with a total capacity of approximately 8 million tons.Between 750,000 and 1 million ingot tons—3 works with a total capacity of approximately 2½ million tons.Between 1 million and 2 million ingot tons—10 works with a total capacity of approximately 12¾ million tons.Over 2 million ingot tons—2 works with a total capacity of approximately 5 million tons.Some works included in the list may be operated jointly with other works within a company or group but have here been regarded as separate works.

asked the Minister of Power (1) what amount of the total crude steel capacity in 1965 classified in the Iron and Steel Board's Special Report, 1964, as Category A is in steelworks making bulk steel with a capacity of less than 1 million tons;(2) what was the minimum capacity for crude steel production which the Iron and Steel Board required for a steelworks to be classified in Category A of its Special Report, 1964;(3) what amount of capacity for pig iron, crude steel, billets, heavy sections, and light sections, classified for the years 1955, 1960 and 1965 in the Iron and Steel Board's Special Report, 1964, as Category B, was so classified because it was not on a sufficiently large scale to yield the full economies required for Category A.

I am asking the Iron and Steel Board to let my hon. Friend have this information.

asked the Minister of Power how many tons of coal were exported from Merseyside to the Republic of Ireland in 1955, 1960, and 1964.

The precise information asked for is not available in my Department, but total exports, including those from Merseyside, to the Republic of Ireland in these years were as follows:—

asked the Minister of Power what communications he has had from the Government of the Republic of Ireland as to their present and future needs for coal; and what efforts he is making to increase United Kingdom exports of coal to the Republic of Ireland.

None. The export of coal to the Republic of Ireland, which is a highly competitive market, is a commercial matter for the National Coal Board. I support the Board's export efforts and would refer to the measures to increase exports, including the export rebate scheme, announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 27th January.

asked the Minister of Power what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

There has been an increase of 29 in the staff of my Ministry since 16th October, 1964, and a further increase of 27 is expected by 15th October, 1965.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the collection of the information required for the publication of the Border Development Plan to be completed; and whether he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of all the individuals and organisations from whom evidence has been sought.

The collection of information for the Borders Study is now substantially completed. Following is a list of local authorities and other bodies who have been consulted during the Study: in addition, various Government Departments and the Northern Economic Plan- ning Board have also been consulter, together with numerous individuals, many of whom belong to the bodies listed below. A few more discussions with individuals and bodies, who can be of assistance on particular points of detail, are still to be arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Departments under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

There has been an increase of 127 in the staff complement of the Departments under my control as between 16th October, 1964, and 1st April, 1965, and a further increase of 160 is expected by 15th October, 1965.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to make collisions in fog less likely in the English Channel.

The navigation of ships is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Revised Regulations were agreed at an International Conference on the Safety of Life at Sea in 1960. They will come into force on 1st September, 1965, and will apply to the ships of most countries including British ships from that date. The Regulations contain, among other things, recommendations about the use of radar information as an aid to the avoidance of collisions at sea. These recommendations were brought to the notice of mariners in December, 1960, in Ministry of Transport Notice No. 445. The Board of Trade and the Ministry of Transport have issued other information and advice about the use of radar, including a booklet "Shipborne Radar" which has had a wide circulation throughout the world.Certain British deck officers have been required since 1957 to obtain Radar Observers' Certificates and radar simulator courses are provided for senior officers.Discussions are taking place between the Governments concerned about the possibility of introducing special arrangements for navigation in the Strait of Dover.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Since 16th October, 1964, the staffs of the Board of Trade and of the Export Credits Guarantee Department have increased by 1,188 and 36 respectively. By 15th October, 1965, further increases of 406 in the Board of Trade and of 22 in the Export Credits Guarantee Department are expected.

asked the Minister of Transport what consideration has been given to the independent report on the transport needs of Merseyside, entitled "Liverpool Underground", a copy of which has been sent to him; what reply he has sent; and if he will make an interim statement on its proposals.

I have read this report with interest. One of the aims of the comprehensive transport studies now being planned collectively by the local authorities on Merseyside, with which my Ministry is fully associated, is to enable the merits of alternative possible public transport systems to be fully considered. Meanwhile it would be wrong for me to comment on particular ideas or proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons took the motor vehicle driving test for private cars in the United Kingdom in 1955, 1960, and 1964, respectively; and what percentage passed the test on the first, second, or third occasion, respectively.

The records do not distinguish driving tests taken on private cars, or whether the tests were first or subsequent attempts.The following is the available information:

asked the Minister of Transport how many driving tests for private car driving licences were conducted by examiners of his Department at Liverpool, Edinburgh, Salisbury, St. Asaph, Exeter, Birmingham and Lincoln in 1960 and 1964, respectively; and what were the percentages of passes on the first, second or third occasion for each area.

Records for 1960 are no longer available. Those for 1964 do not contain the particular information for which my hon. Friend has asked but I will write to him giving such details as are available.

asked the Minister of Transport how long have the present criteria for motor vehicle driving licence tests been in operation; if he is satisfied that they are reasonable and suitable for conditions in 1965; and what proposals he has for their revision.

Since 1935. The most important requirement is that the candidate much be competent to drive without danger to, and with due consideration for, other road users. In this respect, the test standard is self-adjusting to current traffic conditions, and I regard it as both reasonable and suitable. Techniques for the future, in regard both to instruction and to the test, are kept under review by my Department.

asked the Minister of Transport what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Since the 16th October, 1964, there has been a decrease of about 1,000 staff: I estimate that by the 15th October, 1965, there will be an increase of about 250 over the present level.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received, and from whom, in relation to a proposed alteration to the scheme for widening Thorns Road, Quarry Bank, in the urban district of Brierley Hill; what action he took in relation to those representations; and what is his decision in the matter.

Representations have been received from Dr. Rogers of Thorns Road through my right hon. Friend, the Paymaster-General. Dr. Rogers asked why Brierley Hill U.D.C. proposed to widen Thorns Road on the east side at the expense of her property rather than at the expense of some front garden areas opposite. I have asked my divisional road engineer to look into the matter and I am awaiting his report.

asked the Minister of Transport how many fatal accidents have occurred on the M.1 in the past year; what researches were undertaken to discover the cause of each of them, with a view to preventing similar ones in the future; and with what results.

During the 12 months ended 28th February, 1965, there were 30 fatal acidents on the Aldenham-Crick Motorway, M.1—including the spurs M.10 and M.45—resulting in the death of 41 persons.Details of these and other, non-fatal, accidents on M.1 are analysed by the Road Research Laboratory and this has resulted in several measures for the improvement of future motorway design. But driver behaviour and mechanical and other defects in the vehicles are frequently found to be important factors. It is for this reason that, among the actions taken to reduce motorway accidents, the widely distributed leaflet "Motorway Manners" emphasised the importance both of extra care and attention by drivers and of their vehicles being in good condition.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many passengers on the late Friday afternoon long-distance trains have to stand in the train corridors because all the second-class compartment seats are occupied, yet on the same trains there are many vacant seats in the first-class coaches; and if he will issue a general direction, in the public interest, to British Rail to vary the proportion of first- and second-class coaches so that all passengers have reasonable facilities on these long-distance journeys.

The proportion in which accommodation in the different classes is provided on trains is a matter for the British Railways Board. A general direction from me would not be appropriate.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what is the present annual capacity for coal exports from Merseyside;(2) what steps he will take to maintain and improve Merseyside facilities as a coal-exporting area.

The present appliances on Merseyside would enable about 3¼ million tons to be shipped outward annually. They are quite adequate for present shipments.The maintenance and improvement of these facilities for coal exports are matters, in the first instance, for the responsible harbour authority in consultation with the National Coal Board.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the congestion at registry offices at the end of each tax year, he will seek to amend the law relating to rebate of Income Tax on marriage.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy of promoting exports, he will, when framing his Budget proposals, give consideration to the possibility of giving Purchase Tax relief to those industries which export a high percentage of their output, of which the cycle industry is an example.

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the 7 per cent. Bank Rate he will increase the interest on Post Office savings to 4 per cent.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

Since 16th October, 1964, the number of staff employed in the main Treasury has increased by 59 (this figure takes account of a transfer of 79 doorkeeping, etc., staff, previously the responsibility of other Departments). The estimated increase in the period to 15th October, 1965, is 25.In addition, during the period since 16th October, 1964, there have been increases of 1,198 in the staff of the Inland Revenue, and 270 in the staff of Customs and Excise, and a decrease of 3 in the staff of the Paymaster-General's Office.The estimated increases for the period to 15th October, 1965, are 1,291, 405 and 21 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

The staff of the new Welsh Office has been drawn from a number of Departments and a figure for 16th October, 1964, cannot be given. There will be 366 in post on 1st April and this number is expected to increase by 53 by 15th October, 1965.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will state the categories and respective numbers of persons employed in or about the Palace of Westminster for whom, after the change in control of the Palace, he is to be responsible.

The categories and numbers in each category are as follows:

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of all the properties occupied by the Ministry of Health on lease in Greater London, showing in each case the address of the premises, the number of square feet and the date of expiry of the lease.

This was covered by my reply to a more general question by the hon. Member on 24th March, 1965.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.

I expect to reduce the total staff of the Ministry by about 2,000 between October, 1964, and October, 1965. This will involve an increase of 1,052 in non-industrial staff and a decrease of over 3,000 in industrial staff. I expect the non-industrial staff to have increased by 429 by 1st April, 1965, but cannot precisely forecast the number of industrial staff, which fluctuates and is affected by seasonal employment.