asked the Secretary of State for Air why commissioned air- gunners may not receive promotion to a rank higher than that of squadron-leader, no matter how long their record of service?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Officer air gunners are eligible for appointment to posts of higher rank than squadron-leader in other fields of employment, and a number do in fact hold the rank of wing-commander at the present time.

What does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by "other fields of employment"?

Commissioned air gunners may fill posts above squadron-leader in the G.D. operational sphere, and one such officer commands a squadron in Bomber Command with the acting rank of wing-commander. In addition, Bomber Command contemplate filling certain wing-commander posts, when approved, by ex-air gunners and air bombers, after a certain armament course.

Is it not a fact that commissioned air gunners have not the same rights of promotion as other ranks of the same sort?

No, Sir. I have just told the hon. Gentleman that he is under a misapprehension. Air gunners are eligible for appointment to posts of higher rank than squadron-leader in other fields of employment for which their previous service has made them particularly suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why non-commissioned air-gunners receive much lower rates of pay than other non-commissioned men of similar rank in air-crews, while commissioned air-gunners receive the same rate of pay as other commissioned members of air-crews?

The rates of pay of non-commissioned members of air-crews vary according to their qualifications and responsibilities. The degree of technical knowledge required and the length of the training period differ appreciably as between one category of air-crew duty and another. Commissioned air-gunners, on the other hand, carry responsibilities and undertake duties and obligations as Officers in addition to their responsibilities as air-gunners. They belong to the general duties branch of the Royal Air Force and receive the rates of pay of that Branch in common with all other officers engaged on flying duties.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that that is rather an evasive answer? Would he not look into the matter?

No, Sir, I would not at all agree with the hon. Gentleman that this was an evasive answer. I have endeavoured, as I always do, to give the hon. Gentleman the true facts of the case. Commissioned air-gunners are members of the general duties branch, and when on the ground they carry out such duties as fall to an officer, such as orderly officer, acting flight-commander, member of a court of inquiry or officer detailed to carry out an investigation. The general duties are such as any officer has to carry out, and for that purpose air-gunners are G.D officers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether post-war gratuities payable to the estates of men killed in the service of their country will include technicians on the ground staff?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in reply to the hon. Member for Basset-law (Mr. Bellenger) on 4th March, 1942, the question of gratuities in respect of war service is one which will have to be settled by the Government of the day in the light of the circumstances then prevailing. I am unable, therefore, to say at the present stage under what conditions post-war gratuities, if granted, will be issuable.

Will the claims of ground service technicians be carefully borne in mind?

That is for the Government of the day. I am quite sure that the Government of the day will bear in mind what the hon. Member has said to-day.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to his inquiry into the activities of newspapers published by Allied subjects in this country hostile to the Soviet Government; and whether the attacks made have now ceased?

Yes, Sir. The inquiry into the activities of foreign newspapers has been completed, and His Majesty's Government have taken measures to ensure that a failure on the part of a foreign publication to observe proper restraint will not be tolerated. In answers to Questions in this House, I have warned editors of foreign journals of the responsibility they owe in return for the hospitality they enjoy. I hope they will take careful note of what I have said, because if any of them defy this warning and attempt to stir up discord among the United Nations, official facilities for the publication of their journals will be withdrawn and their licences to publish will be revoked.

Will my right hon. Friend consider also the advisability of taking drastic action against those responsible for the secretly published and unofficial journals which are sometimes as embarrassing to the Polish Government as they are hostile to the Soviet Union?

I entirely agree with the hon. Member, but I would point out to him that these are not journals but pamphlets. These Poles rush around to printers in various parts of the country, and no licence is required to publish pamphlets. I do not intend to ask the House for power to stop the publication of pamphlets, even though it might put an end to the scandal, because if the Ministry of Information is given too much power, it is bound to abuse it.

Are we to take it that the converse also applies, and that attacks on the Polish Government will be equally discouraged?

Yes, Sir. I have already had a controversy with a well-known organ called the "Daily Worker" for attacks on the Polish Government, and until that paper learns manners I intend to see that it shall not be sent abroad.

What is the Paper Controller doing in allowing so many journals and pamphlets to be published which Members of Parliament as well as other citizens every day have showered upon them?

I have quite enough trouble without answering for the Paper Controller.

Is it not the case that since the Minister issued his warning to the Polish papers they have now extended their activities to publishing an English section, directed towards the English-speaking public, and carrying in this English section slanders against the Soviet Union?

No, I am sure that is not the case.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the papers?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is consulted about the selection of Members of this House to broadcast?

As I explained in reply to the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 5th May, the B.B.C. is under no obligation to consult with me before issuing invitations to broadcast to Members of this House. In practice, they occasionally ask for advice, and sometimes act upon it.

Does my right hon. Friend also occasionally make representations to the B.B.C. that certain Members of this House should be invited to broadcast?

No; but occasionally I am asked by Members of this House why their talents are overlooked, and I often promise to pass on their suggestions to the B.B.C.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey a hint to the B.B.C. that it might be as tolerant, at any rate as the House of Commons, of minority opinion?

I think the B.B.C. are very tolerant of minority opinion.

Are Members of Parliament consulted before they agree to speak?

I hope so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that allowances to officers' wives are paid to the husband, who can, and sometimes does, refuse to make any payment to the wife who is thus left penniless; and whether he will investigate the working of this system with a view to a change in procedure?

Marriage allowance is a grant paid to an officer to assist him in the maintenance of his wife and family; it is in no sense a grant to the wife herself. It is issued only if the officer certifies that he is living with or maintaining his wife. Apart from stoppage of marriage allowance, the Admiralty has no power to compel an officer to support his wife. The number of cases of difficulty is very small and does not call for investigation.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the War Office is considering an alteration of regulations in view of the suffering caused to the wives of some officers?

I have been assured that the statement made yesterday does not in any way interfere with the existing practice at the Admiralty.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what justification there can possibly be for a procedure which allows interference with the allowance of a naval rating if he neglects his duty to his wife and child when no such procedure is possible or desirable in the case of an officer? Is it not quite unjustifiable class differentiation and very unjust to the wives and children of officers?

In certain cases ratings or the wives of ratings do not get allowances, and I think that my hon. Friend will find that the percentage of officers' wives who are deprived of their allowances is very much less than that of rating.

Will the Admiralty arrange to come into line with the other Services when the investigations that are going on now are completed?

The Admiralty is always open to consult with, and be guided by, the other Services.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether ships conveying goods to and from Eire are protected by the Royal Navy?

Some United Kingdom and Allied ships carrying goods to Eire are protected, but ships of Eire flag do not receive the protection of the Royal Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether ,he is aware that an Admiralty research establishment of which he has been informed was set up in immediate contiguity to a research establishment of another Department in order to facilitate co-operation between the two; that the former has been entirely separated from the latter by a high wall furnished with broken bottles and barbed wire so that no communication is possible except by an outside road; and that this and further restrictions of access imposed on persons known to be trustworthy greatly impede collaboration; and whether more efficient arrangements can be made?

The answers to the first two parts of the Question are in the affirmative, with the exception that direct communication between the two establishments without going on to an outside road remains possible. The measures indicated in the Question were necessary in order that a close check might be kept on all visitors to the Admiralty establishment. With regard to the third and fourth parts of the Question, this establishment works in close collaboration with a number of other Government establishments and with firms, and I am satisfied that co-operation is not impeded by these necessary wartime security precautions. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any complaint he has in mind, I shall be glad to make further enquiries, but at present I see no reason for altering the existing arrangements.

Does my right hon. Friend realize that, in spite of this theoretical passage, communication is in fact both difficult and restricted, and could he use his good nature and his well-known capacity for persuading people to be sensible to get over this absurd difficulty by which two establishments that are meant to work together in fact do it very little?

I am advised that the difficulty mentioned by my hon. Friend does not exist. I am prepared to discuss the matter with him, and if there are difficulties in dealing with this collaboration, I can promise him that my right hon. Friend will see that they are removed.

Does my right hen. Friend realise that secrecy is commonly supposed, no doubt erroneously, to be too frequently used for purposes of avoiding criticism, and could he advise the people in this establishment not to have their motives misinterpreted?

With regard to an establishment of this kind, I am convinced that my hon. Friend will agree that being a little over cautious is much better than being too lax.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether persons detained in naval detention quarters are provided with hammock, palliasse, mattress or some suitable sleeping equipment and with bedclothes?

Ratings detained in naval detention quarters sleep as on board ship except in the first stage of the sentence. In this stage they are not allowed bedding except on the orders of the medical officer, but blankets are issued in cold weather. In the later stages, deprivation of bedding may be awarded as a punishment for offences committed in the detention quarters. The question whether the regulations should be altered is under consideration.

How long does the first stage last? Is it the same in all cases, or does it vary according to the length of the sentence?

It varies in accordance with the conduct of the person who is detained.

So that it might be for a considerable time that a man is without bedding or even blankets in cold weather?

Well, it might be.

May I have an assurance that men are never deprived of bedding against the advice of the medical officer, even after the penalty has been imposed?

I think I can give my hon. Friend that assurance.

Seeing that the deprivation of bedding is simply a survival of the practice of civil prisons, which has long been abolished, ought it not to be abolished here?

When may we expect the result of the inquiry which is now taking place; will it be soon?

I hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether be will now state the views of the Government with regard to Lord Hailey's proposals for Regional International Advisory Councils for Colonial territories in different parts of the world?

I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend on 24th March last.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether this admirable proposal is under discussion at the present time with the United Nations?

This was a purely unofficial proposal by one person. There have been many others of a similar character, and the Government are considering the whole broad aspect of the thing.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say when he hopes to be able to make a statement on this important subject?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure the House, that though there should be the closest collaboration in Colonial affairs between the various Powers concerned, it is very advisable that no action shall be taken which will mitigate in any way the sovereignty of Britain over her own Colonies?

Both the Prime Minister and I have already answered Questions specifically on that point.

Is it not quite clear that this is not part of the scheme, though?

If and when these councils meet, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind the desirability of including on such councils a proportion of native representatives who are qualified, wherever possible?

That is another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many men born in the various territories administered by the Colonial Office are serving in the Royal Air Force?

The records available show that 685 men from the Colonies have proceeded to the United Kingdom or to training centres overseas to join the Royal Air Force, either under approved schemes or under their own arrangements. There has also been local recruitment, mainly for ground duties; and other personnel born in the Colonies are no doubt serving with the Royal Air Force. Details of enlistment of men born in the Colonies in these two categories are not readily ascertainable and full particulars could not be made available without an undue expenditure of time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the extent of the contribution of the island of Rodriguez to the Forces of the United Nations; what proportion of the male population of military age is serving outside the island; and what proportion are serving in the British or Empire Forces?

It is not in the public interest to give figures, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the Colony of Mauritius, of which Rodriguez is a part, is supplying a substantial proportion of its man-power either for local defence or for overseas service.

Is it not a fact that the Colonies have responded magnificently to the appeal for man-power for the Services?

Yes, Sir, not only in the Services, but in the realm of production too.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sum is being devoted to the education of Africans in Tanganyika for the current year; what this amounts to per capita of the estimated African population in that territory; and how it compares with the previous year?

The total estimated expenditure from public funds during 1942 on African education in Government and State-aided schools in Tanganyika is 115,835, which represents 5.4d. per head of the African population. The actual expenditure in 1942 was £97,511 or 4.56d. per head of the African population. These figures do not include the considerable sums spent on education in Tanganyika by missionary societies and other non-Government agencies as to which no information is available. A strong Committee with official and non-official (including missionary) representation presented a report in 1940 containing comprehensive recommendations for the expansion of education services in the Territory, and the Tanganyika Government have been asked to prepare in outline a programme for development over a period of five or ten years. It is hoped that substantial financial assistance for the carrying out of this programme will he provided by grants under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that this aspect of the matter and such improvements as are practicable are under review front time to time by his Department?

Yes, Sir. I am very anxious that improvements should be made, but my hon. and gallant Friend should realise that they depend very much upon buildings, about which there is difficulty in war-time.

Can the Minister say how the sum per head for native children compares with the amount per head per white children in Tanganyika?

I have not the figures, and, anyhow, a comparison might not be accurate, because a large proportion of the education in Tanganyika is carried out by missionaries, for whom I have no figures.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the percentage of illiteracy in the population of Seychelles, which in the census of 1931 was 75 per cent.; what proportion of children of school age are attending school; and what steps have been taken to give effect to the recommendations of the Report of 1938, by Mr. C. B. Smith, Director of Education of the Seychelles?

I have no precise information as to the present percentage of illiteracy in the Seychelles, but I am expecting from the Governor a full report on the educational problem in the Colony. I regret, however, that I have no reason to think that there has so far been any substantial recent improvement in the matter of illiteracy of the population. The total number of children on the school rolls in 1941 was 3,592 out of some 6,000 children. There were also 424 children receiving secondary education.

In view of the fact that educational standards in the Seychelles appear to be lower than in any other part of the Colonial Empire and that it is five years since recommendations were made for improvements, cannot the matter be expedited?

The whole question of educational reform is to be discussed with the Governor by my educational adviser, who is now on tour in that area.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the undertaking given on three occasions by the Government that an apportunity would be provided to this Parliament, if it so desired, to discuss electoral reform, he will give an opportunity for the consideration of the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for the Skipton division and over 100 other Members?

Having regard to the state of public business, it is not possible to give time at present for the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider this to be a question of paramount importance? As this Motion has been signed by Members in all parts of the House, ought not time to be given for its discussion, as it is an important matter affecting the constitution of the House of Commons?

What is of paramount importance varies according to the views of individuals.

When will the report be made available to the House? It was promised months ago?

There is some misunderstanding. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that we have had a promise made to us three times? Is that promise by the Government to be a mere scrap of paper?

No, Sir. As I have said, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery, and I think we had better await that and see what the position then is as far as a Debate is concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the promise did not refer to electoral machinery, but the wider question of electoral reform, and that the promise was made three times? Will not the Government give an opportunity of honouring that promise?

If a definite promise has been made, the hon. Gentleman can be sure it will be kept, but my recollection is that no definite undertaking was given to hold such a Debate within a certain period. We shall have to see what is the desire of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to avoid the delay and Departmental overlapping, as evidenced by the protracted time-lag between the authorisation and commencement of construction of the 3,000 rural cottages, he will consider deputing to one Minister the task of directing and coordinating the work of the several Departments in any way concerned with any form of authorised emergency building construction in the war need?

It is already the policy of His Majesty's Government that the responsibility for the various types of emergency building work required for war purposes shall be concentrated as far as practicable in the hands of the Minister of Works. But the reference, in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, to the 3,000 rural cottages betrays some misapprehension. These cottages, though they will go to meet an urgent need which has developed under war conditions, have been planned to take their place as a contribution to the rural housing programme of the future. This building work had, therefore, to be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Acts, under which the primary responsibility rests with the local authorities. After the decision was conveyed to local authorities, some time was necessarily spent in selecting the sites, adapting the plans to suit local needs and circumstances, and making arrangements with contractors; but this initial period of planning is now past and I am informed that the actual work of construction will now proceed rapidly. In order to help local authorities to overcome some of the special difficulties of building under war-tune conditions, the Government have arranged that the Ministry of Works will make available certain materials and fittings and, where necessary, will arrange for contractors to undertake the work in areas where satisfactory arrangements cannot be made locally.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, may I ask him whether, in view of the appalling time lag which has been manifested in the matter, some machinery ought riot to be available whereby one Minister, without any procrastination, will have the power to put into effect at once the promises which have been made?

I think the answer I have given shows that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is mistaken in imagining that the provision of these houses is just emergency work, to be swept away at the end of the war. I do not think it is possible to disregard local authorities in putting up local buildings.

As regards the arrangement to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, will he see that small contractors, as well as large, are given sufficient manpower and materials to enable them to assist in this vital and necessary work?

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any arrangements are being made in rural areas for old age pensioners?

That is another question; perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

May I ask whether cottages of the type now exhibited in the Library are to be regarded as emergency or long-term cottages?

I am not aware of what the hon. Gentleman is referring to; I have not been in the Library lately.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to ensure the early reconditioning of damaged houses and the making of preparatory plans and financial arrangements for rebuilding the devastated areas, he will consider handing over to one Minister sole and overriding responsibility for arranging and supervising, in conjunction with local authorities, all such new buildings and reconditioning in both urban and rural areas?

My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that, in framing our plans for post-war reconstruction, we are keeping prominently in mind the importance of making as simple and straightforward as possible the procedure for enabling local authorities to obtain the guidance and assistance which they require from the central Government in discharging the duties laid on them by Parliament in this connection.

Will such information be conveyed in short, intelligible language to local authorities, so that they may know what is the position?

I hope so, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows the difficulties of making legal language intelligible to the layman.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also give an assurance that all avenues will be explored?

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will confer with the Ministers of Health, of Town and Country Planning, of Works and the Chancellor of Exchequer with a view to preparing jointly and announcing an approximate time and progress schedule of the legislation they propose, affecting post-war building regulations, planning and construction for the building industry, so as to ensure that no essential details are omitted and that it moves forward with uniformity?

I am continuously in touch with my colleagues on the numerous aspects of reconstruction which have a direct relation to post-war planning and building. Some of these will certainly involve legislation, and I am very conscious of the importance of orderly progress in such matters, but I could not undertake at present to accept my hon. Friend's proposal.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that no large industrial concern would ever dream of going forward with such a huge programme as this without a time and progress schedule? In the circumstances will he reconsider his answer?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say what are the final figures for Allied and Axis casualties, differentiating between white and coloured troops, in the East African and North African campaigns, respectively; and whether he can give any estimate of the numbers lost at sea?

I regret that casualty figures for the East African and North African campaigns in the form asked for by my hon. Friend, and corresponding estimates of the numbers lost at sea, are not available.