asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether wives of members of the Colonial Service are included in the recently announced concession.

Arrangements are normally made for the wives of members of the Colonial Service to join their husbands overseas, but, as I indicated in the reply which I gave on 10th October to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart), this is not at present possible in all cases owing to the present shortage of shipping.

Having regard to the clear terms of the Prime Minister's statement, does the Minister realise that Colonial servants' wives penalised in this way will be much dismayed; and, in view of the necessity for recruiting personnel of the right quality, will he not reconsider the matter in the light of the right hon. Gentleman's concession the day before his previous answer?

The concession which was announced by my right hon. Friend was confined to Service personnel.

No, Sir, it was to Crown servants.

There was some misunderstanding in connection with that matter. It was intended that it should apply solely to Service personnel.

In view of the importance of the Question put to-day, is it not plain that an early Debate on Colonial policy should take place? Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider that suggestion?

That question should be put to the Leader of the House.