asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the display of the black, white and red flag and the singing of the German National Hymn are permitted in the British zone of Germany; and whether any action is contemplated in connection with a meeting at Wolfsburg on 6th March, presided over by Herr Falk of the German Right Party, at which both these events took place.

There is no Military Government Law which prohibits the display of the black, white and red flag or the singing of the German National Hymn. No action is therefore being taken in connection with the meeting at Wolfsburg on 6th March of the German Right Party. The activities of the party are, however, being kept under careful observation.

Will my hon. Friend see that a close watch is kept on these activities in Wolfsburg where the influence of this Nazi-minded party has produced a complete breakdown of democratic local government?

We will certainly keep a careful watch on it, but I am informed that the influence of the party is not great at the moment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the "Star-spangled Banner" is sung in the American zone of England and will he therefore insist that only the "Red Flag" is sung by these foreign troops?

If the suggestion of the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) is carried out, can the verse beginning, "In Moscow's dungeons dark and vile," be included?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the estimated quantities of raw materials, machinery, and equipment, which have reached the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics directly or indirectly from the British zone of Germany by sea; and how far this traffic is permitted by the authorities under his control.

My right hon. Friend has no record of any commercial exports direct to the U.S.S.R. by sea; nor of goods destined for third countries which may have been re-exported to the Soviet Union after leaving ports in the British zone. The U.S.S.R. have, however, received 168,400 tons of machinery and industrial equipment as reparations by sea since 1946.

Will the Minister give an assurance that, since our landward blockade has been imposed, no illegitimate traffic has been going to Russia by sea?

I cannot say that there has been no smuggling, but I can say, as I have said in my reply, that we have no record of any commercial trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many aliens have established posts on British territory in the Falkland Islands or their dependencies; and what steps have been taken to remove such organised posts as have been set up.

Occupied posts have been established, in defiance of our protests, by the Argentines on Laurie Island in the South Orkneys group, on Gamma Island in the Palmer Archipelago, and on Deception Island in the South Shetlands group; and by the Chileans on Greenwich Island in the South Shetlands group and on South Graham Land.

The House will be aware that His Majesty's Government have, on more than one occasion, offered to refer this question to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, but the Argentine and Chilean Governments have not seen fit to avail themselves of this offer. In August last, the future of the whole Antarctic region formed the subject of a formal approach by the United States Government to the Governments of the countries concerned. The outcome of the United States approach is not yet clear, but it is hoped that international discussion will eventually lead to an amicable settlement of our differences with the Argentine and Chilean Governments; and that no question will therefore arise of the removal of the Argentine and Chilean parties.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the impression has been given that the Government's attitude towards this problem has been very weak indeed? How long will this violation—for violation it is—of British territory be tolerated by His Majesty's Government?

I do not agree that the Government's attitude has been weak. I think we have shown a good example of restraint in this matter and of going through the proper forms of international collaboration. As to the second part of the supplementary question, I have nothing to add except that the results of the United States approach must be known first.

Why should the British Government have to refer to an international organisation the ownership or otherwise of a definite piece of the British Empire? Surely what little we have left, has nothing to do with any foreigners?

It is perfectly proper if a difference of view like this arises that we should if we wish refer it to the International Court, and that is what we have offered to do.

Seeing that the Opposition are so hilarious about my hon. Friend's reply, do they want the Government to declare war?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make on the discussions which recently took place at The Hague under Article III of the Brussels Treaty.

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement on the discussions at this recent meeting.

But are we to understand that this conference took place at The Hague over the removal of restrictions, and that there is nothing to report? It is an important subject.

The conference was held, and made some recommendations, but those have still to be considered by the Permanent Commission. When the Permanent Commission has considered them, a statement will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the number of unemployed in the town of Flensburg is more than 10,000, in Flensburg-Land nearly 6,000, in Husum-Land and Südtondern-Land over 5,000, and that the northern districts of South-Schleswig have the greatest unemployment in the whole of Western Germany; and whether he will take steps to relieve this country of its burden of refugees, as they cannot possibly be absorbed in an agricultural country like Schleswig, whereas certain parts of Western Germany are clamouring for workers in industry and mining.

My right hon. Friend is aware that the Land Schleswig-Holstein is carrying a disproportionate share of the refugee burden, and that unemployment is resulting. There is, however, nothing which can be usefully added at present to the speech made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State, in the Adjournment Debate of 4th March. The report of the Tripartite Working Party on Refugees will be considered at the next meeting of the Military Governors on 30th March.

Could not the hon. Gentleman give us an explanation why this enormous surplus of unemployed should not be sent to the Southern parts of the Western zone where the employers are clamouring for workers both in industry and in mining?

We think there is a case for distributing the burden of refugees more evenly over the Western zones, and it is for this reason that we have set up this working party whose report will be considered on 30th March.

Is the Minister aware that in the district mentioned in this Question, the refugees outnumber the population? In view of the urgency of a matter of this kind, because of the intolerable burdens which are imposed upon the local population, will my hon. Friend make some urgent representations in regard to the matter?

I agree that the burden of refugees is a heavy one but I cannot accept that there are more refugees than local inhabitants. That is not my information. I have nothing to add to the fact that the report of the working party will be considered next week by the Military Governors.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether during his coming visit to the United States of America he will discuss with the other signatories of the Atlantic Pact the future position of Spain; and whether, in view of her great strategic value in any future defence of Western Europe, he is now prepared to propose the annulment of the United Nations' resolution recommending the severing of diplomatic relations with Spain.

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no present intention of holding any such discussion; nor is he prepared to propose the annulment of the United Nations' resolution of December, 1946.

If this question is raised, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Spain is vitally necessary for the defence of Western Europe and, furthermore, that there is such a thing—

What about 1938?

as Christianity and forgiveness, and is it not about time we forgave anything we were angry about?

Link up with the country's enemies and with the Fascists. That is what you want.

There are many other factors besides these strategic considerations we shall have to bear in mind.

Is not this severance of diplomatic relations a direct intervention in the internal affairs of Spain? There is no justification for it at all, and is it not time it was brought to an end?

We have not severed diplomatic relations with Spain. The Ambassador has been withdrawn. And we have certainly not violated any Article of the Charter relating to infringement of internal affairs by our action.

Why did we withdraw our Ambassador?

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the clause in the Atlantic Pact saying that this is for the defence of democratic institutions?

Is the Minister aware of how much out of touch he is in his stubborn reply with public opinion throughout the world?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in the coming consultations concerning a Pacific Pact on lines similar to the Atlantic Pact, consideration will be taken of the peculiar position of Japan; and whether the opportunity will be taken to discuss the possibility of those Powers present making a separate peace with Japan and after that including her in such a pact.

The hon. Member's Question is based on a false assumption. No consultations concerning a Pacific Pact have been arranged.

But is it not in contemplation? Did not the hon. Gentleman see a statement by the Australian Prime Minister that it is high time a Pacific Pact was arranged? Further, does he not realise that it is now four years since the Armistice with Japan, and that there is no reason why we should not come to some agreement?

I believe there was some misunderstanding about the statement of the Australian Prime Minister. There have been no consultations for a Pacific Pact.

Is the Minister aware that Japan was a signatory of the original Anti-Comintern Pact, and will he tell us what is the objection to Japan joining a pact which is presumably for the same purpose?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the unanimous recommendations of the Gold Coast Finance Committee, in connection with the youth service citizenship training scheme, have been quashed by the Gold Coast Government.

The hon. Member appears to be misinformed. The scheme was referred back by the Standing Finance Committee on 22nd February for further information and a revised estimate of cost. It was to be considered further yesterday by the Select Committee on the Estimates for the year 1949–50.

Will the Minister call for the original minutes of the Finance Committee, and thus ascertain for himself the full and vehement support which the Legislative Council for the Gold Coast wishes to give to the full youth service scheme?

Yes, I think there is general feeling that the scheme should be supported, but the matter is referred back, merely on grounds of cost, for a revised estimate.

Will the Minister support it?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Government experiments have been made in the Gold Coast to test the efficacy of the nascent chlorine method of treatment of swollen shoot disease, and with what results.

In an announcement issued to the Press on 6th January, the Gold Coast Government stated that this method of treatment had been tried up to double the strength advocated, with no effect on the mealy-bug which is the vector of the disease. The announcement added that the Government were prepared to arrange a demonstration if desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recommendations he has received concerning the gold mines in the Gold Coast which would enable them to increase the gold production and help bridge the gap in our dollar deficit with the United States of America; and what action he has taken on such recommendations.

I have received no such recommendations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really suggesting that he has no information at all, either himself or from the Gold Coast Government, on the subject of trying to improve the production of gold; and does he not know that at least 35 million dollars could be provided, and that the Americans will not feel very happy if we do not do something about it?

The hon. Gentleman has asked me a completely different question. I have replied to his Question to the effect that the recommendations to which he refers have not been made to me.

I beg to give notice that, subject to your approval, Mr. Speaker, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment tomorrow week.

Why does not the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) leave it to his spiritual friend?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to state what further action he has taken regarding the directive issued by the Government of the Gold Coast recently in connection with immigration; and what is the present position.

In accordance with the undertaking which I gave in the House on 16th February, there have been discussions with the interests concerned regarding immigration procedure and these are still proceeding. The matter was debated in the Gold Coast Legislative Council on 16th March on a motion that the directive should be withdrawn and replaced by Regulations. Wide support was expressed during the debate for the general policy of immigration control. The Attorney-General suggested that, as the Gazette Notice and directive were evidently capable of misunderstanding, they should be reframed in order to remove ambiguity. This was accepted by the Council. Action will be taken accordingly.

Can my right hon. Friend say what, if any, is the difference between the immigration laws in the Gold Coast, as now proposed, and the immigration laws in Jamaica or St. Vincent and British Guiana, referred to in Question No. 23?

I should be happy to do so if I could do so in the space of a sentence.

Before this directive is put into law, will it be placed on the Table of the House so that hon. Members may be able to see it?

It is not usual for such papers to be placed on the Table of the House, but I can assure the hon. Member that consideration will be given in London to any regulations that are framed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet had time to consider the criticism made by the Chief Justice in the Seychelles of the former Acting Attorney-General; and if he will make a further statement on the subject.

I am not yet in a position to complete his consideration of the questions to which the judgment gives rise, particularly as I am informed that the case is being taken on appeal to the Supreme Court in Mauritius.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know of any other instance in British Colonial history where the Acting Attorney-General has been referred to as "a kind of person who, without compunction, would resort to blackmail"?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. If this matter is the subject of legal appeal, is it not sub judice and, therefore, inappropriate that it should be a matter of comment in this House?

If the case is sub judice—I was not clear—then we must not ask questions about it.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. It is not the fitness of this man's appointment which is sub judice. It is an appeal to the Supreme Court which is sub judice and, therefore, I would respectfully suggest that the question of his fitness for appointment can be raised in this House.

The question of his fitness does not arise; he is not in any official appointment of the Seychelles Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when this blot on British Colonial administration is likely to receive his consideration?

I have already explained to the House that the judgment of the Chief Justice is being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, since a number of Hong Kong police officers seconded from the Metropolitan Police Force and now declared redundant can return to that Force, whilst men who came from county police forces cannot return, he did not, when engaging these men, come to some agreement with their original employers for eventual re-instatement; and what steps he is taking to remedy this inequality, in view of the shortage of experienced police officers in this country.

When members of United Kingdom police forces were being recruited in 1945 for Hong Kong, it was made clear to them at the outset that appointment would be on agreement and would involve resignation from their home appointments. Those who accepted appointment to Hong Kong in fact received a refund of their pension contributions. In the case of ex-Metropolitan Police officers, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis subsequently agreed that they could be reinstated if necessary, subject to certain conditions. It has not been possible, however, to make similar arrangements in the case of the majority of ex-county and borough police officers.

But has the right hon. Gentleman done anything to try to get these men back their jobs? Surely he will admit that he has at least a moral obligation towards them, if nothing more?

That question need not be put to me, because it is common knowledge amongst the men concerned that every effort has been made for them to get reinstatement in the Forces from which they came.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what complaints have been received from the Jamaican soap manufacturers at the excessive price of £234 a ton which they are obliged to pay to Argentina for tallow which they can buy in the United States of America for £80 a ton, although both these countries are dollar areas; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Press criticisms in Jamaica, which have been repeated in the Press here, have been brought to my notice. No allotment of tallow from Argentina has been made to Jamaica for 1949. The Colony is making a purchase in the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the indignation expressed in British Guiana at the restraints on freedom of movement and speech imposed on Mrs. Janet Jagan by the immigration authorities of St. Vincent, when she and her husband, a member of the Legislative Council of British Guiana, visited that island on holiday; and whether he will inquire into the incident, and ensure free movement of British subjects in the British West Indies.

I have received protests in this matter from certain bodies in British Guiana. I have ascertained that Mrs. Jagan was permitted to land in St. Vincent on certain conditions, one of which was that she should not attempt to convene or address public gatherings while in that Colony. The movements of British subjects in the British West Indies are subject to the immigration laws of the various Colonies, and the immigration authorities in St. Vincent appear to have acted in accordance with the local law.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that in this case the purpose of the visit of Mrs. Jagan and her husband, a member of the Legislative Council of British Guiana, was for a holiday?

That may be so, but the local Government have acted in accordance with their own local laws.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two people are proved Communists, who were the agitators in British Guiana last year, and that it is very proper that they should be kept out?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the forthcoming Conference on co-operation between France, Belgium, Portugal and this country with regard to scientific and technological co-operation in tropical Africa; and who will be the British representatives.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the African Regional Scientific Conference which is being convened in South Africa by the Government of the Union next October. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are among the Governments to whom invitations have been sent.

Is it not desirable, in view of the fourth point in President Truman's inaugural address, to prepare the ground for co-operation in Africa between the countries of Western Europe, who have colonies there?

This is a technical conference. The Agenda is likely to cover a wide field and representatives of our own Colonial Governments will undoubtedly take part in it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities of sulphurtone are being sent to each of the Colonies where leprosy is prevalent for the treatment of that disease; and if the supply is sufficient to meet the requirements of the leper settlements under the supervision of his Department.

Three million 0.5 gramme tablets and 1,000 grammes of powder have been supplied to colonies since December, 1947, and a further 1,695,000 tablets and 25,000 grammes of powder are in the course of supply. No difficulty is being experienced by the Crown Agents in meeting all indents received from Colonial Governments for supplies of sulphurtone.

While thanking the Minister for what is being done by the Colonial Office, may I ask him to keep continually in mind the special needs of these people, who are isolated from the rest of the community, because they sometimes feel that they are forgotten men?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Governor of Kenya has issued an order banning the import of the "Labour Monthly" into that Colony; and if he will give an explanation of this action.

I am asking the Governor for information and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have received his reply.

In view of all the talk we hear in this House about freedom and democracy, will not the Minister write and tell the Governor to remove this ban and allow this very valuable educational organ to go into the Colony?

We have no know ledge that this ban has been imposed.

In inviting the Governor to make any comments or explanations on this matter, does my right hon. Friend consider that any useful purpose would be served if he sent to the Governor a copy of yesterday's statement by the Home Secretary on the virtues of toleration?

I think that is quite unnecessary. All our Colonial Governments are very liberally-minded and conduct their administration with the utmost tolerance

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British service and civilian lives have been lost in Malaya, due to action by bandits, during the past 12 months.

Twenty-seven civilian European British subjects and 40 European British members of the Security Forces were killed in Malaya in the 12 months ending 17th March. 1949.

is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the planters are being given sufficient protection, and will he say whether the dangerous situation in Malaya is clearing up? Does he see any improvement?

The situation is not what we would wish it to be, but it is easier. I am in constant touch with the High Commissioner. Everything that can be done is being done, not only in the way of equipment; the requirements of the situation are being studied most carefully. We are trying to help the High Commissioner in every way we can.

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that everything for which the High Commissioner has asked has been, and will continue to be, granted?

All his requests to us so far have been met.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still keep in touch with unofficial opinion, which, I assure him, may very well guide him best in these matters?

I have received a large number of letters and representations from unofficial opinion, which I study most carefully. We maintain constant touch with the High Commissioner to see in what other ways the situation can be improved.

The right hon. Gentleman did not answer my first supplementary question: Are the planters being given adequate protection?

I tried to say—if I did not say it, I apologise—that we are trying to give all the planters and miners all possible support and protection within our power.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in a letter dated 8th November, 1948, with regard to the claim of Mr. E. M. Stewart for compensation for his car requisitioned in Malaya, he stated that this was a matter for the War Office, but that the Under-Secretary of State for War, writing on the same subject on 14th March, 1949, stated that this claim appeared to be against the Malayan Government and was being dealt with by the Colonial Office; and whether, in view of the indignation felt in Malaya about the inability of the various authorities to deal efficiently wth these claims, he will make a statement as to where responsibility in these matters lies, and what is the appropriate remedy for those who are aggrieved.

The hon. Member misunderstood my letter. The passages to which he refers did not relate to Mr. Stewart's claim which, it has never been disputed, is a matter for the Federation authorities, who are still investigating it. This claim is, however, in respect of property which was stated to have been purchased, not requisitioned.

Claims in respect of property requisitioned for the use of the Regular Forces are dealt with in the first instance by the local representatives of the appropriate Service Departments. Claims in respect of requisitions by the Civil Government for the use by the Civil Government or by Volunteer forces are dealt with by the Malayan War Damage Claims Commission. Claims either on the military or the civil authorities may be submitted to the Joint Claims Officer in Singapore. Where legal liability cannot be established claims fall to be dealt with as normal war damage claims under the proposed ex gratia scheme for war damage losses in Malaya. Those who are aggrieved have recourse to appeal boards set up under the local Emergency Regulations.

Is it not a fact that a very large number of claims in Singapore and Malaya are still unsettled, and that claimants who had their property requisitioned during the war are being pushed around from one department to another and can get no satisfaction whatever? This is only one case from amongst hundreds.

The procedure is perfectly clear. Sufficient notice has been drawn to it in the territory. In the particular case to which my attention has been drawn, I think the right procedure was indicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Mr. Ganapathy, the former President of the Pan-Malayan Federation of Trade Unions, has been sentenced to death in Malaya; and if he will state the charges upon which the death sentence has been passed.

This man was tried on 15th March on a charge of unlawfully carrying a revolver and six rounds of ammunition. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. He has appealed and the appeal is still pending.

As he has appealed, I hope the appeal will be successful and may I ask—

If there is an appeal I gather the matter is sub judice and the hon. Member cannot ask further questions.

I would like to ask a question of a general kind and not attempt to deal specifically with the incident. Is there a law in Malaya which permits the authorities to send a man to gaol for carrying a revolver?

I have made a complete statement to the House regarding the emergency regulations and the new ordinances necessary under the existing emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the total sum available in the Protectorate Mining Benefits Fund in Sierra Leone for the year 1947; whether this was entirely disbursed on various social and economic projects; and what is the present balance in the fund.

The revenue of the Fund in 1947 was about £14,800. Of this sum about £11,700 was paid out on social and economic projects, and a balance of slightly over £3,000 remained with the Treasurer at the end of the year. In addition there is a Reserve Fund of about £11,300. The accounts for 1948 are not yet available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in consequence of what provision and of which treaty or agreement is the United States submarine "Dogfish" to spend a month with the destroyer flotilla of the British Home Fleet; and whether he is satisfied that the security of the antisubmarine detection devices in the Firth of Clyde will not be compromised by the presence there of this warship of a foreign Power.

The arrangement to which the hon. Member refers is not the subject of any treaty or agreement. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."

Is it not clear that the Admiralty, of course in agreement with the Tories, are conniving at the first stages of the military occupation of our country?

There was an imputation in that supplementary question and the hon. Member must obey the rules for supplementary questions.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, may I be permitted to complete my question and ask the latter part, which is not subject to your Ruling? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that if he were to announce openly to the country the effect of this kind of action, it would be denounced and opposed by millions of British people?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this example of close co-operation between the Royal Navy and the navy of the United States of America will be welcomed by the whole country as showing that the North Atlantic Pact has teeth?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has now been taken regarding the future of H.M.S. "Ajax."

No, Sir.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary take the House into his confidence and explain how it is that for something like a year now the Government have been unable to decide not to sell to a foreign Power this ship which is connected with a gallant and, indeed, an immortal action in our naval history?

I realise that the time has been rather long and I have said in the past that I would make a statement before long. I hope the House will believe me when I say now I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly and by "shortly" I mean within about three or four weeks.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that neither the "Ajax" nor any other of His Majesty's ships, will be sold to Chile while that country is in occupation of British territory in the Falkland Islands?

I cannot anticipate the statement I shall make shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the number, quality and type of married quarters available for both officers and ratings at Royal Naval Air Station, Eglinton.

No official married quarters have yet been provided at the Royal Naval Air Station, Eglinton, for officers, or for ratings. Certain redundant buildings have, however, been occupied for some time by a total of 28 officers and 69 ratings and their families. With the exception of the captain's quarters, none of the buildings in question was constructed for use as married quarters. The buildings occupied by the officers are in brick construction and their condition varies from fair to good. Those occupied by ratings are lined Nissen huts, all of which are in fair condition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that facilities at these isolated air stations are of vital importance to the Navy and that, in comparison with the performance the Royal Air Force are putting up, they do not bear examination?

Yes, I am aware of that and in fact priority No. 1 for the Navy is being given to remote air stations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the retention of Rosyth Dockyard on a full-time basis.

I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made when this matter was raised on the Motion for the Adjournment on 27th October, 1947.

How long is this nonsense going on? Could not the hon. Gentleman agree that after nearly four years of peace they should be able to say whether they want Rosyth base or not? Who is holding it up?

I cannot agree that there is any nonsense at all. Contrary to what the then Government did after World War I, we have not closed it down. But what we have said is that Rosyth Dockyard, as all the other home dockyards, will be kept open until such time may arise when it is necessary to close one and then they will be taken into consideration together.

Could the hon. Gentleman ask the Foreign Secretary to get permission from the American Government when he is there this week-end?

That is out of Order.

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that times have changed very much since we had an Adjournment Debate on this matter and, in view of the importance of Rosyth in two world wars, that it should be prevented from going to rack and ruin?

It is of great importance to all five dockyards to keep in commission. We are not saying we will not keep Rosyth in full commission but we can made a promise that it will be considered along with other dockyards, if necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will now consider the possibility of adopting the same arrangements made by the Air Ministry for officers of the rank of Wing-Commander and upwards, and will permit Naval officers of equivalent rank when proceeding abroad to obtain free passages for their children's nurses.

Naval officers holding certain shore appointments abroad have for some time been entitled to a passage for a children's nurse at Government expense. This arrangement has recently been under review and it is now proposed to substitute for it arrangements similar to those referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.

Are the same facilities applied to the bricklayers?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) what are the conditions or regulations involved and who is the final arbiter in determining whether an application for compassionate leave shall be granted to a marine serving overseas when it is reliably established that his parent is critically ill;

(2) why permission for compassionate leave was not granted to P.O./X127259 Marine Robert Mosedale, H.M.S. "Ocean," to visit his father, who lay critically ill, and about whom application had been made by the medical superintendent of the hospital in Stoke-on-Trent and by the local branch of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association on the request of the parents in the middle of February last.

No precise regulations are laid down for the grant of compassionate leave. Such leave is, however, granted, if at all practicable, in cases where there is no other son or daughter at home. The final decision in all cases rests with the local Naval authorities, who have to take into consideration the requirements of the Service, as well as the wishes of the man and his relatives. In the case of Marine Mosedale, it was found that a daughter and son-in-law were already at home and the captain of the ship decided that he could not be given leave.

Does my hon. Friend know that in this case the daughter had a small child and was not well and the son-in-law was not well? Does he appreciate that where there is only one son in the family it is most essential that the man should be permitted to go home, especially when he knows that a man in a ship nearby at Malta was permitted to go home, as a result of representations from his sister at home?

In this ease there was, as I say, another son present, but my noble Friend has decided to look into this case personally to see what the position was in regard to this particular rating.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will commence discussions with representatives of Western European and other nations with a view to achieving uniformity in lineage and frequency in television transmissions.

The United Kingdom is already taking part in the examination of television standards which is being made by a constituent organisation of the International Telecommunications Union.

Is the right hon. Gentleman intending that this country should persevere in a system which gives out the poorest definition in television of any country?

I do not agree with the implications of that statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a technical fact?

asked the Postmaster-General whether any arrangements are being made to co-ordinate the research activities of his Communications Department with those of Cable and Wireless.

Yes, Sir, arrangements already exist to co-ordinate the research of Cable and Wireless Limited and the Post Office in matters of common interest.

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to restore a system of early postal deliveries and late collections comparable to those existing before the last war.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for the City of London (Mr. Assheton) on 9th March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very great inconvenience and, indeed, loss of money is being occasioned by the failure to provide proper postal facilities to industry throughout the country? Will he revise the matter again, as there is plenty of money with which to do it?

I am aware that there is some inconvenience because of lack of collections, but the main reason is lack of manpower.

Cannot part of the £20 million profit the Post Office made last year be used to make the service as cheap and as efficient as it was under Tory "misrule" before the war?

Does this mean that we shall have to await the return of a Conservative Government to get a respectable postal service? Would not that possibly be a rather high price to pay? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour yesterday stated that there were 360,000 unemployed? Could not he secure some of them to deliver the letters?

My answer to the first part of the question is that I hope not.

Are we to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that he does not contemplate any improvement at all in the present services?

In view of the unsatisfactory situation, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters posted at mid-day in the Central Lobby of the House of Commons do not reach Cheshire until the second post of the following day; and whether, in view of the fact that similar delays occur throughout other parts of the country, he will state what steps he is taking to improve the postal service.

I am aware and much regret that the hon. and gallant Member has suffered inconvenience and annoyance from delays in the post which should not have occurred. I am taking all practicable steps to improve matters.

Is the Minister aware that before the war when postage was only l½d., letters posted in the Knutsford division in the morning were delivered in London the same evening? Would the right hon. Gentleman therefore consider restoring the postage to l½d., in view of the fact that letters now take three to five times as long to be delivered at nearly twice the cost?

I am afraid that the question of restoring the postage to 1½d. is too big to be dealt with at the moment. I will look at the other matter. I have already admitted that the services are less but I hope to improve them when the occasion permits.

Does the Minister realise that the service between London and North Cheshire is absolutely deplorable?

No, Sir, I do not admit any such thing. What I do admit is that some of the evidence which the hon. Member has sent me is probably connected with the same fault as that raised by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now give an answer to the letter written to him on 25th January, 1949, by the hon. and gallant Member for the Horncastle Division in regard to Wing-Commander Elliott.

My reply was sent on 21st March, 1949. I regret that it is not possible, at present, to provide a telephone for Wing-Commander Elliott.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, owing to the long waiting list for telephones, Regular Army officers, who seldom spend more than two years in one station, are unable to have the use of a telephone and may serve for many years on end without this facility and whether he will review this matter urgently.

If an applicant for telephone service changes his address before service has been given, the application is carried forward, with the original date, to the new address. Applications from Regular Army officers are accordingly not affected if they change stations in this country. As regards officers and others returning from abroad, I regret that it would be impracticable to give them special priority.

Is not the Minister aware that these officers start off without having a telephone at all and the result of that is that there is no priority and they may have to serve 10 or 15 years at home without having the use of a telephone?

I am sure that my answer indicates that that is not the position.

asked the Postmaster-General what categories of persons are given priority in applications for new telephone installations and extensions.

Priority for the provision of telephone service is given to essential requirements of Government Departments, public utilities, health and life-saving services, firms engaged on production and distribution for export or for saving imports, and farmers. Subject to these broad categories of priority, business applicants are in general given preference over residential applicants.

What precisely is meant by firms engaged in the saving of imports? Is it right to give such firms, which might be quite spurious firms and which have only a transient existence, the right of way over Army officers, as referred to in the previous Question, and established and genuine traders?

We are, of course, suffering from a shortage, and there is a big waiting list; but we have endeavoured to give priorities on the best possible basis, and in our experience it is working fairly well.

In view of the unsatisfactory answer to Question No. 40, coupled with the answer to Question No. 39, I beg to give notice that I hope to raise this matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the decision taken in the Post Office Telephones, Manchester Area, to place an embargo, as from 1st March, 1949, upon the installation of telephones in residential premises; that at least 25,000 households are affected, including the homes of those who are engaged on essential work in connection with the export drive; and if he will state the reasons for the failure of the Post Office to provide this service.

In Manchester, and elsewhere, we have had to concentrate our available labour on the provision of telephones urgently required in the national interest. In the Manchester Area, until arrears of essential work are overtaken, we have had temporarily to suspend the completion of any fresh agreements for telephones for purely residential lines.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long this embargo is to continue?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones have been made since the close of the war to the present date; how many of this number have had telephones installed; and when he expects that the position will become easier.

Nearly 1,300,000 applications for telephone service were made between 30th September, 1945, and 31st December, 1948. I regret that I cannot say how many of these are included among the 1,100,000 which were met during the same period. I cannot say when the position will become easier.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that amongst the many applicants for telephones whom the right hon. Gentleman categorises as private residents are people who need to use telephones mainly for business and professional purposes, and would he give particular attention to them?

If that is so they will get some kind of priority for that reason.

asked the Postmaster-General for how long it is anticipated that private subscribers must accept the principle of a shared service before being given a line.

I cannot at present foresee when new and removing residential subscribers will no longer be required to accept liability to share their lines. Shared service is enabling us to provide telephones for many people whose applications could not otherwise be met.

To what extent is the Postmaster-General getting a bigger allocation of capital equipment in order to meet this demand?

That is another matter.

In view of the general disquiet about the state of the telephone service and the priority system now in force, would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation of Members of Parliament?

I do not agree that there is any general disquiet, in view of the fact that we have put in one in three telephones since the war.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the difficulty now is labour or materials, because at one time it was both?

Both, Sir.

asked the Lord President of the Council how overlapping is avoided between the Committee on Industrial Productivity and its four panels, and the Anglo-American Productivity Council.

The British members of the Anglo-American Council were appointed by the Federation of British Industries, the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress. The membership of the Committee on Industrial Productivity and its panels includes persons appointed after consultation with these bodies. These members have undertaken to inform the Committee if any danger of overlapping should arise, so that appropriate mutual adjustment may if necessary be made.

Cannot the Committee take any initiative in the matter? Must it wait until the productivity council takes the initiative?

If I may say so, the hon. Gentleman is really getting himself worked up into a state of worry about these matters. It is quite unnecessary. It seems to me that the arrangements made are perfectly clear, and, as a matter of fact, they have two different jobs. There is really no point in the hon. Gentleman having sleepless nights about it. It is quite all right.

asked the Lord President of the Council what subjects are covered by the Central Office of Information lecture service; and what is the annual cost of this service.

The main current themes of the lecture service provided by the Central Office of Information are: Economic Situation, Commonwealth and Western Union. The forecast of expenditure on this service for 1948–49 is £63,000.

asked the Lord President of the Council what is the guiding principle in selecting organisations on behalf of which the Central Office of Information subsidises lectures; who selects the lecturers; what is the average fee paid to them; and, in particular, on what principle the United Nations Association has been omitted from these organisations and the movement for Western Union included.

If the hon. Member will refer to the annual report of the Central Office of Information for the year 1947–48, he will find details of its lecture service, from which he will see that it does not subsidise lectures on behalf of any organisation. The lecturers are selected by the Central Office of Information. The average fee is £1 14s. For the reasons why lectures on the United Nations have not been included in the service, I would refer him to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. F. Noel-Baker) on 10th March, 1948. Lectures on Western Union have been given in response to a request by the Foreign Office acting in accordance with Article 3 of the Brussels Treaty.

While I am in favour of Article 3 of the Brussels Treaty, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman can he give any particular reason why this selection is made? Is he really in favour of sponsored lectures by the Government of the day, and is it not better to leave these voluntary societies to run under their own steam?

There is a good deal of lecturing done under the auspices of the United Nations Association. Therefore, there is no overlapping in this respect at the moment, because we are not including United Nations lectures at present. Western Union has come in because it is a new subject. My view is that we must be adaptable in this lecture service and arrange subjects according to what the public interest requires at a certain time.

asked the Minister of Defence (1) why the increase in the marriage allowance of 3s. a day to officers whose wives are with them in Germany and of 6s. if the wives are living in this country, granted from 24th November, 1948, is not being paid to officers holding an emergency commission after 1st January, 1947; and if he will take steps to ensure that all officers shall receive it with arrears due from the appointed day;

(2) if he will give an estimate of the additional cost of giving all married officers the increased marriage allowance granted from 24th November, 1948.

In my statement of 24th November last I said that the new rates of marriage allowance would not apply to National Service men. All those called up under the National Service Acts since 1st January, 1947, including officers, come within this category. I am advised that the cost of granting the increases to commissioned National Service men would be, very approximately, £50,000 a year. The increases could not, however, he given to officers only and if all ranks were included, the cost would be very much higher.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this allowance was granted to enable officers, and other ranks also, to meet the cost of living, and how can he justify distinguishing between two sets of officers or other ranks when the conditions and needs of both are exactly the same? Is not his reply quite indefensible?

The decision applies to National Service men and officers alike. I indicated in my statement of 24th November that in the case of National Service men as a whole they would have recourse, if necessary, to the National Service Grants Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision is causing very bitter resentment among officers because of the distinction, and will not the Government have another look at the matter? This ought to be a case of all or none.

If it had to be a case like that, it would have to be all ranks as well as all officers.

Why not?

I have already indicated to the House in the statement last November what the position was—that if at this very young age men were married, knowing the basis of the allowances, then they came into the Services knowing what they were doing. Large numbers of hon. Members have tried to argue that these allowances should be revised altogether not for National Service men but for Regulars whom we are trying to get into the Services.