asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the offer by the North Borneo Government to invest $250,000 in the Borneo Development Corporation and a similar offer by the Sarawak Development Finance Corporation have yet been accepted; and if he will make a statement.

The Borneo Development Corporation is a whollyowned subsidiary of the Colonial Development Corporation and I understand that the offers of the North Borneo Government and the Sarawak Development Finance Corporation are acceptable to the Corporation. I am at present considering the Corporation's application for sanction for additional capital for investment in the Borneo Development Corporation.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if the proposals for Greater Malaysia proceed with the speed that is intended, unless a really early decision is arrived at about the possible investment of this money in North Borneo it may be too late to act under the C.D.C. operation?

I am certainly aware of the need for proceeding as quickly as we can.

Are we to understand from that supplementary question and answer that it is the intention of the Government to bring North Borneo—700 miles from Malaya—into the Malaysian Federation?

The hon. Gentleman's supplementary question goes much wider than my hon. Friend's Question, which was devoted to a particular investment project.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what inquiry has been held into the causes of the recent disturbances in British Guiana; and what persons, firms, or organisations are shown by this inquiry to have been mainly responsible for instigating them.

Dr. Jagan, the Premier of British Guiana, has asked me to appoint a Commonwealth Commission of Inquiry with terms of reference "to inquire into the recent disturbances in British Guiana and the events leading up to them and to report thereon". I have informed Dr. Jagan that I will do so, and the necessary preliminary steps are being taken.

Why was the substance of the right hon. Gentleman's Answer released by a spokesman of his Department last night? Is that not rather unusual—and rather disrespectful to the House—when a Question for Oral Answer is on the Order Paper for the next day?

I do not think so. I did have that point much in mind, but Dr. Jagan was making the request to me; and they wanted to publish it, and I thought it right to do so.

Will the Secretary of State look at that point again? Has it not been the usual practice when there have been riots in a territory like British Guiana for the announcement of a Committee of Inquiry to be made, in the first instance, in this House? As to the composition of the Commonwealth Commission, while we welcome that it is to have a Commonwealth membership, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the riots arose out of industrial disputes involving most industrial unions and civil servants in the territory? Will he, therefore, make sure that on the Commission there is a member with really good trade union standing?

I will certainly bear that in mind. In this particular case, it is rather important to stress that the request came from Dr. Jagan himself and wins made on his own initiative. That is very important for the future success of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the alterations now proposed in the constitution of Northern Rhodesia conflict with the undertakings given to the Federal Government at the time of the referendum in Southern Rhodesia; and whether he will make a statement.

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply I made in response to a supplementary question from my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on the occasion of my statement of 28th February. I made it clear then that there had been no departure from any undertaking by Her Majesty's Government.

Will my right hon. Friend clarify that earlier answer? Is he denying that the undertaking was given on 25th June to the Federal Prime Minister, or is he suggesting that the changes he announced on 28th February were not a sufficient departure to constitute a breach of the undertaking? Is he aware that on 6th March the Federal Prime Minister described the answer to which my right hon. Friend has referred as misleading in part and incorrect wholly?

It is for the House to judge the value of my Answers. In June we put forward certain proposals which we hoped would be definitive. Subsequently, in September, it was made clear that we were prepared to receive representations over a limited area of dispute. In view of our responsibilities to the people of Northern Rhodesia, we were prepared to do so.

Even if my right hon. Friend is correct, is he not aware that these charges of bad faith and sharp practice are being made from Salisbury? Is that not very damaging to Anglo-Rhodesian relations? What are Her Majesty's Government going to do about restoring good relations between the two Governments?

We are obviously anxious that the relations between the two Governments should be as cordial and as close as possible. For that reason nothing has been hidden by me from the Prime Minister of the Federation. I do not think we could get any further by bandying charges against one another.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to preserve law and order in Northern Rhodesia in view of the decision of the United Federal Party to resist the proposed new Constitution by unconstitutional means.

I am not aware of any such decision.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman seen the minutes of the emergency congress of the United Federal Party's officials at Broken Hill last September at which Mr. Julian Greenfield, the Federal Minister of Law, said that he would be prepared to use unconstitutional means in order to stop the June proposals being implemented? Is not this subversive attitude of mind among Federal leaders most dangerous, and will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make sure, therefore, that no Federal troops are ever allowed inside Northern Rhodesia?

I have seen Press reports of what is supposed to be a document which emerged from a party meeting, but it is not for me to comment on the authenticity or otherwise of that document. In any case, I know of no decision by the United Federal Party to resist the proposed new Constitution I have recently announced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the declaration by the United National Independence Party that the new constitution for Northern Rhodesia is unworkable, he will prepare new plans for that country.

No, Sir.

May I ask the Minister whether, if he is contemplating any further legislation, he will bear in mind that many of my hon. Friends and myself believe that the paramount need is the preservation of the Federation?

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the principles of the United Nations Convention against discrimination in education have already been applied to those parts of the educational system in Northern Rhodesia for which Her Majesty's Government are responsible; and how many multi-racial schools exist in the territory.

As the responsibility of the Northern Rhodesia Government for education is confined to African education other than higher education, the question of racial discrimination in the Government schools does not arise. The aim of that Government is universal primary education as resources permit. All tuition is free. There is one private multi-racial school.

Will the Colonial Secretary enter into consultations with the Governor of Northern Rhodesia with a view to seeing that a multi-racial policy in education is carried out in Northern Rhodesia? In view of the fact that his responsibilities are limited, will he consult with other education authorities responsible for other sections of education in Northern Rhodesia to try to negotiate an agreement for a multiracial policy?

I think the hon. Member has forgotten the drift of my original reply, which was that the Northern Rhodesian Government are responsible for the African education. Therefore, the point about multi-racialism does not arise.

Precisely because of that, will the right hon. Gentleman negotiate with both the Northern Rhodesian and the Federal Government to try to arrive at an agreement for a non-discriminatory policy in education in Northern Rhodesia?

I think that raises much wider questions than the general policies of the Federal and territorial Governments.

Is not the situation in which European education is the responsibility of the Federal Government and African education is the responsibility of the territorial Government discriminatory and an offence against this Convention?

I am not so sure on that point. I think that if one examines the facts one finds that African education has been extremely well advanced in these territories.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how long it will take to demarcate constituencies and prepare for a general election in Northern Rhodesia; and what political parties have indicated their intention of taking part.

Before constituencies can be delimited it is necessary for registration to be completed. This will be undertaken without delay, and I hope that all processes can be completed for an election this autumn. From reports which I have received, it would appear that the political parties generally propose to contest the elections, subject, in the case of the U.N.I.P., to certain conditions.

It is very satisfactory that all political parties intend so far as they can to contest the election, but, since it took over twelve months to work out the constituencies in Nyasaland, does not my right hon. Friend think that he may be a little optimistic about the date? In any case, is not nine months a long time when events in Central Africa will be moving very fast, and would it not be wiser to get on with the Federal Review as soon as possible, not waiting for the election?

The subject of the Federal Review is rather wide of this Question, I think. I may be optimistic in my estimate of dates. It is the best I can make, and I shall do my best to keep to it.

Is the Minister aware that most of us on this side of the House regard two years after the Monckton Report recommended that there should be an African majority Government in Northern Rhodesia as a very long time, and will he do what he can to shorten the period before the elections are held?

I will make it as short as I can, but there is a good deal of necessary work to be done before elections can be held.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he is arranging the election in Northern Rhodesia; how he is delineating the constituencies; and what steps he is taking to ensure a fair election in view of threats of unconstitutional action by the United Federal Party.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to hold the elections in Northern Rhodesia.

As I have said, I hope that the elections will be held in the autumn. Delimitation of the constituencies will be a matter for an independent Commission. I am not aware of any threats of unconstitutional action, but I am satisfied that the Governor will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure a fair election.

Why do we have to wait until October for the election? Cannot it be speeded up, particularly in view of the fact that the Federal elections are now to be held within a few weeks? Are the major parties, like U.F.P., being consulted about the drawing-up of constituencies?

In reply to an earlier question, I think I said that before we can have an election we have to have constituencies and a register and that that will take a good deal of time.

Is it not the case that the proposal for an election, at least along those lines, has been published for six months or so and that the only question at issue has been the precise way in which the franchise will be distributed? In that case, why has there not been some preparation made for this? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he can have no discussions, as he himself admitted, on the future of the Federation until there has been an election in Northern Rhodesia? Is it not very urgent indeed to have this election, in view of the fact that Sir Roy Welensky intends to have what The Times called a "provocative and dangerous tribal war dance" in the Federation next month?

Before one can proceed with a register one must know who are the people to be qualified as electors and how many constituencies there are to be. None of these facts could have been settled until the announcement which I made recently. Therefore, it has not been possible to go ahead with the appointing of an independent commission.

In view of the angry noises made by the U.F.P., will the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that he will continue to be directly responsible for law and order between now and the time the elections take place?

I am not answerable for angry noises from any source, but Her Majesty's Government do not intend to dispose of any of their responsibilities in the Federation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the U.F.P. has threatened violence unless the proceedings went the right way for them in Northern Rhodesia?

There have been far too many threats from far too many quarters in Rhodesia in recent years, and I hope that they can now cease.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Northern Rhodesia propose to alter the law under which persons who have served prison sentences are ineligible for election to the Legislative Council.

This matter is under consideration.

Does the Minister appreciate that under the present state of the law, anyone who serves a six months' sentence, even for political offences, is disqualified from elections for five years? Is not that quite indefensible in any case and at any time?

That is one of the matters that is being considered.

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind when he is considering this matter further, as he has promised, that if this disqualification were to apply elsewhere, then many of our Colonies might lose their Prime Ministers and that we in this House would lose some of our distinguished Members?

That is a very interesting speculation, but whether it is relevant or not I am not sure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Her Majesty's Government have now ratified the United Nations Convention against discrimination in education and have fully applied its provisions to Colonial Territories.

As to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given on the 21st February by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Members for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) and Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway). As regards application of the Convention to Colonial Territories, I am in consultation with the Governments concerned with a view to deciding whether its provisions should apply to them.

Can the Colonial Secretary say why Her Majesty's Government are dragging their feet about ratifying this Convention, which is against the colour bar in schools? Is he not against the colour bar in schools in the Colonies? Is it not his policy to eliminate discrimination as quickly as possible? Therefore, why will the Government not ratify this Convention and get on with the job?

We have expressed the hope that as many overseas territories as possible will accept the Convention, but it is not our practice—and never has been—to apply international conventions to overseas territories without prior consultation and agreement with the Governments of those territories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take responsibility for saying that where his writ runs he will carry out the provisions of the Convention wherever it is in his power in education to do so?

It has been made quite clear that where legislation of an administrative kind on the part of overseas Governments is concerned it is not our practice—it is wise that we should act in this way—to take action without prior consultation and agreement with the Governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement in detail of the problems discussed and decisions reached at the recent Kenya Constitutional Conference.

The position remains as indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 6th March.

Has the Minister realised that a great many of the frustrations which have occurred at this conference arose from the fact that the conferees entered the conference with rigid preconceptions and insisted upon them instead of tackling the relevant problems in the true spirit of conference?

I think there is a great deal in what the hon. and learned Member has said. We are hoping to get a more forthcoming spirit in the conference and we think that is developing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-members of the Colonial Service or Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service are receiving pensions from the Government of Kenya; and how many of these are receiving increases less than those received under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959, of the United Kingdom.

I have asked the Acting Governor for further information and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have it.

Is it not surprising that the figures have been supplied to me from the Crown Agent and that my right hon. Friend does not know?

I am not sure that I have been completely caught out this time. I hope to prove that I have not been.

Does this pleasant rather late co-operation betoken a change of heart after Lord Boyd's speech in another place?

I do not quite follow the drift of my hon. Friend's question, but if there is ever a change of heart I am sure that it is for the better. I am not quite sure what she is referring to.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, following the visit of the official delegation from the Federal Parliament of the West Indies, he will make a further statement with regard to the future of the West Indies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Prime Minister of the Federation of the West Indies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his discussions with Sir Grantley Adams and others in respect of a future federation of the West Indies and of the smaller islands.

I received the Prime Minister of the Federation of The West Indies and the Parliamentary delegation. They expressed their disagreement with the policy of Her Majesty's Government but no new reason was advanced for varying the decision I announced to the House on 6th February, which itself was taken after consultation with the Federal Government.

Will my right hon. Friend indicate to the House if it is his policy to encourage the federation of the remaining eight islands of the Eastern Caribbean as they themselves apparently wish? If so, what financial assistance are Her Majesty's Government prepared to provide to help them? Could he also inform the House what his arrangements are for the Federal civil servants who have lost their employment prospects through no fault of their own?

On the first point, I am awaiting the report of a conference of the eight island Governments, which I expect to receive very soon, and then I shall go into it very urgently. On the second point, I think all concerned have a very serious responsibility to the Federal civil servants, and ways and means of meeting that are being considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if he does not appreciate that there is a real demand for some kind of association or federation of what are called the "Little Eight"? Dr. Arthur Lewis has given a provisional estimate of the cost of making the area viable. If such an idea is not adopted, is the Minister contemplating the turning back of these Colonies to purely colonial status?

We regard this idea of the "Little Eight" as a promising development, but we are awaiting more detailed studies which are to be made. Professor Lewis is engaged on the financial implications.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the relations with the Federal Government: seem to have been muddled and mishandled in a way which is certain to give the impression of discourtesy? Was it not rather shabby to introduce the West Indies Bill to the House of Lords in the very week when the Federal Government delegation was here and in advance of an interview with the Federal Prime Minister? Is it conceivable that if Dr. Banda had wanted to secede from the Central African Federation the same treatment would have been accorded to Sir Roy Welensky? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the official Federal delegation, apart from the secession of Jamaica, shall be given adequate time for consultation about alternative arrangements for the rest of the area?

I cannot accept that at all. When I was in Port of Spain I discussed with the Federal Government and explained in great detail what I proposed to do and the timing of it. Subsequently they decided to send a delegation to this country to express opposition to Her Majesty's Government, but that was not without having been forewarned of what we proposed to do and not without consultation.

Could my right hon. Friend confirm that the Federation broke down because Jamaica was not prepared to share its relative wealth with the poorer islands and that it had nothing to do with Her Majesty's Government here at home?

I do not want to go into the causes or to assign blame for this, but when I was in Port of Spain earlier this year every single island Government agreed that the existing Federation must be dissolved and new arrangements made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to deal with the present industrial unrest in Aden.

I do not accept that a situation amounting to industrial unrest exists in Aden.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Aden was on the brink of a general strike, and does he not know that two trade unionists are serving long prison sentences because of the part they were playing in organising the trade unions there? Would not a general strike constitute industrial unrest, and what does he propose to do about it?

A general strike would constitute industrial unrest, but the figures I have show that whereas in 1959 and the first half of 1960 there were 118 strikes, in the whole of 1961 there were only three. We should not, I think, exaggerate.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great diminution in the number of strikes was due to the ordinance which he had passed prohibiting strikes? In the circumstances, would it not have been better to make that quite clear with reference to the causes and the extent of industrial difficulties which exist in Aden at present?

The effect of the ordinance was that although there were 99 industrial disputes last year 96 were settled by the machinery envisaged in the industrial relations ordinance. It has been very successful.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why a man in the Solomon Islands was recently sentenced to one month's imprisonment for being in possession of two pieces of magic wild ginger.

He pleaded guilty to an offence under the Preservation of Order Regulation, the relevant section of which provides that "any person who has in his possession, without lawful excuse, an article normally associated in native minds with harmful magic shall be guilty of an offence". The maximum penalty for such an offence is imprisonment for six months or a fine of £20.

Since the Minister is himself responsible, with previous Ministers, for such legislation, does that mean that he and other Ministers believe in the magic properties of this ginger? Further, since the laws are based on laws of the United Kingdom, if any hon. Member were to be in possession of it would he be liable to go to prison in this country?

I do not think that that would apply. I understand that among the Solomon Islanders wild ginger is a well recognised instrument of sorcery in the seduction of women.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to construct an aerodrome on the Seychelles up to full international standard.

A reconnaissance survey team visited Seychelles last year to examine possible sites for an airfield and its report is awaited.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and recommend to him that improvement of communications would probably be the key to the future of this almost "Cinderella" group of islands, the Seychelles?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking about the Budget proposals for the Seychelles, following the unanimous vote of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council against them.

I am satisfied that the Budget proposals are sound and that the Governor was entirely correct in using his casting vote in favour of the Appropriation Bill as a matter of urgency. I, therefore, do not propose to intervene.

Is it not the constitutional position that, when the unofficial members of the Legislative Council are unanimous, the Governor may not use his vote without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Colonies? Has the right hon. Gentleman given that consent? Will he put in the Library the Budget proposals so that we may make up our minds about them?

I will put in the Library all the information I can. I have satisfied myself that the Governor's action is entirely in accordance with constitutional practice and with the undertakings given in the past.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what constitutional proposals he has received from the new Government of Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he received a request from the new Prime Minister of Malta for independence for the island; and what was his reply.

I have received no constitutional proposals from the new Government as yet, but before taking office Dr. Borg Olivier made it clear that he will wish to raise certain questions with me.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is a large body of people in the island holding the opinion that they would not want to enjoy a lesser status in the Commonwealth than that accorded to Cyprus, and will he agree that once the problems of viability and defence have been solved there is no reason why Malta should not be an independent State within the Commonwealth?

I am looking forward to an early meeting with the new Prime Minister of Malta. I do not think that I should comment on any particular issue before then.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the Prime Minister declared some time ago that the present constitution is unworkable, that he represents 50 per cent. of the electorate and that the Labour Party represents 30 per cent., all that 80 per cent. being in favour of independence and freedom? Will he now say that he is prepared to give these people freedom at a specific date and not make a general and vague statement?

No, Sir; I do not think that I can make a statement to that effect today.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what complaints he has received concerning irregularities during the recent general election in Malta; what inquiries are being made; and if he will make a statement.

Two days before the elections the Governor received certain written representations from the Malta Labour Party, which he discussed with a delegation from the Party on the same day. The delegation was unable to produce direct evidence in support of their allegations. No further complaints have been received.

Is the Minister aware that the whole of the Maltese Press and the foreign Press of the world was full of the irregularities taking place during this election, and, in view of the statement made to him in a memorandum from the Labour Party of Malta and amplified to the Governor, will he now hold an inquiry into the whole position? The right hon. Gentleman was asked to send someone down there during the period of the election and he refused to do it. Will he now hold an inquiry into the allegations that have been made?

No. I do not think there is any substance in that. The Governor has discussed the representations received from the Malta Labour Party, and my own impression is that the authorities in Malta did a very good job in conducting the election.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-members of the Colonial Service or Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service are receiving pensions from the East Africa High Commission; and how many of these are receiving increases less than those received under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959, of the United Kingdom.

As my information is incomplete, I have asked the Secretary-General for further information and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the extent and assumed economic or other value of the Antarctic area now formally deemed a British Colony; whether it will have any permanent human settlement; and what agreements have been reached with other Governments in respect of the peaceful use of British territory and the whole Antarctic region.

The new British Antarctic Territory, which was formerly part of the Colony of the Falkland Islands and Dependencies, consists of the land and islands lying south of latitude 60° South and between 20° and 80° of longitude West. No minerals of economic importance have yet been found, but the territory is valuable as a site for scientific work. I do not expect that there will be permanent habitation in the foreseeable future though there are several permanent research stations in the territory.

The Antarctic Treaty to which the United Kingdom is a party came into force on 23rd June, 1961. Article 1 of that Treaty provides that Antarctica should be used for peaceful purposes.

Her Majesty's Government accepted all the recommendations made at the first Consultative Meeting of Antarctic Treaty Powers held in Canberra last year. I will place a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many people are living in this area? Secondly, is it not almost grotesque that, having divested ourselves of a colonial empire, we should now, apparently, be trying to compensate ourselves by acquiring this waste land? Has not the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of the whole Antarctic area being placed under some kind of international supervision rather than being divided up into colonies?

There is some misunderstanding here. We are not in any way seeking to extend our territory but to rename and divide a particular part of it, the reason being that our Antarctic territory bore previously a name derived from the disputed area outside the Treaty area. We thought it better to change it in the interests of general agreement and working together in the area.

Would not this be a suitable governship for Sir Roy Welensky?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his official talks with the Minister of Law of the Central African Federation.

Mr. Greenfield was present when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and I met Sir Roy Welensky and Sir Edgar Whitehead on 1st March; but, apart from this, I have had no official talks with him.

In view of the fact that the Colonial Secretary admitted earlier in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle) that he did not know whether or not Mr. Greenfield's threat to adopt unconstitutional action on hard lines to preserve the Federation were authentic or not, may I ask him why he did not take this opportunity to ask Mr. Greenfield himself, in view of the fact that he occupies, ironically enough, the position of Minister of Law in the Federation, and has, presumably, taken an oath of loyalty to the Queen?

I have the impression that the report in question appeared in the Press after I saw Mr. Greenfield.

With respect, the report in question was referred to in this House by my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) a week after the conference took place.

The report I have been referring to was the one in the Guardian of 6th March and, as I said, I saw Mr. Greenfield on 1st March.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now strengthen the police forces of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland and advise the Governors of both Protectorates not to invite Federal troops into the territories, in view of the danger that the use of these troops will provoke disorder and violence.

I am satisfied about the strength and capability of the Police forces in both Territories. The second part of the Question relates to a hypothetical situation.

Surely, if the Colonial Secretary is to be consistent with the answer given to my second supplementary question on Question No. 25, he will be quite firm that Federal troops will not be asked into Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland? Is he not aware of the extreme danger that would result if Sir Roy Welensky's troops went into these two Protectorates?

The Federal Government are responsible for defence and have the right to station troops anywhere in the Federation. The use of troops in support of the civil power is only at the request of the Governor.

While we all welcome that assurance by the Colonial Secretary, may I ask him if he will now take steps to make inquiries into the authenticity of the reports that Mr. Greenfield and the U.F.P. threatened unconstitutional action?

I do not regard that as being the view of the United Federal Party or the Prime Minister.

Ought not the right hon. Gentleman to inquire into this matter more closely, in view of the fact that, at the emergency congress already referred to, it was decided to make a request to the Federal Government to keep as many Federal troops in Northern Rhodesia as possible in order to show the flag? Is not this the direct use of Federal troops for political intimidation?

I do not think so. I have already said that Federal troops are for defence purposes and must remain the responsibility of the Federal Government.

asked the Minister of Works which persons are authorised to park their cars on the Horse Guards Parade, and under what circumstances.

A limited number of the occupants of the surrounding buildings and of visitors to them, are authorised to park on the edges of the Parade when it is not required for ceremonial purposes. The selection of those to whom permits are issued is the responsibility of the Departments concerned.

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that the Horse Guards Parade is not in any sense an adjunct to any of these Departments which surround it, and that the result has been that we have a parade pockmarked with over 100 cars stretching 40 or 50 yards into the middle of the parade ground, and if this is a suitable place for parking 100 cars should it not be a case of "first come, first served"?

I do not think I could accept my hon. Friend's statement that this cannot be said to be an adjunct to the Departments concerned. It borders on them.

It may be bordering on them, but is it not a fact that it is not an adjunct to the Departments in the sense that the courtyard of the Foreign Office is an adjunct of the Foreign Office or that Downing Street is an adjunct to these Departments, in so far as they are not public thoroughfares?

I think it is a very near thing.

Is the Minister aware that the police always say that any space outside a hereditament or building is perfectly free for parking of the public unless there are ceremonial parades? If at a special time like Christmas this whole area can be used for parking cars, would it not be a more sensible arrangement merely to give notice that the parade ground is needed for ceremonial purposes?

I do not think so. So far as special periods like Christmas are concerned, I try to help as far as I can with the properties which come under my control, whatever the precedents may be.

asked the Minister of Works how many men are involved in the abolition of the post of Grade IV quantity surveyor's assistant in his Department; how many of these men have been in Government service for fifteen years or longer; and what steps he is taking for their alternative employment.

Seven quantity surveying assistants, Grade IV, have been declared redundant in the Ministry of Works as part of current staff reductions; this comprises the total staff in that grade. Only one of these has been in Government service for fifteen years or longer. I have had inquiries made of local authorities and other Government Departments in an attempt to find them alternative employment. So far two offers of employment have been made, and others are in prospect.

Is the Minister aware that the one to whom he refers is a constituent of mine; that he has worked for Government Departments for over twenty years and that now that he is over 50 years old it is a pretty shabby trick simply to shake him off as though the Government have no obligation to him? That is what is happening now. Will the Minister look into the matter again and see that this competent person is provided with some alternative employment?

I hope that the hon. Member has had a letter with regard to his constituent—

A very unsatisfactory one.

It may be unsatisfactory, but it is the truth. We have done all we can to help this man. I am advised that he will not be prejudiced in his chances of future employment. We have done a great deal for him.

asked the Minister of Works when the removal of exhibits from the Whitehall Banqueting Hall will be completed.

The disposal of the exhibits is a matter for the Royal United Service Institution, which is considering what should be done. I am sure that there will be no undue delay.

asked the Minister of Works when the open space opposite the Victoria Tower and in front of the Abbey Walls is to be filled in and laid out.

The Westminster City Council is preparing plans for the construction of an underground garage on this site. My plans for the treatment of the surface are being developed at the same time. I hope shortly to be able to inform the House how and when it is proposed to deal with this most important area.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken to ensure that home-grown timber is used in the rebuilding of No. 10 Downing Street.

None, Sir. In view of the special requirements at No. 10 Downing Street I have thought it inadvisable to limit the architect's choice, but I understand that home-grown oak is being used to replace oak floors.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great need to encourage the growing of home-grown timber? Does not he think that it would be well worth his Department's while to encourage growers by specifying the use of home-grown timber wherever possible?

The operative words are the last used by my hon. Friend, namely, "wherever possible". If that means "wherever wise" I quite agree, but I do not think it would be right to go beyond it.

Whatever timber is used, is the Minister taking steps to ensure that it is adequately treated with creosote or some anti-dry-rot mixture? We have had an awful lot of dry-rot in No. 10 Downing Street in recent years.

I shall do my best to see that the new structure lasts for a very long time.

asked the Postmaster-General if in view of the poor quality of entertainment programmes now transmitted by the Independent Television companies, he will take powers to ensure an improvement of such programmes.

No, Sir. Under the Television Act it is the duty of the I.T.A. to satisfy itself that so far as possible its programmes maintain a proper balance in their subject matter and a high general standard of quality. The Authority assures my right hon. Friend that the provisions of the Act are being complied with.

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that the Authority is carrying out its responsibilities? Is the Minister not aware that too many old films are being used for the sole purpose of aiding the companies in their fight with Equity? Will not the Minister have a very close look at the position in order to save himself from being exposed to the charge of strikebreaking? Will not he take the necessary powers to see that his Department is not used in that way?

Is is the duty of the Authority and not of my right hon. Friend to see that a correct balance is kept. We all admit that the entertainment value of these films is a matter of personal judgment. Ultimately, the viewer is the final arbiter, and he has the choice of turning to the alternative programme.

Is not the hon. Lady aware that some of these I.T.A. programmes—especially under regional contractors—are rapidly becoming a bore solely because they consist of repeated Westerns and old films? If her Department is not prepared to do anything about it, will not she consult the Television Advisory Committee in order to see what its observations are?

I can assure the hon. Member that we watch these things very carefully indeed.

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for improved television reception along the north Antrim coast, and particularly at Ballycastle.

Both the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. are well aware of the poor reception conditions in Ballycastle and other places on the North Antrim coast, and have the area in mind in their planning of future stations.

Will my hon. Friend please encourage the B.B.C. to give the highest priority to its service in this area? The North Antrim coast is a well-known resort and visitors are being driven away by the impossibly bad television reception there.

I am sure that the B.B.C. will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the danger to health involved in cigarette smoking, recent evidence of which is contained in the Report of the Royal College of Physicians, a copy of which has been sent to him, if he will take steps to amend the Second Schedule to the Television Act, 1954, to deal with cigarette advertising.

As mentioned yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, the Government are studying the measures recommended in the Report of the Royal College of Physicians which include restriction of tobacco advertising. My right hon. Friend cannot make any statement at this stage with regard to such advertising on television.

But has not the hon. Lady herself observed the linking of romance, sex appeal and cigarette smoking in a deliberate appeal to young people on this the most powerful medium for influencing ideas the world has ever known? Should not the Government at least implement this part of the Royal College's Report by completely banning cigarette advertising on television?

We all have this problem very much in mind, but my right hon. Friend cannot make any further statement at the present time.

Can we have an early statement from the Postmaster-General on this aspect? Is it not rather silly to send out circulars to local authorities begging them to take action while at the same time the television programmes are counteracting the effect of those circulars?

My right hon. Friend is looking at this matter with the greatest urgency.

Will the hon. Lady represent to the I.T.A. that it might try to find actors who are capable of acting on television without continually having cigarettes in their mouths, or bottles or glasses in their hands?

I am sure that the Authority will take note of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks.

asked the Postmaster General (1) how many ships at sea have requested radio direction-finding bearings from Post Office coastal radio stations in the four months ended 31st January, 1962; and what action has been taken on such requests;

(2) what was the cost of providing radio-telegraphy direction-finding bearings to ships at sea in the year ended 30th September, 1961, or nearest convenient year.

The answer to the first Question is 17. The ships were informed that the direction-finding service at British Coast Stations ceased from 1st September, 1961, and that bearings could not be given. In three of the cases the ship requested the transmission of a signal enabling it to take a bearing on the Coast Station by means of its own direction-finding apparatus, and such signal was provided. The cost of providing bearings to ships at sea during the year ended 31st March, 1961, was £5,176.