asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the overwhelming work in connection with passport applications renders it a physical impossibility for British passport control officers to deal with approved applications within a reasonable time; and will he, therefore, now again augment the British staffs in the principal cities of Germany and Austria by appointing at least 250 more passport control officers?

The question of reinforcing the passport control staffs in Germany is constantly under revision, and further additions have recently been made to the personnel at Berlin and Vienna. My Noble Friend is, however, satisfied that an increase in the number of passport control officers on the scale suggested would not result in a proportionate increase in the rate at which it would be possible to grant visas, since this is dependent only in part upon the work performed by there officers in Germany.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an exchange rate of 16 pesos, provided the amounts transferable do not exceed last year's transfers, is an inadequate concession by the Argentine Government to the Anglo-Argentine railways shareholders, and that last year's remittances were small owing to failure of crops compared with heavy crops this year; and will he, on behalf of British investors, and independently of the railway directors, request the Argentine Government to reconsider the limitation at last year's total?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him yesterday, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether any prior information was received by the British Government that the new German 10,000-ton cruiser "Seydlitz" was to be armed with 8-inch guns, in view of the fact that it had been agreed that no guns bigger than 6-inch should be mounted?

asked the Prime Minister whether any representations have been made to the German Government concerning the mounting of 8-inch guns on the new cruiser "Seydlitz," contrary to the understanding reached at the time of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty; and whether this treaty is still considered as being in operation?

asked the Prime Minister on what date the German Note concerning the Anglo-German Naval Agreement was received, what action was taken on it, and what is the present position?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the reasons given by the German Government for their decision to avail themselves of the provisions of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement in order to build up their submarine tonnage to the level of the British Empire; and to sub- stitute 8-in. guns for 6-in. guns in two cruisers now building?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the German cruiser "Seydlitz" is to be equipped with 8-in. guns; and whether this is in accordance with the Anglo-German Naval Treaty?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty on what date the German Government first notified the British Government of Germany's intention to construct submarine tonnage up to the British total; and whether there was in this connection any mention of the friendly discussion which is stipulated in the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether there is any provision in the Anglo-German Naval Agreement which precludes the building of cruisers armed with 8-in. guns?

The House will recall the communiqué which was published last week regarding the steps taken by the German Government to exercise certain rights conferred upon them by the Anglo-German Naval Agreements of 1935 and 1937. Under the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of June, 1935, Germany became entitled to build up to 35 per cent. of British tonnage in sub-category (a) cruisers, that is, cruisers with guns above 6.1 inch. This entitled her to tonnage sufficient for five such ships. Under the London Naval Treaty of 1936 a holiday in the construction of this type of vessel was agreed upon, and, as their contribution to this limitation, the German Government expressed willingness to forgo their right to construct their fourth and fifth ships of this class provided that no further cruisers of sub-category (a) were laid down by any other Power. In 1937, however, the Government of the U.S.S.R. announced that they intended to build a number of sub-category (a) cruisers. This led the German Government to inform His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in July, 1937, that they could no longer maintain their intention not to construct their fourth and fifth sub-category (a) cruisers, though for the present they would not exercise this right.

In July, 1937, the German Government formally accepted the principles of the London Naval Treaty of 1936 which were thereupon embodied in the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1937 (Cmd. 5519). But in an exchange of notes it was specifically recognised that they were entitled to build these two additional cruisers or to convert two cruisers from sub-category (b) to sub-category (a) provided that their decision to do so was communicated to His Majesty's Government before the work of construction or conversion was begun; and special provision for the exercise of this right was made in the Anglo-German Agreement of 1937. On the 13th December last the German Government informed His Majesty's Government that they had decided to exercise their right to convert two cruisers known as K and L from sub-category (b), that is, cruisers with guns below 6.1 inch to sub-category (a). Work on converting these cruisers to carry 8-inch guns is understood to be in progress. Cruiser K was launched as the "Seydlitz" on 19th January this year when it was also publicly announced that she was to be armed with 8-inch guns.

Submarines.

Under Clause 2 (f) of the Anglo-German Agreement of June, 1938 (Cmd. 4930), the German Government had the right to possess a submarine tonnage equal to that of the British Commonwealth of Nations, but they undertook that they would not exceed 45 per cent. of this tonnage unless a situation arose which, in their opinion, made it necessary to do so The German Government undertook before exercising this right to give notice to this effect to His Majesty's Government, and agreed that the matter should be the subject of friendly discussion before the right was exercised.

On 13th December last the German Government notified His Majesty's Government of their desire to increase their submarine tonnage to equality with that of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and the friendly discussions visualised in the treaty were held in Berlin on 30th December between representatives of the Naval Staffs of the two countries. Subsequently the German Government informed His Majesty's Government that they adhered to their decision to convert the two cruisers, and to build up to equality in submarine tonnage. They have, however, stated that the increase in submarine tonnage from 45 per cent. to 100 per cent. of the British tonnage would be gradual.

The German Government's standpoint in reaching these decisions was stated to be that in the present condition of international affairs they were no longer prepared to refrain from developing their naval forces to the full extent permitted by the treaty.

The increase in German submarine tonnage does not affect the over-riding condition that the total tonnage of the German Navy shall not exceed 35 per cent. of the aggregate tonnage of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Can my hon. Friend say what was the situation which had arisen to cause the German Government to feel that it was necessary to build up to the full submarine limits?

It is not specifically mentioned, but a general statement was made, to which I have referred.

The hon. Member said in the earlier part of his reply that they were afraid of Russia. Are we to understand that the whole change is due to Germany's fear of Russian developments?

I do not think I said that. If my hon. Friend will read the statement he will see that that is not an accurate description. The German Government informed us positively that they had no nation in mind in taking this step. They were simply claiming the benefit of a Treaty always recognised by us to be their right.

Can the hon. Member say whether there is any doubt at ail in the mind of the Board of Admiralty that this increased submarine tonnage can only be aimed at Britain and France? If that is so, what steps do the Board of Admiralty propose to take immediately to be able to protect British shipping and British interests against the increased threat?

The Admiralty cannot agree that the exercise of a right by a Power with which we have a treaty is a threat to us or to anybody else. As regards the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, perhaps he will await the presentation of our Navy Estimates, when clearly we take account of the factors of naval development in any part of the world.

Is it not clear that the new situation that has determined the extraordinary activity in German naval building, is the new situation in the Mediterranean, and is it not clear that these conversations mean nothing, and that Germany is not concerned with them?

rose—

Any further questions on this subject had better be put on the Order Paper.

May I ask one question—whether in view of the increased submarine programme of the German Navy the British Government will consider increasing their destroyer programme and building more destroyers?

I think I answered that in my reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement on the conclusion arrived at as a result of the report received from the Military Mission that recently visited Portugal for the purpose of considering adequate mutual arrangements for the defences of British and Portuguese Colonies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 1st February, to which I have nothing to add.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any decision has been arrived at yet?

The mission has only just finished its labours.

asked the Prime Minister what is the result of the Foreign Office inquiry in Spain into the allegations that consular officers carried documents containing military information across the Spanish frontier; whether the trial by General Franco's court has yet come to a decision; and what is the present position of the officials concerned?

The Board of Inquiry set up by the Foreign Office has not yet submitted its report. At the conclusion of the investigation by the examining magistrate at San Sebastian which will probably be completed very shortly, the persons concerned will either be set at liberty or placed on trial. Their interests are in the hands of a competent lawyer, with whom they are in touch.

asked the Prime Minister the various places in Spanish territory controlled by General Franco where British consuls are carrying out their functions?

As the answer contains a list of towns, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In the meantime can the Minister say whether the reports received from these consular officers show that British interests are being given every consideration?

The hon. and gallant Member may be satisfied that British consular officers always look after British interests.

Have we a consular officer at Barcelona?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister the length of time spent in the Madrid area by the Commission on the Repatriation of Foreign Volunteers?

I understand that members of the League Commission spent two or three weeks in the Madrid-Valencia area of Government Spain.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to whether German and Italian volunteers in the International Brigade in Spain who are hostile to the existing Governments of their own countries are being forcibly repatriated?

I understand that under the withdrawal plan drawn up by the Spanish Government at the request of the League of Nations provision is made for political exiles either to return to the country where they were domiciled at the time when they left for Spain, or, if they were likely to be the object of political or other persecution in the event of their returning to such countries, to be sent to some other country where they could be sure of being safe from persecution.

Seeing that the International Commission has recognised the honourable way in which the Spanish Government have carried out the demobilisation of volunteers, is it not the duty of the Non-Intervention Committee to see that these men are sent to places of safety, as it may not be within the power of the Spanish Government to do so at present?

I think we had better leave this matter to the League Commission which has been considering it, and which is doing its best.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, any discussions are yet contemplated between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government as to what constitutes termination of the. Spanish civil war?

The terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement do not provide for any discussions such as those referred to by the hon. Member.

In view of the statements which have recently been published in the Italian Press, that the Italian Government do not propose to withdraw their troops from Spain until after a political victory as well as a military victory, are we to understand that under the provisions of the Anglo-Italian Agreement the Italian Government are not obliged to withdraw their troops as soon as hostilities have ceased?

Statements in the Press do not necessarily represent the view of the Government of any country.

Is it the view of His Majesty's Government that the Italian Government have undertaken to withdraw their troops from Spain as soon as hostilities have ceased?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not the case that the Press in Italy is entirely controlled by the Italian Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Italian Government have at any time given reasons to His Majesty's Government why they have not withdrawn the Italian troops from Spain in accordance with the plan which they accepted on 5th July, 1938?

The Italian Government have always made it clear that they would carry out the Non-Intervention Committee's plan if and when it came into operation. The fact that the plan has not come into operation provides the reason why the Italian Government have not carried out its provisions.

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Government accept the view that Signor Mussolini cannot withdraw his troops from Spain in accordance with his undertaking without the consent of General Franco?

The answer is that until the plan comes into operation its provisions cannot be put into force.

Are we to understand that the drawing up of this plan, to which so much labour was devoted last summer, was nothing but a blind to cover the proceedings under the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

His Majesty's Government have consistently endeavoured to bring the plan into operation, but its execution must depend on the consent of both parties in Spain.

Is it not the consent of General Franco alone which is lacking that is preventing the plan from being brought into operation?

Yes, Sir.

Do I understand from the last answer that the Government seriously maintain that Signor Mussolini cannot withdraw his troops without General Franco's consent?

That is a different question.

Are we to understand that the Non-Intervention Agreement is not to be put into operation until the need for intervention has ceased?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is now the intention of His Majesty's Government to summon a meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee and to propose to the Committee that the plan for the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain should forthwith be carried out?

As has frequently been explained, General Franco has not accepted the Non-Intervention Committee's plan, and it is not, therefore, possible for the Committee to put it into operation. In the present circumstances it is not considered that a meeting of the Committee for the purpose referred to by the hon. Member would serve any useful purpose.

In view of the fact that great burdens are being thrown on France and other countries as a result of foreign aggression in Spain, is it not desirable to have a full international discussion as to whether this plan, which was unanimously accepted last July, cannot now be put into force?

I have answered that question in a previous reply.

Is it not time that the Government asked the heads of the German and Italian Governments whether they are preventing General Franco from operating the plan?

May I ask how many of the International Brigade General Franco has evacuated over the border into France?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Spanish ship "José Luis Diez," at present taking refuge in Gibraltar, is to be allowed to leave; and what is the present position of her crew?

Since this ship was disabled in an engagement with General Franco's forces outside Gibraltar on 30th December, she has remained immobilised at Gibraltar. The crew were repatriated to the Spanish Government's territory by way of Almeria.

What is the exact position of this ship? Can it sail out, or is it confined at Gibraltar?

I think I can best describe the position by saying that she is immobilised at Gibraltar.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the numerical strength of the Italian forces at present in Libya?

According to information now received from the Italian Government, the numerical strength of the Italian forces at present in Libya is between 30,000 and 32,000.

Has the Prime Minister any information about German troops which have been sent to Libya recently?

Can the Prime Minister say whether the reduction of the number of Italian troops in Libya is taking place at the rate of 1,000 a week in accordance with the provisions of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Prime Minister what reply was received when inquiries were made at the Italian Foreign Office into the recent calling-up of 60,000 of the 1901 class, following the massing of the Fascist militia around Rome?

His Majesty's Ambassador has been informed that this is a purely administrative measure without political significance. I understand that the Igor class, which is the oldest class which was not engaged in the Great War, under- went its military training at a time when conditions were abnormal and that it has been thought that some retraining of certain men of this class would be desirable. It is not unusual in Italy for men to be called up for training in this manner. The assembly of militia round Rome, to which the hon. Member refers, was occasioned by the usual celebration on 1st February of the anniversary of the foundation of the Fascist Militia.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Whangpoo Conservancy Board is still prevented by the Japanese authorities from carrying out its work of dredging the approach to Shanghai; and what information he has received as to the silting of the channel owing to the cessation of the board's activities?

Yes, Sir. Discussions are, however, proceeding at Shanghai and some progress has been made. As regards the second part of the question, no recent reports about silting have been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend.

May I ask whether it is not possible for the Government to bring a little more pressure to bear on the Japanese Government on this question, as the Whangpoo Conservancy Board acts not only in the interests of ourselves but in the interests of all nations?

We are pressing the importance of this point in the course of the negotiations now proceeding at Shanghai.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the representations from the British Chamber of Commerce at Hong Kong, transmitted through the British Consul-General at Canton, asking for an expression of the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the continued closing by the Japanese authorities of the Pearl River giving approach to Canton; and whether he will define the attitude of His Majesty's Government so that British business men may know the position, and arrange their affairs accordingly?

Yes, Sir. This matter has been receiving the urgent consideration of His Majesty's Government and a com- munication will shortly be addressed to the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce through the appropriate channel. As regards the second part of the question, His Majestys' Government propose to continue, as at present, to take all possible steps to secure the re-opening of the Pearl River.

Can we expect any more results from these representations than we had in the case of the Yangtze?

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that this may be described as the centre of military activities. There are certain difficulties, but we are pressing our case as strongly as we can.

Is it not the case that even if Japan was at war with China it would be illegal?

All such considerations are being borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of resolutions he has recently received from persons and organisations to the effect that permanent peace can only be secured by a general settlement and urging the necessity for the holding of a new peace conference open to all nations and directed toward remedying the economic and political conditions likely to lead to war, and asking that he will, in consultation with the President of the United States of America, after adequate preparation, offer the fullest collaboration of this country in bringing the negotiations to a successful issue, he will state the Government's attitude toward this proposal?

His Majesty's Government are in agreement with the view that permanent peace can only be secured by a general settlement. They are of opinion that before such a settlement could be attained by a peace conference a considerable amount of preliminary preparation would be necessary, and they are constantly doing everything they can to promote such preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it may be anticipated that the results of the preliminary investigations into the possibility of Jewish settlement in British Guiana and Tanganyika will be available?

With regard to British Guiana, the investigatory Commission which is going to the Colony will begin its inquiries within the next few days. It is impossible to say how long the investigation will take, but it will certainly be a matter of several weeks before the Commission's report can be expected. With regard to Tanganyika, the Governor has already submitted a preliminary report, and the information contained in it has been communicated to the Emigration Committee of the Co-ordinating Committee for Refugees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to encourage the emigration of German settlers from Tanganyika, and to facilitate the settlement upon the land thus vacated of Jewish refugees, with a view to securing a more loyal population in these areas as well as contributing to the solution of the refugee problem?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has as to the activities and objects of the expedition of German scientists and experts which has now left Germany for an eight months expedition to East Africa; if he is aware that the stated purpose of the expedition is to carry the German exploratory spirit and German enterprise into distant Africa, as well as to make scientific studies, and that the expedition is to keep in touch with Germany by wireless: and what facilities the British colonial administrations are granting to this expedition, and what guarantees they are receiving that it will not in any way explore the ground with a view to assisting the German Government in case of the transfer of territories?

As regards the objects of the expedition, I can add nothing to the statements which have appeared in the Press. The Governors of Kenya and Tanganyika Territory have been informed of the proposed visit, but no special facilities are being granted. The Governments of the territories to be visited are fully alive to the necessity for ensuring that there is no undesirable propaganda.

Is the Minister satisfied that there is nothing of a sinister nature in connection with this expedition?

My answer suggests that if anything undesirable or improper is done in connection with the expedition, the authorities on the spot will give the matter very careful attention.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of the Government's declaration against transfer, German propaganda persists among the native population of East Africa; and will he, therefore, renew his declaration in unequivocal terms?

I have nothing to add to what has been said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any steps are being contemplated with a view to restoring constitutional rights to Cyprus and holding elections to that end?

(2) The reason for the continued censorship of the Cyprus newspapers "Embros" and "Proia"; and why the former is not allowed to state that it is under the censorship?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the restrictions of Press criticism and news in Cyprus; and what steps are being taken to give the people of this colony a greater responsibilty in the government of the island?

Under the Cyprus Press Law the Government of the colony possesses powers of control which can be exercised in the public interest against individual newspapers. The "Proia," after twice being placed under censorship, was suppressed in November last for the repeated publication of matter which, in the opinion, of the competent authorities in Cyprus was calculated to promote disaffection. The censorship over the "Embros" has been removed and out of some twelve newspapers published in Cyprus only one now remains under censorship. As regards the government of the island, the people of Cyprus are already associated with the management of their local affairs through the District and Municipal Councils, and it is the policy of the Cyprus Government gradually to develop this association and to extend the powers of the Councils. I do not consider, however, that the time has yet arrived for any change in the constitution of the Central Government.

Is it not the case that the most ruthless kind of dictatorship is being carried out in Cyprus, and that these papers are not allowed to publish any statement encouraging any idea of independence for the people of Cyprus?

Since when?

Does not the same thing happen in Russia?

On a point of Order. I am sorry that I did not hear the Minister's answer to my question, and perhaps it would be permissible for me to give to hon. Members opposite the advice that was given by Polonius?

Will the Minister say what conditions are necessary or what conditions have to be fulfilled in the island before there is a return to a more responsible form of self-government?

I would not like to answer that question without notice.

Will the Minister say when the censorship on "Embros" was removed; and is he aware that a reply was promised to me in December on this very subject and that it has not yet been given to me?

I have just received information that the censorship has been removed in that case. I think a reply is in course of being drafted in the Department, and that it will be sent to the hon. Member within a few hours.

In this matter will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Labour party executive who appear to know all about censorship?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of German-owned and British-owned banana plantations in the British Cameroons in the district of Victoria; and whether he is aware that the labourers employed on the German-owned plantations are paid partly in money and partly in credit, redeemable at truck stores on the property, contrary to the conditions for the employment of labour laid down in the British Mandate?

According to my information there are 14 German-owned and two British-owned plantations in the Victoria division of the Cameroons under British Mandate. As regards the latter part of his question, I would refer the hon. Member to the full information, furnished at the request of the Permanent Mandates Commission, in paragraphs 174–178 of the report presented to the Council of the League of Nations on the Territory for 1937, of which a copy will be found in the Library of the House, from which he will see that the Government do not regard the practice as contrary to the conditions laid down in the Mandate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the report was made by the Permanent Mandates Commission, it has been ascertained that the practice by Germans of deducting money and paying the natives in kind is entirely unjustified; that it is, in fact, a subsidy to the German banana trade at the expense of British-protected subjects, and is regarded there as very undesirable?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the desirability of obtaining from the Governors of the different British Colonies a report upon the defence measures and their adequacy or inadequacy in the recent international crisis?

I have considered my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I do not think that it is necessary to adopt it. The defence needs of the Colonial Dependencies are under constant review by the appropriate sub-committees of the Committee of Imperial Defence. Reports on measures taken during the recent crisis have been received from a number of the most important Dependencies and action has been taken upon them where it seemed necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that among a party of 75 British subjects recently returning from the Spanish island of Fernando Po to Calabar in Nigeria after a period of labour on the cocoa plantations, one person was found dead of starvation, three were found so ill from starvation as to require a fortnight's treatment in hospital, and the remainder were in a serious condition of neglect and malnutrition; and what steps have been taken to secure improvement in the conditions of labour contracts entered into by British subjects in Fernando Po?

I am informed that three cases of death due to asthenia occurred about a year ago among 49 persons who returned to Calabar from Fernando Po in very poor physical condition. Since that date an improvement has been reported in the treatment of labour in Fernando Po. Representations have been made by the British Vice-Consul in Santa Isabel concerning the position of labourers from Nigeria and an assurance has been given by the Governor-General of Fernando Po that it was the wish of the authorities to provide for the good treatment of all classes of labourers and especially of those coming from Nigeria as the local farming community was to a great extent dependent on the latter. From independent inquiries which the Vice-Consul has been able to make it appears that the treatment which the labourers are now receiving has been much improved.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the case about which I have asked in my question occurred in recent months and subsequent to those which he has cited; and will he make inquiries into it, as it would appear that the conditions are still exceedingly bad?

I will certainly make inquiries, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman who has just returned from the West Coast will let me have any information which he has.

I shall be very glad to give the right hon. Gentleman any information in my possession.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any definite plan is adopted, and before a crisis arises, this House will have an opportunity of considering the whole question of billeting both adult and child refugees from those areas which it is proposed to evacuate?

I anticipate that opportunities will be afforded for the discussion of all aspects of civil defence in the normal course of business.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the far-reaching and diversified responsibilities of this House in connection with the government and administration of the Colonial Empire and of the inadequate facilities afforded to Members for discussion of these problems, he will consider the desirability of setting up a committee, representative of all sides of the House, to which could be brought for consideration and report to the House salient matters affecting the Colonial Empire?

I am not aware of any wide demand for the sort of committee which the hon. Member suggests. If the House generally felt that some new body were necessary, the Government would naturally give the matter careful consideration.

Will the Prime Minister give attention to the recommendations recently published in Lord Hailey's Report on African affairs in which some suggestions along these lines have been made?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that down. It is a different question.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, seeing that the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, and the surrounding districts, are areas not specially liable to attack in time of war, he will consider the setting up of Government factories in these areas so as to provide work for the large percentage of people who have been unemployed in thse areas for many years?

I regret that there is little prospect of a Government factory being established in the area in question since the settlement of sites fm the factories contemplated under the Government programme has been practically completed. I am, however, advised that firms in the Tyneside area and at Sunderland are doing work to a substantial value for the Services, either as contractors or as sub-contractors.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have decided, in the event of war, not to evacuate women and children from this area, suggesting that there is a great margin of safety, and does he not agree that in the circumstances this would be an ideal site for establishing Government factories?

There are many other considerations besides that of safety which have to be taken into consideration in connection with this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to publish the draft instruments setting out the Constitution of Malta?

Letters Patent embodying the new Constitution for Malta were approved by His Majesty in Council on 2nd February. I expect that these Letters Patent will be published in Malta during this month, and I propose to arrange for copies to be placed in the Library of the House in due course.

Will there be any opportunity for the House to consider the new Constitution before it becomes effective?

I announced the main provisions of the new Constitution at the end of July, and if the House had been anxious to discuss these matters, it would have been possible to have done it since then. Of course, it is open to the House to discuss the Constitution if they so desire, though it is not necessary to get the leave of the House for the Letters Patent to come into operation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Constitution will meet with the approval of the people of Malta?

I myself had the opportunity of consultations with various leading Maltese when I was in the Colony in August, and I was assured that, generally speaking, the population of the Colony was satisfied with the proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the present position arising out of the cocoa difficulty; and whether the import of cotton goods into the territories concerned has been resumed?

The marketing of West African cocoa has been resumed in a normal manner. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 1st February.

When the right hon. Gentleman speaks about marketing having been resumed in a normal manner, does that mean that the Cocoa Board has been established?

No, Sir.

When may we expect some decision from the Secretary of State about the commission?

I am still awaiting a report from the Governor, who, I take it, is still awaiting the report of a Special Committee which he established to go into the matter on the spot.

Do we understand that the right hon. Gentleman has inferred that the report of the commission which has recently been labouring in West Africa will shortly be implemented?

No, Sir, I am awaiting a report on the matter from the authorities on the spot, and until I receive that I cannot consider the question of the implementation of this or that proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of considerable disturbance associated with a strike in Sierra Leone; how many arrests have been made and the nature of the charges made against those in custody; and what steps are being taken to deal with the grievances of those on strike?

There have been two strikes in progress—among the employés of the War Department and of a coaling company. There was some disturbance on 21st January, and on 6th February a clash occurred between strikers and police, resulting in 25 arrests and injury to five policemen. With regard to the second part of the question, I have not yet received details of the charges made against those arrested on 6th February. But before that incident, nine persons had been arrested of whom one was charged with false imprisonment and assault, four with assault and four with unlawful assembly. With regard to the last part of the question, I have no information, though I understand that the strike of War Department employés is now Over.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that it should have been his business to acquaint himself immediately with the cause of this strike and to have taken steps to remove the grievances?

I am acquainted with the causes of the strike. What the hon. Member asked was what steps were being taken to remove those causes, and it is on that aspect of the matter that I have not yet got full information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that the secretary of the trade union concerned should be immediately released, and will he also indicate what he means by the prosecution of strikers for unlawful assembly? Is it that they are being prosecuted for peaceful picketing?

With regard to the first part of the question, the answer is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the individuals who were arrested for unlawful assembly were contravening a proclamation which the Acting-Governor had issued under Section 34 of the Police Ordinance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that children are employed in Kenya in labour lines and are not able to reach home the same evening from work, and that they are open to immoral practices as the result; and will he take steps to put a stop to this system?

The circumstances in which juveniles are employed in Kenya have recently been the subject of an exhaustive inquiry by a committee appointed by the Governor. In paragraphs 36–42 of their report, a copy of which is available in the Library, the committee dealt in general terms with the allegations that children in labour lines are exposed to immoral practices, and came to the conclusion that there was very little in these allegations. The committee expressed the view that, subject to proper safeguards and stringent regulation, the employment of juveniles in circumstances involving their accommodation in labour lines is not harmful. The proposals of the committee have been accepted, and I can assure the hon. Member that the Government of the Colony will keep a careful watch upon the matter.

Will my right hon. Friend see that no children under 14 are employed in any work which keeps them away from their homes?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Government of Kenya are an impartial body to go into the matter, seeing that they are largely representative of the views of capitalists, who find it necessary to get cheap labour?

rose—

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Seeing that the Front Bench has already taken so long in answering one question, have the rights of private Members to ask legitimate supplementary questions been abrogated?

The hon. Lady seemed to me to be giving information rather than asking for it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give a list of the colonies, with the quota for each, for their import of cotton goods; and whether this was fixed by the local government or by the Government at home?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.