asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it was with his authority that Mr. Macartney employed in the Foreign Office, encouraged Hungarian revisionist claims against Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia; and, if not, whether he will publicly repudiate him?

I am not aware that Mr. Macartney, whose official activities and regular broadcasts to Hungary have been based upon the policy laid down by His Majesty's Government, has afforded any encouragement to Hungarian revisionist claims against our Allies. If, however, my hon. Friend has any special occasion in mind and will furnish me with full particulars, I shall be very glad to consider the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this official, as he now is, has broadcast to Hungary indicating that they may have a reasonable expectation of a revision of boundaries, which would be at the expense of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia?

I would very much like to see the passage to which my hon. Friend refers, if he could show it to me. I have had careful inquiry made into these broadcasts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the lives of the crew of the Hull trawler, "War Grey," were endangered when she was fired upon by an Icelandic gun-boat upon the high seas and damaged; that the trawler was taken into an Iceland port; that the gear and catch were confiscated; the skipper fined £1,553 and sent to prison for two months; and, as this trawler was fishing outside the three miles limit, what steps he proposes to take to free a British subject detained by a friendly Power protected by the British Navy.

As regards the first part of the Question, it is alleged by the Icelandic authorities that the Icelandic gun-boat had to fire on the "War Grey" because she refused to stop when called upon to do so. As regards the second, third and fourth parts, the facts are, according to my information, as stated by my hon. Friend. The skipper has appealed against the sentence. As regards the last part of the Question, the charge brought against the skipper was one of fishing in prohibited waters off Iceland, abducting an officer from an Icelandic coastguard vessel and disregarding signals to stop. His Majesty's Representative at Reykjavik has been instructed to forward a full report on the case and on the court proceedings. When this report has been received all the evidence will be carefully examined. Until this has been done, I would prefer to reserve judgment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the mate of this trawler has returned to this country and that he is categorical in his statements that they were fishing outside the three-mile limit, that they tried for 24 hours to put this officer of the unfriendly Icelandic Government on shore, that this boat was hit 20 times at 30 yards range——

The hon. Member is giving information instead of asking for it.

Will you allow me this final question of 20 words? Will my right hon. Friend see to it that this British subject has counsel to help him, with no admiral there?

I have no doubt that our Consul will help him, and I can assure my hon. Friend that when I have the full report I will arrange to go into it and discuss it with him.

We want an hour of Palmerston.

Eden will do for us.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the hardship caused to the civilian inhabitants of Madagascar through the grave shortage of clothing materials; and whether efforts are being made to supply cotton cloth and other necessary piece goods, as well as other essential commodities, to take the place of goods which can no longer be obtained from France?

I am aware of the grave shortage of clothing and other necessary materials from which Madagascar has suffered as a result of a long period of economic isolation. All possible steps are being taken to ensure that Madagascar is allotted a generous share of the limited goods available from the appropriate sources and that these goods are shipped with the least possible delay.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, will he see that special care is taken, in view of the impending cool season in Madagascar, to get the necessary supplies?

We are doing what we can. My hon. Friend will know the difficulties both in regard to shipping and supplies.

While sympathising with the object of this Question, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will cause to be explained to the inhabitants of Madagascar that there is a very great shortage of material in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take advantage of the presence in this country of the British Minister to the Vatican to discuss with him the possibility of requesting His Holiness the Pope to intervene on behalf of Jews in Nazi-dominated territory and in the matter of the chaining of prisoners, respectively?

The work of the Vatican for the relief of suffering resulting from the war is well known. The possibility of enlisting the assistance of His Holiness the Pope in favour of the categories of persons referred to by my hon. Friend will no doubt be borne in mind in the course of any discussions on the subject with His Majesty's Minister to the Holy See during his presence in this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are recent precedents for Papal intervention in these matters?

Yes, Sir, I will bear that in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he discussed with the Government of the United States of America the question of war-time food relief to certain European areas; and whether he will state the attitude of the United States Government on this matter?

I have nothing to add to the account of my visit to the United States of America which I gave to the House on 8th April. As regards the second part of the Question, I cannot of course speak for Governments other than His Majesty's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether at any time he is likely to make any statement regarding this matter, particularly in relation to the United States of America? Is it quite impossible to expect any kind of statement?

I could not give a promise. I should like to consider that.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether it was inefficiency on the part of the management of Short Brothers, Limited, which induced him to replace the former directors?

Before taking any action with regard to this firm I had had a thorough inquiry carried out by the hon. Member for Walsall (Sir George Schuster) and Mr. Robert Barlow (Chairman of the Minister of Production's Industrial Panel), and it was as a result of their report that I decided it was necessary for me to take some action to safeguard aircraft production. I subsequently decided that it was necessary to change the directorate.

Further to that Question, may we assume that it was because of the obstructive action of former directors that the Government were compelled to take over the shares also?

There were difficulties which could be solved only by the action which I took.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman believe that his action is received with the utmost approbation on this side of the House?

And all over the country.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production why action was taken against Messrs. Short Brothers, Limited; what is to be allowed in cash for each £1 preference share, for each A ordinary 5s. share and for each ordinary 5s. share; and will he publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the larger holders of shares and the total amount each person, trust, bank, insurance company or nominees are to receive?

In answer to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 31st March to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). As regards the second part of the Question, it is for the Treasury to specify the price to be paid for the shares, subject to the right of appeal given in Defence Regulation 78, paragraph 7. I understand that the Treasury expect to come to an early decision. As regards the last part of the Question, the list of individual shareholders and the amount of their holding can be obtained from the company's file at Somerset House.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that the staff at the Ministry have recently been canvassed to vote for the opening of theatres on Sunday and that this canvassing involved the signing of forms only in favour of opening; and whether he will take steps to prevent this waste of time of war workers?

In a purely personal capacity, a member of the staff, who has now been admonished, sought the support of some of his colleagues in this matter. Only a very small number of people were involved, and suitable action has been taken to prevent such unauthorised activities.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Member recently brought 100 pretty girls here to canvass Members of Parliament in the opposite direction?

I am glad they did not approach the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, whether he has now received the tenders for necessary repairs to the clock at Hyde Park Corner; and whether, in view of the approaching summer and the importance of the clock to the large number of persons using Hyde Park, he will see that the necessary work is proceeded with as soon as possible?

Tenders for the repair of this clock are due to-day. In regard to the second part of the Question, every effort will be made, subject to satisfactory tenders being received, to complete the repairs as soon as possible, but as I stated in my reply of 7th April, I regret that I am unable at present to promise completion by any specified date.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly three months since he told the House that he would get tenders? Would it not be well if the firms whom the Ministry employ could be expedited a little in their movements?

I do not regard this matter with the same degree of urgency as certain other matters.

Are there not clock repairers in this House who could look after this clock?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that members of the Forces in Malta have to pay 12s. 6d. duty on 8s. 4d. worth of cigarettes sent to them from this country; and whether he will take steps with a view to giving the Forces in Malta the same privileges as are generally enjoyed by members of the Forces serving abroad?

The duty-free entry of tobacco and cigarettes for members of His Majestys Forces in Malta was limited to 2 ozs. of tobacco or 100 cigarettes a time, as free issues of locally manufactured cigarettes are made as field service rations, and the duty on the tobacco used in their manufacture is refunded to the Services by the Government of Malta. The limit was recently increased to 4 ozs. of tobacco or 120 cigarettes in order to obtain the benefit of the United Kingdom duty drawback, which is not allowed on lesser quantities than these.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the food position in East Africa; how many natives have died of starvation in Tanganyika; and what steps are being taken to feed the 100,000 persons, plus our Army, who have been introduced into Kenya?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. Edmund Harvey) on 3rd March. Since that date some of the supplies from overseas which I then mentioned have been received, and the position continues to be closely watched. I regret to say that I have received a report of about 100 deaths in one Province. The feeding of the prisoners of war and refugees at present accommodated in East Africa is included in the responsibilities of the local military and civil authorities.

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider, if it would be in the public interest to do so without giving away war secrets, issuing some statement in the form of a White Paper about the general food situation in the East African Colonies, which is causing great concern to those of us in this country who are familiar with conditions there?

I entirely agree with my Noble Friend that it is a matter of great concern, and I would like to look into this, but I am not sure that I could give a useful White Paper which would include the steps I am endeavouring to take, without infringing on security grounds.

Regarding this terrible statement that 100 have actually died from starvation, was there any real need for that?

As I explained in my previous answer, this district, which is normally not only self-sufficient but exports foodstuffs, suffered from a sudden crop failure.

Is it the fault of those who starved to death or of an official? Surely even if food is short no one need actually starve to death?

Every effort was made by the local Government. I am making inquiries.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the question of Polish refugees?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total sum paid to date by the Nigerian Government to the United Africa Company as a moiety of the receipts from mineral royalties in the Northern Provinces of Nigeria?

I am sorry that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain all the information necessary in order to give a complete reply to this Question. I will send the information required to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

When my right hon. and gallant Friend has got the figure will he consider whether he could not now relieve the Colonial Government of this very considerable burden?

That is another and much wider question. My hon. Friend will realise that the Colony now has the advantage of the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the amount of geneva or gin imported into the Gold Coast during 1942, or the most recent estimate of imports for that year; and whether the Government of the Gold Coast have yet fixed the quota of permitted gallons of geneva or gin that may be imported during 1943?

The answer to the first part of the Question is 31,209 gallons. I have not yet been informed of the quota fixed by the Gold Coast Government for 1943.

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why it is, in view of the Comparatively small amount of consumption and imports, the quota is still being kept at so high a figure? What is the principle? Is it to keep an open door for the time after the war for the incoming of liquor?

I do not yet know what the quota fixed for the coming year is. I have noticed that in the past two years the amount imported has been very far below the quota fixed.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that gin for the natives conduces to their moral, spiritual or physical welfare, and is he going to be responsible?

I would not like to enter into controversy on this subject with the Noble Lady, but I myself occasionally indulge in gin without any danger to either my moral, spiritual or physical welfare.

I question that.

We want more ginger on the Front bench.

Well, gin is half way to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the shipping companies and dock operating firms of Sierra Leone, having been granted conscript labour for the more efficient working of the port, have refused to pay the increased wages recommended by the Labour Advisory Board some months ago; and whether, as the opportunity for redress of grievances by these workers is limited, he will take steps to ensure the enforcement of such and subsequent recommendations?

Conscript labour in Freetown is enrolled in military units, is controlled by the military authorities in Sierra Leone, and is paid at military rates of pay. I have no information as to a refusal by the shipping companies and dock operating companies to pay increased wages to civilian labour and am consulting the Governor. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to his Questions on 6th April.

In view of the fact that these workers are conscript labour now, surely the recommendations of the Labour Advisory Board ought to have more weight with the Government than they, have? The recommendations are really ignored.

As I told the hon. Member on the last occasion, I am finding out from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has under consideration the reform of constitutional government in our West African Colonies so as to provide for increased facilties for self-government; the democratisation of the native forms of government in the more backward regions; and the increased participation of qualified natives both as representatives in the Colonial Legislative Assemblies and in the administrative posts?

The question of progressive constitutional development in the West African Dependencies continues to engage the attention of His Majesty's Government in consultation with the Governors of those Dependencies. The importance of developing the representative character of Native Administrations and of the municipal and central legislative bodies is not overlooked. Further plans are being made, which, it is hoped, will ensure the filling by African officers of a steadily-increasing number of posts in the Government Service hitherto normally held by Europeans.

Is the Secretary of State fully seized of the strong feeling in the coastal areas of the West African Colonies as to the need for an extension of local self-government?

Yes, Sir, I am; and it is the desire of His Majesty's Government to extend local self-government where practicable. The hon. Gentleman will be well aware of the differences between the coastal areas and the interior.

Have conferences taken place not only with the Governors, but with representative Africans on this matter?

The Governors consult representative Africans.

Is there likely to be a report on the reforms which are made?

No, there is no report, but as changes are made they are announced. The hon. Gentleman will no doubt have seen the announcement of the reforms that have been made already.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the officers and committee of the three African societies in Kenya are still detained; whether any of the men concerned have been released; what are the conditions of their detention; whether detention is subject to periodic review; and whether the conditions of their detention are similar to those of Prince Paul of Yugoslavia?

The 23 members of the Joint Council of the Kikuyu Central Association, the Ukamba Members' Association and the Teita Hills Association who were detained in 1940 under the Kenya Defence Regulations are still under detention, with the exception of three men who have been released subject to certain conditions considered necessary by the Security authorities. The detainees are accommodated in a camp at Kapenguria. The Detention Orders have been reviewed periodically, and in the three cases mentioned above have been suspended. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative. It will be understood that this case does not fall under the Kenya Defence Regulations.

Would these men be detained for similar offences in this country?

Have all these Members who are asking questions about the Colonies ever been in the Colonies? If not, it is positively dangerous to ask such Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration is being given to a new Constitution for Mauritius; and whether, meantime, a more representative Executive Council can be set up, to include representatives of the unfranchised peoples and classes, including working people?

I am informing myself as fully as possible about the political situation in Mauritius, but in present conditions there is nothing I can add to the reply given to the hon. Member's Question on this subject on 29th April last year.

In view of the long delay in bringing in constitutional reform in Mauritius and the strong local feeling, and the social and economic difficulties, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider, as an interim arrangement during the war, a wider representation, particularly of workers, on the Executive Council of the Colony?

As I said in my answer, I am looking into the matter; but the hon. Gentleman must realise that Mauritius is still very close to the front line.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any recent steps have been taken in Northern Rhodesia to introduce Africans into supervisory or more skilled work in the copper mines; and what is the policy of the Government in this matter and in the problem of stabilisation and family settlement about the mines?

The Copperbelt Disturbances Commission in 1940 recommended that the mine managements should consider, with representatives of the Government and of the Mine Workers' Union, to what positions not now open to him the African worker should be encouraged to advance. It has not been possible, particularly under war conditions, to give effect to this recommendation. The problem of stabilisation, which would involve the provision of new housing accommodation, schools and other amenities, is not capable of immediate solution. As the hon. Member was informed on nth February last year, every encouragement is given to workers to bring their wives with them to the mines for the period of their employment.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think it would help the negotiations out there if the leaders of the union were let out of prison?

No, Sir; I do not think it would.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the total number of private motor cars licensed within the London County Council area in the last quarter of 1942, September to December, as compared with the same quarter of 1938?

The number of licences for private motor cars issued by the London County Council which were still valid in the last quarter of 1942, was 36,514. In the last quarter of 1938, the number was 148,503.

In view of the large drop in numbers, would my hon. Friend convey this answer to the Home Secretary, so that he does not waste the time of the police in this area?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will call together a Commonwealth War Council upon the lines of the Imperial War Council, which met during the last war?

I am not in a position at present to add anything to previous answers given on this subject.

Will an opportunity be taken during the visit of Dr. Evatt and other Dominion statesmen to discuss post-war questions, such as Colonial development and civil aviation?

asked the Minister of Production how many Eire nationals are employed in Northern Ireland by the Admiralty, the Ministries of War, Air and Aircraft Production, respectively; and how many workers from Northern Ireland have been transferred to Great Britain for war work?

As regards the first part of the Question, I regret that the information is not available. In reply to the second part, the latest information available is that given by the Northern Ireland Minister of Labour, in reply to a Question in the Northern Ireland Parliament on 25th March, 1943. It was stated then that since 12th February, 1940, the first date from which a separate count was made, 38,807 vacancies in Great Britain were filled by workers from Northern Ireland.

Does not my right hon. Friend recognise that, in view of the state of unemployment in Northern Ireland at the present moment, a clear and unequivocal answer to the first part of the Question should be given, and that it is really demanded by the Ulster people?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that Questions like this are likely to bring about a better working arrangement in Ireland? In regard to Northern Ireland, what were the ages of those who came over? Were they fit for military service or not? May I have an answer?

That is not part of the original Question.

Yes, it is. Surely the right hon. Gentleman knows how many workers there are, and their ages?

asked the Minister of Production whether, as Northern Ireland could do much more war work through skilful planning and judicious placing of factories, he will appoint a representative of his Ministry to take a survey of the potentialities of Northern Ireland for war work, and have enough factories erected as speedily as possible to give work to every employable person in Northern Ireland?

With the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Production in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of his Department acts as my Regional Controller. He also acts as the Regional Controller of my right hon. friends the Ministers of Supply and of Aircraft Production and maintains close touch with the Regional Controller of my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. My colleagues and I are kept fully informed of the potentialities of Northern Ireland for war work. The arrangement I have described makes for a very high degree of co-ordination, and I do not think that a special survey would serve any useful purpose. It is, of course, our aim to make the fullest possible use of the labour in Northern Ireland, but the provision of new factories in Northern Ireland and elsewhere must be governed by the needs of the war programme as a whole.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government of Northern Ireland have failed in their responsibility to the people, and——

rose——

asked the Minister of Production the present position with regard to joint production committees; whether they have been set up generally throughout industry; to what extent delay and obstruction is being experienced; and whether he will issue a general report on the results achieved?

Of firms in the engineering and allied industries, 3,350 are, according to the latest available information, known to have set up joint production committees. This is an increase of 706 in the last three months. In addition, committees are known to be in process of establishment at 170 firms. I am not aware of any serious opposition to the setting up of committees. In the nature of the case these committees are primarily concerned with the domestic affairs of individual establishments, and it would not be practicable to summarise the results achieved. It is not, therefore, my intention to issue a general report of this character, I am, however, satisfied that, generally speaking, they are performing very useful work.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the very interesting and detailed report recently issued by the Amalgamated Engineering Union, and could he not convey the information from reports of this kind in a general report to the House?

I am taking up the individual cases which are referred to in the report.

Would the Minister consider that there is still a certain amount of misunderstanding about these production committees, and would his Department consider issuing some sort of advice or pamphlet on the matter?

We have done our best in the matter. Misunderstanding exists over a great many subjects.

Can my right hon. Friend inform the House how many firms that were under an obligation to organise these committees have failed to do so?