asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which States have been invited to appoint representatives to the Inter-Governmental Committee on Refugees; what are the names of the representatives so appointed; of whom will the executive of the committee exist; and who will be its chairman?

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

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee will really begin to function? I understand that only one meeting of the original executive committee, appointed about three years ago, has been held

I understand that the Committee is meeting now. The next meeting wil be on 30th September.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many and of what nationalities were the political prisoners found in the Lipari Islands by our invading Forces; what are their present conditions of living; and what use has been or will be made of these enemies of Fascism in forwarding the cause of the United Nations?

The Allied Forces found that there were no political prisoners on the Lipari Islands when they landed there on 17th August. The prisoners had all been removed six weeks before.

Have any other prisoners been found in other parts of Italy that we have occupied?

Yes, Sir. According to the latest information I have, about 100 political prisoners were found in or near Palermo, and they were all released.

Will any use be made of these prisoners in the administration of or in recreating democratic feeling in Sicily and elsewhere?

I could not say until I have more information on the subject than I have at present. They are released and being cared for. I think they are in need of care.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement concerning the recent discussions between General Franco and His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information relative to the interview on 10th August between the British Ambassador and General Franco, particularly in regard to Spanish help to Germany in the use of ports available to German submarines, the official recognition of the Blue Division in Russia and how this can be reconciled with non-belligerency; whether the German Gestapo in Spain is to be allowed to continue; whether British rights in Tangier are now properly safeguarded; and whether Spain is now prepared to adopt a policy of genuine neutrality?

The interview was arranged on the eve of my right hon. Friend's annual visit to this country. On instructions from His Majesty's Government, the attention of the head of the Spanish State was drawn to the various complaints which His Majesty's Government had been forced to make from time to time of discrimination against British interests. While some of these complaints had been remedied, my right hon. Friend drew attention to cases that still required to be dealt with if General Franco's proclaimed policy of equal treatment of the belligerents by Spain was to be effectively carried out. Among other questions specifically referred to was the position of the Blue Division, and it was made clear to General Franco that so long as it remained in the Soviet Union it was a serious obstacle to the development of cordial Anglo-Spanish relations. I have no information to show that Spanish ports are available to German submarines. As regards Tangier, I would invite my hon. Friends' attention to the reply which I am giving to-day to Questions on this subject.

May I ask the Foreign Secretary what the response of General Franco was to this request? If it was unfavourable, is any further step contemplated?

The Spanish Government have undertaken to look into our complaints, and we look to them for an early improvement in the situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman reasonably satisfied that things are progressing in the right direction?

They are better than they were. I suppose that is progress.

Does not General Franco's attitude constitute a still more nauseating form of neutrality? May we be sure that he will in no circumstances be invited to any of these conferences?

Does the reply include the ports of the Balearic Islands also?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the appointment of a Russian representative, or representatives, to North Africa; and what has been the attitude of His Majesty's Government on this matter?

The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics informed the French Committee of National Liberation on 26th August that it had decided to recognise the Committee and to exchange plenipotentiary representatives with it. I need hardly add that His Majesty's Government welcome this development.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement to the House about the proposed visit of President Benes to Moscow; and what steps he has taken to facilitate his visit?

During M. Molotov's visit to London last year discussions took place regarding the conclusion of agreements between His Majesty's Government or the Soviet Government on the one hand and any of our other European Allies on the other concerning post-war arrangements. As a result of these discussions His Majesty's Government understood that both Governments held the view that it was preferable for neither of them to con- clued any such agreements for the moment.

When President Benes spoke to me of his proposed visit to Moscow with a view to concluding such an agreement I naturally informed him of the discussions which had taken place with M. Molotov and the matter was also mentioned to the Soviet Government in accordance with our understanding of the arrangements reached between us in 1942. Shortly afterwards I was informed by President Benes that his visit had been postponed.

Discussions are however proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet and Czechoslovak Governments, and I hope to have an opportunity to discuss the matter personally with M. Molotov at my forthcoming meeting with Soviet and American representatives. I am of course also maintaining close contact with the Czechoslovak Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, at the instance of officials of his Department, a reference to future co-operation between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union, which appeared in the text as circulated to, and published in, the Press, was cut from the script of the Czechoslovak Prime Minister's recent broadcast to the people of Czechoslovakia?

I think the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. In the speech which he delivered over the B.B.C. on 2nd September, the Czechoslovak Prime Minister in fact referred to the desire of the Czechoslovak Government to continue in the future their close collaboration with the Soviet Union, as also with Great Britain, the United States of America and France. His Majesty's Government and the Czechoslovak Government were in agreement regarding the final text of Monseigneur Sramek's speech, an earlier draft of which had been circulated to the Press in error.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that there was agreement regarding the final text, does he imply that some such cut as I suggested in my Question was in fact made before the final text was agreed on?

What the hon. Member was suggesting was that the cuts were made by us. What I am saying is that the cuts were made by agreement with the is' representative of the Government concerned.

But is it not the case that there was pressure on the Czechoslovak Prime Minister to agree to the cuts?

There is no question of pressure being brought to bear. We are perfectly entitled to point out to an Ally who is going to use the B.B.C. the point of view we may have. It is for him to accept our advice or not.

Is it not a very odd way to treat an Allied Prime Minister?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the International Labour Office is co-operating with the Governments of the United Nations in the formation of plans for post-war reconstruction?

Following upon the first resolution adopted by the International Labour Office Conference held in the United States of America in 1941, arrangements have been made to maintain contact between the International Labour Office and existing agencies of the United Nations dealing with post-war problems. So far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, they have kept in touch with the International Labour Office on post-war reconstruction problems, and these matters were discussed with the acting Director of the International Labour Office during his recent visit to this country. I understand that during this visit the acting Director was also in touch with the Governments of other member States on these matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he had any hand in the preparation for the Conference at Hot Springs?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down. I am not quite sure.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will define our present attitude towards the Spanish occupation of Tangier?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now prepared to take action, in concert with the French Committee for National Liberation, with the object of restoring the international zone at Tangier?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to open negotiations with the Spanish Government for the restoration of the international status of Tangier; and whether he can give an assurance that conditions in the Tangier Zone are to-day as favourable to the interests of the United Nations and their nationals as before the occupation by the Spanish Government?

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have always made it clear that the modus vivendi reached between them and the Spanish Government early in 1941, the terms of which were summarised in a statement by the then Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 26th February, 1941, was of a provisional nature pending the possibility of a final settlement, and that it was without prejudice to our own rights or to those of third parties under the relevant international instruments. They have always maintained their protest against the original unilateral action of the Spanish Government in the Tangier Zone. Under this modus vivendi British rights in that Zone have been and are fully safeguarded.

His Majesty's Government are, however, keeping the situation at Tangier under constant review and it is their intention to put forward at the first suitable opportunity for the consideration of other interested parties, proposals for the future of the Zone. In view of the present international situation and of the position of some of those parties it is not, however, practicable to open the necessary negotiations now.

Meanwhile, His Majesty's Government have informed the Spanish Government that they are bound to take a serious view of the use of the Zone by the German Consul-General and by German nationals for unneutral activities directed against British interests. They have requested the Spanish Government to put an end to these abuses and to ensure the maintenance of the strict neutrality of the Zone, which the Spanish Government declared in June, 1940, to be the exclusive object of the Spanish occupation.

Is the reply of General Franco to that request satisfactory or is it still being considered?

It was not a communication with General Franco himself. That was a communication I had with the Spanish Ambassador. I think I would rather leave the matter where it is at the moment.

The right hon. Gentleman is not going to be too hard, is he, on this great Christian gentleman, Franco?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now been officially informed whether Sweden has suspended transit facilities for German military freight as well as for German troops going to and returning from Norway; and whether he is satisfied that German troops are not using these facilities in the guise of tourists?

As regards the first part of the Question, the Swedish Government have officially stated that the facilities for transit of German troops and war materials through Sweden were finally terminated on 20th August. As regards the second part of the Question, the Swedish Government have informed His Majesty's Government that they have instituted suitable measures to prevent the use of these facilities by German military personnel dressed as civilians.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a full statement on the visit of Hess to this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue a full statement regarding the arrival in this country of Hess?

Yes, Sir, I propose to make a full statement which I will, in view of its length, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that, all information about Hess having been withheld in the past from this House and from the country, it was rather unfortunate that when news was to be given it should be given in America?

I am sure that the House and my hon. Friend will make allowances for the circumstances. [HON. MEMBERS: "What were they?"] It is true that in the earlier stages we did withhold this statement, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information had no intention of acting discourteously to this House. I thought we were justified in so doing because we thought that a certain amount of perplexity was not unhealthy for Germany.

In view of what my right hon. Friend has just said, that the statement will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, does he not consider that Members of this House are just as much entitled to have a statement made verbally to them as was the American Press in New York?

It is not a question of "entitled." I am in the hands of the House. The statement is rather long, and there are a great many Questions, and I thought it was more convenient.

Could not the statement be read after Questions?

Would not the right hon. Gentleman consent to let us have this statement at the end of Questions?

If the House so desires. I only did not want to give too much importance to a gentleman who is not worthy of a great deal.

May we have a statement from the Foreign Secretary in regard to the Hess incident?

We have much other Business before us to-day, and I should have thought the statement not of sufficient importance to take up time now.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether the accounting section of his Department has allowed as a cost of production the compensation paid to certain directors of D. Napier and Son, Limited, by the English Electric Company?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, it is contrary to the normal practice to give particulars relating to individual contracts. I am, however, prepared to say that the answer to his Question is in the negative, although it is proper to point out that the Company have asked that the matter should be reconsidered.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman keep in mind when the matter is reconsidered the fact that one gentleman was paid as compensation an amount equal to his full salary until he reached the age of 103?

We will bear every matter that is relevant in mind.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production (1) whether the taking over of a certain factory by the English Electric Company was done with his consent; and whether he is satisfied that the transfer has led to a more satisfactory state of production;

(2) whether the acquisition of the firm of D. Napier and Son by the English Electric Company was conditioned by an undertaking of his Department that the acquisition would result in the passing of the management of a certain factory to the control of the English Electric Company?

The factory to which the hon. Member refers is one owned by my Department and managed on an agency basis on my behalf by D. Napier & Son, Limited. When a controlling interest in this Company was acquired by the English Electric Company I did not consider that it would be in the public interest to change the agency, and, at my request, the English Electric Company agreed that D. Napier & Son should continue under their new management to act as agents. Although a great deal of re-organisation has been found necessary under the new management, I am satisfied that they are making good progress towards establishing production upon a more satisfactory basis than it was formerly.

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is very grave dissatisfaction at the shadow factory not only at the changes in the management but the manipulation of a London finance house?

I am not aware of that fact, but I am aware that where a factory has to be reorganised as a result of bad management beforehand there is always a lot of discomfort for the workers.

Is that why the retiring director was given £21,000 compensation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give the names of the town planning experts he has selected to advise on the lay-out of urban housing estates in the various African Colonies; and whether any have yet taken up their duties?

I have been asked to reply. Owing to the great demand in this country for town planning experts, difficulty has been experienced in finding suitable candidates for Colonial appointments. It is intended, however, to appoint an adviser on housing and town planning for West Africa, who would work under the Resident Minister. If a suitable candidate can be found, it is hoped that this appointment will be made shortly. So far as East Africa is concerned, the question of appointment of a town planning expert will be considered in connection with various housing proposals which are now under examination.

Did I understand my hon. Friend to say that the appointment of only one expert for the whole of East Africa is under consideration?

I should like to have notice of that Question.

I only asked whether that was what the hon. Member said just now. Did he refer to the "expert" and not "experts"?

A town planning expert.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to establish workmen's compensation law in Kenya; and whether the setting up of a labour advisory board is under consideration?

Owing to pressing preoccupations connected with the war, workmen's compensation legislation has not yet been introduced in Kenya. But in the meantime, by agreement with employers, compensation claims are being paid on the lines laid down in model legislation; in some cases, even where claims would not be statutorily covered. Legislation will be proceeded with as soon as conditions permit. It is understood that the appointment of a Labour Advisory Board will shortly be announced.

Will my hon. Friend make representations that at an early date a workmen's compensation law should be enacted?

Owing to the complex and technical character of the trade union legislation, it is not possible to call together the ad hoc committee which is dealing with this question. The members have had to deal with various questions connected with food. It is hoped that will be done as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a distinguished West Indian cricketer at present in this country was recently asked to leave a London hotel simply on the ground that he was coloured; and whether, in the interests of maintaining the good name of this country, he will take steps to protect visitors from the Colonies against being subjected to these insulting forms of discrimination?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. L. Constantine, the West Indian cricketer, was refused admittance to a London hotel; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent coloured British subjects from being insulted in this way?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a recent incident at a London hotel, arising from a successful attempt to impose a colour bar; and what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of this?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the exclusion from the Imperial Hotel, London, of Mr. Constantine, a Negro citizen; and what steps he is taking to prevent the exercise by hotel-keepers and others of racial discrimination which is repugnant to the traditions of this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the operation of the colour bar in some places in this country, he will consult with the Secretary of State for the Home Department with a view to securing, that racial discrimination against Colonial subjects in this country is made illegal?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to take any action in respect of the treatment recently of Mr. L. Constantine the West Indian cricketer, by a London hotel on the ground of his colour; and whether he will give the name of the hotel concerned?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the incident referred to in these Questions. It is understood that legal proceedings are pending, and it would therefore be improper for me to comment on the incident itself. The hotel in question is the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square. I am glad, however, to have the opportunity of stating on behalf of my right hon. and gallant Friend that he most strongly condemns any form of racial discrimination against Colonial people in this country.

Will the hon. Gentleman not go farther and ask that this matter shall be considered from the standpoint which I suggested, that any discrimination against coloured subjects should be made illegal?

There is a Question down to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the legal position.

Will my hon. Friend consult the Home Secretary on whether it would not be possible to oppose the renewal of the licence of this hotel?

Are the proceedings now pending criminal or civil in their nature? If they are civil proceedings will my hon. Friend consult with the Attorney-General to discover whether it is not a crime for a common inn to refuse to accommodate anybody?

That question will be dealt with by the Home Secretary.

Has the hon. Gentleman suggested to the Home Secretary that such a refusal should be made illegal? Has he himself made such a recommendation?

On whose instance are proceedings being taken?

They are being taken by Mr. Constantine.

I hope he bowls them out.

Is it not an offence under the common law for any person to take any steps whatever which are likely to cause disaffection among various classes of His Majesty's subjects and, if so, why are not criminal proceedings taken?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the application received by the Kenya Government from the Seychelles asking for incorporation in Kenya Colony?

I understand that the Seychelles Taxpayers' and Landowners' Association forwarded, without the knowledge of the Government of Seychelles, a Memorandum proposing the amalgamation of Seychelles with Kenya, to the Mombasa Taxpayers' Association and also to the Government of Kenya, with a copy for transmission to Sir Cosmo Parkinson. My right hon. and gallant Friend has no further information.

Does that mean that the Government of the Seychelles are not asking for incorporation?

No, I do not think that is the case. I think the Memorandum has been sent, as I stated in my reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances Captain Eric Strologo, of the Royal Artillery, stationed at Malta, has been sentenced to a period of hard labour by a civil court on a charge of arresting illegally a Maltese youth whom he believed to be tampering with a military truck?

Captain Strologo was tried by a bench of the Supreme Court of Malta, consisting of the Chief Justice and two puisne judges. He was convicted under Article 85 of the Criminal Law, which reads as follows:

"Whosoever without a lawful order from the competent authorities, saving the ones where the law authorises private individuals to apprehend offenders, shall arrest, detain or confine any person against the will of the same or provide a place for carrying out such arrest, detention or confinement shall be punished with hard labour or with imprisonment from seven months to two years. In slight cases the Court has power to award imprisonment from one to three months or fine."

Captain Strologo was in fact sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment with hard labour under Article 86, which reads as follows:

"The punishment of the crime contemplated in Article 85 shall be hard labour from 53 months to three years in each of the following cases. If the individual arrested, detained or confined shall have received any bodily harm, or if the detention or confinement shall be continued by the offender in the knowledge that a writ or order has been issued by the competent authority for the release or production of the person detained or confined"

The sentence of 13 months' imprisonment with hard labour was subsequently reduced to three months by the Governor.

In view of the fact that at the time of the alleged crime the accused was serving as an officer of His Majesty's Forces, and therefore subject to the protection of military law, why did this officer not appear before a military court?

I do not think I had better comment any further on this point, because there is a possibility that the officer in question will appeal to His Majesty in Council.

Has it been made quite clear that if an appeal were made to the Privy Council this officer would not be called upon to pay any part of the very heavy expense involved?

I should want notice of that Question.

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that he has looked personally into this matter, because it is the duty of the Colonial Office to look into it?

Yes, Sir, I can give that assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why there is no African member of the Nigeria Supply Board, although European interests are represented; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure adequate African representation on the Board?

The Board to which the hon. Member refers is an executive and not a deliverative body, and the Government are responsible for all matters of policy. The object of the Board is to bring about the closest co-ordination between the several Departments concerned with supply, and the commercial members of the Board were appointed on account of their experience in dealing with such matters, and not in order to represent European commercial interests. The question of representing African as compared with European interests does not therefore arise.

Is it not strange that all the members of this Nigerian Board should be European, and that none of them should be African? Does it mean that there is no African capable of representing his own country on the Board?

No, Sir. It is practically, in all cases, an official Board, and the only two commercial representatives are there only in an advisory capacity.

That does not answer the point at all. Why cannot there be an official African on the Board?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the comments in the Report of the Labour Department for 1942 on the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in Northern Rhodesia as regards housing in the Copperbelt, the non-payment of cost-of-living allowances, the decline in the quality of farm labour and the inadequate diet and lack of sufficient health services for farm labourers; and what steps are being taken to remedy the position in these matters?

Yes, Sir; my right hon. and gallant Friend's attention has been called to the Report. The general standard of housing provided by the mining companies on the Copperbelt is recognised to be satisfactory, and my right hon. and gallant Friend has recently called the Governor's attention, in connection with this Report, to the necessity of ensuring that this standard is maintained. The Report refers to the inadequacy of the accommodation existing at one mine at the end of last year. This is now being remedied by means of further building. A cost-of-living bonus is paid to African mineworkers and to certain classes of African Government employees. The Government have no power to compel private employers to pay such a bonus, but the cost of living is kept under constant review, and the Government are subsidizing maize and have declared their readiness to subsidize other essential foodstuffs if necessary. The Report refers to individual complaints that the quality of farm labour is declining, but records that conditions generally as regard diet, health services and housing on the farms, on which the quality of labour depends, are gradually improving. This progress is largely due to the efforts of the Labour Department, which is gradually bringing complaints to light and arranging for them to be remedied.

asked the Prime Minister (1) what steps for the reform of local government and the redistribution of the powers and duties of the various categories of local authorities are being contemplated; and whether before definite proposals are brought forward either consultation will take place with representatives of the authorities affected or a Royal Commission will be set up to inquire and advise;

(2) whether, in respect of any local government services in which a Minister desires action to be taken over a wider area than that represented by the jurisdiction of any single local authority, care will be taken to secure that the new area will be the same for all such services so that local government may not be confused by each such service being allotted its own area by the Ministry concerned, quite regardless of other widening services and the views of other Ministers?

asked the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the transfer, by means of Orders in Council, of the powers of local government and county councils to the Ministry of Health in connection with the national health service, the Ministry of Agriculture in connection with agricultural education and other services, the Ministry of Transport in connection with Class i roads and the Board of Trade in connection with weights and measures, he will now give an assurance that it is not the intention of the Government to transfer by this means the work and duties of the county councils to a central body?

It is, I am assured, generally agreed that there is a strong case for the expansion and improvement of many local government services and that we should be ready with plans for execution at the end of the war. I am aware of the fears voiced by the Associations of local government bodies lest the Government, in putting forward proposals for such changes, should pay insufficient regard to their cumulative effect upon the existing local government system.

The Government have given the fullest consideration to the representations that have been made to them to the effect that before any important changes in particular services are decided upon there should be a comprehensive and authoritative inquiry into the general machinery of local government. It is clear that such an inquiry would involve the taking of much evidence and the consideration of many highly controversial issues going far beyond those raised by the plans for meeting post-war needs in regard to particular services. It would consequently occupy much time, and the results might not in the end find general acceptance. The delay involved would be highly prejudicial to the success of our post-war plans, and in the circumstances it is not the intention of the Government to embark on a comprehensive inquiry into the machinery of local government at the present time.

The Government are, however, very much alive to the need for avoiding any weakening of the structure of local government and I can give the assurance that in framing any proposals in relation to particular services for submission to this House, the Government will pay the most careful regard to this factor.

A letter which is being addressed to the Associations will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the great danger to be guarded against is centralised bureaucracy in Whitehall?

Is the Prime Minister aware also that the war has shown many weaknesses which will have to be removed later on, and that I hope he will soon get someone to consider it, even if we cannot have a Commission?

Are we to understand from the answer that the inquiries that are to proceed will take place after the war and that they will be instituted and carried out by an impartial body, such as a Royal Commission or a joint Select Committee of both House of Parliament?

We will see when we get a little nearer the end of the war, and I shall be glad to take up that point.

asked the Minister without Portfolio when the Government expect to be in a position to announce their proposals for local government reform; and whether he can assure the House that no action will be taken by curtailing the existing responsibilities of local authorities which is likely to prevent the best type of resident from continuing to serve on such bodies?

In regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer by the Prime Minister to previous Questions. In regard to. the second part, the point raised is one which the Government will certainly bear in mind when considering the cumulative effect of proposals relating to particular local government services.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that action has already been taken in withdrawing services from local authorities which they have hitherto satisfactorily administered with the general approval of all their citizens?

In every case that consideration has been, and in the future will be, borne in mind.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider a Royal Commission to go into the whole question of local government?

The hon. Member was here and heard the Prime Minister deal with the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the varying practice in different departments in signing Statutory Rules and Orders; that in some cases orders are signed under seal, in other cases by a variety of officials in a department whose status is always indicated, and in other cases by persons whose status is not indicated but who state that they are authorised by the Minister; and whether he will take steps to ensure a greater measure of uniformity in this and other directions?

I am advised that trying to achieve uniformity at the present time would cause more trouble than it is worth.

May I ask my right hon. Friend to consider the possibility of arranging that Orders should be signed by Ministers only in order to ensure that no new Order shall be made unless the Minister has signed it?

It always comes back to the Minister. The Minister is always responsible ultimately, and the Government are always responsible collectively. If the Minister has not himself seen or signed an Order, as certainly sometimes necessarily occurs, he, nevertheless, is responsible and can be brought to book in this House. There is the great remedy.

Is it not very undesirable that laws should be made by persons who are not even Members of this House?

It is not a question of making laws but of administering certain Acts of Parliament which have already received the assent of the House and which are administered under the strict scrutiny of Parliament, and of the hon. Gentleman.

Is the Prime Minister aware that it is not a question of making laws but of the Departments taking upon themselves powers which really should he those of the House of Commons?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the practice, in the phrasing of Statutory Rules and Orders, of making reference to the fact that an earlier Order or Regulation has been amended, but without stating in the Order which makes this reference the number of the Order which contains the amendment; and, in view of the importance of His Majesty's subjects having the least possible difficulty in understanding the meaning of Statutory Rules and Orders, whether he will give directions that the present practice be modified?

The Defence Regulations themselves are published from time to time in consolidated form in volumes which contain tables and notes showing how and when the various Regulations have been amended. So far as these Regulations are concerned I am advised that any further elaboration of cross references would only tend to confusion. I am also assured that in printing Orders made under Defence Regulations it is the general practice when referring to any previous Order to give in a footnote the number not only of that Order but also of any intervening Orders which have amended it. Arrangements are being made to secure that this practice will be uniformly followed.

Will the Prime Minister consider whether all these Rules and Orders should not in future be written in Basic English?

I hope in simple English, which is not quite the same thing.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps for the convening of a conference, on an equal footing, of leading representatives of the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union, for the prosecution of the war and the establishment of a durable peace?

I have at present nothing to add to the statement I made on this subject yesterday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Cordell Hull proposes to attend the conference of Foreign Secretaries in person?

That would be a very proper question to raise in the Congress of the United States.

asked the Prime Minister whether the pronouncement by the Secretary of State for the Colonies at Lagos on 17th September that no country can be self-governing without being economically independent represents the views of His Majesty's Government?

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to what was said by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies at a meeting with representatives of the Press in Lagos on 12th September. I have not seen a verbatim record of this, but should prefer to await the text before expressing any opinion upon it.

Is it wrong then to assume that the report published in the newspapers and emanating from Reuter is inaccurate, because the report definitely used the words have used in this Question?

I prefer to await a full report. There are reports of our speeches—and we have all gone through the experience—which you could not say were inaccurate, yet, on the other hand, you had to be tried for your life for them, you would like to be sure that the exact words were on record or otherwise.

Can I have an answer if I put the Question at a later date?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the Motion on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Stroud and other hon. Members concerning the King's Badge; and whether the Government intend to take any action in the matter?

In view of the interest taken in this matter by a large number of Members in all quarters of the House, the proposal has again been carefully examined. In the opinion of the Government, however, there are good reasons for adherence to their previous conclusion in the matter, which was announced to the House on 9th June, 1942.

Can the Prime Minister tell the House the reason?

On another Question I am suggesting that we should have a Debate on these matters presently, and that will be a better time than now.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Africa Star will be granted for service in Cyprus between 10th June, 1940, and 12th May, 1943?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Motion on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Eastbourne, on War Decorations and Medals; and whether he will give time to debate this subject?

asked the Prime Minister the grounds on which the grant of the Africa Star is, for the Navy, restricted to service on shore or in harbour in the same areas and between the same dates as the Army; and whether, in view of the extensive collaboration in all North African areas of activity of His Majesty's naval vessels, the officers and men concerned will either be granted the Africa Star or allowed to choose between this award and the general 1939–43 medal?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider extending the grant of the general 1939–43 medal to anti-aircraft gunners in this country, in view of their constant arduous services in dealing with enemy air attack?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will recommend that the 1939–43 medal be awarded to all personnel of Anti-aircraft Command, Balloon Command and the Air Sea Rescue Service who have been under enemy air attack either in Great Britain or home waters?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to consider the issue, as a token of the nation's gratitude, of a special medal or chevron to wives and parents whose husbands and sons have been killed?

asked the Prime Minister the considerations governing the decision that Anti-Aircraft Command should not be classified as an operational command for the purposes of the award of the 1939–43 Star; and whether he will review the question of an award to men in this command?

Service in Cyprus will not qualify for the Africa Star. Malta alone of the Mediterranean islands is included in the award of this Star, by reason of its heavy action and long ordeal in combination with the operations in Africa. In the Navy the 1939–43 Star takes priority of award over the Africa Star, and no one eligible for the former will receive the latter. The reason for this is that, from the naval point of view, service in the African campaigns cannot be accepted as ranking before the worldwide services performed by the Navy in other areas of operations. Sea-going personnel of the Air-Sea Rescue Service and of the barrage balloons will qualify under the same rules as the Navy. Service on land on the home front presents many difficult borderline cases on which opinion may well mature. When the Africa and 1939–43 Stars are manufactured after the war, they will be given as mementos to the next-of-kin of those who have suffered death as a result of service in a theatre of operations during the periods laid down. With regard to the Motion standing in the name of my hon. and gallant Friend and other Members, I consider it desirable that this matter should be open to debate when the House meets again later in the year. I have given a great deal of attention to this subject and will myself take charge of the Debate. We are going to get on with the giving out of the medals. We are not going to delay the issue of the ribbons but the question is whether some others should come in. There are officers and men, some of whom have been fighting for three years continuously, and who, perhaps, have only a decoration for personal gallantry on their breasts. They will value it very much. We must be careful riot to destroy the value of the award by making it practically universal. On the other hand, it may well be that some expansion may be permitted from the present conception. Everyone will recognise the difficulty of the problem and how easily opinions may differ upon it.

Would my right hon. Friend consider the award of this medal to the civilians, fishermen, yachtsmen and others who helped to evacuate our Forces from Dunkirk at great personal risk?

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him how the Debate will arise? Will it take place on the Adjournment of the House?

I think we can easily find a peg to hang it on, but I certainly hope the House will be able to find time to discuss this, because we obviously want to make these awards correspond with the general wish and feeling of the country and of the House, which represents the country, and also to make them in a form which will be acceptable to the far more critical opinion of the Fighting Services.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to issue ribbons to the legitimate next-of-kin so that they will be able to wear them as women members of the British Legion proudly wore their husbands' ribbons after the last war?

In the case of those who are bereaved?

Yes.

I will consider that. At present I have not advanced beyond giving the Star afterwards, when it is ultimately issued, as a token. There may be something in the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, and I will look into it.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us when the Army, Navy and Air Force orders actually governing the details of these awards will be published?

We have issued a White Paper on the subject which I think was comprehensive, but I will inquire into the exact state of the issue of the orders. As I say, there must be no delay.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is the intention to announce policy before or during the Debate?

I have announced policy, and a White Paper has been laid. I might have a few codicils to add as result of rumination in the interval, but what I should seek would be an opportunity to profit from the Debate, to see what is the real feeling.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have agreed to draw up periodic reports on the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Hot Springs Conference with reference to long-term production policy; and when a report will be submitted to the Interim Commission?

The proposal of the Hot Springs Conference was that each nation should consider the possibility of drawing up periodic reports for submission—not to the Interim Commission which is at present formulating a specific plan for the permanent body, but to the suggested permanent organisation in the field of food and agriculture which is not yet in being.