asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent alterations in pay, he will reconsider the question of naval officers' marriage allowances in order to place them on the same basis as the other two Services.

Officers of all three Services have, since 1st January, 1942, been on a uniform system of Marriage and Children's Allowance, though officers commissioned before that date had the option of remaining under the old systems in force in their respective Services or of coming under the new uniform system.

Is not the Minister aware that the naval officers' marriage scheme alone of the three Services, is a contributory one, and that in all other respects married service is the same? Will he not remove this discrimination against naval officers and put all on the same non-contributory basis?

We have been into this matter again and again, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, and I cannot promise that there will be any change.

Does not the Minister think that the senior Service should come first, and not last?

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the men in the naval barracks, of which the name has been sent to him, can be provided with two blankets each instead of only the one they are given at present.

The issue of an extra blanket to ratings accommodated in the main blocks of the naval barracks referred to is not considered necessary, as these buildings are warmed by fires or central heating. Extra blankets can be issued on loan on application, and men accommodated in temporary huts in outlying camps are automatically provided with additional blankets.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these ratings are young men who are not yet hardened to naval life, and who suffer great inconvenience from the present arrangements? Is it not a fact that they have to pay if they want the loan of additional blankets?

Not for a loan.

Will the Minister give the matter further consideration? The blankets are there. Why should they not be made available?

If there is real need for a loan blankets are issued. I rather suspect that this particular complaint may have been caused by the fact that during the cold snap the men of these barracks, like all other citizens, were recently under the heating ban for about a week.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether payment of the increased rates of pension referred to in the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, has now been made to all the categories of naval pensioners entitled to these increases.

Up to now over 8,000 awards of pension at the increased rates have been made to the various categories of eligible naval pensioners. The remaining claims will be dealt with as rapidly as staff difficulties permit.

Can the Minister tell us how many claims have yet to be dealt with?

I would like notice of that but, speaking from memory, I think about 30,000.

Then at this rate of progress it will take in this, as in other cases, about six years to wipe off the arrears?

No, I think not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, now that Makerere has ceased to function as a technical training school and, in view of the future need for assistant civil and mechanical engineers, surveyors, stenographers, book-keepers and so on, he will review what facilities exist for technical and vocational training for African youth of both sexes throughout the East African Colonies, with a view to the formulation of a comprehensive scheme on a regional basis and at suitable centres for an extension in these directions in coming years as and when instructors and equipment become available.

Full professional training will, I hope, be on a regional basis and the question of establishing a school of civil engineering at Makerere is now under consideration. Other vocational and technical education is generally best treated as a territorial responsibility and all the Governments concerned have planned, or are considering plans, for greatly expanded facilities for those purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider abolishing the system under which non-official members of legislative councils representing European communities are nominated by Governors of Colonies and not elected and replacing it by a procedure more in consonance with the times.

When the proposed constitutional changes in the Gold Coast take effect Fiji will be the only Colony where such a provision operates. I see no reason to make a change.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that numbers of all ranks now in the Services are anxious, on demobilisation, to consider residence in the Colonies, either as settlers on the land or in Government or commercial service; and whether he will facilitate information and co-operation and expedite the issue of statements as to likely openings and details of steps to be taken in the registration of applicants and the formulation of information.

Yes, Sir. But I must emphasise that for climatic and other reasons opportunities for permanent settlement in the Colonial Empire by Europeans are very limited. As regards employment in Government service, a statement on post-war recruitment was issued by my Department last month and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many women have, within the last three months, received transport facilities to the Colonies; and how far newly married British wives of Dominion soldiers are given precedence in that respect over men time-expired, discharged or ex-prisoners of war who are now awaiting their return in this country after years of absence from home.

The number of women who have been provided with transport facilities to the Colonies since the 19th July, 1944, is 892. This includes officials, non-Government employees, returning residents, and wives of men normally resident or employed in the Colonies. In addition 205 passages were arranged for children. The second part of the Question does not appear to be applicable to the Colonies. If any case should occur no precedence would be given.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that no ex-prisoners of war are awaiting transport either to the Colonies or to the Dominions?

That is another question. There are prisoners of war awaiting repatriation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the formulation of an adequate pension scheme for Nigerian Administration Staffs, and whether the representations made by the Federal Union of Native Administration Staffs have received sympathetic consideration.

The provision of superannuation benefits for Native Administration staffs in Nigeria is under consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement at present. I will communicate with the hon. Member on the subject as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the District Commissioner for the Southern District of Palestine has recently refused to requisition the houses of German settlers in Sarona near Tel-Aviv in order to make accommodation available for Jewish immigrant victims of Nazi oppression.

I have no information on the subject but I am making inquiries from the officer administering the Government of Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give the composition of the committee set up by the Governor of Jamaica to deal with the recent damage done by hurricane to the banana industry; whether he is aware that there is no representative of the industry on the committee and that the committee has refused to recognise representatives of the banana growers.

The hon. Member, no doubt, has in mind the committee appointed by the Governor to advise him on the requests made by the banana industry for financial assistance. Its work is completed now that decisions on those requests have been taken on the lines stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 27th September. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members of this ad hoc Committee, which included a number of persons experienced in matters concerned with financial assist- ance to the banana industry. No question of this committee according recognition to the banada growers appears to have arisen, as no further representations were made beyond the initial requests upon which they were appointed to advise.

Was there any representative of the banana industry on the committee?

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend can have heard my answer. The committee was appointed to consider a specific request put up by the banana industry itself.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the decision was very unsatisfactory?

No, I am not aware of that. I believe that the decision, which involves the taxpayers of this country in a large sum of money, provides a very adequate basis for the banana industry to rehabilitate itself.

Following is a list of members of the Committee:

R. W. Taylor, C.M.G., C.B.E., Financial Secretary and Treasurer (Chairman);

Sir Alfred D'Costa, Privy Councillor, Director of various companies and Vice-Chairman of the Produce Advisory Board;

Hon. H. E. Allan, O.B.E., Privy Councillor, Member of the Legislative Council, Member, Board of Management Jamaica Agricultural Society and of the Agricultural Loan Societies Board;

Sir Gilbert Wainwright, retired Manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia, and Chairman of the Banana-Industry Aid Board;

H. V, Alexander, C.B.E., Solicitor, Company Director, Chairman of the Agricultural Loan Societies Board and Vice-Chairman of the Food Production Coordinating Committee;

H. H. Croucher, Acting Director of Agriculture;

E. L. Jack, M.B.E., Manager Agricultural Loan Societies Board;

W. D. B. Bruce, Food Controller and competent authority;

G. G. R. Sharp, Superintendent of Banana Purchases and Chairman, Banana Disposals Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what it is intended to do with the surplus receipts from the sale of Jamaican bananas, which are now likely to be at the disposal of the Government; and whether any undertaking can be given that the surplus receipts will be used for the future stabilisation of the industry.

His Majesty's Government can give no promise at present about the disposal of any surplus which may result from the operation of the Jamaica guaranteed banana purchase scheme over the period from now until the expiry of the present guarantee at the end of 1946. If such surplus is realised, its disposal will be considered at the time in the light of all the circumstances including the very substantial deficits incurred up to date in the operation of this purchase scheme.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman no estimate of the damage done by the hurricane, and is the one institution which will make a profit likely to be His Majesty's Government?

That is grossly unfair. His Majesty's Government, as the result of the appeal for help from Jamaica, are going to propose to the House the provision of a very large sum of money, and it is a great mistake to denigrate the generosity with which the taxpayer of this country is asked to behave.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government can make any statement as to the future relations between Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to constitutional development in Northern Rhodesia.

As the answers to these Questions raise matters of importance and are necessarily of some length, I will, with the permission of Mr. Speaker and that of the House and of the hon. Members concerned, reply to them at the end of Question time.

His Majesty's Government have recently had under further consideration the question of the relations between Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. In considering this question, they have fully taken into account the recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1938–39, and they have also taken the opportunity to discuss the present situation in the three Territories with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia and the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland during their recent visits to this country. It is recognised that there should be the closest possible co-ordination of the policy and action of the Governments of the three Territories in all matters of common interest and it has been agreed with them that concrete and positive steps should be taken to ensure that this co-ordination is effective and comprehensive. With this end in view, it is proposed that a Standing Central African Council covering the three Territories should be established on a permanent basis and that a permanent Inter-Territorial Secretariat should be set up. The Council will be consultative in character and its general function will be to promote the closest contact and cooperation between the three Governments and their administrative and technical services. Its precise functions and constitution will be matters for consultation between the three Governments, but it is contemplated that it should deal with communications, economic relations, industrial development; research, labour, education, agricultural, veterinary and medical matters, currency and such other matters as may be agreed between the three Governments. It is contemplated also that permanent standing committees of the Council should be set up to deal with communications, industrial development, research and such other matters as may be agreed upon and that, in addition, ad hoc conferences should be held under the ægis of the Council to deal with technical and special subjects. It is intended that the leading unofficials in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland should be closely associated with the work of the Council and its committees.

His Majesty's Government realise that the Southern Rhodesia Government still adhere to their view that the three Territories should be amalgamated. While, however, His Majesty's Government have, after careful consideration, come to the conclusion that the amalgamation of the Territories under existing circumstances cannot be regarded as practicable, they are confident that the present scheme will, by ensuring a closer contact and co-operation, make an important contribution to the future pros- perity of the two Rhodesias and Nyasaland.

I am also glad to have this opportunity of making a statement on constitutional development in Northern Rhodesia. I discussed the reform of the Northern Rhodesia constitution with the Governor during his recent visit to this country and as a result it has now been decided by His Majesty's Government that the time has come to increase the unofficial membership of the Legislative Council. The number of nominated unofficial members will accordingly be increased from one to five, three of whom will represent the interests of the African community. The Council will then consist in addition to the Governor as President, of nine official members, eight elected unofficial members and five nominated unofficial members. The Governor will be provided under the constitution with the necessary reserve powers. It is intended that African interests in the Legislative Council should he represented by Africans as soon as a suitable basis of representation can be built up. Provincial African Councils have recently been established in the Territory, and, when these have had sufficient experience, an African Central Council will be set up consisting of delegates from the Provincial Councils. It is the intention that in due course African members from this Central Council should sit on the Legislative Council to represent African interests. In the meantime African interests will be represented by members directly nominated by the Governor. For the present these members will be Europeans; but, on the occurrence of a vacancy or vacancies at any time during the interim period before the representatives of African interests can be appointed from the African Central Council, it will be open to the Governor to select for nomination one or more Africans, if he considers that African interests would benefit from such a course.

In thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for that very valuable statement, may I ask him whether, with regard to the first part of the answer to Question 42, we are to assume that the independence and integrity of the three separate territories will remain; and further, whether the Government's position in regard to amalgamation remains unchanged, and that consideration of the problem is postponed until there are further changes in native policy in the respective territories?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

These constitutional changes that have been announced to-day and which have been recently announced, are of great importance, and in view of the fact this House is responsible for the administration of these Colonies, shall we have an opportunity of discussing these matters before final ratification takes place? It is important that the House should know to what they are committed before the final settlement is made.

The change in the constitution in Rhodesia, as in the Gold Coast, has to be effected by means of an Order in Council. These Orders in Council are laid before both Houses in the normal course, and the usual means can be found to discuss them.

In view of the great importance of this matter to the inhabitants of Northern Rhodesia, can my right hon. and gallant Friend make it clear—I think it was clear from the reply he gave to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones)—that this in no way prejudices the eventual possible amalgamation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia after the war, in view of public opinion on the subject in Northern Rhodesia? Does it leave the position unchanged?

That is the case. We have decided that, under existing conditions, amalgamation is not practicable; but I would not like it to be thought that existing conditions merely meant the continuance of the war.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend make it quite clear that this does not mean that His Majesty's Government exclude for all time the idea of amalgamation of the African territories?

Certainly. I have said that it is not considered practicable under existing circumstances, and I have given the House some idea of what those circumstances are.

With reference to the proposed Central Council, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman used the phrase that "unofficial help will be sought." Will this unofficial help be African help?

What I meant was that unofficial members of the Legislature will be associated. Africans will not be associated at the moment, and the Governor will have to represent their interests. No doubt, as soon as Africans emerge who are capable of really contributing to discussions of this kind, they will be associated.

Will the Orders in Council, to which my right hon. and gallant Friend referred, be made in the course of the present Session?

I could not answer off-hand, but I should be doubtful if that would be so.

Have the Government of the Union of South Africa been kept informed of these proposals, and have they expressed approval?

This is the responsibility of His Majesty's Government.

Will the proposed Council have a full-time permanent chairman and secretariat?

It will have a permanent secretariat, and it will have a permanent chairman, but not a full-time one. Probably he will be the Governor of Southern Rhodesia.

asked the Prime Minister which Minister of the Crown is responsible for the actions of regional commissioners.

Regional commissioners are officers of the Crown appointed by Royal Warrant on the recommendation of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security. Most of their functions relate to matters which concern my right hon. Friend, and questions would ordinarily be answered by him.

Are the orders made from time to time by these regional commissioners issued on their sole responsibility, or must they be approved by some Minister of the Crown?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister what is the strength of the Italian forces in each of the three services now fighting for the United Nations.

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to disclose this information.

Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously contend that at this stage of the war it is not in the public interest to disclose—

That sounds like an argument. It is not a question asking for information.

I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a general election cannot be long delayed and of the feeling throughout the country that the next Parliament should be largely composed of younger men and more especially of those who have seen active service in this war, he will direct that those of the latter category who have been already adopted by constituencies, but are now serving abroad, should be now returned for duties in this country so as to give them equal opportunity with civilians and with Service men stationed at home of placing their views personally before their constituents at meetings or other occasions.

The position is as stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, in reply, to a Question addressed to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on the 6th June last.

In view of our experience and that of foreign nations, will the right hon. Gentleman see that these Service men are given every facility to place their views before the electorate?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to various persons who are going round the Services and suggesting to future candidates that their expenses will be paid in certain conditions? Who are these persons and where does the money come from?

I have no knowledge of that and the question should be addressed to the responsible Ministers.

Will my right hon. Friend facilitate the return to this country of personnel from the three Services, who have been invited to attend selection committees with a view to being adopted as candidates?

If my hon. Friend reads the reply to which I have referred, he will see that the point is covered.

Do we understand that the Government will not interfere directly or indirectly with the free choice of candidates for election to the House?

That hardly arises.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the casualties in Western Europe of the armies and air forces, respectively, of the British Empire from D-Day until the despatch of airborne forces to Arnhem.

The precise figures asked for by the hon. Member are not available, but the House may like to have the following information. From the opening of the campaign until the end of August the casualties sustained by the Imperial forces engaged totalled 103,842, of whom 20,795 were killed, 63,193 wounded and 19,854 missing or taken prisoner. These figures include casualties to Dominion forces and to other overseas personnel serving in the United Kingdom forces. The Air Force casualties are as reported from the 1st April, 1944, the rest from 6th June.

asked the Prime Minister whether a representative from Northern Ireland will be included in the British Delegation to the International Civil Aviation Conference, to be held in the U.S.A. on 1st November, in order that the claims and suitability of Ulster for a civil airport may be placed before the Conference.

No, Sir. Civil Aviation is a reserved matter and it would not be appropriate for a representative of the Government of Northern Ireland to attend the International Conference. I can, however, assure my hon Friend that adequate steps will be taken to safeguard the interests of Northern Ireland.

Is it not intended that there should be a representative of Northern Ireland—

I am afraid this sounds like an argument and not a question.

asked the Minister of Production what effect recent increases of paper supplies for publishing purposes will have on reserve stocks; and whether the need for waste-paper collections remains urgent.

While the recent increases in paper supplies for publishing purposes will not endanger our stocks, it is nevertheless essential that waste paper should continue to be collected to the greatest possible extent in order to maintain supplies of paper at their present level.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to impress on the public and a large number of authorities the need for increasing the collection of waste paper? The public appear to think that there is no longer any necessity.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising the matter and we will take steps to see that the answer I have given is widely known.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of increased supplies of paper from pre-war sources?

That is another question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman go through the postal bags of Members of Parliament and see the great number of unnecessary communications?

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that men and women in the Services, while on leave, cannot get any milk; and if, in view of the hardship this entails, especially in small families, he will make some arrangement for these men and women to draw a milk ration.

Milk retailers are provided with milk with which to meet the needs of men and women on leave from the Services and all other holders of temporary ration cards. If my right hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases where these arrangements have not worked I will have them looked into.

Will the Minister state under what regulation a retailer can be compelled to supply a rationed commodity on a temporary card?

There is no regulation compelling him to do it, but the milk is there, the ration card and the money are presented, and the retailers are, usually, very willing to make a sale.

asked the Ministry of Food to what extent his policy with regard to British Restaurants has been changed; and if he is now prepared to subsidise local restaurants for which there is no adequate local need and which the local authorities cannot effectively run.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "It has not been changed," and to the second "No, Sir."

Has there not been a change, if Press reports are correct, with regard to certain British Restaurants in Yorkshire?

If my hon. Friend will let me know the particular restaurants to which he refers, I will look into it, but there has been no change in policy.

Is it not a fact that 400 British Restaurants have been closed, and, if that is so, is there any reason for it, seeing that the war is still on and the food situation is the same for war workers?

I am not certain of the numbers that have been closed, but they have been closed where the public support for them has not been adequate to justify further expense.

Is it not a fact that a considerable number could be closed with great advantage to the tax-payers?

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements have been made with overseas Colonies or foreign countries for the bulk purchase of sugar in the years immediately following the war.

We have arranged to purchase the whole exportable surplus of sugar from Australia, South Africa, British West Indies, British Guiana, the East African Territories, Fiji and Mauritius, as well as from San Domingo and Haiti up to the end of 1946.

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the general satisfaction it will give?

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the strong representations made to him by the Northern Ireland Ice Cream Association, he will reconsider his decision and allow the manufacture of ice cream to be resumed in Northern Ireland in the near future.

Not yet, Sir.

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider whether the time has not come to abolish harmful substitutes and allow genuine ice cream to be manufactured?

The Order was made in order to save labour and transport, and as soon as I can see my way to abolish it, I intend to do so.

Have not the conditions which led to the original decision now entirely changed?

The original decision was made long before I went to the Ministry of Food.

asked the Minister of Food whether he can find it possible to make available any additional supplies of food for enjoyment by the British public at Christmas time.

Yes, Sir, this will be the sixth Christmas since the beginning of the war and the people of this country are entitled to such extras as the supply position allows. At Christmas we think first of the children and I have decided that everyone between the ages of six months and 18 years shall be entitled to an extra ration of a half-pound of sweets during the ration period commencing on 10th December. Secondly, during the same ration period for every person with a ration book there will be an additional half-pound of margarine and half-pound of sugar. These, plus the extra dried fruits we are putting on the market, will, I hope, help them to make better Christmas cakes and puddings and things of that sort.

I hope that there will be a few more turkeys this year than last, and we are making similar arrangements for distribution to those made last year. I have also decided to increase the meat ration from 1s. 2d. to 1s. 10d. for the week preceding Christmas Day. We have already started a distribution of oranges and in addition I am making a considerable quantity of dates available, which will be obtainable on points at the small expenditure of one point per ¼ lb. packet.

Having started with the children I come finally to the old people. I am glad that my supply of tea is now sufficient to increase the ration for everyone of 70 years of age and upwards by 1 oz. of tea a week. This will not be limited to Christmas but will start on 10th December and will, I hope, continue throughout the whole of 1945.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend give some further particulars regarding the extra dried fruits to which he referred?

There will be 22,000 tons of sultanas, 4,000 tons of raisins and 9,000 tons of dates. The dates amount to 80,000,000 small packets.

Can we be assured that the very welcome extra supplies will not, in any way, diminish the amount of food available to be sent to the liberated countries of Europe which have suffered so much?

I am one of those who take the view that the people of this country, who have been on as strict rationing as anybody during these years of war, are entitled to something more.

While welcoming the addition to the rations, may I ask my right hon. and gallant Friend to consider increasing the amount of beer and spirits available?

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend, in his newfound rôle of Father Christmas, see that his cargo includes toys; and will he press the President of the Board of Trade to help in that direction?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of complaints from members of the used machine tool industry in Scotland over the difficulties and delays in securing permits to obtain used machine tools, which are often in urgent demand; and whether anything is being done to improve the present position, which is causing dissatisfaction to those concerned.

I am not aware of any general difficulties in the issue of licences. If my hon. and gallant Friend will kindly give me details of any particular cases he has in mind I shall be glad to look into them.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is the greatest indignation among members of the used machine tool industry in Scotland, and that his reply will cause great surprise? Will he give me an assurance that an impartial investigation will be made by the Ministry of Supply into the many complaints against the Machine Tool Control in Scotland?

I am very surprised to hear that there have been these complaints. I have not heard of any except in one case, which is a special case on its own, and if the hon. and gallant Member has any further cases I shall be glad to have them.

Will direct application from users be accepted, or have they to apply to the merchants?

That is another question, and I shall look into it.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his plans for removing unnecessary controls and restrictions after the cessation of hostilities in Europe are yet complete; and whether he can make any interim statement.

Plans are under consideration for relaxing controls and restrictions wherever practicable as soon as circumstances permit.

Is it not a fact that officialdom and bureaucracy are loath to give up controls which they now have over nearly every aspect of our lives?

asked the Minister of Supply whether his Department has made an estimate of the total number of bathtubs required in the first year after the passing of the Housing (Temporary Accommodation) Bill, for installation in permanent, emergency and repaired houses; and how long will it take to reconvert the average plant formerly making bathtubs which has been diverted to the manufacture of munitions during the war.

My Noble Friend the Minister of Works has furnished me with a provisional estimate of the number of baths required. It is estimated that the plants formerly making baths can be reconverted within three months.

Would my right hon. Friend answer my Question, whether he has an estimate of the total number that will be required?

I have said that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works has provided me with an estimate.

Will my right hon. Friend furnish it to the House?

That is a question which should be put to the Minister of Works.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will be able to supply the number of baths required?

Yes, Sir; I said in reply to a Question last week, that we were taking steps to ensure that the necessary labour and capacity would be available.