asked the Minister of Food when he proposes to abolish the allocation of fish at Aberdeen Market now granted to merchants from Hull and Grimsby, in view of the fact that this allocation was only granted when the ports of Hull and Grimsby were not receiving fish owing to wartime conditions.

The landings at Aberdeen are expected to increase considerably in the near future and I do not think that this is the time to reduce the number of merchants drawing supplies from that Port.

asked the Minister of Food the names of representatives of private firms who have served as advisers and controllers to his Department since September, 1939, and the names of the firms who employed them; those who have salaries from his Department; and those who refuse any salary.

No one has, of course, been appointed to any post in this Ministry as a representative of a firm but, as in other Government Departments, a certain number of temporary officers have been drawn from private firms. I will circulate as soon as possible a list of senior officers who are in this position and who are still in the service of the Ministry, but I cannot feel that the labour of going through the records of this Department back to 1939 would be justified.

asked the Minister of Food how the present food stocks of the country now stand in relation to the total of rather less than 6,000,000 tons given by the then Prime Minister on 21st March, 1945.

At the end of December, 1945, stocks of food showed a reduction as compared with the total to which the right hon. Member refers of about 1,800,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Food whether the review of priority arrangements, whereby certain invalids receive extra milk, has yet been completed; and whether he is assured that there is no great misuse of priority permits.

The review of priority arrangements for the supply of milk to certain invalids has not yet been completed and I should prefer to make no statement until the results are known.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that many men of the Merchant Navy on leave experience the greatest difficulty in obtaining rations of milk; and if he will take steps to see that this is corrected.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." With regard to the second part of the Question, Food Offices have long been instructed to give assistance to men of the Merchant Navy who report difficulty in obtaining milk or any other rationed or controlled foods.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of home-produced milk is processed into powder form for human consumption; and what quantity has been made available for the relief of the distressed countries of Europe.

Some 25,000 tons of full cream milk powder and 5,000 tons of skim milk powder were manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1945, mainly for the preparation of infant milk foods or for use by the Services. 450 tons of the former were made available for relief in Europe.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give an assurance that no further public money will be spent in publicising the recipe for the bread and marmalade pudding advertised by his Department in the Sunday newspapers of 3rd February, 1946, in view of the fact that this recipe is unappetising and unimaginative.

I have tasted the pudding in question and I like it. The recipe for this pudding was sent to my Department by a housewife who recommended it. It was tested and found to be attractive. While the recipe is not one that would be issued if food supplies were more plentiful, in present circumstances I consider it helpful to the housewife.

asked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken by the Government to purchase dried egg from sources other than the United States; and whether any such arrangements have been made by him with Canada as a result of the recent visit of the Canadian Minister of Agriculture to this country.

I shall obtain both shell eggs and dried egg from any sources which are open to me. My present programme envisages the purchase of dried egg from the Argentine, Australia and Canada as well as from U.S.A. The extension of purchases of dried egg from Canada beyond 1946 was one of the questions I discussed with the Canadian Minister of Agriculture when he visited this country recently. Until he has had the opportunity of consulting his colleagues, I am not in a position to make a statement of our talks together.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a variety of canned fruits were deposited at shops about last October with instructions not to sell until March and, in view of their vitamin value especially during winter months, when fresh fruit is scarce, if he will make arrangements for these supplies to be held up no longer.

Yes, Sir. I am aware that, in accordance with arrangements which were made to economise in transport, canners were authorised, as in previous years, to forward supplies of canned fruit to their trade customers to await release. It has already been announced that these supplies, together with the imported supplies which are now being distributed to the shops, will be released for sale to the public on points on 4th March, which will permit the canned fruit to be consumed while supplies of fresh fruit are still scarce.

asked the Minister of Food whether the contract with the Government of Ceylon for the purchase in bulk of copra and cocoanut oil, which expired on 16th December last, has been renewed and, if so, on what terms; and what is the present position.

The contract has not yet been renewed. It has been extended to 28th February, 1946, and negotiations for its renewal beyond that date are still proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continuing shortage of feeders for babies' bottles; and if he will take steps to have a more plentiful supply of these articles made available.

I am not aware that there has recently been any general shortage of these goods, the present production of which greatly exceeds the prewar production, but if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any complaint that he has received I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of designs now permitted for utility furniture; and the variety which is ultimately to be reached.

There are over 40 basic designs in the present range of utility furniture. I hope to add 50 or more new designs during the coming months—apart from any furniture which we may be able to import—and there may be more to follow. Apart from differences in basic design, there is also a choice for the public in the kind of timber from which the furniture is made, its size and finish, besides the varied pattern and colour of the covering material used in the upholstered furniture.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will include in the proposed amendment of the Companies Act a clause to prevent the creation of founders' shares or shares of that nature carrying extravagant rights, or refer the question to the Committee on Company Law with a view to their making recommendations on the matter.

No, Sir. This matter was not overlooked by the Committee on Company Law Amendment, which reported last year and made no specific recommendations in regard to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of raw wool held by His Majesty's Government and the quantity and value of raw wool exported during the last three months.

Stocks of raw wool in this country in the hands of the Wool Control at 30th November, which is the latest date for which particulars are available, were approximately 600 million lb. greasy weight, of a value of about £50 million. The figures include Dominion wool owned jointly by the United Kingdom Government and the Dominion Governments. The exports of raw wool from the United Kingdom during the three months October to December, 1945, were 14,212,000 lb. of a value of £1,250,682.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of mining timber, both sawn and in the round, was imported into this country during each month of 1945; and what was the total estimated reserve of mining timber in this country on 1st January, 1945, and 1st January, 1946, respectively.

The stocks of mining timber were about the same at the two dates mentioned, but it would be inadvisable and misleading to publish the figures which vary greatly from month to month.

Following are the figures of imports:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Turkey is importing worsted yarn from the U.S.A. for the first time, and its total quota for 1946 is to come from the U.S.A.; owing to the shortage of labour, British firms could not promise delivery for nine to 12 months; and what steps he is taking to obtain additional operatives for the wool trade, from the services and munition industries.

I have no information as to the source from which Turkey is obtaining worsted yarns. The limited quantities of worsted yarn that we have been able to export have, in the main, had to go to meet essential requirements of Commonwealth and Empire countries. A small special allocation made last autumn could be exported to any destination. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, is doing all he can to help the industry obtain more workers so as to increase output. The offer of Class B release has been made to over 5,000 more men in the Forces. As regards the release of workers from munitions, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by the Minister of Labour on 29th January to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard).

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial enterprises in over-industrialised areas in the London and Greater London regions, have transferred to development areas, under the provisions of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945.

One hundred and twenty-five firms, who have lost their premises by enemy action, or who are at present in unsuitable premises, have so far decided to take advantage of the facilities available in Development Areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why women released from the women's auxiliary services get only 146 coupons and no clothing on demobilisation, compared with a full clothing kit and 90 coupons issued to men; whether his regulations permit a woman to get the equivalent of a man's full clothing kit for the difference in coupons; and whether he will correct this disparity between the Service sexes.

It is the Government's view that the needs of women demobilised from the Services are catered for in the most practical way by an issue of coupons instead of by an issue of clothing. I am satisfied that the issue of 56 coupons provides a reasonable outfit, and one comparable with that issued, in kind, to men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that it is impossible to obtain gas mantles in West Ham; and, in view of the hardship involved, whether he will take the necessary steps to remedy the situation.

The question of gas mantles is at the moment under considera-

tion and it is hoped that in the very near future the position will materially improve.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the amount of money and other forms of relief and the number of personnel working in each country in Europe, separately, that have already been allocated by U.N.R.R.A.

The following information has been supplied by the European Regional Office of U.N.R.R.A.:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he will state the number of square miles of territory so far annexed, as a result of the war, by the U.S.S.R., the U.S.A. and the British Empire, respectively.

No useful purpose would be served by any calculations about annexations or acquisitions by other countries. His Majesty's Government however have annexed no territory nor do they harbour any designs.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the U.S. official announcement that U.S.S.R. entered the war against Japan on the basis of a secret agreement that she would receive the Kuriles on the war's successful termination, he will inform the House if any other Power entered the war against Germany or against Japan upon a condition of territorial acquisition.

I would refer my hon Friend to the reply returned on 4th February to the hon. Member for Belfast University (Professor Savory) regarding the Yalta Agreement. Pending the completion of arrangements for the publication of that Agreement, I do not propose to make any statement arising out of it. The answer to the last part of the Question, as far as I am aware, is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now satisfied that the forthcoming elections in Greece will be fairly conducted; what facilities in that respect are being provided by this country; and when are these elections being held.

I think there are certainly good prospects that the forthcoming elections in Greece will be fairly conducted. As has already been announced, His Majesty's Government in common with the United States and French Governments are sending a mission of experts to Greece to observe the elections and to assist in ensuring that they are fairly held. The actual conduct of elections is a matter for the Greeks, but His Majesty's Government will try to provide any further facilities for which they are asked. As regards the last part of the Question, the Greek Government have fixed 31st March as the date for the elections.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Greek elections will be held very shortly, he proposes to take steps to secure that before that date the Government are made more representative by the inclusion of Socialist members therein.

It is not for His Majesty's Government to make or unmake Governments in Greece. It is for the Greek Government themselves to decide whether they should take in representatives of other political parties, whether of the Left or the Right.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish all the facts known to his Department about the political murders in Poland and, particularly, all the evidence relating to the instigators of these murders.

No, Sir. I do not think it would be desirable for me to add anything to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Belfast University (Professor Savory) on 23rd January.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any more secret agreements made during the war remain undisclosed; when they will be made public; and whether the present Government regard themselves as bound by them.

Apart from the understanding relating to the Kurile Islands, there are no unpublished undertakings by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to support claims by other Allied Governments to transfers of territory as part of the general peace settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reply he received from the U.S.S.R. to his recent protest with regard to the Russo-Hungarian economic agreement.

In their reply, the Soviet Government assured us that legitimate British interests are not touched by the Economic Agreement between themselves and the Hungarian Government, which has as its sole aim the promotion and development of economic relations between the Soviet Union and one of her neighbour countries. The note added that the Soviet Government could not therefore accept our objections to this Agreement. We have now asked the Soviet Government to provide us with a text of the Agreement, so that we may judge for ourselves to what extent British interests are affected. We have as yet had no reply to this request from the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what facilities were provided by His Majesty's Government for the transport of Don Juan, claimant to the Spanish throne, to Britain and to Portugal; what were the conditions of his stay in this country during his period of transit; and what support His Majesty's Government is giving to his claims.

The Count of Barcelona was, at his request, given a transit visa to enable him to pass through the United Kingdom en route for Portugal, on the understanding that he continued his journey to Portugal as soon as possible. In order to enable him to comply with this condition, arrangements were made by the British authorities to ensure that he was granted a priority passage, against payment in the normal way, on the ordinary B.O.A.C. air service from this country to Lisbon. No other facilities were provided by His Majesty's Government in connexion with the Count's journey.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will clarify His Majesty's Government's view on General Mihailovitch; and if he proposes to hand over this officer to the Yugoslav Government to stand his trial as a Quisling.

When it became clear that General Mihailovic and his followers had ceased to contribute anything to the common struggle against the enemy, His Majesty's Government severed all relations with him. They have not since then admitted any claims by himself or his followers to their recognition or support, nor do they intend to do so. General Mihailovic is not in Allied hands. He is believed still to be hiding in Yugoslavia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of Polish troops repatriated from the United Kingdom; and the number still waiting to be repatriated.

4,000 Polish troops have already been repatriated to Poland from this country and a further 4,500 are now on their way. Of those who have so far expressed their readiness to return immediately, 14,500 are still waiting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies his intentions regarding increasing the number of African representatives on the Kenya Legislative Council.

I recognise the importance of the question. A second African member has recently been added to the Kenya Legislative Council temporarily during the absence from the Colony of Archdeacon Beecher. I am not at present in a position to make any statement with regard to longer term arrangements, but these are receiving my consideration in consultation with the Kenya Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether increased measures for the protection of Africans from Nyasaland working in Southern Rhodesia might be considered, in view of the deplorable conditions under which they now labour there.

At its meeting last October the Central African Council considered proposals put forward by the Nyasaland Government for regulating the recruitment and conditions of employment of persons proceeding, to work in Southern and Northern Rhodesia. A special committee was appointed to consider the interchange of African labour between the three territories. I understand that this committee has already held its first meeting, and I am making inquiries as to the progress made in this matter, about which I am most concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, when it is proposed to introduce the promised new constitution in the Gold Coast, whereby African representatives will have a majority on the Council.

The preparation of the Instruments necessary for the introduction of the hew constitution is now complete and it is proposed to bring them into operation in the Gold Coast as soon as the March session of the present Legislative Council is over.

asked, the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the enforced evacuation of British mercantile personnel from Malaya, including many in perfect health, has created an effective Indo-Chinese monopoly of import trade to the detriment of British enterprises; why equality of treatment was not granted; and whether he will arrange for British personnel in this country, who seek it, to receive priority return passages for the purpose of recommencing their businesses.

I am not aware of compulsory evacuation by the military authorities of British European mercantile personnel from Malaya. The plans prepared for the repatriation of liberated internees provided that where a person was medically fit on liberation and for good reason wished to remain in Malaya he could do so. Many persons, in fact, elected to remain. If my hon. Friend knows of any particular cases where repatriation of a fit person has been enforced against his express desire to remain in Malaya I will institute inquiries. As regards the last part of the Question, a number of mercantile personnel have already left this country for Malaya and passages for the rest will be arranged as shipping accommodation becomes available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when passages will be provided for the 5,000 Malayan evacuees in India who are anxious to return home; if any preference is being given to those who are able to pay their own passages; if he is aware that recently the s.s. "Winchester Castle" and the s.s. "Tairea" were allowed to leave India for Malaya with only 27 and four passengers respectively; and why this accommodation was not used for the purpose.

I am anxious that the Malayan evacuees at present in India should be repatriated at the earliest possible moment, but their repatriation depends not only on the availability of passages such as those in the vessels mentioned by the hon. Member, but also on adequate arrangements being made for their reception and accommodation when they arrive in Malaya. These arrangements are a matter for the military authorities in Malaya, with whom the Colonial Office representative in India is in direct communication. I understand that a certain number of these evacuees have secured passages from India at their own expense, but I have no information as to the relevant circumstances. I am, however, making inquiries about this and about the question of the s.s "Winchester Castle" and s.s. "Tairea" leaving India with available accommodation, and will communicate with the hon. Member when I have received a report.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the causes of the recent strikes in Singapore; and what steps are being taken to meet the labour unrest there, particularly by means of increasing the food supply and controlling prices.

On 29th January a general strike was called by the General Labour Union in Singapore and Johore in protest against the arrest of certain members of the General Labour Union and ex-members of the Anti-Japanese Army. The present economic difficulties of the country have created a situation favourable to labour unrest and those responsible for the strike took advantage of this situation to further their own political ends. The strike was extended by well-organised intimidation, and propaganda, and many strikers did not know the real reason for the strike, which was unpopular and maintained almost entirely by fear. The strike was lifted on 30th January.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the recent general strike in Singapore.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton, Plymouth (Mrs. Middleton).

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are now being made to compensate Government employees in Malaya for the high cost of living in that colony.

Army rations are issued at fixed daily rates to European officials and they are allowed to make purchases at canteens and Ordnance stores. Asiatic officials are able to make purchases at reduced prices, of flour, rice, and other commodities, from supplies made available by the military authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to end the ticket system as the basis of native wages, especially in Africa; whether he will consider making weekly payment of wages obligatory; and whether he is satisfied that, in general, the minimum wage boards established are effectively putting into operation a satisfactory system.

The question of substituting weekly payments for the 30 day ticket system for African labour was considered in 1942 in consultation with the Governments concerned and it was ascertained that the general feeling of African workers was strongly opposed to such a change. I have no information that the position has altered but I am making inquiries. As regards the last part of the Question, every encouragement is given to collective bargaining and in most territories there is wage fixing machinery. In some cases this machinery is based on the Trade Boards and Wages Councils procedure of the United Kingdom. In others, a minimum wage board is appointed when the Governor is satisfied that the wages paid are unreasonably low. The systems in operation are receiving my constant attention but regard must always be had to the stage of development reached in the organisation of the workers in each territory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies Whether he is in a position to give any statistics of the number of African blind in the various African Colonies; and what steps have been taken for their registration and for the provision of regional or territorial institutes for the blind on the lines of that existing at Rhoodeport in South Africa.

According to the 1931 census, the latest which has been taken, the number of blind persons in the African Colonies is 120,000. This figure cannot, however, be regarded as reliable. So far as I am aware no steps have been taken to register blind persons. As regards institutes, a West African training centre is being set up near Lagos by the four West African Governments, primarily for blinded soldiers. A training centre already exists near Nairobi, and this includes the training of the East African war-blinded. The National Institute for the Blind have reconstituted their Empire Sub-Committee and as a result of their deliberations it is hoped to send a small visiting team to the African Colonies, Cyprus, Mauritius and Palestine in the autumn and winter of 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the unwillingness of the Governor of Malta to accept the Labour Party's two nominees to the executive council has created a political crisis which threatens to get out of hand; and whether, as this has already resulted in strikes and may necessitate a return to a Crown Colony type of government, he will send a commission of investigation.

My hon. Friend appears to be misinformed. I would refer him to the answer given to a Question by the hon. Member for Belper (Mr. G. Brown) on 23rd January. The recent general strike was in no way connected with the question of appointments to the Executive Council. The Council of Government is functioning smoothly, and the leader of the Labour Party has been fully consulted by the Governor on all matters of policy which have been discussed in the Executive Council. There are no grounds for accepting the suggestion in the second part of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons he has refused to accept the proposal of the Malta League that in future the island shall be known as Malta, G.C.

This proposal raises issues of some difficulty which would need careful examination. There is no evidence of a widespread desire in Malta for the change, and in the circumstances I should not feel justified in raising it with the Malta Government. The George Cross has been incorporated into the Malta arms, and thus into the flag of the Island, and this in itself serves as a constant reminder, if any such were needed, of Malta's gallant part in the war and of the recognition it received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in those Colonies which contemplate considerable development, he will arrange for the Budget to be presented in two parts, as in Kenya, the first covering normal expenditure and the second dealing with money specifically allocated for reconstruction and development.

The presentation of the budget for 1946 in two parts by the Kenya Government is a new departure which may not be suitable to conditions in all territories. In any case I should regard it as premature to advocate its general adoption until more experience has been gained of its working.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if Colonial technical officers not in the administrative service proper, of outstanding merit, possessing general administrative and political ability, tested by their work in legislatures, departments or otherwise, are deemed as eligible in fact for promotion to chief secretaryships as officers of like calibre in the administrative service proper.

The Chief Secretaryships of Colonies are scheduled as posts in the Colonial Administrative Service and are normally filled by officers of that Service There is however no practical bar to the appointment of suitably qualified officers from other branches of the Colonial Service to such posts. It has been done in the past and will be done in the future. The aim is to select the best available man for each vacancy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made for consultation with the Dominion Governments in plans for development of colonial territories; and whether he is prepared to consider an extension of consultation between His Majesty's Government and the Dominion Governments in this particular sphere.

It is the normal practice of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to consult Dominion Governments as may be necessary in regard to matters of general policy affecting the Colonial Empire; but it is not normally practicable to consult them specifically in regard to particular plans of development in individual territories.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what delegations he received during his recent visit to the Colony and protectorate of Nigeria; and whether he met any representatives of West African cocoa, producers.

No, Sir. The object of my visit to West Africa was to inaugurate the new West African Council. The time at my disposal was extremely short and did not allow of my receiving delegations in any of the four colonies. I had however an opportunity to discuss the question of cocoa production with the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he received a deputation from the Association for the Advancement of Civil Rights in Gibraltar; what grievances they put before him; and what steps are being taken to remedy discontent there.

I received the deputation on 23rd November last. They raised a large number of questions, and I think I cannot do better than send my hon. Friend a copy of the letter sent at my direction to the leader of the deputation in reply to the representations that they had made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the discontent in Cyprus in connection with the amendment of the rent restriction law; and whether he proposes to take action to prevent the decontrol of shop and business premises rents.

I have not received the draft amending legislation to which my hon. Friend refers, and consequently I am not in a position to reply to the second part of the Question. I am asking the Officer Administering the Government for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the charge against certain trades union leaders recently sentenced to one year's imprisonment in Cyprus.

The Pan-Cyprian Trades Union Committee is not registered as a trade union. The charges upon which certain individuals, who were members of this committee, and one other person, were convicted by the Supreme Court in Cyprus amount to that of being members of an unlawful association whose acts were contrary to Section 61 of the Cyprus Criminal Code, namely:—

(1) Encouragement by propaganda of the overthrow of the Constitution of Cyprus by revolution, and

(2) Encouragement by propaganda of the overthrow by violence of the established Government of Cyprus, and

(3) Encouragement by propaganda of the overthrow by violence of organised Government

(4) An intention to bring into hatred the Government of Cyprus as by law established.

(5) An intention to excite disaffection against the Government of Cyprus as by law established.

(6) An intention to excite the inhabitants of Cyprus to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of matters in the Colony of Cyprus as by law established (other than its sovereignty).

(7) An intention to raise disaffection amongst the inhabitants of the Colony of Cyprus.

(8) An intention to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of the population of Cyprus.

An application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the Legislative Council in Trinidad is elected; whether there are any elected members with executive powers; whether adult suffrage has yet been introduced; and if there are plans for an increasing measure of democracy in Trinidad.

Of the total of the members of the Legislative Council in Trinidad, nine are Elected, six are Nomi- nated Unofficial Members, and three are ex-officio Members. The Governor has an original and casting vote. Four of the Elected Members are also Members of the Executive Council. Adult suffrage has been introduced and the local legislation necessary for the holding of elections on this basis is now in preparation. In the light of these developments I shall study the local situation with a view to seeing what further steps to self-government can be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the light of the threatened deterioration of the palm oil industry of Nigeria, which is the economic backbone of that country, plans are being formulated for modernising it, preferably on the basis of the co-operative effort of the people.

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 21st November, I am considering with the Government of Nigeria comprehensive schemes with the object of securing the greatest efficiency in palm oil production in that country. These scheme include a programme of research into the improvement of the industry's methods and the provision of pioneer mills to demonstrate the advantages of improved methods of oil extraction. The success of these methods will depend upon the co-operation of the people of Nigeria, but I hope that they will demonstrate conclusively to them the advantages of modern methods.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is the personal representative sent out by the Rajah of Sarawak with the consent of his Department to sound public opinion in Sarawak in regard to the proposed constitutional changes.

The Rajah's representative was Mr. MacBryan, his private secretary. His selection for this mission was a matter for the Rajah alone and Government consent to the visit was necessary only because the territory was, and still is, under Military Administration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date and with what Parliamentary authority, Sarawak, an independent sovereign State, was transferred to the jurisdiction of his Department and listed as a Colonial dependency and in that category has been allocated a subsidy of.£1,500,000 to be found by the British taxpayer, notwithstanding that throughout its recent history this State has been financially independent and has never requested a loan from His Majesty's Government; and whether he will give an undertaking that no further steps will be taken in this connection until the whole matter has been debated by this House.

Sarawak has long been a British protected State, and as such, is eligible for assistance under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, 1940 and 1945. The provisional allocation to North Borneo and Sarawak of the sum of £1½ million from the £120 million provided by the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1945, for the next ten years, which was announced in a White Paper (Cmd. 6713) issued in December last, did not, therefore, imply any change in the constitutional status of Sarawak. In these circumstances the question of a Debate on the allocation does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ratings commissioned as sub-lieutenant, in each of the last seven years, who were educated at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, and in the Mercury and War-spite and similar nautical training establishments and the totals.

The information desired is not recorded for any Admiralty purpose, and I regret, therefore, that it is not available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of executive officers who, in 1945, specialised as gunnery, torpedo, navigation, antisubmarine, signal, wireless-telegraphy, physical and recreational training, staff officers, pilots and observers; and the number in each branch who were commissioned from the lower deck under the sublieutenant scheme.

The information required is as follows:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make a statement as to postwar conditions in the W.R.N.S.

I regret I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the Noble Lady the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Viscountess Davidson) on 9th October last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings who were transferred to the Army during the war will be granted their share of naval prize money and any naval foreign service leave to which they may be entitled.

The various questions arising from the decision of His Majesty's Government to award prize money are under consideration, and I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) and the hon. Member for North Edinburgh (Mr. Willis) on 19th December last. Naval ratings transferred during the war to the Army will be released under the Army's release arrangements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many U-boats have been sunk at sea since V-Day; what was their value and, in view of the shortage of iron and steel, why were these boats not put out to public tender for breaking up; and what is the estimated loss to the taxpayer.

The number of U-boats sunk at sea by the Royal Navy since VE-Day is 114. The reason that these boats were sunk rather than offered to public tender for breaking up, is that we had entered into an International Agreement at Potsdam to sink them. The question of loss to the taxpayer does not arise as these U-boats were never the property of His Majesty's Government, who held them as trustees on behalf of the Allied Powers concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many civilians are now being employed and paid out of public funds to handle vessels taken over for war purposes, which now have to be returned, although there are both officers and ratings in the manning depots who, while waiting to be demobilised, have no useful occupation.

About 130 civilians are employed on the care and maintenance of requisitioned vessels awaiting return to their owners. A very small number are also employed as runner crews for requisitioned vessels on discharge to ports of re-delivery. The period of waiting in Depot for demobilisation is now short. To employ Naval personnel for this period on the above duties would involve constant changes in the individuals so employed and other administrative difficulties, which, in view of the relative smallness of the commitment, would be incommensurate with the saving to public funds on the wages of these civilians. For vessels actually running, the shortage of Naval supervisory rates, both upper deck and engine-room, would make the substitution in any event impracticable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what demobilisation group has been reached in the supply and secretariat branch of the R.N.V.R.; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction at the slowness of demobilisation in this group; and what special steps he is taking to train men to replace these officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what steps are now being taken to train officers of other branches of the R.N. in supply duties, in order 'that the release of present supply officers can be brought into line with the release of other branches instead of lagging 11 groups behind as at present.

Group 21 has now been reached in the supply and secretariat branch, with the exception of warrant officers, whose position was explained in the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Uxbridge (Flight-Lieutenant Beswick) on 7th November last. It is hoped to reach Group 29 by 30th June. The average rate of release for Naval officers has now reached Group 26. The supply branch is, therefore, only five groups behind, and their actual rate of release is not so slow as it might appear, since 82 per cent. of the temporary officers in this branch are in Age and Service Groups 31 or earlier. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche) on 31st October last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reasons for the substantial advance in release groups of the A.T.S. as compared to the W.R.N.S.; and whether some acceleration in the W.R.N.S. rate of release will be possible in the near future.

The branches of the W.R.N.S. in which the rate of release compares most unfavourably with that of the A.T.S. are the administrative and the supply and secretariat branches. The reason for this is that these branches are performing important work in connection with the demobilisation scheme, but I hope to be able to effect a substantial speeding-up of the rate of release in these branches during the next few months.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why permanent officers in the Service who retired during the war, but were retained for service for the duration, are not eligible for the supply of civilian clothing on demobilisation on the same terms as other officers in their release groups; and whether he will extend to such officers the special concession already made for the benefit of temporary officers and permanent officers who had retired before the outbreak of war and were recalled for service.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the hon. and gallant Member for Dorset, Western (Major Digby) on 21st November last. Arrangements are, however, now being made to permit permanent officers who ceased full pay on or after 16th October, 1944, to buy an outfit of civilian clothing from naval stocks at a purchase price of £12 10s., subject to the surrender of the appropriate number of coupons. I understand that similar arrangements are being made in the other Services.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will provide that war service gratuities shall be paid to members of the R.M. special police reserve, in view of the fact that other auxiliary police are to receive them.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for South Dorset (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) on 10th October last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total strength of the R.N., officers, commissioned rank and ratings, in September, 1939; the total strength of officers and ratings in July, 1945, and in December, 1945; and how many officers, commissioned rank and ratings have decided to remain in the R.N. on the termination of their service by demobilisation.

The strength of the Royal Navy on the dates mentioned was as follows:

There are no arrangements of general application for the granting of permanent commissions to temporary officers. Under certain schemes limited to officers with special qualifications, 644 officers have been granted commissions in the Royal Navy; of these 453 are for four years only. In addition, 6,727 officers and 1,694 ratings have volunteered and have been accepted for further service for a limited period beyond their release dates. No information is available regarding the numbers of ratings who have been released from the Navy, and have subsequently signed continuous service engagements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total cost of the Dartmouth College scheme of early entry at the age of 13, during the current year; the number of cadets borne; the various scales of fees charged to the parents and guardians; and the numbers now being educated under the various scales.

The total cost of maintaining the Naval Cadet College at Eaton Hall for the current financial year is estimated at £170,000. The precise figure is not available under wartime accounting arrangements. The number of Dartmouth cadets is 509; in addition, 60 special entry cadets are at present under instruction at the College. Fees are payable on either the scholarship scheme or the ordinary entry scale. The fees payable for scholars are calculated in accordance with parents' means in the same manner in which the Ministry of Education assess State scholarships. The maximum fee is £65 a term, covering all the scholarship benefits. The normal ordinary entry fee is £50 a term. In necessitous cases, however, a reduction may be allowed according to parents' means. The 509 Dartmouth cadets at the College include 220 scholars, and 289 non-scholarship boys.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps are being taken to withdraw British military administration from the reserved area of Ethiopia and the Ogaden province of Ethiopia.

No; the position is regulated by the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement of 19th December, 1944.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the conditions under which Miss Daphne Baker, of 307, Court Road, Orpington, is employed at the War Office, particulars of which have been sent to him; and what action does he propose to take to remedy this, and similar cases.

I am obliged to the hon. Member for bringing this case to my attention. Miss Baker applied for release in October, 1945, on the grounds that her emoluments were inadequate. This application was rejected. On 25th January, she again applied for release on the grounds that she had insufficient work to do and that she would give better service in her civilian employment. In a large department such as the War Office it is not easy to ensure that clerks who are not interested in their work devote their full attention to it. In view, however, of Miss Baker's representations, she has now been transferred to another branch where her work will be closely supervised.

asked the Secretary of State for War if privates and N.C.Os. stationed in Austria are permitted to marry Austrian girls; and, if so, what procedure is necessary to obtain permission.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Mr. G. Wallace) yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will facilitate the clearance of the beaches in North Norfolk of iron and concrete defences so that local fishermen can resume their occupation and visitors can have access to the beaches.

The War Department normally takes responsibility for physical removal only of works which are dangerous to the remover. In the area to which my hon. Friend refers there are minefields and they are in the process of being cleared by military labour. In addition, in certain coastal areas, of which North Norfolk is one, other defence works, which cover not only beaches but also promenades, etc., may be cleared by local authorities under arrangements with the War Office to the extent of making access to the sea safe for the public. The district councils in the North Norfolk coastal areas were informed some time ago that schemes should be submitted. Claims from most of these authorities in respect of the removal of defence works have recently been received and are in negotiation. A scheme for physical removal submitted by a particular authority has been authorised.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of troops fighting in the Burma campaigns came from East and West Africa; what were the total casualties suffered by East and West African troops in this fighting; and how many decorations were awarded to them for gallantry in action.

From the time they first arrived in Burma in 1943 until the end of the Japanese war, East and West African troops constituted approximately one-tenth of the total forces employed.

The total battle casualties to East and' West Africans of all ranks were:

Awards so far conferred on East and West Africans for services in Burma are as follows:

Further lists of awards are at present being compiled, and these will no doubt include a number of further awards to East and West Africans.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is still a ban of secrecy on the Army and Navy Lists; and, if so, whether this will be lifted.

The recasting of the Army List into a form suitable for general publication would be a considerable task which it will not be possible to undertake until demobilisation has proceeded much further than it has today. I cannot at present estimate the date at which it will be possible to put the task in hand, but it will, of course, be undertaken as soon as possible. I understand that the Navy List is no longer secret.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will say how many Japanese camp commanders have been brought before allied military tribunals with a view to determining their guilt or innocence in connection with prisoner-of-war atrocities; and provide data showing the punishments inflicted in cases already disposed of.

The British military authorities in South East Asia are actively engaged in the preparation of cases against Japanese camp commanders and staff accused of war crimes. A large number of suspects have been arrested, and trials by British military courts are due to commence shortly. I am not in a position to give the required information regarding trials by allied military tribunals.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the purpose for which Minden airfield was built; and the purpose for which it is now used.

There are several airfields and landing grounds near Minden. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of the one which he has in mind, I will make further inquiries into the points which he has raised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why his Department has delayed the derequisitioning of the hotels in Harrogate after agreement had been reached for derequisitioning.

All the hotels held by the Air Ministry in Harrogate were released during January, except for one which we are now releasing. We had hoped to arrange this derequisitioning early in December, and I regret the delay which has been due to the time taken in deciding whether any of the hotels would be required for other Government use. Since then a new system has been adopted, for all Departments, to speed up these decisions for hotels generally.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when the premises known as St. Maur, Weston-super-Mare, will be released from requisition; and what has caused the' delay in arranging this release.

This property is part of the accommodation for the Polish Staff College to which I referred in the reply that I gave to the hon. Member on 30th January. We tried, without success, to find other accommodation for the college some time ago. At this stage, near the end of its work, the expense involved in making a change would be unjustified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of new entrants to the R.A.F. since 31st August who have been trained and mustered as accounts clerks.

Approximately 3,000 airmen completed training and were remustered as accounting clerks between 31st August, 1945, and the end of January, 1946. Some 400 of these were recruits who had enlisted after 31st August.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will give special reconsideration to the case of 645191 Corporal Dews, R., who was eligible for repatriation on 10th January, but is still awaiting transport at Worli, and grant him the highest priority on transport home, in view of the state of his wife's health.

Following the recent reduction in the Royal Air Force overseas tour for single men there have been some delays in repatriating members of the Royal Air Force who are now due to return to this country from the Far East. Repatriation should be up to date again before the end of this month. The Air Ministry are not aware of an application for Corporal Dews' return to be accelerated on account of his wife's health, but we will ask the Command to arrange this if we are given the necessary medical evidence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why no blind-landing aids are provided at Luqa airfield, Malta; and how many aircraft on the Cairo-United Kingdom route have been delayed on this account during the past two months.

There are some technical problems in siting the equipment for an up-to-date radar landing system at Luqa, but we hope these will be overcome. Meanwhile, we have other short-range navigational aids in operation there. Figures are not available of the total number of aircraft travelling between Cairo and the United Kingdom for which delay might have been avoided if the new landing system had been in operation during the last two months at Luqa. I understand, however, that so far as the B.O.A.C. services were concerned, three aircraft were delayed for this reason. Meteorological records for Luqa suggest that the landing system would probably be needed about one day in 20 at this time of the year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered a letter from the Surrey County Council, sent at the end of November, expressing anxiety as to the effect of R.A.F. activities on the amenities of the Leith Hill district; and, if so, what action his Department is taking in regard to it.

We have told the Surrey County Council that we are in close consultation with the Ministry of Town and Country Planning with a view to finding an alternative site for this small temporary radar station, which is important for the safety of both civil and Service aircraft using airfields near London. The Ministry of Town and Country Planning are now considering proposals for a permanent site in the Leith Hill area, which will be less objectionable from the amenity point of view. We shall undertake no permanent construction for this station until a site is finally approved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air by what date medical officers in the R.A.F. of Group 27 are being released; how this compares with their colleagues in the R.A.M.C. and in the Naval Medical Service; and what steps he is taking to make sure that there shall be no unfair discrimination against medical officers in the R.A.F.

Medical officers in the Royal Air Force in Group 27 will be released in February. I understand that general duty medical officers in the Army are being released up to Group 38 by the end of February, and that their colleagues in the Naval medical service are now being released up to Group 40. These releases all result from a Government decision that there should be two medical officers per 1,000 men in each of the three Services. The release of our medical officers is at present up to the general average for the Royal Air Force; we cannot go faster than this because the wartime proportion of medical officers in the Air Force has been much lower than in the Army or the Navy. We are hoping for a further intake of doctors into the Royal Air Force this year so that the present disparities in release can be reduced as far as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why airmen in Group 28 in the R.A.F. trades of printer machine minder, printer compositor and printer linotype operator in M.E. Command are being deferred in demobilisation when airmen in these trades in this command are now redundant.

Printer machine minders, printer compositors and printer linotype operators in Middle East and all other commands were in January one group ahead of the main body of airmen. By not releasing another group in these trades during February, their rate of release will become the same as that of the main body of airmen. If any airmen of these trades in Middle East Command are redundant—and the total number employed there does not exceed 12—they will be temporarily employed on other duties as part of the general process of levelling up the rate of release.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is now in a position to make a statement as to the postwar conditions in the W.A.A.F.

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the Noble Lady the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Viscountess Davidson) on 9th October last. As regards the emoluments to be paid after 1st July next, I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to what was said in the recent White Paper on the postwar pay of the Services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will give an assurance that the nearest relatives of an airman who is seriously ill will in future be informed immediately of his condition in view of the case, particulars of which have been sent to him, where official notification was sent to the parents three weeks after they had heard of their son's serious illness from another source.

I much regret that a mistake was made in this case as a result of which we received no report of the airman's illness from his Unit. Under Air Force Regulation we inform the next of kin by telegram, followed by a letter, as soon as a member of the Royal Air Force is reported to be seriously or dangerously ill, and of any important changes in his condition.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make an announcement with reference to the Anson aircraft missing on a flight from Reresby, Leicestershire, to Melbourne, Yorkshire, on Thursday, 24th January, 1946, in which Warrant Officer Crabtree of Oldham was being conveyed; what information has been given to Mrs. Crabtree; when the Air Ministry was notified; and when wide-scale search operations were commenced.

At 4.7 p.m. on 24th January, an Anson aircraft left Melbourne, Yorkshire, for a test flight to Rearsby airfield and return. The distance between Rearsby and Melbourne is about 80 miles. The aircraft had been inspected on the morning of 24th January and its equipment was in order. It reached Rearsby without incident and R/T contact was maintained throughout that part of the flight. At 5.10 p.m. it took off again from Rearsby and Melbourne was warned by telephone what time to expect its return. R/T contact was lost when the aircraft left Rearsby. When the aircraft became overdue at Melbourne, the standard search procedure was put into operation. This search procedure includes notification to the Royal Air Force Headquarters and Stations concerned, to Air/Sea Rescue units and to aircraft, and also to the civil police.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the news of the disappearance of the Anson aircraft was suppressed for nearly a week.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. Hale).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that certain airmen attached to R.A.F. headquarters in Austria were taken on 22nd December by special train and boat from this country where they had been on leave; waited 20 hours at Calais for a train to Villach where the N.A.A.F.I. buffet could only supply two cups of tea to each man during the 48 hours they travelled; during that time, which included Christmas Day, they had to sleep and sit on wooden seats and on arrival on Christmas night they were given a cold meal; and why the men were not retained in this country over Christmas.

I think there has been some misunderstanding about this case, because normal arrangements were in fact made, and proper food provided, for the journey. Leave could not be specially extended over Christmas for these airmen without unfairly delaying leave for other airmen.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of officers, and the number of other ranks, now engaged in airfield construction in Germany.

One hundred and fifty officers and 4,000 men of the Airfield Construction Service are at present in Germany. They are mainly working on accommodation for the Air Forces of Occupation. In the next two months we intend to increase our use of German labour and the members of the Royal Air Force will then be needed only for supervisory work.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why trans-Atlantic passengers are shuttled to Camberley and not to some aerodrome nearer to London.

The flight from Prestwick to Blackbushe, the airfield to which the hon. Member refers, is the last stage of a Transport Command military service across the North Atlantic. We are using this airfield mainly because it has special navigational aids for all-weather flying and the experience we are gaining from these aids should contribute to the general safety of aircraft flying in bad weather. Only one flight has been cancelled of the last 100 from Prestwick to Blackbushe.