asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, (1) how many Arabs and Jews have been convicted of offences in connection with arms and explosives during the last six years; the number of each community sentenced to imprisonment on such charges; and the numbers of each community sentenced to imprisonment with special treatment;

(2) when it was made a capital offence to carry arms in Palestine; the number of Jews and of Arabs arrested since that date on charges concerning the carrying or illegal possession of arms; the numbers of Jews and Arabs convicted and sentenced to death; and the numbers of Jews and Arabs executed in accordance with such sentences.

It was made a capital offence to carry arms on 11th November, 1937. The death penalty for this offence was revoked on 15th June, 1940, and reinstated on 24th March, 1944, and is still in force. Since IIth November, 1937, 188 Arabs and six Jews have been sentenced to death for this offence. Of these, 142 Arabs and one Jew have been executed. In addition two Jews have been sentenced to death, but the sentences have not yet been confirmed. The High Commissioner has been asked to furnish the further information desired by the hon. and gallant Member, but its collection will involve some delay.

My right hon. Friend included among the people charged with carrying arms those under the ex-Multi in Germany who carried arms against us in another war?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding instructions sent during the last six months to the High Commissioner for Palestine and the military authorities regarding internal security and the collection of arms; if any definite instructions have been sent to ensure that the most active steps possible should be taken to disarm the civilian inhabitants of Palestine and if he will now publish such instructions or correspondence.

It would not be in the interests of public security in Palestine to make any statement additional to the information already given to the House by the Prime Minister last Monday.

May I direct the attention of my right hon. Friend in particular to the last part of the Question? While no one would ask him to publish all the correspondence, is it not very much in the public interest that he should publish what instructions he did send to the High Commissioner in Palestine on this matter?

No, Sir. I still think that it is not in the public interest that these instructions should be published.

Does my right hon. Friend then say that he can send instructions on matters of this kind, which have worldwide repercussions, without this House ever knowing what are the instructions which he has sent?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is not prepared to add anything to the statement made by the Prime Minister on Monday?

I have already said so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether investigation into the practicability of large-scale production of ground nuts will extend to other colonies than those in East Africa.

I am hoping to arrange for the team of experts now in East Africa to visit parts of West Africa for the same purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when a further White Paper on the future marketing of West African cocoa may be expected, in accordance with his previous undertaking.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for South East St. Pancras (Dr. Jeger) on 6th March, to which at present I have nothing to add.

In view of the fact that the Minister promised last November that he would shortly issue a new White Paper on cocoa, and it is now July, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give grave disappointment to West African native producers?

No, I do not think that is so. There have been discussions taking place between the Colonial Office and the West African Governments concerned on this matter, and we have received no complaint from them as to the delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable disappointment owing to his failure to make up his mind?

Will any statement which the right hon. Gentleman makes be in time for this year's crop?

I do not think that it will, but negotiations are going on at the present time with regard to the fixing of the price of the crop.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pattern of the market which will be laid down will have great repercussions on other things available for food and other purposes?

That is one of the reasons for the delay in publication of the White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what have been the results, financial included, of the West African cocoa control scheme by which His Majesty's Government, to save the industry, bought the whole crop of British and French territories though it was in excess of British needs, agreed to meet the losses, if any, and to refund to the colonies concerned the profits, if any.

As the answer is rather long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if the people in the Colonies affected have an appreciation of the generous way in which we are carrying out our trusteeship to save their industries?

Following is the answer:

The purchase of British West African cocoa by His Majesty's Government began in 1939 when the closing of European markets and the shortage of shipping made it impossible for the merchant firms to continue to handle the trade and to pay a reasonable price to the cocoa farmers. The scheme, which involved the purchase of the total cocoa crop at a price fixed in advance of each season, was subsequently extended to cover French Cameroons cocoa.

Although losses were incurred by His Majesty's Government on the 1939–40 and 1941–42 crops, substantial profits were made in other years. Net profits up to the end of the 1942–43 season amounted to £3.676,253 and this sum has already been paid over to the territories concerned. From their shares of distributed profits the Governments of the Gold Coast and Nigeria have set aside a sum of £1¼ million to finance the West African Cocoa Research Institute.

Further profits of nearly £5 million were realised from the 1943–44 and 1944–45 crops and I shall shortly be asking the House to vote this further sum for transfer to the producing territories. These sums, less the sum of £1¼ million allocated to research, will be held in reserve pending the establishment of the permanent marketing organisation which I now have under consideration.

The benefits of His Majesty's Government's action to West African cocoa producers have been substantial. Although the profits cannot be immediately returned to the individual producer, they will provide a reserve against declining prices in future years and will in this way bring price stability to an industry which has suffered severely in the past from wide fluctuations in day to day marketing prices. The effect, too, of a fixed seasonal price for each crop has been to reduce speculation by middlemen and thus to ensure that the farmer receives full value for his cocoa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date he hopes to be able to announce a decision on the Report of the Commission on Higher Education in West Africa.

I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly, but I cannot yet fix a date for it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication whether such an announcement will be made before the end of this Session?

I should think that an announcement would be made in the course of the next week or two.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the results, financial included, of the purchase of sisal during the war from Colonies, with the object, inter alia, of saving the industry.

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

Following is the reply:

Bulk purchase of East African sisal by His Majesty's Government began in November, 1940, when, owing to the closing of certain markets, the industry was having difficulty in disposing of all the supplies available. His Majesty's Government then agreed to purchase the whole output on a basis of restricted production fixed initially at 100,000 tons per annum with the dual purpose of assisting the industry to remain in operation and building up a stock of sisal against future contingencies.

In 1942 with the cutting off of supplies of Manila hemp and Netherlands Indies sisal by the Japanese, East Africa became the United Nations' principal source of hard fibres and the bulk purchase scheme was extended to cover the maximum potential output. The success of producers in greatly expanding their output in spite of severe shortage of labour and equipment and in meeting all the essential war needs at a reasonable price was a splendid contribution to the Allied war effort on which they deserve to be warmly congratulated.

Bulk purchase of the whole output has continued and, under an agreement recently concluded, it is to remain in operation at least until the end of 1947. The total tonnage of sisal purchased from East Africa between November, 1940, and April, 1946, inclusive, was 684,000 tons valued at £16,800,000.

The price has been fixed throughout on the basis of cost, and, under the recent agreement, is now £48 9s. 0d. per ton free on rail, which, I understand, the producers are satisfied will enable them to overtake arrears of maintenance and re-equipment which have accrued during the war years and to improve and modernise methods of production so that the industry will be able to maintain and expand an efficient output in the face of the competition which may be expected to develop when the present shortage of hard fibres may be alleviated. The sisal so purchased by His Majesty's Government has been resold to other countries and to users in this country substantially at cost and the transaction has, therefore, not involved His Majesty's Government in any net cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Europeans in Tanganyika are still subject to residential restrictions as a consequence of expulsion orders made by the Governor; and when their cases are likely to be reviewed.

No Europeans in Tanganyika are now subject to residential restrictions as a consequence of expulsion orders. Of 14 Europeans against whom expulsion orders were made, five orders have been rescinded on appeal and one person has left the territory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action it is proposed to take to establish a satisfactory system of local government for the municipality of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Any substantial progress towards local self-government in Freetown is dependent upon a fair trial being given to the provisions of the Municipality Ordinance enacted last year. The operation of that ordinance was suspended to give time for its purpose, which has been widely misrepresented, to be fully understood by local public opinion. Steps have been taken with this object, and I hope that before long it will be practicable to bring the ordinance into operation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schools or churches have been closed by the Government of Kenya within the last two years, and for what reasons.

I have asked the Governor for this information, and will write to my hon. Friend when it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many European settlers have taken up land in Kenya under the new scheme for land settlement; how many Africans have been dispossessed of land to make room for them, and in what circumstnces.

Ten European settlers have been allotted land as tenant farmers; two have been granted loans under the assisted owners' scheme for the development of properties purchased with their own funds; and a further 97 have been accepted under the new schemes and are either undergoing training or awaiting passages to Kenya. No Africans have been dispossessed of land to make room for them.

Will my right hon. Friend take every opportunity to obtain the widest publicity for his answer in the Press here, and in Kenya? Is he aware that his answer will give the utmost satisfaction in the Colony owing to certain wild statements which were published in the "East African Standard" recently?

I am sure that my hon. Friend's Question and my answer will receive the publicity which he desires.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason the proposed legislation restricting immigration into the East African territories lays down that immigrants intending to enter agriculture must possess £800 capital, immigrants intending to enter mining £1,000, but immigrants intending to take up trading a capital of at least £2,500.

The minimum capital qualification prescribed in the Immigration Bills for persons intending to enter the territories to engage in agriculture, mining, trade or manufacturing industry are designed to secure that the persons concerned are likely to become an economic asset to the territory concerned, and on this basis it is considered that a higher minimum is required for trading than for agriculture or mining.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most of the people who wish to enter territories for the purpose of going into industry are Indians, and that there is a considerable feeling that this is an attempt at an indirect racial bar against the entry of Indians within this community? In view of that, will he consider whether this limit is too high?

We have to give some thought to the applicants. I have no doubt that the proposed legislation will take this point into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the official figure of 61,000 Indians in Kenya was arrived at; if he will have an immediate census taken of all Indians in Kenya differentiating between the different religions; and if he will consider an Indian quota for East Africa.

As the answer is rather long, and contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his figure 61,000 Indians in Kenya has been ridiculed in the Kenya Press, and that the real figure is 81,000? What has he done with the other 20,000 Indians?

There is a great deal of difference in the figures which we have been able to obtain. I am giving the hon. Member a full explanation. I have not been able to find the other 20,000 Indians.

Following is the answer:

The figures contained in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 15th May were based on statistics of migration through Kenya ports and included provision for the estimated increase of the Indian population. They did, not, however, take account of inter-territorial movement by land in East Africa. The only other figures available are based on the Commodity Distribution Board registration which did not exist in 1939, and it was, therefore, not possible to compare the total registration under the Board of some 75,000 persons in May, 1945, in Kenya, with similarly compiled figures of the Indian population for 1939. The Commodity Distribution Board statistics are not available for 1946. The only figures providing a comparison between 1939 and 1945 were the migration statistics, which take into account migration figures since 1931 together with an allowance of one per cent. per annum for estimated natural increases. These figures are 43,200 for 1939 and 61,000 for 1946. The practicability of taking a general census throughout East Africa, which would presumably include a census of Indians, is under consideration at the present time.

With regard to the last part of the Question, the answer is in the negative, but draft legislation dealing with immigration by all races into the East African territories was published by each of the East African Governments for consideration last April. The drafts are still the subject of public examination and discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the plight of the cocoanut industry in British Guiana due to the low price of copra, the unhealthy state of the plantations and the bad condition of the cultivators; and what steps he will take to make this once more a flourishing industry and to improve the living conditions of the workers in it.

Yes, Sir. I have been in consultation with the Governor and have recently received a despatch from him explaining the difficulties with which the cocoanut industry is now faced. Obsolete milling machinery is one of the main obstacles and I am assisting the Governor to obtain new equipment. But the industry is also hampered by lack of labour due to the competing claims of other food products such as sugar and rice. I am asking my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food to advise me of the relative importance which should be attached to the production in British Guiana of these food products and will consider the matter further in the light of his comments.

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that owing to the very bad conditions in the plantations, young men will no longer work there, and, therefore, he will not get labour supply in these plantations unless he improves the conditions?

I have had no complaint from any source whatever in regard to the conditions in these plantations, but I will, in the light of what my hon. Friend has said, take this matter up.

Is there not also the problem, apart from that of price, of the exchange of commodities? If we do not send textile goods to British Guiana, we shall not get cocoa, rubber or any other commodities that affect our industries.

Unfortunately, it is not only British Guiana that is suffering in that respect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many hospitals are maintained by public authorities in British Guiana and whether he is satisfied that they adequately meet the needs of the community.

British Guiana maintains seven public hospitals containing, in all, over 2,000 beds, and I am satisfied that these arrangements meet the needs of the community. But substantial reconstruction is desirable, and the Government of British Guiana is considering what improvements are possible within the limits set by its financial resources, including its allocation under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1945.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the results, financial included, of the purchase by His Majesty's Government of Jamaican banana crops since the beginning of the war in order to save the industry.

The loss to His Majesty's Government to date is over £3½ million. Some part of this loss may be recovered from the proceeds of sales during the last year of the guarantee which ends on the 31st December The effect of this guarantee scheme has been that despite the drastic fall in shipments during the war years and the ravages of disease and hurricanes a nucleus of banana plantations has been kept in being, and shipments to this country have now been resumed on a small scale.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report on the ordinance reintroducing flogging in Trinidad has yet been received from the Governor; and whether he has any statement to make.

The ordinance came into force in January and I asked for a report on its working after six months. I prefer to await receipt of the report before making a statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider very carefully whether the introduction of flogging into the Colony is something of which a progressive and Labour Government or a Labour Secretary of State can be proud?

In this matter I was acting as a result of the decision which was taken by the Legislative Council of Trinidad, and, indeed, after very careful consideration. I am prepared to consider the matter in the light of the report which I have received from the Governor.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether similar legislation is being recommended or proposed for other West Indian Islands?

No, Sir, not to my knowledge.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the fact that ex-Governors of Trinidad publicly condemned this reactionary measure, and will he take that into consideration when the report comes before him?

Certainly, and these matters have been taken into consideration when a decision was arrived at, but my hon. Friends must remember that, if the Colonies are to have any power whatever, notice must be taken of the power which has been given to them by this House.

Pending the reconsideration of this question will my right hon. Friend suspend any actual sentences?

No, Sir, it is impossible to do that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider an alteration in the constitution in view of the fact that there is something wanting in a Legislative Council which passes such a measure?

I can only consider an alteration of the constitution and impose it by deposing the legislative organisation which is in being at the present time.

Is it not a fact, as a result of the new constitution which I introduced there, that within the last two days there has been a general election, and will the right hon. Gentleman obtain the views of the new Legislature on the subject?

I think that is a matter which the Governor will see to.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is intended to use money from the Colonial Development Fund to build a new mental asylum in Jamaica.

Provision for a new mental reception hospital has been included in the draft 10-year development plan for Jamaica. These proposals, which will be financed partly by the Colonial Development and Welfare allocation, are now being considered by the Jamaica Government.

Now that Mr. Bustamente has been declared innocent, can the right hon. Gentleman give any information about the burning of the former mental asylum? Can he say whether it was a rival trade union which called out the attendants at the same time as the fire brigade, gave kerosene to the inmates, and incited them to set fire to the building, with the result that 15 patients were burned to death?

That is an entirely different question from the one on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take as a result of the recent Report on Nutrition in the West Indies.

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

Following is the answer:

I have been in correspondence with the West Indian Governments about the introduction of flour of improved nutritive value, and the U.K. High Commissioner in Canada has been asked to take up with the Canadian authorities the question of supplying flour of the type required. All the Governments concerned, except the Bahamas, have accepted these proposals in principle subject to reassurance as to the keeping properties of the flour. This point is under investigation.

Certain trials are being made of the feeding of skimmed milk and food yeast to children, and technical work is being done on the parboiling of rice. Further investigation into a certain type of severe malnutrition in infants has been made and has led to a very much clearer understanding of the disease.

As to the nutrition working party, some preliminary work is in progress, and I am at present examining estimates of cost for the full scheme. Progress has been hindered by unavoidable delays connected with the processing plant required. In the meantime, a nutrition officer, appointed by the Trinidad Government, is making preliminary surveys, and the prospective medical officer of the team has been sent to study under Dr. Piatt for several months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what protests have been received from the Malay National Union against the cession of Sarawak being passed as a result of the voting of European members of the Council Negri; and whether he has considered protests received from other organisations and from influential private individuals.

The Malay National Union have not addressed any protest to me. As the result of an inquiry which Mr. Anthony Brooke addressed to the Union and the Dyak Association on 6th June, however, those bodies sent telegrams to him expressing opposition to cession. I have considered the representations which I have had from a certain society in this country and from Captain Bertram Brooke.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he is doing as a result of these considerations?

So far as I am concerned, the representations have been replied to, and nothing more has been done.

Would it be right to consider that the Government have no intention of paying any further attention to what the natives of this country feel?

Has the right hon. Gentleman received representations from the commander-in-chief of our Forces in the district, with regard to the effect of this cession on the feelings of the native population?

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while the outcome of the negotiations that have been taking place in regard to the cession of Sarawak is likely to be satisfactory to all parties concerned, the means which have been used to bring that outcome into being are open to somewhat grave criticism?

I really cannot accept these observations. The House has been kept very fully informed with regard to the procedure taken in dealing with this matter; so much so that the two hon. Members of this House who visited Sarawak were satisfied that the cession is in the interest of the natives.

In view of the fact that in his reply to a question by me the other day the right hon. Gentleman made certain statements which were flatly contradicted in "The Times" of yesterday, is he right in saying that we have been fully and properly informed?

I think that the House has been properly and fully informed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when a governor of Sarawak is to be appointed; and whether he will come under the Governor General of Malaya.

I hope that the appointment will be made and announced by the middle of this month. The Governor-General will not have any direct administrative functions in relation to Sarawak, but will have the same powers of coordination and direction that he has in relation to other territories within his area.

Am I to understand from that that Sarawak is going to form a sort of Malayan Empire? Will the Governor to be appointed be somebody who has previously been in the Sarawak colonial service, or somebody with no knowledge of the country?

Sarawak is going to be separate territory, and I cannot yet make an announcement or, indeed, refer to the appointment of the person likely to receive the position of Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the approximate number of Ceylon Indians who have been discharged from the Knavesmire estate, Ceylon; how far these Ceylon Indians will have to travel from Knavesmire to obtain certificates of permanent settlement; and if Ceylon Indians, born on Knavesmire estate and who have worked all their lives there, will be allowed to remain there.

Three hundred and sixty-one Indian labourers have been discharged from this estate. Indian and Ceylonese estate labourers are alike ineligible to participate in the scheme of village expansion for which the Knavesmire Estate was acquired. They would have to travel 15 miles to obtain certificates of permanent settlement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if any steps at all have been taken to save these Ceylon Indians from starvation and unemployment?

These persons were offered employment in the neighbouring villages, which they could have accepted within the period of their month's notice.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the present Ceylon Government are proposing similar schemes of permanent settlement for Indian labourers, as they are for Cingalese labourers?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question on that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the average cost of producing rubber in Malaya at the present time; to which countries it is being sold; at what prices; and what profit or loss results from these prices.

There is no means of ascertaining the average cost of producing rubber in Malaya at the present time. Even individual plantation companies have been unable to give me precise information regarding their own costs of production. Rubber is now sold direct from Malaya to all countries which have allocations from the Combined Rubber Committee. The price at which His Majesty's Government are buying is 50 Straits cents f.o.b. for No. 1 ribbed smoked sheet. The United States Government are paying the same price. In the absence of information from the producers I am unable to answer the last part of the question.

Arising out of that evasive answer will the Minister say whether this rubber has been sold at a profit or at a loss?

I think it has been sold at a profit.

Is it not for the Minister to know, not to think?

It is impossible to know unless one can get the cost of production from the producers, and up to the present time it has been impossible to get the cost of production from them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the secret societies which are behind the increasing lawlessness in northern Malaya.

The Governor informs me that there is evidence of an organisation of criminal elements responsible for lawless activities in Northern Malaya and in Penang in particular. He adds, however, that with the strengthening of the personnel and standard of training of the police force the administration is now able to deal more adequately with these elements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the cost-of-living index in Malaya, compared with the level in 1941; and also with the level six months ago.

It is not possible to make the precise comparisons for which my hon. Friend has asked. In October, 1945, however, it was estimated that, while there were wide variations in different parts of the country, the average of the prices of some 30 foodstuffs and other articles in general use was eight times that in 1939. Last month, a committee appointed by the Governors of the Malay Union and Singapore reported that the cost of living index in those territories was about four times the prewar figure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to encourage consumers' cooperation in Malaya in order to relieve the present difficulties in the distribution of food and other essential supplies.

The Governors of the Malay Union and Singapore are alive to the importance of encouraging the development of cooperative activities. I am making inquires on the specific points raised in the Question, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have further information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans the Government of Fiji has for the improvement of workers' housing conditions.

Sites near Suva are being selected to meet overcrowding in the town. Plans for improved workers' housing are included in the report of the Postwar Planning and Development Committee which recommends the creation of a housing board charged with the improvement, construction and management of housing settlements in the urban areas of the Colony with substantial financial assistance from Government. These proposals are now under examination by my advisers.

Is the Minister aware that while wages around about 8s. to 10s. a day operate in Fiji, the rents are as much as £7 a month for these workers houses, and my information is that they are in a deplorable state of disrepair?

I will certainly look into what my hon. Friend has said.

Would it not be possible to loan the present Minister of Health to the Government of Fiji to ensure rapid action?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present cost of living in Fiji as compared with the figure before the war; whether there have been corresponding increases in the wages of subordinate employees in the public works department; and what increases have been made in the salaries of officials in senior positions to meet the rise in the cost of living.

The latest index, which is based primarily on the cost of living conditions of Indians who constitute the majority of paid labourers in Fiji, shows that for the quarter ended 31st March, 1946, in country districts and in Suva, the cost of living was 87 per cent. and 69 per cent. respectively, above that of August, 1939. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part of the Question a bonus of £90 per annum is being paid to officers in receipt of salaries of £600 per annum or more.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the employees of the public works department, Fiji, work 48 hours a week; that their demand for a reduction to 40 hours has recently been rejected by the Labour and National Service Board without any reason given; that men who work for this department work longer hours than those in private employment doing similar work; and whether he will take steps to secure a reduction of working hours without loss of pay and the granting of pay for public holidays.

With few exceptions the 48-hour week is the general rule for industrial undertakings in Fiji, including the building trade. The request for a 40-hour week was put forward in January, 1945. Since then, as a result of discussions between the Labour and National Service Board and representatives of the Public Works Department, and of the award of certain overtime rate concessions, the request for a 40-hour week in place of the present 48-hour week has not been pressed. Pay is granted for Good Friday and Christmas Day. Annual leave with pay is also granted. Further concessions will be considered in connection with the general labour situation in the island.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the members of the Pan-Cyprian Trades Union Committee are still in jail.

Eighteen, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any steps will be taken by him to release these men, having regard to the undertaking he gave me in this House as long ago as 29th March? He said then that he regretted he had had no time to reconsider the case, and would communicate with me as soon as possible. That was 14 weeks ago.

There is considerable difficulty in interfering with sentences which are passed in the Colonies in view of the fact that the prerogative is that of the Governor. In the meantime, I have been considering the question, but owing to the difficulties I am not yet in a position to give any reply to my hon. Friend.

Is it not a fact that in spite of those difficulties the entire trade union leadership of Cyprus is in gaol, and would it not be desirable to have the leaders released from gaol?

No, Sir. I cannot really accept the statement made by my hon. Friend in view of the fact that there are in Cyprus 143 separate unions and 78 branches with a membership of 13,394. They still have their leaders with them at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what points of agreement have so far been reached in the negotiations with Egypt.

I think it would be inappropriate for me to attempt to make any detailed statement about the negotiations with Egypt at the present time. I am grateful, however, to my hon. Friend for this opportunity of informing the House that, as a result of further discussions between His Majesty's Ambassador and the Egyptian Government, His Majesty's Government have invited my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air to return to Cairo as soon as possible to resume the negotiations which he has so auspiciously begun.

As a wholehearted supporter of the Government's policy for the evacuation of Egypt, may I ask my right hon. Friend to assure the House on three points: first, that the lives and property of European and other nationals will be fully protected; second, that if we do evacuate the Suez Canal zone in no event will Egyptian troops be used against this country; and, third, will he undertake to afford the House an early opportunity of debating the Treaty as soon as the clauses are made available? Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that no attempt will be made to "pull a fast one" on the House, as was done with the Treaty with Transjordan?

The question of a Debate ought to be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. As regards the Canal zone, I think my hon. Friend's question is hypothetical—at any rate, I should not like to answer it this afternoon. I can assure my hon. Friend that his question about the lives and property of Europeans will be fully borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made with the Dutch Government for the joint defence of Malaya and the Dutch East Indies; and what arrangements are being made for Malayans from Sumatra and from Malaya to move from one country to the other

No special arrangements have been made with the Netherlands Government about the defence of Malaya and the Dutch East Indies. I have no information about the facilities for travel between Sumatra and Malaya, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has been good enough to say that he will cause inquiries to be made.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that before the war a good deal of worry was caused to Colonial officials, both in our own Colonies and in the Dutch, with regard to this question of protection? Would it not be possible now to discuss this matter with the Dutch Government? Further, is he not aware that Malaya is now being completely changed, and is not this the moment to remember the Malayans who have served this country well in the past?

We hope that adequate arrangements for the defence of territories against aggression will be made for all parts of the world within the framework of the collective security of the United Nations. We intend to pursue that policy. The Japanese at the present time are not capable of making war, we see no other aggressor on the horizon, and we therefore think that there is ample time to deal with these matters later on.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to obtain from Japan material, machinery and supplies in order to repair the devastation caused to, and replace the losses incurred by, Burma as a result of the Japanese invasion and occupation.

The sending of material, machinery and supplies from Japan to Burma is part of the wider question of the reparation to be made by Japan That question is under constant and active consideration by the Far Eastern Commission in Washington. In the meanwhile, all the Governments represented in the Commission, including the Government of Burma, have been asked to submit their claims for an interim share-out. The list of Burma's demands has already been sent to the United Kingdom representative on the Far Eastern Commission; he will submit them to the Commission at the appropriate time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether we have had as much material out of Japan or her possessions after four years of war, as Russia got after 11 days of war with Japan?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the problem of minorities in Central and South-Eastern Europe.

In the Charter of the United Nations every member Government undertakes to promote and encourage respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. The Economic and Social Council is empowered by the Charter to make recommendations on this subject, and to prepare draft conventions for submission to the General Assembly. In pursuance of this mandate, the Economic and Social Council, at its recent meeting, decided to appoint a Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and to request this Commission to draft an International Bill of Rights as soon as possible. The Council further requested the Commission to make suggestions about the methods to be employed to ensure that the undertakings of the International Bill of Rights would be effectively observed. The Council of Foreign Ministers has agreed that articles imposing similar obligations on ex-enemy states shall be included in the Peace Treaties which they are now engaged in drawing up.

His Majesty's Government earnestly hope that this new system will ensure the rights of minorities throughout the world. They will, for their part, do everything in their power to ensure its speedy and effective application.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will use his persuasion with the United Nations organisation to ensure a speedy application of these provisions in the area concerned?

The Bill of Rights will take some time to build up and the number of States in that area who are members of the United Nations is not as yet very great; I hope nevertheless that the system will be in operation within a measurable time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he received information that Sub-Carpathian Ruthenia had been incorporated in the U.S.S.R.; and whether this annexation has met with his approval, in view of the fact that the population has never been consulted, in spite of Clause 2 of the Atlantic Charter.

The agreement between the Governments of Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union, by which Sub-Carpathian Ruthenia was made part of the Ukraine, was signed in Moscow on 29th June, 1945. The agreement was published on the following day. His Majesty's Government has not expressed either approval or disapproval of its terms.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to use his influence in seeing that these unfortunate people receive special consideration at the Peace Conference in view of the fact that they are now cut off by barbed wire entanglements from the rest of Slovakia and that the iron curtain is as rigid as it can be made?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cost of the deep sea rescue tugs base maintained at the Great Eastern Hotel, Harwich.

The annual cost of this base is approximately £9,000.

As there are very few tugs in home waters and there is so little for them to do, is the First Lord satisfied that this expenditure is fully justified?

Yes, Sir, because the expenditure covers not only the maintenance of the rescue tugs which are still doing heavy towing and rescue work, but also the general arrangements for demobilisation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that personnel serving with His Majesty's deep sea rescue tugs are not fully employed; and why demobilisation in this branch of the R.N. has not been speeded up.

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the small pool at Harwich of officers and men awaiting reappointment or demobilisation. Such a pool is inevitable in a service of this kind and is no indication that the service as a whole is not fully employed. On the contrary, the deep sea rescue tugs have a very heavy programme of towing and rescue work. Demobilisation is, however, being carried out as rapidly as requirements permit, and an accelerated programme of release for officers and men on T.124 T engagements was, in fact, announced on 22nd June.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of executive, all branches, engineer and shipwright warrant officers it is desired to promote this year; the number of rating candidates in each branch who have qualified both educationally and professionally; and what steps his Department intend to take to make the conditions of service in warrant rank more attractive, with the object of obtaining a larger number of candidates.

As the reply contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the First Lord say whether the number of candidates this year has increased or decreased as the result of the new rates of pay for officers and ratings?

I should like notice of that question.

Following is the reply:

The reply to the first part of the Question is as follows:

As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him on 26th June.

asked the Prime Minister the number of industries which have reported an increase in the output per man-hour as a result of his appeal; and what are the percentages of increase.

I have been asked to reply. There has been an increase in production in many industries during the last few months, but I cannot say how much of this increase may be due to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's appeal and how much to other causes.

Does the Lord President mean that there has been an increase per man hour, and is he satisfied that the level which is being maintained today is satisfactory?

We think that material progress has been made, but I cannot give a figure which will satisfactorily relate the man-hour output to the Prime Minister's efforts, any more than I can give a figure for the reduction in output per man-hour owing to the efforts of the Opposition and their supporters in the Press.

Has the Lord President any figures which will show how much the increase has been? He has not given the House any figures at all.

For the benefit of hon. Members and the rest of the public His Majesty's Government publish the "Monthly Digest of Statistics." I would recommend the hon. Member to study that publication as part of his Parliamentary duty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman estimate what the output would be if it were not for the constant threats of junior Members of the present Administration that they are going to nationalise one industry after another?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will consider amending the Sessional Order so as to ensure that hon. Members will always be allowed half an hour for raising matters on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

This matter falls appropriately within the subjects being considered by the Select Committee on Procedure which is reviewing the whole field of Parliamentary procedure, but at this late stage in the Session my hon. Friend will not expect me to undertake to promise action this Session on any recommendation which the Select Committee may make on the matter in a future report. I am submitting the matter to the Select Committee.

Since the right hon. Gentleman referred this matter to the Select Committee about nine months ago—or at least he told me he had—I was wondering whether he would not introduce a Standing Order for next Session allowing hon. Members half an hour every night for this purpose.

It is not for me to presume on the recommendations of Select Committees, but, as far as the Government are concerned, we are entirely sympathetic with the point of view of the hon. Member. I think it would be right, as there is this Select Committee on Procedure, to put the matter to them and one would hope that they may be able to report in time for the House to consider the question when we resume.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to look at this matter again since it may take some time before the Select Committee on Procedure presents its report on what is a relatively minor matter which the Government could very well deal with?

I will consider the points raised by the hon. Member and the noble Lord and will see whether we can short circuit procedure in some measure. I am, however, most anxious not to be discourteous to the Select Committee which has served the House so diligently.

I cannot see that it would be discourteous. The Committee have been aware of this question for nine months and surely the Lord President can introduce a Standing Order at the beginning of next Session?

I hope that will be done in either case. I do not think any blame rests with the Select Committee but I will certainly bear in mind the feeling of the House. I think it is a reasonable request and will do my best to have it met.

As one of the new Members of this House, may I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind the feeling shared by many hon. Members that it would be a great convenience if the Business of the House could be so arranged that the Adjournment would fall at the same time each day? Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will explain why half an hour at a particular time during the Business of the House cannot be arranged for the discussion of matters on the Adjournment?

I think that to interrupt the Business of the House for half an hour's Adjournment Motion would be inconvenient, as it is when a Motion under Standing Order No. 8 comes forward. I do not think we could do that, but otherwise I will do anything I can to meet the cheerful hopefulness of my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of the expelled male persons now entering the British zone of Germany are able-bodied and fit for work.

About 60 per cent.

asked the Minister of Food what action he is taking to increase the supply of fresh fruit to consumers in this country.

Although I am naturally unable to make any announcement about quantities and sources while negotiations are in progress, I can assure the hon. Member that there are good prospects of considerable increases in the supply of fresh fruit during the next 12 months

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when those increases are likely to appear in the shops?

The fruit harvest has not been gathered yet, and it will not occur till after then.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in order to assist him in coming to a decision on the subject of bread rationing, his Department has obtained information as to which foreign countries ration bread at present.

Yes, Sir, but the decision to ration bread in this country was dictated by our own prospective supply position. As a matter of fact every country on the Continent of Europe does in fact already ration bread.

Will this precise information also be made available to the House this afternoon?

Wait and see.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a considerable amount of bread is wasted in hotels and restaurants where customers ask for bread and leave most of it on their plates at lunch and dinner; and if he will forbid bread being served in any form at main meals in public eating-places when the total cost of the meal is more than 2s. head

I shall be making a statement on this subject in my speech this evening.

asked the Minister of Food what increase in staff will be required to carry out a system of bread rationing.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 26th June to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor) of which I am sending him a copy.

In the figure of 1,500 to 2,000 staff was any provision made for the staff required for the sale and distribution of bread where bakers owing to the complexities of bread rationing will be unable to continue to do this themselves?

I believe that the bakers fears, though very natural in that respect, are entirely exaggerated. We shall encourage their customers, who I believe will do it in their own interests, to leave their bread unit coupons with their bakers, so that distribution of bread will proceed exactly as now.

Oh.

Is it a fact that the staff of the Ministry has had to be increased by 2,000 officials as the result of the rationing of bread?

Yes, Sir. That answer has already been given to that question.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that hardship is being caused to persons employed during the day, often many miles from their homes, in being asked to register for new ration books between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays; and what steps he will take to assist these people.

We have done all we can to minimise the inconvenience of obtaining the new ration book. Nobody is obliged to apply personally for his book, and application may be made at any ration book distribution centre and in special circumstances even by registered post. The distribution of ration books is proceeding smoothly, 38 million books having been issued in the first four weeks of distribution.

Will my right hon. Friend inform the House the special circumstances under which people may apply for their ration books by registered post, as this might meet the cases I have in mind?

They are somewhat complex, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Food what was the number of ration cards in issue in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, on 1st June, 1946, or the last convenient date.