asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the long waits endured by the public in many post offices due to the inadequate number of clerks; and what steps he is taking to provide a speedier service.

Yes, Sir, I regret that the large increase in business at post office counters, which is now 50 per cent. greater than before the war, has led to some delay in serving the public. The possibilities of reorganising counter working have, I am afraid, already been practically exhausted, but my noble Friend is hopeful that the position will improve as more accommodation and permanent trained staff become available.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that relatives sending parcels to Servicemen overseas experience considerable difficulty and delay in obtaining a receipt for such parcels from the post office, at which they are despatched; and if he will have printed a suitable form of receipt, which could then be issued in respect of all such parcels.

A suitable printed form of certificate of posting is already available at post offices for this purpose. There should be no difficulty in obtaining these certificates at the time of posting, and if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars of any cases where difficulty has arisen I will gladly have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider organising the R.O.C. on a voluntary basis, in view of the small annual grants which are now offered.

I think the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. Except for 57 full-time officers, the members of the Royal Observer Corps are all unpaid volunteers. They will receive small annual grants to meet the incidental expenses of their service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will give instructions that a supply of small envelopes shall be delivered to the R.O.C. Headquarters, Stanmore, so that foolscap envelopes need not be used to enclose one small sheet of paper

The Royal Observer Corps is supplied with small envelopes and with labels for using envelopes a second time. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me any evidence he may have about the misuse of foolscap envelopes, I will examine it with interest and care.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, why, although there are three times as many applications for family quarters from airmen in Middle East Command as from officers, the number of officers' families now in the command is about the same as the number of airmen's families; why the programme for married quarters in the Canal zone is for only about one-and-a-half times as many airmen's families as for officers' families; and why this programme envisages a 400 per cent. increase in married quarters for officers and only a 144 per cent. increase in married quarters for airmen, as it is easier for those who can afford to pay towards the cost of quarters to have their families with them.

The number of applications made by airmen for permission to bring their families to the Mediterranean and the Middle East has been approximately double the number made by officers. As I explained in a recent answer to my hon. Friend, a larger proportion of officers have been able to have their families with them, because they have made greater use of private accommodation. This has been particularly true in Egypt. The forces are now all moving to the Canal Zone, where there is very little private accommodation, and where we must, of course, provide lodgings for the families already in the country. Nearly all the public married quarters in the Canal Zone, however, will be available for use either by officers or airmen: and the allocation will be progressively adjusted in order that justice may be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he willl now grant tradesmen's status to trained civilian aircraft maintenance personnel after five years' service with his Department, in the same way as it has been granted to ex-R.A.F. personnel with a similar training and length of service.

The position of the civilian dilutees employed during the war in aircraft maintenance is governed by an agreement made by my Ministry with the Amalgamated Engineering Union in October, 1939. At a later date the Union agreed that, under certain conditions, men who learnt their trade during the war as uniformed airmen in the Royal Air Force should, when they left the Service arid obtained employment as civilians in our maintenance units, be regarded as fully skilled craftsmen. They felt unable to accept the same arrangement for civilian dilutees. The hon. Member will, I am sure, understand that the position of civilian dilutees affects the engineering industry as a whole and he will appreciate the Union's anxiety to ensure an orderly return to normal condition of employment in all the many sections of the industry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is now prepared to publish the Report of the Pakenham Committee on the suitability of various sites for the establishment of a marine airport.

Yes, Sir, but I should make it clear that the Pakenham Committee considered the problem solely from the standpoint of civil aviation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation his estimate of the approximate overall cost of the establishment of a marine airport at Cliffe, compared with his estimate for the establishment of equivalent facilities at Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth.

I regret I am unable at this stage to give figures. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Portsmouth (Major Bruce) on 29th January, my noble Friend has directed that detailed examination shall proceed of the Cliffe site so as to determine the physical and financial implications of its possible development. The Pakenham Committee, in the absence of precise figures, based on the necessary detailed physical survey, concluded that the financial advantage was in favour of Langstone.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what plans exist to improve during 1947 the standardisation of scientific devices at British and continental aerodromes, and the evolution of an organisation by which aircraft unable to land at one aerodrome by reason of the weather can be directed without delay to the nearest aerodrome where conditions for landing are satisfactory.

The standardisation of scientific devices is one of the tasks of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation and a number of interim programmes have been drawn up at regional conferences of the organisation, including the European region. My noble Friend is pressing forward with their implementation in negotiation with the countries concerned. Regional conferences of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation have also undertaken the designation of aerodromes for the use of international air services as alternates in bad weather or other emergency. The extension of the facilities is proceeding.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will give a list of the airfields in the United Kingdom used for public passenger services at which the Standard Beam Approach System is installed.

Standard Beam Approach equipment is installed and in operation at the following airfields which are used for public passenger services: Aberdeen (Dyce), Belfast (Nutts Corner), Bovingdon (used as a diversionary airport), Croydon, Hurn, London Airport, Northolt, Prestwick, Ronaldsway, and Whitchurch (Bristol). Installation of Standard Beam Approach equipment is also in an advanced state and completion is expected within three months at Renfrew, Stornoway, Inverness (Delcross), Manchester (Ringway), and Sumburgh. Standard Beam Approach installations will be installed at 22 further airfields as the sites are acquired.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made in discussions with the Dominions regarding the various anomalies that arose from the published conditions of award of medals, stars and clasps issued during the war; and if he will now make a statement.

Various questions which arose during the war have been settled in consultation with Dominion Governments. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the White Paper published in June, 1946, (Command 6833). I have nothing further to add to previous statements on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the inter-planning departmental committee on land acquisitions by the Services, as at present constituted, is precluded from examining the question except in regard to specific acreages in particular localities, he will move to set up a Select Committee of the House to review the position generally in the light of the needs of the Services and of those of civil life.

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Membe to the reply given to him on 28th November last and to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. Cooper), on 2nd December last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Defence in view of the dislocation of business and of the retarding of the training in industry of youths of 18 years of age called to the Services, whether he will consider the advisability of conscripting youths for territorial training at home, subject to employers giving, in addition to annual holidays, a further fortnight's absence to attend training camps for manoeuvres, etc.

Part-time service on the lines suggested would not meet the manpower needs of the Forces; nor would it allow sufficient time for adequate training. I regret, therefore, that it cannot be adopted.

asked the Minister of Food how many licences have been issued for the erection of quick-freeze plants.

Licences have been issued for the erection of quick-freeze plants at 11 food factories.

asked the Minister of Food the numbers of Europeans and non-Europeans on his staff, respectively, employed overseas, country by country; and whether the strength of these staffs is constantly under review in the interests of national economy.

As the reply is rather detailed, I am sending the hon. Member a list setting out the particulars he asks for. The strength of the Ministry of Food staff overseas in continually being reviewed.

asked the Minister of Food if it is the policy of his Department to discourage the sending of private food parcels to Britain from the U.S.A., Canada and Australia; what percentage of such parcels in the past year has reached their destination; what percentage has been stolen in transit after arrival in Britain; and what percentage has been confiscated by Government order.

We are grateful for any gifts from overseas, and, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Regulations were amended in October last to permit heavier parcels. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend, the Postmaster-General, that no individual record is kept of uninsured parcels. There is no evidence that of the large number of gifts sent by post from the U.S.A., Canada and Australia, any significant number is stolen. I am informed that whilst no separate figures are available of the parcels confiscated by the Customs Department, the percentage is negligible.

asked the Minister of Food when the consignment of foodstuffs addressed to the deserving cases of a school in Coatbridge and dispatched last November by a former pupil now in New Zealand is likely to be delivered.

I presume my hon. Friend refers to a gift sent by the Southland Centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society. With the approval of the Dominions representatives in this country, all gifts sent in bulk are distributed through local authorities. Accordingly, we suggested to the Society that this gift should he sent to the Coatbridge Authority for distribution to deserving cases, in consultation with the school to which it was addressed. The Society's agreement has been received this week, and arrangements for the despatch of the food will be made forthwith.

asked the Minister of Food whether his regulations permit a number of persons to contribute their bread-rationing coupons or points towards a common pool to enable a party to be given for the children of a large housing estate.

No, Sir, but individuals may contribute food from their own rations for this purpose. Certain recognised bodies organising parties for young people may also obtain permits for a limited quantity of rationed foods if they apply to their local food office.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many chemists in South Wales have received no supply of olive oil for medicinal purposes for many months; and whether, in view of its necessity, he will arrange for the importation of larger supplies.

We were unable to get enough olive oil to meet our requirements for medicinal purposes in 1946. Producing countries retained most of their own production. We are hoping to obtain increased quantities in the future. So far as I am aware, South Wales has received its share of the limited supplies available but if my hon. Friend will give me the names of any chemists who have been unable to get supplies I will gladly investigate.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the decrease in animal feedingstuffs imported into this country in 1946 as compared with 1945, he will make a statement as to his plans and intentions for a substantial increase to be made available throughout 1947.

We intend to purchase increased quantities of feedingstuffs during 1947, as intimated in my reply to the hon. Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 27th January. It is not possible to announce details in advance.

asked the Minister of Food if facilities have now been provided for the transport of 16,000 tons of linseed oil awaiting delivery to this country from the Argentine.

Shipment of the oil purchased from the Argentine for shipment during 1946 has been completed, and my right hon. Friend confidently expects that shipments of linseed oil pm-chased for shipment during 1947 will commence very shortly.

asked the Minister of Food if the Norwegian Government asked for an increase in the price of herring this season; why a charge is to be made for containers, for which no charge has ever previously been made; and if he is aware that for processors to handle these herring on these terms will involve them in serious loss.

The answer to the first part is, "Yes, Sir." As to the second part a charge was made to freshers last year and is being made again this year. The proposal to extend it to processors has been dropped. The third part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Food if he has any further statement to make regarding the East African Groundnut Scheme.

Yes, Sir. The Government have recently decided to proceed with the clearing and development of some 3¼ million acres of land on the general lines recommended by the official Mission which visited East Africa last year. The Mission's report, together with a statement of the decisions taken by the Government and the reasons for those decisions, are contained in Command Paper 7030 which is published today and is available in the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Food what was the value of grapefruit, tinned and fresh, imported from the U.S.A. and the British West Indies, respectively, for the last six months or the most convenient period; and what were the prices per appropriate unit paid to each producing country.

There have been no imports of fresh or tinned grapefruit from U.S.A., but supplies of both have been purchased and negotiations for further supplies are still going forward. In the case of the British West Indies no tinned grapefruit has been imported, but fresh grapefruit to the value of £17,500 were imported from those Colonies during the last six months of 1946. As I have explained on previous occasions, I am not prepared to announce the prices paid for particular purchases.

asked the Minister of Food, in view of the shortage of rationed, pointed and unrationed foodstuffs in coastal holiday resorts last summer, whether he has any plans for an increased allocation during the coming season, in order to improve matters.

I am satisfied that the existing machinery is sufficiently elastic to ensure equitable supplies of foods in holiday resorts and that it did so last year. I am happy to say that arrangements for points rationed foods for the coming season have already been settled with traders' representatives.

asked the Minister of Food what was the total number of licensed slaughterhouses in 1938; what was the number in January, 1947; and what were the respective totals of animals sent for slaughter in those periods.

Before the war, private slaughterhouses were licensed by local authorities and I regret that I have no precise information as to their number. It has been estimated that the number of slaughterhouses in use in 1938 was about 16,000. The slaughterhouses now in use number 606. Animals slaughtered for human consumption in 1938 numbered 1,924,000 cattle, 837,200 calves, 9,963,200 sheep and 2,589,600 pigs. I regret that the numbers of animals slaughtered in January, 1947, are not yet available, but I will let the hon. Member have the figures as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the procedure by which a German prisoner of war can secure expedited repatriation on compassionate grounds.

An application for compassionate repatriation cannot be made by a German prisoner of war himself but must be originated by his family in Germany on a form obtained from the local German Kreis authority. If the grounds are considered by the German Kreis and Land authorities to be reasonable. it is passed to the Control Commission who forward it to the War Office. The first prisoners to be repatriated under this scheme are now moving to a collecting centre and are due to leave the United Kingdom on 28th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the wife of Paul Becker, a prisoner of war at Loxley, was injured in a street accident on 18th June, 1946, had both legs amputated and is still in hospital; that one of his children died of starvation in February, 1945; that there is another child aged seven years; and why this man, who has been a prisoner since 1st June, 1944, and is in political classification B, has not been granted compassionate repatriation.

This prisoner of war is included in the first party of prisoners to be repatriated on compassionate grounds, and which will leave the United Kingdom on 28th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make representations to all our Allies with the object of securing that returned German prisoners of war are not deprived of their belongings and, where they have been robbed, due compensation and redress is afforded them.

I have no evidence that repatriated prisoners are being deprived of their belongings. If my hon. Friend will give me details of any particular cases I will have inquiries made.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why accounting for trade between the British and U.S. zones of Germany and the French zone has to be carried out in dollars and not in marks, which is the only currency common to all three zones; and whether he is satisfied that this decision helps to promote the economic unity of Germany.

Within the combined British and American zones of Germany there is equitable distribution of indigenous resources and an equal sharing of the financing of necessary imports which cannot at present be paid for by exports. It has not been possible to reach agreement on these lines with the other two zones. Consequently, since imports into the combined zones must be paid for in foreign exchange, any excess of exports from the combined zones to any other zone must also be paid for in foreign exchange. Otherwise an extra foreign exchange cost would fall on the British and American taxpayer. This arrangement is not a bar to the economic unity of Germany. It would cease to operate in respect of either of the other zones on the acceptance of economic unity with the British and American zones.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to what extent the factory of Wilhelm Schultz, of Hamburg, is still in production; and how its products are being disposed of.

This factory is not in production. It was used during the war for the manufacture of aircraft parts.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new houses, huts or other living accommodation have been provided by him in the British zone of Germany.

The only new living accommodation provided—from British sources is 10,450 Nissen huts, of which 3,100 are already occupied. In addition 60 prefabricated houses and a hostel to accommodate 60 persons are in course of erection for miners in the Ruhr. It will be appreciated that it has been imperative to concentrate available manpower and materials on the repair of damaged dwellings to a habitable standard.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is satisfied that the directive issued on 13th December last by headquarters, Military Government, resulting in a compulsory change in the chairmanship of the Central Committee for Education among displaced Poles, is in conformity with the terms of the U.N.O. resolution on displaced persons of 12th February, 1946.

Yes, Sir. There is nothing in the instruction to which the hon. Member refers which is inconsistent with the U.N.O. resolution. I am making inquiries into the circumstances in which the instruction was issued. Meantime I cannot agree that it has resulted in a compulsory change in the Chairmanship of the Control Committee for Education.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the average food ration, in calories, supplied in Wuppertal for the weeks ending 20th and 27th January, respectively; and what is the present position.

The average ration supplied in Wuppertal was equivalent to 1,320 calories per day in the week ended i9th January and 990 calories per day in the week ended 26th January. For the week just ended the figure was between 1,200 and 1,300 calories per day. The shortages have been caused by transport difficulties resulting from severe weather conditions. All possible steps are being taken to improve distribution so that the deficiencies can be made up and ration cards fully honoured.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many properties in the British zone of Germany were requisitioned and how many were derequisitioned in 1946.

The number requisitioned was 18,906 compared with 26,660 derequisitioned.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what decisions have been reached regarding the future terms and conditions of employment of the control service in Germany.

These questions are still under close examination but the inevitability of substantial reductions in the Commission makes it difficult to consider, for the majority, contracts for longer periods than those at present offered.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that the U.N.O. General Assembly rejected, on 12th February, 1946, a suggestion that all displaced persons, irrespective of their wishes concerning repatriation, should be controlled by the representatives of the State from which they came; and, in the light of this decision, if he will examine closely the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Wallsend relating to the dismissal of Dr. Zimmer in the Haren district and satisfy himself that this action was justified.

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the general shortage of foodstuffs in Austria, he will make representations to the U.S. authorities in Austria to cease exporting Austrian-grown foodstuffs from the U.S. zone.

I have the authority of the United States Element of the Allied Commission for Austria to state that they are not exporting any Austrian-grown foodstuffs from their zone. On the contrary, the American authorities have been responsible for bringing large quantities of food into Austria for the civil population.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why an order has been issued expelling the Italian wives of members of the Polish Resettlement Corps from this country; and whether, in view of the undertaking His Majesty's Government has given to these men, he will cancel the order.

The order has been cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent British interests in Spitzbergen are affected as a result of the negotiations between the U.S.S.R. and Norway; and if His Majesty's Government approve the revision of the Spitzbergen Treaty, signed at Paris in 1920.

According to my information, the exchange of views between the Soviet and Norwegian Governments regarding Spitzbergen have been of an explanatory nature only and neither Government has suggested to the other signatories of the Treaty of 1920, as would of course be necessary, that its revision should be discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will make provision that the qualifications for electors of the Singapore Municipal Council shall not include either a property limit or British citizenship, since either of these conditions would disqualify large numbers of the population; and whether he will secure the representation on the council of Malayan people of all races, not by the system of nominated members but by election on a basis of universal suffrage;(2) why the Singapore Municipal Constitution Committee contained no representatives of any political party or trade union; why no opportunity was given to any organisation or person to make any representations to it except by letter; and whether any person who sent any such letter was invited to attend before the committee.

Shortly after its establishment, the committee to which the hon. Member refers, invited expressions of view from the public in Singapore on the matters with which it was concerned. This invitation was widely publicised in the local Press. In response, letters were received from individuals and organisations, but no requests were made for personal appearances before the committee which considered, in the circumstances, that personal interviews were unnecessary. The Governor states that there are at the present time in Singapore no political parties in the sense understood in England and thus there is no such body from which representatives could be chosen to sit on the committee. Similarly, at the time when the committee was sitting, there were no responsible registered trade unions existing in Singapore. The recommendations in the committee's report for the qualifications of electors are still under consideration locally, and it is hoped that they will shortly be discussed by the full body of Municipal Commissioners, representing a wide variety of interests in the Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Asiatic employees of the Singapore and Malaya Governments who remained in those Colonies during the Japanese occupation are receiving only nine months' back pay to cover the period of the occupation, three months of which pay is set off against the rehabilitation grant received by all Government employees and four further months of which is to be paid only on retirement, whilst European employees in similar circumstances receive three-and-a-half years' pay in full in cash.

No final decision on the subject has been reached. The present position is that the Governments of Singapore and the Malayan Union are doing their utmost to arrive at a satisfactory settlement of this most difficult question, in negotiation with the Service associations concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the housing conditions under which workers are living in Kuala Lumpur, British Malaya; and what steps are being taken to construct temporary houses in order to deal with the situation.

I am aware of the housing difficulties in Kuala Lumpur and, as I informed my hon. Friend on 18th December, a scheme for a model housing estate has been presented for the urgent consideration of the Housing Committee in the Malayan Union. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am asking the Governor for a report and will write to my hon. Friend when I have received it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the export of coconut oil from Malaya is not freely permitted; and what are the present stocks of such oil compared with a year ago.

In reply to the first part of his Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir B. Neven-Spence) on 22nd January. The reply to the second part of his Question is that the present stock of coconut oil in Malaya is 15,000 tons, compared with about 1,500 tons a year ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that British troops made a forced entry into the headquarters of the Youths' Union and Women's Union at Bidor, on 8th October, 1946, and of the Perak Mining Workers' Union on 9th October, 1946; why these premises were requisitioned without warning; why British or British Indian troops were employed; and whether the unions' property, documents and records have since been returned.

I have no information, but have asked the Governor of the Malayan Union for a report. I will write to the hon. Member when I have received it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken in Malaya for the purpose of inducing government and municipal departments and private firms to encourage their employees to grow foodstuffs in order to combat high prices and the black market.

The Government has instituted a general "Grow more food" campaign and given it wide publicity. There has been an excellent response throughout the whole territory, and successful and popular agricultural shows have been held in all districts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the serious economic condition of the Malay paddy planters in Malaya, he will take the necessary steps to improve their position by encouraging the formation of a farmers' union, by assisting in the formation of a farmers' co-operative society and, in the meantime, by Government purchase of paddy direct from the farmers.

The Government of the Malayan Union are purchasing paddy from the farmers through Government licensed buyers at a price of 20 dollars a picul guaranteed to the end of 1947. The farmers have subsidiary sources of income from coconuts, eggs, fruits, vegetables and in some areas, fish, all of which fetch high prices.Further, the paddy planters are being assisted in every practical way by the Department of Agriculture, including seed distribution and anti-pest measures. The Department of Drainage and Irrigation has paid special prior attention to repairing paddy area channels which suffered serious deterioration during Japanese occupation, and the Public Relations Department contributes information and advice by means of travelling cinemas, posters and printed leaflets.Farmers' co-operative societies in the form of seasonal co-operative credit societies have existed in the main paddy areas for many years before the war, and are now becoming active again with the assistance of the Co-operative Departments of the Government of the Malayan Union.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of Government appointments in Malaya where there is a difference in the salaries and allowances paid for posts of the same grade according to whether the holders are European or Asiatic servants.

I am asking the Governors of the Malayan Union and Singapore for lists and will communicate with the hon. Member when they are received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he will make a statement on the French Government's protest against the terms of the recently-concluded agreement between British and U.S. oil companies;

I presume the Agreement to which my hon. Friend refers was that recently concluded between the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey and the Socony Vacuum. My Department did consider the political implications of this Agreement, and it did not appear to me that there were any such considerations of a nature to affect the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards a commercial transaction between two companies which, there is reason to believe, will be of economic benefit to the United Kingdom and to the other countries concerned. The French Government have, however, made certain representations to His Majesty's Government, about which I am at present unable to make any statement. I should, however, make it clear that the French Government have not protested against any action taken by His Majesty's Government or by British oil companies, nor were these representations primarily directed against the Agreement to which my hon. Friend refers in his second question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the raid made by Colonel Angus Miller, Police Commissioner for Trinidad, on the trade union headquarters in Port of Spain on 22nd January, 1947; what were the demands of the oil workers which led to the strike; and what steps are being taken to facilitate settlement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Sir P. Macdonald) on 29th January. In view, however, of allegations made in the Press since that date, that during the raid on the premises of the Workers' Oil Union the police destroyed a hand press, I think it right to say that the Commissioner of Police has assured the Governor that the police did no damage to the press.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a large number of trades unionists who are loyal to this country and to their trades unions have been imprisoned in the island of Trinidad for endeavouring to raise the standard of living of their fellow workers from its present low level; and if he will institute inquiries with a view to their early release.

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the persons arrested in the recent disturbances in Port of Spain. None of these persons was arrested for endeavouring to raise the standard of living of their fellow workers. The Governor informs me that some were arrested for intimidation by annoyance and violence, and others for rioting and unlawful assembly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take steps to establish conciliation machinery in the oilfields of Trinidad, to bring about a settlement of the present dispute and to prevent a recurrence, and if he will arrange fur a deputation of experienced trades unionists from this country to visit the island to give advice and assist the trades unionists there on the methods adopted by the trades unions in Great Britain.

There is a Joint Conciliation Board for the oil industry. Through this medium the Oilfields' Workers' Trade Union and the Oilfields Employers' Association reached an agreement on 18th December, 1945, in respect of wage rates of hourly, daily and weekly paid workers in the industry. The agreement operates for two years with effect from the 13th December, 1945. At any time after 12th September, 1947, either party may give three months' notice of termination. In addition, there is in Trinidad a Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Enquiry) Ordinance, based upon the United Kingdom Industrial Courts Act. I am, however, obliged to my hon. Friend for the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question, which I will certainly bear in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the serious state of affairs in Palestine. he will proclaim martial law and impose heavy communal fines on the inhabitants of areas in which acts of terrorism take place.

As I explained in my reply to the Debate on 31st January the maintenance of good order in Palestine has been left largely in the hands of those responsible for the administration. It will be for the High Commissioner to consider in consultation with the military authorities and in the light of events whether the situation calls for the introduction of military administration in any particular area. Communal fines have not so far been imposed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now make a full statement on the prison riot in Palestine, stating during what hours the rioters were in control of the prison and could prevent any access to the condemned cell.

A riot between Arab and Jewish prisoners broke out in the Central Prison, Jerusalem, on the afternoon of 27th January. The immediate cause appears to have been the news of the kidnapping of Judge Windham at 12.25 p.m. and provocative insults shouted by Jewish prisoners. The riot was suppressed after a certain amount of material damage had been done, minor injuries having been received by the prison staff including the Superintendent, and by prisoners.Rioting between Jewish and Arab prisoners again broke out in the prison on the following morning, 28th January, and was finally quelled with the use of tear smoke after the prison staff had summoned police reinforcements. During this second riot, a Jewish medical orderly was fatally injured, the prison Superintendent received a further head wound, and a number of Jewish and Arab prisoners also sustained injuries, some serious. Considerable material damage was done. An official inquiry into the disturbances has been instituted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the functions and composition of the Bermuda Labour Board.

The Bermuda Labour Board carries out the work of an employment bureau, supplying labour as required and collating information regarding prevailing wage rates. Another important function of the Board is to endeavour to bring about the settlement of labour disputes by conciliation before recourse is had to the provisions of the local Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Enquiry) Act, 1945. The Board is representative of all classes of the community. Of its eight members, four belong to the coloured section.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that no rent restrictive legislation is operated in Bermuda; and whether he will take steps to see that such legislation is introduced.

asked (1) what steps he is taking to provide a sufficient number of teachers and adequate school buildings in Bermuda;(2) by what methods, since there are no examinations, appointments are made to the Civil Service in Bermuda; and whether he is satisfied that suitable candidates from all races are given equal treatment;(3) whether he is aware that there are separate secondary schools in Bermuda for white and coloured children; and whether he will take steps to ensure that no voluntary body is allowed to conduct schools which operate a colour bar.

I have recently received representations on these matters from Bermuda, and I cannot at present add anything to the reply given on 29th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick). As there indicated, I hope to make a statement in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the main provisions of the Bermuda Trade Union and Trades Disputes Act, 1946; and whether he is satisfied that this legislation meets the needs of labour.

The Act provides for the regulation of trade unions and trade disputes, and for matters connected therewith. Its provisions are in accord with the legislation of this country in a great many respects, for example those relating to tortious action, conspiracy and peaceful picketing; hut they fall short in others. I have received representations from Bermuda in this regard which I am considering in consultation with the Governor. In the meantime I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend a copy of the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which British dependent territories no Income Tax is imposed; and what steps are being taken to ensure that there is an adequate system of direct taxation in, and for the benefit of, those territories.

There is at present no Income Tax in force in the following Colonial territories:

• Hong Kong.
• Malayan Union.
• Singapore.
• Sarawak.
• North Borneo.
• Malta.
• Gibraltar.
• Bermuda.
• Bahamas.
• St. Helena.

In Hong Kong the possibility of introducing Income Tax has been considered by a committee which has examined the revenue and taxation of the Colony and the committee's recommendations are now under urgent examination.As regards the Malayan Union and Singapore, an officer from the Board of Inland Revenue has been appointed as Commissioner of Income Tax and will be responsible for preparing the necessary plans for the introduction of the tax.The future taxation structure of Sarawak and North Borneo is at present being reviewed and the possibility of introducing graduated direct taxation will certainly be examined.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any air-conditioned quarters have yet been provided in tropical Colonies to enable officers to get refreshing sleep and thus promote their health and efficiency.

I am not aware that any Colonial Government has yet been able to provide air-conditioned quarters for its officers. My hon. Friend will appreciate that developments of this kind have hardly been possible during the last seven years. In July, 1946, however, my predecessor sent to all Colonial Governments notes compiled by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Medical Research Council on air-conditioning units for use in buildings in the tropics. I am having the whole question further investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what instructions have been given to his Department's representative now touring India to ensure that he pays a visit to every brigade station, to make sure that the opportunities for service in the Colonial Empire are made known to all those now serving in the India Command.

I am not aware that any representative of the Colonial Office is now touring India but the opportunities for service in the Colonial Empire have been made fully known in the quarter to which the hon. Member refers.The reopening of general recruitment to the Colonial service in June, 1945, was announced to the Armed Forces throughout the world by means of special orders from the three Service Departments. Suitable literature was distributed to all units and a special recruiting office was set up in India. That office was closed in October, 1946. Three thousand applications were received but anyone still serving overseas can still apply in the ordinary way to the Director of Recruitment (Colonial Service) at the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will issue a White Paper giving details of the present position of agricultural and other technical education amongst the native populations in the British colonies in East and West Africa; and what steps are being taken to increase the respective standards.

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a statement recently prepared on the facilities for technical education in the African colonies. As to agricultural education, gardening is part of the curriculum of primary schools and some schools also conduct mixed farming projects. All except the smallest Colonies maintain institutions where Africans are trained for posts in the Departments of Agriculture. Makerere College and Yaba College provide diploma courses in agriculture and some selected men are sent to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad. Facilities for agricultural and technical training will be expanded as a result of the development programmes now being put into effect. I fully appreciate the great importance of this type of education, but I doubt whether the publication of a White Paper is called for. I am, however, placing in the Library of the House a copy of the statement mentioned above.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the absence of a system of workmen's compensation for employees on the Kenya railways and in Government workshops, if steps will be taken by the Kenya Government to ensure workmen's compensation for its own employees; and to extend the principle by legislation to cover other employees.

The Government of Kenya have recently enacted an ordinance to provide compensation to workmen for injuries suffered in the course of their employment. Employees on the railway and in the Government workshops are covered by the ordinance, which is expected to be brought into operation shortly. In the meantime, cases involving Government and railway employees are being dealt with by administrative action, on the basis of the scale to be introduced by the ordinance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is taking advantage of the visit of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia to discuss an administrative and economic fusion between Northern and Southern Rhodesia.

The opportunity of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia's visit is being taken by my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and myself to discuss many matters of common interest to Southern and Northern Rhodesia. As regards the amalgamation of the two Territories, however, the view of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom remains as stated by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies on 18th October, 1944 when announcing the decision to establish the Central African Council with a view to promoting the closest contact and co-operation between the Governments of Southern and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The announcement as to the effect that His Majesty's Government had come to the conclusion that the amalgamation of the Territories under existing circumstances was not regarded as practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress in trade unionism is being made in Northern Rhodesia; and, approximately, how many natives working industrially are in trade unions.

The Governor of Northern Rhodesia indicated to the Legislative Council at its last meeting, that the formation of trade unions for Africans in Northern Rhodesia is an objective of policy and that the Government would add to the staff of the Labour Department an officer with trade union experience who would be available to advise African workers in this regard. Publicity for this statement of policy was specially given in the local African newspaper "Mutende." The officer mentioned has been appointed and is expected to leave for Northern Rhodesia very shortly. Upon his arrival, a direct approach will be made to the African workers on this question.As regards the second part of the Question, no Africans employed in industry or otherwise are at present members of trade unions, although there are elected committees representing Africans in all major industries. Committees of this type will continue in being until such time as African trade unions can be formed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether on social and economic grounds, he has taken any steps to develop actively African arts and crafts in the Eastern and Central African colonies.

African native industries are being actively fostered by the East and Central African Governments. Instruction in handicrafts such as pottery, carpentry, mat-making, weaving, basketry and thatching is included in the normal curriculum of Government schools and also of a large number of mission schools. Special training is given in such institutions as the Jeanes Centre in Nyasaland and the Munali Training Centre in Northern Rhodesia, which produce instructors competent to teach handicrafts and industrial subjects in the schools. In Kenya, a considerable amount of work has been done in fostering such industries, and instructional centres have been established in various parts of the Colony.Instruction in handicrafts is also an important feature in schemes for the training of ex-Servicemen. In Uganda, for example, 2,000 trainees will receive instruction at the Civil Reabsorption Village Craft Training Centres in carpentry, brick making, masonry and other trades which are extensions or improvements of indigenous crafts. The continued encouragement of African industries is provided for in postwar development plans. In Kenya, for example, the encouragement of handicrafts is to be continued through the medium of social welfare centres, with a view to the development of rural or cottage industries. In Northern Rhodesia similar measures are proposed in connection with the general schemes for rural development, and in Nyasaland the establishment of a special arts and crafts branch at the Jeanes Centre is under consideration. The educational and cultural value of native crafts is fully recognised, but it must be appreciated that their economic significance is limited by competition from mass-produced imported articles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in Zanzibar respecting educational and medical services and in the improvement of social conditions.

A ten-year development plan for the Protectorate, which is now being put into effect, provides for a considerable expansion of the educational, medical and agricultural services as well as a scheme of township reconstruction, and will, I am confident, effect a great improvement in social conditions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether consideration will be given to changing the title of the decoration awarded to officers of the permanent R.N.V.R.

Yes, Sir, the matter is already under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government intends to revive the R. N. R.

Yes, Sir. It is intended to revive this Reserve when its future functions and organisation have been decided. These matters are at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many scholarships were available to boys from State-aided schools at the Common Entrance Examination for naval cadets in November, 1946.

Ten Cadet scholarships are normally available at each entry to boys from grant-aided secondary schools. The quality of the candidates at the November examination, however, was such that 11 were granted on this occasion. In addition, the special Service scholarship available to the son of a rating or ex-rating was granted to a boy from a grant-aided secondary school.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in order to avoid unemployment, he will alter his decision to withhold timber licences for the construction of boats intended for purposes of pleasure or recreation to the extent of making sufficient timber available for each firm to build at least two vessels during the next few months.

I regret that I cannot, in present circumstances, alter this decision, which was reached only after full consideration of all the facts. The relaxation suggested would reduce the supplies of timber available for the construction of ships and other craft for our own commercial needs and for export—supplies which are already very seriously inadequate. As is no doubt realised, the restriction does not apply to the construction of pleasure craft for export, or to the repair of pleasure craft. The position will be carefully watched, in order that opportunity may be taken of the earliest indication of sufficiently improved conditions to give renewed consideration to the whole matter, but it would be wrong to hold out any hope that this will be possible in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of motor vehicles or silk have been imported into Britain from Germany in the past year.

No motor vehicles or silk have been imported into Britain from Germany in the past year.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the last Burnham award was rejected by the four secondary associations and was imposed on them against their will; that since the last Burnham award there has been a movement out of the grammar school part of the profession; and what steps she is taking to deal with the situation.

The present scales of salaries for primary and secondary schools were submitted in accordance with Section 89 of the Education Act, 1944, to the Minister by the Burnham committee, on which the joint four secondary associations are represented. I have no information on the second part of the Question. The scales continue in operation until 31st March, 1948, and it will shortly be necessary for the committee to consider scales to operate after that date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many appeals received up to 30th September, 1946, under the Police (Appeals) Acts, 1927 and 1943, was legal aid allowed to appellants and in how many refused; how many appeals were dismissed after inquiry; and in how many cases were appeals allowed in respect of punishments of dismissal, enforced resignation, reduction in rank, and reduction in rate of pay, respectively.

Permission is not required for obtaining legal aid in formulating appeals under the Police (Appeals) Acts, 1927 and 1943. So far as legal representation is concerned, this was allowed in each of the 10 appeals up to 30th September, 1946, in which inquiries were held. The results of these 10 appeals, which related only to cases of dismissal or requirement to resign, were as follow:

Appeals Against.	Allowed.	Dismissed.
Dismissal	3	2
Requirement to resign	3	2

asked the Minister of Transport it he is aware that considerable inconvenience is caused to many people in West Wales through lack of suitable transport to convey them between their homes and their places of employment; that in some cases the horns agreed between the management and the trade unions cannot be worked because of transport difficulties; and if he will take the necessary steps to improve the position.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to difficulties at the Fforestfach Trading Estate and at the I.C.I. factory at Waunarlwydd. In regard to the former, a proposal to introduce a new road service between Swansea and the estate will he heard by the area traffic commissioners at a public sitting shortly, and the possibility of staggering the hours of work at the estate is also being examined. The immediate problem at Waunarlwydd is a question of fares, and

TABLE I.
A.			B.	C.	D.	E.	F.
Description			Stock held in Depots 31st August, 1945	Stock held in Depots 31st December, 1946.	Quantity cleared by Ministry of Supply up to 31st December 1946.	Taken over and awaiting clearance by Ministry of Supply from Depots.	Balance remaining in Depots for maintenance and reserves.
Barbed Wire:
(a) Tons	…	…	15,738	5,077	10,661	934	4,143
(b) Miles	…	…	94,428	30,462	63,966	5,604	24,858
Concertina Wire
(a) Tons	…	…	62,972	28,472	34.500	20,398	8,074
(b) Miles	…	…	31,486	14,236	17,250	10,194	4,042

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that difficulties are being caused at the Hirwaun Trading Estate, Glamorganshire, by the inadequate transport facilities now provided for the employees; that further intake of labour is prejudiced through lack of transport; and whether, in view of the widespread unemployment that exists in the area, he will take immediate steps to deal with this matter.

I have now written to my hon. Friend on this subject pointing out that a solution of the difficulties lies in the direction of a greater use of the rail facilities available and a staggering of working hours at the trading estate.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much barbed wire in tons and miles is still held by his Department or by disposal hoards in each of the various dumps throughout the country; whether he is aware that much of this has been held since 1941 and is already seriously deteriorated; that this commodity is urgently needed by farmers, allotment holders and others; and whether he will take immediate steps to secure its release for general use.

The following are the particulars:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to give the date on which the first section of the Leiston battle school will be cleared and made available for householders and agriculturalists to return to their former homes and livelihood.

It is not possible to release any part of this battle area until the whole area has been searched and certified clear of dangerous missiles. This is the general policy with regard to all areas in which live ammunition has been used, and is necessary in the interests of public safety, since it is practically impossible to prevent the public, particularly children, from straying from a cleared portion to one which has not been cleared. The progress of clearance has been hampered by lack of manpower and, of late, by the inclement weather and I am unable at present to say when the clearance of the area will be completed.