asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what legal staff is now functioning in each of the British West African Colonies for the administration of criminal justice in the form of judges, Crown Counsel and Bar and for the defence of poor persons; and if he will consider the consolidation and co-ordination of the several systems for the purpose of securing greater efficiency and equality.

As the reply to the first part of the Question is necessarily long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As to the second point, the Courts in the four Territories are already organised on generally similar lines, and no advantage appears likely to result from further consolidation and co-ordination.

While I thank the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he is aware that there is a strong body of opinion in the four Territories in favour of the union of the four systems under one judicial head, and would he consider whether that would lead to greater efficiency and economy?

If my hon. and learned Friend would let me know a little more clearly what he means by "consolidation and co-ordination" the matter shall certainly be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action will be taken legislatively or otherwise to secure wage and salary improvements for West Africans working for private business concerns, particularly in view of the great disparity in amounts paid to West Africans and Europeans, respectively.

The general policy in all four Colonies is to encourage the fixing of minimum wages and conditions of service by collective agreements freely negotiated between trade unions which are representative of the workers concerned and employers or employers' organisations. Where no adequate arrangements exist for the negotiation of collective agreements, arrangements have been made for the establishment of statutory machinery whereby minimum rates of wages and conditions of service can be fixed.

In regard to the last sentence of my Question, does not my right hon. Friend think that this disparity exists as between West Africans and Europeans, and that though they may be performing the same- job they are paid with striking dissimilarity?

There is an obvious disparity but we are anxious to leave most of these negotiations to the organisations concerned. In any case the Government themselves have given a lead.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that as far as Government employees are concerned, the Government are active, but that the trade unions are weak in West Africa? Could not the Government give a lead in regard to other employers?

I am sure the Question and answer will receive publicity in West Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of ex-Service men in each of the West African Colonies; what was the amount of gratuity given on demobilisation; what steps were taken to provide employment for these men; and how many are still unemployed.

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

Is the Minister aware that the failure to provide employment was one of the causes of the trouble in the Gold Coast, and does he think that the abduction of the six leaders of the Gold Coast will help in any way to provide the employment which is so desirable there?

I hope the hon. Member will suspend his judgment until he has examined the reply I have given him.

I suppose the right hon. Gentleman has no information about Russian ex-Service men in Outer Mongolia?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what system of rationing is in force in the West African Colonies; and how many persons are covered in each Colony.

In Nigeria a rationing scheme for flour, milk and butter is in operation serving about 17,000 consumers. In the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone no official rationing scheme exists, but imported foodstuffs continue to be distributed by the main importers to their regular customers under the general directions of the local Supply Departments. No figures for the numbers of consumers concerned are available; but in all three Territories the system applies only to Europeans and to Africans who are accustomed to a European style of living. Information about the present position in the Gambia is being obtained from the Governor. Petrol is rationed to individual consumers in all four Territories.

Is the Minister aware that in the Gold Coast the average wage for a native is £4 a month and that for a European is £50 a month? What chance does that give the native to get any of the foods which are available there?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the salaries and allowances of Mr. R. W. Osgathorpe, Welfare Officer to the Kenya and Uganda Railways, and Mr. J. S. Patrick, Trades Union Officer to the Kenya Government; what were their previous party affiliations and colonial experience; and whether applications for these posts were invited in the Colonies.

The present salaries of these officers are £1,000 and £743 respectively. In addition they receive cost-of-living allowances of £28 and £172 respectively. Candidates for Government appointments in the Colonies are naturally not required to disclose their political affiliations. Neither officer had previously had Colonial experience but both have a wide knowledge of trade union practice in this country. Applications for the posts were invited through the medium of trades unions in the United Kingdom, as it was desired by the Kenya Government and the Kenya and Uganda Railways Administration, with my full support, to obtain the services of men with exactly this experience.

Would the Secretary of State answer the second part of the Question which was not what party affiliations they disclosed but what, in fact, their party affiliations were?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has had satisfactory reports of the work these men are doing?

I have had the most satisfactory reports in respect of both men.

Is nobody allowed to take such a job unless he is a member Of the Tory Party?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances 11 Africans were killed and 20 injured when the police opened fire on members of a religious sect at Malikisi, a police post in Kenya; and what action has subsequently been taken by the Government.

On 11th February a small group of police met a crowd of about 1,000 demonstrators of a religious sect who were proceeding to the police post at Malakisi with the expressed intention of liberating three of their number who had been arrested by the local African chief. The Assistant Superintendent of Police tried to persuade the crowd from their purpose. After he had been struck on the head several times and had fallen to the ground, and the crowd had started to attack the other police, he gave the order to fire with the result described. An inquest was ordered but I have not so far received the findings. I have asked the Governor for further information but I understand that there was no political motive in the incident and that no further disturbances have occurred.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any attempt was made in the first place simply to fire over the heads of the crowd before firing into them?

I have no information on that point but, as I have said, I am awaiting further information from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances a British police inspector and two African constables were recently killed in Kenya; and what subsequent steps have been taken by the Government.

Assistant Inspector Mortimer and two African Police were ambushed and killed by members of a fanatical religious sect in the course of enquiries into an assault on an African with whom members of the sect had quarrelled. A number of arrests were made and subsequently 17 persons were charged with murder and committed for trial.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons the Government of Kenya and Tanganyika have decided not to accept the main recommendations of the Westlake Report that electricity resources in East Africa should be nationalised; and what are the conditions existing in Kenya and Tanganyika which prevent these Governments from accepting the recommendation as the Government of Uganda has already done.

The Governments of Kenya and Tanganyika decided not to accept the Westlake recommendations at present, chiefly because their technical and other resources are fully employed just now and already considerable development plans, taxing the administrations, are in progress. The size of the electricity undertaking in each territory is much greater than in Uganda and the cost of acquiring it and expanding it would also be greater. The decision does not in any way preclude the two Governments from taking steps to bring the electricity supply industry under public control at a more convenient time in the future.

Can my right hon. Friend say what the attitude of his office is to the application, of the Government of Kenya to raise additional capital? Does not that look as if there is no intention to proceed with nationalisation in the near future?

That raises quite a different question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what official recognition is given to the Association of West African Merchants; and what proportion of the trade with West Africa is done through this body.

The Association of West African Merchants is a trade association and not a trading body. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. On the first part, official recognition has been given to the Association to no greater extent than to any other lawful association of business or professional interests. I take the opportunity of saying that the Governor of the Gold Coast has recently suggested that the Gold Coast branch of the Association, which was formed during the late war on the suggestion of Government to assist in the administration of war-time economic controls, is no longer required and should be disbanded. The firms concerned are in agreement and will, I understand, take the necessary action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that all Chinese schools in Kelantan and Trengannu, Malaya, are being communistically administered; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter.

These schools are subject to Government inspection, and recent visits have disclosed no indication of any political activity.

If right hon. Gentleman evidence my Question, will he look into it further?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in connection with the report of the Trusted Salaries Commission the Government of Malaya will apply the principle of parity of pay and status as between teachers of equal qualifications whether recruited locally or in Great Britain.

Yes, Sir. The principle of parity of basis pay and status between officers of equal qualification irrespective of race or domicile will be applied throughout the Malayan public service. Expatriation pay in addition to basic pay will be proposed in appropriate cases on the lines of the Trusted Report and in accordance with the principles of the White Paper, Colonial No. 197.

Does that mean that the graduates of British universities who are normally domiciled in Malaya will be recruited here, where it is possible, rather than wait until they return to Malaya to get into the service?

That is rather a different Question from the one which is on the Order Paper, and I would require notice of it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the prices in the Gold Coast in 1939, 1945 and for the latest available date, of printed cotton goods, linen, khaki drill and boots and shoes.

I have asked the Governor to supply this information and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have received his reply.

As well as communicating that information, will the Minister do whatever is possible to keep prices there down to the minimum, as the wages of the native workers are very low?

That is always part of our active policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what industries have been established in the Gold Coast during the past five years; what mainly is their nature; approximately how many are employed therein, including ex-Service men; and what is the prospective industrial development for the next three years.

I cannot give precise details, and am obtaining them. I will write to my hon. Friend when I have received them.

Does the Secretary of State appreciate the fact that a large number of ex-Service men and others who received training during the war period expected to find civilian jobs, but cannot find them? In view of that fact, can he say what steps are being taken to increase the number of industries in order to absorb their labour?

A most vigorous policy has been pursued by the Gold Coast to increase the economic facilities for such ex-Service men.

Is my right hon. Friend telling the House that his Department does not know what industries have been introduced into the Gold Coast under his administration?

I would ask my hon. Friend if he would kindly read the Question which was addressed to me. It embraced a wide range of information which was not immediately at the disposal of the Colonial Office without communicating with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the increased cost of living in Accra, Gold Coast, today compared with 1945 and 1939; to what extent wages have risen proportionately; and what is the approximate number of ex-Service men and others unemployed in Accra.

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

Have wages risen proportionately to the increase in the cost of living?

Wages always drag behind increases in the cost of living.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an assurance that no racially discriminatory practices have been, or will be, introduced as a result of the use by American aircraft of American air bases or other airfields in British territory in Bermuda, Antigua, St. Lucia, British Guiana, Trinidad and Jamaica.

No Colonial Government has reported to me of the introduction of any such practices as a result of the use by American aircraft of airfields in the Colonies mentioned. I am confident that no such practices will be introduced in the future so far as it lies within the power of the Colonial Governments concerned to prevent this.

Would the Governments concerned have reported it to my right hon. Friend?

I had sent a circular to the Governors asking them to report to me all cases of racial discrimination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are being made for the introduction of a satisfactory medical and dental service in Tobago.

Plans have been under discussion in the Colony for some time and I am asking the Governor for the latest information on the plans now in view. I will write to my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.

As it is fairly clear that the present arrangements are unsatisfactory, will the Minister, in addition to asking for information, press for an improvement to be made?

Certainly, Sir, I am most anxious about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that cocoa and garden contract lands in the Windward district of Tobago, formerly held by peasants, have been taken over by the Roxburgh Estate; and what steps are being taken to make available alternative lands for these people.

I regret that I have no information on the subject and am asking the Governor for a report. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I receive his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Greek and Turkish miners of the Paphos district of Cyprus have offered their services for work in the British coal mines; and what action he has taken on their offers.

An offer of services has been received, through the Governor of Cyprus, from 20 Cypriots, who include both Greek and Turkish-speaking miners. I much appreciate the spirit in which this offer was made. I have been in consultation with the Minister of Fuel and Power and the Ministry of Labour about it and hope that a reply will be sent very shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men in Cyprus offered their services six months ago and did not get a reply, and that their main grouse is why they did not get an answer?

That is not my information. There are practical difficulties in any case and I am trying to move them out of the way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if these Greek and Turkish miners were brought to Scotland they would be so shocked at the housing conditions there that they would want to go back on the next boat?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans have been prepared for the development of technical education in Cyprus.

An apprentices training centre has been established in Cyprus, in accordance with the recommendations of the 10-year development programme, at which instruction is at present given to about 33 apprentices. It is proposed to enlarge this centre from year to year until, in 1950, it should be able to cater for about 100. The objective is to provide a full five-year course in the theory and practice of engineering and allied trades. There are also plans to establish evening classes on technical subjects in connection with the centre, and a preparatory technical school for boys between school-leaving age and the age of acceptance at the centre.

While welcoming this evidence of the intention of the Government to provide technical education, may I ask whether the Minister will consider a substantial extension of the provision, in view of the number of Cypriot technicians who are lost to the island because they take up appointments in Greece and Turkey where they have gone to be trained?

We have that point in mind in the general educational plan, but at the moment this is as far as we can go.

Could the Minister give us the age of the people to whom this technical aid is given?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been made by the Palestine Government to Arab States since 29th November, 1947, in respect to hostile Arab incursions into Palestine.

Representations on this subject are made by His Majesty's representatives in the States concerned. Since the date in question, protests have been delivered to the Governments of Syria and Transjordan urging them to take all possible steps to prevent incursions by Arab bands from their territories into Palestine. Representations have also been made to the Government of the Lebanon.

In view of the importance of this matter, can my right hon. Friend say why these protests and representations have not been placed on public record so that the whole world could know that the attitude of the British Government towards this question is one of genuine impartiality?

That question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the number of illegal groups dealt with in the same period?

I should require notice of that question.

To whom did His Majesty's Government make representations?

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Is it a fact that since those representations started in November last the Arab incursions have increased?

The representations have been made when the incursions have taken place.

Has my right hon. Friend impressed upon the States the sincerity of the Government in that regard, particularly in view of the fact that some 700 Arabs crossed over a bridge which was supposed to be guarded by soldiers of the Arab Legion and by some of our own soldiers, and although the Government were warned about two days before it happened that these people were coming?

I have no evidence in support of that allegation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give a full report of the activities of Fawzi Kawukji in Palestine; and of the steps taken by the Palestine administration to deal with military incursion into Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now aware that Fawzi el Kawukji has entered Palestine with a band of armed Arabs and has declared that he proposes to establish himself there; and what steps have been taken to deal with this situation.

The information available to me about the activities of Fawzi Kawukji in Palestine is as follows: On the night of 5th–6th March, he entered Palestine with a few companions, mainly members of his personal staff. He was reported to be on a visit to the Arab bands dispersed in certain parts of the country. On 9th March it was rumoured that he intended to make a personal appearance at Jenin but this project was apparently abandoned in view of action by the British authorities to forestall it. He is reported to have left Palestine on the night of 14th March.

Throughout his stay his exact whereabouts were unknown, as he established no headquarters and remained in the wild and broken hill country of Samaria, enjoying the immunity afforded both by the nature of the country and by the attitude of the local population. As has already been stated, the security forces in Palestine take all possible steps to prevent the incursion of armed Arabs into Palestine but owing to the nature of the frontier and the country in which these groups take refuge it is not always possible to control their movements.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that American, Russian and French representatives upon the Security Council have expressed the view that these hostile incursions constitute acts of breach of international peace? Can my right hon. Friend say what is the view of the Government on this matter?

That is an entirely different matter.

Is it true that these men crossed over the Allenby Bridge, which is supposed to be protected the whole time? In view of the very serious attitude that was taken up by the Government against this man before, why is not something more active done to prevent him from carrying on?

There is no reason for anyone to have suspicion in regard to the activities of the Palestine Government in preventing incursions and visits of this kind. Everything is done that is within the power of the Palestine Administration and military authorities to prevent incursions of Arab bands and to prevent from crossing the frontiers individuals who are intent upon stirring up more trouble for the authorities in Palestine.

Is is not a fact that our Forces have suffered loss, both in dead and wounded in protecting Jewish life and property?

Yes, Sir, and they have rendered excellent service in defending Jewish settlements from Arab bands.

Is this gentleman under the impression that his visit is welcomed by the Government? If so, can they not tell him that he is wrong and that he had better not come again?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the C.-in-C. Palestine has confirmed the sentence by a military court of four years' imprisonment on three young British policemen for attempting to sell a rifle to an Arab

Yes, Sir.

Will the Secretary of State give an assurance that these men will not be left in Palestine after we withdraw?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that some assurance can be given with regard to all British subjects, whoever they may be, serving sentences in Palestine at the present time?

I hope I may be able to say something about this in the Debate on Friday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schools in Mauritius are provided by the Government and outside organisations, respectively; what grants-in-aid are given to non-Government schools; and how the salaries of teachers compare as between the two types of school.

There are 55 Government primary, 74 aided primary, 79 non-aided primary, 2 Government secondary, 6 aided secondary and 46 non-aided secondary schools in Mauritius. The Government grant-in-aid to aided schools amounts to £70,150 in the financial year 1947–48. I am circulating a statement giving the information regarding the schools referred to.

Is there any reason to suppose that there is justification for the statement made by the proprietors of non-Government schools that they may have to close down their schools because they cannot provide adequate staff?

That is a common complaint in almost all of our educational arrangements throughout the whole of the Colonies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will give a comprehensive and detailed list of articles for civilian use which are now being produced at Royal Dockyards in Great Britain; how and to what extent these articles are respectively being exported and made available for the general public; and in what proportions they are distributed in England and Wales on the one hand and Scotland on the other hand.

I will, with my hon. and learned Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of typical items being manufactured in the Royal Dockyards for civilian use. These engineering products are usually components of capital goods. They are not sold to the public direct but made to the order of public bodies, or of industry for assembly into complete equipments, the ultimate use or distribution of which is not generally known to the Admiralty.

Can my hon. Friend say something about the distribution of the goods as mentioned in the latter part of the Question; and can he say in particular what proportion of the goods came from Scotland?

As I have explained, these goods are supplied to persons who apply to us for the purpose of manufacturing them. The civilian side is very small indeed, and I certainly could not say what is distributed as far as Scotland or England or Wales is concerned.

Will my hon. Friend take steps to ensure that the capabilities of the Royal Dockyards in this respect are given wide publicity in those localities which may be interested?

It is not a question of giving wide publicity. I want to point out that the primary function of the Royal Dockyards is to see that we have an efficient Fleet and, after that has been done, we are quite prepared to use any stocks we have in the national interest.

Could the hon. Gentleman say what happens in the case of a contract like this if some urgent work is required to be done on the Fleet?

It has not affected us in that way yet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it is the intention of the Admiralty to publish Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton's contemporary war diary as submitted to the Admiralty on the Malayan campaign; or whether this diary will be made available to naval correspondents and historians.

No, Sir.

May I ask the Financial Secretary, in view of the fact that this experience shows that rough notes taken as events are actually happening are far more accurate than despatches written afterwards, why this diary cannot be available for students and writers of naval history?

The report was not written with a view to publication, and it is not considered that it would be suitable, in view of the fact that at that time Admiral Layton was not able to consult with the other two Commanders, both of whom were in prison and who have since written their Report in quite different circumstances.

The Financial Secretary obviously did not hear or pay any attention to what I have just said. This is a record of events. May I ask, has Admiral Layton been consulted, or does he agree to his diary being published?

Yes, Sir, he has.

Will Admiral Layton be precluded from giving his own version of events during this important period of the war if he so wishes?

Admiral Layton is now a private individual and doubtless, if he wished to do so, he would ask permission, and we would have to see what happened when he did so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, In view of the shortage of scrap iron and steel for industrial purposes, he will issue orders prohibiting exercises likely to result in the sinking of warships scheduled for breaking up purposes.

No, Sir. The areas in which the trials are carried out are carefully selected to ensure that if the target sinks it can be readily salvaged. In fact, it is important to salvage the target in order to examine the result of the trials as well as for the purpose of providing scrap. The use of ships for ship target trials will, in practice, cause very little delay in their eventual scrapping.

Will the Minister give us an assurance that the "Rodney," in which there are 39,000 tons of steel badly needed for scrap for industrial purposes, will not be sunk during these operations in the Forth?

I cannot go into which particular ship will be sunk and which will not, but the ships will be sunk in shallow water if they do sink, and they can easily be got up from there to be used as scrap.

Is the Minister aware that if this ship is sunk, it will be difficult to retrieve 39,00o tons, and will he give the point consideration?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, with a view to encouraging navigational knowledge amongst yachtsmen, he will grant proficiency certificates on the same lines as Coastal, Yacht Masters' certificates were previously issued by the Board of Trade.

The Yacht Master (Coastal) Certificate was instituted in 1938 to determine the suitability of yachtsmen for commissioned rank in the Royal Navy on mobilisation. In view of the large number of officers who had wartime service in the Navy such a test is no longer necessary; neither did the number of applications in 1946 justify its retention. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport would be prepared to reinstitute it if the need arose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to renew the granting of Commissions in the Royal Naval Reserve to suitable qualified professional Merchant Marine Officers.

The future size, organisation and functions of the Royal Naval Reserve are still under consideration in conjunction with other interested Departments. Pending decisions, there is no enrolment of Merchant Navy officers but the names of volunteers are being noted so that action can be taken as soon as this is possible.

Arising out of that, is it not very important to build up the Royal Naval Reserve without delay, and may I ask when the Admiralty will reach a decision on this point?

I quite agree, and my noble Friend entirely agrees as to the importance of setting up the Royal Naval Reserve as soon as possible, but consultations are necessary between a number of Departments. These consultations are taking place, and I hope they will be finished as rapidly as possible.

Is the Minister aware of the invaluable service given by this corps of very experienced professional seamen, whose skill is only equalled by their gallantry; and is he aware that this postponement is rather discouraging to those officers in the Merchant Service who wish to be associated with the Royal Navy?

I am glad to have an opportunity of paying a tribute to this Corps, but I do not think it should be any cause for discouragement. There is plenty of time to reform and it will be reformed, I hope, within a reasonably short time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a statement concerning the results of the scheme announced in August last for the transfer to a special service engagement of men who signed on for continuous service in the early stages of the war because recruiting on a hostilities only engagement was not open in the branch of their choice in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Yes, Sir. The House will be interested to learn of the very satisfactory result of this scheme. Out of 667 applications received, 569 have been assessed as eligible. Transfer from Continuous Service to Special Service engagement has already been authorised in 526 of the eligible cases and instructions are in course of issue for the transfer of the remaining 43 applicants. The scheme is now closed, except for the consideration of borderline cases.

asked the Postmaster-General why correspondence addressed to the hon. Member for St. Marylebone from his office was delivered to the "Daily Worker" before ultimately reaching the hon. Member for St. Marylebone.

I can only repeat my apologies, already tendered to the hon. Member in writing, for this inexplicable happening.

Does not the Minister agree that, in view of the importance of his Department in so far as communications are concerned, it is of the utmost importance that proper security measures are taken; and in view of the recent statement by the Prime Minister in connection with Communism and security, what is he proposing to do about it so that instances of this kind will not occur again?

May I ask if these letters were of a compromising nature?

Can the Minister say whether this letter was addressed to the hon. Member for St. Marylebone (Sir W. Wakefield) at the offices of the "Daily Worker"?

I want to ask the Postmaster-General, if the mail of the "Daily Worker" had gone to the hon. Member for St. Marylebone (Sir W. Wakefield), would it ever have found its way back to the "Daily Worker"?

Will the Postmaster-General return tit for tat by placing the correspondence and instructions issued to the "Daily Worker" in the Library of the House of Commons?

asked the Postmaster-General if, in making appointments to the Post Office Advisory Council, he will ensure that representatives of the workers' organisations within the Post Office will be added to the Council in accordance with the principle now observed in setting up the Advisory Council for the nationalised civil aviation corporations.

The Post Office Advisory Council is a consumers' council and it includes several members of wide experience of workers' organisations in industry generally; but I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Whilst appreciating the Minister's reply, may I ask if he realises that the workers in our nationalised undertakings, whilst the Socialist Government are in power, look to have those industries run in a more democratic way than has been the case in the past; and will he also give consideration to using his powers to give directives to the Governor of the B.B.C. with a view to the General Advisory Council of the B.B.C. also following the same proposals as those I have made in connection with the Post Office?

That is another matter.

asked the Postmaster General before what time must a telegram be handed in to ensure delivery as a telegram that day.

The hours of telegraph business vary considerably between the large town office and the small country office. Wherever a telegram is handed in, if there is clearly a risk—after about 6 p.m.—that it may arrive too late at the distant office for delivery the same day, it is the practice to inform the sender that delivery may not be possible that day unless a telephonic address is used. Special efforts, however, are made to deliver telegrams of obvious urgency the same day, irrespective of the time of handing in.

Will the Minister make certain that officials can understand the position, because I have had cases of people who have paid for a telegram which has been delivered with the first post next morning?

Certainly.

Can the hon. Member explain why this Department, the Post Office, which was the only efficiently nationalised industry, has deteriorated so much under a Socialist Government?

I do not agree that it has.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement on the circumstances in which, after advertising for a British subject, the B.B.C. have finally appointed a Siamese as Editor of the Siamese section of the B.B.C. Far Eastern Broadcasting Service.

I understand that the B.B.C. were not satisfied with the qualifications of any British applicant for this post.

Perhaps this is another question, but can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether any control is kept over this Siamese broadcaster, and what he broadcasts?

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the following daily rations which are issued to temporary workers on farms for such operation as threshing, four-fifths oz. of sugar, quarter oz. tea, three quarters oz. margarine, two-fifths oz. cheese, three-quarters oz. preserves, half a point and two bread units, are sufficient; and whether he is aware that no additional meat ration is given.

Yes, Sir. These allowances are granted in addition to the normal domestic rations at times of seasonal activity and are sufficient for the purpose.

Is the hon. Lady aware that these workers get the ordinary civilian ration; has she looked at two-fifths of an oz. of cheese; and does she think it is sufficient food on which to do a day's threshing?

Not only have I looked at it, but we have consulted the N.F.U. and the T.U.C.

Will the hon. Lady make sure that there is sufficient meat for Cornish pasties, which mean so much to those engaged on threshing and similar work in the Far West?

When the hon. Lady said that those organisations approved of these allowances, does that mean that they did not want more?

They were consulted on these matters.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the additional farm workers' ration in respect of operations, such as ploughing, which consists of four-fifths oz. tea per man per week and one oz. sugar per man per week, is sufficient.

The extra allowance of tea and sugar is given to provide hot drinks at work and is sufficient for that purpose. Farm workers may also, of course, get the special cheese allowance and the bread that goes with it.

Will these allowances be increased at the earliest opportunity, in view of the arduous work, especially during the winter months?

I am certainly prepared to consult the organisation I have mentioned.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the map depicting Communist countries in red now being exhibited on the walls of the food office at Colwyn Bay; on whose authority it is so exhibited; and what is its purpose.

The map displayed in the Colwyn Bay Food Office was one of the posters issued by the Bureau of Current Affairs in 1947. It has now been removed.

asked the Minister of Food why the final Report of the Committee on Milk Distribution has not yet been published.

The usual procedure is being following and I can assure the hon. Member there will be no unnecessary delay.

Surely the hon. Lady can give some indication when the printing will be completed, as we have been promised publication for some weeks?

The hon. Member put the same Question down about a month ago and I said it would take some weeks then. I cannot give any definite promise.

asked the Minister of Food why organisations representing the hotels and restaurants industry in this country were not, informed by his Department of the modification of the Order relating to social and business gatherings of more than 100; whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused because the new arrangements were brought into force before details of the modified Order were made available to hotels and restaurants; and whether he will undertake that in future before making changes which materially affect the staffing and supplies and long term contracts of hotels and restaurants, he will provide the industry with the necessary information in good time.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that despite the modification on 10th March of the Order relating to social and business gatherings of more than 100 and the fact that the new arrangements were to take effect at once, managers of hotels and restaurants who subsequently telephoned to his Department asking for information on the subject were informed that no detailed information was available; and whether he can arrange for co-ordination in such matters in the future.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Sir. P. Macdonald) on 15th March.

Was it not somewhat discourteous to ignore the very people most intimately connected with this change in Government policy?

I should remind the hon. and gallant Member that caterers were informed of this on the day the Order came into force. It would be quite wrong to give them information before the Minister made a statement in the House.

Does the hon. Lady realise that when Ministers are about to make Orders such as this they very often take care to see that the particular industry is warned beforehand?

This House is quite rightly jealous of its privileges and if in all cases that were done, hon. Members would be very critical of Ministers.

asked the Minister of Food what has been the average price paid by his Department for carrots imported from Denmark during 1948.

£13 12s. 10d. per ton f.o.b. Danish port, bags included.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that in the selling of chips it is frequently made a condition of sale that fish is also purchased; and, in view of the continued shortage of fats, will he take steps to prevent such conditions.

As has been said more than once in answer to similar Questions, fish and chips is so well known as a composite dish that my right hon. Friend does not think he would be justified in seeking to compel fish-friers to supply them separately.

Is the hon. Lady aware that prices are now about three times more than before the war, that the quantity is much less, and the quality very much inferior, which often accentuates these difficulties? Will she reconsider the matter?