asked the Postmaster-General how many letters entrusted to His Majesty's Mails have been opened by or with the connivance of his Department since 1st April, 1947.

The information desired is not available and, if it were, publication would not be in the public interest.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the publication of this information would not be in the public interest? Is it because his Department is ashamed of the scale on which it is doing this sort of thing?

The hon. Member is wrong, as usual, in that assumption.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this Question has very disturbing implications and can he say why circumstances arise and under whose orders his Department interferes with anybody's mail?

The Exchange Control Act is the Act under which this is done.

Will the Postmaster-General say whether this was the practice under the last Tory Government?

Is not the Minister aware that this is a very long-standing practice and that the late John Wheatley tried to get information as to why my letters and other letters were opened under the Baldwin Government, and could not get the information?

I beg to give notice that, in view of the right hon. Gentleman's pointed refusal to answer the Question, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Postmaster-General when the automatic register of telephone calls beyond the subscribers normal range of dialling local calls will become available.

The problem of extending subscribers' dialling beyond the range of local calls is being studied, but it will be some years before this facility can be made available.

In view of the fact that we now have to wait six months before we know the cost of these facilities for long distance telephone calls, could not some acceleration be made rather than having to wait from three to four years before installation?

I do not think I can accept the statement about six months, but there is room for development in this respect and we are studying the question very closely.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the largest tonnage of bombs dropped on German territory in one night by the Royal Air Force; and what was the largest tonnage dropped by the Luftwaffe in one night in this country during the late war.

Five thousand, five hundred tons and 1,200 tons, respectively.

Can my hon. Friend give any indication of the casualties caused by these two raids and also will he say, for our benefit and for the benefit of the House in future debates on Civil Defence, whether we can be given some idea of the effectiveness of bombing in the last war?

On the first point, I can give the figures, though they in themselves are no indication of the success or failure of the operations. The attack on Germany was principally on Duisberg and it is estimated that about 2,400 people were killed.

Disgraceful.

In the attack on this country, London was the main target and 1,300 people were killed.

Is that still disgraceful?

On the second point, as to the availability of evidence, there will be published this year a book giving the estimated effect of strategic bombing in the last war.

Do not these figures indicate that we were more effective baby killers than the, Huns?

May I ask if these 1,500 tons were dropped on one city in a single night?

Actually, it was 1,200 tons, and the bombs were dropped principally on London, on 19th April, 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made for the export of carpets manufactured in Germany; and how much capacity has been allowed for that purpose in the level of industry plan recently announced.

No special arrangements have been made for the export of carpets manufactured in Germany: contracts for the export of carpets from the Combined zone are negotiated in the usual manner by the German exporter direct with the foreign buyer, subject to the approval of the Joint Export Import Agency. With regard to the second part of the Question, no capacity has been allotted for export purposes, and there is no limitation in the revised level of industry plan on the capacity allowed for the manufacture of carpets, whether for export or for internal use.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that carpets have been imported from the Russian zone? Can he indicate to the House whether there is any restriction on the imports of carpets to this country? Any one wishing to do so has first to apply to the manufacturers' association of this country. Despite whatever J.E.I.A. may say, they have to get the approval of the manufacturers' association in this country before carpets can be imported, although there is a known shortage.

I should like to have notice of that question. I do not know what is happening in this connection in this country. I do know what is happening in the other country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British members of the Control Commission staff in Germany are now serving sentences in German prisons, whether they wear German convict uniforms; and whether they are under the control of German warders.

None, Sir, but my hon. Friend is probably referring to former members of the Control Commission, of whom there are 12 serving sentences in a German prison. They wear prison clothes of a distinctive pattern supplied from British sources, and they are under the control of British staff, who are assisted in minor ways by German warders.

Are we to understand that a member of the Control Commission who is sent to prison ceases to be a member of the Commission?

Certainly.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these people are in German prisons, in German convicts' uniform, are being controlled by German prison warders? Is it not the fact that this is completely contrary to what is laid down in the British Military Government regulations?

I do not think so. It is not true to say they are in German convicts' uniform. I have already answered that question. Nor are they under German warders. They are under British warders.

Will my right hon. Friend look into this matter?

Is it the fact that these British members of the Control Commission who have been convicted have no right of appeal, even to the Privy Council in this country?

I should like notice of that question.

Will my right hon. Friend look into this matter, because responsible members of the Commission are very much concerned about it.

Yes, I will.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action His Majesty's Government propose to take in consequence of the impediments being offered by the Soviet authorities to the free passage of British persons from the British zone of Germany to Berlin.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on this subject which I made yesterday in reply to a Question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill).

Will my right hon. Friend make it plain that this issue is being handled with a proper sense of its gravity under his direction in view of the loss of 14 British lives, and that it is not being left for some dinner party discussions with Marshal Sokolovsky which Field-Marshal Montgomery is today reported to have described as great fun and very friendly?

I cannot, of course, know what Field-Marshal Montgomery is reported to have said. In this country these matters are dealt with by the civil Government and not by generals.

If my right hon. Friend should find it possible to inquire into this sort of thing any further, will he himself consider making it possible for members of the British public, including Members of Parliament, to travel through the British zone when they wish to go to Germany and reach that country? Will he consider the same question from the point of view of Greece and Palestine, among other countries?

I have over and over again made offers towards facilitating completely free movement throughout Germany. This has been resisted with great bitterness and vehemence by the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the East African Governments have yet reported the results of their inquiries into the position of game; and what steps are being taken in East Africa to prevent destruction of native crops and the spreading of diseases by game, and to make available to Africans additional meat supplies by allowing them to kill game.

Yes, Sir. I have received the report of the proceedings of the Conference on Wild Life, held in Nairobi last year, and the views of the East and Central African Governments upon them. I am considering the points raised by my hon. Friend in conjunction with these views.

Is not the Minister aware that there is plenty of meat available to the African if he can be persuaded to kill some of the surplus goats and cattle which are at present eroding the land? One of the difficulties is to get the African to kill off the surplus.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in spite of assurances given in April, 1942, no compensation has yet been paid to officials of the Colonial Service who suffered war damage in British Somaliland in 1940; that replacement costs have risen and are rising; and what action he proposes to take, and when.

The question of war damage compensation in British Somaliland is being considered with claims from all Colonial territories where war damage occurred. It is under inter-Departmental examination. I regret that I am not yet able to say when a statement can be made.

As two and a half years have elapsed since the end of the war, surely inter-Departmental consideration should have reached some climax by now?

I am very anxious about this matter, and will do all in my power to speed up a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the United Nations' resolution against racial discrimination affecting teachers has been accepted and applied in respect of salaries to those teaching in West African schools; and what are the approximate salaries paid to European and African teachers, respectively.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the resolution of the Second Session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, held in November, 1947, on the subject of a Teachers' Charter, which refers to bars founded on distinctions of race, colour, sex or creed. There is, of course, no question of racial discrimina- tion in West African Government educational institutions. European and African teachers in the senior grades are paid on the same scales of basic salary, which commence at£450 and rise to maxima varying from£600 to£1,000. Europeans receive in addition an expatriation allowance, which ranges from£150 to£300 a year. Teaching posts in the junior grades are held exclusively by Africans.

Do I understand the Secretary of State to say that this applies to all teachers in all kinds of schools, or only in Government schools? I think the latter. If so, could my right hon. Friend say what action is being taken to see that the same principle applies to the other schools as already applies to Government schools?

I have no effective control in regard to mission schools. My answer does relate exclusively to Government schools.

Then, could the Secretary of State take any action at all, at least to recommend that mission schools should bring their scales up to those operating in Government schools?

This presents very considerable difficulty for mission schools, owing to the absence of funds, but I will draw their attention to the resolution of U.N.E.S.C.O.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many have been arrested, imprisoned or detained in connection with the present unrest in the Gold Coast; for what offences have they been apprehended; and whether all those thus affected will be brought to trial.

I have not this detailed information, but the Governor is sending it, and I will inform, my hon. Friend. I understand, however, that all arrests and imprisonments have been for specific offences arising out of the disturbances. No persons have been detained otherwise than for specific offences, although removal orders were made against six persons.

Has the Secretary of State seen the announcement in the Press, that something like 2,000 people have been apprehended by us; and will he pay particular attention to this matter, and examine the possibility of releasing some of that large number?

I have no information whatever that any persons have been detained, other than those who are charged with offences and the six persons of whom the House already has information. I should like completely to repudiate these Press statements that there are 2,000 persons behind barbed wire.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give particulars respecting further disturbances in the Gold Coast; and to what extent these were between the local inhabitants and Nigerian soldiers.

There was some renewal of disturbance in Accra on Easter Monday, when a crowd armed with sticks attempted to loot the stores of African petty traders. Prompt police action dispersed the crowd, and the curfew was reimposed. In one other town also an attempt was made to renew looting, but order was quickly restored. I strongly deprecate the suggestion, which is not supported by any news reaching me, that Nigerian soldiers were concerned in these disturbances.

Does the Secretary of State say that there were no Nigerian soldiers? Surely, it is easier to try to get local militia, or soldiers, or police, than soldiers or others from other Colonies?

The question of security forces in West Africa is, of course, a matter which is receiving continuous attention. So far as the Gold Coast disturbances were concerned, to which the hon. Member refers, Nigerian troops were not involved.

Is the Secretary of State aware that these disturbances are the direct result of the presence in the Colony of trades union advisers from this country; and will he have these men recalled immediately?

Nonsense.

It is perfectly true.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) what was the amount of British tonnage lost en route to, or from, Russia during the war;

As stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel CrosthwaiteEyre) on 13th March, 1946, 2,055 officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines were killed, and 19 of His Majesty's ships were sunk. The number of Merchant Navy officers and men killed was approximately 525, and the tonnage of British Merchant shipping sunk amounted to 208,537 gross tons.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary take all possible steps to remind both the Russian people and people of this and other countries of these and similar statistics?

I hope that the Question asked by the hon. Member and my reply will receive adequate publicity in the Soviet Press.

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the present Russian intransigence is the measure of their gratitude for all those sacrifices?

That has nothing to do with this Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements are being made in respect of both seniority and fees for cadets who will now have to remain an extra term at Dartmouth.

As regard seniority, no alterations are contemplated in the present rules for gaining time on the result of the cadet, midshipman and sub-lieutenants courses. As regards fees, from September, 1948, the cadets will be brought under the same financial arrangements as those who are to be entered at the age of 16. There will be no fees for tuition and board and lodging. The Admiralty will take over the supply of all further uniform and other clothing required by the cadets up to the training cruiser stage, and will meet their personal expenses at the college and in the training cruiser. The cost of these items will be recovered from the parents according to their income, by payments spread over the remainder of the cadet training period. Where necessary, this charge will be adjusted to ensure that the extra term does not involve parents in any additional expenditure.

With regard to seniority, I do not understand what the Parliamentary Secretary means by saying that there will be no loss. Does it mean the cadet will be dated at the beginning of the term or at the end, otherwise he will be losing three or four months?

As the hon. and gallant Member knows, it is possible for a young officer to gain as much as 16 months seniority. The average gain is, in fact, nine months, and the average will be increased by the fact that these boys will remain longer at Dartmouth.

Suppose he does not gain any seniority. He will then lose three months.

He might in that case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why Dartmouth cadets do not receive railway-warrants for sick-leave and survey.

Dartmouth cadets do not receive naval pay and hence do not acquire naval status until they pass out of the college and are appointed to sea. Until that stage is reached, ordinary fee-paying cadets are not entitled, under the present financial arrangements, to travel at public expense, either on ordinary leave or on sick leave, any more than they would be if they were attending any other school. In the case of scholars, the fees charged are inclusive of travelling expenses to and from the College.

At the present time, if the cadet is told to report for survey, I understand that he does not get a railway warrant?

That has been the practice up to now, but, as I have said, one of the advantages of the new Dartmouth scheme will be that that practice will be altered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the payment of war prize money to naval personnel.

The question of prize money has, as I have stated on previous occasions, involved a considerable amount of discussion not only with other Departments but also with other members of the Commonwealth. I hope, however, to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

Can my hon. Friend give some indication when that statement is likely to be made, and can he, in order to remove the doubts which exist, guarantee that these payments will be made to the personnel entitled to receive them?

I think I can safely say, without committing myself exactly, that the statement will be made within two or three weeks. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would prefer to await the statement.

asked the Minister of Defence how many meetings the Inter-Services Committee for the joint use of land for training has held; in how many cases has joint user been arranged; and whether he will give particulars.

The Inter-Services Coordinating Committee on Land Requirements has held four meetings. Individual cases have, in the main, been dealt with by executive discussion rather than at formal meetings, but the Committee laid down the procedure to be followed for the Inter-Service examination of the land required by the Services for training. The procedure laid down ensured that full consideration was given to the possibility of joint user. Joint user has been effected in some 3o areas of which major examples are Dartmoor and Castle Martin.

Is not this rather a poor result from the efforts of this Committee, and is there any reason why small arms ranges should not be used jointly by two of the Services, or by all three Services?

I am assured that that is being done wherever possible. I have had a look at some of the statements made by the hon. Member on 15th March, and I have not been able to reconcile them with my information. If he sends me some of the lists he mentioned, I will look into the matter.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will correct some of my statements if I am wrong?

Yes, Sir, if the hon. Member sends me the list.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that a number of Auster aircraft have been used by the Jews in Palestine for bombing, machine-gunning and reconnaissance purposes against the Arabs; whether these aircraft were obtained from British sources; and whether it is his intention to allow these and other aircraft obtained from British sources to be retained by their present owners.

I am informed that one light aircraft, believed to be an Auster, was recently employed by the Jews in operations against the Arabs in Palestine. The source from which this aircraft was obtained is not known at present, but I am having further inquiries made.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that, as recently as 4th February, he claimed that the sale of these Auster aircraft was not inconsistent with the policy of denying warlike material to both Arabs and Jews, and that he went on to describe these aircraft as non-military stores? May I ask whether these are still his views?

As I have said, I am having inquiries made into this particular aircraft. In this case, it did not enable the Jews to make their operations successful. What I said on 4th February was that these aircraft, which had been demilitarised and all of which were unserviceable, had been sold by open tender, and it was open to either side to buy them. [Interruption.] I gave that information. I am not sure what all the trouble is about. We gave orders that no further aeroplanes should be supplied.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the records of the sweet manufacturers throughout the country show an excess production over that required for the existing sweet ration, he will now state what they propose to do with this excess, and what his policy is as regards the reserve stocks of sweets and chocolates built up in 1947, and the quantities which have been added to these reserve stocks in 1948.

It is not the case that manufacturers throughout the country hold excessive stocks, but I am making inquiries as to the exact position in all sections of the trade. No special reserve stock of sweets was built up in 1947. A small reserve stock has been maintained for some years past to meet emergency conditions.

Is not the hon. Lady aware of the unassailable truth that there are large stocks in Glasgow and in many other parts of the country, and that manufacturers have excessive stocks with no outlet for exports? In these circumstances, why cannot the people have another quarter of a pound on their rations?

The hon. Member must remember that we should need 5,400 tons if we increased the ration by one ounce per head per week. We must be quite sure, first, of the facts which the hon. Member alleges.

They have got 20,000 tons.

Can we be informed where these surplus stocks are being kept in Glasgow?

If the hon. Member will see me in the tea room, I will tell him all about it.

asked the Minister of Food how many prosecutions and convictions have resulted from visits by his enforcement officers to farms in the East Riding of Yorkshire since 1st January, 1948.

Up to date, five prosecutions have taken place. Convictions were obtained in four cases, and one case was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act.

asked the Minister of Food what provisions are made for disinfecting the feet of his enforcement officers following their inspections of farm premises.

Enforcement inspectors carry disinfectant with them on their visits to farms, and use it where there is an outbreak of fowl pest or other disease.

Is the hon. Lady satisfied that this regulation is being strictly enforced, and can she say whether the necessary steps have been taken to inform the farmers of their rights in this matter?

I have made very careful inquiries, and I find that the officers carry a bottle of Lysol or Jeyes.

Would it not be desirable for these enforcement officers to make these inspections in their bare feet and then to wash them afterwards?

asked the Minister of Food how many enforcement officers of his Department have been employed in visits to farms in the East Riding of Yorkshire since 1st January, 1948.

I regret that the information asked for in regard to the East Riding of Yorkshire is not available, but, on an average, 3o enforcement inspectors have been employed each week since the 1st January, 1948, in visits to farms in the East and West Ridings.

Does not the hon. Lady now realise how right my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill) was when he warned us against the Gestapo?

asked the Minister of Food what agreement has been reached with Australia for increasing Queensland meat production through the agency of the Overseas Food Corporation.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make an early statement on the scheme of the Food Corporation to raise pigs on a large scale in Queensland; and whether he can give an assurance that this scheme will not prejudice the long-deferred revival of the British pig industry.

The Overseas Food Corporation and the Queensland Government have agreed upon a scheme for the cultivation of coarse grains and later, possibly, sunflowers, on an area of about 300,000 acres in Queensland. The coarse grains will be used for animal feeding-stuffs, and in particular pig feed, partly in Australia, and partly in this country. The exact use of the crop will be decided in the light of commercial and other considerations from year to year. The sunflower seed will be used to produce edible oils for the manufacture of margarine, etc. Legislation has been approved by the Queensland Parliament giving legal powers for the establishment of a statutory company to be known as the Queensland British Food Corporation. It is estimated that the financial requirements of the scheme may amount to 2½ million Ls Australian, of which the Queensland Government have agreed to provide up to ½million £s Australian.

Can the hon. Lady say what the Australian participation will be in the management of this concern?

I understand that about 1,000 men will be employed, half of whom will be Australians and the other half British.

What is the position in regard to management?

The Corporation will be set up and we shall nominate the chairman and three members, and the Australians will nominate the vice-chairman and one member.

asked the Minister of Food the average number of main meals served per week to the civilian population, respectively, in restaurants or other institutions open to the public, in canteens and other institutions to which access is limited, and in schools.

The average number of main meals served per week to she civilian population of the United Kingdom is, respectively, in restaurants and other catering establishments open to the public about 32 million, in canteens and other catering establishments to which access is limited, about 16 million, and in all schools the number served to day pupils is about 14 million.

asked the Minister of Food why the reduction in the cheese ration has been inflicted upon domestic consumers instead of upon privileged canteens.

A reduction in the allowances of cheese is being applied to all catering establishments and institutions except those catering solely for vegetarians. The original announcement about the change in the cheese ration was incorrect in this respect, and has since been amended.

Will the hon. Lady say whether this incorrect announcement was due to having too many public relations officers?

Can the hon. Lady say when her Department expects to be able to answer my various letters on the subject of an extra cheese ration for rural builders?

The hon. Gentleman writes so often that perhaps his last letter has not been answered, but I can assure him that I will give my personal attention to the matter.

asked the Minister of Food when he proposes to issue licences to grower-wholesalers, for the marketing of early potatoes.

About 10,50o such licences are already in existence, and applications for the new season are now being dealt with.

Is my hon. Friend aware that anxiety exists about applications for the new season? As these potatoes will be marketed six weeks hence can she give this matter immediate consideration?

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend's friend, Mr. Packer, has already received a form.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now announce the details of the increased allowance and prices of food that will be available for pigeons; and when the new scheme will come into operation.

The present arrangement, under which feedingstuffs for pigeons are issued to members of the National Pigeon Service, comes to an end on 24th September next. Revised arrangements, under which existing supplies will be more widely distributed, have been discussed with representatives of all Homing Unions, and an announcement will be made in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to ensure that new motor cars, purchased for export by visitors from over seas in priority to potential home customers, are exported.

There is no statutory assurance that a new motor car sold in this country to a visitor from overseas will in fact be exported, but I have no reason to suppose that this requirement is evaded to any material extent.

Is it not quite easy at present for a visitor from overseas to acquire a car and then sell it? If such people are to have this priority, surely there ought to be some provision that they shall not be able to take unfair advantage.

There is a trade covenant in existence which covers the sale of new motor cars, and which is designed to restrict resale within a certain period. So far as I am aware that covenant operates satisfactorily, whether the purchaser is from overseas or lives in this country, but if the hon. Gentleman has any information that there is a traffic of the kind he envisages I should be glad to have it and look into it.

How can a trade covenant possibly be enforced against an overseas visitor who has returned home? It would be useless.

It might be enforced against the purchaser. I do not know, but if there is any evidence to the contrary I should be glad to have it and look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Government have diverted to Russia rails purchased for export to other destinations.

Rails were an important factor in last year's trade negotiations with Russia, as a result of which we are now receiving valuable supplies of coarse grain. On this account there was a temporary suspension of releases of surplus rails by His Majesty's Government last summer while negotiations were proceeding between the two Governments, but releases against a number of export orders were later permitted, and I am not aware that any rails actually purchased for export to other destinations were diverted to Russia.

Will the hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider evidence which will prove the contrary?

Most certainly.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor) is anxious that new regulations should be introduced so that he can pray against them?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will restore a basic petrol ration not later than 1st May to assist the early staggering of holidays and enable, cricket and other sporting clubs to arrange in time their fixtures for away matches.

would ask the hon. Member to await the statement which, with Mr. Speaker's permission, my right hon. Friend proposes to make at the end of Questions tomorrow.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform his right hon. Friend that whatever concession is possible it would be doubly welcome if it was made to apply before the Whitsun holidays?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will publish the report of the committee on the black market in petrol.

The report of the Russell Vick Committee will be available in the Vote Office at 5.0 p.m. today, and will be on sale to the public tomorrow.