asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for how long the persons held in custody in this country and in the British zone of Germany as alleged war criminals have been so detained; and when will they be brought to trial.

Persons held in custody as alleged war criminals have been detained for periods varying between a few days and three years. As far as His Majesty's Government are concerned they will be brought to trial as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the established German political parties in the British zone have expressed themselves on the issue of the nationalisation of industry in Western Germany; and whether in leaving this question to the German people themselves the relevant opinion already publicised will be taken into account and made known by democratic means to all Germans in the combined zones.

The main political parties in the British zone of Germany have expressed themselves for or against the transfer of basic industries to public ownership. The Social Democrat and Communist Parties are in favour; the Free Democratic Party and the German Party are in general opposed; the Christian Democratic Union appears to favour the transfer of key basic industries to some form of mixed public and private ownership. His Majesty's Government fully expect that, when this question falls to be decided, the political parties and any other organisations concerned, such as the trades unions, will have ample opportunity of making their views known to the German people. There is no reason to doubt that the German people are already well aware both of the importance of this issue and of the opinions expressed by the various political parties.

Is not the Foreign Secretary aware that a meeting in Dusseldorf the week before last attended by the prime ministers of the Western zones, plus representatives of Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen, unanimously expressed the decision that the coal mines in the Ruhr should never be allowed to return to private ownership but should be placed under some form of public ownership?

I am aware of that.

In considering this matter, will the Foreign Secretary also give consideration to the proposals of the French Socialist Party, which is strongly supported in some quarters in this House, for placing the Ruhr industries under international public ownership?

The policy of the Government is that these mines should not go back to the previous owners. As I have repeatedly said, the decision of the Four-Power Conference was that the matter should be dealt with by the German people. I cannot imagine and I cannot accept that alien management for any length of time is likely to get the best results out of the mines, especially after previous experience.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Germans have suffered enough already without having to put up with nationalisation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will make a statement on currency reform in Germany; and, when doing so, if he will refer to the proposal of the Soviet Government for a uniform currency for the whole of Germany.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject. As regards the second part of the Question, we strove for a Four-Power settlement, but no agreement was reached and Four-Power discussion was ended as a result of action by the Soviet delegation on the Control Council.

Is it not a fact that the Soviet Union in the Four-Power Council agreed to some measure of common currency for the whole of Germany, and in these circumstances what is the attitude taken up by the Foreign Office in the matter?

While we were trying to arrive at an agreement on this and many other matters the Soviet Government suddenly one morning walked out of the Control Council and ended the matter. We cannot all be held up because of that.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell the House whether the currency agreement will apply exclusively to the British and American zones and not to the French zone?

I am not in a position to make a statement now.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that any proposals made by the Soviet Government, either for uniform currency or otherwise, ought to be treated by them as about as reliable as Hitler's claim that he had no more territorial claims in Europe?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to resume the delivery of reparations from in Western Germany in the proportions allocated under the Potsdam Agreement.

No date has been fixed.

Not having heard the answer, but anticipating a great deal of what the right hon. Gentleman said, may I ask him, in view of the fact that some 80 per cent. of German heavy industry, and therefore of war potential remains in Western Germany unscathed, does he not think it high time that we got on with the distribution of reparations to the 18 countries concerned?

The Question asked when it was proposed to resume deliveries, and I said that no date had yet been fixed. What we ought to do about reparations was not in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent impediments offered by the Soviet authorities to the passage of trains to and from the British sector of Berlin.

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the events of last week. The Soviet authorities, on 11th June, on the pretext of inadequate labelling of wagons, began to refuse acceptance of civil and military freight trains from the west bound for Berlin. The matter was taken up with the Soviet transport authorities and on 12th June the trains were able to proceed. This traffic is now proceeding normally except that unjustifiably large numbers of wagons are being refused on the grounds of alleged defective condition.

Is it not a fact that last night all communications to Berlin were stopped? Has anything been done about that?

I have not heard of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what special steps have been taken by the British Information Services in America to explain the British case in regard to Palestine; and what results it has achieved.

British Information Services have put out a steady stream of material explaining the British point of view on Palestine. The statement issued by Hi: Majesty's Stationery Office on the termination of the Mandate has been given wide distribution; factual papers have been issued at frequent intervals, covering both the general case and various particular points. Since Sir A. Cadogan's statement in the Security Council on 27th May there has been a noticeable relaxation of tension even in New York, where it was acute.

Will the Foreign Secretary make sure that the British Information Services in America give proper publicity to the fact that this country has taken proportionately more Jews in the last five years than any other country in the world, including the United States?

We have done that.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware of the totally inadequate funds available for the use of the British Information Services in America, which make it impossible to defend the British case on Palestine or on anything else?

That does not arise out of the Question.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that some three months ago I addressed a Question to him asking if he was confident that the British. Information Services in the United States were adequate on this subject? Can he give some details as to what extent in the British Press the case for Britain in Palestine compares statistically with the case put forward by the highly organised and unscrupulous Zionist elements in the United States?

I ought to have notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the radio station in Cyprus, run by the Foreign Office Information Department, has been encouraging the Arabs in their invasion of Palestine; that on 28th May it called on the Arabs to be ready to occupy Haifa; and whether he will make a statement.

I have seen a monitoring report of a broadcast by the Near East Arabic Broadcasting Service speculating on possible Arab military activity. This station is not run by the Foreign Office Information Department, nor has the Governor of Cpyrus any responsibility for it.

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether this radio station broadcasts announcements of this kind?

I have already said I have seen a monitoring report of what it broadcast, but that is not under my control.

Does that report confirm these particular statements?

I saw one statement which I thought was rather unwise, but then there are a lot more broadcasts which I think are equally unwise.

Who operates this station?

It is operated by a body of people connected with the Arabs.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell us by whom it is licensed and what is the juridical nature of this body?

It operated in Palestine, and for technical reasons it was removed to Cyprus. The people who have been operating are the same people who operated it for years in Palestine.

I give notice that I will put down a Question to the Secretary of State for the Colonies asking why this station is in Cyprus.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that British-born members of the Palestine Police and Prison Service, whose engagements have been terminated at short notice, were unable to draw their outstanding salaries, and many of them are now in Cyprus entirely without funds, being dependent on the generosity of Cypriots for the bare necessities of living; and what steps does he propose taking to assist such people.

No, but if the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with details I will make immediate inquiries.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that he has had no complaints at all at the Colonial Office? Why is it that letters which have been addressed by these men to the Crown Agents have not been replied to? If there is any doubt, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Cyprus Government take care of this matter?

I will certainly look into the matter, but I have no information.

Could my right hon. Friend perhaps assist some of these men to find employment with the Arab broadcasting station which he is allowing to operate in Cyprus?

What consideration is being given to the employment of these men in Malaya, where they are badly needed?

I can only say that the police problem in Malaya is being looked at most carefully and that the position of these men is not out of our minds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total amount of claims for compensation for loss or damage to property in Palestine submitted in accordance with the Palestine Government Notice No. 1520 of 16th May, 1947; and the total amount of claims made by British subjects.

The records of claims were retained in the offices of the District Commissioners in Palestine and the information requested is not available; no separate records of claims made by British subjects were kept. Arrangements will shortly be announced for the guidance of British subjects wishing to register claims for loss or damage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what funds are available from the Government of Palestine to make payment in respect of claims submitted under Government Notice No. 1520 of 16th May, 1947; and whether funds will be made available from the British Treasury for that purpose.

No Palestine Government funds are available, nor, as my hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 5th May, will any compensation be paid by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Kenya Penal Code provides no protection for African women similar to that given to white women under Article 159; and whether it is the intention that this omission shall be rectified.

The matter is already under consideration by the Government of Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that land allotted to white settlers in the Kenya Highlands and in the Coast Province is in many cases not being cultivated; and whether it is proposed to make beneficial development of such lands a condition of continued occupation.

Yes, Sir; a proportion of such land is not cultivable and some, while it is not arable is being beneficially used for pasture. Further extension of the beneficial use of land is temporarily handicapped by shortage of agricultural machinery and equipment. Agrarian legislation which is at present being prepared in Kenya will, if enacted, make provision generally similar to that in the United Kingdom Agricultural Act to ensure the efficient use of agricultural land.

Does that mean that in the event of any farmer being dispossessed for not making proper use of his land, that land will be available only to other white settlers?

No, but most of the legislation will be modelled on the legislation of this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the white settler is only to anxious to extend and develop production if he can get water, wire, and so on, with which to assist him to do so?

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that these people will be burdened with something like our county agricultural executive committees?

Is the Minister aware that the lowlands are largely in the hands of the Indians and Arabs, and that in the white Highlands there is a Government Department to help and advise settlers about the development of land?

Does the Minister mean that the African will be given the right to settle in East Africa?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the Communistinspired outbreak of crime and violence in Malaya; whether any exceptional measures are being taken; and if he wilt make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the increase in crime in Perak in Malaya and what steps are being taken to combat it.

I would refer to the statement made by my hon. Friend on nth June. The worst affected areas are Central and South Perak and Central Johore, in which there were, during the week ending 12th June, five murders and two attempted murders, all of which, save one attempted murder, can be attributed to organised violence. In addition the House will learn with regret that this morning two European managers and one European assistant of three neighbouring estates in Central Perak were murdered by a gang of 12 Chinese, armed with Sten guns and pistols.

The High Commissioner has at once issued a Proclamation in this area and in two other areas in Johore where criminal attacks have taken place, giving the police extraordinary powers of search, detention, curfew, and control of movements of persons and traffic, and reimposing the death penalty for unlawful possession of arms, ammunition, grenades and explosives. These powers are being taken for a period of emergency only, are confined to the areas I have mentioned and will not remove offenders from the jurisdiction of the Courts except in the case of individuals whom it may be necessary to detain in the interests of public safety.

Police posts and military patrols have been increased in the affected areas, and police have been posted temporarily on some estates where violence has occurred or is expected. Other measures are being taken for the safety of plantation staffs in remote areas, including the issue of police weapons on loan to individual planters. Other measures, which involve legislation, to enable the Government of the Federation to act decisively against persons challenging its authority, are being prepared. These include the strengthening of the Restricted Residence, Seditious Publications and Printing Press Enactments, and the Emergency Regulations Enactment.

The strike situation is improving; on the 13th of June there were 22 strikes with 4,800 workers involved, compared with 27 strikes involving 6,900 workers a week earlier.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the measures that are being taken, may I ask him if he has considered the banishment of all persons found guilty of banditry whether British subjects or not, and will he bear in mind how much the Chinese in particular dislike banishment?

We are giving immediate consideration to the banishment ordinance.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the public statement made by Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, the High Commissioner, that international Communism has played an important part in this unrest; and will he also say why it is that the powers to banish British subjects which have been asked for by public opinion of all races in Malaya, have not been granted by the Colonial Office?

The latter point is obviously one of great difficulty. It has been considered and a decision is about to be taken. In regard to Communist propaganda, we have tightened up the regulations in regard to all kinds of subversive propaganda, and we have also taken the necessary steps to amend the trade union regulations.

In view of the numerical weakness of the police in Malaya is the right hon. Gentleman taking the necessary steps to increase the numbers; and, secondly, has he asked for and got all the assistance he needs from the military to make up for this weakness?

In regard to the police force, steps have been taken over recent months to increase its strength; further steps have been taken within the last few weeks. Energetic measures have been adopted to get out to Malaya the new equipment and apparatus which the police have had on order for some time. In regard to the troops, no requests have been received from local governments for their use, but the Colonial Office has that point under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the necessary measures to preserve order will be accompanied by measures to ensure that the root causes of discontent in Malaya are removed?

During the last few months several Commissions have been sent to Malaya to examine the economic and social background to see what further steps can be taken to meet some of the distresses in that area.

Has anything been done to assist the police by providing the aircraft for which they asked some time ago?

We are trying to meet all the requests that have been made by the police to assist them in their work.

On a point of Order. I did not want to interrupt the supplementary questions that have been put, but now I want to ask if it is in Order or tolerant that anybody should be allowed to put down a Question referring to "Communist-inspired murder" when there is no evidence of any kind—[Interruption.] No, but there have been a whole lot of murders in Britain since the war—ghastly outrages by men with Sten guns and has anybody put down Questions about "Communist-inspired murder"? It is a scandal that anybody should put down a Question referring to, such things as "Communist-inspired murder." It is more like Tory-inspired murder.

There is no point of Order about that. Let the hon. Member remember that if he abuses the rules in, regard to points of Order I need not call him for the next Question. That has been done by other Speakers.

Further to that point of Order. As I was responsible for putting down this Question, may I say that the evidence came from the High Commissioner himself.

It did not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the lawlessness in Malaya and the numerous acts of violence and intimidation in the peninsula, he will, as a temporary measure, impose the death penalty for the illegal carrying of arms.

Both in Malaya and in Singapore I understand that the law allows the death penalty to be imposed for the illegal carrying of arms and using or attempting to use them. For the offence of illegal carrying of arms severe penalties involving up to 10 years imprisonment are also prescribed. As an exceptional measure in one area of Central Perak and two areas in Johore the High Commissioner has made emergency regulations reimposing the death penalty for the simple unlawful possession of arms, ammunition, grenades and explosives.

In carrying out this would the Minister consider sending some of the policemen from Palestine who are now available?

And from Greece.

That problem is before us.

Can my right hon. Friend give us any information that suggests that this lawlessness in Malaya has been 'instigated by the Cominform in Bucharest?

asked the Secretary -of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the arrest of the manager of the "Min Sheng Pau" Newspaper, published in Kuala Lumpur by the Malayan Communist Party; and if he will state the charge that has been made against this man.

The editor of the newspaper "Min Sheng Pau" was arrested on 8th June and charged with sedition. I have no further information, but am asking the High Commissioner for a report.

In view of the fact that nobody knows what sedition is—[Laughter.] Well, no judge has ever given a definition of it—is it not obvious that even this newspaper, which is not viewed with any great regard by the authorities over there, cannot be associated in any way with the crimes which are taking place in Malaya at the present time? Is not that the case?

In view of the whole record in this matter, is it surprising that a Communist editor has been charged with sedition?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the Malay Federation Government has declared illegal the Pan-Malayan Federation of Trade Unions.

I am awaiting a report on this matter from the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya. I shall write to the hon. Member when it is received.

Is the Minister aware that, in a terrible situation such as appears to exist in Malaya, it is undesirable to try to find a remedy by oppression and suppression rather than by a clear, straightforward Socialist progressive policy?

There is no repression at all. We are concerned about certain subversive organisations in Malaya. The necessary action must be taken in view of the background of violence and disturbance there at the present time.

Is it not a palpable case of repression when a trade union federation is being declared illegal in the situation that exists in Malaya, where the mass of the people were kept for generations submerged in the lowest conditions by the Tories of this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ensure that Nyasaland will be represented by Africans as well as Europeans at the forthcoming African Conference in London.

An African, to be selected by the Protectorate Council, will be included in the Nyasaland delegation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made for a change in the constitution of Nyasaland and, in particular, whether it is proposed to institute a system of direct election for either European or African representatives.

I hope to make an announcement on this matter in the near future and I am sure that my hon. Friend will not wish me to anticipate this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent modern methods for the extraction of palm oil in West African Colonies has progressed in respect of volume and value during the past five years; and what measures are being taken to secure machinery for this purpose and the substitution of modern for primitive methods.

There are no statistics to show how much West African palm oil is produced by modern methods, but the introduction of hand presses and pioneer oil mills has contributed to rising production and to improvement in quality. In 1944, when grading was, introduced, 51 per cent. of Nigerian palm oil purchased for export was Grade I; by 1947, the figure had risen to 63 per cent. Grade I oil at present earns the producer a premium of £2 5s. per ton over Grade II.

There were 1,081 hand presses in use-in Nigeria at the end of 1946 and their number is being steadily increased. There are at present four Government pioneer oil mills working in Nigeria. A further mill is to open this month; four more are under construction; machinery for an additional 15 on order is beginning to arrive.

Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter of providing motor transport for the collection of palm kernels in order to avoid the enormous waste of time and energy involved in the present method of carrying them to the mills by native labour?

That matter is receiving our attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the greater climatic and aesthetic suitability of roofing tiles compared with corrugated iron sheets, to what extent the manufacture of the former is being encouraged in West Africa.

In the Gold Coast every encouragement is being given to Africans to set up small tile factories to increase local production, and a proposal for a larger factory is under examination. I am inquiring the position in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that the use of local material in building and the substitution of locally made tiles for corrugated iron sheets is very desirable, whenever it is practicable.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is possible to substitute roofing tiles in almost every case where corrugated iron roofs are now used? Could not special steps be taken to encourage this indigenous industry?

That encouragement is being given now, and considerable developments are expected.

Would not this substitution be likely to lead to a dangerous increase in the number of loose tiles in that area?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made towards the publication of a Colonial Service Journal as the means for the exchange, among administrative and technical officers, of information about developments in the various territories.

The appointment of Mr. Kenneth Bradley as editor of the Colonial Service Journal was announced yesterday. It is hoped that Mr. Bradley will take up his appointment in September and that the first issue of the journal will be published by the beginning of next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which of the African Colonial Governments have now established African Affairs Branches in their secretariats for the review and development of policy in regard to the native administration and local government.

All the East and Central African Territorities other than Zanzibar now have Chief Native Commissioners or Secretaries for African Affairs. African Affairs Branches for advisory purposes either already exist or are in process of being set up in these territories as the staff situation permits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet been able to prepare a general statement of policy on local government in Africa.

No general statement has yet been prepared. The policy on African local government was discussed at the Governors' Conference last year and will be further discussed at the African Conference in September. I am also expecting a report on this subject from Lord Hailey, who has recently returned from Africa.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether it is intended to issue a statement upon the development of local government, particularly as it concerns the Africans?

Consideration will have to be given whether it is desirable to issue such a statement. A number of circulars have already been directed to the African Governments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how the sale of H.M.S. "Aurora" and eight motor launches will be shown in the Naval Accounts.

As I informed the hon. Member on 2nd June, it is not customary to disclose the terms on which ships are sold to a foreign Government. Like other sales, therefore, the details of this particular one will not be shown separately in the Navy Account.

In connection with one or two of the earlier Questions this afternoon can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to dispose of all our ships to South America, Asia, and other parts?

That matter has no connection whatever with this Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ships, and of what classes, have been tested with the new air-tight system of maintenance for ships that are laid up.

The upper deck equipment of 16 destroyers is now in a state of preservation by the use of desiccants and air-tight envelopes, and similar preservation is being carried out on nine other destroyers. No ships have yet been fitted with dynamic dehumidification equipment for interior compartments. A number of sets are on order and it is expected that the first set will be delivered towards the end of June. It will be fitted in a destroyer on which preparatory work is proceeding.

In view of the great saving in personnel and maintenance will the Admiralty apply this system to the larger ships and destroyers?

Certainly, Sir, we would consider it, but the trouble at the moment is to secure an adequate number of machines for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether on the demobilisation of temporary officers, the Inland Revenue authorities are immediately notified by D.N.A. of any outstanding Income Tax liabilities or what is the average period of delay.

Details of naval emoluments and tax deductions are now generally sent to the Inland Revenue Authorities very shortly after the officer's final date of release. When demobilisation was at its height, staff difficulties, both in the Fleet and in the Admiralty, made some delay unavoidable. The average period of delay at that time could not be given without a great deal of work, but it is thought that, apart from exceptional cases of difficulty, it was about two months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that temporary officers demobilised in 1945 are now receiving Income Tax claims covering the financial years 1939–40 and 1940–41; and why the necessary deductions were not made from their pay prior to discharge.

Adjustment of tax after officers have left the Service is a matter for the Board of Inland Revenue, and claims are not made by the Admiralty. Before the introduction of P.A.Y.E. last year it was the normal practice, during an officer's service, for tax deductions to be made from his naval pay by the Supply Officer on a provisional basis and for adjustments to be made on receipt of Inland Revenue assessments. It is not possible to say why the necessary deductions were not made in the cases referred to by the hon. and gallant Member without knowing the names of the officers concerned and the amounts involved.

Will the Minister accept my assurance that such cases do exist, as I have seen the correspondence; and will he convey to his right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that as it has taken the Government eight years to make the claims, these gentlemen should be allowed eight years in which to make the payments?

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether an opportunity will be given to these men if they so desire to make these back payments out of their post-war credits?

That is another Question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that great hardship has been caused by the delay over these Income Tax liabilities?

Yes, Sir. I realise that hardship may be caused in certain cases, but taxes have to be paid—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—strange though it may seem to some people. Even if there is a delay, these taxes will have to be paid whatever the difficulties may be. However, I will look into the matter and will naturally bring it to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I can give absolutely no guarantee that they will be remitted.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the responsibility for this is in the period of the Caretaker Government which the hon. and gallant Member supported?

This was eight years ago. Most likely it was the last Liberal Government.

Is the Minister aware that a great deal of responsibility, either for the delay or for the inaccuracy, must lie with the Admiralty, and will the Admiralty therefore consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter, which is causing great hardship?

I am aware that the responsibility is that of the Admiralty, and in any case, as has already been quite rightly pointed out by another hon. Member, it is the Admiralty of the previous Administration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the aircraft carrier now building at Messrs. Harland and Wolff's Yard, Belfast, will be launched.

H.M.S. "Bulwark," a Light Fleet Carrier, will be launched on Tuesday, 22nd June, 1948, by Her Excellency the Countess Granville, at the shipbuilding and engineering works of Messrs. Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast. H.M.S. "Bulwark" embodies all the features described when the launching of H.M.S. "Centaur," her sister ship, was announced in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for the Queen's University of Belfast (Professor Savory) on 16th April, 1947.

Has not this delay in part been caused by the abnormal shortage of steel to which this yard has been subjected?

No, Sir. The programme is being carried out according to plan, and I think it is of interest to those people who say that nothing is being done for the Navy to know that these ships are in fact being launched today.

To whom are they going to be sold?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that their work is mainly underground, he will grant the workers at the Royal Naval. Depot, Copenacre, Corsham, two weeks' paid holiday in the year.

The question of paid holidays is one which affects all Government work people and is dealt with through the recognised negotiating machinery. The conditions underground at Copenacre are not deemed to warrant special consideration for the work people concerned.

Is the Civil Lord aware that these men put in their claims five months ago and that they have heard nothing at all from his Department; and is he further aware that after paying their travelling expenses, they receive less than the agricultural minimum? Does the Admiralty consider that these are respectable terms of payment for their work?

I cannot agree at all with the statement that they receive less than the agricultural minimum. On the other question that they put in their claim, no specific claim has been put in for these men; it is a general claim which is to be dealt with by the joint co-ordinating committee.

Is the Civil Lord aware that the wage is 90s. 6d. a week, from which 3s. is deducted for travelling, which brings them below the minimum agricultural wage?

I am quite certain that the hon. Gentleman read the reply I gave him last week. The answer on that occasion was that we are paying rates in accordance with the award of the Industrial Court, which is the accepted procedure throughout the country.

May I ask whether the appropriate trade unions have made any representations on behalf of these men?

The appropriate trade unions have not made a specific application in respect of these men but general applications have come in from the trade Anions.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will issue a White Paper or make a statement bringing up to date those parts of the Command Paper on Pay for Officers and other Ranks of the three Services, Command papers 6715 and 6750, which refer to the relation of civilian salaries or wages to service pay.

Comparisons between Service and 'civilian emoluments must be on a very broad basis. It is not considered that such changes in the situation as have subsequently occurred call for a reconsideration at the present time of the comparison made in Command Paper 6715.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unofficial comparisons are being made between the amounts of Service and civilian pay and that these are doing harm in the public mind, and that they must do harm to recruiting if they are allowed to go on without an official statement being made?

The position has always been kept generally under review but the White Paper on the new Pay Code which was laid down in December, 1945, is a long-term policy as far as possible; and in the light of the present situation and the fact that some of the emoluments of the Services are received in kind and therefore are some set off to the increase in the cost of living, we are not at present prepared to make a general reconsideration of the comparison.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that while one is sympathetic to the claims of Service officers, at the present time it will put too great a strain on the forbearance of many millions of people with wage claims if the claims for Service officers are granted?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my Question refers to both other ranks and officers, and makes no distinction?

asked the Minister of Defence whether he proposes to make public the result of the inquiries into Anglo-American commitments and interests connected with combined Command problems which are now being made by the Anglo-American Combined Chiefs of Staff Board in Washington.

As I explained to the hon. Member in my reply of 21st January, the Anglo-American Combined Chiefs of Staff Board in Washington is retained to discharge military responsibilities on Anglo-American commitments and interests connected with combined Command problems of the last war. I see no occasion for a public statement.

Whereas my right hon. Friend told the House in January, as he has just indicated, that the combined Anglo-American Chief of Staffs Board in Washington was retained solely to wind up the problems of the last world war, and whereas in May my right hon. Friend told the House that there was no intention of winding up this board at all, would he not now come out into the open and tell us what this Board is up to and whether it is simply preparing for a third world war?