asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether British European Airways are observing the award given by the Industrial Court on conditions of service for airline pilots; and whether, when appointing associate companies to run certain internal airlines on their behalf, it has been made a condition that these associated companies shall observe the award of the Industrial Court.

The answer to the first part of the question is, "Yes, Sir"; and to the second part, "No, Sir." The terms and conditions of employment of persons employed by all companies operating under associate arrangements with the Corporation are governed by Section 41 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1946.

Are we to take it that the Government do not regard conditions under which pilots work in the Corporation as being so much better than those in private firms and ought not the Ministry to insist on as good conditions?

These conditions are insisted on as part of the statute. The statute also lays down the machinery by which those responsible on the trade union side of the industry ensure that the conditions are being observed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the Welsh Advisory Council on Civil Aviation were not consulted or advised about the restoration of the Cardiff-Weston air service; and whether this will be done in future in connection with any civil aviation services in Wales.

The answer to the first part of the Question is that the Welsh Advisory Council were so advised. As to the second part of the Question, I am informed by the British European Airways Corporation that they will, as far as practicable, consult the Council about any future alterations of civil air services in Wales.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Welsh Advisory Council were not consulted as he has suggested, but merely informed about it? Is he further aware of the fact that the Council were not informed until Members of this House were informed at a private deputation?

I do not want to come into conflict with my hon. Friend, but the facts are that the Welsh Advisory Council asked for reconsideration of the discontinuance of the service. A reply was sent on 15th March by the Chairman of B.E.A. to the Chairman of the Advisory Council, and it was not until May that the final decision was made. They were informed in March of what was going to happen, and this House was not informed until May.

Is my hon. Friend aware that civil air services are at present non-existent in Wales, and will he consult with this elaborately set up Council in order to get something going?

Yes, I will consult, but I am not very sanguine as to the result so far as the provision of services is concerned.

Is the Minister aware that the supplementary question asked by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Caernarvonshire (Mr. G. Roberts) is perfectly correct, that there are no services in Wales and that the Welsh Advisory Council appear to be merely a sop to Welsh opinion; and has he any plans for Welsh aviation or is he satisfied that we still travel about in coracles?

When, in fact, there is a proved demand for services that demand will be satisfied.

Does that answer mean that these services can use almost any airport without consulting any body or the hon. Gentleman's own Department?

No, Sir. This is a body, advisory to the British European Airways Corporation, set up with the intention that Welsh public opinion on these matters, especially on air services for that area, should be expressed to the Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on how many occasions His Majesty's Government have protested to the Government of the U.S.S.R. since the end of the war on the grounds of violation by the latter of treaty obligations; and if he will specify each incident in respect of which protests have been so made.

I regret that a list of occasions on which representations have been made to the Soviet Government and their representatives abroad on account of failure to fulfil international treaty obligations could not be given within the limits of a Parliamentary Question and reply. The House has been kept currently informed of all these unfortunate events.

While appreciating the Minister's reply and all that it implies, may I ask him if he is aware that the American Foreign Relations Committee have published 37 violations of treaties by the Soviet Union, and could we not have some information recorded in HANSARD such as the American Senators have obtained from their Government?

No, Sir. I do not think it is called for. It would be hard to compress three long years like that into HANSARD.

Would not the hon. Gentleman be able to tell us briefly what protests have been made against the annexation of territory in violation of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty?

Allegations against a country with which we are in friendly relationship ought not to be made.

Is it not the case that what was published by the American State Department consisted of allegations which have not yet been proved?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Dr. Josef Gotz was handed over by us to the French Government in December, 1946, since when he has been kept in prison at Rue du Cheche-Midi, in Paris; that he was examined for the first time on 3rd May, 1948, nearly 18 months after being handed over; and whether he will now demand his return to the British zone of Germany in accordance with the laws laid down by the C.C.G.

I am aware that Dr. Gotz was handed over by the British authorities in Germany to the French, in December, 1946. I am informed that he was first examined on 12th December, 1946. The British authorities asked for his return to the British zone of Germany on 10th June, 1948.

Can I take it that since this Question has been put down some action has been taken, and that my hon. Friend will persist in it, until this man is either dealt with or set free and sent back to Germany?

The action was taken before this Question was put down. We are awaiting a reply from the French authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Herr Kopf has resigned his appointment as Prime Minister of Land Niedersachen.

Herr Kopf is still the Minister President of Lower Saxony. He and his coalition Cabinet resigned on 11th March, owing to the failure of the coalition parties to reach agreement on the proposed land reform legislation. At the request of the regional commissioner, however, Herr Kopf remained in office as acting-Minister President, in order to form a new Cabinet. This he did on 9th June, since when he remains Minister President.

Would the hon. Gentleman confirm that Herr Kopf who, I believe, is a Socialist, has protested vehemently against the British Government's ideas of what the agricultural policy for Germany should be, particularly the interference with the present lay out of farms, which will mean a big drop in agricultural production?

Those are the allegations but they are not the view of my right hon. Friend.

They are the views of Herr Kopf.

Could the House be informed by the laying of papers in the Library or otherwise what were the proposals here in dispute and what were Herr Kopf's objections to them?

Information has been laid in the Library about the Land Reform Ordinance. If further information can be given, I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to improve the conditions in German and Austrian camps of refugees from Czechoslovakia.

I am informed that 162 Czech refugees in the British zones of Germany and Austria have already been recruited for employment in the United Kingdom, or have obtained visas independently; and that the balance of about 80 are now under examination. These refugees are in Preparatory Commission of the International Refugee Organisation camps and my right hon. Friend does not consider that special steps are required regarding their living conditions.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that Members of this House receive numerous communications about the conditions in those camps from Czech refugees?

I will certainly look into individual instances.

While I endorse the implications of the Question by my hon. Friend, may I ask whether the Minister can say approximately how many of these refugees are in Austrian or German camps?

I could not give the division between Austrian and German camps without notice.

Are not the vast majority of these refugees in the American zone? Will not the Minister make representations until conditions there improve, because they are at present deplorable?

We are in touch with the authorities of the United States on the general question of Czech refugees.

How do the conditions in which these refugees are living compare with the conditions under which people are living who have been in displaced persons' camps for a good many years?

They have the same conditions as other persons eligible for I.R.O. care and maintenance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protests have been made in the Control Council for Germany to support the complaint that well-known ex-Nazis are being recruited into the National Democratic Party in the Soviet zone of Germany in breach of the Potsdam Agreement; and with what results.

The Control Council for Germany has not met since 20th March, when Marshal Sokolovsky walked out of the meeting. At a meeting of the deputy-commandants in Berlin on 28th April, the British representative pointed out to his Soviet colleague that the "National Zeitung," which has now become the organ of the National Democratic Party, had publicly stated that the purposes of this new party were to provide a means of political expression for former members of the Nazi Party. To rectify this violation of Control Council Law No. 2 and the purposes of the Allied Occupation of Germany, the British representative proposed that a Four-Power Commission should be set up to investigate the activities of the "National Zeitung." The Soviet representative refused to accept this proposal, and on 16th June the National Democratic Party was licensed by the Soviet military authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken to provide an alternative supply of milk for the children of Berlin in view of the fact that fresh milk previously provided by the U.S.S.R. was cut off by them on 23rd June.

There are sufficient stocks of tinned liquid evaporated and full cream dried milk for the use of children in Berlin. The provision of a further continuing supply has been arranged.

Can special representations be made about this to the Soviet Government? Surely, it is desirable to do something of that kind?

For several months past we have built up sufficient stocks, and I do not think there is cause for anxiety on the subject.

Can my hon. Friend give the House any idea of how long the stocks will last?

I cannot do so because it involves speculations of a wide character.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the order issued by the U.S.S.R. on 24th June interdicting the storing of food for the Western Sector of Berlin within the U.S.S.R. Sector means in effect that cold storage is now impossible because all refrigerator plant lies within the U.S.S.R. Sector; and what steps he is taking to meet this difficulty.

Cold storage facilities in the three Western Sectors are adequate to meet present needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Berlin workers have been thrown out of employment as a result of the cutting off of electrical current by the U.S.S.R. from the three Western Sectors.

I regret that it is not possible to give any satisfactory estimate, since firms suffering from electricity cuts and shortages of raw materials have encouraged their workers to take any paid holidays which are due to them.

Will my hon. Friend go further than he gone so far, further than merely saying that we intend to remain in Berlin and say that we intend to see that the people of Berlin are supplied with the food, the fuel and the materials which are required for their health and employment?

May I, in reinforcing what my hon. Friend has just said, ask the Minister whether, in view of the obviously worsening situation in Berlin and yesterday's statement by the Secretary of State for Air that we cannot supply Berlin by air, he will try to get the Foreign Secretary to make an early statement in order to clear up doubts on this matter?

I do not accept all the implications of those two supplementary questions, but I will certainly ask my right hon. Friend to consider that.

In view of the tremendous concern displayed about the civilian population of Berlin, will the Minister give a definite undertaking that this country will never bomb Berlin again?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date, and by whom, were instructions given to destroy the office buildings of the Deutsche Werke at Spandau; and whether he is aware that they could have provided accommodation for civilian population equal to that of upwards of 100 flats.

My hon. Friend appears to be misinformed. There are no separate office buildings at the Deutsche Werke at Spandau. The offices formed a portion of the Hindenberg factory building, the destruction of which as a category I war plant was ordered by the responsible Control Commission authorities in October, 1947. I am informed that the conversion into flats of these offices which were themselves badly damaged was impracticable and that the German authorities concerned agreed with this view.

Is my hon. Friend aware that it was the German authorities themselves who asked me to go and see the place in course of demolition and that they asserted that it could have been converted?

How could the hon. Member know when he was in the House here?

What is it to do with the hon. Member anyway. It is too late to act on that now, but will my hon. Friend take steps to ensure that buildings which can be used for civilian occupation in Berlin are not quite arbitrarily knocked down because some incompetent person took a decision months or years ago?

I do not agree that it was a wrong decision or that it was incompetently taken. On the first point, the German authorities agree with the statement I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many peace and pacifist organisations have been licensed in our zone of Germany; and how many have applied but have been refused a licence.

Up till 15th January, licences were granted to six peace and pacifist organisations and, to the best of my knowledge, only one application was refused. Since that date, these organisations have not had to obtain a licence from Military Government but only to register with the German authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what pensions are provided for disabled German ex-Service men; and at what approximate annual cost to the British taxpayer.

In the British and United States zones, pensions are granted under the Industrial Accidents Insurance Scheme. The maximum pension is 100 marks a month. The whole cost is borne by German revenues.

Would my hon. Friend convey that information to the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burgs (Sir T. Moore) who seemed last Friday to be under a slight misapprehension on this matter?

While naturally appreciating the interest of the hon. Member in ex-Service men of any country, may I say that this matter is really unworthy of my attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make it a condition precedent to the sale or loan of any British warship to a foreign Power that that foreign Power should not be in illegal occupation of British territory.

No, Sir. It would serve no useful purpose for my right hon. Friend to enter into a general undertaking of this nature. Each case should be judged on its merits, as it arises.

Would not such an act on our part be a condonation of the illegal act of that Power?

No, Sir. The appropriate way of dealing with a dispute is by the normal, peaceful, legal method.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the Yugoslav Government about the abducted Greek children; and what further action His Majesty's Government contemplates.

His Majesty's Government are rightly concerned at the violation of human rights by the removal of Greek children against the wishes of their parents, but they have not themselves communicated with the Yugoslav Government on this matter. At the suggestion of the United Nations Balkans Committee, on which there is a United Kingdom representative, the Greek Government has asked Eastern European Governments for the immediate repatriation of these children. I understand that the Yugoslav reply to the Greek Government alleged that the children could only be returned to Greece after the internal troubles in that country had been settled.

Was it not clear, before the question was put to the Yugoslav Government, that it had the approval of His Majesty's Government? What further steps do His Majesty's Government intend to take?

The reply to the first part of the supplementary question is, "Yes" The reply to the second part is that we shall take all the steps we can through the appropriate United Nations agency.

Is not what really matters that these children should be in safe areas rather than in the midst of fighting?

Of all the horrors with which we are faced is not the abduction of these children among the most atrocious?

Would the Minister confirm that, in the view of His Majesty's Government, the best place for the children is with their parents?

That is the view of the Government, and we made our views plain in support of the United Nations Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the Yugoslays who were recently detained at Esterwegen have now been set free; and how many are to be forcibly repatriated.

Fifteen have been released. Five are to be repatriated.

Does this not make the thirty-eighth violation of treaties by Soviet Russia?

Does not the Minister think it entirely contrary to the traditions of this country that people should be forced to be repatriated to a Government which will not give them any fair hearing at all? In fact, on this occasion, is he not condemning them to death?

No, Sir. The obligations are clear on this matter. A full statement has been made, to which I have nothing to add.

That is a Pontius Pilate attitude.

On whose authority is the decision made to repatriate these people?

These Yugoslays are repatriated if there is a clear, prima facie case of being traitors to the Allied cause.

Who decides whether there is a clear prima facie case? That is the important point.

It is a legal decision, taken by a legal tribunal in Germany and confirmed by the legal adviser to the Foreign Office.

Is there any appeal against that legal decision?

It is not a matter of judicial decision and appeal. It is a matter of interpretation whether a prima facie case exists.

Are the accused given any opportunity to defend themselves?

Yes, Sir.

Does the existence of a prima facie case give any ground at all why these people should not have a fair trial? Is it not well-known to His Majesty's Government that these people will not get a fair trial?

On a point of Order. Is it open to hon. Members of this House to make imputations such as that which has just been made against the Yugoslav Government? Is there any evidence at all to warrant the suggestion that these people will not get fair trials?

Further to that point of Order. Are you aware, Mr. Speaker, that the Yugoslav Government have themselves issued an order that no competent lawyer may defend a so-called war criminal, except for finding out the truth in the interests of the State?

On that point of Order. May I say that the facts on which I relied have been stated by His Majesty's Ministers in this House?

Perhaps I had better answer the point of Order. I always thought that the difficulty about sending these people back to Yugoslavia was the fear that they would not get a fair trial. I thought that this was generally recognised. Therefore, these allegations are in Order.

On a point of Order. Is the fact that you, Mr. Speaker, in your position, as we all are, are influenced by propaganda—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—we all are—any reason why the Rule of the House that hostile imputations against a foreign Government are not allowed, should be over-ridden?

I am not influenced by propaganda of any kind but by what I hear in the House. I am influenced by the attitude of His Majesty's Government, among others, towards Yugoslavia.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, I with other hon. Members of the House have the greatest regard for you as Speaker and for your position, but I must ask you why it is that exception should have been taken on several occasions to my hon. Friend the Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills) on the ground that he was making innuendoes against the Government of the United States, and then we get the most violent and unjustifiable slander about countries in Eastern Europe and nothing is said?

The hon. Member was not aware that I had already intervened when the hon. Member for Queen's University of Belfast (Professor Savory) said something against Russia. It is "fair do's" all round as far as I am concerned.

Arising out of the original Ruling, is it not rather a mistake to say that the reason why there is a full examination into the question of whether there is a prima facie case is due to the fear that there may not be a fair trial? Is it not really the case that it is not due to that at all but that the obligations by which the Government are bound are to hand back only where a prima facie case has been established, exactly as is the case under the extradition laws which have always existed between friendly countries?

Yes, that is a matter for the Government. After all, these matters in the Balkan countries are very confused, and there is a fear that there may be partisan feelings from before the war into which we have to look. I do not want to be unfair to the Yugoslav Government, but one has to watch the foreign situation from the Foreign Office point of view.

Then may I ask if His Majesty's Government would in any circumstances hand over a prisoner to another Power, if they doubted whether he would get a fair trial, whether there was a prima facie case or not; and is it not the case that when a prima facie case has been established and after a strict investigation, His Majesty's Government have no option whatever but to carry out their Treaty obligations?

Before my hon. Friend answers, may I ask him whether it is a fact that when these arrangements were made with the Yugoslav Government it was understood by the statements that a free and proper trial would be held, whereas the situation today is entirely different?

How does my hon. Friend know?

It was stated by the Yugoslav Government.

We had better not pursue this further now.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date, and with what objects Foreign Office representatives saw the film, "The Iron Curtain," before its public release; and what report he has received of this film regarding the accuracy with which it exposes the aims and methods of international Communism.

A representative of the Foreign Office was invited by the British Board of Film Censors to a pre-view of this film on the 25th June in case there were matters of diplomatic concern arising from its public exhibition in this country. In reply to the last part of the Question, I understand that the film follows closely the Guzenko incident in the report of the Royal Commission on the Canadian Spy Trials.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, quite apart from its entertainment value, this film is a most accurate presentation of the evidence given to the Royal Commission, and that, if anything, it errs on the side of understatement.

Stop advertising.

It is not for me to comment on that.

Has the Soviet Ambassador in London, who was the Soviet Ambassador in Canada at that time, raised any official objection to the showing of this film, and if so, on what grounds?

No, Sir.

In view of the fact that the Minister and his hon. Friends have just published a centenary edition of the Communist manifesto, which calls for the overthrow of present social relations, will he now alter his attitude to the foul anti-Communist propaganda of the American capitalists, or does he want to read the book?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the illegal entry of three villas rented by His Majesty's representatives in Roumania; that these villas are now occupied by Communists who are making full use of the bedding, food and other private property therein; what protest has been made in this connection and if he will insist that the villas be vacated, full compensation paid and an apology tendered.

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Minister in Bucharest has reported that two villas have been requisitioned, one containing personal properties of members of the staff, although the leases were in the name of His Majesty's Legation at Bucharest and had been notified to the Roumanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs After a series of verbal and written protests, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have now assured His Majesty's Minister that a satisfactory solution including compensation, will be reached.

May I at any rate ask whether any sort of apology has been tendered for this extraordinary insult to His Majesty's representative in Roumania?

We have received a satisfactory reply.

But no apology?

Has there been any satisfactory explanation of the reason for the requisitioning?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Roumanian Government representative in London is being treated with the usual courtesy?

I think those questions are rather mischievous. I have already said that we have received a satisfactory reply.

But no apology?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the burden to the British taxpayer of maintaining the Military Mission in Greece at an average monthly cost of £61,000, and, in view of the existence of 256 American military officers in Greece, as revealed by President Truman's Third Quarterly Report on the Assistance to Greece and Turkey, he will take steps immediately to withdraw the British Military Mission and thus save the tax payers' money.

No, Sir.

Such a short answer to such a long Question was astonishing, Mr. Speaker. May I ask the Under-Secretary whether he would be kind enough to explain that answer—"No, Sir"—in view of the fact that the American Military Mission of 256 officers is surely duplicating the whole purpose of our Military Mission? Why cannot they come back?

The work of the one Mission supplements but does not duplicate the work of the other.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps His Majesty's Government have taken in support of the continuance or renewal of the truce in Palestine; and whether he will make a statement.

Shortly before the expiry of the period of truce in Palestine the United Nations Mediator requested both parties to agree to an extension of the truce. The Jewish authorities agreed to this extension, but the Arab League refused it.

On 7th July Sir Alexander Cadogan introduced in the Security Council a resolution calling upon the parties to comply with the Mediator's request. The resolution was adopted, but it came too late to be taken into account by the Political Committee of the Arab League before they decided against a prolongation of the truce. His Majesty's Government, who had already used their influence with the Arab Governments in support of the Mediator's request, now urged them to re-convene the Political Committee in order to consider the resolution of the Security Council. I am glad to inform the House that the Arab Governments have decided to take this step, and I am informed that the Political Committee will meet in the next day or two. It is the earnest hope of His Majesty's Government that, in view of the backing given to the Mediator by the Security Council, they will reach a different decision at this meeting.

Meanwhile the Security Council is considering a further resolution, introduced yesterday by the Delegate of the United States and generally supported by the United Kingdom delegate, requiring the renewal of the truce within three days and threatening sanctions if this is refused.

While I appreciate what my hon. Friend has said, and also the great difficulty and complexity of the situation, may I ask him if he could add a word with regard to two points: first, is everything being done towards the demilitarisation of Jerusalem? Secondly, is anything being done for the protection of the oil refineries at Haifa?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put down the two questions.

May I ask my hon. Friend, in view of the statement he has just made, and in order to avoid misunderstanding, whether what he has just stated means any change whatever in the policy of His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir. I would make it clear that it implies no change of policy. We have always been a strong supporter of the truce, and we are in no way committed to the terms of any final settlement.

Can we be assured by the Minister that the strong line by the Security Council asked for by Count Bernadotte will be supported by our Government? Could I have an answer?

It is clear that the truce may be renewed. It is also clear that we are doing our best to ensure it, and I would rather not add to what I have said at this time.

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of State whether he has any information about the British subjects kidnapped in Jerusalem.

I am sorry not to have been able sooner to report to the House further upon the five British subjects kidnapped in Jerusalem by the Irgun. They are still detained. I have seen reports that there is some intention of staging a trial of these men, on charges of espionage, but there is no official confirmation of these reports. The House knows that the men were seized in a building which was under the protection of the United Nations Truce Commission. The Truce Commission addressed a note to the local Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, stating that if the men were not released by 13th July they would report to the Security Council the inability of the Jewish authorities to maintain law and order in Jerusalem. We are maintaining almost constant contact with His Majesty's Consulate in Jerusalem but I regret that we do not yet know what action the Jewish authorities have taken as a result of this note.

May I ask two Questions. First, whether there is yet any safe, any reliable information about the condition of these men and the conditions in which they are being held? Secondly, what right, if any, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, could any Zionist authority have to try these men on any charge?

I regret to say that I have as yet no official information as to the state or whereabouts of these men. As for the hon. Gentleman's second question, the organisation concerned is, of course, a terrorist organisation and therefore has no status whatever. But even if the Jewish authorities were responsible for the capture, which I am glad to say they are not, since His Majesty's Government have not recognised those authorities we could not recognise the status of any tribunal in Jerusalem to try British subjects.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the inability or possibly the unwillingness of the Jewish authorities to enforce any control over this terrorist organisation raises serious doubts in the minds of people who, up to now, have kept open minds as to any claim they have for a separate State?

I am anxious not to give the impression that I have any reason to believe that the Jewish authorities are unwilling to take care of these men. As to their ability or inability, I should think that to be more properly a subject for the Mediator or the Truce Commission and I am informed, as I have informed the House, that that point of view will be dealt with by the Commission before the Security Council.

While appreciating the tone and spirit of my right hon. Friend's reply may I ask will he not confirm that until His Majesty's Government recognise some authority in Jerusalem and in Palestine, the position remains where the Palestine Act passed in this House left it, namely that there is no law in Palestine at all and no authority so far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, entitled to exercise any authority over anybody?

With great respect I should dissociate myself from that viewpoint. His Majesty's Government as a loyal member of the United Nations have so discharged their obligations in Palestine and in particular in Jerusalem. These five men were discharging a public service under the flag of the Truce Commission and the Jewish authorities in that and other areas have almost completely given their adherence to that Truce Commission. His Majesty's Government have the same right to seek the protection of that authority as any other good member of the United Nations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that other British subjects in Palestine may not suffer the same fate, and has he given any instructions or made any suggestions that there should be a general evacuation of all British subjects from Palestine?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what changes are being made in the composition of the Legislative Council of Barbados; and whether he is satisfied that they meet the wishes of the members.

I have approved a proposal to increase the membership of the Legislative Council from 10 to not more than 15, with a view to increasing the representative character of the Council. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any local demands have been made in the Falkland Islands for representation of the people on the local legislature; and what changes are now contemplated.

Yes, Sir. Certain proposals which are now receiving my consideration will be discussed with the Governor on his arrival here within the next week or so.

Does that involve the introduction of the electoral principle for these proposed representatives?

All questions relating to adjustments in the Constitution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration he is giving to the possibility of establishing compulsory education for African children in large towns such as Nairobi and Mombasa; and what practical steps are being taken to meet the wishes of local inhabitants.

The hon. Member will appreciate that this is a matter for the Kenya Government. At present that Government has no proposals for compulsory education for Africans in towns such as Nairobi and Mombasa. This is largely due to lack of finance. The new ten-year programme aims at providing within the next 10 years, a full primary course for half the African children of school age in Kenya, but much will depend on the willingness of local bodies to tax themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken by the Government of Kenya in accordance with paragraph 30 of Sessional Paper 8 of 1945 to investigate the opportunities available for local Indians without unduly competing with the legitimate aspirations of the African population.

I am inquiring what progress the Government of Kenya has made in these investigations and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

Can my right hon. Friend give us any assurance, in view of the apprehension felt by British nationals in Kenya, that exploitation by a more developed race against a less developed race is not taking place?

That supplementary question hardly arises on this Question, which is concerned with the opportunities for local Indians competing with the legitimate aspirations of the African population.

May I take it that my right hon. Friend can assure us that in our concentration on the problems of the Africans and the white settler the intermediate position of the Indian will not be overlooked?

It will certainly not be overlooked, and has not been overlooked in the shaping of policy in regard to land, housing and education.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken by the Government of Kenya to provide increased accommodation for the Indian urban population in accordance with the policy stated in Sessional Paper No. 8 of 1945.

Nairobi and Kisumu Municipalities have carried out public Asian housing schemes. A housing society has built a block of flats at Mombasa for poor Asians. Indians will also benefit from housing societies which the Government of Kenya and some local authorities are forming for their employees.

Has my right hon. Friend any plan for preventing exploitation of the Africans by the Indians?

All I can say, in reply to that question, is that we are pursuing a social policy which is to the advantage of the Africans as well as of the Indians. All safeguards are provided in that policy to prevent exploitation of any one community by another.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports have been made by the Indian and Arab Settlement Board in Kenya on the demand for Agricultural Settlement amongst local Indians; whether any land is being made available for settlement by Indians and with what assistance from the Government of Kenya.

So far as I am aware no report has yet been made by the Board on this matter but I am making inquiries and will inform my hon. Friend of the result. I understand that the Board has conducted several investigations and has found one area which may be suitable for Indian settlement.

May I assume that, while we agree that Indians should be excluded from the African reserves, nothing will be done to exclude them from the White Highlands.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total, to the nearest £1 millon of money accumulated by the West African Cocoa Board as a result of the difference between the price paid to the producer and the sales price on 1st June, 1948.

The West African Cocoa Boards were established on the 1st October, 1947. The sums due to them from the trading surplus of the West African Produce Control Board up to that date were (to the nearest £1 million) for the Gold Coast Board £15 million, and for the Nigerian Board £9 million. The accounts of the Cocoa Boards for the 1947–48 season have not yet been closed and trading figures to 1st June, 1948, are therefore not available.

In view of the fact that there must now be much greater sums available, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is to be done with these sums at a very early date?

That is a matter for the Boards in the Gold Coast and Nigeria.

Could my right hon. Friend tell the House what part of these amounts is intended to be placed in reserve, and what part is to be allocated for the benefit of the Colonies in the near future?

I have no control over these monies. These are matters which have to be decided in the Gold Coast and in Nigeria.

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that His Majesty's Government are not consenting to anything in the Trade Charter of the Havana Conference which would interfere with the intention of His Majesty's Government to use these funds mainly for the purpose of smoothing out trade fluctuations?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. W. F. H. Newingham, a District Officer in West Africa, recently ordered the arrest of a West African Chief, prosecuted, tried and convicted the Chief himself; and what steps he has taken to prevent District Officers acting in this way.

I am asking the Governor for information on the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member later.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that whenever it is necessary to make an arrest better methods will be adopted for ensuring that a trial is necessary? If he feels it desirable to give such power to anyone, will he give it to me to deal with hon. Members on the other side of the House?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take every step to ensure that these Russian methods are not tolerated?

On a point of Order. The House heard the statement made by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) just now. May I suggest that it was a very unfair question as it was an innuendo against a friendly State implying that the state of affairs drawn to the attention of the Minister in this Question exists in Russia?

If it had been a point of Order, I should have stopped the hon. Member. I did not hear it, and therefore I did not stop him.

Is it in order for any hon. Member such as the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) to change his mind in regard to Russia in the course of time?

What Members do about changing their minds, is not a point of Order.

Is it not regrettable that attacks should be made upon a servant of His Majesty's Government who cannot reply to them? Should not the system be criticised rather than the individual?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange with Colonial Governments for the publication of a monthly Colonial Statistical Digest similar to the Digest of Statistics for this country published by the Central Statistical Office.

I am considering the possibility of publishing a Bulletin of Colonial Statistics at regular intervals. But I do not think we shall be able to attain immediately anything so ambitious as the frequency of publication suggested by my hon. Friend.

While appreciating the intention indicated by my right hon. Friend in his reply, may I ask him if he realises that very often important statistical data is as much as from 12 to 18 months out of date, and that it prevents plans being made intelligently by those who would be willing to take part in Colonial development?

I know the problem. In most of our Colonies there is considerable difficulty in collecting and presenting statistics, but we are doing all we can to induce Colonial Governments to give some attention to the importance of preparation and publication.

Is the Secretary of State aware that 18 months ago, when the Statistics of Trade Bill was going through this House, the Government promised information of this kind? What have they done in the 18 months to carry out that promise?

A great deal has been done. This Question relates to Colonial statistics. They are being prepared and, as I have said in reply to the Question, they will be presented.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a further statement on Government policy with regard to the setting up of a Colonial economic planning board to consider plans for the economic development of the whole of the British Empire and to supplement the Colonial Development scheme since this is only a small proportion of the whole economic planning required.

It would not in my view be practicable for the economic development of the whole of the British Empire to be dealt with by a single Colonial Economic Planning Board. Close contacts are maintained between the Colonial Office and the Colonial Development Corporation and the Overseas Food Corporation, on the one hand, and the Central Economic Planning Staff, on the other. These contacts, together with the appointment of representatives of the two Corporations and of the Central Economic Planning Staff as associate members of the Colonial Economic and Development Council, are designed to assure the co-ordination which I think my hon. Friend has in mind.

Does my right hon. Friend think that the present membership of the various bodies to which he has referred is really representative of the Colonies who are, we hope, shortly to benefit from Colonial development schemes? Is he further aware that the Chairman of the Central Economic Planning Board in this country has reported that fullest consideration is not given to Colonial matters when planning is devised for this country, and ought not these two functions to be inter-related?

I am not clear as to the meaning of the question, but I think in consideration on all these Boards the needs of the Colonies and the views of the local people are kept very much in mind.

While I regret that I did not make myself clear earlier, the real point is this: should we not see that there is proper integration between the planning in this country and the planning for the Colonies to ensure right and proper priorities for goods which are in short supply?

All steps have been taken with that purpose in view.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say where the Economic Advisory Council for the Colonies fits into this plan?

I think I had better have notice of that question, because all these economic bodies form a rather complex picture and the names of some of them are rather confusing. If I had notice, I would try to set out in proper form, in reply to a Question, the whole set-up in the Colonial Office dealing with economic matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number and names of Colonies which have instituted National Parks for the preservation of wild animal life; and whether the creation of such parks is likely to be extended.

There are at present National Parks in Kenya, Tanganyika and in the Federation of Malaya. I understand that the Uganda Government is considering a proposal for the establishment of a National Park and that the possibility of extensions in Kenya is being examined.

Will the Secretary of State for the Colonies endeavour to see that there is a quicker decision about National Parks in the Colonies than there is in this country?

Will my right hon. Friend do everything he can to encourage these National Parks, if for no other reason than that in the long run, they will prove to be the greatest possible attraction to tourists?

Yes, we are doing all we can, and the attitude of the Colonial Office is well known.

Can my right hon. Friend say how far the sums expended on such parks affect the amounts available for the improvement of the conditions of the human beings who occupy those Colonies? Does this prejudice their position as regards the sums available?

The position of the populations is not prejudiced by the establishment of these National Parks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the latest position in British Guiana resulting from the strike on sugar estates; and what action is being taken to end the strike and restore security to persons and property.

The position as described in my hon. Friend's statement to the House of 7th July remains unchanged. The Governor is trying through independent intermediaries to end the present deadlock. The disaffected estates are still a proclaimed area, and additional police continue to be posted to protect property and persons. There have been no serious incidents nor damage to property since the disturbances of 16th June.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sugar harvest will soon be starting and that, if peace is not re-established in the sugar estates, great trouble will follow and, therefore, does he not agree that strong action and statement by the local Government is absolutely essential?

Yes. The Governor, of course, is very much concerned about the protracted stoppage and is taking all the steps he can to bring it to an end.

Can the Minister arrange for the Commission which is making investigations into the Trinidad sugar plantations to look also into the case of Guiana?

That is not practically possible.

Pay attention to the workers' demands.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Export Duty on tin ore which has been in force in Malaya since 1901 has been abolished; if this action was taken as a result of representations made from the tin or other interests; and if he is satisfied that it will not adversely affect the tin smelting industry in Malaya.

The hon. Member has been misinformed. The Export Duty on tin ore has not been abolished. What has been abolished is the additional duty on tin ore exported otherwise than for smelting in certain British territories. This action was taken because differential export duties of this kind are contrary to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the provisional application of which to the Federation of Malaya has recently been notified to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. I was satisfied that the advantages of this action to the Federation of Malaya outweighed the possible disadvantages.