asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the French text of the Agreement with France on Social Security, France No. 2 (1948), has not been published in French, but only in English whereas both the English and French texts are given of the Cultural Convention with France, Treaty Series No. 36, 1948; and whether the French text of the Agreement on Social Security can be made available to Members of Parliament and the general public.

In the interests of economy, it is the usual practice to publish only the English text of such Agreements as will be presented to Parliament before ratification. When ratifications of the Agreement in question have been exchanged, the English and French texts will be published together in the Treaty Series of Parliamentary Papers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise how important it is that French clarity should penetrate and elucidate English obscurity in all these texts?

I know the hon. Gentleman's desire to expel Irish fog is very keen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give the names of the Yugoslavs who are to be forcibly repatriated to Yugoslavia; and whether he will state shortly the reasons in each case for his decision.

I will, with permission, circulate the names of the men in the OFFICIAL REPORT. They are being repatriated because a prima facie case of wilful and active collaboration has been established against them.

As I could not hear the reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend, first of all, if he can inform the House how many times these persons appeared before the investigating committee?

I cannot change my mind on this problem, because those who have been complaining have given me no evidence to warrant my altering the opinion at which I have arrived.

That is all very well, but is my right hon. Friend aware that letters sent to me about these people were held up for three weeks in his office, giving me no opportunity to investigate these cases? Surely, from the knowledge which he has, he must be able to tell the House whether they appeared once, twice or three times before the investigating committee?

On a point of Order. If I cannot have a reply, I shall raise this matter if I have the opportunity of catching your eye tonight, Mr. Speaker.

Following are the names:

1, Salih Baljic; 2, Zivan Kuvezdic; 3, Vlaho Lovric; 4, Jurica Markovic; 5, Muharem Mutavelic.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he now proposes to recognise the State of Israel.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 9th June.

As the Jewish State has now been in existence for two and a half months—[HON. MEMBERS: "NO."]—and is not claiming any frontiers beyond those agreed upon by the General Assembly of the United Nations, can my hon. Friend say what further conditions he would require before agreeing to recognise this State?

The question was fully dealt with in my previous answer.

Is there any evidence that the Government of Israel are able to control the illegal terrorist organisations like Irgun, which would be the first condition of their recognition?

May I ask my right hon. Friend why, in view of the fact that the United Nations organisation has stated categorically that it recognises the Provisional Government of Israel, which obviously means the State of Israel, and many other nations have recognised that State, which has done so remarkably well, he does not now recognise it?

I repeat my answer in response to the previous question, and from that I am not prepared to depart.

In view of the fact that the newly restored State of Israel is already the most powerful and progressive State in the Middle East—it has withstood the combined onslaught of all the Arab States—could not the right hon. Gentleman try to assist the Arab States to face up to the reality of the position by granting it a de facto recognition now and leaving a de jure recognition until a later date?

Am I to understand from that question that might is right?

We had better not debate this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government not to be a party to the enforcement of any solution in Palestine which is unacceptable to either Arabs or Jews.

There has been no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government. We are still working for a settlement in Palestine based upon the acquiescence of both the Arabs and the Jews.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Arab States have made it clear that unlimited and uncontrolled Jewsh immigration into Palestine will bring about a grave deterioration in the situation in the Middle East; and what steps His Majesty's representative on the Security Council is taking to underline this danger and suggest a remedy for this problem.

This argument was presented to the Security Council in a recent communication from the Arab League. It has always been the view of His Majesty's Government that the tension in Palestine would be considerably reduced if effective action could be taken on an international scale for the permanent settlement of European displaced persons. We will continue actively supporting measures of this kind. We are also gravely concerned by the problem of Arab refugees displaced from the Jewish-controlled parts of Palestine.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that more than 300,000 Arab men, women and children have been rendered homeless by the military operations of the Zionists during the last few months; and is he further aware that if Zionist immigration into Palestine is uncontrolled, it can have a most disastrous effect on the whole situation in the Middle East?

With regard to the question of immigration, that will depend on the final settlement which is now in the hands of the Mediator. With regard to the terrible situation in which the Arabs find themselves after being displaced from their homes in Jewish controlled Palestine, we are taking up that matter with the Security Council today.

With regard to the last supplementary question, is it not a fact that the Arabs who have been displaced in Palestine were so displaced as the result of invasion by Arab forces; and, further, will my right hon. Friend say whether there is any hope of a planned exchange of population for those Arabs, on the one hand, and, on the other, for Jews in Arab countries like Egypt who are at present being treated not very differently from the way they were treated in Nazi Germany?

As regards the exchange of population, that is a matter which will depend on the final settlement. As a matter of fact, there were no Arab forces in Haifa, Tel-Aviv, or Jaffa.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the estimated loss of oil to the United Kingdom as a result of the situation in Palestine; and what arrangements he has made or contemplates making with the authorities in Haifa regarding the handling and processing of oil.

The interruption of work at the Haifa refinery has reduced world production of refined petroleum products by an annual rate of four million tons. Very little of this oil is normally imported into the United Kingdom, but the United Kingdom will naturally be affected by the reduction in world supply. It would be premature for me to make any further statement until more is known of the results of the efforts of the Mediator.

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the cutting off of the oil supplies from Kirkuk to Haifa has already had the effect of retarding the recovery of Europe, and that unless strenuous efforts are made to re-open this pipeline the effect will be even worse?

We shall have to take alternative means if we cannot re-open the pipeline. We cannot let Europe suffer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that British technical experts have stated that these refineries are now being worked efficiently, and could be made to produce the maximum yield if only His Majesty's Government would grant de facto recognition to the State of Israel?

The granting of de facto recognition to Israel would not bring oil from Iraq which is in the hands of the Arabs.

Will the British Government take adequate steps to secure the proper independent working of this important refinery before final evacuation takes place?

There are only 20,000 tons of stock there; that is all that is being worked.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the accession of the United States and Canada to the permanent military committee set up by the Treaty of Brussels.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Norwood(Mr. Chamberlain) on 26th July.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the occupation of a substantial part of East Anglia by United States B.29 aeroplanes is a permanent or only a temporary part of the Agreement and the discussions referred to in the Question?

It does not arise out of this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been given to the Ruhr steel owners who have stated that they will no longer co-operate in dismantlement with the British authorities.

As no such statement has been made to me or to the British authorities in Germany, the Question does not arise.

As it was stated in a responsible organ of the Press that these men had done what is said in the Question, will my right hon. Friend arrange for his Department to deny Press statements not founded on fact?

I am afraid that it I tried to do that I should have to increase my staff. Every day misstatements are made. and the only thing I can rely upon is the intelligence of hon. Members to dissect the truth.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Germans in the British zone remain for trial under the Nuremberg findings on whom sentence of death may be pronounced if found guilty; and how many have so far been hanged for the same reasons.

The only persons brought to trial in the British zone as a result of the Nuremberg findings are members of the organisations declared criminal by the International Military Tribunal. The maximum penalty in such cases laid down by Article V of Military Government Ordinance No. 69 is 10 years' imprisonment, possibly with fines and confiscation of property in addition. The answer to both parts of the Question is therefore, "None, Sir."

I could not hear that reply either, but will my right hon. Friend say whether he is aware that the Americans have some 350 Germans whom they have condemned to death and have not hanged, and, presumably, do not propose to hang, and, that being so, is it not nonsense that we should go on hanging people by the half dozen? Would it not be a good thing if we did the same as the Americans?

I have really answered the Question. If my hon. Friend wishes to ask another Question, it ought to be on the Order Paper.

Mrs. Ayrton Gould.

May I ask my right hon. Friend—

I heard the Minister say that that supplementary question ought to be on the Order Paper, as, really, it should be. The Minister refused to answer it, and, therefore, I called the next Question.

On a point of Order. In view of the indifference of this House to human life—

That must be withdrawn. This House must not be accused of indifference to human life; that is entirely wrong. One must not make charges of that sort against the House of Commons.

I did not mean to make a charge of indifference to human life against the House of Commons, but merely to say that it appears to be indifferent. May I give notice that I shall also raise this matter tonight?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Soviet activities in the air corridor between Berlin and the West are interfering with the air transport of food and fuel.

The airlift of food and fuel has not been affected by these activities, which have been of a minor nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Austrian Government is still responsible for the costs of occupation in Austria; and whether, in view of the fact that it is not the fault of the people that the Occupation Forces have to remain, he will relieve them of the cost of the British occupation.

Occupation costs are still a serious financial burden on the Austrian Government. As the House will know, His Majesty's Government have striven for the past two years to bring the occupation to an end by the conclusion of a treaty that will guarantee Austria's political and economic integrity. Unfortunately, this has not yet been achieved. I do not believe however that the Austrians would wish to see British forces depart in advance of those of the other occupying Powers; and I regret that in our present financial situation we are unable to contemplate any sterling commitments in regard to the costs of our troops in Austria. I would, at the same time, point out that the British High Commissioner has so far refrained from drawing any of our allocation of occupation costs for the current year. I would also assure my hon. Friend that I shall continue to keep this matter in mind.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the great attempt he has made to remove all Occupation Forces, and recognising the fact that, of course, the Austrians want us there, and also knowing that they will be very grateful for the action he has taken, may I ask him if he is aware that we have 200 million schillings in the National Austrian Bank which could be called upon, without using any sterling, to pay for our occupation costs, and that, if we could remove our troops completely, it would be a tremendous encouragement to the Austrians, who feel in a very vulnerable position today in view of the

Have not the Americans remitted the cost of their occupation and could not we follow their example?

I think it had better be left at the answer I gave.

Would my right hon. Friend say what it would cost?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will obtain from the Government of the U.S.A. a supply of House Document 619, "The Strategy and Tactics of World Communism," and place this in the Library.

Yes, Sir.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the information contained in this remarkable book applies quite as much to Britain as to America? Will he ask the Prime Minister to read it and, instead of fiddling about with the Civil Service, to take some effective steps to outlaw Communism in this country?

On a point of Order. Is it in Order for a Member of this House to advertise his own publication?

It should be remembered that one of the Rules in Erskine May is that Questions should not be put in order to advance a particular point of view. That should be borne in mind.

On a point of Order. May I assure you, Sir, that this is a publication by the Government of America? It has nothing to do with me.

I do not think I said it had. I merely stated what Erskine May says. That is all.

On a point of Order. The hon. Lady charged my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) with furthering the sales of his own publication. I do not think my hon. Friend can be identified with the Government of America.

I really have not got to the bottom of this myself. I did not hear any charge made. The hon. Lady only asked for a Ruling on the Question.

I understood the hon. Lady to ask whether it was in Order for an hon. Member to advertise his own publication.

I have not yet understood what the hon. Lady said, as a matter of fact.

Would the right hon. Gentleman encourage Members on both sides of the House to read this publication, as it contains full copies of a great many very valuable Marxist classics which might educate hon. Members?

I do not know whether Marx really educated anybody. What he did was to confuse me, and I now do not know whether the interpretation by Lenin or by Hyndman is correct.

Is the Minister aware that at this very moment I am writing a book on the philosophy of Communism, and that the right hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) has read a part of it and approved it? When it is finished I will send a copy to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) in the hope that it will stimulate his moribund mentality.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protest has been made to the Bulgarian Government under the clause in the Peace Treaty providing for freedom of political associations in view of the recent arrest of Kosta Lulchev and a large number of former associates of the late Nikola Petkov.

It seems that these deputies are not under arrest but may be under restraint in the provinces. If this is so these Socialists, who represent the last vestige of the opposition in the Bulgarian Assembly, will in effect have been prevented from carrying out their political duty, despite the terms of Article 2 of the Peace Treaty. Unfortunately, as the House is aware, this is not the first time that the Bulgarian Government have chosen to disregard their signature on that Treaty.

Instead of concentrating upon these abstract books on the subject of Communism, will my right hon. Friend enable the working class and the Members of this House to realise what murderous hypocrites Communists are in all these countries, and that in Bulgaria all the Socialist Members of Parliament are now under restraint?

I quite agree that the Opposition in Bulgaria have been wiped out. Indeed, I think if the Communist Party got power in this country, the lives of many hon. Members on my side of the House would be shorter probably than the lives of hon. Members opposite.

Does my right hon. Friend remember that the whole of this campaign from which we are now suffering in regard to the Communists, was directed against the Jesuits in this country in exactly the same manner?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the decision to divide Poland by making her Eastern frontier conform to the Curzon line taken at the Teheran Conference in December, 1943, was not published until after the Yalta Conference in 1944.

No decision on this point was taken at the Teheran Conference.

Has my right hon. Friend read the statement recently issued by Mr. Mikolajczyk, in which he says that when he arrived in Moscow in 1944 he was told by the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill) that he had already agreed to the partition of Poland at Teheran a year previously, and are we to understand that that was a mis-statement?

I am sorry, I have not read Mr. Mikolajczyk's statement. I have looked up the records of the Conference referred to, and I cannot find any such decision taken at that Conference.

Can my right hon. Friend say why the right hon. Member for Woodford told that to Mr. Mikolajczyk in 1944?

The Foreign Secretary cannot answer for another hon. Member.

On a point of Order. I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter at an early opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many post offices in Nyasaland there are separate entrances for Africans and Europeans; and if he will take steps to ensure that common entrances are provided in future.

In eight of the 44 post offices in Nyasaland there were separate entrances for Africans and Europeans, but the notices reading "Europeans only" have now been removed. As regards the second part of the Question, I am informed by the Governor that steps will be taken to ensure that there are no grounds for complaints of racial discrimination in post offices in Nyasaland, and that all new post offices will be constructed with common entrances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to lift the embargo on Mr. Anthony Brooke visiting Sarawak.

The reasons for this embargo still hold good and I am, therefore, not able to say when it can be lifted.

Are the Government so distrustful of their policy and so uncertain of its results that they are frightened to let this young man go back to his own people? It may be expediency but it is not democracy.

This matter was fully debated on 18th February, and the Government's reasons were then given.

Is the feeling about this matter still so acute in Sarawak that the danger of the visit is as great now as it was on 18th February?

I would say that the danger is not as great; but it has not entirely disappeared.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies what are the names of the members of the newly formed Uganda Electricity Board; what are their qualifications; and what are their salaries.

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

Can the Minister say how many appointments to this Board represent "jobs for the boys"?

You "boys" always used to get the jobs.

May I have a reply to my question?

The hon. Member was making an imputation and an insinuation, which was not relevant to the Question.

Does the answer give any information about the nature of this Board? Is it a public corporation? Is the electricity supply nationalised?

The Question asks the names and the qualifications of the members, and that, of course, is what the answer relates to.

Following is the answer:

The members are Mr. C. R. Westlake (Chairman), the Financial Secretary or his representative, the Director of Public Works, Sir John Kennedy, Mr. H. R. Fraser, Mr. A. N. Maini and Mr. C. H. Bird.

Mr. Westlake and Sir John Kennedy are engineers of wide experience. The former was General Manager and Engineer of the Electricity Department of the Finchley Corporation, and is the author of the Uganda Electricity Survey Report which recommended public control of electric power in Uganda and the Owen Falls hydro-electric scheme. Sir John Kennedy, who was senior partner of a well-known firm of consulting engineers for many years, has served as President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and is a former Deputy Chairman of the Electricity Commission. The three remaining named members are well-known business men and members of the Legislative Council. They have served on many advisory boards and committees in Uganda.

Mr. Westlake's salary as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is £2,500 per annum. Sir John Kennedy is not receiving any remuneration, and the remaining three members of the Board are receiving an allowance at the rate of £200 per annum each. The Director of Public Works and the Financial Secretary as ex officio members receive no additional remuneration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, under the resolution of the Uganda Legislative Council setting up an Electricity Board, private individuals are prohibited from installing their own generating plant.

Private persons are not prohibited from installing their own generating plant provided that they obtain a licence from the Uganda Electricity Board.

Does that therefore mean that the Uganda Electricity monopoly is in fact an even more severe monopoly than that prevailing in Britain?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the present local situation in Malaya, he will amalgamate the Federated Malay States and the Singapore police forces.

Nothing is being left undone to ensure complete understanding and co-operation between the two forces, but to amalgamate them would not lead to greater efficiency.

Could the Minister really give the House an assurance that the existence of two forces trying to do one job does not mitigate against the efficiency of the whole effort?

While there are two Governments, two legislative councils and two executive councils, it is thought that it is more efficient to have two police forces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the inadequate supplies of ammunition at Jerantut Police Station which was recently raided by terrorists in Malaya; that other police stations still only have some 40 rounds per rifle and that whilst some rubber estates have been issued with rifles and munitions they have no Verey signals or other similar equipment; and whether he can give an assurance that the necessary supplies are being flown out without delay to Malaya to repair such deficiencies.

I understand that the loss of Jerantut Police Station was not due to lack of ammunition. The police were greatly outnumbered by the attackers. The authorities in Malaya are satisfied that the quantity of ammunition issued to police constables is adequate. Verey lights have been found to be unsuitable for signalling from rubber estates and other similarly heavily wooded areas, but other methods of signalling are now being tried. As my right hon. Friend assured the House on 23rd July, supplies of arms and other necessary equipment have been flown to Malaya; and I am satisfied that, with the substantial supplies made available from Army stocks, the requirements of the Malayan administration are being met.

Is the Minister aware that, while he may be satisfied, the public in Malaya and in this country are by no means satisfied that sufficient ammunition and protective material of all sorts is available, and will he really answer the Question whether adequate supplies are now being flown out?

In the view of my right hon. Friend and myself adequate supplies are being made available to the Malayan Government.

Is the hon. Member aware that some of us are receiving letters even today from planters and others who say that they are expected to defend their rubber estates without arms and without ammunition, and that they can neither buy the arms nor the ammunition, nor get it issued to them? Is he aware that that is the situation at this moment?

We are trying to do what we can to supply the planters with arms, but the main responsibility for law and order must rest on the police and the military.

When the hon. Member says: "We are trying to do what we can," does that imply that there is some obstacle to prevent him from doing it?

Only the fact that we are 8,000 miles from Malaya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the European staffs of rubber estates in Malaya are unable to obtain arms and ammunition for self-defence, that they are cabling to their boards of management in the United Kingdom for the despatch of suitable weapons; and what steps are being taken by the Government to provide planters with the necessary means of defence.

Arms and ammunition have been and are being distributed to planters, and the Malayan Government is making every effort to ensure that all persons in areas threatened by terrorist gangs have the means of defending themselves. The main responsibility, however, for maintaining law and order must remain with the police force and the army, both of which are being strengthened.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that only a few days ago a long-established rubber company in Edinburgh had a cable from their acting general manager urging that arms should be supplied? Will he do everything possible to get arms out there for such people?

We are doing everything possible, and have supplied a very large amount of arms and ammunition already, partly for the planters, but mainly for the Army and the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in spite of previous representations from Malayan Collieries, Limited, an adequate guard was not provided for the Batu Arang Colliery in Selangor; and whether steps are now being taken to see that troops are available at this and similar vulnerable points.

Troops which were intended for Batu Arang were diverted for an emergency task elsewhere. The attack occurred before other arrangements could be completed. Troops are now stationed at Batu Arang. Guards of troops or police for other vital places have been arranged. Guards for vulnerable places are being provided as far as possible, and the question is kept under constant review by the civil and military authorities. It is often preferable to guard vulnerable places by means of offensive patrols in their vicinity, and this action is being taken wherever it is deemed necessary.

Is the hon. Member aware that the answers to these Questions show the complete inadequacy of the way in which this has been handled; and is he further aware that the insurance world is about to take steps to raise the rates of insurance and alter the terms of insurance in such a way that the even flow of goods which bring dollars to us from Malaya will be severely harmed? Will he get into touch with the insurance world to see if this is not the acid test of his inadequacy and if the results are not about to burst on the whole world?

I am also aware that the production of rubber in June was up to the average.

Can the Minister say how many employees there are at Batu Arang and how many of them are Europeans?

As far as I remember there are 16 Europeans at Batu Arang.

Would the hon. Member answer my question about getting into touch with the insurance world to find out?

Would my hon. Friend give an assurance that he will take every step to prevent the political frustration in Malaya which was created by the Opposition in Ireland and in India?

Would the hon. Member confirm what was said by his right hon. Friend that this movement in Malaya has nothing whatever to do with political frustration or economic conditions, but is established to be a Communist plot to seize power?

I do not need to confirm what my right hon. Friend said. What he said is on record.

But is that what he said?

The right hon. Gentleman was here and heard what was said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make any further statement about the payment of urgent war damage claims to private individuals in Malaya; to what extent such payments are being held upon the ground of possible inflation; and whether arrangements can now be made to pay out in full in all cases where hardship has been suffered and where it can be shown that the amount to be paid is mainly to replace money already spent or borrowed and therefore a payment not involving any inflation.

I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 14th July. Further information has since been received from which it is clear that considerable preparatory work still remains to be done in Malaya before a scheme of compensation can be put into effect. A further statement will be made at the earliest possible moment. It is the need to complete this preparatory work and not the fear of local inflation which has prevented payments from being made hitherto, and since the preparatory work is necessary in relation to all classes of claims, the third part of the Question does not arise.

Would my hon. Friend make a further statement before the House rises, particularly in view of the extreme hardship which is being experienced in some of these cases.

I cannot say that we shall be ready to make such a statement before the House rises.

Is the hon. Member saying that three years after the end of the Japanese war the Government are still unable to pay out any claim whatever, although many of these claims were incurred seven or eight years ago? Is that the position?

That is just the point. It is because they were incurred seven or eight years ago that it has been so very difficult to assess them. I may point out that there were 85,000 claims.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total number and the value of Malayan war damage claims; how many of these and of what value are made by non-Malayans, and by Malayans, respectively; and what percentage of value of the total is the latter.

Approximately 85,000 claims have been submitted amounting to £150,000,000, which the Commissioner estimates will be reduceable to £58,000,000 on assessment within his terms of reference. The information asked for in the second and third parts of the Question is not available as claimants were not required to state their nationality.

Can the Minister say whether a substantial number of the claimants are Malays, as against those who are British, and can he say whether the money will stay in the country instead of being taken out of the country?

I could not say what the proportion is because we have no statistics on that. No question was asked as to their nationality.

Is it not a fact there is a great difference between a Malay and a Malayan? Malayans might include Chinese, and are not all these people who are giving trouble Chinese?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the authorities in Malaya have withdrawn the film, "A Tale of Two Cities," on the grounds that it is inadvisable to screen the film for the time being; and whether he will explain the objection to the showing of this film.

I have seen Press reports that the authorities in Singapore have decided that it is inadvisable for the time being to allow the film to which the hon. Member refers to be shown. I am in communication with the Governor on the subject and will write to the hon. Member.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that the probable reason is that this film, based on a story written by Charles Dickens depicts the struggle of the French people for their freedom in the 18th century, and that it may be that the Malayans would see an identity with their own struggle today? Is that the reason why this film is not being shown?

Would my hon. Friend consider publishing his reply in HANSARD—

Speak up.

Would my hon. Friend consider publishing his reply in HANSARD rather than circulating it privately to the hon. Member?

Would it not be very much better to leave a little matter like this entirely to the discretion of the people on the spot? Is there any need at all for the Under-Secretary of State to make inquiry into this to please the hon. Member?

Could not "The Iron Curtain" be shown in substitution for "A Tale of Two Cities"?

Can we take it now that as far as this country is concerned, Charles Dickens is to be regarded as a fellow traveller?

If this "little thing" is petty enough in one way, is it not true that it is a straw which shows which way the wind blows? Does not this show that the men responsible for that kind of action are not big enough for the job they have in hand?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. D. A. Allison, who served in the British Army through the 1914–18 war, during which he lost an eye, was taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1941 and tortured by them, and who lost his property and personal belongings through the invasion of Sumatra where he had remained to supervise the destruction of his rubber factory and machinery, has recently been murdered by terrorists whilst serving as manager of the Sungei Siput rubber plantations in Malaya; and whether, in view of the loss which his wife and dependants have suffered, he proposes to provide them with some special compensation.

I heard with deep regret of the murder of Mr. D. A. Allison in Malaya on the 16th June. The question of compensation is covered by my reply today to the hon. and gallant Member's Question No. 39.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether compensation will be payable to the wives and families of planters and other persons murdered in the recent outbreaks in Malaya; and on what basis.

My right hon. Friend will ask the Government of the Federation of Malaya whether any scheme of compensation is proposed.

As we are presumably responsible for the security of Malaya, surely we are also responsible for our failure to protect the lives of our own people in Malaya; and, therefore, if they are murdered, due to our own weakness, surely we are responsible for providing some compensation for their widows and families?

On a point of Order. All that we could hear in this part of the House during the last six or seven answers was a gentle murmur. We should like to be provided with some means by which hon. Members can make themselves heard.

I agree. That is my experience far too often.

In view of the fact that the Malayans are also British subjects, will the wives and families of Malayans who have been murdered by the authorities there also receive compensation?

Did the hon. Gentleman say "murdered by the authorities"? That means by our people. He must not say that our authorities murder people; that is out of Order.

Withdraw.

May I point out, with very great respect, Mr. Speaker, that we are speaking not only of one side who are British subjects; the Malayans, too, are subjects of His Majesty, and both are our people?

Our authorities are our authorities, and if they deal justice to one side, it is not right to say that they have murdered them. The hon. Gentleman must not say that they have murdered them. I direct him to withdraw that allegation against our British soldiers and British authorities.

Withdraw.

rose —

Sit down.

Who will make me sit down? I must say that if any hon. Member would like to make me sit down let him come over here. The point I want to raise is this: I agree with you, Mr. Speaker, on that particular point, but do not the accusations arise from the fact that Members on the other side continually insist that our comrades and colleagues in Malaya are murderers and are committing murders. We repudiate that. If they will withdraw their accusations against our comrades and colleagues, I will advise my comrade here to withdraw his accusation?

That is not the point. After all, we may accuse other people of being murderers, but our own people are being accused of being murderers—our soldiers and our authorities, those acting under our orders. It is not a question of other countries; it is our British authorities who are being attacked, and I must direct the hon. Gentleman to withdraw that statement.

In view of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, may I substitute the word "kill" for "murder"—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] That is the way that it has been reported in "The Times" and other responsible newspapers, and, therefore, may I substitute the word "kill" for "murder"?

No, I cannot accept that. It must be withdrawn.

Very well, Sir, I will withdraw.

On a point of Order. I asked Question No. 38 and the answer referred to Question No. 39. I got a non-committal answer to Question No. 39, and I then put certain specific questions to the hon. Gentleman to which he has made no reply whatever. May I have a reply?

The primary responsibility for law and order rests on the Government of the Federation of Malaya, and before any scheme of compensation, such as is suggested, can possibly be entertained, we must have their views upon it.

Will the Minister treat this matter as one of some urgency, and keep Mrs. Allison informed as to the course of negotiations? It is a pathetic case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider adopting the principle of not placing on the British taxpayer in future any financial responsibility for the numbers of, or payment of, the salaries, allowances or pensions of, Colonial staffs, even if, in addition to the large monetary gifts made to colonies by Britain before and since 1939, further monetary gifts have to be made to Colonies unable to pay their way.

Apart from a few centrally administered Services, the payment of salaries and allowances of Colonial staffs is the direct responsibility of the Colonial Governments concerned, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to depart from this position.

I am sorry, but owing to the noise I could not hear the whole answer. May I ask my hon. Friend if, as a matter of principle, he will realise the danger of the British Government undertaking payments of salaries, expatriation allowances and such things? Will he appreciate that even if Colonies need help, the responsibility for administering those Colonies should be left entirely to the Colonial Governments?

We have no intention of changing the present practice.

Does the hon. Member agree that the other leg also has a boot on it, inasmuch as the Colonies in the last eight years have sold vast quantities of food and other produce to this country at far below world prices?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what long-term development plans are being considered as a result of the recommendations made by the Minister of Pensions after his recent tour of Africa.

The report made a number of recommendations, and I fear I cannot give an account of them within the limits of a reply to a Question. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that they are all being followed up and will have a valuable effect on the economic development of the territories concerned over the next few years.

In view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said no decision had yet been reached, can the Parliamentary Secretary give any idea when a decision will be reached on these recommendations?

I understand that a decision has already been reached in the last few days on some of them.

Can the report be published?

I cannot give an answer to that question without consulting my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the committal for contempt of court of the Acting Attorney-General of the Seychelles and the expunging from the files of derogatory remarks made by him to the Chief Justice; and if he will institute a full inquiry into the administration of the island.

The Acting Chief Justice of Seychelles made an order in the Supreme Court on 16th July placing the Acting Attorney-General in contempt. The order was made in the absence of the Acting Attorney-General, and was rescinded three days later on the Judge's receiving an apology from him. The correspondence to which the hon. Member refers contained minutes addressed to the Chief Justice by the Acting Attorney-General, for which the latter apologised, and also minutes by the Acting Chief Justice to the Governor to which the Governor took exception. Both parties having tendered their apologies, the Governor expunged all the offending minutes.

As regards the last part of the Question, I see no reason to institute an inquiry into the administration of the Island, but the particular situation revealed by the events I have described is receiving my attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Justice referred to the action of the Acting Attorney-General as "topsy-turvydom in excelsis"?

As everyone seems to have apologised to everyone else, I think the matter had better rest there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why an information officer has been appointed to the Falkland Islands where there is a population of under 3,000; what salary is being paid; and whether his duties will include the publication or editorship of a local paper.

My right hon. Friend attaches importance to the provision of adequate information services in every Colony, and the appointment in the Falkland Islands is necessary principally to meet the expanding needs of the local broadcasting system and to organise broadcasts to schools, as well as to edit the local newspaper. The salary of the present holder of this appointment is £440 per annum.

Would my hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in the report that suggested that he should take over the duties of editor of the local newspaper?

Yes, I said so.

Does the local broadcasting take place in English generally?

So far as I know, it is in English.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the findings of the Sachs Commission of Inquiry in the Gold Coast, and the action taken as a result of the Report of the Commission.

As the statement is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

When will the Report be published?

The Report is in the hands of my right hon. Friend. I am not able to say exactly when it may be in the hands of the House.

Following is the statement: In August, 1946, a Commission was appointed by the Governor to inquire into the conduct and management of the Supplies Department and the Customs Department of the Gold Coast in regard to the operation of wartime control in respect of import licences and allocation of supplies, and to investigate whether these controls had been operated contrary to the policy and principles declared by Government so as unjustifiably to favour certain firms and individuals to the exclusion of others. This Commission reported on 30th December, 1946. Subsequently, representations were made by the Comptroller of Customs, the Officer in charge of the Import Licensing Branch and a representative of one firm repudiating the allegations made against them in the Report. In September, 1947, the Governor appointed Mr. Eric Sachs, K.C., to inquire into the justification for the representations made by these three persons, and, in so far as Mr. Sachs might deem desirable, to review and report upon the material before, and the findings of, the previous Commission.

Mr. Sachs carried out a detailed inquiry and presented a long Report. His principal findings are, in brief, that the Comptroller of Customs misconducted the Customs Department in relation to import licensing matters, but that this misconduct was neither deliberate nor corrupt; that the Officer in charge of the Import Licensing Branch misconducted that Branch and this misconduct was deliberate and corrupt. The firm concerned was also found to have used corruption in order to obtain preferences.

The Governor has decided with the advice of his Executive Council that the pension of the Comptroller of Customs, who has since retired from the Service, shall be reduced by 5 per cent. The Gold Coast Government are still considering the action to be taken as a result of the other findings of the Sachs Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jewish women of military age have been transferred from Cyprus to Palestine since the beginning of the Truce.

4,920 women of all ages had been transferred between the beginning of the Truce and 21st July. No precise information is available regarding their ages, but it is estimated that roughly 3,250 were between 18 and 45.