asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present situation in Malaya.

I shall with your permission, Mr. Speaker, be making a statement on the situation in Malaya after Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much cocoanut oil has been sold to Russia from Malaya, either directly or by trans-shipment through the United Kingdom during the past 12 months; what is its value; and why these fats have not been bought for this country.

In the past twelve months, 150 tons of cocoanut oil have been shipped direct to Russia from the Federation of Malaya and about 1,000 tons through Singapore. The total value was about £170,000. With regard to the third part of the Question, 50 per cent. of Malaya's cocoanut oil exports became free from destinational control early this year, and as the prices paid for these free exports were much higher than the price offered by the Ministry of Food no purchases were made for the United Kingdom.

Would it not be better if these surplus fats were bought for this country rather than that they should go to Russia? What more valuable export to this country could we have at this moment than fats?

I thought this policy was consistent with the hon. Member's policy of removing controls.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it might be a good plan if there could be a technical hitch in any further export of these fats and oils to the Soviet Union?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many trade union officials have been arrested in Malaya.

One hundred and eighty-five trade union officers in the Federation of Malaya have been arrested arising from their association with the insurgents.

Is not it an intolerable situation for a Labour Government built up by the trade union movement of this country now to be engaged in arresting trade union leaders in defence of tin and rubber monopolies?

Many of these people who have been actively associated with the recent trouble had left their positions in the trade unions in order to play their parts with the insurgents.

Is the Minister aware that attempts are being made to impress upon the people that this Labour Government are putting into prison members of the trade union movement because they are trade unionists, and will he make it clear that we are not putting men into prison because they are trade unionists, but because they have broken the law, and that this Government are encouraging the development of the trade union movement in Malaya for all they are worth?

I can give my hon. Friend a most emphatic assurance on that point.

Will the Minister look up the records when he will see that, wherever trade unionists were attacked or arrested in this country, the Tories always said that it was not because they were trade unionists, but because they had committed a breach of the law?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total number of the British Armed Forces and armed special police now in operation in Malaya; what is the estimate of the number of men in the guerilla forces; and what is the cost of the operation against them to date.

It is not in the public interest to give the number of British Armed Forces in Malaya. Seventeen thousand special constables have been enrolled in the Federation. Estimates of the number of terrorists vary between three and five thousand. No estimate is yet available of the cost of operations to date.

In view of the fact that exactly the same accusations are being made against the Malayans as were made against the Irish, is there any proposition for adding the Black and Tans to what is now going on in Malaya; further, I would ask whether the right hon. Gentleman or the Leader of the House, if they were of military age, would go to Malaya?

No accusation is being made against Malaya. The Government of Malaya are merely concerned with the simple problem of the protection of the life and property of the people there.

Can the Minister tell us how many British citizens have been murdered in Malaya and how many others have been murdered by these alleged trade union leaders; also, has he any information of the number of social democrats and trade union leaders who were arrested and put to death in the occupied countries by Russia?

I hope to include some figures in the statement which I shall make at the end of Questions.

In view of the Minister's statement that our troops are in Malaya to protect life and property, has he any information about the report published in the "Observer" of last Sunday in which the police are reported to have burned down a native village as a reprisal?

Hughes asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent bombing has been conducted in Malaya; and what is the number of civilian casualties.

Jones: Air attacks have been made against terrorist headquarters, camps and sites where terrorists are known to be hiding. Special precautions are taken to ensure accuracy in these attacks and no casualties to the ordinary civilian population have been reported.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the bombing of any country results in the civil population turning against the people who bomb, and does not he think that this is likely to endanger the lives of our people in Malaya?

So far, no.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish figures in connection with Malaya showing the increased cost of living as compared with the increase of wages to native workers.

It is officially estimated that the cost of living in Malaya, which has fallen lately, still shows an increase of over 300 per cent. since 1939. The extent to which that rise has been offset by increases in wages varies in different occupations, and I am asking for more recent figures than those in my possession. I will send them to the hon. Member when received.

Can the Minister say whether there is any comparison between the increase of wages and the increase in the cost of living?

I can say that the wages of workers in the Malayan rubber industry have more than kept up with the cost of living during the past 19 months. The last increase in wages was on 1st April, 1948.

Can the Minister give the figures so that the House can judge for itself whether the wages have gone up by 300 per cent. as has the cost of living?

Yes. It is my intention to provide the figures as soon as I get the, most up-to-date ones.

Is the Minister aware that before the war labourers on plantations were paid half a dollar a day and they are now receiving a dollar and a half, which means that their wages have risen to three times the former amount?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the announcement made by Mr. Malcolm MacDonald that parts of Malaya were in a state of insurrection; whether he is aware that if the Government consider this to be so then insurance companies are no longer liable in those parts of Malaya; and what steps he intends to take as a result to cover the risks in transport of rubber, etc., through those States.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on Malaya which I will make at the end of Question time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Malayan insurgents have been killed; and how many of this number were trade union officials.

The number of insurgents killed in Malaya up to 20th September was 158. It is not known how many of these were trade union officials.

Would the Minister care to make inquiries into the number of trade union officials who have been killed above the number which he mentioned, when he will find that the cause for which they are fighting is the same as that for which they joined the movement?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the concern felt in the West Indies at the present unsatisfactory state of passenger shipping to and from the islands; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the position before the gap is filled by foreign competitors.

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the present passenger facilities between this country and the West Indies are in many respects inadequate. The shipping needs on this route have been under consideration by the Commonwealth Shipping Committee, and I understand that their report may be expected shortly. The answer to the second part of the Question is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, with whom I am in touch.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make a statement, not so much on the provision of shipping facilities from this country to the West Indies, but on the provision of shipping between the various West Indian territories themselves?

That problem is under constant consideration, but apart from that, it is being dealt with again by the Caribbean Commission at its meeting in the course of a few weeks.

Has the Minister asked his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to cut his requirements down to the minimum?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a Commission known as the Curphey Commission was appointed in Jamaica in 1946 to inquire into the conditions of the lands allotted to ex-Service men of the first World War on demobilisation and since occupied by them; and when the report of this Commission, which is understood to have been in the hands of the Government of Jamaica for some months, is likely to be published.

I am again consulting the 'Governor on the subject. I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as I have received his reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is said in Jamaica that the real reason why this Commission's Report is not being published is because it recommends the expenditure of a substantial sum in addition to the ex-Service men's claim, and will he ascertain whether that is the case?

Yes, Sir. I will look into that point, but it is a matter, of course, within the range of the responsibilities of the Government of Jamaica itself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total sum so far expended on the Caura Dam in Trinidad; whether it is proposed to complete the dam; and whether he is satisfied that this project has been satisfactorily handled by the Government of Trinidad.

Approximately £686,250 has been spent on the construction of the dam and on the acquisition of the site. The Trinidad Government have arranged for their Consulting Engineers to visit the Colony to report on all aspects of the position regarding the Caura Dam.

is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling in Trinidad about this project, and particularly about its finances? Will he expedite these inquiries?

I am getting further information in regard to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now considered the passage in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances on the Gold Coast in which the Commission emphatically condemn the provision in the Emergency Regulation of 11th March, 1948, which purports to deny to persons detained in pursuance of the regulation the right to challenge the legality of their detention either by habeas corpus proceedings or by other legal process; and whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's subjects in the Crown Colonies will not in future be denied the right of access to His Majesty's judges.

I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the comment on this passage in the Commission's Report which is made on page 5 of the published statement by His Majesty's Government on the Report. I am bringing to the notice of all Governors the necessity of safeguarding the right of access to the courts by the insertion, where necessary, in local legislation of a provision of the nature proposed in the statement.

How was it that the Colonial Office could permit this denial of justice to take place in the Colonies; and does the Minister's answer mean that from now on, as far as this aspect is concerned, civil liberties will be safeguarded?

As far as possible civil liberties are safeguarded, but the Gold Coast Government at the moment are considering the revoking of this particular Clause in the Emergency Regulation.

Is the Minister sure that this provision is not ultra vires, and will he have inquiries made?

The matter was fully explored by the Commission which went to the Gold Coast and we are acting on the recommendations of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have been completed for experts suggested by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to inquire into methods of dealing with the swollen shoot disease of cocoa.

A selection of three experts has been made from a panel provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and I am now waiting to hear whether they are willing and able to undertake the inquiry.

Will the Secretary of State say whether the compulsory cutting down of diseased cocoa trees, which has been suspended for many months, will continue to be suspended until these experts have reported?

I cannot give that absolute assurance. The compulsory cutting has, for the time being, been stopped, but we are still using all powers of persuasion we possibly can to induce the farmers to cut down these diseased trees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to introduce in the various Crown Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories, and more particularly in the West African Colonies, legislation for the prevention of monopolistic practices similar to that recently enacted in the United Kingdom.

The introduction of any similar legislation in Colonial territories is, of course, primarily a matter for the individual Colonial Governments concerned. I am at present considering whether any, and if so what, guidance should be given to Colonial Governments on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give a list of publications, books, newspapers and periodicals prohibited to be imported or circulated under the various Seditious Publications Laws and Orders in British Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories.

I am asking the.Governments of all dependencies to let me have the necessary particulars. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as they are received.

While I thank the Minister for that reply, which is more satisfactory than the one he got to the same Question in 1936, may I ask him if he would be good enough to publish that information rather than communicate it only to one hon. Member?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the impasse reached with regard to the Cyprus constitutional position, he will take steps to ascertain the opinion of the people of Cyprus on this question.

I am advised in this matter by the Governor and I see no need, in view of the failure of the Constituent Assembly, to invite him to consider any special steps to supplement his existing means of informing himself regarding public opinion in the Island.

In view of the fact that the proposals as suggested by the Secretary of State have been rejected in Cyprus and that there is a demand for a degree of independence, would not the Minister consult with the population of Cyprus in order to find the methods they would propose?

There has been the fullest consultation with the population of Cyprus and the Constituent Assembly accepted the proposals of His Majesty's Government.

Would the Minister say how he consulted with the population?

In any consultation which the Minister finds it necessary to have with the population of Cyprus, may we be assured that the methods adopted will not be those practised by the people's democracies?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Communist-controlled Cyprus Labour Federation and Akel Parties have joined in the demands for the union of Cyprus with Greece.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what developments have taken place in the strike situation in British Guiana during the past six weeks; what action has been taken by his Department and by the local Governor to restore public order and normal production on the sugar estates; when the Commission to inquire into the sugar cane industry will begin operations; what are its terms of reference; and what is its composition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar Industry in British Guiana has yet been appointed; whether be will make a statement on the recent strike in this industry; and whether, in this connection, he is aware that strikers have been evicted from their houses and prohibited from fishing and that trespass notices have been served on labour leaders.

I am glad to report that, as a result of negotiations conducted by the Governor between representatives of both sides, certain assurances given by the employers have been accepted by the labour representatives. The strike ended on 4th of September and by the 16th between 3,000 and 4.000 workers, including 1,000 cane cutters, had returned to work. In these circumstances, the Governor has withdrawn the proclamation over the area and conditions are now normal. It is a fact that the proprietors of certain affected estates served notices against trespass on the leaders of the new and unrecognised union, and also that they issued a number of eviction notices on labourers said by them to be intimidators. As part of the settlement reached, however, the employers have agreed to suspend all action in respect of such notices, subject to the right to proceed in certain serious cases. I am not aware of any action involving the prohibition of fishing.

I will make a statement about the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry as soon as its constitution has been settled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that despite the settlement of the strike the Communist inspired leaders who caused the trouble are still conducting a vigorous subversive propaganda throughout the Colony and, in view of the statement of the Foreign Secretary on the 15th of this month, what steps has he taken to preserve that British Colony from Communist attacks?

That matter is very much in our minds and the activities of the persons referred to are under consideration.

Can the Minister say whether since the strike was settled there have been any disturbances?

No.

Would not the Minister agree that Communist propaganda clear and straight is much better than the twisted propaganda of the National Liberals?

As some of us did not hear the Minister's statement about the Commission, would he say what is the position in regard to the Commission which is to be appointed?

I have been in negotiation with the possible members of the Commission, but I am not yet in a position to make an announcement as to its constitution and complete terms of reference.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made or is being made with supplying the Falkland Islands with refrigerators so that mutton from surplus sheep can be exported.

I am informed by the Colonial Development Corporation that they have under consideration a proposal for establishing a freezer in the Falkland Islands. The Governor of the Falkland Islands is in touch with the Corporation about this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the women teachers at the Government School in Stanley, Falkland Islands, are discontented because women are not allowed promotion to headships regardless of experience and academic qualifications; that the vacancy at the Stanley School has been temporarily filled by a man who has only a Teachers' Diploma with a few months' teaching experience in a rural school; that the post is to he filled by another man appointed in England who has less than a year's certificated experience in Settlement Schools with about six scholars; that two women teachers at the school have 15 and 18 years' certificated teaching experience with superior academic qualifications; and if he will explain this policy.

I am in communication with the Governor on the matter, and when my information is complete I will get in touch with my hon. Friend.

If the information supplied and embodied in the Question is found to be correct, is the Secretary of State prepared to make any change in the decision made?.

I think I had better get the information first.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date any land in Uganda was last alienated to Europeans; and what steps are being taken to convince the African inhabitants that no further alienation is intended.

I am consulting the Acting Governor on the subject and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received his reply.

Is it not a fact that, in recent times, very little land has been alienated to Europeans, and is not the consideration in such cases nearly always that it is in the best interests of the natives themselves?

The supplementary question is completely correct; there is very little alienation.

In order to avoid any misunderstanding, will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that the powers given to the East African Central Assembly to acquire land are solely restricted to the acquisition of land for public purposes and in no way affect the powers of taking land from Africans for transfer to Europeans?

Yes, that is so

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the declared aims of the Buganda Mirembe movement; and what is his attitude towards these aims.

I am consulting the Acting Governor on the subject and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received his reply.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this movement originated to defend the interests of tribal chiefs whose powers were declining even before the British came in, and would he give an answer indicating his attitude to the statement of its aims, lest this movement results in a series of political claims of a contradictory character?

There is considerable obscurity about this movement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrests have taken place in Uganda for possession of copies of a letter written to Bishop Stuart about the sale of church land; what charges were preferred; and what penalties imposed.

I understand that two persons were recently arrested and charged in Uganda for importing, being in possession of and publishing a letter to Bishop Stuart which was regarded as seditious literature. One was sentenced to six months hard labour on each of these three counts, the sentences being concurrent. My latest information about the second person is that the case has been adjourned.

Would my right hon. Friend make very careful inquiry about this matter which has caused considerable indignation in Uganda, and is he aware that those of us who have read the letter —and it was a very long one—perhaps feel that there may have been some lack of a sense of proportion?

I am not, of course, immediately responsible for the administration of justice in Uganda, but I will look into the facts of this case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the causes, conduct and results of the recent general strike in Zanzibar.

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

Following is the reply:

On 20th August, dock labourers, who less than two months earlier had entered into contracts, embodying new conditions of employment, presented demands for improved terms and struck within 48 hours, ignoring the consultative machinery which was available to them. On 25th August, when it became clear that intimidation might be used in an attempt to extend the strike, the Government issued a notice warning the people against the use of intimidation and stating that it was prepared to meet any violence with all force at its command. As the clearance of cargo was of vital importance and as an attempt was being made to divert rural food supplies from the main markets of the town preparations were made to recruit labour outside the town. About the same time, an attempt was made to extend the stoppage of work into a general strike, but the response was only partial and to some extent due to threats.

On 2nd September, a demonstration against men going to work took place in the vicinity of the docks where police were stationed. Large numbers of men carrying arms of various kinds collected at the Customs Gate, and a Magistrate who was present decided to read the Riot Proclamation. Thereafter tear gas was used by the Police, but no shooting occurred.

Additional police and troops from the mainland were asked for and arrived on that day and the following days. During this time the Senior Commissioner, who is the Principal Labour Officer, and his assistants, with the help of the Information Officer explained the situation to the strikers and other members of the public, and endeavoured to induce them to be reasonable. His Highness the Sultan also issued a personal message with the same purpose.

On the 11th September, the British Resident reported that the dock workers and other persons on strike had returned to work and the situation was normal. The troops and additional Police were returned to Tanganyika. I have not yet heard from the Resident the terms on which work has been resumed, but I will write to my hon. Friend when I have received a further report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mak En Cheun, chairman of the Naval Dockyard Employees Association in Hong Kong was recently prosecuted for having an unregistered printing press; that the printing press was an ordinary duplicating machine of a type in common use by business firms, etc., who are not compelled to register; and for what reason this prosecution was initiated.

I understand that an appeal is pending in this case before the Hong Kong courts; as the matter is therefore sub judice, I regret I am unable to make any statement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a feeling that these petty, pin-pricking prosecutions are never taken against members of the Kuomintang or their supporters but are mostly reserved for those who are not members of that organisation?

I cannot accept that assumption, but this case is still in the courts, and I am not able to make any statement on it.

Will the Minister inquire into that aspect of the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Secretary for Native Affairs in Northern Rhodesia has announced in the African Representative Council that the doctrine of paramountcy of native interests is dead; and whether he will make a statement of his policy in this respect.

The Secretary for Native Affairs told the Council that the 1923 White Paper on this question was dead, in the sense that it had been superseded by the report of the Joint Select Committee of Parliament of October, 1931, which reviewed previous statements on native policy and the relations of the African and immigrant communities. The report of the Joint Select Committee continues to be the operative document on this question. Paragraph 73 of this report sums up the matter by saying that the doctrine of paramountcy means no more than that the interests of the overwhelming majority of the indigenous population should not be subordinated to those of a minority belonging to another race, however important in itself. This interpretation was accepted as authoritative in 1932 and the policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter has not changed since then.

Would not the Secretary of State agree that this was only a belated announcement of the demise of the doctrine in 1931, and would not the better way have been to give a more positive statement of present policy?

Many positive statements have been made by preceding Governments since 1931, and all I can say is that that policy remains as firm today as when those statements were made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recommendations have been made by the Committee which has reported on the staffing of the public services in Nigeria by Nigerians; and which of these recommendations are to be adopted by the local government.

I have arranged for a copy of the Commission's Reps to be placed in the Library of the House. The Governor has warmly welcomed the Commission's recommendations, and, subject to further discussion on certain points of detail and organisation, has approved all their main proposals.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Committee, on which was a substantial African majority, including various Nigerian leaders, reached a unanimous report recommending a scholarship scheme of £250,000, and, in view of the tremendous success of this development and its warm reception in the national Press of Nigeria, will he recommend the Governments of other Colonies to establish similar schemes?

Certainly, the Report will be brought to the notice of other Governments, and I hope that hon. Members will also read the copy which has been placed in the Library of this House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that air passages for Indians and Arabs coming to this country to join British ships are being provided at Aden at a charge of £150; and that an extra charge is made to them for the services of boarding house keepers who find the ships; and what steps he is taking to prevent this.

I have no information on the subject, but I am consulting the Governor of Aden, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received his reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will now make a further statement regarding the transfer of H.M.S. "Ajax" to Chile.

I regret that I am not in a position to add to the information already given to the House.

Will the Civil Lord impress upon the Government that the darker the international situation grows, the firmer their decision should be not to sell any serviceable ship, above all H.M.S. "Ajax," to a country still in illegal possession of British territory?

The Government will bear in mind anything which the hon. Gentleman has to say on naval matters.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Navy is very much under strength in cruisers, according to all the normal estimates of what cruisers we require to look after our trade?

We do not quite accept that. In any case, this is a very old ship which, obviously, will not be of great use to the Royal Navy in a number of years' time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement showing the progress made in the reconstitution of the Fleets to appropriate peacetime strength, in accordance with the proposals made in the Statement accompanying the 1948–49 Navy Estimates.

Satisfactory progress has been made in the planned build-up of the Navy. This is evidenced by the start tomorrow of the Home Fleet on its Autumn Cruise.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the cruiser and destroyer strengths are up to the figures given in the White Paper which accompanied the Naval Estimates this year; and whether, in view of the changed international conditions, the Government will consider issuing a revised programme, as the one issued at the time of the Naval Estimates is rather out of date?

At the moment, we are not prepared to issue a further White Paper on the subject, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, as far as cruiser and destroyer strengths are concerned, they have, more or less, been kept in accordance with the White Paper.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to state the present strength of the Home Fleet?

Not at the moment.

Could the Civil Lord confirm the recent reports in the Press that a large number of destroyers and escort vessels have been brought forward for refit?

We are always refitting destroyers and escort vessels, and this work has been going on for a long time.

Have any special steps been taken recently?

The work has been speeded up in accordance with the Government's policy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make with regard to the progress of the Admiralty's proposals for the assimilation of Pensioner Clerks into the General Clerical Class

Agreement has now been reached with the staff side, and orders will shortly be issued promulgating the detailed arrangements for the assimilation of the Pensioner Clerks into the General Clerical Class

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will now give the following information about the second examination under the new Dartmouth entry scheme: the number of vacancies; the number of candidates; the number who failed in the written examination; the number who failed in the interview; and the number appointed as cadets.

As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on 14th July last, there were 319 candidates for 29 vacancies. Of the 319, 247 failed in the written examination. The remaining 72 candidates have still to be interviewed, and the final results will not be available until about the end of November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men were discharged from the Navy from 1940 to 1946 suffering from tuberculosis; and how many died whilst in the Service, or were discharged suffering from this disease aggravated by, or attributable to their service in the Navy, respectively.

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

Will the Civil Lord tell us whether the Naval barracks have been very much improved since the war, because it is felt by many people that a good deal of tuberculosis is created by overcrowded sleeping and bad eating conditions?

I can say from my own experience that there has been a great improvement in the conditions in at least one Naval establishment—the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham. The conditions there were altogether different when I visited the barracks recently from what they were in 1942, when I left them to come here. I am also glad to say that the men there now sleep in a different room from that in which they eat. It has always been the custom in the Navy for the men to sleep where they eat.

I am sure that that answer will give a good deal of satisfaction to the people of this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps the Government are taking to reconstitute the Royal Naval Reserve.

The future of the Royal Naval Reserve is still under consideration, but, unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to come to a decision.

Could the hon. Gentleman give us a little more information why it has not been possible to come to a decision before now? Surely, this constitutes one of the chief reserves. Why has nothing been done about it during all this period?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman no doubt knows, this particular question has to be dealt with by the Reserves Organisation Committee of the Admiralty who have been going into it very carefully. But one of the difficulties in resetting up the R.N.R. is perfectly obvious; it is, that we do not want to enrol people in the R.N.R. whose services we may not be able to obtain on the declaration of war. That is the matter which we are going into in the Merchant Navy, and that is why it is being held up.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the only official link between the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy and that, in previous wars, the system has worked very well. The R.N.R. has given admirable service. Why cannot the Admiralty make up their minds?

It is not a question of casting any aspersions on the R.N.R. in the past. I am happy to be able to pay a tribute to it from my own personal knowledge, but there is that difficulty. I can assure the House that we will reconstitute it as and when we can.

Does not the Civil Lord realise that a great deal of the training which R.N.R. officers and men get is extremely useful to them if they have to go to sea in wartime? It makes them more flexible and able to be moved about in the service of their country in the positions in which they desire to be.

I am fully aware of all that, and the Admiralty are conscious of it also, but, as I have said, we are going into the matter as quickly as possible.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some idea when this long, protracted deliberation at the Admiralty will come to a conclusion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the present number of officers and men, respectively, in the R.N.V.R., on List I and List II.

There are 647 officers and 1,414 ratings on List I of the R.N.V.R., and 583 officers and eight ratings on List II. List I includes the R.N.V.(W.)R. and the R.N.V.R. (Air) Squadrons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether lifebelts or some similar device for individual support in the water are available for each member of the ships' companies in all of His Majesty's ships; and whether he can give an assurance that ample reserves are available to cover any sudden expansion of His Majesty's Navy and for issue to merchant seamen in an emergency.

Stocks of lifebelts for instructional purposes and use in boats are carried in all His Majesty's ships; and a personal issue is made for ships employed in mine clearance operations, or when necessary for special operational reasons. The stocks maintained by the Admiralty at home and abroad are sufficient for an issue to be made when necessary to each member of the ship's company of all His Majesty's ships, and to cover any sudden expansion of the Royal Navy. The provision of lifebelts for the Merchant Navy is not the responsibility of the Admiralty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of officers and men in the Royal Navy were killed at the beginning of the last war and the 1914 war because these lifebelts were not in the ships at the outbreak of war; and will he therefore consider whether it would not be advisable always to have personal lifesaving apparatus in the ships during peacetime?

It has never happened before as, no doubt, the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, but it is certainly a matter well worth considering. Even if we cannot supply ships' companies with one lifebelt each, as happens in war, I feel certain that consideration will be given to the possibility of seeing that, should an emergency arise at any time, the lifebelts will be available for the ships.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will now make a statement on the future arrangements governing the award of pensions to the widows of officers.

I regret I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Will the Civil Lord indicate when he will be likely to make a statement?

This question is under active consideration, but, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, it is a matter affecting the three Services, and we must get some common agreement on the issue. We are at least pursuing it as quickly as possible, but I am afraid that it may be some little time yet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what sick leave with pay is granted to industrial employees in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments; and whether the same amount of leave with pay applies equally to hired and established workmen.

There is no difference between the provisions of paid sick leave for hired and established Admiralty industrial employees. I will let my hon. Friend have details of the scheme.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the men in the Devonport Dockyard have been fighting for these reforms for something like 25 years; and is this not a further proof that under a Labour Government it is possible to make progress, even at the Admiralty?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether arrangements have been made for sufficient of His Majesty's ships to be in Antarctic waters during the coming Antarctic summer to prevent further illegal landings in His Majesty's Antarctic possessions.

No special arrangements have been made, but the hon. Member can rest assured that the dispositions of His Majesty's ships are carefully reviewed as necessary.

Can the Civil Lord assure the House that sufficient ships will be available to provide an appropriate reception for any heads of friendly States who may happen to drop in unexpectedly?

I am afraid I must stick to the reply rather than deal with that supplementary question. However, I would again assure the hon. Gentleman that all these matters are carefully watched, and that he may depend on the Admiralty carrying out its job in the proper way.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of his discussions with the representatives of Eire, he will make a statement about the future custody and exhibition of the Lane pictures.

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister took part in no discussions on this subject during his recent visit to Eire.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that some discussions took place when representatives from Eire were in this country? It is those discussions to which I am referring. Will my right hon. Friend answer the Question in the light of that fact?

That is so; there were some rather informal discussions on the matter when the Prime Minister of Eire was here on an earlier occasion, but I am afraid I am unable to say when a statement will be made on this somewhat complex matter.

Will my right hon. Friend continue to bear in mind that we are under a moral obligation to take some positive action over this question?

That, of course, prejudices the issue.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a room standing idle in the Municipal Gallery, Dublin, waiting for these pictures, that this issue is a source of feeling between the citizens of Eire and of this country, and it would be valuable to our relations if an early settlement could be reached?

It so happens that I am very well versed in all the details of this matter, and I have read many papers about it. In fact, I have read so many and I am so well versed that I would not like to make any dogmatic observation upon it.

Would my right hon Friend clear up one matter which arose upon a supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge)? In the opinion of the Government, to whom do these pictures belong?

That is a question which I would not like to answer.

asked the Lord President of the Council to what extent the Medical Research Council and other similar organisations have been concerned during the past year with investigation into the cause and cure of the common cold; what sums have been expended on this research; and what results have been attained.

The Medical Research Council, with the co-operation of the Ministry of Health, have continued to maintain research into the nature and transmission of the infection, using human volunteers, at the Harvard Hospital, Salisbury. The cost to the Council during the last financial year was approximately £9,500, exclusive of hospital accommodation and services provided by the Ministry of Health. Useful progress has been made, but there are as yet no results capable of practical application.

Is it not revealed in my right hon. Friend's reply that a totally inadequate sum is being spent on investigation into this matter, which quite obviously is costing the nation many millions of pounds every year?

If I was quite sure that by going to the Treasury and asking for a substantial addition we would automatically solve the problem, I assure my hon. Friend that I would do so and I agree with him that it would pay, but money spent upon research must be governed by the likely practical results from the expenditure. We are doing all we can.

How can one possibly say what the likely results will be unless money is spent on research?

That is a very wasteful philosophy.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will give an estimate of the cost to the nation of illness resulting from the incidence of the common cold.

I am sorry, but there are no statistics sufficiently complete to provide a basis for an estimate which would have any reliable value.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider, in conjunction with the Service Departments concerned, the financial burden placed on officers of the three Services having to pay Purchase Tax on all articles of uniform; whether, in view of the high cost of uniforms now prevailing, any estimate has been made of the increased expenditure in which officers are involved on promotion, etc.; and what steps he considers should be taken at once to meet this situation.

Yes, Sir. This matter is already being considered, and perhaps the hon. Member would be good enough to put down his Question again early in the next Session.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider readjusting the £35 tax free allowance which has remained at that same figure for some years?

The whole question is under consideration by the three Services. I am afraid that getting them into line as far as possible will take some little time.

asked the Minister of Defence what is the total number of deserters from the Armed Forces; approximately how many of these have deserted since 1945; and if he will give an estimate of the total number considered likely to be in the United Kingdom, Eire, and elsewhere, respectively.

On 31st July the recorded number of deserters, excluding men who failed to answer call up notices, was 19,700. Of this number, between 6,000 and 7,000 deserted in the last three years. Of the total of 19,700, over 10,500 have home addresses in Eire. Of the remainder, nearly 1,000 are known to have deserted abroad. Making allowance for deaths and multiple desertions by individuals, I would say that the number still in the United Kingdom is, at the most, 8,000 and may be less.

asked the Minister of Defence whether Service men will be allowed to purchase their discharge during the temporary suspension of Class A demobilisation.

Yes, Sir. But I must make it plain that the Service authorities have always had discretion to refuse applications for the purchase of discharge by men serving on regular engagements; this discretion must clearly be exercised in accordance with the demands of the present situation.

Does that mean that the number of specialists who have already been refused is likely to be materially increased?

I am very anxious not to cancel the arrangement which has been restored as a right to the regular serving man to apply for his purchase out of the Service, but I must have each case considered by the responsible Service authorities on its merits in the light of the present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Defence at how much he estimates the cost of the supply of the additional aircraft, tanks and weapons now to be urgently provided for the Forces.

The object of the recent measures is to improve the rate of production of certain items of equipment, within the general requirements programme. The expenditure will, therefore, be incurred earlier than would otherwise have been the case. The extra cost in the present financial year will depend on the speed with which the increased production can be built up, and it is not yet possible to give a reliable estimate.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that points goods such as canned meat and canned fish have been unobtainable in many rural districts at the time of the additional seasonal allowances made to farm workers; and whether he will arrange that in future extra points goods are sent to agricultural areas so as to ensure that the additional points allocated to farm workers are honoured.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to Questions asked by the hon. Members for Tonbridge (Mr. G. Williams), Huntingdon (Mr. Renton), Canterbury (Mr. Baker White), Salisbury (Mr. J. Morrison), East Norfolk (Brigadier Medlicott), Maldon (Mr. Driberg), and South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on Monday. 20th September.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, owing to the exigencies of our procedure, those replies were written replies and, therefore, we were unable to ask any supplementary questions? Would my hon. Friend bear in mind the very real hardship caused to dwellers in remote rural districts by these points shortages, and that most of them cannot get to any kind of catering establishment at all?

Yes, I recognise all the difficulties in rural areas, but my hon. Friend must realise that the rural workers particularly want canned meat and canned fish, and, unfortunately, those commodities cost dollars.

Are they made available to catering establishments in the towns on a much more substantial scale than they are to the rural shops?

In all places where there are seasonal increases in demand, such as in holiday resorts, are extra allocations allowed? Can the hon. Lady say whether in districts like Dorset, where clearly a large number of holidaymakers go, any extra allowance is made in respect of holidaymakers in addition to the extra points that are needed for the workers?

Yes, Sir. When the proprietors of catering establishments in holiday resorts go to the local food offices their needs are fully investigated and allocations are made, but the allocations of certain pointed foods, including canned meat and canned fish, are related to registrations only.

Are not these sort of foods available in the ordinary course of events in canteens in industrial and mining areas?

Certainly. We try to distribute these things equitably between all workers.

Surely it is clear from the hon. Lady's answer that there is differentiation against the rural workers because they are not getting an equitable share of these things? The industrial workers and the miners are getting more than their fair share.

I said nothing to indicate that. I said that all workers are treated equitably. These particular pointed foods are related to registrations, and the miner is treated the same as everyone else.

Is the hon. Lady aware that a large number of people who have meals regularly in industrial canteens are not heavy manual workers and, bearing in mind that those canteens get very much more meat than many other heavy workers get, will she please review completely the allocation of meat and high calory food to industrial canteens?