Written Answers To Questions
Wednesday, 3rd November, 1948
Royal Navy
Devonport Dockyard
5.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many riveters, caulkers, welders and drillers, respectively, in Devonport Dockyard have suffered reversion to a lower grade during the last two years; how many have subsequently been reinstated; and what steps have been taken to get those men not reinstated placed in comparable work in other undertakings.
The changes which have taken place since October, 1946, in the numbers employed in the grades mentioned, are as follow: Riveters, 56 downgraded, 41 reinstated, caulkers, 27 downgraded, none reinstated, welders, 55 downgraded, 11 reinstated, drillers 56 downgraded (including one on medical grounds), none reinstated.As regards the last part of the Question, every effort is made to find suitable employment within the dockyard or in local Admiralty establishmènts for the men concerned. When this is not possible or the men refuse to accept employment in a lower category, the dockyard officers can only advise them to register at the employment exchanges. These exchanges are, however, notified by the Admiralty in advance of any anticipated redundancy.
Battleships (Transfer)
7.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give an assurance that Russia will not receive the battleship "Giulio Cesare" under the Italian Peace Treaty before H.M.S. "Royal Sovereign" lent to the Soviet Navy in 1943 is returned to the Royal Navy.
The intention is that the two transfers should take place simultaneously.
German Warships (Destruction)
8.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of German warships including the aircraft carrier "Zeppelin," the battleships "Deutschland" and "Schleswig-Holstein" and the heavy cruiser "Seydlitz," have been or are being repaired for service by the U.S.S.R.; and whether, in view of the principle of tripartite division of German warships, which was honoured by His Majesty's Government in the case of those captured in the British Zone, it is proposed to ask the Soviet Government for our share of those captured in the Soviet Zone.
No. It was agreed between the United Kingdom, the United States and the U.S.S.R. that, among others, the ships named in the Question should be destroyed. The Soviet Government has officially confirmed the destruction of all ships in their hands under this agreement.
Us Ships (Malta)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the purpose of the recent visit to Malta of the aircraft carrier "Franklin D. Roosevelt," the heavy cruiser "Albany," the cruisers "Province" and "Little Rock," the destroyers "Compton" and "Gainard" and the oiler "Canisteo," all of which are warships of the U.S. Mediterranean Fleet; and in what currency payment was made for the use of the harbour and port installations.
As the hon. Member has said, these ships are units of the United States Mediterranean Fleet. As such they paid a visit of courtesy and goodwill to Malta. Any payment for services rendered in these circumstances is made in dollars.
Post Office
Telephone Service (Applications)
14.
asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of a telephone have been outstanding for more than 12 months in Aberdeenshire.
I regret that the figure asked for is not readily available. There are 1,017 applications in Aberdeenshire outstanding since 1st April, 1947, and 2,303 since 1st April, 1948.
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that farmers receive no priority when making application for the installation of a telephone; whether he will state the position regarding such applications; and how many of such installations were made in 1947.
Applications for the installation of telephones for farmers receive high priority, but provision of service in individual cases is necessarily dependent on availability of exchange equipment and external plant. Figures are not available for 1947, but 6,500 farmers were connected during the first six months of this year.
asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for installation of a telephone are outstanding in the county of Lancashire; how many are outstanding in the town of Darwen, the urban district of Turton and the Blackburn Rural District, respectively; and what is the average length of time in which such applications have been outstanding.
On 30th September, 1948, 45,405 applications for telephone service were outstanding in the county of Lancashire. The corresponding figures for the town of Darwen, the urban district of Turton and the Blackburn Rural District are 145, 143, and 202. About 65 per cent. of the applications in the county of Lancashire and in Darwen, and about 50 per cent. of those in Turton and Blackburn have been received within the last 18 months.
Savings Bank Department (Removal)
19.
asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the concern felt by members of the Post Office Savings Bank Department in London regarding the proposed removal of the department to Sheffield; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. The proposed move of the Savings Department to Sheffield is part of an extensive plan for the dispersal out of London of sections of the work of Government Departments which can satisfactorily be performed in the provinces. The plan has been agreed to in principle by the staff side of the National Whitley Council; but subject to the discussion of any specific move on the appropriate Whitley Committee to the Department concerned. I understand the move of the Savings Department to Sheffield is on the agenda for the next meeting of the Savings Department Whitley Committee. This move could not in any case take place for a number of years.
Sheikhdom Of Bahrein
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the special relations existing between the Sheikhdom of Bahrein and Great Britain; by what convention or agreement are they defined and regulated; and how long they have been in existence.
His Majesty's Government's relations with the Sheikhdom of Bahrain are governed by a series of treaties dating from 1820 onwards, all of which have been published.
Transjordan
Brigadier Glubb
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that on 15th May, 1948, Brigadier J. B. Glubb, an officer of the Colonial Administrative Service seconded to Transjordan from the Palestine Administration, opted to sever his connection with the Colonial Service; that thereafter this officer has been employed as Chief-of-Staff of the Transjordan Army; that the Kingdom of Transjordan was at war with Israel on the date that Brigadier Glubb entered into his fresh engagement; and whether he will therefore institute proceedings against this officer in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870.
I am advised that Brigadier Glubb is not liable to prosecution under this Act since he was already in the service of King Abdullah as a commissioned officer for many years before the present conflict started.
British Service Personnel
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British Service personnel whose services are required to secure the efficiency of the military units of the forces of the King of the Hashimite Kingdom of Transjordan have been provided in accordance with paragraph (4) of Article 6 of the Annex to the Anglo-Transjordan Treaty of Alliance.
At the beginning of this month there were 20 officers and 13 other ranks seconded from the British forces to the forces of Transjordan. Such personnel are not employed outside the frontiers of Transjordan.
Roumania (British Subject, Sentence)
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the protest sent to the Roumanian Government against the procedure of the Roumanian Court in the case of Mr. Evans, former Director of Steaua Romana S.A.R.; if he has any statement to make on the verdict of the Court; and what further action he is contemplating.
I have taken steps to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the protest addressed by His Majesty's Government to the Roumanian Government on 15th September and 4th October.As an appeal was lodged immediately after the sentences and the case is still
sub iudice I have no statement to make on the verdict. For the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. Mott-Radclyffe) on 1st November.
Following are the Notes:
British Legation,
Bucharest.
15th September, 1948.
MY DEAR MINISTER,
As you already know, a British subject, Mr. Walter Evans, ex-Director of the Steaua Romana S.A.R., was arrested by the Roumanian authorities on the 8th June, 1948, at the Roumanian-Hungarian frontier when on his way to England to consult his principals. Since then he has been held under arrest in spite of several vain efforts to obtain his release on bail. On the 9th July he was committed for trial by the Examining Magistrate of No. 6 Cabinet of Ilfov Tribunal on a charge of fraudulent administration of 8,200,000 Lei of the Company's money, under Articles 539 and 540 of the Penal Code.
2. Mr. Evans has appeared before the "Tribunal de Urgenta" on repeated occasions, witnesses have been heard at length, and both prosecution and defence have fully stated their cases. On the 2nd September, the accused was invited to make his final statement and the Court announced that sentence would be pronounced on the 7th September. This was later postponed until the 10th September without any explanation.
3. Up to this point I refrained from intervening in the case, except that I pressed for an improvement in Mr. Evans' living conditions (on this point I have received some satisfaction) and, in view of his age and frail health, for his release on bail pending sentence. Unfortunately bail has been consistently refused.
4. On the 10th September, however, an incident occurred which leaves me no choice but to draw your attention to what appears to be a grave irregularity of procedure and a denial of justice to Mr. Evans. Instead of pronouncing judgment on the case on the basis of the evidence given during the trial, the Court decided to reopen the case on the 16th September in order to hear two witnesses for the defence with whom, during the session of the Court on the 2nd September, the defence had willingly dispensed as the evidence given by preceding witnesses had made their evidence superfluous. The Court had agreed that they should not be called and the Presiding Judge had instructed prosecution and defence to proceed with their final pleadings.
5. It has since come to light that the plaintiffs, on the 7th September, after the case had been closed on the 2nd September, filed a petition with the Prime Procuror asking that the sum, of the fraudulent administration of which Mr. Evans is being accused, should be increased from 8,200,000 Lei to 14,900,000 Lei—this in spite of the fact that the Examining Magistrate had, when committing Mr. Evans for trial, expressly eliminated 6,700,000 Lei from the original charge because the plaintiffs could not adduce before him reasonable proof that Mr. Evans had received the 6,700,000 Lei in question.
6. It now appears, therefore, that although Mr. Evans was committed for trial by the Examining Magistrate on a specific charge after enquiries conducted in secret over a protracted period during which Mr. Evans was denied the elementary right of proper legal assistance (that is to say from the 8th June, the day of his arrest, until the 9th July), and although Mr. Evans was on trial in Court between the 9th July and the 2nd September on the grounds of that same specific charge, the Court failed to pronounce a verdict as it should have done on the 10th September. Instead the Court is permitting the civil plaintiffs to amend the charge against Mr. Evans and to include in it a sum of money of responsibility for which he had already been exonerated by the Final Court Order No. 172 issued by the 8th Instruction Cabinet of the Ilfov Tribunal (which excluded from the charge the sum of 6,700,000 Lei and sent Mr. Evans for trial on a charge involving 8,200,000 Lei only).
7. I am convinced that Your Excellency will agree that, under these circumstances, I have no option but to lodge a strong, protest to you personally against this arbitrary procedure of the Roumanian Court, and to ask you to intervene as soon as possible to correct the palpable injustice of which a British subject is the victim.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) ADRIAN HOLMAN.
Her Excellency,
Madame ANA PAUKER,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
British Legation,
Bucharest.
4th October, 1948.
MY DEAR MINISTER,
In my letter of No. 246 of 15th September, I had the honour to draw your attention to the irregularities which had occurred in connection with trial of Mr. Alexander Evans, ex-Director of the Steaua Romania S.A.R. on a charge of fraudulent administry of lei 8,200,000 money belonging to the company, under articles 539 and 540 of the penal code. I then explained that the case had been definitely closed on 2nd September, but that for no apparent valid reason, had been subject to continual adjournments without any sentence being given by the presiding judge. In fact, Mr. Evans had, in the meantime, been called upon to appear again before the examinine magistrate in connection with a new charge involving a sum of lei 14,900,000 that is to say the original sum of lei 8,200.000 augmented by a further lei 6,700,000. This latter sum had been dropped from the original charge for lack of evidence. Thus Mr. Evans was being re-examined without any legal justification on a charge of which he had already been cleared. As I had received no reply to my representations and as the sentence continued to be withheld without any legal reason being advanced for this rather strange and irregular procedure, I personally communicated a further letter on 25th September to Madame Toma your Secretary-General, in the hope that these additional representations would have effect. On that occasion Madame Toma gave me a firm assurance that sentence would definitely be given on 4th October. Relying on her assurance I naturally expected that it would be implemented. You can therefore imagine my feelings when, instead of judgment being given by the court 4th October I was approached through the consular section of the Legation by the Procurator-General M. Aurel Dimitriu pressing me to agree to his proposal that, in return for the immediate release of Mr. Evans—whose health was in his opinion deteriorating—I should provide bail for the sum of lei 30,000,000, that is about four times the amount of the funds in regard to which Mr. Evans is now standing his trial. I replied that I could not entertain such a proposal and was awaiting today the promulgation of judgment in the present case in accordance with the assurance given to me by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will no doubt be aware that, when I originally asked for bail for Mr. Evans several weeks ago, in view of his age and failing health and to enable him to prepare his defence, my request was refused by the Roumanian authorities on the grounds of his nationality. I find it difficult to understand. therefore, the reasons for the Procurator-General himself now proposing to me bail on the very day on which sentence has been promised. In order to prevent a very serious miscarriage of justice in which a British subject is actually involved, I beg Your Excellency to look into the matter personally without delay to ascertain why sentence has not been given as promised and why bail is being offered at this stage when the trial has been completed.
(Signed) ADRIAN HOLMAN.
Germany (Private Cars, Petrol)
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, at a time when motorists in this country are unable to obtain the petrol they need for business and other purposes, private motorists in Germany can use their cars much more freely and can make long journeys by car; and what action is he taking to put an end to this misuse of petrol.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lancaster (Mr. F. Maclean) on 1st November.
Czechoslovakia And Poland (Newspapers)
60.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds the Czechoslovakian Government has refused to allow His Majesty's Government to publish and distribute a weekly Czech-language newspaper in Prague; what is the circulation in this country of the Czechoslovakian Government weekly newspaper, the "New Central European Observer"; how much newsprint in excess of eight cwt. per four-monthly licensing period is given for this newspaper; and if His Majesty's Government will make the continued appearance of this newspaper conditional or the Czechoslovakian Government being prepared to grant reciprocal arrangements in Czechoslovakia.
The Czechoslovak Government gave as their reason for refusal the fact that "Britaky Magazin," a Czech periodical to which we supply material, is already being published in Czechoslovakia. His Majesty's Government's intention of replacing this magazine with the proposed weekly newspaper had, however, already been made clear to the Czechoslovak Government. I am now considering whether a further approach to the Czechoslovak Government would be appropriate. I have no exact information regarding the circulation of the "New Central European Observer"; but as the publication relies entirely on the eight cwt. of paper per four-monthly licensing period it must be extremely limited. Under existing regulations His Majesty's Government have no power to prevent the continued appearance of the "New Central European Observer," provided that it uses only the eight cwt. of paper per four-monthly licensing period.
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much newsprint in excess of eight cwts. per four-monthly licensing period is provided for the Polish Government newspaper, "Polish Facts and Figures," published in this country; to what extent this newspaper is subject to any form of control or censorship; how much newsprint is allowed to His Majesty's Government for publication in Poland of a Polish-language newspaper; to what form of censorship this newspaper is subject; and if he will print in the OFFICIAL REPORT a typical censored passage.
No newsprint in excess of eight cwts. per four-monthly licensing period is provided for this publication, which is not subject to any form of control or censorship.His Majesty's Government are allowed enough newsprint for a maximum print order of 50,000 copies per week for their Polish-language newspaper, "The Voice of Britain" published in Poland. The entire contents of this publication are subject to Polish censorship. Although the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have agreed verbally to the publication of verbatim statements by British Ministers, in practice these statements have sometimes suffered severed cuts. In spite of the representations which we have made these cuts continue to be made from time to time, and I am considering what action would be appropriate. To illustrate the extent of Polish censorship, I propose to print in the OFFICIAL REPORT excerpts from my speech in the House on 22nd September last.
Following are the excerpts from the Secretary of State's speech in the House of Commons on 22nd September, 1948:
(Text as received in Poland by morse-transmission)
(Deletions made by Polish censor are shown between [] brackets)
"One of steps we had been faced with over a long time was question of currency reform … We had been trying to get four power agreement but we decided reform currency in our own Zone and we limited it to Western zones. … When we did this we had no intention interfering in any way with Soviet currency in Berlin. … Still we are prepared to have Soviet mark as sole currency provided, so far as Berlin is concerned, it is dealt with under quadripartite authority.
[If we dealt with it in any other way it would mean we should be subject to pressure just as bad as blockade itself and it would possibly paralyse our work and administration there.] It proved however impossible obtain Soviet agreement to uniform currency in Berlin and therefore we were faced with difficulty and we accordingly proceeded to introduction of our own currency in Western sectors of Berlin. … [Initial justification for interference with our traffic by Russians was based on technical grounds. It was only later that Soviet came into the open and declared they were compelled to take this action because of our currency reform."] … [It was presumed by Soviet that in few weeks we should be in such difficulties we should have had to abandon Berlin; that starvation would follow so quickly and disorder be fomented so easily that our position would be untenable. Western Powers did everything in their power prevent these "terrible prophecies" being fulfilled.]…
While he could not go into great detail because it was not in the public interest that he should do so he could say that [if this "senseless blockade" continued and there was no let up and worst came to the worst] "we are confident after careful examination of all factors, including weather and calculating it on one of worst winters we have had for some time in Europe, that with combination of the two air forces and with immensely augmented effort of United States we can look forward with confidence that we shall be able see winter through although there will be some discomfort for Berlin people if blockade is continued."…
He stated that he'd undertaken careful personal consideration of blockade and we'd called our advisers together to consider whole implications and whole strategy to counter present difficulties [and counter other measures which might be taken to weaken our position in Berlin].
"Our position therefore is as it was when I addressed House 29th July. That is, that we regard lifting of blockade as essential condition on which any settlement must be based." He said we'd agreed to have Soviet currency in Berlin subject to quadripartite authority … and added "I've noticed in press and elsewhere there have been rumours of disagreement between three Western powers, but not only are we in absolute agreement as to policy of air lift and defending ourselves in Berlin but in policy we shall jointly pursue if that fails."…
[We'd made provisions to save Berlin from worse effects which those who thought up this dastardly scheme had expected would put on allies who'd stood with them during the war. "It's poor reward so soon afterwards" commented Bevin.]…
In conclusion Bevin said "I hope notwithstanding the gravity of the Berlin situation this House will keep whole question of Germany and Central Europe in their minds and in their thinking. [You see indications in press this morning that there will be manoeuvres to upset Western allies in Germany and in Western Europe. We are going to have a terrible lot of propaganda. But we are firmly resolved to go on with our policy and I trust we shall have wholehearted support of the House and nation because I am convinced it is essential for peace and our security for many years to come.] … [It reminds me of 1940 after Dunkirk. It will be remembered the Prime Minister then discussing position we were in said 'whatever you give and wherever you go to meet demands of Nazis you cannot settle.' He was right in this case if you try going any further in making concessions of territory it does not satisfy demands. There is the conflict. We have to make our own position firm and secure. Berlin stands out now as symbol of resistance—a sort of salient.] I felt when the blockade was put on a grave choice had to be made. We made it.
[It was either to stand firm there or to go South to another Munich. That was the issue with which we were faced.] I believe East and West have to live together. I am ready to live together and ready to say you live in peace in area you have."
East Africa
British Somaliland (Civil Government)
76.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the resumption of civil government in British Somaliland.
Yes. I have agreed, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, that the Protectorate, which has been under Military Administration since March, 1941, should revert to Colonial Office control on 15th November. There has been close collaboration between my Department and the War Office in making arrangements for the hand-over and the staff of the Protectorate now consists almost entirely of Colonial Service officers. The present Military Governor, Mr. Reece, who is a member of the Colonial Service, will become civil Governor.
Kenya And Ethiopia (Border Tribes)
67.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied with the replies he has received to representations made to the Abyssinian Government regarding the maintenance of order amongst Abyssinian tribes on the northern frontier of Kenya; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has been agreed with the Ethiopian Government that officials from Kenya and Ethiopia should meet to discuss this problem early next month. I am hopeful that this meeting will result in measures for the closer control of the border tribes which will be to the mutual benefit of Kenya and Ethiopia.
Ports (Congestion)
79.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he has taken in the past six months to clear the congestion in East African ports and railways, in particular on the Tanganyika Central line.
I have been in communication with the East African authorities and with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on this matter. Steps have been taken to limit the volume of traffic passing through these ports to the quantities which can be handled. Committees have been set up at Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam on which the port, railway and shipping interests are represented. These Committees are responsible for reviewing the position in their ports and for any necessary recommendations for avoiding congestion or delays to shipping and goods. On the Tanganyika Central Line the supply of second-hand rolling stock has enabled the railing of goods from Dar-es-Salaam to be increased. During the past six months additional covered storage has been provided at Dar-es-Salaam and additional cranes and open storage will come into use very soon.
Education Committees
81.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made in East and Central Africa for local education committees to be manned by representatives of all communities; and what is the composition of the governing body of Makerere College, Uganda.
In Zanzibar there is an Advisory Education Committee, on which the European and Indian communities and the Sultan's Arab and African subjects are represented. In all the other East and Central African Territories there are separate Advisory Education Councils or Committees and each includes representatives of the community with whose education it deals. The Makerere Council consists of a Chairman appointed by myself, the Principal of the College, a representative of the Academic Board and one or more representatives appointed by the High Commission and every one of the four East African Governments.
Bataka Movement (Mr Mulumba)
84.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the campaign which Mr. Semakula Mulumba, a native of Uganda, is waging against the British Government and the Government of Uganda; and if he will make a statement about the present activities of Mr. Mulumba in this country.
Yes. The Bataka movement, which Mr. Semakula Mulumba claims to represent, is a mushroom political party unrepresentative of the great mass of the people of Uganda. It has steadfastly refused to seek expression of its views by constitutional means through the system of local Councils established throughout the Protectorate on which there is a large measure of elected representation. It is not recognised either by the Native or Protectorate Governments or by myself.Shortly after his arrival in this country Mr. Mulumba was interviewed by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State—the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Ivor Thomas)—but, as I told the House on 19th November last, no evidence was then found to support his representations that direct rule is being substituted for indirect rule in Uganda. No further interviews have been granted to Mr. Mulumba but he has addressed many abusive communications to me and to others, about events and people in Uganda. These communications do not merit serious consideration.
Bermuda (Deported Persons)
64.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why two Englishmen who went to Bermuda as Jehovah Witness ministers were deported from the Island in the last week of September.
66.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances and for what reason Mr. Eric G. Coysh and Mr. Stephen G. Miller, ministers of the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society, were deported from the Island of Bermuda.
68.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds an order was made by the Governor of Bermuda for the deportation from the Colony of S. G. Miller and E. G. Coysh, British subjects and ordained ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses sect from the Colony.
77.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons Mr. E. G. Coysh and Mr. S. G. Miller, both ministers of religion, were on 26th September, 1948, deported from the Bermudas after 20 months' residence there; and whether any charge was made against these two British subjects.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that two British citizens have been deported from Bermuda. namely, Mr. Eric Coysh and Mr. Stephen G. Miller after being, 20 months in residence there; what was their transgression against the laws of the Bermudas and under what powers the authorities of that Colony have deported British subjects without giving reasons for so doing to those deported.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why two British subjects and Jehovah's Witnesses' ministers, Stephen G. Miller and Eric G. Coysh, were deported from Bermuda without any explanation being given them for this action.
These two gentlemen entered Bermuda without obtaining the permission of the Bermuda Immigration Board, as required by the law. They ignored an order from the Board to leave the Islands, and were thereupon charged under the Bermuda Immigration Act with the offence of remaining in the Islands without the Board's specific permission. They were convicted of this offence and were recommended for deportation by the court. An appeal to the Supreme Court against this recommendation was dismissed on 25th September, and the deportation order was therefore made by the Governor-in-Council under Section 4 of the Bermuda Deportation (British Subjects) Act, 1937. The deportation of these two gentlemen was an act within the statutory powers of the Governor in Executive Council who have a complete discretion in the matter, and whose actions do not require my approval, nor are they subject to my control.
Malaya
Radio Equipment
69.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in view of the need for wireless equipment in Malaya which has been known for over six months, sufficient wireless sets are only now arriving to make it possible to form a complete radio network throughout the country.
A considerable quantity of radio equipment was made available to the Government of the Federation of Malaya by the local military authorities. In addition, orders were placed here for mobile wireless stations. Because of present production difficulties immediate delivery could not be expected but the manufacturers have been most helpful and the sets are now being delivered in useful numbers. Owing to their bulky nature air transport has not been available for all these sets, and a large consignment has recently been despatched by sea.
Public Services (Salaries)
70.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in Malaya to improve the salary scales and conditions of Government employees; and to what extent these have met the widespread criticism of the proposals of the Trusted Commission.
Improved remuneration and conditions for the public service in Malaya were introduced in July with retrospective effect to 1st August, 1947. Those recommendations of the Trusted Commission which the authorities in Malaya considered to require further study have been examined by a Joint Special Committee appointed by the legislatures of the Federation of Malaya and of Singapore, whose recommendations have been generally accepted and are now in operation. Certain outstanding points of detail are still under consideration in Malaya.
71.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the increases in salary scales to persons employed in the Co-operative Department of the Malayan Government Service have been considerably lower than those granted to officials in other departments such as that of Labour.
I am in communication with the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya on this matter and will write to my hon. Friend when I have his comments.
Trade Unionism (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement about the publication of the report by the hon. Member for Central Bristol (Mr. Awbery) and Mr. Dailey on trade unionism in the Federation of Malaya and Singapore.
The report has been printed in Malaya and will be published there on 4th November. A small number of advance copies have been received and these are being placed in the Library of the House and given to the Press. The report will be placed on sale in this country as a non-Parliamentary paper as soon as further copies are received. As it will take a little time for them to arrive, copies of a summary of the Report, prepared in the Colonial Office, will also be placed in the Library.
Colonial Empire
Pension Increases
72.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Colonial Governments have been approached by His Majesty's Government to consider revision of their pension schemes to conform with the increases granted under the Pensions (Increase) Act; and what answers have been received.
All Colonial Governments were approached. On 5th March I placed in the Library a statement of the various pension increase schemes that Colonial Governments had adopted at that date and I am now placing in the Library a further statement showing the present position.
Trade Unions (Political Affiliation)
74.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies it would be illegal, according to existing laws and regulations, for registered trade unions to affiliate to a political party.
From a survey of the permanent trade unions legislation of the Colonies I am unable to find any provisions making it illegal for registered trade unions to affiliate to a political party, but a Registrar of Trade Unions is obliged to refuse registration if it appears that one of the principal objects of the trade union is the support of a political party. In Hong Kong, except with the consent of the Governor in Council, trade unions are prohibited from affiliating to any organisation outside the Colony in such a manner as to place themselves under the control of that organisation. In a few Colonies there are provisions prohibiting or restricting the employment of trade union funds for political purposes.
Palestine (Former Government Employees)
75.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many employees in Palestine of the former Palestine Government have been unable since May last to draw the pensions or back payments of salary due to them; what is the total amount involved; and when it is proposed to remedy such injustices.
Out of some 46,000 non-expatriate officials and employees, about 11,700 have not yet received final adjustment of salary with statutory service gratuities or pensions. These are probably almost all in Palestine, and include 4,800 whose present whereabouts have not yet been traced. Payments due amount to about £1 million. Every endeavour is being made to arrange payments through the British Consular Officers, but certain obstacles resulting from present conditions in the territory, for example, affecting the physical transfer of the cash required, have not yet been overcome. Payment began early in October in those areas in Palestine where it has been possible to make the necessary arrangements.
St Lucia (Castries, Rehabilitation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make about the rehabilitation of Castries, St. Lucia.
Yes. Four-fifths of the town of Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, was destroyed by fire on the night of 19th-20th June. His Majesty's Government have agreed to make an immediate free grant of £35,000 to the Colony as a grant-in-aid of relief of distress in Castries. It is His Majesty's Government's further intention to provide substantial assistance towards the rehabilitation of Castries, and I propose at a later date to ask Parliament to vote the necessary funds for this and for the grant to which I have referred. The exact amount and manner of assistance which will be provided by His Majesty's Government can only be determined after I have completed the examination of the plans which have been sent to me, and of the resources available to meet the necessities of the situation, which already include generous help from private sources.
West Africa
Poultry Farming, Gambia
73.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made for the establishment of a poultry farming industry in the Gambia.
The Colonial Development Corporation have decided to undertake a project for food production in the Gambia on a considerable scale, and work has already begun on it. Initially 10,000 acres of bush will be cleared to grow coarse grains and sorghum. As part of the project a poultry establishment will be set up on modern commercial and scientific lines to produce dressed poultry and about twenty million eggs a year; the eggs will largely be available for the United Kingdom market during the United Kingdom off-season in the winter months. The scheme includes cold storage capacity and can be extended to include meat products.
Gold Industry
78.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the gold contribution of West African Colonies towards our dollar deficit last year was approximately 600,000 ounces but that the industry is confident of its ability to achieve an annual capacity of at least 1,000,000 ounces if it is given reasonable encouragement; and what are the plans of his Department to enable the industry to increase its output in the near future.
The importance of the gold industry in British West Africa is fully appreciated. As regards the second part of the Question, the system of gold taxation has recently been placed on a more scientific basis in the Gold Coast, which, as the House is aware, is the principal producer. One result of this is to reduce the total duty payable by the industry and, in particular, by the low and medium grade mines. Assistance is also being given to the mining companies to obtain the equipment which they need to increase production.
Teachers' Salaries
83.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Amalgamated Teachers' Organisation, Colony and Protectorate, in Sierra Leone was not consulted before the publication of Sessional Paper No. 9, of 1948, on the revision of teachers' salaries; and whether the acceptance or rejection of these scales will now be negotiated with the Amalgamated Teachers' Organisation.
I have asked the Governor of Sierra Leone for information, and will communicate with my hon. friend when it is received.
British Guiana And British Honduras (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Report of the Commission to British Guiana and British Honduras will be made available to Members of the House.
The Report has been published today and copies are available in the Vote Office. His Majesty's Government are greatly indebted to the Commission for this Report, which they regard as an important contribution to the problems of development in British Guiana and British Honduras.The projects recommended in the Report are being studied and offer some assistance in dealing with the difficulties arising from unemployment and underemployment in the West Indian Islands. Large-scale emigration from the Islands however cannot be expected in the early stages. Further detailed research and investigation on the spot are needed before the major projects can be begun.I have already received the preliminary comments of the Governor of British Guiana and the Officer Administering the Government of British Honduras on the Report. It is evident that the scale of the projects is beyond what the present resources of the two Colonies would enable them to undertake. Some of the projects are of a commercial character. The Report has already been brought to the notice of the Colonial Development Corporation.As has already been announced, the Corporation has purchased a timber concession in British Guiana to form the nucleus of the larger timber developments which are now under joint investigation by the Corporation in co-operation with two timber companies. The Colonial Office will keep in close touch with the Colonial Development Corporation on this and other projects which the latter may undertake.A number of the projects recommended by the Commission may be suitable for other forms of enterprise, and all encouragement will be given to facilitate developments beneficial to the Colonies concerned.Certain of the recommendations involve substantial expenditure of public funds for research and the provision of communications and various services. This matter is being examined and after consultation with the two Colonial Governments the intentions of His Majesty's Government will be made known. Where further investigations are an essential preliminary to development, these will be undertaken as quickly as possible. Priority will be given to those projects which appear to be more immediately practicable.
Public Health
Sewage Schemes, Rural Areas
85.
asked the Minister of Health whether he is inviting local authorities to prepare and submit schemes of sewage disposal in rural areas; how many such schemes at what estimated cost have been approved by him under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944; and what has been the grant paid by his Department in respect of such schemes.
Yes. One hundred and eighty-seven schemes estimated to cost £4,875,315 have so far been approved for grant amounting to £2,081,808.
Drainage Rates
86.
asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to spread drainage rates over the whole community.
This would require legislation, for which I can hold out no prospect.
Dental Treatment Forms
asked the Minister of Health why a dentist has to fill up a yellow form and send it to the Dental Estimates Board before treatment can be given to a patient; and whether he will place a copy of the yellow form in the Library and send a copy to the hon. Member for Orpington.
The prior approval of the Board, required only for extractions necessitating dentures and other special treatment, is needed to ensure a proper standard of treatment and to safeguard public funds. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.
National Finance
Rationed Commodities
87.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the abundant supply of clothing, the exportation of sweets and chocolates and the abundance of tea in the sterling area, for what purposes, other than the equal distribution of commodities in short supply, the Government are using rationing.
I am not aware of any case of rationing where, after meeting export needs, supplies available for the home market exceed the actual or potential home demand.
Anglo-American Council On Productivity
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what period it is anticipated that the Anglo-American Council on Productivity will remain in operation; and whether it is proposed that any report, findings or recommendations should be made public.
The Anglo-American Council on Productivity is an autonomous body set up by employers and trade unionists in British and American industry. It is not in any sense a Government Committee; His Majesty's Government has no responsibility for its composition or its terms of reference and is not represented on it. I have no information as to how long it may decide to continue in operation or whether it will publish any reports.
Government Departments' Security Holdings
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a list of the various Government funds with amounts from which investments have been made in Treasury 2½ per cent. stock; and what were the approximate dates on which these investments were made.
Like my predecessors, I do not propose to add further to -the information regularly published regarding the securities held by Government Departments.
Us Forces, United Kingdom
asked the Minister of Defence in consequence of what provision and of which treaty or agreement are U.S. military personnel at present stationed in the United Kingdom; and when they may be expected to evacuate.
The stationing of members of U.S. Forces in this country is governed by informal arrangements and not by treaty. I am unable to forecast the length of their stay.
Pensions (Central Advisory Committee)
asked the Minister of Pensions who are the present members of his Central Advisory Committee; and whether the Committee is still reviewing war pensions and allowances.
The present membership of the Central Advisory Committee is as follows:—
- H. A. Marquand, Esq., M.P. (Minister) (Chairman).
- A. Blenkinsop, Esq., M.P. (Parliamentary Secretary).
- Lieut.-Colonel F. C. Byers, M.P.
- G. Chandley, Esq.
- N. J. Wilding Cole, Esq., M.B.E.
- Mrs. F. K. Corbet, M.P.
- W. Dobbie, Esq., C.B.E., M.P.
- Colonel F. J. F. Edlmann, D.S.O., O.B.E., D.L.
- Brig.-General Sir Richard Fitzpatrick. C.B.E., D.S.O., D.L.
- Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ian Fraser, C.B.E., M.P.
- Colonel W. Greene, O.B.E., D.L., J.P.
- General Sir George D. Jeffreys, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.M.G., M.P.
- Miss E. H. Kelly, C.B.E., J.P.
- Lieut.-Colonel C. Gordon Larking, J.P.
- Nelson M. Price, Esq., O.B.E., J.P.
- W. Ross, Esq., M.P.
- W. Scott-Evans, Esq., O.B.E.
- A. G. Webb, Esq., O.B.E.
- E. G. Willis, Esq., M.P.
- J. H. Wood, Esq.
- Sir Arton Wilson, K.B.E., C.B. (Permanent Secretary).
- Miss M. S. Cox, C.B.E. (Deputy Secretary).
Imports From Poland
asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value in pounds sterling for the 12 months ended at the last most convenient date of imports into the United Kingdom from Poland; what were the main articles imported; how much of the total was attributable to foodstuffs; and of what categories such foodstuffs consisted.
From October, 1947, to September, 1948, imports from Poland amounted to £6.8 million, the principal commodities being bacon, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, coal, timber and textile materials and manufactures. Foodstuffs accounted for 62 per cent. of the total value and consisted, in addition to the items already stated, of salmon, poultry and pork.
Pig Sales
asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, under the Pig Sales Order, 1948 (S.I., 1948, No. 1935), any pig over eight score in weight can be put on the market for acquisition by his Department at full standard rates without 12 days' prior notice having been given, in contrast to the normal procedure whereby fat pigs are accepted for purchase without notice only at emergency slaughter rates; and whether he will end this anomaly.
The administrative arrangements under the Pigs (Sales) Order, 1948, provide for payment at the full standard rates for pigs Which are transferred to the Ministry of Food after having been determined to be over 160 lb. live weight when presented for sale at store markets. This arrangement is subject to review and payment may have to, be made at the emergency slaughter rates if it is found that farmers generally are using the store markets as a means of selling pigs to the Ministry without giving the required 12 days' notice.