asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postage rate of 2d. for postcards has a discouraging effect upon the use of postcards as compared with letters, with consequent wastage of paper; and whether he will consider restoring the rate to ld. with a view to encouraging economy in this respect.

It is estimated that, with the present-day re-use of envelopes with economy labels, the substitution of postcards for letters, which might be expected if the postcard rate was reduced, would have little effect on the total weight of paper used. I regret I cannot hold out any hope of reducing the postcard rate to ld.

Does the Postmaster-General not consider that the difference of only one halfpenny in 2½d. is too small to signify, and would he consider making a reduction of a further halfpenny to l½d.?

We have looked into this matter not only from the point of view of reducing the price to ld., but from all other angles.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no ambition to do anything for the public he serves? If he would give us 1½d postage on postcards his name would go down in history just like that of Sir Rowland Hill.

I have to take into account a lot of things besides ambition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of what this concession would cost?

Between £3 million and £4 million.

Can the Postmaster-General tell us how much profit the Post Office made last year?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet been able to devise cheap postal services to East Africa for newspapers.

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to the possibility of carrying newspapers and other second class mail for East Africa by air at reduced air postage rates. This matter has for some time been under consideration, in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and British Overseas Airways Corporation, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to say when it will be possible to introduce such facilities.

Will the Postmaster-General bear in mind that the provision of adequate news from home is most important, and does he not agree that the present rate of 3s. for a daily newspaper is too high?

Those are considerations we have in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that food parcels sent by persons in the U.S.A. to their relatives and friends in this country are often tampered with, as a result of which goods arrive in bad condition, not properly repacked, and with some of the contents missing; and if he will take steps to prevent the administration of import regulations resulting in goods being delivered in this condition.

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the opening of parcels for customs examination. I can assure him that great care is taken by officers of the Post Office to replace the contents and repack the parcels before they are put in course for delivery. I regret that many food parcels from the U.S.A. are in a damaged condition when they reach this country, because of faulty and insecure packing. Their rehabilitation is often very difficult, and here, too, our people do their best. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case in which the instructions about repacking appear not to have been observed, I will gladly have inquiry made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this trouble is not always due to bad packing and that very often small parcels inside a large one are tampered with; and in the light of these circumstances will my right hon. Friend make representations to whoever is responsible to ensure that the goods arrive whether they have to be examined or not, because many are missing?

We have been concerned with this matter for a considerable time. We are in almost constant touch with the overseas people to see if we can improve the state of affairs.

Have customs officials anything to do with the state in which these parcels arrive?

I do not think so. This damage is mainly done in course of transit.

Can my right hon. Friend be quite certain that these parcels have not been tampered with before they were handed over to the Post Office?

That is one of the difficulties we meet occasionally.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what percentage of the parcels is opened, and whether it is really necessary to open so many at present?

That is another question, of which I should require notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air in which countries British air attaches are provided with Service aircraft to he used in carrying out their duties; and which air attachés are without such aircraft.

Aircraft are provided in Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Mexico, Persia and Yugoslavia, and an aircraft will be delivered in Siam next month. There are 22 countries in which air attaches are not provided with aircraft.

Does the Under-Secretary realise that American naval and air attaches in practically every country have aircraft in which they travel; that British air attaches are at a complete disadvantage, many of them not even having bicycles; and will he look into this matter so that British prestige abroad can be maintained?

I realise some of the considerations to which the hon. and gallant Member has referred, but, in allotting what aircraft we have, we take into account the state of communications in the country concerned, and whether the air attaché is accredited to other countries near it. We have not the resources which America possesses.

Is it not a fact that, in countries like the South American republics, where air attaches have to travel from one country to another, they have to do so in American aircraft, which is not good for the British aircraft construction industry or for British prestige abroad?

We are looking into the case of the South American air attaches at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the number of officers' commissions granted during 1947 to ex-university students and those who have public school qualifications; and the number granted to those who have not passed through either a public school or university, respectively.

I regret that this information is not available. It could be obtained only by examining the papers of the 9,000 officers commissioned during 1947, and I do not think that the work involved would be justified.

is the hon. Gentleman satisfied, from his personal investigations, that there is no discrimination between the different classes mentioned in the Question?

Yes, Sir, I am so satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reduce the number of solo flying hours required by Air Ministry Pamphlet 236 for eligibility for the W.A.A.F./V.R., Flying, from 100 to 60 in view of the high cost of club flying and the present lack of private flying facilities.

My right hon. Friend is considering this point.

In considering this matter, will the Minister bear in mind two important factors—first, that the average cost of club flying today is about £3 an hour, and, particularly, that very few of these girls can afford the £300 to qualify; and, secondly, as I am sure most flying instructors will agree, that pilots who have done 60 hours solo flying in the elementary stages are perfectly capable of going on to more advanced flying?

From my own experience of flying clubs; I know how expensive it is, and that point will be taken into consideration, as well as the other point which the hon. Member has made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many applicants have come forward since 1st January, 1948, for commissions in the W.A.A.F.; whether these are sufficient to meet requirements; and what further steps are being taken to stimulate recruiting.

Three hundred and twenty-one. This is less than we need, but the field in which commissions can be granted has now been extended, and. when the new conditions of service are announced, I expect applications to increase.

Does not my hon. Friend expect that these applications would increase much more if the difference in pay between a sergeant, at 84s. a week, and a junior officer, at about 54s. 10d. a week, was rectified?

My hon. Friend made a mistake there. If a senior N.C.O. is commissioned and her pay as an N.C.O. was greater than her pay as a junior officer, she gets her former pay—the higher of the two—plus ls. a day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what figure he estimates the average living expenses, including clothing and mess bills, necessarily incurred by W.A.A.F. assistant section officers.

Apart from messing, expenses vary widely according to personal tastes and circumstances, and there is no agreement as to what is necessary and what is not. I am sorry to say, therefore, that I cannot give an estimate.

Does not my hon. Friend think that a fair figure for messing and clothing would be about 45s., and that, if that amount is deducted from the pay of 54s. 10d. of a junior officer, she has only pocket money left? Does he not think that this matter requires investigation?

I would not agree with the figures which my lion. Friend has given. The extra messing is about ls. a day, and the monthly messing subscription is never more than half a day's pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will give a list of the R.A.F. aerodromes which have been placed wholly or partly at the disposal of the U.S. Air Force; and if he will state the number of U.S.A.A.F. personnel now stationed in this country.

The aerodromes are: Burtonwood, Lakenheath, Marham, Mildenhall, Scampton and Waddington. There is also a headquarters at Bushy Park. The number of officers and men is about 5,700.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether there is any precedent for this arrangement by which foreign combatant forces are stationed in this country in time of peace?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider reducing the period of service in the Regular forces that is required to be served by officers before qualifying for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

No, Sir. The medal is primarily for long service in the ranks, and my right hon. Friend does not consider the period of service required of an officer to be too long.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps have been taken to reorganise the Aden Protectorate Levies, in the light of the comments on their conduct made in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Disturbances in Aden in December, 1947.

The number of Royal Air Force Regiment officers in the Levies has been increased, and the force has been specially trained in anti-riot duties. In any emergency, it would work with the two squadrons of the R.A.F. Regiment which are now stationed in Aden.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the fact, that, mainly in consequence of the conduct of these Levies, very much damage was done to property in Aden and a large number of lives were lost? Would he say whether adequate compensation will be paid to the victims of the very tragic circumstance of that time?

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Will my hon. Friend consult his right hon. Friend in the matter? Has he all the information?

Any information on the subject will be sent to my right hon. Friend if he requires it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when he proposes to start an air service to the West of England and Cornwall.

Regular air services to the West of England and Cornwall are not included in the British European Airways Corporation's programme for the current year, and I cannot give any indication when they will be started.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that, in 1946, over two years ago, the hon. Member for the Drake Division of Plymouth (Mr. Medland), during the passage of the Civil Aviation Bill, definitely asserted that this Bill would make possible for the first time a service to the West of England? What is the Minister going to do about it, and, if he is going to do nothing, will he let private enterprise do the job?

I am afraid that the earlier statements, quite frankly, were optimistic. There is a relationship between air and surface transport and, in the present economic situation, air transport is provided to those places where the normal surface means of transport are difficult or arduous.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, during the Summer Recess, I was officially informed that I could now fly to Cornwall for nothing, but, as there is no service, does not this leave me very much in the air?

Is the Minister aware that his Department is behaving like a cross dog with a bone which does not want the bone and will not give it to anybody else?

If private enterprise wants to run a service, there is that possibility under Associate Agreements, and, if application is made, it will be considered.

Thank you.

As the West of England would much prefer a nationalised service, would my hon. Friend look into the matter to see if the West Country could not be better served by this means?

The whole question is under review, but I would be misleading the House if I did not say that the installation of a service is not likely in the near future.

Has the hon. Gentleman yet realised that private enterprise would have provided that service two years ago?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding financial assistance to flying clubs.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Coventry (Mr. Edelman) on 3rd November.

Does the Minister realise that the Straight Committee made its findings nearly a year and a half ago, and, in view of the semi-promises we have had in the last two years about flying clubs, will he do something about it and get an early decision from the Treasury to support this very urgent need?

Yes, Sir. We are doing all we can, but, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, there are difficulties, and the Treasury does need some convincing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will introduce legislation to make grants towards the maintenance and repair of the aircraft and equipment used for training by British gliding clubs, or if not what assistance he proposes to ensure that persons of moderate means can take part in the gliding movement.

As I indicated in my reply to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for West Coventry (Mr. Edelman) on 3rd November, ways of helping flying clubs are at present under consideration, and the position of gliding clubs is being borne in mind in this connection.

Does the Minister appreciate that, meanwhile, only those with substantial means can afford to go in for gliding? As this industry gave so much to the Government during the war, both in machines and in personnel to train other people for gliding, will he make an early decision in this matter?

Yes, Sir. The general relationship of air-mindedness to air transport is one of the considerations we have in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps are being taken to ensure that no unnecessary modifications are being insisted upon when purchasing the fleet of Canadair IV aircraft for use by B.O.A.C.

Modifications to the contract for these aircraft can only be made by Change Orders, agreed by the British Overseas Airways Corporation and Canadair, and, in the event of delay or further expenditure being involved, my noble Friend would have to be consulted. I may add that my noble Friend receives regular reports from both British Overseas Airways Corporation and Canadair on the progress of these aircraft.

Does my hon. Friend recall the rather unnecessary delays which were introduced by the Corporation insisting on special modifications to the Tudor aircraft; and will he see to it that there are no similar delays in this case, particularly with regard to the flight engineer's position which, I understand, is under consideration? Otherwise, it will result in such delays as will cause the delivery of these aircraft to clash with the delivery of the Hermes aircraft.

Yes, Sir, I think that lesson has been learned by all concerned.

Hughes asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if an inquiry was made into the recent crash of the Dutch air liner near Prestwick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An inquiry into the Dutch Constellation crash near Prestwick on 21st October was begun on the morning of the accident by inspectors of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Accidents Investigation Branch. An accredited representative of the Dutch Government co-operated. My noble Friend has ordered a formal court investigation, which will take place in Scotland as soon as the necessary arrangements have been made. Until the Report of this court has been submitted, no further statement can be made concerning the circumstances of the accident.

Could my hon. Friend tell us how long this inquiry will last, and whether, without prejudice to the Report, there is not already evidence to absolve the ground staff from all responsibility?

I would rather not make any observation. If a court of investigation is set up, it is far better that it should consider the evidence, and then give an opinion. As far as the length of the inquiry is concerned, that depends very much on our legal friends, whose investigations are often rather protracted. But I am not the one to criticise them for that, because we want these investigations to be full and factual.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in respect to the policy of a West Indian customs union or federation.

Considerable preliminary work has been done by the Chairman of the Standing Committee (Sir Robert Rance) since his appointment. The Chairman of the Commission which is to frame proposals for a customs union of the British Caribbean Colonies is due to leave for the West Indies on 16th November. The Standing Committee, which is to work out a scheme for closer union, for presentation to the legislatures concerned, will hold its first meeting on 12th November.

Is it not a fact that Sir Hubert Rance stated that federation in the West Indies is a political necessity, and will my right hon. Friend try to press on with this business as fast as possible?

Yes, Sir. Considerable progress has already been made, and we shall do all in power to expedite matters.

Has Mr. Morgan Phillips insisted on this being a Socialist federation?

Not yet, but we expect it at any minute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jamaicans or other West Indians have emigrated to Liberia.

Sixtry-three Jamaicans have so far emigrated to Liberia.. I am asking the Governors of the other West Indian Colonies for the corresponding figures from those territories and will communicate them to my hon. Friend.

Does this "back to Africa" movement in the West Indies show signs of spreading?

Oh, no. The experience in this particular case is exceedingly unfortunate for the people concerned.

Could my right hon. Friend say whether his figure of 63 includes the number of people who are already drifting back disillusioned, and could he say what their status will be, since they forfeited British nationality on accepting Liberian citizenship?

I would like to have notice of that question.

Could I have an answer to the first part of my question? Does the figure of 63 include those who have already gone back to Jamaica?

The information which has been supplied to me merely states that 63 is the number of people who have actually emigrated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Gold Coast Governor's proposal to appoint two Africans to his Executive Council was declined.

In the course of a brief adjournment debate on 8th September, the unofficial members of the Legislative Council, while wholeheartedly supporting the proposal that a local committee should be appointed to examine the constitutional recommendations in the report of the Watson Commission, expressed the view that the appointment of two African members of the Executive Council with responsibility for groups of departments should be deferred. They felt that further time should be allowed to the unofficial members to study the Commission's Report and the statement on it by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what payment is being made by the U.S. authorities for the use of the airfield at Accra, Gold Coast, as a refuelling base for B29 Superfortresses.

Fees for the use of the airport at Accra have been waived by the Governor in exercise of his powers under the Air Navigation (Colonies, Protectorates) Orders.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any limit will be set to the number of Colonies which will be laid open to the Americans as bomber bases?

Perhaps I had better have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in consequence of what provision and of what treaty or agreement is the airbase at Accra, Gold Coast, being made available for the refuelling of U.S. B29 Super-fortresses.

The provision of facilities for the refuelling of these United States aircraft at Accra was agreed to by the Governor in response to a specific request by the United States Air Force authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that import licences for beer and stout from the United Kingdom have been refused by the Gold Coast Government, whereas these goods may be imported there from foreign countries without import licences; and if he will take steps to rectify this position.

Up to last August, beer and stout could be imported into the Gold Coast from certain foreign countries, but not from the United Kingdom, under open general licence. Since August, however, imports from this country have been admitted under open general licence.

Is the Secretary of State aware that as a result of this action —probably resulting from the precipitate action of the Board of Trade about a year ago—the Gold Coast has now considerable supplies of foreign beer, to the exclusion of British brands?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he was asked to approve the text of the speech broadcast by the Commissioner-General from Singapore on 6th October.

No, Sir.

Bearing in mind the claim that we so ostentatiously made about having given up Imperialism, is there no way in which we can stop these violent, irresponsible, and inflammatory utterances?

I do not accept that description of this speech. In all the circumstances, it seems to me that the speech was very necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send congratulations to his officer?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the film of "The Tale of Two Cities" has been banned in Singapore.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) on 22nd September last.

Could the Minister say if the ban on this film on the ground that it contains revolutionary scenes still holds good, and can he assure us that he will not have "Bonnie Prince Charlie "banned for the same reason?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many locomotives and goods trucks have been supplied to Nigerian railways since 1st January, 1946.

Thirty-four main line and 17 shunting locomotives, and 50 goods wagons have been supplied to the Nigerian Railways since 1st January. 1946.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what he expects to be delivered in the form of this equipment in the near future?

Is it not a fact that 20 have already been delivered and been found to be too heavy for the line, and, therefore, are not being used for moving the groundnuts which have been waiting for years to be moved?

That is another question, but I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that his supplementary is based on a complete misconception. If he will put down a Question, I will give him the fullest information about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far the railway transport has recently improved in Nigeria as a result of the availability of more locomotives and wagons; and what progress has been made in reducing the arrears in the movement of groundnuts.

Although the position on the Nigerian Railways will not be satisfactory until further locomotives and wagons now on order are delivered, there has already been an improvement, especially since 20 new locomotives came into service in June. The railways' capacity for moving groundnuts has increased from about 18,000 tons a month to a figure, which it is now hoped to maintain, of about 30.000 tons a month. Stocks of groundnuts in the Kano area, which were 267,000 tons at the middle of June, were 162,600 tons at the end of last month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many doctors there are per head of the population in Nigeria; and what is being done to train Africans for the medical profession.

There is one doctor for every 80,000 of the population. Nigerian students are coming to this country in increasing numbers, and there are now over 100 undergoing medical training here. The medical school in Nigeria has turned out 50 registered practitioners. Opportunities for training locally will be substantially increased, and a much larger output of qualified men will be achieved, now that medical teaching is to be taken over by the University College.

While recognising the improvements which are being made in the revision of salaries, may I ask if the Secretary of State will not recognise that in the field of medical administration the problem is particularly severe and distressing in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa generally, and whether he will see to it that, at the earliest possible moment, more men are attracted by more reasonable salaries and better conditions?

It is not a salary problem. We are doing all we possibly can to train doctors in the overseas territories. At the same time, an enormous contribution is being made by medical schools in this country, and everything possible is being done to enlarge the medical services in all the areas.

Is it proposed that this new university will grant degrees in medicine?

Not until the university has established a proper standard. That will take some years. In the meantime London University will be of very great assistance in building up the academic standards of the university.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that what is a much more urgent need in Nigeria is the training of larger numbers of male nurses and dispensers? Will he not at the same time see that far more substantial provision is made towards meeting this need?

Yes. As my hon. Friend knows, that also has received consideration. It is quite a different question, but if my hon. Friend will put down a Question I will answer it. A great deal of new training is going on of nurses and of assistants in the clinics.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes by means of the Maritime and Commercial Law Ordinance of 1948 in the Seychelles, to apply the law of England in all commercial banking, insurance and shipping transactions; what steps have been taken to ensure that the provision of the law of England in regard to these matters shall be brought to the notice of people in the Seychelles; and whether copies of the law can be seen in any public library in the Colony.

As the reply is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why taxpayers in the Seychelles have been asked to produce full statements of their living expenses between 1927 and 1947.

I am informed by the Governor that, in a few cases where declarations of income over many years were obviously not in accordance with the standard of living or the known expenditure of the persons concerned, accounts for 20 years back have been called for in order to ascertain whether or not there had been persistent and regular tax evasion over a long period of years.

Is not this whole principle of a witch hunt, which arises out of the incompetence of the Government, something quite repugnant to all ideas of British justice and administration?

As the House already knows from previous Debates, there has been some difficulty in the collection of Income Tax in the Seychelles, but if there are any irregularities, obviously appeals to the courts can be made.

Could the Minister associate some particular number with the word "few" which he has used?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are in hand for the economic development of the Seychelles with a view to raising the standard of life of the people in the colony.

A 10-year plan for the social and economic development of the Seychelles was approved in principle earlier this year at an estimated cost of £325,000, of which £250,000 will be provided under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act. This plan included provision for the development of fisheries and agriculture, livestock improvement and re-afforestation, and also for land settlement, at a total estimated cost of £90,000.

Would my right hon. Friend say, in view of the low economic level of this Colony, whether he is satisfied with the progress of the plan, and whether it is being put forward sufficiently vigorously?

This plan has been carefully thought out in the territory in consultation with the Government, and it does represent, I think, the maximum contribution which they themselves can make, supplemented by an overwhelmingly large contribution from this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how long there has been a fisheries research worker in the Seychelles; and when he is expected to report.

Three research workers are engaged in a survey of the fisheries of the Mauritius-Seychelles area which is expected to take about two years to complete. The first arrived in June, 1947, and the other two in January and July, 1948. The first interim report has been received and is now being considered.

Could not this work be rapidly completed, in view of the length of time it has been going on, so that development could be put in hand?

This is rather expert work—the discovering of habits of fish and their movements, and so on. However, I think everyone is conscious that this ought to be hurried forward as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to develop adult education and mass education in the Seychelles.

Education of the community by cinema, broadcasting and visual aids, such as posters, has been started. I am asking the Governor what further plans he has in view for adult education, and, when I have his reply, I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the recent agreement between the Seychelles Government and a religious denomination concerning the control of secondary schools built with the assistance of Colonial Development and Welfare Funds; and whether the Seychelles Legislative Council or the Advisory Council on Education were consulted before this agreement was concluded.

As the agreement in question is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a copy in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Neither the Legislative Council of the Colony nor the Advisory Education Council were consulted, as the agreement was merely an amplification in points of detail of the provisions for boys' secondary education included in the Ten Year Education Plan. This plan had already been approved by the Advisory Education Council and accepted by the Ten Year Development Programme Committee which included all the Unofficial Members of Legislative Council. The Committee's Report has been laid before Legislative Council.

Is it not the case that this agreement will govern the general administration of secondary education for a very considerable time? If that is so, surely the representatives of local opinion should have been consulted?

As far as possible in the Seychelles, local opinion was consulted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give details of the project to establish pig and poultry production in the Gambia, including the amount of expenditure involved; the area to be cleared; and the estimated production in 1949 and 1950.

I invite the hon. Member's attention to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 3rd November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that ex-members of the Palestine Police Force have had to wait several months for their gratuities and leave and disturbance grants; that this delay is causing considerable hardship; what are the reasons for this delay; and what steps he is taking to expedite settlements.

I much regret the delay, but it has been unavoidable because all records had to be transferred from Palestine to this country, and a new organisation had to be set up for computing leave entitlements and retiring benefits. The records were not received here until June and the task of extracting the necessary information was very heavy.

Payments of gratuities and disturbance grants have now been authorised for about two-thirds of the Force, and I hope that payment of the remainder will be completed by the end of this month. To minimise hardship, members of the Force received an advance of £60 on arrival in the United Kingdom, and monthly advances of salary were authorised pending final computation of entitlements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements he has made to facilitate the entry of ex-members of the Palestine Police Force into civilian employment in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what purpose is served by the Information Office of the Palestine Police in Victoria Street. London, S.W.1.

Since January last the Palestine Police Office has been used as a resettlement bureau and advice centre to assist members of the Force in finding employment and to deal with welfare and other matters arising out of the disbandment of the Force. Men are, however, advised to register also at the Ministry of Labour local office or, where appropriate, Appointments Office, nearest to their place of residence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men wished to serve in the Armed Forces and were not allowed to do so? At present they are at considerable disadvantage compared with ex-Service men. Why cannot his office give them facilities comparable to those granted to ex-Service men?

I should like to have notice of that question, because I am not aware of this restriction.

Why not transfer these men to Malaya and the Malayan Police Force, where, obviously, they are urgently needed?

A very large number of them have volunteered for service in Malaya.

Although this office is doing work, as the Secretary of State says, why is it necessary to have a notice displayed outside, "Join the Palestine Police Force"?

I am not responsible for that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances F. Kibuke Musoke was sentenced to six months imprisonment in Uganda for publishing a sedious document; what was the nature of the document; and what parts of it were held to be seditious.

I would refer to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Parkin) on 22nd September, 1948. F. Kibuke Musoke is one of the persons referred to in that reply. The sentence of six months hard labour passed on him has been reduced, on appeal, to three months. The trial magistrate adjudged the document to be seditious as a whole.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the publishing in this case consisted of circulating a letter written by Semakula Mulumba, of Uganda, to Bishop Stewart, of Uganda? In view of the fact that copies of that letter are in the possession of Members of this House, would they be in danger of receiving the same penalty if they circulated it?

This case has gone to the High Court on appeal, and the decision of the lower court has been upheld. The person concerned was found guilty on, three counts— importing a seditious publication, being in possession of it, and publishing a seditious publication.

Would the right hon. Gentleman put a copy of the document in the Library?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the charges against the editors of the vernacular newspapers "Gambuze" and "Mugobansonga" in Uganda; and what is the nature of the seditious matter alleged to have been published.

The editors of "Gambuze" and "Mugobansonga" were recently convicted of printing and publishing seditious articles. I have asked the Governor for the information requested in the second part of the Question and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Could my right hon. Friend say whether one of the alleged seditious articles consisted of a letter signed by 14 people asking for the resignation of the present Chief Minister of Uganda?

I am not in possesion of that information, but I have written to the Governor asking for it.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider the raising of an army of Africans in order to strengthen the Empire's strategic reserve and fill the place left vacant by the Indian Army.

I have been asked to reply. I apologise for the absence of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence, who has been delayed. The hon. and gallant Member is aware of the existence of local forces in East Africa and West Africa. Their future size and composition are under constant review. On grounds of population alone, no comparison can be drawn with India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there exists a pool of 16 million East Africans, of whom 200,000 received some military training in the last war? Is he also aware that Major-General Dimoline, who has just returned from being General Officer Commanding East African Command, has given as his opinion that a first-class force could be provided out of those men if they had good British officers to lead them?

As I pointed out, this matter is under review, but of course there cannot be any comparison between the manpower of India and that of East Africa.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend that a statement on this vitally important matter should be made very soon?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was two years ago when the Secretary of State for War told this House that an early decision would be made on the question of recruiting a Colonial Army? Surely we ought not to have to wait such a long time?

asked the Minister of Defence if, when considering the pay and allowances of junior officers, he will also bear in mind the pay and conditions of the junior officers in the Women's Services.

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir.

When considering this matter, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that some of these junior officers have to exist on a very small income of 64s. 10d. per week?

Yes, I heard my hon. Friend make that suggestion in an earlier Question, and note was taken of it.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the conclusions reached through the investigation into cases of hardship under the Services Pay Code.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend gave last week to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble).

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider purchasing the surplus potatoes before they deteriorate and converting them into potato meal suitable for pig feeding.

Surplus potatoes are already being bought by my Department for processing into stock feed as well as for human consumption, and priority is being given to stocks which are liable to deteriorate.

Does the Minister fully appreciate the urgent need to increase the pig population and to provide more bacon? Why did not the Government take steps earlier to make the processing machinery available so that more supplies would now have been available? Is he aware that there is now one miserable ounce of bacon a week? Why do we not increase our own bacon supplies?

That is what we are doing.

Can the hon. Lady give any indication of the extra cost to the Exchequer arising from the decision which she mentioned in her answer?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Food why Sir William Rook, one of his officers, informed the "Evening Standard," about 26th October, that an announcement about sugar was expected soon; and why the announcement was made only to one newspaper and not through the normal Press channels to the whole of the Press.