asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made to provide suitable hostel or other accommodation for colonial students arriving in this country for the first time; and whether he is satisfied with the present position.

Arrangements are made to provide colonial students with accommodation in hostels, University Halls of Residence, or in suitable lodgings. I am satisfied that the arrangements for new arrivals are adequate.

Would not the Minister agree that wherever possible it is desirable for West Africans and other colonial people coming to this country to have an opportunity to mix with good English families? Will he pay increasing attention to that and get more families to make offers to accommodate them?

Yes, it is part of our general policy not to segregate colonial peoples in this country but to find accommodation for them as far as possible in British homes. Obviously, however, there are very real difficulties and hostels become essential if we are to cope with the problem of accommodation for the students coming here.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if anything is being done to provide playing field facilities for the students?

That problem is being looked into at the moment by the welfare department of the Colonial Office.

Are there at present any hostels for British and Colonial students, mixed?

We are anxious in the case of the universities that such hostels should be established and some progress has already been made. I believe in the case of London there is already a mixed hostel in operation.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether one of these hostels is at Colonial House, Stepney? Is he aware that it is reported that this house was raided on 29th January, by the police as a gambling house and that it is also reported as a centre of undesirable ideological propaganda?

I should like notice of that question. I am aware that there has been some incident at the East End hostel or centre but I am not in a position to answer for the facts without proper notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many officials on the staff of the Colonial Office paid visits to any part of the British Colonies for any purpose during the years ended 31st December, 1947, and 31st December, 1938, respectively.

Fifty-two in 1947 and 11 in 1938.

Is the right hon. Gentleman looking into the claim recently publicised by the Governor of the Leeward Islands about the number of fruitless journeys made by officials from his Department, which claim is confirmed by Colonial officials in other parts of the Empire; and is he instituting some check to ensure that all these journeys are really necessary and productive?

All the journeys being made are necessary. It is important that the Colonial Office should be staffed by people with some experience in the Colonies. I can only say that if such a statement is made in regard to the Leeward Islands it is just nonsense.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the old days, when air travel was difficult, the continual complaint of the Colonies was that not enough visits were made from the Colonial Office? Is it not a very good thing that more and more visits should be made?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if in addition to sending out these officials, he would make it his policy to staff the Colonial Office as far as possible with people with long administrative and political experience of the Colonies?

Is it not a fact that, now air travel and conditions of travel are so much easier, more and more officials are needed, especially those with technical experience, to go round? Will he encourage that as much as possible?

Certainly. It is being encouraged in every possible way and the figures I have quoted indicate the progress which has been made since the war.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what British dependencies the rite of female circumcision is practised; and what steps are taken to bring the practice to an end.

I understand that the rites of female circumcision, generally in their less severe forms, are practised among a few tribes in certain of the African dependencies. I am not aware that the custom exists in British dependencies outside these areas. By tactful and unobtrusive persuasion, Governments have influenced and continue to influence African opinion in favour of its abolition, and with the spread of education and knowledge of hygiene there is reason to believe that progress will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with bringing into being a Government insurance scheme in Malaya, in view of the fact that without such a scheme the vital flow of dollar-earning commodities from that area is in danger of stopping at short notice.

Discussions are taking place in London with the interests concerned, whose views will be forwarded to the Malayan Governments for their consideration.

As no answer has yet been received from the Malayan Government saying that they are in favour of such a scheme, will the Minister put the lightning-like pressure well known to his Department behind the urge to bring this into being?

The Malayan Government have been kept fully in touch with this development and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that all possible speed will be used in order that conclusions should be reached without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made to date with the proposal to develop rice production in the Gambia.

The Gambia Government have a scheme by which 32 square miles in the neighbourhood of Bathurst, the capital, would be reclaimed from the sea, and about half of this area planted with rice. A Consulting Engineer is now in the Colony examining the reclamation scheme in more detail. The West African Rice Mission has also suggested that a mechanised rice scheme should be tried in the area of McCarthy Island on the middle Gambia river and the Governor who is very anxious to increase rice production in the Colony is considering whether funds can be found for this.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is possible as yet to give any estimate as to when there will be some results from this scheme to grow food in the Colony; when it will make a real contribution to better nutrition within the Colony; and when there will be an exportable surplus of rice?

It is hoped that as a result of this work, 10,000 additional acres will be brought into cultivation, but in the Colony they are, of course, very conscious of the importance of increasing the food supply.

Is not the poultry scheme interfering with the rice scheme?

I have not heard that that is the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many agricultural officers are employed in Tanganyika; what are their salaries; and for what approximate area each officer is responsible.

Thirty-three fully qualified agricultural officers are employed in Tanganyika on salaries ranging from £585 to £1,320 per annum. The aim is to have an agricultural officer in charge of each of the 47 Administrative Districts, the areas of which vary from 1,800 to 38,000 square miles, but owing to the shortage of qualified recruits it has not yet been possible to realise this aim.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of suitable persons who might be used to make up this shortage are having a good deal of their time wasted—and there are too many of them—on the groundnut scheme on the other side?

I cannot accept that assumption. We are trying to increase the agricultural staff to make good the deficiency there, but in addition, we have made about 57 additional appointments of assistants to the principal agricultural officer.

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what principle is followed in the selection and recruitment of these officers?

That is another question, but I can supply the information. They are graduates of a certain standard and they are, of course, in short supply because we did not have the flow out from the universities in the war years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether work has now been started on two deep-water berths in Dar-es-Salaam Harbour; and when it is anticipated that these berths will be in operation.

It is hoped that the detailed designs will be ready for tendering at the end of April. It is expected that the first berth will be in operation at the end of 1951 and the second in 1952.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether with the completion of these two deep water quays the port of Dar-es-Salaam will be able to cope with a greatly increased amount of traffic, which, presumably, may be expected because of these two berths?

As the hon. Member is aware, we have just had a conference in London about all the facilities of the port and the possibilities of development have been under consideration. I think I can give that assurance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is now a time lag of something like four months in the import of urgently-needed consumer goods owing to the priority given to the groundnut scheme? Does he think that as a result of this action it will be possible to reduce that priority?

I rather hope that the port will facilitate a rapid flow of goods as they arrive. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that those on the spot think these proposals will provide just the facilities that are necessary.

Did the right hon. Gentleman at his meeting in London consider the following alternatives which may give better and quicker results—first, the development of Dar-es-Salaam as a lighterage port, which would provide better, quicker and cheaper facilities; and secondly, extending the railway to Kilindini? There is only about 20 miles difference.

Both projects have received very careful consideration. The port will be very largely a lighterage port. As to the railway extension proposed, that is being considered, and we hope it will be carried through.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when were indents for rolling-stock replacements first received from the Tanganyikan railways; and how have these requirements been complied with.

The first indents for the post-war replacement of wagons and locomotives for the Tanganyika section of the East African Railways were received in 1945. The 61 wagons then ordered were supplied in 1947, and the two locomotives are due for delivery this year. Eight locomotives subsequently applied for were supplied last April.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that we shall be able to supply the amount of steel needed in these territories? Is he certain that the Government have given a large enough allotment of steel for providing adequate rolling-stock for the Colonies as a whole?

Yes, we have taken the requirements of transport in Africa very seriously indeed, and I hope we shall get progress with this programme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what plans the Gold Coast Government have formulated for the extension of mass education throughout the country;

(2) what staff and administrative facilities have been allotted to the mass education officer in the Gold Coast.

Comprehensive plans have not yet been formulated. An experimental project in mass education is being carried out in an area of Togoland over a period of six months. In the light of the results of this experiment it is the Government's intention to make plans for the extension of mass education throughout the country. In carrying out this experiment the social development officer has had the assistance of the Social Welfare Department and of the administrative staff in the area concerned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the extreme dilatoriness of the Gold Coast Government in all its dealings with mass education?

I cannot accept the assumption that there has been dilatoriness. We have done everything possible to stimulate an active interest in the problem of mass education. I think that on the Gold Coast some interesting work has already been done.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this extension of mass education will be accompanied by the provision of suitable religious literature in adequate quantities, otherwise the new literates will only create a demand for a yellow Press of the worst possible kind?

The question of the supply of literature comes in a later Question, I think, but I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I recognise the importance of additional literature.

How many mass education officers have been allotted to the northern territories?

That is a different question. If I am given notice of it, I will answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware of the indignation which has been caused by the terms of Gazette Notice No. 192 published in the "Gold Coast Gazette" on 1st February in which it is stated that there is to be revised immigration procedure which will apply, irrespective of nationality or race to British subjects as well as aliens; and what consultations took place before this procedure was announced;

(2) whether he is aware that under the new immigration procedure in the Gold Coast owners or partners in businesses or professions in the Gold Coast will now have to obtain re-entry permits before they leave that territory and that any new partners in a firm will have to show that the expansion of the business is in the economic interest of the Gold Coast before getting a permit to go there; and whether, in view of the unfortunate effect which these limitations will have on the proper development of the Gold Coast by private British interests, he will arrange for their reconsideration;

(3) whether he has approved the new ordinance in the Gold Coast under which wives accompanying their husbands to that territory will not be allowed to undertake any employment without the permission of the Gold Coast Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that under the new immigration procedure being applied ill the Gold Coast the children of British persons working there will not necessarily be permitted to stay after they have reached the age of 16, after which age they will be considered as if they were new immigrants and therefore on the same footing as aliens wishing to visit the colony; and whether he has approved such arrangements;

(2) whether he is aware that the new immigration procedure announced for the Gold Coast may oblige British subjects who go as temporary visitors to the Gold Coast to make a deposit or enter into a Bond and that conditions will be imposed preventing them from undertaking any employment locally; and whether he has approved such arrangements.

I am aware of the points raised by hon. Members, but as they all bear on a matter of general policy I will state briefly the reasons why the Gold Coast Government has taken the action to which the Questions relate.

It is the settled policy of His Majesty's Government, in the Gold Coast as in other West African Territories, that the advancement of the African peoples shall be safeguarded not only in the political sphere, but also in the economic field, into which the African is now entering in increasing numbers with the growth of education. There is strong political feeling on this subject in the Gold Coast, and it is right that the Government should pay due regard to it.

There is nothing new in applying the Immigration Law in a Colonial Territory to immigrants from all countries or to providing in the law that the economic background of an intended immigrant, whether British or foreign, shall be examined in order to ensure that his intended occupation shall not conflict with the interests of the inhabitants. It was in accordance with this principle that the Gold Coast Government amended their immigration law in September of last year, with my agreement, to enable them to control the immigration of persons whose intended occupation might prove detrimental to the economic development of the inhabitants of the Gold Coast. In consequence of this amendment a directive was given by the Government to the immigration authorities and the Gazette Notice which is now in question is no more than a notification to the general public of the substance of that directive and the manner in which it will be operated. The terms of this Notice were referred to my Department before it was issued.

The Notice clearly states that it is not intended to apply the procedure in such a manner as to prevent private enterprise from playing a useful part in the development of the Gold Coast in spheres which the indigenous population is unwilling or unqualified to enter. Private businesses, firms and mining companies have played a great part in the development of the Territory; they have a great part to play in the future, and it is not in the interests of the Gold Coast, nor is it the intention of the Gold Coast Government, to make things difficult for them.

I understand that difficulties are felt in regard to the machinery by which the control is to be operated and in particular the quota system. 1 have little doubt that the Government decided to adopt this system in the belief that it would be less inconvenient to the firms concerned than a separate examination of each individual case. I am however asking the Acting Governor to consider the procedure further in the light of the criticisms which have been made and to discuss it with the interests concerned on the spot, if they so wish, in order to avoid interference with the conduct of their business. I shall also of course be glad to transmit to the Acting Governor any representations which may be made to me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if he has given approval to this extraordinary document which I have in my hand; why it is not signed and who is responsible for it? What is the status of this immigration officer who is supposed to be responsible for operating this extraordinary directive, and is the directive in accordance with the British Nationality Act, which gives a British subject status not only in Great Britain but in the Colonial Empire?

This is an indication of no new principle so far as nationality is concerned. If I can remember all the Questions which I have been asked—which I cannot—I would only say that it gives approval for the amending legislation. The paper referred to does not contain the regulations issued but is an indication to the public of how certain regulations are likely to apply and these, of course, were referred to my Department, but they did not call for my approval.

Is there any precedent for treating British subjects who want to go to the Gold Coast, as aliens?

They are not treated as aliens. This discrimination does occur over quite a period in a great deal of Colonial legislation in regard to immigration.

Was not the whole purpose of one Clause of the Act passed by the right hon. Gentleman's Government this summer to establish a common citizenship between citizens of the United Kingdom and of the Colonial territory, and in these circumstances how can there be discrimination between United Kingdom citizens entering into British Colonies, and how is it that they are not treated on the same lines as the other citizens?

It is for this reason, among a number of reasons, that I have asked the Acting Governor of the Gold Coast to give this matter further consideration.

Does this new immigration procedure apply to Africans from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, and is this not rather strange at a time when closer union is in all our minds?

It relates to all immigration into the Gold Coast. The primary purpose is to defend the economic interest of Africans, the indigenous inhabitants of the territories. I am very much concerned lest the new regulations interfere with normal trade and commerce and development of the territories, and for that reason I have asked that this matter should be looked at again.

Will my right hon. Friend make available in the Library a copy of the directive and of the Gazette Notice No. 192? It seems that hon. Gentlemen on the other side of the House have a considerable advantage over hon. Members on this side, in that they have possession of them and we have not.

The actual instructions to the immigration officers have not yet been received in this country. What has been received is a copy of the "Gazette." What information is available shall be put in the Library.

Is it not a fact that this ordinance prohibits the wives of business men in this Colony from taking up employment without permission, but imposes no similar restriction upon the wives of officials? If that is so, what is the reason for that discrimination?

I think there is some misunderstanding in regard to that particular point in the proposed regulations. In order to make doubly certain that our view in London is the right one, this is one of the points which we are referring to the Acting Governor.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no such document as the one I hold in my hand is ever introduced again in any Colony without being signed? [HON. MEMBERS: "Read it."] It says:

"Gold Coast Gazette Extraordinary. Published by Authority."

It is unsigned, and the Secretary of State for the Colonies does not know who is responsible for it. Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us who is responsible for it? Will he find out who is responsible for this document and tell the House of Commons?

I can only say that the paper was issued by the Gold Coast Government and that undoubtedly it is an authoritative statement by the Gold Coast Government.

Why is it not signed?

It must be remembered that in London I cannot control every detail of the actions of Colonial Governments, and indeed it would be folly of me to attempt to do so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether similar discrimination against Gold Coast subjects coming into this country is to be imposed?

In view of the big interests and investments of France and America in British West Africa, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether their Governments were consulted, because these regulations apply to their citizens?

I can only say that the amending of the original ordinance was a matter entirely within the discretion of the Gold Coast Government and myself. The regulations which are to be made will be made under that ordinance.

In promulgating this ordinance, are not the Government pandering to a small section of extremist opinion and acting against the interests of Gold Coast natives as a whole?

I would not take that view myself. The purpose of the Amendment to the law is to meet the rising demand among Africans themselves that they should play a larger part in economic life and economic control in their own territory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the funds at the disposal of Nigerian district officers for encouraging local projects have increased in recent years; and whether, in view of the good use to which such funds have been and can be put, the amounts at the disposal of officers will be increased.

A scheme giving wider financial discretion in this matter to administrative officers is being brought into operation in Nigeria. I have recently made it clear to all Colonial Governments in Africa that I should warmly welcome any scheme for encouraging local projects and giving greater initiative to the district staffs.

Does it mean that, in fact, sums of money now at the disposal of district officers will be increased shortly, so that they will be able to increase the sums for these various projects?

Certain restrictive financial arrangements are being removed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to improve the living accommodation for male nurses and their families attached to Nigerian hospitals; and what plans exists to provide adequate accommodation for these nurses.

I am asking the Governor for information, and will write to my hon. Friend when I have his reply.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of the accommodation for these male nurses leaves much to be desired? Could not action be taken beforehand to provide them with proper accommodation?

I think my hon. Friend will find that point covered by the information which I propose to send him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to encourage and secure a substantial increase in the number of suitable books for Nigerian reading rooms and schools, particularly non-technical or scholastic.

The Nigerian Government, acting through the Education and Public Relations Departments, are doing a great deal to increase the supply of general reading material. Their efforts are being supplemented by the Caskiya Corporation, which controls the Hausa Literature Bureau, and by the native administrations. The British Council and the Carnegie Corporation are also making important and most welcome contributions to this work.

While I appreciate what the Caskiya Corporation has been doing, may I ask my right hon. Friend if it is not a fact that in many parts of Nigeria there is an appalling lack of suitable literature, apart from technical literature? Will he take steps to see that more suitable books of a general nature are provided for the reading rooms and schools of Nigeria?

There is a good deal going on in the way of providing books, and the native authorities have funds for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the books are dog-eared, and are scarcely readable?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average rate of pay for general labourers employed by the Government of St. Helena; and what is the rate of relief for a married man with two or more children if unemployed.

The present standard rate of pay for general labourers employed by the Government of St. Helena is 3s. 5d. per day; and the relief rate for an unemployed man with reasonably large family commitments is 2s. 8d. per diem for a week of five working days, with a minimum of 2s. 3d. per diem for a single man. The Governor has submitted proposals for increasing these rates, which are now under examination.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that people can live on those amounts, considering the high cost of living, as almost all foodstuffs have to be imported? Has the Colonial Office any plans for doing something to increase the general level of prosperity of the island?

Yes, the island has received a great deal of consideration in the Colonial Development and Welfare plans. Proposals for increasing the economic activities in the island have been endorsed, and I hope that as a result some means of employment will be found.

In view of the fact that the salaries of the men are so shockingly low what are the rates for women?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the disclosures of widespread theft by ginners and their African cotton buyers in Uganda, with a resultant annual loss to the growers estimated at £600,000, it is intended that the Government shall assume the responsibility of buying the crop and thereafter selling the quotas to the ginners; and whether the fund derived from the export cess is sufficient to enable this change of system to be instituted.

I hope to receive shortly the proposals of the Uganda Government arising out of this and other suggestions made by the Uganda Cotton Industry Commission.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the recommendations of the Commission are really only a repeat of those of the Commission held many years ago when a similar state of affairs was shown to exist?

I was not aware that this was a repeat of a previous Commission, but the losses stated are much higher than is the actual case, I think. The local Government are taking the necessary measures to cope with this difficult situation.

If the British Government intervene without curing the ill locally, will they not merely transfer the loss to the taxpayers here without curing the evil?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the prefatory statement by the Government of Uganda to the Report of the Cotton Industry Commission in which it is alleged as a deplorable fact that dishonest practices and fraudulent transactions are prevalent throughout Uganda; whether he has been furnished with evidence to substantiate the allegation; and if he will institute an inquiry.

I am informed that the allegations of dishonest practices and fraudulent transactions are supported by an analysis of the cases in the Uganda courts. I am satisfied that the Uganda Government, and particularly the police and judiciary, are doing everything possible to check and discourage dishonest practices, and I do not consider that a special inquiry will be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities, respectively, of groundnuts grown in West Africa have been delivered in the United Kingdom, are in transit and remain in store awaiting transport at Kano and other centres.

As the reply contains a number of figures and place names I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rate of railing of these groundnuts to the coast is being kept up to schedule or not?

I think that the schedule is being observed, and I hope that the last remnants of the 1947–48 crop will have reached the coast within a few months.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the reduced production of groundnuts last season, compared with the previous season, was due to a smaller yield per acre or to a smaller acreage of cultivation?

It is not due to a smaller acreage of cultivation. I think that it is due to climatic reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to give the tonnage figure of groundnuts now stored at Kano and other West African centres of the 1947–48 harvest that have become infested by the larvae of a beetle Trogaderma Sp.; and whether, in view of the damage being done, it is intended to give immediate instructions that absolute priority shall be given to clear the stocks that remain unaffected but vulnerable to attack.

Investigation has shown that so far stores containing some 11,500 tons of groundnuts, all at Kano, are so infested. Arrangements are being made to fumigate these nuts before they are railed; the amount actually lost cannot yet be estimated, but is not likely to be large. Priority for railing is being given to stocks surrounding those infested; spraying with insecticides is also being carried out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is going to bear this severe loss? The stocks at Kano are reported to be deteriorating at the rate of 1 per cent. The loss is now over 11,000 tons, and I understand that there is not a single groundnut fit to sell. Will the native grower have to suffer this loss, or will it be borne by the Ministry of Food and the British taxpayer?

I must have notice of that Question as to how the losses will be covered. I would point out that this particular species of insect had not previously been known to attack groundnuts.

Is it not a fact that this beetle was reported in groundnuts some years ago and that the right hon. Gentleman's Department was warned then that if the groundnuts were not moved with greater facility, this kind of destruction might occur. Is it not a fact that these nuts are being kept there as a monument to, Socialist planning?

I think the hon. Member is completely confused in regard to this matter. This does not arise from the problem of stacking the groundnuts for railing. It arises from the operations of a new insect, and scientists are working on this problem without delay. It may be that a great quantity of nuts already affected will be restored for normal use.

Is it not a pity to put temptation in the way of these hitherto harmless insects by leaving 70,000 tons of groundnuts lying about for over a year?

Are not these stocks the property of British trading companies in Kano, and is it not their responsibility to see that the nuts are kept in proper condition? Secondly, is my right hon. Friend aware that the difficulty in transporting these nuts to the coast arises from the neglect of the railways in Nigeria under previous administration?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is two-and-a-half years since questions were asked by me and others about the stocks accumulating, and does he not think that it is now a question of "Weevil be to him who weevil does."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to reports of a debate in the Barbados House of Assembly during which the allegation was made that a highly placed Colonial official had referred in offensive terms to a coloured member of the Executive Council; if any inquiry has been made into the matter; and whether the official in question is still serving in the Colony.

The Governor of Barbados has informed me that there is no foundation whatsoever for the allegation made in debate in the House of Assembly, on 27th December, last, that a member of Executive Committee had been referred to in offensive terms by a senior Government official. The member who made the allegation has been repeatedly asked by the official concerned to give particulars of the time and place of the alleged utterance, but has consistently refused to do so. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any official record is kept of the proceedings of the Barbados House of Assembly?

Official records are kept, but I cannot say without notice whether they are shorthand records.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the allegation was printed in the official record as kept by the local newspaper, as is the case in many of the West Indian Islands?

I have no information on that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make available in the Library a full report of the recent decision of the Criminal Court of Appellate Jurisdiction of Malta in the Royal University Council case, together with a list of the previous convictions for libel against Mr. J. J. Scorey, the Editor of the "Malta Bulletin" newspaper.

I am prepared to make the report of the judgment available in the Library as soon as I receive a copy from Malta. I am not however ready to provide a list of previous convictions.

In view of the misleading report in some sections of the Press about this case, will my right hon. Friend confirm that the criminal proceedings against Mr. Scorey were instituted not by the Governor of Malta, but by the Prime Minister acting through the police? Will he also confirm that there are five previous convictions against this editor.

I believe that the answer to the second part of the supplementary question is in the affirmative. I would also say that the prosecution was not initiated by the Governor of Malta but through the normal machinery of Government there, at the instance of the Prime Minister.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the terms of reference of the Madden Committee; when this committee was formed; and when it concluded its final report.

This Committee was set up in December, 1946, and completed its report in April, 1948. Its terms of reference were, broadly, to review the structure and organisation of the Naval Ordnance Inspection Pool, the sources and conditions of recruitment of its officers and their remuneration and terms of service.

Has any action been taken upon the recommendations of that Committee?

Yes, and very careful consideration is being given to it. No final decision has yet been made.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the difference in pay between an officer in the Royal Navy who is serving ashore and a Lieut.-Commander with two years in, who is serving—

The Question relates only to the terms of reference and other general matters and not to details.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction about terms and conditions in this department? Will he consider publishing a White Paper so as to give further information to the House on the matter?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why, as the decision to employ naval instead of civilian personnel in the Directorate of Electrical Engineering was taken three years ago, it has not yet been found possible to give the staff side of the Admiralty Administrative Whitley Council any indication of the steps to be taken; and when he will give such information.

The decision to which the hon. Member refers related to the introduction of an Electrical Branch into the Royal Navy, and was one of general principle only, requiring, as the staff side of the Admiralty Administrative Whitley Council were informed, much further investigation and consultation before any concrete scheme could be produced. As I told the hon. Member on 15th December last, there have already been preliminary discussions with the Staff side, and I hope, though I cannot promise, that more detailed information will be given to them fairly soon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make a statement about the future of H.M.S. "Implacable," which as a French 74-gun ship of the line engaged H.M.S. "Victory" at Trafalgar, was captured a few days later, and is the only man-of-war except H.M.S. "Victory" which fought at Trafalgar and is still in existence.

The possibility is being examined of preserving this ship at Greenwich as part of a development scheme prepared by the London County Council.

In view of the very serious shortage of firewood in France, would it not be possible to send—

Mr. Austin.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the composition of the Naval Inspection Service in terms of naval personnel and civilians; what liaison exists between this branch and the Aeronautic Inspection Department; what are the terms of training; and if he is fully satisfied that all considerations of safety and efficiency in the Naval Air Arm are adequately met in this connection.

There are in the Naval Aircraft Inspectorate 13 Naval officers, nine ratings, 17 non-industrial civilian technicians and 293 civilian industrial examiners and viewers. All members of the Inspectorate are trained at the R.A.F. Aeronautical Inspection Service Training Course. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 12th February, 1947. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the publication of "Ditty Box" has been discontinued.

Publication of the "Ditty Box" was discontinued as a result of a serious fall in circulation and consequent financial loss. To cover the loss on production costs alone, it would have been necessary to have trebled the sales.

Is it not a fact that several commercial firms were prepared to push this paper with the Admiralty, and at no public expense? Is it not also a fact that the editor of "Ditty Box" was not consulted before action was taken?

So far as commercial firms are concerned, I do not think it is completely correct to say that they were prepared to undertake the publication of "Ditty Box" without any charge falling on public funds. As to the second part of the supplementary question, it was because of financial circumstances that the Admiralty decided that it was inadvisable to go on with the publication, despite what the editor may have thought.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what purpose it is proposed to erect further masts in the neighbourhood of the Magnetic Station at Abinger; what is to be the height of the masts; and whether the Ministry of Town and Country Planning has been consulted regarding the erection and location.

No further masts are being erected at this Admiralty station. What is being done is to replace two existing 78-foot masts, which in their present position are stated to interfere with agriculture, by a single mast, which will be 100 feet high. The Ministry of Town and, Country Planning are aware of this proposal and have no objection.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry of Town and Country Planning were consulted?

We have been in communication with the Ministry—since the Question was put down actually—and we understand that they have no objection. This is a matter of one mast being erected in the place of two.

In view of the fact that the whole of the Greenwich Observatory, including the Magnetic Station at Abinger are to be moved to Herstmonceux, why should any further construction proceed in this very attractive corner of Surrey?

I am afraid that the move will take some time to accomplish and that the Admiralty will require this station for some time yet.

asked the Minister of Food at what date this spring he contemplates offering consumers a further opportunity of changing their milk retailer.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make arrangements for customers to change their milk retailer.

Yes Sir. All domestic consumers and catering establishments will be given the opportunity at the time of the mass issue of ration books next April and May to change their milk retailers if they wish to do so. There will, however, be no compulsory re-registration for milk except in the case of expectant mothers and children up to five who receive supplies of milk under the Welfare Food Service.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when this operation was carried out last Spring it resulted in a great increase in the use of petrol, tyres, vehicles and distributive manpower for very little benefit to the consumer? Why are we going on with it?

Because it is of importance that the housewife should be allowed to exercise her choice.

Will the right hon. Lady agree that she should abolish milk rationing altogether now because there is plenty of milk about?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to increase the cattle imports from Eire, with special regard to the supplies of cattle from Eire which are being shipped to the Continent, because of the higher prices obtainable there than those ruling in this country.

The steps which we have taken are that we have come to an agreement with the Government of Eire to the effect that the export of Eire cattle to the Continent shall in future be limited to 10 per cent. of total export. There has recently been some improvement in imports of stores compared with a year ago. As to fat cattle we are satisfied that the prices we offer are sufficient to attract cattle from Eire.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that countless homes throughout the country are having meatless days? The Government cannot disclaim responsibility for this. Is not this one of the most preposterous muddles ever known in the history of any Government?

asked the Minister of Food how many redundancy notices have been served upon the temporary staff at the Bangor-Ogwen area food office at Bangor since 1st January, 1948; whether the posts of any of such temporary staff have or are intended to be filled by established civil servants; and what are the ages and experience of any replacements concerned.

One temporary officer has been served with a redundancy notice. He is being replaced by a newly established civil servant, aged 17, who has had no previous experience in a food office. It is our policy to introduce a number of established officers into the regional organisation of the Ministry.

Can the right hon. Lady assure the House that as a matter of staff policy it is not the intention of the Ministry to dispense with persons, particularly ex-Service men, who have been in this work for some time and to replace them with young girls who have just come from school and secretarial college and have no experience?

The hon. Gentleman has not fully informed himself of the facts. This girl of 17 has passed the appropriate Civil Service examination. The young man had every opportunity of doing so—it was brought to his notice—but he failed to do so. I therefore think that it was quite fair that he should be replaced.

asked the Minister of Food why at least 12 cars each carrying two officials of his Department in addition to a considerable ground staff of other officials were necessary in the Liverpool docks on 9th February to supervise the unloading and warehousing of a cargo of Russian canned fish; what the total number of officials employed was; and whether he will in future make economies in such cases.

It is sometimes desirable to supervise the unloading and warehousing of valuable cargo. To do so in this case necessitated the use of 38 officers and 12 cars working on a shift basis.

I could not hear the right hon. Lady. Did she say 48 officers?

No, Sir—38.

If it was an investigation, surely it would have been much better if the officers had ridden on the lorry instead of using Government transport—[HON. MEMBERS: "And petrol."]—and drawing to the attention of the criminals concerned to the fact that an investigation was taking place?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman understands what happened. These men were there to prevent pilfering. This is not a new feature of our Department. We have supervised the unloading of eight vessels in the same way this year.

Can the right hon. Lady say why the safeguarding of these stores could safely be left to a £2 10s. a week watchman at the weekend?

That was the rate of wages when the hon. Gentleman's Government was in power.

Can the right hon. Lady say what was the nature of the fish which made this cargo so particularly valuable and which could not be protected by the police?