asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people visited the Colonial Exhibition recently held in London; and if it is proposed to hold similar exhibitions in provincial cities.

Five hundred and twenty-eight thousand four hundred and thirty-three visitors attended the exhibition. The possibility of arranging similar exhibitions in provincial cities is now under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is his policy in the case of local government authorities in the Colonies to provide for a chief executive officer with administrative experience to be in charge of, and to co-ordinate, the activities of all branches of the work, and to advise the elected local councils and their committees.

The development of local Government on sound lines is a matter of the utmost importance in colonial territories, and is receiving much attention in many of them. Conditions vary so widely, however, that it is impossible to lay down a single policy applicable in all territories. A number of territories have officers who advise and assist the development of local government bodies, and the subject is included in the training courses of men appointed to the Colonial Service. There is in the Colonial Office an Advisory Panel of Experts in local government in this country and there is a growing tendency in the Colonies to draw upon the wealth of experience of local government matters which is available here. I will again examine whether the proposal in the question can be applied further.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why all non-Gibraltar born British subjects in Gibraltar are classified as statutory aliens.

I am informed that the only law now in force in Gibraltar in which the term statutory alien appears is the Alien Traders Ordinance of 1934 where it is defined as "every British subject who is not a native of Gibraltar other than British subjects employed in the service of His Majesty." This Ordinance places certain restrictions on trading in Gibraltar and replaced an Ordinance of 1924 which was introduced in response to local representations against the danger of too many business premises falling into the hands of non-Gibraltarian traders to the detriment of Gibraltarians.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the result of his recent discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta.

I have nothing to add to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend and the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 19th October, but I am preparing a paper for publication in accordance with the wishes of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to reconsider the decision of the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast and arrange for compensation to be paid to small traders in distress who suffered damage and loss during the rioting in Accra.

This is a matter for the Legislative Council which decided in April last against making any ex gratia grants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present rate of taxation in Nigeria on mineral royalties and mineral exports respectively; what revenue the Nigerian Government received from this source in the last financial year; and what was the total value of royalties and exports in that year.

In 1948–49, the Nigerian Government received a revenue of £222,722 from mineral royalties and of £3,780 from export duty on tin. The total value of royalties was £478,786 and of mineral exports £5,112,520. Following is the answer to the first part of the Question:ROYALTIES1. On tin ores and metallic tin when the value per ton of metallic tin—Does not exceed £180, the royalty shall be 2 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £180 but does not exceed £190 the royalty shall be 3 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £190 but does not exceed £200 the royalty shall be 4 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £200 but does not exceed £220 the royalty shall be 5 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £220 but does not exceed £240 the royalty shall be 6 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £240 but does not exceed £260 the royalty shall be 7 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £260 but does not exceed £280 the royalty shall be 8 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £280 but does not exceed £300 the royalty shall be 9 per cent. on the value.Exceeds £300 the royalty shall be 10 per cent. on the value.2. On lead ores or metallic lead containing on an average less than four ounces of silver per ton, 2 per cent. on the value. If containing more than four ounces per ton an additional 3 per cent. on the value of the silver.3. On tungsten ore and columbian ore, when the value per unit:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the regulations concerning grants to Nigerian Government officials for the purchase of cars and their repayment; what car allowances are paid to officials; what was the dollar and sterling expenditure on official cars in Nigeria in the last financial year; and if he is satisfied that this expenditure is justified.

I give below the reply to the first two parts of the Question. I have asked the Governor for information about the remainder of the Question and will write to my hon. Friend.Advances for the purchase of motor vehicles are made by the Nigerian Government up to a limit of £600, provided that the type of vehicle is the most suitable for the purposes for which it is to be employed, that it will facilitate the performance of official duties and that the advance does not exceed the actual cost of the vehicle. Advances are repayable in equal monthly instalments deducted from salary payments. Normally instalments are 24 in number. Advances bear interest at the rate of 3 per cent.Transport allowances are granted when it is considered necessary for an officer to possess a motor vehicle for the proper performance of the duties of his office. The allowances are on a monthly mileage basis, and are on a descending scale for each successive 250 miles. Alternatively an officer may draw a basic monthly flat-rate allowance plus a mileage allowance at reduced rates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the recent agreement between the Government of Northern Rhodesia and the British South Africa Company on mineral royalties; and what is the estimated life of the mineral deposits concerned.

A full statement of the results of my discussions with representatives of the British South Africa Company and of the Government of Northern Rhodesia was published in the Press on 10th August. I am reproducing a copy at the end of this reply. The Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council unanimously approved the agreement in principle on 14th September.No accurate estimate of the life of the mineral deposits concerned is available, but I have no reason to believe that there is any truth in newspaper reports that they will be by any means exhausted by 1986. It will be appreciated that the proposed agreement will relate to all minerals, developed and undeveloped.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the uniform Poll Tax for Africans in Tanganyika is unfair to the lower paid workers; and how far wealthier Africans are liable to Income Tax.

The rate of Poll Tax in each district is fixed according to the ability of the poorest people to pay. Africans are liable to Income Tax on the same basis as non-Africans.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will draw the attention of the Governments of the East African territories to the educational practice of British Guiana; and whether he will recommend, in the light of this study, that they should reconsider the policy of racial segregation in secondary schools now pursued in East Africa.

The differences between the historical and cultural backgrounds of British Guiana and of the East African Territories are so fundamental that I do not think that any useful comparison can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the existence of only one hospital in Togo-land, what steps have been, and are being, taken to secure greater medical facilities.

There are at present three hospitals in Togoland and the accommodation in them is being increased. Hospital facilities are being supplemented by dispensaries, mobile clinics and special treatment teams. Detailed information is given on page 122 of the Report by His Majesty's Government to the United Nations on the Administration of Togoland for 1948.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what agreements and system of tenure the missions operating in Northern Nyasaland hold their lands in the Livingstonia, Florence Bay, Khowe and Mburunji areas, and by what authority the missionaries are imposing an annual tax on peasant farmers occupying holdings in those districts.

The lands referred to are held in freehold by the United Free Church of Scotland Mission. The Mission has no authority to impose any tax and, as far as I am aware, does not do so. I will, however, seek confirmation on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the report of the Principal Auditor on the accounts of the Colony of Cyprus for 1948, containing revelations of fraud, theft, irregularity and misallocation of public funds; and whether he is taking steps to investigate these statements.

I have not yet received the report in question, but I understand that the irregularities mentioned amount to about £800 out of total receipts and expenditure of nearly £12 million for the year. I shall consider the matter when I receive the Governor's comments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the increased dollar value of gold resulting from devaluation, what steps he is taking to assist increased production of gold in the West African Colonies.

I am unable to add anything to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Adjournment Debate on 31st March.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the decision to terminate the Essential Regulations in Malaya under which power to claim compensation for requisitioning is given, he will extend the time for notice of claims.

In view of the arrangements which I am advised are being made locally to cover this matter. I cannot usefully intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has considered the undesirable nature of the new Press Bill which the Jamaican Government has passed; and if he will advise His Majesty to disallow this measure.

I learn that notice has been given in Jamaica of a Bill entitled "The Disclosure of Confidential Information (Restriction) Law." The Bill has not yet received its first reading. I have made certain inquiries of the Governor as a result of Press reports, and I should prefer to defer comment until I have received his reply.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has disposed of his stock of Algerian wine; and in what manner.

We have now sold our entire stock of Algerian wine at a satisfactory price and I expect to show a small profit on our transactions in wine.

asked the Minister of Food how many carcasses of Dutch mutton were imported from Holland to this country during September, 1949; what proportion was condemned as being unfit for human consumption and who bears the financial loss.

Two consignments of mutton and lamb were received from Holland during September. The first consignment of 13 tons, arrived in excellent condition. The second consignment weighed about 55 tons. Unfortunately, on arrival in this country 50 tons had to be condemned as unfit for human consumption. The question of responsibility for the loss is still being discussed between the Royal Netherlands Government and my Department.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the Minister of Agriculture has asked fruit growers to plant an additional 5,000 acres of pears and that the growers have already to a great extent acceded to this request at considerable capital cost; and what steps he intends to take to ensure pears grown in this country will be saleable in the home market.

I welcome the proposed increase in the acreage of eating pears for there is a continuing demand in this country for good quality pears, and our home production, which amounts to under 2 lb. per head of the population, is far from satisfying it.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that visitors in this country from North America do not stay here as long as they might do if some of the food regulations were not made applicable to them and, in view of the overriding necessity of obtaining dollars, if he will alter the regulations so that the 5s. limit on meals in restaurants shall not apply to those visitors from North America or other hard currency areas who produce their passports and pay for their meals in dollars.

I think that discrimination of this kind would give rise to great difficulties and would be unlikely to attract tourists.

asked the Minister of Food what is the total sum paid annually to all food, fruit and vegetable distributors since 1940 as compensation for the amount of trade they did in 1938; and how long is this to continue.

No such payments are made by my Ministry and the latter part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. In some cases during the war the whole of a trade was formed into an association to distribute a particular foodstuff, and the total remuneration of the association was based upon pre-war earnings of its members; but such payments represent remuneration for services rendered and are not compensation for the amount of trade carried out in 1938.

asked the Minister of Food when he expects that the first annual report of the Overseas Food Corporation for the year ended March, 1949, will be published.

On 1st November.

asked the Minister of Food why he has subjected large quantities of inferior European poultry to prolonged cold storage; and the date on which he intends to commence releasing these stocks to the public.

Apart from one small lot, the Ministry's stock of European poultry has been in cold storage for less than eight weeks. During the continued warm weather and while the heavy seasonal supply of home-produced and Irish poultry was coming forward, stocks have been allowed to accumulate to meet the anticipated increased demand between now and Christmas.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent the Sugar Refining Agreement (Approval) Order, 1937, S.R. & O. No. 221 of 1937, is still in force; and what advantages accrue to manufacturing and domestic consumers of sugar from that agreement.

The Sugar Refining Agreement was modified in 1940 to take account of the responsibilities which my Department had assumed for the importation, production and distribution of sugar. I will lay a copy of the revised Agreement in the Library.

asked the Minister of Food what are the reasons for the shortage of bananas.

The main reasons are our inability to buy from dollar sources and the fact that Jamaica, which before the war sent us about two-thirds of our supplies, has not yet recovered from the deterioration of the plantations during the war years and the ravages of plant diseases. However, supplies have risen from 99,000 tons in 1946, to an estimated 160,000 tons this year.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will publish the terms of any of the bulk purchasing contracts for foodstuffs which have been made by His Majesty's Government with foreign countries.

I have already published and am always prepared to publish as much information on these contracts as can be given, having regard to commercial considerations.

asked the Minister of Food if he is considering reintroducing the rationing of potatoes, in view of the threatened shortage.

On the Agricultural Department's recent estimate of 6.5 tons as the average yield for the United Kingdom, there should be no occasion for rationing.

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the growing importance of the export of whisky as a means of facing the dollar shortage, and in view of the substantial profits made by whisky distillers, he will introduce legislation to make the production and export of whisky a State monopoly.

No.

asked the Minister of Food for what reason his divisional food officer overrode the decision of the Christchurch Food Control Committee not to grant a retail licence for fresh meat to the Parkstone and Bournemouth Co-operative Society.

This licence was granted on appeal because the Society already held 84 meat registrations for customers in Christchurch and the nearest branch was 2½ miles away.

asked the Minister of Food (1) what is the cost of Brazil nuts per pound to the recognised importers; what is the disposal price to the trade by the importers; and what is the price charged to the consumer;(2) whether his attention has been drawn to a statement, of which a copy has been sent to him, by the secretary of the Retail Fruit Trade Federation, requesting an official inquiry into the price of imported Brazil nuts on the grounds that a charge of 2s. 6d. per pound to the consumer is disproportionate to the importers disposal price of 1s. 2½d. per pound; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

Brazil nuts have been free of price control since July, 1947, and they are imported on private account. I have seen the statement mentioned but I do not at present see any grounds for intervening.

asked the Minister of Food what amount of Japanese tinned pilchards have been imported into this country during the last three months; what further imports are expected; and what steps are being taken to stop this import.

Seven hundred and three tons of Japanese canned pilchards have been imported since the 30th June, 1949; no more are expected this year, but more will be bought if supplies and currency are available, since in the interests of all consumers I cannot neglect any useful supply of food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the average delay in dealing with applications for prize money; and when it is expected to complete all payments.

Over 600,000 claims for prize money have been received, more than three-quarters of them in June last. Payment of nearly 230,000 has already been authorised. Payments are now being authorised at the rate of 17,500 a week. At this rate no one should have to wait longer than an average period of about five months. Payments should be completed by the end of April, 1950.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what instructions have been issued to the Admiralty regarding British men-of-war visiting Spanish ports.

The Commanders-in-Chief concerned have been told that for the present such visits would be inappropriate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will publish a summary of the reforms instituted in the Royal Navy since the end of the war affecting pay, status, conditions of service and amenities afloat and ashore.

The following is a brief summary of the more important reforms that have been instituted in the Royal Navy since the war.New pay and pensions codes for officers and ratings were introduced in 1945 and 1946. In November, 1948, there were increases in marriage allowance for officers, and in pay and marriage allowance for ratings, and there have been improvements in the rates of many other allowances. The cost of the increases granted in November, 1948, amounts to approximately £2 million a year.Outward and return passages may be provided free for the families of most married officers and ratings who are serving overseas. During their stay overseas, these families have the benefit of social services as nearly as possible equivalent to those existing in the United Kingdom.In 1946, the Admiralty decided for the first time to build married quarters for the Navy at places where accommodation could not be provided by other means. Under this policy, quarters are being built for ratings at certain Naval Air Stations in the United Kingdom and also at Malta and Gibraltar.Many improvements have been and are being made in living and working conditions in His Majesty's Ships. In the last four years modernised bathrooms have been or are being fitted in 250 ships, barbers' shops in 24 ships and cobblers' shops in 3 ships. Five hundred and twenty domestic automatic refrigerators have been supplied to His Majesty's Ships, and 70 to shore establishments at Home and Abroad. Six hundred and fifty drinking water coolers have been supplied to His Majesty's Ships and a few to shore establishments abroad. A start is being made to provide cool stowage for fruit and vegetables. Much is being done to improve ventilation. Air conditioning is being installed as opportunity offers in sick bays, W.T. and radar offices and telephone exchanges, and will be extended where possible to other parts of ships. Galleys are being better ventilated and fitted with electric ranges. Better messing facilities are being provided. Careful attention is being given to the detailed planning of the layouts and colour schemes of living spaces, and to kit stowage, and improved types of kit lockers are being fitted.Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers may now wear plain clothes, both in and out of barracks. Sheets are being supplied to ratings serving abroad. Committees for consultation on welfare matters have been introduced in His Majesty's Ships and naval establishments.The rules governing the grant of compassionate leave have been modified. Commanders-in-Chief now have discretion to grant leave in cases of the imminent death of a parent, or in circumstances of more than usual distress even though other sons and daughters may be available, and members of the family may be given free air passages to enable them to visit officers or ratings who are dangerously ill abroad.Persons under trial by court martial may be given aid from public funds, under conditions similar to those laid down for civilians in the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, in order that they may have professional legal assistance. Compulsory Church Parade has been abolished. Liberty boats at shore establishments have been discontinued. Leave scales have been improved. Conditions in detention quarters have been improved and the Regulations now provide that men under detention may be granted temporary release on compassionate grounds.In newly constructed ships and ships coming forward for reconstruction, policy is being directed to improving living conditions on the lower deck and to increasing the living accommodation allocated to ratings. Branch Officers (formerly Warrant Officers) now become Commissioned Officers and members of the wardroom mess.Tuition and maintenance of cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, are now free. The age of entry has been raised from 13½ to 16. The Admiralty now provides the uniform and other clothing for all cadets, including Special Entry Cadets, and meets their personal expenses, the cost being recovered from parents according to their ability to pay. The full cost of officers' uniform on first commissioning is now borne by the Admiralty. The system of promotion from the lower deck has been overhauled and greater opportunities are given to enable ratings to reach the necessary educational standard. Between 20 per cent. and 25 per cent. of officers are now taken from the lower deck.The last three reforms above ensure that no one is debarred by lack of finance from becoming an officer in the Royal Navy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the numbers of recruits for the Navy obtained respectively from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for each of the years 1946, 1947 and 1948; and the number of applicants from each country rejected in each of these years on account of their low standard of education.

I regret that the figures are not available for calendar years and could only be provided at the cost of much time and labour. Figures for the financial years 1946–47, 1947–48 and 1948–49 are available, however, and are as follows:

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will permit inspectors of weights and measures to examine weighing instruments in post offices to the extent authorised in shops.

Weights and scales which are the property of the Crown are statutorily exempt from examination by Inspectors of Weights and Measures under Clause 24 of the Schedules to the Board of Trade Regulations, 1907, pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act of 1904. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, weights and measures legislation is at present under consideration by a Board of Trade Committee, before which the Post Office is giving evidence in the near future.

asked the Postmaster-General why the telephone which has been in use for many years at River View, Grimsby Road, Humberston, near Grimsby, is being pulled out when the new occupant, an ex-Royal Air Force man, urgently requires it in order to earn his living; and if he will have the case reviewed and the service maintained.

Arrangements were made for the applicant to take over the telephone at the business premises which he has recently acquired in Grimsby. As regards the telephone at his home address at Humberston, there is a serious shortage of equipment at the Humberston exchange and as there are many applicants in that exchange area with greater claims for service, it would have been unfair to them to allow the new occupant to take over the telephone at River View. The exchange equipment associated with the line to River View is therefore being used to give service to the senior applicant on the local waiting list.

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements are in hand for the issue of suitable stamps to celebrate the forthcoming Festival of Britain; and in what denominations they will be available.

I am at present considering the arrangements to be made for a special issue of postage stamps for the Festival of Britain and I hope shortly to be able to make a statement.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made by the Post Office Engineering Department and the British Broadcasting Corporation with experiments in colour television.

The B.B.C. informs me that some experiments on the basic principles of colour television have been started in the Corporation's Research Laboratories, where a study is being made of all developments, at home and abroad, relating to colour television. The Post Office Engineering Department, so far as it is concerned, has kept in touch with these developments and has been studying methods of the point-to-point transmission of television signals which would be required, if colour television broadcasting were introduced.

asked the Postmaster-General to make a statement on the success so far achieved in overcoming Soviet Russian attempts to jam the British Broadcasting Corporation's broadcasts to the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries.

The Corporation believes that its endeavours to overcome Russian attempts to jam its transmissions in the Russian language have met with a considerable measure of success, and that adequate reception should be obtained at nearly all times in most parts of Russia on one or more wavelengths.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will publish a summary showing the reforms instituted in the Royal Air Force since the end of the war affecting pay, status, conditions of service, and amenities at home and abroad.

Following is a summary of the more important reforms that have been instituted in the Royal Air Force since the end of the war.New codes of pay, allowances, Service pensions and gratuities for officers and airmen were introduced in 1945 and 1946. In November, 1948, there were increases in marriage allowance for all ranks and of pay for those below Officer rank. The cost of the increases granted in November, 1948, is about four million pounds a year.Increased facilities are available for officers to purchase articles of uniform and clothing from Service sources, and the initial grant for uniform now covers the whole range of uniform required by an officer on first commissioning. Improvements have also been made in the provision of tropical kit and in the scales of clothing for airmen and airwomen.The training of cadets at the Royal Air Force College for permanent commissions is given free. Commissions are normally granted only after a period of service in the ranks. Short service commissions are given to all suitable pilots and navigators on completion of initial air-crew training. Permanent commissions for airmen are available in greater numbers than ever before.The tour of duty overseas has been reduced to 2½ years.Financial assistance is now given towards the cost of daily travel between home and place of duty.Increased rates of disturbance allowance are payable to married men on change of station and married airmen are entitled to free conveyance of furniture under the same qualifying conditions as officers.Many improvements have been made in standards of accommodation at units. The latest type design of barrack block has separate cubicles for some of the airmen and four-bed dormitories for the remainder. Improvements in design include the provision of built-in wardrobes, shelves and writing tables, while more generous scales of furnishings for airmen's married and single accommodation have been introduced.The new Airmen's Clubs now being introduced offer better standards in the way of lounges and visitors' rooms than were provided in the old Station Institutes which they replace.Station Committees consisting of representative officers and airmen from every unit or sub-unit on the station were set up in 1946 and 1947 to deal with welfare matters and all aspects of station life.Free air passages are provided for relatives to visit R.A.F. personnel who are dangerously ill abroad.Persons under trial by court martial may be given aid from public funds, under conditions similar to those laid down for civilians in the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, in order that they may have professional legal assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the reason for the display of a poster in the operations room at the Royal Air Force Station at Swanton Morley, showing a bomber with its bomb doors open and entitled "Destination Moscow"; and whether he will make a statement.

This poster was a single copy prepared by an airman at the R.A.F. Station, Swanton Morley, to draw attention to a display in the Information Room dealing with world affairs. Its exhibition was not authorised by the Commanding Officer and steps have been taken to ensure that unauthorised posters are not displayed in future.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the present strength of the Air Training Corps; how this figure compares with that for the corresponding date last year; how many boys have joined during the past 12 months; and how many have resigned during the same period.

There were 43,421 cadets on the strength of the Air Training Corps on 30th June, 1949, compared with 44,249 on 30th June, 1948, 3,213 having been transferred to the Combined Cadet Force during the year. Twenty-seven thousand one hundred and ninety-nine cadets joined the Corps during the year, and 24,814 resigned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how the position of the Prestwick international airport now stands; and what further developments have taken place since his last statement.

As my noble Friend announced to the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) on 13th October, a scheme to provide for a new runway 7,000 ft. in length and new terminal buildings, at a total cost of about £5 million, has been accepted. Owing to limitations on the programme of capital investment, the work could not be begun until 1953 at the earliest and any decision to start upon it then will have to take account of the general economic position of the country and the extra use and regularity of the airport that would result from the expenditure. Meanwhile Prestwick will be maintained to meet the requirements of an international airport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what conditions of test for the issue of a pilot's instrument rating are applied to the British Corporations; and how they compare with those applied to other companies.

All applicants for an instrument rating, whether they are pilots employed by the Corporations or any other operator, must fulfil the requirements set out in a pamphlet M.C.A.P.56, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will enter into negotiations with the Governments of the Dominions to provide for the reciprocal enforcement of orders for aliment and maintenance in cases where a man has sought to evade his legal obligations by changing his country of residence, and has left his wife and family to be supported from public funds.

The Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, already provides for the reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders between England, Wales and Northern Ireland and those parts of His Majesty's dominions outside the United Kingdom to which the Act has been extended by Order in Council. I am sending to the hon. Member a list of those parts of His Majesty's dominions to which the Act at present applies.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of those men finishing a period of 12 years' service with the Colours or with the Colours and in the Reserve, voluntarily re-enlisted for a further period of service in the Army Reserve during the financial year 1928–29 and the financial year 1948–49.

Men who re-enlist in the Royal Army Reserve after 12 years' service with the Colours or with the Colours and in the Reserve, join Section D of the Reserve. In the financial year 1928–29 some nine per cent. of the men becoming eligible joined this reserve. In the financial year 1948–49 Section D was not open. It was re-opened in April, 1949, to certain of the technical Corps only, since when 17 per cent. of the men becoming eligible have joined.