asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has studied the report of the Trinidad Commissioner for Labour, 1947–48, which draws attention to the serious effects of hookworm and which reveals that 90 per cent. of the inhabitants of sugar cane areas in the Colony suffer from this disease; and what action he is taking to improve this situation.

Yes, Sir. Official surveys in those areas of Trinidad where sugar cane is principally grown did not confirm the figure of 90 per cent.; the incidence of the disease as thus ascertained varied between 75 per cent. and 30 per cent. The Trinidad Government established hookworm control units in three counties which include the sugar cane areas, in 1947, and in the two following years 21,711 and 21,668 persons were treated for hookworm. Propaganda against the disease includes the publication of pamphlets dealing with it and health talks to schools and communities. Clinic facilities for its treatment have been increased on some estates, and on the larger ones both housing facilities and latrine sanitation are continually being improved.

In view of the debilitating nature of this disease and the alarming figures which the hon. Gentleman's reply discloses, will he give an undertaking that this matter will enjoy the highest priority as an objective for the Government?

We are very much concerned about the figures, and they are constantly being watched.

Do industrial workers receive any workmen's compensation of any kind?

I require notice of that question.

Does vaccine treatment still exist, and is it extensively applied?

We are prepared to follow any method which will give results. This is a question of sanitation mainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the shortage of foodstuffs in Dominica; whether he has studied the petition recently presented to the Administrator by housewives which deals with this matter; and what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate diet for the people of the island.

I am aware of the shortage and the petition. The first attempts to obtain additional foodstuffs from neighbouring islands were unsuccessful, but extra flour is now being imported and more rice is being sought from British Guiana. As regards the future, a landowner has agreed to plant ground provisions on a large scale, and it is intended to start a prison farm near the capital.

Does the Under-Secretary recall that in reply to a question of mine recently in this House the Secretary of State gave a reassuring answer about the supply of flour, and is he aware that I have in my hand a letter stating that the supply was most unsatisfactory two days after that occasion? Can the hon. Gentleman give us some real assurance that we may have confidence in his answer today?

Yes, of course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the original estimate of the cost of the new bonding warehouse at Castries, St. Lucia; and what the actual cost is likely to be.

The original estimate for the bonded warehouse at Castries was £21,500. This included two storage sheds at an estimated cost of £9,500. Only the two sheds have been built so far. They have cost about £13,000. This is due to a 12½ per cent. increase in their size and a 10 per cent. increase in building costs.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me where the extra money is to come from to pay for this additional cost?

Revised estimates for the remainder of the scheme, including passenger and baggage accommodation and work on the wharf, will be prepared shortly in connection with the second phase.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the original estimate of the cost of the sewerage scheme being carried out at Castries, St. Lucia; and what the actual cost is likely to be.

The original estimate by the consulting engineers in 1949 was £110,000. About one-tenth of the work has been done and unexpected difficulty has been experienced with waterlogged ground. Revised estimates are under discussion. If the remainder of the ground is equally difficult the cost of the whole scheme, taking into account increases in the cost of materials since the original estimate was prepared, may possibly reach £190,000. If the ground is no more difficult than was thought when the first estimate was prepared the cost may be considerably less.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me again who will pay for the extra cost of this scheme?

I think the answer to that is obvious. It is under the control of the Colonial Development Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the American company, Mill Reef Properties, Limited, operating in Antigua, has refused to recognise established trade union representatives speaking for its employees; and whether the Government of Antigua will take steps to inform all foreign companies that they are expected to conform to the normal standard of labour relations established in the island.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Americans who have bought plantations in the island of Antigua are declining to recognise the unions to which their workers belong, or to sign any agreement with them, on the ground that these workers are coloured, although British employers, including those engaged in the sugar, cotton and rum industries and in commerce, recognise the unions and many of them have established works committees with union representation; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the American owners respect the local labour relations and customs and refrain from introducing racial segregation into the island.

Fewer than half the men employed by Mill Reef Properties are union members. The company is prepared to discuss complaints with representatives of the workers whether unionists or non-unionists in meetings arranged by the Leeward Island Labour Department and in arbitration proceedings. This is in accordance with normal labour relations procedure in Antigua. General allegations of racial prejudice and discriminatory practices have been made since the dispute began but have not been substantiated.

In view of that answer and of the fact that President Truman has declared emphatically in favour of no racial discrimination in this matter, will the Government indicate that so far as labour relations in these islands are concerned it is their desire that there shall be no racial discrimination?

That is our policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the legislative councils of the Leeward and Windward Islands have asked repeatedly since 1948 that a majority of their members shall be elected, and that a similar request has been accepted in the case of Jamaica, the Barbados and Trinidad, he is prepared to recommend the necessary amendment of the Constitutions and so enable these islands to participate in the proposed federation of the West Indies on an equal footing.

I am in communication with the Governors of the Windward and Leeward Islands, and hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the growing concern in the West Indies at the delay in concluding the sugar negotiations with the West Indian delegation in London; and if he will make a statement on the subject.

I am not aware of any undue delay. Until the discussions are ended, both my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food would prefer not to make any statement.

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to study the West Indian newspapers, which will give him some idea of the strength of feeling on the matter? Does he realise the serious political repercussions that might arise out of the failure of the Government to meet these demands?

That is another question. The original Question dealt with the delay, but we think it is more important that there should be a satisfactory conclusion to the negotiations than that they should perhaps take a little longer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delays and reserves with which this matter has been treated will more than outweigh any benefits that might be gained by the adverse political and economic consequences in the Colonies? Does he realise that the Government are playing straight into the hands of hostile elements in the West Indies?

No, Sir. I realise that the conditions in the West Indies are considerably better than they ever were under the Opposition before the war.

Will my right hon. Friend take all necessary steps to resist this pressure on the authorities in this country to accept inferior trading conditions for the future supply of sugar?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Ministry has seen this delegation when the Ministry of Food were unrepresented?

No, Sir. They have seen them together with the Ministry of Food.

Always?

Yes, Sir.

Can any indication be given when this statement will be made?

No, Sir. The negotiations are not completed, so it is impossible to give a definite date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to encourage voluntary organisations to undertake social welfare work in the Colonies.

My right hon. Friend is conscious of the importance of encouraging voluntary organisations to undertake social welfare work in the Colonies and the attention of Colonial Governments has been called to the important role which they can play. Apart from missionary enterprise there is considerable other voluntary activity in the West Indies, particularly Jamaica, in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya, in Kenya and Sierra Leone and in Mauritius. Of course, throughout Africa the activities of the great missionary societies is well known, but here, as elsewhere, Governments are conscious of the value of voluntary effort and are doing what they can to foster it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Colonies possess and publish index numbers in respect of cost of living; why such an index number is not published in Nigeria; and on what bases wage and salary increases have been granted in Nigeria and other Colonies where index-numbers are not published.

Twenty-seven Colonial Governments publish index numbers relating to cost of living. The preparation of a reliable index in a Colony like Nigeria presents many difficult problems, particularly the wide variations in prices and expenditure patterns between one area and another. The war-time index was discontinued in 1946 as it was found to be unsatisfactory. Preliminary work on a new index is now in hand.

Cost of living indices are not, of course, the sole basis on which wage and salary increases are decided. The material put forward by trade unions and staff associations in support of their claims, together with the general economic conditions of a territory are the usual basis on which decisions are made.

Is the Minister aware that in other comparable areas these indices had been established, and does he not realise that at some time this method of computing the value of wages and the standard by which wages will be judged will certainly be reached, so why cannot it be done now?

I only said that it was rather difficult to establish one in Nigeria. We certainly have that in mind.

In the case of Colonies where indices of that kind are not available will the Minister tell us if proper statistics are kept and, if not, will he take steps to see that proper statistics are kept which can be made the basis for such index figures? In colonies where such index figures are kept, would he tell us if the indices are computed on the same basis as that which we have in this country?

Will the Minister say whether the basis for the compilation of the indices of cost of living is to be broadened, as in some Colonies rent, for example, is not taken into account?

That is another Question.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether steps are now being taken to try to secure this very necessary basis, and if not will this be done in the near future?

Yes, Sir. The work of preparing the new indices is now in hand.

May I have an answer to my question which was relative to the main question and was, I submit, a proper question to be answered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of his decision to send special trade union and labour advisers to Nigeria, whether these will be concerned with giving advice and assistance to all wage earners in Nigeria as well as miners; and whether he is considering the need of surveying conditions of labour in all the Colonies, in order where necessary to send out similar special advisers.

The answer to the first part of by hon. Friend's Question is "Yes." As regards the second part, labour conditions in all the Colonies are kept constantly under review with the assistance of the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee.

Do I understand that these trade union officers are to visit all the various trade unions and take steps to try to form trade unions in other areas and among other sections of the workers where possible?

They are going to examine the whole trade union position throughout Nigeria.

Would the Minister say whether the Government recognise trade unions and whether they negotiate with the representatives of the employees out there?

In order to make this more clear, are we not right in thinking that the purpose of this special mission was not to set up trade unions while they are there, but, on their return, to report to the Government how best to get the Nigerian trade union movement properly established and under the right leadership?

Yes, generally speaking, that is correct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total membership of the trade unions in Malaya; and what percentage of the workers eligible for membership this represents.

The present membership of employees' trade unions in the Federation of Malaya is 42,695, representing 5 per cent. of workers eligible for membership. The corresponding figures for Singapore are 49,266 and 18.3 per cent.

In view of the minute percentage in the Federation, in spite of very strenuous efforts on the part of the labour officers, does not this suggest that trade unionism in its present form in Malaya makes very little appeal to the workers?

On the contrary, it does appeal. The hon. Gentleman should realise that there are, to put it mildly, certain difficulties existing in Malaya, and unfortunate experiences which rather tended to drive people away from the trade unions as a result of the action of the Communist-dominated federation of trade unions which appropriated the funds for jungle warfare.

Is my hon. Friend aware that although a large number of employers in Malaya encourage trade unionism, there is quite a large number who discourage it, and who will do all they possibly can to prevent their employees from joining a trade union?

His Majesty's Government are quite satisfied that the best way of building up good and solid relations in the Colonies is by the establishment of sound trade unions.

Would the Under-Secretary deny or demand proof of the statement just made by his hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery), which casts a bad reflection on people who are not able to answer personally.

To which unions do the labourers getting 4s. 9½d. a day belong; and do not these figures show a great need for increasing trade union membership in Singapore?

That is quite another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements he made for broadcasting the speech of Mr. Nehru, made at Singapore, advocating a policy of non-violence in Malaya.

Only one speech made by Mr. Nehru in Singapore was broadcast—that given at the dinner arranged in his honour by the Legislative Council. This speech in no way advocates a policy of non-violence.

Is the Minister aware that the appeal made by Mr. Nehru in favour of non-violence was made to the bandits, and does he not think that this speech should be given the greatest possible publicity both to the bandits and to those fighting the bandits?

That is quite another question.

Does the Minister not think that in view of Pandit Nehru's deliberate cold-blooded attack on Hyderabad, that talk of non-violence is sheer humbug?

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the utmost possible use should be made of Mr. Nehru's very helpful speech as he said that we were roughly following the right sort of policy in Malaya?

On a point of order. May I ask to what extent Members of this House are able to attack the Prime Minister of one of the Dominions and to make a very serious allegation against him?

The question only refers to broadcasting. As to criticism of the head of a foreign State, of course one has to be very careful about that, and one should not do it.

May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the supplementary question of the hon. and gallant Member for Perth and East Perthshire (Colonel Gomme-Duncan) which was rather out of taste, if not out of order?

I think that Mr. Nehru is not the head of the State. He is the Prime Minister and, therefore, rather different from the head.

Is it not out of taste to refer to the Prime Minister of a most important Dominion in that way?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated weekly cost of maintaining the prison camps in Malaya.

The estimated average weekly cost of maintaining the detention camps in the Federation of Malaya is £12,519.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations he has had with the Sultans of Perak and Pahang during their visit to this country.

My right hon. Friend discussed the Malayan situation with the Sultans of Perak and Pahang before leaving on his recent visit, and he hopes to meet them again very shortly.

Is the Minister of State aware of the unfortunate impression made by his own speech at the recent Malayan dinner in London when he made no comment on the presence of these Sultans and failed to pay adequate tribute to the bravery and loyalty of the Malays during the disturbances?

No, Sir. At that dinner I did not make any particular comment about the Malay people as such because the Malay people are defending their own country, as we know, and there was no reason to single out the Malay people especially. I did, in fact, make a particular comment about the Chinese and about the British, and naturally I would pay as high a tribute as anyone else to the Malays. So far as the Sultans of Perak and Pahang were concerned, they were present at the dinner and I had very cordial relations with them there.

Is the Minister aware that whatever may have been his intentions, he did, in fact, create a most unfortunate impression?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if he wishes to earn the applause of the Opposition he should spend his time at these dinners attacking Mr. Nehru?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his interview with those residents of Penang who wish that the island and province of Wellesley should revert to pre-war colonial status.

When my right hon. Friend visited Penang, he had an interview with the Secession Committee whom he was anxious to meet personally before replying to the petition they had submitted to his predecessor. My right hon. Friend is now considering the matter further.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an early reply, as it has been hanging about for far too long?

I am sure it will be as soon as he can make it.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the majority of the people in Malaya, including the Europeans, are in favour of federation and not separation, as suggested by the Question?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements have been made to remove the wreck of the yacht H.M.S. Breda which was in collision during the war outside Campbeltown, and was beached on the south shore of Campbeltown Loch.

So far as I am aware, none, Sir. The wreck lies in waters under the jurisdiction of the Campbeltown Corporation. It is not a danger to navigation, and the expenditure of public funds on its removal would not be justified.

Is the Minister aware that the collision took place as a result of naval operations and that the wreck is lying there? Have not the Navy got some responsibility to remove it?

There is a well established practice under which both private individuals and the Crown can abandon wrecks, and I understand that the normal practice has been followed in this case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why "Winter Song," by James Hanley, has been ban- ned from ships' recreational libraries in the Royal Navy.

This book has not been banned. It was not bought because of its price.

In view of the fact that the present selector of books for ships' libraries is the Director of Victualling, would it not be better to get some other officer to buy books for their quality rather than for their weight?

Literature is food for thought, and the Director of Victualling is perhaps not altogether inappropriate. I am not sure, in view of the state of the modern novel, that it is not a bad idea to buy books by the ounce.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether this book, "Winter Song," was written by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

Is it not true that the Director of Education has something to say in these matters?

Instructor lieutenants run the libraries in ships, but the purchase is carried out by the Director of Victualling for convenience.

Could not a copy of this book be put in the Library so that Members can draw their own conclusions as to its suitability for the Navy?

If the hon. and gallant Member will accept my judgment, I do not think he will find it as interesting as all that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now say when he expects to receive the report of the committee investigating ship-repairing facilities on Mersey-side; and whether this report when available will be published.

In reply to the first part of his question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Collick) on 22nd May; the answer to the second part of the Question is that it is the intention to publish the report.

Is the Civil Lord aware that although the present level of employment is healthy and high, there is uneasiness as to the future position, which has not been dispelled by a recent hint about rising unemployment by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport?

I do not think that has much to do with the publication of this report. We have just set up a working party to go into the situation of the Merseyside, and when their report is presented it will be considered in the light of the other responsibilities in the country.

Pending receipt of the Committee's report, will the Parliamentary Secretary do everything in his power to see that the ship-repairing facilities at Birkenhead are fully utilised?

We have no power to see that they are fully utilised, as they come under the control of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any ship repair work on commercially owned vessels, similar to that referred to in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Report of the Controller and Auditor-General on Naval Dockyard Accounts, is still being undertaken in naval dockyards.

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that fishing grounds off the coast of Northern Ireland are adequately patrolled by suitable naval fishery protection craft.

Yes, Sir.

In view of the importance of this control service in advising trawlers of the rules regarding fishing and protecting them from attack, can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many visits there have been to Northern Ireland waters in the last few months?

On an average, about one a month.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise the grave anxiety and concern caused by the attack on the "Loch Esk" by Eire fishermen; that the skipper was very seriously wounded, and that no less than three bullets were found in the boat, while these Eire fishermen have complete freedom of access to Northern Ireland waters?

That is a question for the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will give an assurance that satisfactory hospital accommodation exists for ranks and ratings serving in ships and naval establishments in the neighbourhood of Londonderry.

Yes, Sir. Two new wards were recently opened and the accommodation should be adequate for all normal needs.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that although quite adequate for one establishment, it is not worthy of the very large number of establishments and ships which are in the neighbourhood?

There will be overcrowding from time to time when the Fleet is in, but I am told that the average number of patients is approximately 30 and that there is accommodation for 60.

Can he say what the maximum number has been recently.

Less than 60.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the man dismissed some months ago from the Rosyth dockyard for his political views has yet been found alternative employment; and, if so, what is the nature of such employment.

This man was recently offered alternative employment outside the yard. It has, however, proved unsuitable and endeavours are now being made to find him work with another Government Department.

Is the Minister aware that this case has been pending since about the middle of March, and since that time he has been for the bulk of the period on paid leave? Can the Minister tell us how long this paid leave is going to be given to these displaced Communists?

I am quite aware that the gentleman concerned has been on paid leave for some time. By that we are carrying out the procedure which has been laid down in cases such as this, which is to endeavour to obtain alternative employment for such people. If we cannot find it for this man, he will have to be discharged.

What sense does it make to dismiss a man because he is a Communist and find him employment in another Government office? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of what is going on in the world at the present time?

There is nothing new in this. It was stated quite clearly to the House last year that if we found persons who held Communist views employed in positions which gave them access to work of a secret nature, we were going to try to find them work elsewhere.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of this answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached on the pay and conditions of the Royal Navy Recruiting Service.

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the reply which my predecessor gave the hon. Member for Hendon, South (Sir H. Lucas-Tooth) on 14th December last.

Is the Minister aware that this sort of answer was given by his predecessor to me on 19th January last year, and that the men in this Service have no confidence that any changes which will be made will be retrospective?

I cannot say when the decision will be reached, because the whole question has to be considered in regard to the Government's policy on the level of incomes generally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will increase the gratuity of £20 payable on the award of the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal having regard to the decrease in purchasing power since the amount of the gratuity was fixed at this sum.

No, Sir. The gratuity for long service and good conduct is a traditional payment not related in any way to the cost of living.

Does the Minister not think that if £20 was considered a reasonable award for long service and good conduct many years ago, such service and good conduct is at least equally valuable today, and, therefore, worthy of at least equal purchasing power?

I tried to make it clear in my answer that this is not to be regarded as a payment which is related to the cost of living, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes to base himself on that, it was so fixed in 1920 during that short lived boom after the last war, when costs and prices were very high indeed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the application for housing allowance was received by his Department in Singapore from the civil staff; what negotiations have taken place on the subject between the local staff unions and his Department; and what was the outcome.

A claim for the payment of housing allowance was received and considered in 1948. It was rejected, because the Admiralty does not accept any obligation to house its employees, and there was no evidence that similar allowances were paid by local employers in general. The union has continued since then to press the claim locally; but no reason has been seen to alter the view formed in 1948. The question is now being reconsidered in the light of a recently published report of the Singapore Government's Cost of Living Allowance Committee.

Is the Minister aware that there has been over 12 months delay in dealing with these claims by three Gov- ernment Departments; that the Secretary of State, in a reply to me yesterday, said that he has now decided that he would make these negotiations a matter of urgency; and will the Admiralty adopt the same policy as the Secretary of State for War?

These negotiations very often do take some time, but I would ask the hon. Member to understand that very often when a reply is given to them it is a negative one and most unsatisfactory.

Could the hon. Gentleman say if the allowance is subject to Income Tax, and if it is a compensatory allowance granted on similar lines to those of the Fire Service?

I am afraid the hon. and gallant Gentleman will have to put that question on the Order Paper.

Is the Minister aware that a protest demonstration went to the three Ministers concerned while the Ministers were in Singapore?

No, that is news to me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the Director of Dockyards, in order to secure orders, was authorised to quote fixed prices at 15 per cent. below estimated costs; and whether he is aware that this practice has involved the taxpayer in heavy financial loss, and competes unfairly with private ship repairers.

The Director of Dockyards was authorised to quote fixed prices for commercial work at not more than 15 per cent. below estimated cost when in his opinion the estimate was so high that it would result in the loss of an order which it was specially desired to secure for the purpose of contributing to the maintenance in full employment of the skilled tradesmen who were essential to the Naval Service.

The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir." The reduction not exceeding 15 per cent. which was applied only in a few cases, has not of itself involved heavy financial loss, and at the time the dockyards were seeking commercial repayment work, all private ship repair yards were exceedingly busy, so that no question of unfair competition arose.

While accepting the Minister's explanation of the motive lying behind this action, may I ask is it not a fact that representations were made to the Treasury two years ago that very heavy financial loss would be incurred to the taxpayer, and in the light of that experience, can the Minister give the House an assurance that a practice of this kind is not likely to be repeated?

While the practice was accepted by the Treasury, at the time we introduced it, the main reason for it, was in order that we could continue the employment of as many dockyard workers as possible soon after the war, because of the valuable services they gave us during the war.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether any such contracts are in operation at the moment?

No, Sir.

I hope the Minister appreciates that full employment may well pay dividends in the long run.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the work that has been done under ship repairing schemes in the dockyard has been of a great social service; and that work has been done which could not have been done by outside commercial firms at the time that these schemes were undertaken?