asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what equipment for emergency salvage of damaged submarines is available in this country; and where it is normally stationed.

As the answer is necessarily of a detailed nature, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the Civil Lord say whether the stationing of this equipment is controlled in any way by trials which might be carried out by particular submarines, especially those which might have a large number of dockyard personnel on board?

I could not answer that question fully. The control of these vessels is under the Boom Defence Division of the Admiralty and everything is taken into account as far as salvage is concerned. I should, however, like to let the House know that in order to save life it is not Admiralty policy, and has not been for many years, to lift a submarine.

Is this special salvage equipment mobile and is it stationed in a place where it is most likely to be required at any particular moment?

It is in various parts of the country, and can be used as and when required.

Following is the reply:

The following salvage craft are available and in full operational condition: one ocean class salvage vessel at Portsmouth; two coastal class salvage vessels in the Nore Command; one coastal class salvage vessel in the Plymouth Command; one coastal class salvage vessel in the Scottish Command; two dumb lifting craft each capable of 1,200 tons side lift—normally based in the Nore Command.

There are, in addition, disposed in the Home Commands, 11 bar class boom defence vessels, lifting craft, salvage pontoons and pumps, compressors, generators, air-lifts, underwater cutting and welding plant, etc.

Salvage bases are situated at the following ports: Scapa Flow, Rosyth, Sheerness, Dover, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Pembroke Dock, Clyde, Felixstowe, Portland and Aultbea.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the frequent dropping of empty cartridge cases from aircraft on to land adjoining Treligga range constitutes a danger to persons working there, and if he will take steps to prevent it; and what action is he taking to prevent a recurrence of two recent instances of explosive missiles falling on a neighbouring farm.

Complaints have recently been received of spent cartridge cases falling on land near Treligga range and also of two incidents of explosive missiles falling on a neighbouring farm. One was the result of defective firing equipment on an aircraft and the other due to a regrettable error on the part of a pilot. The Admiralty have expressed their regret at these incidents and are investigating, urgently, what can be done to prevent a recurrence.

In view of the wide area over which cultivation is rendered dangerous by the frequent firing on Treligga range, and of the importance of agriculture, will the Civil Lord inquire into the practicability of finding a more suitable site for target firing?

I will certainly look into that but, as I have said, we are making urgent inquiries with a view to preventing a recurrence of those incidents.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what consideration will be given to allowing a pro rata pension on the number of years served for those continuous service ratings who have to leave the Royal Navy on compassionate grounds.

Pro rata pensions in such circumstances are not contemplated. Service pensions are granted as a reward for the completion of a prescribed minimum period of 22 years' service. Ratings who leave on compassionate grounds qualify, normally, for gratuity under the same conditions as men discharged on completion of engagement without entitlement to pension.

Is the Civil Lord not aware that there is great discontent on the lower deck about the lack of security under certain conditions, which is having a serious effect on re-engagement after 10 years' service?

I am bound to say that there is no great discontent. If a man leaves before the end of his service, on compassionate grounds, he is entitled to receive that gratuity which is laid down by the regulations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the incident of alleged sabotage to H.M. Submarine "Tallyho," occurring at Devonport Dockyard.

On 17th June last a handful of sand was found in the main propelling machinery of H.M.S. "Tallyho," a submarine of the Reserve Fleet which was undergoing a refit in Devonport Dockyard. Though investigations are not yet complete, it appears probable that the sand was placed there deliberately by some irresponsible person in a clumsy attempt to cause damage to the machinery of the submarine. In fact, no damage was caused.

Can my hon. Friend tell us when a full report on this incident is likely to be forthcoming, and whether the somewhat alarming reports that have appeared in the local Press and in other sections of the Press about this incident have been justified by the inquiries made so far?

I cannot give a definite date as to when the inquiries will be completed because, as I am sure the House will realise, inquiries into these matters must necessarily take a long time, and sometimes cover a wide field. I must say that I think the reports in the Press were a little over-exaggerated. We have no evidence at the moment of attempted sabotage, and we would prefer to describe it as malicious damage.

Is not the use of the word "irresponsible" rather out of place? Surely an action of this kind could only have been taken deliberately by somebody who knew what he was about?

I do not think the word was out of place, and I still think it was an irresponsible action. The person concerned must have been most irresponsible to have done such a silly trick, which did no real damage to the ship.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements are made to ensure that wives of other ranks in the Royal Marine Commandos who have followed their husbands on overseas postings in the Middle and Far East are treated on a par with wives of Army personnel with regard to transport and accommodation; and why these arrangements are not working satisfactorily.

All arrangements for transport and accommodation of the wives of Royal Marine Commandos are made—on behalf of the Admiralty—by the War Office, under the same regulations as apply to Army personnel. I am unaware that these are not working satisfactorily. If the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind and will let me have particulars, I shall be pleased to make further inquiries.

I am much obliged to the Civil Lord, but is he aware that there is considerable discontent and a feeling that the Army authorities are looking after their own personnel in preference to the Commando personnel? If I send him evidence of this, will he kindly look into it.

I shall be glad to look at any evidence which the hon. Gentleman can send me, but I must say that we have had no reports from the Royal Marine authorities with regard to this terrible treatment meted out by the War Office.

asked the Postmaster-General how long most of the larger London post offices have closed on Saturday afternoons at 2 or 4 o'clock; and why the official list of London post offices continues to state that as a rule they are open till 6 or 6.30 p.m.

Just over a quarter of the Crown post offices in London close at 4 p.m. or earlier on Saturdays, and the majority of these have done so for upwards of 20 years. It is proposed to include a specific reference to the early closing in the next reprint of "London Post Offices and Streets."

If this Post Office list is worth issuing at all, should it not be kept up to date instead of being issued year after year with this incorrect information?

I agree that a mistake has been made. It will be corrected.

asked the Postmaster-General upon what date he registered a protest with the Director of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union against the surcharging by the Argentine Government of correspondence bearing stamps of the Falkland Islands; what reply was received and when; and what action he proposes to take in view of the continuance by the Argentine Government of this breach of the Universal Postal Convention.

The protest was registered with the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union on 4th November, 1948, and acknowledged on 11th November, 1948. I propose, for the present, to take no further action in this matter.

Why should the Postmaster-General take this lying down? At least until he obtains satisfaction, will the right hon Gentleman refuse to accept as prepayment of postage, stamps designed to promote Argentine pretensions to sovereignty?

No, Sir, because that would be contrary to the terms of the Universal Postal Convention under which postmasters-general are precluded from entering this diplomatic field.

As that is the precise breach being committed by the Argentine, surely the right hon. Gentleman should retaliate in this respect?

We are prohibited by the Convention from retaliation. We have taken a further step with the Universal Postal Union, and that matter is now under discussion.

asked the Postmaster-General by what authority identity cards are demanded at post offices when depositors draw their Post Office savings.

By Regulation 60 CC of the Defence (General) Regulations, as extended by the Emergency Laws (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1947.

Is it the policy of His Majesty's Government to continue these inquisitorial methods indefinitely, even in peace-time?

I am rather surprised at the hon. Gentleman saying that. There is a gang of thieves going about the country today committing frauds on Post Office savings, and we must protect the public.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now make a statement of Government policy concerning the expansion of the telephone service by the British Post Office, with special regard to the increased supplies of equipment now available.

The telephone service is being expanded at the maximum possible rate within the limits of the capital resources available to the Post Office. Supply difficulties, which have hampered this expansion, have except in a few minor items now been overcome.

Can the Postmaster-General give us, in round figures, the approximate number of would-be subscribers who are now awaiting the installation of telephones throughout the country?

Roughly, half a million.

Surely the Government intend to do something about that? I am not satisfied.

The Government have chosen to concentrate on housing rather than on the building of post offices.

Does that reply mean that simply through lack of capital we are not extending the telephone services throughout the country?

Yes, Sir, but it must be remembered that we are putting in telephones at twice the pre-war rate.

asked the Postmaster-General why parcels posted in the Knutsford Division take five days to reach London.

The parcel in question should have been delivered at the latest on the second day after posting. I am taking steps to prevent a repetition of this delay.

Is the Minister aware that before the war letters posted in the Knutsford division in the morning were delivered in London the same evening, and parcels by the first post the next morning? In view of the fact that delivery now takes up to five times as long, would the Minister consider reducing the price of postage to compensate the public for this bad service?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is generalising from the particular. If he will wait until next week, he will see an announcement of an improvement.

May I ask this special question on behalf of the Knutsford division, and implore the Minister to give a straight answer? How does this increasingly bad service, at greater cost to the public, square with the Chancellor's exhortations to industry to produce more at less cost? Should not Government Departments set a good example instead of a very bad one? May I have an answer?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to state the composition of the Sports Television Advisory Committee which he recently announced he was setting up.

Yes, Sir. The following is the list:

The Earl Beatty, D.S.C. (Chairman), Mr. Harold M. Abrahams, the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Miss Burton), Mr. S. E. Charlton, Mr. A. Drewry, Mr. Alexander Elliot, Sir Arthur J. Elvin, M.B.E., Mr. Francis S. Gentle, Group-Captain Sir Louis Greig, K.B.E., C.V.O., Mr. Claude Langdon, Mr. C. J. L. Langlands, the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Sir J. Lucas), Mr. J. O. McIntosh, Colonel R. S. Rait Kerr, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. G. Roberts), Sir Stanley Rous, C.B.E., the hon. Member for St. Marylebone (Sir W. Wakefield), and Lord Willoughby de Broke, M.C., A.F.C.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is now taking to encourage the use of equipment for the suppression of radio interference, especially for use on motor cars causing interference on television sets.

Close collaboration is maintained with manufacturers in the development of equipment for the suppression of radio interference. As regards the suppression of interference caused by motor car ignition systems in particular, my Department has participated in a joint committee of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the British Standards Institution which, with the co-operation of the B.B.C., the Radio Industry Council and other interests, jointly prepared a code of practice giving guidance on the subject. Valuable assistance has also been given by the B.B.C. in broadcasting in the television service a short film encouraging the fitting of suppressors.

Can my right hon. Friend say if supplies of this equipment to suppress interference are now available in adequate quantities; and has he any evidence to show that television sets in houses near main roads are experiencing exceptional interference? If so, would he take every step to secure its reduction?

I would not underestimate the extent of this interference. The Institution of Electrical Engineers have submitted a list of names from which I will appoint a committee to advise me on this matter, when I shall, if necessary, take action.

Why does the Minister not make the fitting of suppressors compulsory?

My predecessor announced that he hoped to do as much as he could by voluntary methods. I am giving that a complete chance, and if that fails we shall take compulsory measures.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent the De Havilland Moth aircraft is used for training purposes in the Royal Air Force: and what numbers are involved.

Moth aircraft are used for training at the majority of the reserve flying schools and university air squadrons, the present number in use being 341. In addition, 21 are used by the Rhodesian Air Training Group and eight for training instructors in the Regular Air Force.

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that the Minister of Supply recently stated that in the last 12 months 239 Moth aircraft were broken up for spare parts? Does he not think they could be put to better use by allowing them to be handed over to flying clubs?

There are some Moth aircraft available for flying clubs if they like to apply, but we need a great many to cannibalise to keep those we have in the air.

At what price would they be available to flying clubs?

I cannot say at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he proposes to allocate the balance of prize money remaining to be distributed for the past members of the Royal Air Force; how far those organisations which have already had allocations of this money will be eligible for further sums; and what will be the qualifications required for such further grants.

The balance of prize money in respect of the past share will be finally distributed when it is reasonably clear that no eligible body has been overlooked. It may be possible to increase some grants already made. The criterion for further grants will be the value of the services rendered by the organisation to past members of the R.A.F. and their dependants.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the members of the Air Council are suitable people to decide to whom to grant money which is, after all, mainly being given for welfare purposes? Will he further state whether he has looked into this, and say how much of this money is replacing what would otherwise be paid out by the taxpayer?

The reply to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary is "Yes," and, to the second part, "Yes." We have looked at it and are quite sure it is the best possible distribution that can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the Polish Air Force Association has not been included in the distribution of Air Force prize money.

The Polish Air Force Association is not an eligible organisation under the provisions of the Prize Act, 1948. A grant of £3,900 has, however, been made to this Association from the R.A.F. Central Fund.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us why it should not be normally included? Did they not fight with us, and are they not working with us at the present time? Was the sum just granted given before or since this Question was put down?

Owing to the way in which the Act is drawn, they are not eligible under the Act. The grant was certainly made before the Question was put down.

Is there any other foreign air force association eligible under the Act, and, if so, why not the Poles?

No, I understand that no foreign air force association can be eligible. If they were foreign members of the Royal Air Force it would be a different thing.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why flying pay is not awarded to Royal Air Force personnel in view of the risks involved and the low rate of basic pay.

For ranks below flight lieutenant basic pay is higher for those engaged in flying duties. In ranks above flight lieutenant special factors connected with flying are allowed for by more rapid promotion.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that it would be a good idea to encourage senior officers to fly? Why is it that the Navy pays submarine pay and flying pay? Will he look into this question and ask his right hon. Friend to take it up with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and refuse to take "No" for an answer?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, all these questions are constantly being looked at, and, as the Minister of Defence said, there is a review of life in the service going on and this can be considered.

Can we expect a rapid decision on this point, which has been pressed for some time?

There will be no unavoidable delay.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in spite of the achievements of the Royal Air Force, it is the lowest paid of the Allied Air Forces? Does not the whole matter need reviewing?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men have had their release from the Royal Air Force delayed beyond the date on which it would otherwise have taken place by reason solely of lack by the unit concerned of the necessary documents; what is the average length of time in these cases; and what action he is taking to prevent its recurrence.

Four hundred and twenty-eight airmen out of 70,000 National Service men who passed through the Personnel Dispersal Centre during the last 12 months have been delayed because of incomplete documentation. The delay in most cases was from one to three days. From 1st July, 1950, National Service men leaving the Force will be those who have completed the standard 18 months' service under the National Service Acts of 1948, and the procedure for their discharge will be simpler. Units are being reminded that men must not be held back beyond the due date.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the defences of Hong Kong will be strengthened by jet fighter aircraft.

Certain fighter squadrons in the Far East are to be re-equipped with jet fighters, but it would not be in the national interest to disclose the date.

While appreciating what the hon. Gentleman says, may I ask if he realises that one squadron of jet fighters would be of tremendous help to the morale of everybody on the side of the Western Powers in the Far East at the present time?

Would not re-equipment have been easier if we had not sold so many jet fighters to other countries?

As I pointed out to the right hon. Gentleman in the Debate on this subject, if we had not ordered those jet fighters for export they would not have been made at all.

Surely the hon. Gentleman cannot mean that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what proposals regarding the ownership and operation of international air services were made by the British representative at the Fourth Assembly in Montreal of the International Civil Aviation Organisation; and what decision was reached on these proposals.

The United Kingdom delegation presented a memorandum reaffirming their Government's belief in international ownership and operation and presenting proposals for suitable forms of organisation. This memorandum was discussed in the Economic Commission of the Assembly, but the proposal that studies by the Council of the Organisation should be continued was defeated.

Can it be right for the internationalisation of civil aviation to be advocated by this Government, when in so many countries, civil aviation is not in the hands of a Socialist Government?

I should have thought it would have been eminently right to take the light to those distant places.

Does my hon. Friend observe that the Opposition, while supporting the internationalisation of coal and steel, think it is impracticable to internationalise civil aviation? Can he think of the faintest reason why that should be so?

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Government invited representatives of other countries to accept internationalisation in principle without having an opportunity of discussing how it should work out in practice?

There was a proposal that this subject should be studied and, in the first place, it was unanimously accepted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is to be the future of the Southampton Marine Airport, which cost £139,000, after the Solent flying-boats have ceased to operate.

Unless some temporary use can be found, Southampton Marine Airport will be kept on care and maintenance until the Princess flying-boats start operating.

Can my hon. Friend state the exact date when Solent flying-boats will cease to operate and the approximate date when Princess flying-boats will come into operation?

I cannot be more specific than I have already been in the answer to my hon. Friend's Question.

Does that answer mean that there will be no British flying-boats flying on the Corporation's services until the Princesses are ready? If that is so, will the only flying-boats flying from England be in the hands of charter companies?

That is so.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is very great anxiety among executives and workers at the flying-boat base because of uncertainty about the date at which these boats will cease to operate?

I well appreciate that, and I think my hon. Friend is to be congratulated on his perseverance in the matter, but I have given all the information we can give. I cannot add to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent cheap short-wave battery wireless receiving sets, made on the initiative of the Northern Rhodesian Government Information Department, have been used in other Colonies by their Governments for diffusion of reliable news in public places; and to what extent the set is being purchased by the Colonial people.

Sets have been sent for testing to 13 other territories in which there is considered to be potential use for a short-wave receiver of this type, and I am now awaiting reports and comments from the Governments concerned. Sales facilities have been organised in several of these territories, but no information is yet available about purchases. In Northern Rhodesia more than 2,250 sets have been privately purchased. A very interesting report on the use of the set has been published by the Government of Northern Rhodesia, and I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.

Is my bon. Friend aware that the utmost importance is to be attached to the diffusion of reliable news in the Colonies especially as the Communists are now posing as the champions of the Colonial peoples?

I am aware of the need of this kind of propaganda. I am interested in these experiments and am giving them every encouragement I can.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any other steps to meet the representations of the Governments of the West African Colonies in providing cheap receiving sets, for which a scheme is prepared for the use of battery sets?

Yes, the West African Colonies are among the territories in which the experiments are being conducted. If they are successful I shall encourage them in every possible way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken in the Colonial Empire to produce high quality palm fibres suitable for the manufacture of hats, in view of the fact that there is no supply of such fibres within the sterling area.

The possibility of producing palm fibre suitable for panama hats is being investigated in Kenya.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a substantial opportunity here for developing a useful cottage industry in the West Indies in particular, and also for assisting local manufacture? Will he consult with the President of the Board of Trade to see whether that can be achieved?

Yes, Sir. Those who are interested in the trade of this country would help us if they would state specifically what their requirements are. We could then discuss on a tangible basis whether such development could be encouraged in the Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Chairman of the Colonial Development Corporation, when he visits various parts of the world, has full personal authority to purchase properties for dollars on behalf of the corporation; and if he will give details of all recent purchases involving the repatriation of United States of America capital, contrary to President Truman's Point Four and the policy of His Majesty's Government.

The suggestions to which my hon. Friend refers, are, of course, entirely misconceived and inaccurate. They were made only in the "Financial Times," in which newspaper a campaign of criticism of the Corporation is being anonymously conducted under the pseudonym of "Observer." The Corporation was obliged last week to issue a statement pointing out the inaccuracy of many statements made in this newspaper. I feel bound to express my regret that a responsible newspaper should give currency to criticisms of this kind without making any attempt to check their accuracy.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him if he will see that the statement in reply to this malicious and untrue attack is circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and should not some steps be taken to let us know the identity of the writer of the articles, because, although the newspaper may be responsible, the writer clearly is not?

I shall consider whether I can circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has not the Minister used very strong language, in view of what I thought was the well-known fact that the author of these articles was the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bournemouth, East and Christchurch (Mr. Bracken)?

If I used strong language, it is because I feel that the House itself would feel strongly about the statement that Lord Trefgarne goes about the world with a cheque book, in order to spend the taxpayers' money on projects that take his fancy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will advise the Kenya Government to appoint an African representative on the Development and Reconstruction Authority of Kenya in order to expedite African projects and to ensure the confidence of the African peoples.

No, Sir. An African representative has, however, been appointed on the Planning Committee which formulates development plans.

Have His Majesty's Government considered appointing an African to look after the development and reconstruction of the groundnut project?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, at the end of 1949, half a million pounds more had been spent on European school buildings in Kenya than on Indian school buildings when the development and reconstruction authority in Kenya had decided that the needs of European and Indian school buildings were considered approximately equal.

The disparity has been caused by the greater cost of European school building, most of which is for boarders, and by practical difficulties in the Indian building programme, particularly in the acquisition of sites. Nevertheless, the Indian programme has not fallen behind the 10-year plan timetable, and, in the four years up to the end of 1949, 2,788 new Indian places were provided as compared to 575 European.

Is the Minister aware that if the Indian community contributed their fair share of Income Tax towards the revenue there would be plenty of money available for building schools?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Dyaks and other tribesmen from North Borneo are now serving in Malaya.

One hundred and sixteen Dyaks, all from Sarawak, are now serving with the security Forces in Malaya.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Secretary of State for War in order to increase the numbers of these very experienced fighters and thus secure a reduction in the numbers of our own National Service men who have not been trained for jungle fighting?

I would not propose to discuss it with my right hon. Friend on that basis, but the whole of this problem was discussed between my right hon. Friend and myself with the authorities on the spot when we were in Malaya.

Would not my right hon. Friend consider giving the Dyaks of Borneo a pecuniary interest in Malaya by giving them some shares in the rubber companies?

Would my right hon. Friend ensure that the high standard of tradition in protecting the native peoples of Sarawak is maintained? This sort of thing could never have happened under the previous ruler in Sarawak.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the proposals of Sir Henry Gurney for the conversion of the Executive Council of the Federation of Malaya into a cabinet with Malay, Chinese and Indian members taking responsibility for certain Government Departments.

I am not in a position to make a statement at present.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will now say what action is being taken to reform court martial procedure.

The Service Ministers and I are at present considering both the outstanding recommendations of the Lewis Committee on Army and Air Force Courts-Martial and the first report of the Pilcher Committee on Naval Courts-Martial. The very important and complex issues involved are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

In view of the considerable delay that has already taken place in this matter, will my right hon. Friend request the Admiralty to move with the other Service Departments so that all these reports can be produced simultaneously and as quickly as possible by all the Services?