asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the average time taken to land an aircraft by instrument landing system compared with the average time taken to land an aircraft by ground control approach.

The time to land does not depend solely on the aid used, but the average time interval between successive approaches of aircraft using I.L.S. is 8½ minutes and G.C.A. 4½ minutes. The interval between I.L.S. aircraft will be reduced with the introduction of radar marshalling procedures which are now under development.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Civil Aviation whether, in the light of the recommendations of the Helmore Committee, he will make a statement about the future of the Air Registration Board.

My noble Friend has already indicated the recommendations of the Helmore Committee which he is able to accept. The main recommendations of the Helmore Committee concerning the Air Registration Board were that its annual deficits should be met from public funds and that the Board should be reconstituted, the Members being appointed by the Minister instead of being nominated by aviation interests such as constructors, operators and insurers. In reaching these conclusions the Committee, to which my noble Friend is much indebted, were I think influenced by the heavy loss which the Board was expected to suffer and by the possibility that, if that loss fell on public funds, closer Government control over the Board would be necessary.Since the publication of the Report, my Department has had discussions with the Board which have resulted in a reorganisation of the finances of the Board. My Ministry has agreed to refund the cost of certain services performed by the Board on its behalf, and certain statutory fees, notably those for prototypes, have been increased. As a result of these arrangements the estimated deficit of the Board will be reduced to small proportions. Contributions to the Board's annual deficit, if any, will be made in agreed proportions by my Ministry and the independent guarantors. In these circumstances, my noble Friend has decided that there is no need to reconstitute the Board and that the close and harmonious relationship which now exists between the Board and the aviation interests concerned would best be preserved by retaining its present independent status.My noble Friend is satisfied that the Board, under its distinguished Chairman, Lord Brabazon, is most competent in the highly technical field in which it labours. It has rendered outstanding service in the establishment of post-war standards of airworthiness problems. Its reputation at home and abroad stands high and we are confident that it will continue to maintain the highest standards of efficiency in the future discharge of its responsibilities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the number of passengers carried on the helicopter service, since its inauguration, between Cardiff, Wrexham and Liverpool; and whether he will give an estimate of the profit or loss incurred.

I am informed that in June, 1950, the first month the service has operated, 63 passengers were carried from Cardiff to Liverpool and 57 in the reverse direction. No calls were made during this period at Wrexham. Figures for July are not yet available. The service is running at a substantial loss, which cannot reliably be estimated. Most of this loss is a necessary part of the cost of gaining practical experience of operating the helicopter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how far it is proposed to order Marathon II's for use on scheduled airlines.

No order for this aircraft for use on British scheduled airlines is at present contemplated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many existing civil aerodromes have been taken over by his Department for public operation; and how many more are programmed for requisition.

Twenty-four aerodromes which were in existence as civil aerodromes in 1939 have been taken over. The programme is still under review but it is unlikely that the present total will be exceeded.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation with what air transport operators are contracts made by his Department on behalf of the Service Departments for the transport of service personnel on duty.

Contracts are placed with the Airways Corporations and with such charter companies as possess adequate resources for carrying out the particular operation to the required standards and who have undertaken to comply with Section 15 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1949, and the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons of October, 1946.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what arrangements are proposed for making good the extra expense to flying and gliding clubs caused by the increase in the tax on petrol.

In accordance with the undertaking given on 14th June, a scheme has been formulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with the co-operation of the Association of British Aero Clubs and Centres, the Ultra Light Aircraft Association and the British Gliding Association, to afford to flying and gliding clubs in the United Kingdom, grants in relief of expenditure incurred from 5th April, 1950, on account of the increase in the tax on petrol. The three Associations have agreed to receive applications for grants from flying and gliding clubs and to make payments to them on behalf of the Ministry under arrangements now being worked out in detail.All flying and gliding clubs and groups approved for this purpose by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will be eligible for the grant in respect of petrol consumed on recreational and instructional flying and gliding done by club members in this country in aircraft operated by the clubs. In the case of flying clubs, the basis of calculation for payments will be the number of qualifying hours flown multiplied by an approved consumption figure for each type of aircraft. The basis for calculating payments to gliding clubs is still under discussion.The total annual cost of the new scheme is expected to be of the order of £14,000 and a Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be presented in due course when the full details have been worked out.A public announcement giving further details, including the procedure for submitting applications, will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Defence what additions are being made to the home services ration scale.

After a careful review it has been decided to increase the ration scale for the Army by the following weekly quantities:Meat—1¾ ozs.Bacon—3½ ozs.Fats—1¾ ozs. in the form of cooking fat.These increases will be made from the commencement of the next messing period. Corresponding increases are being made in the scales for the Royal Air Force and also for Naval messes in Home shore establishments.The effect of these increases will be to bring Service rations at home broadly into line with the improved food supplies now available to the comparable civilian worker in this country.

asked the Minister of Defence if he was consulted about the siting of a new oil refinery on Southampton Water; and, if so, whether he approved.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 13th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he will appoint a special commission to visit British Guiana to make recommendations on the franchise and the composition of the Legislative Council.

I hope to appoint a commission shortly. Its composition is now under discussion with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Governments of Jamaica and British Guiana are discouraging their employees from applying for leave, with or without pay, for the purpose of taking courses of study in the United Kingdom, unless the subjects to be studied are related directly to their present employment and that this practice is in contrast with that of the Governments of Trinidad, Barbados, and the Windward Islands, and deters junior Government employees from seeking educational advancement which would ultimately benefit the administrations concerned; and what suitable posts in the Government service are open to such students on their return from taking such courses.

I am not aware that the facts are as stated and the matter seems to be largely one for local decision, but if my hon. Friend will give me further particulars I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether before any step is taken to implement the recommendations of the Evans Report with regard to the settlement of surplus West Indian population in British Honduras, he will hold a full inquiry into the long-term political consequences of such a policy both within the Colony and in her relations with neighbouring republics.

It is not proposed to hold any inquiry, but full consideration will be given to the interests of British Honduras and its existing population.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement showing the progress which has been made in re-settling Jamaican ex-Service men under the Jamaican Government revised re-settlement scheme.

The arrangements made for settling on the land Jamaican ex-Service men of the First World War have recently been reviewed by a local Committee, and I have received from the Governor a statement of the Jamaica Government's policy in this matter, which I give below. Over 1,200 ex-Service men of the last War have been allotted land under the re-settlement scheme adopted in 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures are being taken to prevent the recurrence of serious forest fires in British Honduras.

The Forest Department is developing a system of fire control involving the provision of a network of dry-season roads and a grid of fire-lines, and the establishment of small trained units, with fire-fighting equipment, in each danger area. It is proposed to invest those teams with powers to secure the co-operation of the public where additional help is needed. A survey of existing wells and the construction of new wells is also to be undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total expenditure which will be incurred in the rebuilding of Castries, St. Lucia; and on whom the cost is going to fall.

It is estimated that the total expenditure will be between £1,300,000 and £1,350,000 excluding private rebuilding. Subject to the approval of Parliament, His Majesty's Government proposes to provide up to £1,025,000 towards this cost; the remainder, it is proposed, should be met by St. Lucia loan funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what dates over the last three years were the Estimates submitted by the Government of North Borneo; and at what dates were the Estimates passed by the Colonial Office.

The North Borneo Estimates for the year 1948 were submitted in a despatch dated 23rd December, 1947, and after certain revision they were generally approved on the 26th March, 1948. The 1949 Estimates were submitted on the 30th December, 1948, were revised at the Secretary of State's request, and generally approved on the 28th June, 1949. The Estimates for 1950 were submitted on the 20th December, 1949, and generally approved on the 28th January, 1950.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Government of North Borneo to find the labour necessary for the development of the Colony.

A great number of possible sources of immigrant labour for the development of the Colony have been under investigation for some time. During the past year a few hundred workers with their families have been recruited from Singapore, Sarawak and the Cocos Islands, and it is hoped to recruit further from these sources as well as from Java.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what time does the Singapore daily broadcast programme commence.

The Singapore transmissions begin at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will encourage the formation of a trades union council in the Colony of Singapore on the lines of the trade union council recently formed in the Federation to cover Government and non-Government employees; and whether he will ensure that the trade union ordinance does not operate to limit the right of freedom of association in the Colony.

The Singapore Government would welcome the formation of a trade union council. The initiative must, however, rest mainly with the unions and it is for them to decide whether they desire a council similar to that in the Federation of Malaya. When it is clear that the trade unions are ready to form a council, and it is know what form it is to take, consideration will be given to the necessity for any amendment of local legislation on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will advise the Government of Kenya to grant allowances to the African members of the Legislative Council to tour the country and explain the work of the Council to the people; and whether he will include the European-settled areas.

The allowances paid to members of Legislative Council in Kenya follow broadly United Kingdom principles and I see no reason to suggest to the Government there that they should make the special arrangements proposed in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received a report on the resolution passed by employers at Limuru, near Nairobi, on 20th May, to the effect that all who took part in the recent strike should be summarily dismissed and should not be reengaged by any employer, except at wages reduced by at least one-quarter; what were the average wages paid by these employers; for what hours of work; and if he will make a statement.

The Acting Governor of Kenya has confirmed that such a resolution was passed. The average wages paid in the area run from 16s. to 18s. a month, rising by increments to 25s., plus food and housing valued at 15s. to 19s. a month. The average daily task rarely exceeds five hours, though herdsmen may remain on duty for longer periods.I am strongly opposed to victimisation, but I must point out that many strikers, who were in occupations scheduled under the Essential Services Ordinance, committed an offence and broke their contracts by striking without notice. They were, therefore, liable to dismissal. The number of dismissals at Limuru was not significant and although some dismissed men were re-employed at slightly reduced wages, there was no general reduction and prevailing rates have, on the average, risen slightly owing to a shortage of labour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding steps taken to deal with the swarming of locusts from Lake Chad to India.

As indicated in my reply on 5th July to a Question by the hon. Member for Croydon, North (Mr. F. Harris), steps are now being taken to launch a campaign against the desert locust.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations took place with the Ministry of Food prior to the starting of the poultry and egg scheme in Gambia.

There was full interdepartmental consultation before the scheme was started.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the exploitation of the West African forests has been developed since the end of the war.

Very large developments in the use of the forests of Nigeria and the Gold Coast have taken place since the war. These are reflected in the figures of timber exports which have doubled in volume. Exploitation is carefully regulated by the Governments and forest reserves are being consolidated or increased. I am asking the Governors for detailed reports and will write to the hon. Member when I receive them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Dr. Azikwe was not allowed to enter the Gold Coast to take part in the celebrations of the Convention People's Party; and if he is aware of the bitterness that has been caused by this regulation.

The Gold Coast Government decided that it was not in the public interest that Dr. Azikiwe should visit the Gold Coast for the purpose of attending this political meeting. No reactions to this decision have been reported to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much public money has been spent in any recent period for which figures are available; and how many men are working, on experiments undertaken or supported by the Government and aimed at discovering means of overcoming the diseases which attack cattle in Africa.

£146,865 were issued from Colonial Development and Welfare Research Funds during 1949–50 for veterinary projects to assist in overcoming the African cattle diseases. There are 42 posts of Veterinary Research Officers in Africa, with numerous subordinate staff, and laboratory accommodation. In addition there is considerable expenditure on Veterinary Departments, much of whose work is directly or indirectly devoted to these purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that local papers in Tanganyika are advertising warm woollen sweaters with fur neck bands and other surplus Government goods for sale to people working on the equator; and where these surplus goods came from.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiations have taken place between the Government of Mauritius and the Mauritian Secondary School Teachers' Union; and what increases there have been in salaries to the secondary school teachers of Government and grant-in-aid secondary schools over the last three years.

After discussions with the Secondary School Teachers' Union a revised and combined salary scale was adopted in April, 1949, for Government secondary schools in Mauritius. The new scale is Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 11,200—the previous scales ran from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 9,000 a year. The regulations governing the award of increments for qualifications and service were also modified to the advantage of the teachers. There is no fixed scale of salary in grant-aided secondary schools. I am escertaining from the Governor whether there have been salary increases for these posts and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received the Governor's reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the work of the new Legislative Council in Mauritius.

The present Legislative Council—the first with an elected majority—came into being in September, 1948. Since then it has been gaining experience. At first the conduct of public business was much delayed owing to the protracted nature of the debates, but there has been some recent improvement in this respect, and I hope that this will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the Ten-Year Development Plan in Mauritius.

The implementation of the Mauritius Ten-Year Development Plan, which was drawn up in July, 1946, has been hampered by lack of specialist staff and construction materials, but steady progress has been made on the agricultural, education, fisheries and medical projects, and a Development Authority composed of official and unofficial members was set up in 1948.In March, 1949, a Committee of unofficial members of the Legislative Council was appointed to review the Plan. The Committee reported early this year, recommending extensive changes. The Government is now revising the plan with a view to further consideration by the Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what circumstances it was decided that two Assistant Under-Secretaries to the Colonial Office and the Head of the African Department should be sent to Washington to discuss colonial questions with American officials; what steps are being taken to ensure that political considerations will be watched what is the length of time that Mr. J. M. Martin, Mr. A. B. Cohen and Mr. A. N. Galsworth have each served in the Colonial Office; how many years have any of these officials worked in the Colonial Service in Africa; and what are the parts of Africa in which they have served.

This informal exchange of views was an example of consultation which, it has been agreed between the two Governments, should be held between officials from time to time. His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington took part in the talks, which covered problems affecting dependent territories generally, not only those in Africa. The officials in question joined the Colonial Office in 1931, 1933 and 1938 respectively. The have not served in the Colonial Service in Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why medical practitioners with German qualifications are allowed to practise in Tanganyika and the Cameroons but not in the Gold Coast, Nigeria and other Colonies; and, in view of the great need of doctors in all the Colonies not likely to be met for a long time, whether he will take action to secure the fuller services of German medical practitioners, dentists and similar professional men.

There are no special rules about German qualifications as such. In most Colonial Territories, doctors from outside who wish to practise are required by law to have qualifications recognised by the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom. The law in the former Mandated Territories, however, gives the local authorities discretion to register practitioners with other qualifications. The recruitment of foreigners for the Government medical services in the Colonies is obviously not free from difficulty, but in fact a number of foreign doctors and dentists have been appointed during the last two or three years. Most of them had obtained British registration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement naming all the marketing boards or analogous organisations which operate in respect of products produced in the Colonies; and saying what sums now stand to the credit of each as a result of their operations.

The following are the more important marketing organisations which handle Colonial produce for export:

• The Gold Coast Cocoa Marketing Board.
• The Nigeria Cocoa Marketing Board.
• The Gold Coast Agricultural Produce Marketing Board.
• The Nigeria Groundnut Marketing Board.
• The Nigeria Oil Palm Produce Marketing Board.
• The Nigeria Cotton Marketing Board.
• The Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board.
• The Gambia Oilseeds Marketing Board.
• The Uganda Lint Marketing Board.
• The Bugishu Coffee Scheme Board (Uganda).
• The Uganda Non-Native Coffee Marketing Board.
• The Uganda Coffee Control.
• The Coffee Marketing Board of Kenya.
• The Kenya Sisal Board.
• The Pyrethrum Board of Kenya.
• The Kenya Pig Industry Board.
• The Kenya Co-operative Creameries Ltd.
• The Kenya Farmers Association Ltd.
• The Tanganyika Coffee Growers Association Ltd.
• The Moshi Native Coffee Board (Tanganyika).
• The Bukoba Native Coffee Board (Tanganyika).
• The Tanganyika Pyrethrum Board.
• The Zanzibar Clove Growers Association.
• The Native Tobacco Board (Nyasaland).
• The Citrus Growers Association Ltd. (Jamaica).
• The Co-operative Citrus Growers Association of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd.
• The Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association.
• The St. Vincent Arrowroot Association.
• The British Guiana Rice Marketing Board.
• The Fiji Copra Board.

For the latest available information as to the reserve funds of the Gold Coast and Nigeria Cocoa Marketing Boards I would refer my hon. Friend to the Boards' Annual Reports for the year 1948–49, copies of which can be obtained from the Crown Agents for the Colonies.The other West African Marketing Boards began operating only in 1949, and information as to their reserves will not be available until their first annual reports and accounts are published.In Uganda the Cotton Price Assistance Fund stood at £7,351,206 on the 31st March, 1950, and the Coffee Fund at £2,037,106. These funds are administered by Government.The Kenya Sisal Board, the Pyrethrum Boards and the Fiji Copra Board do not operate price stabilisation funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent humane methods of slaughtering cattle are being employed in the Colonial areas; and what consideration has been given in promoting such more humane methods as are being or have been adopted in this country.

This is a matter to which Colonial Governments have devoted much attention. Several territories have made experiments with a view to adopting improved methods and I recently inquired to what extent they were proving successful. In the light of the experience gained I shall consider addressing Colonial Governments generally on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent large-scale experiments have been initiated in any of the Colonies in the last six months to test the possibility of mechanically decorticating fibres which might be successfully grown as substitutes for jute.

As a result of laboratory tests made last year and inspection of experiments in the United States and Cuba the conclusion was reached that mechanical decortication of suitable fibres was unlikely to be successful. Experiments are, however, now being made with machinery for harvesting and retting, and the first tests will be carried out in Nigeria later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to incidents which occurred at the central stores of the Amalgamated Tin Mines of Nigeria at Bukura on 5th July, when tear gas was twice used against miners; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.

The disturbance is believed to have arisen as a result of a misunderstanding over conditions for the resumption of work after a recent strike. While the police were making routine inquiries into alleged rough treatment of a foreman during the first phase of the trouble a crowd collected and stones were thrown at the police. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. There were no injuries on either side. The men were persuaded to return to work by administrative and labour officers and the president of the Miners' Union, and efforts to settle by conciliation have been resumed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the editors of two Nigerian newspapers, the "West African Pilot" and the "Daily Service," have been arrested, together with Drs. Akintola Major and N. Azikiwe, directors of these papers; and also on what grounds Mr. S. L. Akintola, a member of the Nigerian Youth Movement, has been arrested.

I invite attention to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 5th July about their cases. None of the persons mentioned were arrested. Mr. S. L. Akintola was prosecuted as editor of the "Daily Service." Neither Dr. Maja nor Dr. Azikiwe were prosecuted personally; they were subpoenaed as witnesses of the Crown. The Service Press Ltd. and Ziks Press Ltd. were each convicted and fined £100. The editors were acquitted in both cases, but Mr. Ojiki, the author of the article in the "West African Pilot," was fined £40.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further statement to make on the progress of the constitutional review in Nigeria.

Yes. This review has resulted in general agreement over a wide field as to the form and direction of future constitutional advance in Nigeria. One important point—the composition of the Central Legislature—is still under discussion. But in view of the wide measure of agreement already reached by representatives of all sections of the people of Nigeria, after discussions throughout the territory, His Majesty's Government decided, after carefully considering the agreed recommendations, to let it be known that they are ready to accept those recommendations as the framework of a new Nigerian Constitution subject to a satisfactory settlement about the composition of the Central Legislature and to further examination of details when the constitutional review has been completed.A despatch in this sense is being published today here and in Nigeria and copies of it have been placed in the Library together with copies of the recommendations of the Nigerian General Conference and the Report of a local Select Committee on those recommendations. I will keep the House informed of developments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons why Radio Malaya is unwilling to relay the British Broadcasting Corporation's Far Eastern service daily programme in Malay.

Radio Malaya is not unwilling to relay the B.B.C.'s broadcasts in Malay. It relays these transmissions twice weekly; to relay them daily would mean sacrificing other commitments which are considered to be more urgent in view of the present state of emergency in Malaya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the evidence which has now been submitted to him, he is prepared to remove every ban which prevents Mr. W. A. C. McNamee of the Buk it Mertajam Rubber Company from holding an appointment in any part of the Federation of Malaya.

No. The action taken against Mr. McNamee was in accordance with the Emergency Regulations now in force in the Federation of Malaya and on the evidence available to me I see no reason to intervene.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps are being taken to modify convoy escort vessels to meet the new conditions of underwater attack.

In accordance with the Navy Estimates, six Fleet destroyers are being taken in hand for conversion to fast anti-submarine frigates during the present year. In addition, a number of existing frigates are fitted with modern anti-submarine equipment. This programme of modernisation and conversion will be speeded up following on the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence today.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is still proposed to dispense in the near future with the services of a large number of extended service commission officers; and whether, in view of the present threat to world peace, these officers will now be retained in His Majesty's service.

There is no present intention to depart, except possibly in a few special instances, from the arrangements in hand for the normal release of these officers as their service engagements permit, but the requirements of naval officers will continue to be under constant review.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) if he is satisfied that the existing methods of supervision of employees in His Majesty's Dockyards enable him to detect a change of loyalty on the part of employees whose credentials at entry appear to be satisfactory;(2) what organisation is employed to check the credentials of applicants for work in His Majesty's Dockyards.

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the methods employed in safeguarding the security of His Majesty's Dockyards, but I am satisfied that all practicable steps have been taken.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is yet able to make a statement in regard to making the naval ordnance inspection department a uniformed and active service branch of the Royal Navy.

No. The Admiralty are still considering this suggestion, which the hon. and gallant Member put forward some time ago.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in what circumstances, and subject to what limitations, ship-repairers can obtain softwoods for repairing damaged hatches.

Softwood for repairing merchant ship hatches is licensed regionally in sufficient quantities to enable the work to be carried out, and the ship-repairer is then free to obtain his requirements from any source in the United Kingdom. Although softwood stocks are low, I am not aware of any case in which a ship has been delayed through inability to obtain suitable timber for hatches.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he now has a further statement to make on the explosion in the ammunition ships at Portsmouth, or on any of the seven other incidents of damage to His Majesty's ships since the beginning of June.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement on the incidents of possible sabotage to naval vessels that have occurred in recent weeks, including the incidents at both Devonport and Portsmouth dockyards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he has any further statement to make about recent acts of alleged sabotage in His Majesty's Ships.

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement on the Portsmouth explosion made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24th July. In recent months there has been an increase in the frequency of cases of malicious damage in His Majesty's Ships. These have, in the main, been of a minor character, clumsy in execution and in all probability committed by disgruntled individuals, and the Admiralty has no reason to suppose that these acts are part of a planned campaign of sabotage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what special preparations have been made to overhaul ships lying up as reserves.

There is a regular programme for overhauling ships in the Reserve Fleet. A large number have been refitted since 1948 and provision was made in the Navy Estimates for the process to continue this year. The announcement made this afternoon by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence will enable more work of this character to be done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why, immediately after the recent explosion of ammunition in Portsmouth Harbour, and while the cause of the explosion was still unknown, the office of the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, issued a statement that there was no reason to suspect sabotage.

Because, on the evidence then available, there was no such reason; the statement was amplified later.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he has any further statement to make on the recent ammunition explosion at Bedenham.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24th July.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, with regard to the recent Portsmouth explosion, compensation will be paid for loss of increment to hotels or boarding houses whose windows are broken or properties damaged to the extent that they cannot receive guests, in view of the fact that this is the holiday season.

As I informed the House on 19th July, claims for compensation, resulting from this explosion, which may include claims of the kind referred to by the hon. Member, are being accepted by the Admiralty without prejudice to the legal position.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether a Service burial has yet been arranged for the H.M.S. "Truculent" casualty buried by the civil authorities on 27th June.

No. As I have informed the hon. and gallant Member, certain legal requirements have to be complied with before the body can be transferred, but as soon as these have been completed a Service funeral will be arranged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that distress and disturbance is being caused to residents and visitors throughout the Bognor Regis area of West Sussex by high-speed low-flying service aircraft; and what steps he is taking to alleviate the situation.

I understand that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to aircraft flying from the Royal Naval Air Station, Ford. There is a general rule prohibiting low flying over populated areas, but aircraft must fly low on coming in to land, and on taking off. I recognise that when dummy deck landing practices are undertaken, as has been the case recently, some inconvenience is likely to be caused to residents in the neighbourhood of the airfield. I am sorry for this but it must be done as these practices are an essential part of the training of naval pilots.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many candidates have been accepted in the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors since the new conditions of service were announced earlier this year; and how many have resigned from the Corps.

There have been two resignations and no acceptances; but recruitment takes place only once a year, and this year's entry arrangements are not yet complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many Women's Royal Naval Service ratings are now employed at Chequers and in what capacities; why they were not withdrawn when the employment of Women's Royal Naval Service ratings in private residences was prohibited by the Admiralty; whether the full cost of their pay allowances and victualling is recovered and from whom; and when they will return to naval duties.

The position remains as stated in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Shrewsbury (Mr. Langford-Holt) of 20th July, 1949. Although the withdrawal of W.R.N.S. from official residences is proceeding, the process is not complete, and the question of the W.R.N.S. at Chequers is still under discussion. The contribution of £1,400 as an Appropriation-in-Aid of Navy Votes, referred to in the supplementary reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Shrewsbury, does not cover the cost to Navy Votes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what representations or complaints he has received regarding the method of promotion of extemporary Royal Marine officers; and what action he proposes to take.

Representations have been received in two cases recently that the rules governing the adjustment of the seniority of temporary lieutenants, Royal Marines, on transfer to permanent commissions tended to give these officers an advantage over those who were commissioned direct into the Royal Marines by examination.The adjustment was calculated to prevent undue hardship to permanent officers of similar seniority and is in fact such that the average age of direct entry officers on promotion to lieutenant is slightly lower than that of the ex-temporary officers after transfer.Amongst the 200 officers in both categories concerned there are naturally a few cases where individuals who were commissioned at a lower age than the majority enjoy some consequent advantage. But my noble Friend is satisfied that overall the regulations operated without injustice and he does not propose to alter them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the Inspector of Seamen's Wills, Admiralty, Bath, will be in a position to give immediate attention to the claim for prize money by the widow of No. M.D. 12878 Chief Petty Officer Thomas Crowe.

The Prize Money due to Mrs. Crowe will be paid shortly.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the disqualifications from membership of joint production committees in the Post Office.

Staff representation on joint production committees is governed by membership of a constituent body of the Post Office Departmental Whitley Councils, which set them up.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to restore a sub-post office in Ruswarp, in view of the inconvenience and difficulty experienced by the residents of that village since the former sub-post office was closed some time ago.

Every effort has been and will continue to be made to obtain a suitable candidate for this sub-office at the earliest possible moment, but so far a suitable candidate has not been forthcoming. In order to minimise local inconvenience, a postal clerk is by special arrangement attending in the village for two hours on Fridays to pay pensions and allowances and to transact other Post Office business.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the instructions recently issued to residents on the St. Paul's Cray estate by the local head postmaster to designate this area as Orpington; and whether, in view of the fact that St. Paul's Cray is not in the Orpington division but in Chislehurst, and does not come under the Orpington District Council but in the Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District Council, he will take steps to define the postal boundaries in accordance with the constituency and urban district boundary, and thus prevent the anomalies and confusion which must otherwise arise.

Yes. Following development of the St. Paul's Cray estate minimum adjustments are being made in order to provide satisfactory delivery services. It is not practicable to adopt the hon. Member's proposal which would result in a worsening of services at greater cost.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the difference in priority of delivery between a 2½d. and 1d. postal packet.

Printed paper packets prepaid 1d. only and posted in London by 4.15–4.30 p.m. and in the Provinces by an hour prescribed locally, receive the same treatment generally as packets prepaid 2½d. If they are posted later in the day they are liable, unless prepaid an extra ½d., to be withheld from normal despatch for later despatch and delivery.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with the inquiries regarding the allocation of a wavelength for the said in his reply of 19th July to the

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present state of the negotiations aimed at restoring the Airmet Service for civilian aviation.

The matter is still under consideration and I am not yet able to add to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Gosport and Fareham (Surgeon Lieut. Commander Bennett) on 21st June, 1950.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the closing of the Higher Clovelly post office has caused great inconvenience to the local people; and what steps he proposes to take to replace the sub-postmaster Who resigned because he could not live on his pay of 50s. per week.

Every effort is being made to re-open this sub-Office. Meantime, in order to mitigate local inconvenience, arrangements have been made, as from Friday next, the 28th July, for a postal clerk to attend in the village for two hours on Fridays to pay pensions and allowances and to transact other Post Office business.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of employees over the age of 70 in the service of his Department.

Figures are not available of Post Office employees over the age of 70, and it would involve a disproportionate amount of work to collect them. Regard is had to the Government policy of retaining elderly men if fit and efficient.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that at present there are only two postal deliveries in the central districts of Glasgow as against five pre-war; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the present inadequate service.

The present scale of postal facilities, including the number of deliveries, was introduced in 1947 in order to conserve manpower for productive industry. I have lately announced my intention to improve posting facilities, but I regret that the provision of additional deliveries would involve prohibitive calls on manpower.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has instructed the British Broadcasting Corporation to draw up a detailed plan for improving the signal strength of their foreign broadcasts.

In accordance with the terms of its Licence and Agreement the Corporation is required to send overseas programmes to such countries as are prescribed by the appropriate Department of His Majesty's Government. The standard of reception is kept under constant review by the prescribing Departments in collaboration with the B.B.C. and adjustments are made from time to time to make the coverage as effective as is practicable.

asked the Postmaster-General upon what principles he acts when deciding whether to make representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation as to the nature and content of any particular broadcast play or propaganda material.

It has been the policy of successive Governments that the B.B.C. shall be allowed, in peace-time, complete independence in the day to day management of its buisiness. The preparation of programmes is entirely within the discretion of the Corporation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the poor reception of television on the South Coast; what are the causes of interference; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

Yes; interference may be caused by motor cars and electrical apparatus, but the main cause of poor reception is distance from the television transmitter at Alexandra Palace. It is still too soon to say what remedial measures may be found to be practicable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to residents at Chalford Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, by the fact that the morning collection from their letter box is earlier than the first delivery of letters, he will arrange for the postal service to be revised.

The postal services in the Chalford Hill area have recently been revised and this has led temporarily to some delay in delivery. I hope that as soon as the postmen have become accustomed to their new duties, both the delivery and collection arrangements will prove to be satisfactory.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is yet in a position to announce the names of the members of the committee he proposes to appoint under Section 9 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949.

The President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, with the approval of the Council, has nominated 45 persons to constitute the panel provided for by Section 9, subsection (2), of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949. From this panel I have appointed two committees, one of which I will consult before making regulations for prescribing the requirements to be complied with in the case of ignition systems of certain internal combustion engines.The Chairman of this Committee will be Colonel Sir A. Stanley Angwin, K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D., B.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.E.E., and the members will be as follow: Mr. A. H. Ball, A.M.I.E.E., Mr. H. Bishop, C.B.E., B.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.E.E., Mr. S. R. Burbidge, Sir John Dalton, A.M.I.E.E., Mr. W. J. Edwards, B.Sc., Sir Peirson Frank, M.I.C.E., F.R.I.C.S., Mr. F. Gratwick, A.C.I.S., Professor Willis Jackson, D.Sc., D.Phil., M.I.E.E., F.Inst.P., Mr. E. M. Lee, B.Sc., M.I.E.E., Dr. H. E. Merritt, M.B.E., D.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.Mech.E., Mr. E. L. E. Pawley, M.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.E.E., Mr. N. E. Rowe, C.B.E., B.Sc., F.R.Ae.S., Mr. G. F. Sinclair, C.B.E., M.I.E.E., Mr. T. M. H. Stubbs, Mrs. C. Renton Taylor, and Dr. S. Whitehead, Ph.D., MA., M.I.E.E.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, when the postage to foreign countries is raised, he will consider the issue, through the principals of modern language teachers in schools, of a special envelope for the use of school boys and girls who correspond with opposite numbers in foreign countries, in order to encourage the continuance of this valuable practice.

Letters exchanged between students at schools in different countries through the intermediary of the principals of the schools concerned, may, as a concession under the Universal Postal Convention, be sent in one packet at the rate of postage applicable to commercial papers.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange for premises already wired for the telephone to have a receiver fitted forthwith where the occupants so desire.

This is the present practice, where spare wires through to the exchange are available for the applicant and there is spare switching equipment at the exchange.

asked the Postmaster-General what procedure his Department adopts when there is a change of occupant of living accommodation or business accommodation in which a telephone is installed.

Service is given to the new occupant, if he applies, provided that there is no nearby waiting applicant with a stronger claim to the use of the exchange line. If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind any particular case of difficulty, I shall be pleased to have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General how many demands for the installation of telephones for business and domestic purposes, respectively, have been refused during the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply of the necessary equipment.

Supplies of telephone equipment are limited by the funds available to the Post Office for capital investment. During the year ended 31st March, 1950, 160,133 new applications could not be met, but 380,696 orders were completed, including 162,243 outstanding from previous years. Separate figures are not available for business and residential applications.

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of recent instances of sabotage, he will take steps to ensure that no Communist agents are employed in the telephone exchanges in the London area.

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the adaptor for coupling the Medresco hearing aid to the ordinary telephone instrument has proved successful; and how many have been supplied to applicants.

The adaptor is still under trial and the stage of supplying it to the public has not yet been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make an announcement regarding the relaxation of Customs agreement of 21st October, 1939, and the future status of the dilutees.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will bring his Department into line with other sections of the Civil Service and publish a list indicating seniority and the time served by officers in the meteorological department.

Lists showing dates of appointment and seniority of all established officers in the meteorological office are already distributed within the Department and to staff representatives, and are available for perusal by members of the staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements he has made to enable civilian pilots to acquire experience on transport aircraft while serving in the Air Force Reserve.

As my right hon. Friend said in his reply of 19th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus) a number of members of the R.A.F.V.R. are now carrying out their annual training at stations in operational commands. These arrangements include Transport Command, and since they began, in March, 1950, 150 aircrew members of the R.A.F.V.R. have been given experience on transport aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what financial assistance is given to the owners of civil aerodromes, on derequisition, to enable them to repair and maintain runways and service roads constructed during the period of requisition for Service use.

Financial assistance to enable owners of civil aerodromes to repair and maintain runways and service roads constructed during a period of requisition is limited to compensation due in accordance with the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, as amended by Section 10 of the Requisitioned Land and War Works Act, 1948.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are his future plans for house coal distribution in Stoke-on-Trent.

House coal supplies will continue to be allocated to merchants trading in Stoke-on-Trent, as in other similar areas in the Midland Region, mainly on the basis of the number of their registered consumers. As I said on 26th June, in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne), additional supplies are being made available for household use in the present coal year, and the city of Stoke-on-Trent will receive its fair share of all available house coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the purpose of the circular sent out to coal merchants by the Director-General, House Coal Distribution (Emergency) Scheme, dated 16th June, 1950.

The House Coal Distribution (Emergency) Scheme is an organisation set up by the retail coal distributive trade, one of the main functions of which is to assist the Ministry in securing the equitable distribution of the available supplies of house coal. The Director-General's circular letter has three main objects:

(a) to give the trade information in regard to the current summer programme;

(b) to impress the continuing need for fair sharing of available supplies of house coal to consumers; and

(c) to emphasise the necessity for building up adequate stocks at coal depots during the summer, in order to safeguard the position of consumers during the winter—especially those who have no facilities for stocking themselves.

This letter is issued to all registered coal merchants and may not, therefore, reflect the exact conditions of supply in certain areas in all respects.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in view of the greatly increased use of Aga and other fuel-saving cookers since the war, allocations of phurnacite and anthracite based on pre-war purchases are insufficient to meet the needs of householders in Cornwall; that coke of the quality available is widely found to be an unsuitable substitute; and if he will take steps to increase supplies of suitable fuel.

I am aware that the use of such appliances has increased during recent years, but owing to the importance of anthracite as an export, I cannot at present hold out any hope of an early increase in domestic supplies of that fuel. Supplies of phurnacite are also far short of the demand but a second unit is being built which will double the plant capacity and the National Coal Board hope to have this in operation early next year. Ample supplies of coke, which is quite a suitable fuel for practically all of these cookers, are however available in most districts, and if the hon. Member will let me know of any difficulty in obtaining deliveries of suitable qualities of coke which has come to his notice, I will gladly have inquiries made. It is of course, desirable to use the correct sizes of coke to obtain the best results and the makers of the appliances will give advice on this point if necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Miss Gloria Butler, a citizen of the United States of America, leaving Dover on Sunday, 9th July, for the Continent after declaring she had £42 10s. in sterling had the whole of this sum confiscated from her by the Customs authorities although there had been no attempt at any evasion and as the banks were closed after she had received this money, there was no opportunity for her to bank it; and what steps he is proposing to take to make restitution.

The exportation by passengers of sterling bank notes in excess of £5 is prohibited and the law provides for the seizure of excess notes carried by travellers about to embark for abroad. Whether the forfeiture is maintained depends upon circumstances, and in this particular case, for example, restoration is being made to Miss Butler through banking channels.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to arrange for facilities for travellers leaving the United Kingdom to deposit with the Customs authorities any excess currency they may have in their possession in cases where there has been no attempt at evasion.

None. But there are branches of banks and of travel agents at the main sea and airports which provide facilities for people to get rid of excess currency notes before they reach the Immigration and Customs controls.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that sufficient personnel have now been recruited for Civil Defence.

No, my right hon. Friend is not satisfied; and he has asked recruiting authorities to consider ways and means of improving the position in the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what orders have been issued to Civil Defence officers to bring their organisations to a state of preparedness.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statements made by my right hon. Friend and myself in the course of the Debate on Civil Defence last Monday.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made in the design and construction of a radar approach scanner which can be used by flying control officers.

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to a complete radar approach system, of which the scanner is a part. Such a system is now being developed under Ministry of Supply contract and models should be ready for trial early in 1951. Production is expected to begin about mid-1952.

asked the Minister of Supply when a decision is likely to be taken on the use to which the Hermes V will be put.

Two experimental aircraft of this type are on order for the Ministry of Supply; further orders are not contemplated.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made in designing a lightweight airborne radar set to direct captains of aircraft away from the most dangerous parts of thunderstorms.

Development of a set to satisfy requirements of propellor driven aircraft is now complete. The results of trials are satisfactory. Further development is now going on to make the set suitable for use in jet aircraft.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made in designing lightweight airborne equipment for use as a replacement to the B.A.B.S. system.

The Blind Approach Beacon System will be replaced by the Instrument Landing System. Development of this is complete and production of the equipment has begun.