asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is his intention to bring practice in the Colonial Empire into line with the United Kingdom for the payment of dependants' allowances to special volunteer police who are killed when performing services to the community consistent with their accepted responsibilities.

The matter is one for individual colonial Governments, which must be left to decide which provision they will make in this respect, but I am consulting with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department about United Kingdom practice and will bring it to the notice of all colonial Governments which may be concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that at the moment such voluntary police are covered here whereas where the danger is greatest they lack coverage? Will he kindly expedite these conversations in view of what is going on in Malaya?

As I have said, I propose to consult my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and to bring to the notice of all the colonial Governments the practice which we adopt.

Quite apart from any consultations, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that a special constable in the United Kingdom is always on duty whereas in Malaya in certain circumstances he might be considered to be not on duty?

I am consulting with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary so that the practice here can be conveyed to them in exact terms. I should not like to answer that on the spot.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps can be taken to expedite the publication of colonial annual reports, many of which are nearly two years in arrear.

Efforts are being made to reduce the time taken in all stages of preparation and publication of the reports and it is hoped to institute new printing arrangements next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what Colonies campaigns are being conducted with a view to the complete eradication of malaria.

Campaigns are in progress in Mauritius, the coastal belt of British Guiana, Tobago and a number of experimental areas in East and West Africa. In Cyprus steps are being taken to prevent re-importation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, of which the island was declared free at the beginning of this year. The question of total eradication in hyper-endemic areas in Africa, with all its implications, was examined at the Malaria Conference held at Kampala from 27th November to 9th December under the joint auspices of the World Health Organisation and the Commission for Technical Co-operation in Africa south of the Sahara. This conference was attended by about 40 experts of international repute and the conclusions reached will be studied with great interest by colonial territories.

Have they considered concentrating on certain island areas which, apparently, could more easily be made proof against malaria?

I am awaiting the full report and when I have it I will be glad to have a word with the hon. Member about it.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the small fish which eats the larvæ of the fly that spreads malaria has been introduced into any of these Colonies?

I should want notice of that, but we have had the assistance of the greatest experts in the world in dealing with the matter and I am sure that no possible way of combating malaria will have escaped their attention.

Will the report of this conference be available to the House in due course?

I would like notice of that. I am not quite sure, because it was a committee of experts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the production of newsprint in the Gold Coast and in other colonial territories.

The use of possible substitutes for wood pulp has been and is being investigated, but so far none has been found which appears to offer a reasonably economic proposition for the production of newsprint. The main obstacle is the lack of soft woods in the colonial territories.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a recent French discovery whereby, by mixing hard and soft local woods, a suitable pulp is obtained? Has he given any consideration to developing that idea?

Yes, I have heard of that and I think it is being investigated, but with what results I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which members of the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee have had administrative experience of the problems of trade unionism in colonial territories.

The unofficial members of my Colonial Labour Advisory Committee have been appointed in a personal capacity to advise me in the light of their varied experience of labour problems. All except two of them have firsthand knowledge of colonial Labour con- ditions. When administrative or other special experience of any subject is needed the Committee has power to co-opt or consult persons who can contribute it. Quite recently the Committee were able to confer with five colonial Labour Commissioners.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that one or more members of this Committee have actually served in the Labour Department of any Colonial Government or have acted as trade union advisers to any Colonial Government?

No. What I said was that they were persons who had first-hand knowledge of colonial labour conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent pronouncements made by the Labour Commissioners of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika, the Government is prepared to re-examine its policy with regard to the extension of colonial trade unionism.

No, Sir. There is no question of any modification of the policy of encouraging the development of colonial trade unions. The point is that in East Africa the organisation of workers and employers has not yet reached a sufficiently advanced stage to make collective bargaining fully effective and the development of trade unionism, therefore, needs to be supplemented by the establishment of wages councils and joint consultative machinery.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the previous Question indicate that there is an urgent need for the Government to reconsider their policy, not only in the interest of the development of industrial relations in the Colonies but in the interests of bona fide trade unionism as well?

No, Sir. I will not reconsider the policy. It is unfair and highly dangerous to leave a growing body of wage earners in these colonial territories without an effective trade union to protect them. It is my desire and intention to do everything possible to foster the development of industrial relations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recommendations have been made to colonial Governments in respect of facilities and arrangements for official and non-official representatives from the colonial territories visiting this country during the Festival of Britain.

I certainly hope that there will be many visitors from the colonial territories next year. I have not made any recommendations to colonial Governments, but I am considering whether special arrangements to invite colonial representatives can be made. I cannot say more at present.

While a portion of that answer gives great satisfaction, would not my right hon. Friend agree that everything should be done to encourage colonials to come to this country? Further, can he say whether any part of the Festival will be devoted to colonial exhibits?

As I have said, I am giving attention to this problem. Perhaps my hon. Friend will have a word with me about it later.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many girls or women from the Colonies since the end of the war have completed their training as nurses and have returned to their homeland; how many of these have been appointed as sisters or other senior posts particularly in West Africa; how many are still in training in this country; and in what Colonies nurses are required to relinquish their posts on marriage.

Eighty-four, including 26 scholarship holders, have completed courses of training since the end of the war. I understand that the majority have returned or will shortly return to their own countries, but my information in regard to the private students is incomplete. I know of 14 cases in which offers of appointment as sisters or in comparable posts have been made or are about to be made. Three of these are in West Africa. But there have been, in addition, a large number of local appointments which would not come officially to my notice.

Seven hundred and ninety women are in training in the United Kingdom as nurses at present, including 125 scholarship holders. In most Colonies nurses may be required to resign on marriage, but cases are usually considered on their merits.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that nurses from colonial areas who have trained in this country have given very great and valuable service to our hospitals, and that some of them find it difficult to get senior posts when they return home? In view of that, would he not consider finding some means of encouraging the appointment of African and other colonial nurses to senior posts?

I agree with my hon. Friend when he says that while training here these nurses render valuable service. I am most anxious that when they go back home, having been trained here, they shall be given posts which are appropriate in view of the training which they have received. I will certainly do anything I can to help.

With reference to the last sentence in the original Question, would my right hon. Friend use all his influence to point out that it is most wasteful if nurses of any kind, from any part of the Dominions or the Colonial Empire, are asked to relinquish their posts on marriage?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet considered the report of the committee appointed to investigate the problem of trade unions in West Africa; and when he will make it available to the House.

The primary function of the group which visited Nigeria was to assist by their experience and advice in the improvement of industrial relations. They have made no formal report, but have had full discussions with me and the Governor, and two of them have returned to Nigeria to continue their work. I hope to give the House further information when various consultations now in progress are more advanced.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman intend to ask for a report?

No. When I announced the appointment of these four people to go to Nigeria I indicated that I thought they would serve a more useful purpose by not making a formal report but by having discussions with everybody concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can make a statement about the recent women's riot in Eastern Nigeria caused by the proposal to erect a pioneer palm-oil mill to replace or supplement hand-pressing.

As the reply is rather long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While recognising that the Secretary of State has no direct power over the Nigerian Development Board, may I ask him whether he would make representations to that Board to make sure that they are employing a sufficient number of people to explain the need of the pioneer mills in villages which are likely to be affected?

The question of explaining this matter to the people is of great importance. Unless there is a full explanation we cannot possibly secure their co-operation, which is most essential.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these mills have been established in many parts of Nigeria, which has enabled many women who were previously employed on old methods of milling to be transferred to new methods, with successful results?

Yes, Sir.

Following is the reply:

The introduction of pioneer palm-oil mills in the Eastern Provinces has been proceeding for some time, and 18 mills are at present in operation. During 1950 the Regional Production Development Board negotiated leases of sites for additional mills and work has been proceeding smoothly except in the Abak and Itu Divisions of Calabar Province. In the former Division a crowd of women gathered to protest against a site being leased to the Board and invaded a native court. There were subsequently minor disturbances in Itu Division and one native authority was attacked while sitting in council, members were assaulted and damage was done. Some arrests were made. Objections to the mills appear to be due to fear of competition and loss of employment by hand operators.

As the Board has repeatedly stated its intention of establishing mills only in areas where they are acceptable to the people the programme for mills in these two Divisions has been abandoned for the time being. Efforts are being continued by the Administration to persuade the people of the future benefits which these mills will bring to the palm-oil industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what opportunities are given in Nigeria for promotion and training to the European development officers.

Development officers who have the necessary qualifications are considered for transfer to the administrative or technical branches of the Government service. Eleven officers have secured such appointments during the past year.

Does my right hon. Friend think it possible that by special courses these development officers might become administrative officers at the end of 10 years' service?

Yes, Sir. As I have indicated some have already developed in that way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the attention of Nigerians is being drawn to the report of the recent Co-operative Mission from this country, so that they may learn that the charges of unfair discrimination against African co-operative societies by importers have little or no foundation in fact.

The report has been published by the Nigerian Government and is on sale to the public.

Yes, but could I have an answer to my Question?

I was asked whether the attention of the Nigerians is being drawn to the publication of the report. My reply referred to that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will ask the Governors of the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone why the reports of the Co-operative Mission which at his invitation visited those Colonies last year have, unlike the similar Nigerian Report, not been published.

Yes, Sir. I will write to the hon. Member when I receive the Governors' replies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far it is his policy to encourage the investment of British and American capital in the Gold Coast; and what steps he proposes to take to counteract the discouraging effects of statements made by the Convention People's Party that outside capitalist enterprises will be nationalised.

In the debate of 9th November on the Colonial Development and Welfare Bill I made it clear that the investment of capital from outside sources in the colonial territories will be welcomed. This applies equally to the Gold Coast, and the Governor emphasised in a recent speech to the Legislative Council the necessity of maintaining conditions of security and confidence in order that capital and technical assistance may be forthcoming. I believe that this necessity is apparent to the majority of African leaders.

Is it not a fact that the Colonial Development Corporation, in their last Report, said that they were unwilling to invest money in the Gold Coast so long as the present political atmosphere exists? If that attitude is taken by the Colonial Development Corporation, can the right hon. Gentleman expect private investors to put any money into the Gold Coast?

I dealt with that matter in the debate we had recently. It is a matter which is better dealt with at some length rather than in an answer to a question.

Is this an attempt by the big firms in the City to impose a control on the economic policy of the Gold Coast by threatening to withhold capital if that policy is not what they desire?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what grants have been made by the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund to the building of the Enugu stadium; and what further grant will be made in respect of its completion.

I am ascertaining from the Acting Governor whether any grant for this specific purpose has been or is to be made from the Colonial Development and Welfare grant for town planning and reconstruction generally. I will write to my hon. Friend when I receive his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has considered the protest of the Togoland Union to the United Nations Trusteeship Council in view of the objection of the registration of Ewe people for the Gold Coast elections; and if he is now aware of the reason for the absence of five of the 17 members from the Anglo-French Consultative Committee meeting.

These matters are being investigated by the Governor and I am awaiting his report.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been considerable delay in this matter, and that I put a question down some months ago, was promised a reply, and have not yet received it?

This is a very difficult matter. I do not think that there has been delay. This question must be considered very carefully. I certainly do not want to delay a final decision and I will do my best to expedite the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds he has delayed reconsideration of Mrs. Becker's claim for pension promised in June last; whether he is aware that at the inquest on her husband's death the coroner drew attention to the negligence of the Malay police constable; and if he will expedite this matter.

There has been no delay in reconsidering Mrs. Becker's claim. The allegation at the inquest of negligence on the part of the police was fully investigated by the Singapore Government, who are satisfied that there was no foundation for the charge. As the hon. Member is aware, I have asked the Governor of Singapore to expedite reconsideration of this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that representations were made by me as long ago as March, that it is now December and that Mr. Becker was killed some considerable time before my original representations were made? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is very fair treatment of a man who was in the special volunteer police in Malaya?

The hon. Lady knows, and I should like the House to understand, that the Government have made an ex gratia payment in the case of Mr. Becker. As I have indicated, the Governor is reconsidering the matter and I will certainly ask him to let me have a reply as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman stress the urgency of "as soon possible" as this gallant man was killed nearly 2½ years ago and the ex gratia payment, however welcome, is wholly inadequate to the need and quite different from what would have been done had a special constable been killed in the United Kingdom?

I have asked for the matter to be settled as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ex gratia payment to which he refers barely covered the out-of-pocket expenses of Mrs. Becker in going to Singapore to claim her rights?

I do not want to discuss this ex gratia payment. I have had some experience of this in our own country. I do not think it was too bad an ex gratia payment, but the matter is being reconsidered and I will see that it is dealt with as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed that elections for local authorities should be held in Malaya.

It is hoped that a start will be made next year with elections in the municipalities of Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of holding the elections as early as possible if we are to convince the people of Malaya that we intend to give them self-government within a reasonable time?

Yes, Sir, I am very conscious of that.

Without in any way going back on our constitutional intentions, will the right hon. Gentleman see that time is not spent by hard-worked officials in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on proposed changes which, at this moment, could be better spent on ending the war in Malaya?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the report of the Benham Salaries Commission of the Federation of Malaya, with particular reference to the benefits recommended for Europeans and Malays, respectively.

The Report of the Benham Salaries Commission was adopted by the Legislative Council of the Federation of Malaya at its meeting on 21st November, subject to reservation of certain posts on which further consultation between the Federation and Singapore Governments and myself is required, and with a proviso that the staff concerned may opt for direct negotiation within four weeks. With regard to the last part of the Question, I must point out that the Report does not affect the present practice by which the same basic salary applies to a post whether it be held by a European or by an Asian.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is considerable discontent among Asians with technical ability because Europeans doing exactly the same jobs as themselves are getting paid more than they are? Can he explain how he justifies this racial discrimination?

They are paid the same basic salary, but there is for the expatriate officer an expatriate allowance and, without this, it would be impossible to recruit the necessary Europeans.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a 50 per cent. expatriate allowance is usual for people who work outside their own country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his recent official consultations with General Sir Harold Briggs on Malaya.

I apologise for the length of this answer. My talks with the High Commissioner and the Director of Operations were concerned generally with methods of speeding up the progress of the operations against the Communist terrorists in Malaya and, in particular, with measures which might be taken by His Majesty's Government to assist the Government of the Federation of Malaya in carrying out these operations. Special attention was paid to the recruitment of additional staff in certain grades and to the expedition of the delivery from this country of essential supplies. I am glad to say that general agreement was reached with Sir H. Gurney and General Briggs at all discussions and that steps to give effect to this have already been taken.

The question of financial assistance to the Federation was also discussed. I am in further consultation with the High Commissioner and hope to make a further statement very shortly.

In Malaya new measures to be taken by the Federation Government to intensify operations against the terrorists were announced by the Officer Administering Government in Legislative Council on 21st November. Regulations are being enacted giving the Government full powers when necessary to conscript and direct labour. The Federal War Council is being strengthened by the inclusion of leaders of the Malay and Chinese communities and a representative of the planters. Expatriate officers are being asked to accept a further curtailment of their leave and, in order to release officials for more urgent tasks, all office work is to be reduced by postponing everything which can be postponed without detriment to the campaign or to the well-being of Malaya. Sir William Jenkin, a man with long and extensive experience of C.I.D. and Special Branch work has been appointed as Director of Intelligence in the Federation Police Force. All these measures were unanimously approved by the Legislative Council.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, may I ask him to ensure that these agreements are carried out? May I further ask whether one of the questions under discussion was the shortage of C.I.D. officers, and whether he is satisfied that the position will be put right? What measures are to be taken to increase the recruitment of trained C.I.D. officers for Malaya?

The recruitment of fully qualified and experienced C.I.D. men is one of the most difficult problems. We had discussions and arrived at decisions as to how we thought that requirement could best be met. I feel confident that we shall be able to meet the requirements that have been askd for.

The right hon. Gentleman said that certain equipment that was outstanding was discussed. Is he aware that the Minister of Defence last week led us to believe that there was no equipment outstanding? Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance on that point?

I was referring to equipment generally, not military equipment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise, as I hope he does, that the Opposition also have entire confidence in Sir Henry Gurney and General Briggs, and are glad that the conversations have been so successful?

Could the Secretary of State assure the House that there is no delay whatever in supplying radio equipment for the police, and also barbed wire for the planters?

I would not say that there is no delay whatever. There was some delay. We have now discussed that with those concerned and I think that we have found a way of overcoming those delays.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the new proprietor of the "Neos Democratis" newspaper, Cyprus, has been required to deposit £500 in cash to secure the bond furnished by him under the Press Law, 1947.

The Cyprus Press Law requires a newspaper proprietor to furnish a bond for £500 "with one or more sureties or otherwise secured to the satisfaction of the Colonial Secretary" in order to ensure payment of any penalty or damages payable as a result of proceedings for libel or under the Press Law. In the case of "Neos Democratis" the Colonial Secretary decided that without a cash deposit the bond would be insufficiently secured.

Is it not a fact that sureties were available in this case, and could my right hon. Friend look at it again to make sure that there are precedents for this requirement and that it is not merely an attempt to handicap the paper in some way?

I understand that it is within the law. I should tell my hon. Friend that the previous record of this proprietor and newspaper has made this necessary. Both of them have been before the courts on more than one occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Europeans are at present unemployed in Tanganyika.

I have asked the Governor for this information, in so far as it may be available, and will write to the hon. Member when I receive his reply.

While appreciating that there are vast opportunities in Tanganyika for the right people in properly organised businesses, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will make sure that the people taken out to those countries by the Overseas Food Corporation are not left with any sense of resentment against this Government?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what public funds are allocated by the Government of North Rhodesia for the purposes of soil conservation in European areas and for soil conservation and development of cooperatives in African areas, respectively.

I will ask the Governor of Northern Rhodesia for this information and will communicate with my hon. Friend when the reply is received.

Does my right hon. Friend know whether the African Farming Improvement Fund is being used at all for the purpose of soil conservation in the European areas?

I do not think that that arises out of the Question. If my hon. Friend will put it down, I will certainly be very glad to answer it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out what proportions of these public funds is met by the European and the African populations respectively?

I will seek that information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the body responsible for the allocation of the North Rhodesian African Farming Improvement Fund; how many Africans are included in this body and how they are chosen.

The committee which administers the African Farming Improvement Fund consists of the Director of Agriculture, who is the Chairman, the Commissioner for Native Development, three officials from the provincial Administration, one of the unofficial members of Legislative Council nominated to represent African interests and two African members who represent the African farmers. I am making inquiries of the Governor about the method of appointment and will communicate with my hon. Friend when the reply is received.

Will my right hon. Friend look into this question, in view of the fact that the Farming Improvement Fund is made up of contributions from the African farmers, and satisfy himself that the Africans have sufficient representation to reassure them that the Fund is being used in their interests?

I am very anxious to do all I can to reassure the Africans on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that claims for an increased cost of living bonus for Gibraltar locally-entered non-industrial staffs of the Colonial Government and Defence Ministries have been outstanding since 19th May, 1950, and that according to the Defence Ministries, decisions on these claims cannot be reached until a report is received from the Colonial Secretariat; and whether he will take action to secure an early report from the authorities in Gibraltar in order to bring the long delay to an end.

I am aware that last April the Gibraltar Civil Service Association claimed an increase in the local cost-of-living bonus. Shortly afterwards it was announced that the existing bonus was to be consolidated into pensionable salaries with effect from 1st January, 1950. Examination of the claim here was complicated by this consolidation and necessarily took time. I have been in consultation with the Governor and I know that he is anxious to reach a decision as soon as possible.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when a decision will be reached on this matter?

Very shortly, I hope.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a dredger has been purchased for use in Malta in accordance with Scheme 1247 under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts; and what progress has been made in this scheme.

I understand that an order for a dredger has recently been placed in the United Kingdom by the Malta Government through the Crown Agents for the Colonies, but that the vessel has not yet been delivered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the new Uganda railway extension from Kampala to Fort Portal is being financed.

No decision has been taken to extend the railway to Fort Portal. It is, however, proposed, subject to the approval of the Uganda Legislative Council and the East African Central Legislative Assembly, to extend the railway some 50 miles from Kampala to Mityana. This would be financed by the East African Railways and Harbours Administration under guarantee by the Uganda Government. Any extension beyond Mityana will depend on the results of economic and engineering surveys now being arranged.

In view of the length of time this project has been considered, and the urgent technical reasons why it should now be given special consideration, will the Secretary of State consider the desirability of this extension in present circumstances; and will he make a statement to the House when it has been decided to go on with it?

I am very anxious indeed to do everything we possibly can to facilitate the provision of better communications in Africa, which is one of our most urgent problems. With regard to the extension beyond Mityana, I would rather wait to hear the result of the investigations which are now proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many African trade unions were struck off the register in Uganda in 1949; how many African trade unions are on the register in that territory; and what were the reasons for the striking off of the Uganda Transport and General Workers Trade Union and the Uganda African Motor Drivers' Association.

Two trade unions, which were those mentioned in the last part of the Question, were removed from the register during 1949, in both cases because they had ceased to function. There are at present no African trade unions on the Uganda register.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the fact that a progressive Colony like Uganda has no trade unions is very disturbing, in view of the present policy of the Government in this respect?

Yes, Sir. I am most anxious to see trade unions develop in all the colonial territories.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there has been no further development of trade union activity in Uganda?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on that, I will try to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make a statement on the case of Mr. Musazi.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 25th October.

Does that mean that Mr. Musazi cannot return to his home, or that he would run certain risks if he did so?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier reply. The man came to this country some time ago in circumstances which I described in that reply. The view of the Governor, which I share, is that he ought not to go back.

Is my right hon. Friend willing to consider new evidence and considerations in this matter?

I do not think that I could consider new evidence produced now, two years after the investigation.

Can my right hon. Friend say under what conditions this man could return?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when an actuarial investigation was last made into the East African Widows' and Orphans' Pension Scheme in Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika and Zanzibar; and if these sums are kept in a special account.

The last investigation was completed in August, 1948. The problems raised by the report of the Government actuary are of considerable complexity and the Governments concerned have not yet been able to form their final views on the results of the investigation. Meantime most of the Governments are placing the contributions, which are payable into revenue, in special deposit accounts.

Is it not a fact that the figures produced by this investigation show that far more money is being accumulated than is likely to have to be paid out according to the present actuarial tables?

I would rather wait until I have the views of the Governors on the report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will define the part that the voluntary agencies are to play in the development of African primary education in Kenya; and, in particular, whether new schools to be built and equipped by African local native councils will be run by the missions.

It is the policy of the Government of Kenya to continue to work through voluntary agencies in the reorganisation and expansion of African education. African local native councils will continue to run their own schools though they may make grants towards building and equipping voluntary agency schools. Increased inspection and supervision will ensure that these schools maintain the required standards of educational efficiency.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while Africans are very much indebted to the missions for the work they have done in the past, and for the work being done today, they feel that the time has now come when they could play a much larger part and organise their own services?

I have no doubt that in the future that will be the line of development.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what rise has taken place in the cost of living in Mauritius from 1948 to 1950.

There are six separate cost of living indices in Mauritius relating to different classes of wage earners. In September, 1950, five of these indices stood at almost exactly the same level as in June, 1948, and one had risen by 3 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what control is exercised by the Government of Mauritius over the rents of land which they have leased to private individuals or companies; and what proportion of Government leased land is used for hunting purposes.

I am consulting the Governor on the subject and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received his reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what training, voluntary or compulsory, is available to officers and ratings on the Reserve of the Women's Royal Naval Service.

There is no compulsory training, but voluntary refresher courses for certain specialist officers are now in progress. Further courses will start in January.

Will the hon. Gentleman pay great attention to the importance of training for these people, especially those in the technical branches?

Yes, Sir. The courses that are starting in January will, to some extent, be for the technical branches.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the new pay code for the Royal Marines has yet been introduced; and if he will publish details of it in HANSARD or as a White Paper.

I hope that it may be possible to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates and motor torpedo boats separately, have been sold, and how many scrapped, since the end of the war; and how many of those sold were sold to foreign countries.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman clarify one point? In view of the heavy depletion in our naval strength and the virtual certainty, in the event of war, of naval operations in narrow waters, with the inevitable losses which follow, will he state why the Government will not lay down a single additional cruiser?

That seems very wide of the original Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what changes have been made in the disposition of His Majesty's ships in the categories, "Active Fleet," "Training and Experimental, etc.," and "In Reserve," since the publication of the First Lord of the Admiralty's statement explanatory of the Navy Estimates, Command Paper No. 7897.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will publish in HANSARD a summary account of the part so far played in the Korean campaign by the 41st Independent Commando, Royal Marines, including a statement on the present whereabouts and function of this unit and the number of casualties sustained.

Yes, Sir. I am arranging for this to be done.

As regards aircraft carriers, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross) on 6th December. To show the changes in other classes of His Majesty's ships I will, with permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Without raising undue hopes, can my hon. Friend say whether the news announced last Friday afternoon, that a number of Marines who had been thought lost had, in fact, been rescued, may enable him to diminish somewhat the terribly long list of those missing which was published earlier the same day?

I am afraid not. No operational reports have yet been received about this fighting. I can say, however, that seven other ranks who were reported missing are now known to have been either wounded or killed. That is as far as I can go.

Following is the account:

41st Independent Commando R.M. (Lieut.- Colonel D. B. Drysdale, M.B.E., R.M.) arrived in Japan by air in early September as the result of a request from the American naval commander in the Far East for troops for special commando type operations against North Korea. Several naval and Marine volunteers from the Far East Fleet joined up with the Commando on its arrival. The unit was completely equipped by the Americans whilst in Japan.

Within four days of their arrival in Japan a detachment of the Commando—1 officer and 14 other ranks—left to take part in an operation in the Inchon area. They left Japan on 10th September with a Special Operations company of the U.S. Army and took part in a beach reconnaisance on the night of 12/13th September to the south of Inchon. On 18th September the detachment landed at Inchon with the U.S. Special Operations company and subsequently took part in several successful operations in the Seoul area. The detachment returned to Japan on 2nd October.

The Commando then came under the command of the Commander Naval Forces Far East (Admiral Joy U.S.N.) and made three successful raids on the East Coast of Korea from U.S. ships. The first raid took place on the night of lst/2nd October and was against enemy railway communications North East of Shako. Four officers and 63 other ranks were landed, including the commanding officer. A section of the embankment under the railway line was demolished and two tunnels were mined. During this raid minor opposition from poorly armed police was encountered. One Marine was killed.

The second raid was on the night of 6th/7th October, when two troops of the Commando landed under the command of Major D. L. St. M. Aldridge, R.M., at Churonjang. A rail and road tunnel was blown up with two tons of explosive and completely blocked. One non-commissioned officer was killed during this raid.

The third raid took place on the following night (7th/8th October) when the same two troops, who had landed the previous night, landed again. This raid was directed against a rail and road bridge and a tunnel and resulted in the bridge being blown and the tunnel partially blocked. Minor opposition was encountered and a tunnel guard shot. There were no casualties to the landing forces.

In these three raids from United States ships the greatest possible co-operation was given by the captains, officers and ships' companies of the ships concerned. The Commando concentrated as a complete unit in Japan on 14th October, 1950, and carried out a period of training. On 16th November the Commando left Japan to join the First Marine Division (U.S. Marine Corps) in the Choshin reservoir area. They had to fight their way up Hungnam-Hagaru Road and suffered fairly heavy casualties in the process; they have now been successful in fighting their way back to Hungnam: no operational reports have yet been received on the latest fighting. The Commando is still serving with the First Marine Division.

The casualties so far reported, including those mentioned above, are:

Officers:
Killed in Action		…	…	…	1
Wounded in Action			…	…	2
Missing	…	…	…	…	1
Other ranks:
Killed in Action		…	…	…	12
Wounded in Action			…	…	33
Missing	…	…	…	…	26

The next-of-kin have been informed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps he is taking to ensure that Naval personnel in Korea and Japan receive the necessary form of declaration F/Vote/33 in order that their votes may be recorded when necessary.

Naval personnel in Korea and Japan were included in a general order on this subject issued on 18th August, 1950. This directed that a check was to take place in all ships and establishments during September, 1950, and that a declaration form was to be handed to all men and women eligible to vote who were found not to have registered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the machinery for allocating contracts to shipyards under the naval refitting programme.

As regards that part of the programme which is beyond the capacity of the Royal dockyards, the allocation of contracts is made after consultation with the other Departments principally concerned.

Is the Civil Lord aware that the Merseyside yards did not get their fair share in the recent programme, and, in view of the unemployment already existing in that area, will he give an assurance that they will get their full and proper share of any future contracts?

I cannot agree that the Merseyside yards are not getting their fair share. I would inform the hon. Gentleman that we are getting requests from all the other ship repairing districts in the country, who are all saying that they are not getting their fair share.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a statement regarding the future of Trincomalee as a naval base.

The Royal Naval Base at Trincomalee is maintained as the base of the East Indies Squadron with the agreement of the Ceylon Government, under the terms of the Defence Agreement, 1947, between the United Kingdom and the Ceylon Governments. This Agreement provides that the United Kingdom Government may base such forces in Ceylon as may be mutually agreed.

With due respect, is the Minister aware that he has not definitely answered the Question? Is there any intention on the part of the Government to relinquish keeping our fleet there or using Trincomalee harbour?

The hon. Member asked me to make a statement and that is what I have done.

asked the Prime Minister whether his talks in Washington included consideration of the reduced supplies of raw cotton to this country; and what are the prospects of securing an increase in supplies.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the debate which will take place tomorrow.

asked the Prime Minister what special instructions he has recently given to Ministers of the Crown, in the light of the delicate international situation, to arrange that any speeches made by them on foreign policy are in line with the foreign policy of His Majesty's Government.

I think I can ask the House to leave to my discretion the means by which I am to preserve collective responsibility among my Cabinet colleagues.

While in no way desiring to make any personal remarks in this connection, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will not at least indicate that at this moment it is his desire that any speeches which are made on foreign policy by Ministers of the Crown are in accordance with the high standard which he himself and the Foreign Secretary have set?

It is desirable that anybody who speaks on international affairs today should speak with a due sense of responsibility.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make it a condition of all leases of restaurants in the Festival of Britain exhibition proper that only British and Empire wines, spirits, meads, liqueurs, beers and ciders shall be displayed and sold.

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter? Is it not the whole aim and object of "Operation Festival" to boost everything British? According to my information, a great deal of French wine has been laid in already?

The statement made in that supplementary question is partly true; but it is also a purpose of the Festival to illustrate the British way of life and, as far as I know, the British way of life includes the drinking of French and other wines. Why we should go fraudulent and "phoney" when we exhibit ourselves to the rest of the world. I do not know.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we are trying to advance the British way of life, and that there is a very considerable number of people in Britain who do not need alcoholic beverages at all?

I must confess that, for the moment, I had forgotten my hon. Friend, and I am very glad that he has reminded me of himself. I can assure him that there will be adequate supplies of mineral waters and of Metropolitan Water Board water as well.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to see that, when he and his friends are consuming these expensive French wines they do not do so when "dripping with furs"?

The House recognises that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is one of our most crude party political propagandists, both inside and outside the House and on the wireless, and the House will take him at his relative importance.

Will my right hon. Friend equally refute any suggestion that the food sold at the Festival should be confined to home-grown foods, or that all the manufactured goods displayed should be made from home-produced raw materials?

I do not think my hon. Friend's question is quite relevant to the original Question. As to the consumption of foreign wines, I could bet on which side of the House the greater proportion would go.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to see that other British liquors, including mead, get a fair show?

We will consider that.

asked the Minister of Defence if, in view of the present military situation in Korea, he intends to call up any additional reservists.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Merton and Morden (Captain Ryder) and the hon. Member for Blackpool, North (Mr. A. R. W. Low) on 29th November, though the position will, of course, be kept under review in the light of developments.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate how much the international situation has deteriorated since he last gave that answer?

That is all the more reason for my present answer.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied with the system of security which governs the broadcasting and publication of news about the movements of British Forces in Korea; and whether, in the present circumstances, he is prepared to suggest that these arrangements be reviewed.

The publication of news about the movements of all United Nations Forces in Korea, including the British Forces, is under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Forces in Korea. I am, however, fully alive to the considerations which have prompted the hon. Member's Question.