asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the representations made by the 31 pilots and shipping associations, he will consider establishing targets for bombing off Heligoland with observation quadrants stationed on the island, so that long-distance lighting can be established on Heligoland for the safety of shipping in the vicinity.

No, Sir. The island itself presents a type of bombing target which is indispensable to the efficient training of bomber aircraft using the Heligoland range. A target off shore would be useless for the purpose owing to the impossibility of accurate marking, especially at night, as the marker flares burn only for a short time in water and are visible only for short distances. I am advised that the lighting of Heligoland is not essential for the safety of shipping as the island is situated in a mine-danger area into which shipping should not, therefore, go, and that the regular shipping routes in the vicinity are still marked with lighted buoys.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware of the important statement made by the British High Commissioner at Bonn, of which I have a copy here, in which he held out the hope of a satisfactory settlement? May we not, therefore, be assured by the right hon. Gentleman that not only will the islanders soon be restored, but that a lighthouse will once again be erected on the island?

I regret that I am not able to give that assurance but we are preparaed to consider alternatives; although I am not very hopeful of finding one as satisfactory as Heligoland.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what jet fighters, shot down in Korea in territory occupied by United Nations Forces, have been examined by British technical intelligence teams.

I am advised that no enemy jet fighters shot down in Korea have landed on territory occupied by United Nations Forces.

Does the Minister not agree that it is extremely unlikely that the Russians will sell us any of their jet engines, and will he therefore take every step to ensure that, if any fall on territory occupied by United Nations Forces in Korea, our intelligence teams will have an opportunity of examining them?

asked the Secretary of State for Air why his Department cancelled an order placed with a Brighton firm of printers for 3,000 programmes for the Air Training Corps boxing championships at the Albert Hall; and whether he will dissociate himself from measures of this nature, and will continue to place printing orders with Brighton firms.

The order was cancelled, on medical advice, in view of the smallpox epidemic at Brighton, which was then at its height. This step was considered to be a necessary precaution in view of the severity of the outbreak and the large number of A.T.C. cadets from all over the country who were present at the boxing championships. The circumstances were quite exceptional, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that there is no question of imposing or maintaining a ban on the execution of printing orders for the R.A.F. by Brighton firms once the risk of infection has disappeared.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he will also confirm that now we have the smallpox "all clear" in Brighton he will not only resume printing orders, but will also resume his own regular weekly visits to Brighton, which my constituents appreciate?

When the Minister says that this contract was cancelled upon medical advice, can he give the House an assurance that it was not as a result of representations made by his right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance?

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that difficulties are being placed in the way of airmen who wish to play Rugby League football whilst in the Services in that at one station playing kit is allowed from Royal Air Force stores to Rugby Union players but not to Rugby League players; and if he will take steps to see that kit is available for both games.

I am not aware that difficulties are being placed in the way of airmen who wish to play Rugby League football while serving in the Royal Air Force. The difficulty which arose at Uxbridge, which was due to a misunderstanding, has now been removed. I am taking steps to ensure that the necessary kit is available for both games, but, unfortunitely, there is a shortage of football boots and stockings at the moment. More are being purchased and will be issued as soon as they become available.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the ending of this discrimination will be greeted with pleasure by Rugby League supporters everywhere, and that he will now be able to make his annual trip to Wembley in safety?

Would the Secretary of State bear in mind, if there is this shortage of kit of which he has just informed us, that Rugby League is played by 13 players on each side as opposed to 15 in Rugby Union?

asked the Secretary of State for Air if, in order to economise on unnecessary equipment, he will now modify regulations so that Service men who do not use a shaving brush will not be compelled to possess one.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what contracts his Department has placed during the last five years with British Fish Canners Limited, of Leeds; and what is the value of such contracts.

None, Sir.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the provisions of this firm are made of home-caught fish, which is obviously superior to the imported products of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Food?

asked the Secretary of State for Air why paint contractors to his Department are compelled to provide their own paint store.

This is a usual condition in painting contracts and enables contractors to arrange for the correct type of storage for their paint Air Ministry accommodation, if available, may be used at the contractor's wish.

May I take it from that answer that no contractor will be compelled in future to use timber in erecting a special store of his own when there is plenty of accommodation in the camp concerned?

I cannot give any such assurance. I understand that the usual practice in this trade is that in the case of large contracts the contractor is required to provide his own storage accommodation.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate the extraordinary waste of timber that is taking place in this case?

I do not think so. I understand that these little stores do not take up so much timber, and they place responsibility for the paint stored there on the contractor and not on the station commander.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why it is necessary to have sample boards measuring 3 feet by 2 feet and 2 feet by 2 feet for every colour of paint used on an air station.

Sample boards are not necessary for every colour of paint used on an air station, except for full gloss paints applied internally. When oil gloss paints are applied externally the normal requirement is one test board for each painting contract. The object of sample boards is to determine responsibility in the event of complaint about the quality of painting work.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that whereas a member of the public cannot buy any timber at all, the Royal Air Force now insist upon sample boards size 3 feet by 2 feet for bits of paint all over their stations? Is that not an extraordinary waste of timber and money?

It may also result in avoiding the waste of public money.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the average cost of painting an Air Ministry living hut.

The cost varies considerably according to the size and type of the hut and other factors. The average cost of painting inside and out a 60 feet by 18 feet timber living hut is £60.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that this includes painting in about 23 different shades of paint, including moon grey, Pompeiin brown, mushroom pink, Chinese blue, apricot, champagne, pastel green, dove pink and lemon grey, and that most of these are often applied in the same hut? Is this not a gross waste of public money?

Since I have been Air Minister, I have visited about 140 Air Force stations during the last three and a half years. One of the things to which I have tried to apply my mind is the improving of the colouring effect of R.A.F. stations. I do not regard it as waste.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will now consider the establishment of Air Sea Rescue squadrons in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force at suitable bases around our coast.

This matter is still under consideration.

As time continues to pass, allowing grass to grow, if not under the Minister's feet, at least under his seat, will he not deal with this subject rather more quickly, so that he may avail himself for the very large reservoir of useful, enthusiastic and experience seamen who go to sea as amateurs around our coasts, before they are all taken up for naval service?

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary indicated at the end of November that this matter was under consideration, but there has been under consideration an alternative proposition involving recruitment for the R.A.F.V.R. Those advising me should not be rushed into a final decision as to which of the alternatives they should recommend.

Is the Minister aware that in the answer, to which he has just referred, by the Under-Secretary, at the end of November, the hon. Gentleman then said that this matter

"has not a very high priority at this time."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 15th November, 1950; Vol. 480, c. 1712.]

No, Sir. It has not the highest priority. It has a relative priority.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that in view of the present situation he ought to give this matter his immediate attention and get something done?

The hon. and gallant Member knows quite well how these things are done. The matter is not being held up. It is being considered by officers of great experience. As soon as they are able to put forward a final recommendation, we shall take the necessary action.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is his policy with respect to the re-equipment of the Royal Air Force with high performance jet fighter aircraft; what steps have been taken to implement it; and if he will make a statement.

My policy is to re-equip the fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force as soon as possible with the most modern types of jet fighter aircraft. For this purpose orders have been placed for very large numbers of fighter aircraft of higher performance than those in service with the Royal Air Force today. In addition, as I stated last week, a proposal to obtain F86 aircraft is under examination. I intend to make a fuller statement on this subject during the debate on Air Estimates.

Is it not a fact that the major portion of such aircraft as are ordered are not likely to be in service for some years and that meanwhile our Auxiliary fighter squadrons remain at half strength? Is this not an excuse for having to buy American aircraft, and does it not show a great lack of care for the fighter defences of this country?

No, Sir. That is a rather mixed supplementary but I will try to disentangle it. The most advanced types to which the hon. and gallant Member referred will be available long before "some years." It is not the case that the Auxiliary Air Force squadrons are at half strength. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] No, they are working on a fixed establishment. The strength of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, as regards pilots, is over 90 per cent., and as regards ground crews, over 60 per cent. As regards American aircraft, there is no reflection upon the Air Ministry, because, as the hon. and gallant Member knows quite well, the development of aircraft is something in the nature of a leapfrog process. It is considered at the moment that the American F86 is the fastest aeroplane in the world in level flight, whereas a year or more ago machines used by the R.A.F. were the fastest.

Does the policy regarding high performance jet aircraft also include a project for a fast, long-range, large bomber?

I think that the Prime Minister's statement indicated that orders have now been placed for a long-distance, high-altitude, four-jet-engined bomber.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will give the names of the countries which charge us tax on the refuelling of our aircraft for international journeys; and if he will indicate the three countries which charge us the highest rate of duty.

Full information is available only in respect of aircraft operating on scheduled services. After allowing for amounts refunded, Customs duty remains payable on fuel for international journeys uplifted in Argentina, Brazil, Burma, Chile, Iraq, Lebanon, Panama and Peru, also for certain journeys only, India and Pakistan. Of these countries, the three charging the highest rates of duty are India, Lebanon and Pakistan.

As we ourselves do not charge duty for aircraft refuelling in this country, what steps are being taken to see that the disparity is evened out? What representations are being made to the international authority?

In some cases, directly to the countries concerned, and we are also trying to get agreement through I.C.A.O.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if, in view of the many experiments that have been made into the use of the helicopter for inter-city travel, he will give consideration to the possibility of introducing a network of helicopter services operating between city centres in the near future; or what is holding up developments of this kind.

My noble Friend has reached the conclusion that the introduction of scheduled helicopter services between city centres, involving flight over built up areas, should await the production of suitable twin or multi-engined helicopters.

Can my hon. Friend explain why his Department demand such fantastically high third-party insurance premiums? Is he aware that I hired a helicopter for £95, but that the insurance premium was £115? Why do his Department give such favourable treatment to other types of aircraft in a similar position?

That is another question entirely, in the same way as the helicopter is a different type of aircraft to those normally used.

But they all have accidents.

With regard to the Birmingham-London section of this network and the experiments that have been carried out, does the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that these experiments will be discontinued even if a landing ground can be found, say, just outside the built-up area of the city?

Not necessarily. I referred specifically to services over built-up areas. In the case of the Birmingham-London route, if it is adopted it would not be over built-up areas.

As far as these inter-city experimental routes for helicopters are concerned, does not the Parliamentary Secretary think that where alternative communications are available it would be better to carry out the experiments in more remote areas, where no other communication is possible?

We have been carrying out experiments over more remote areas, but it would also be useful to carry out experiments between areas in which the density of traffic is higher.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the Inter-Departmental Committee set up to look into the potential use of the helicopter has yet made a Report or when this can be expected.

Yes, Sir. A first Report of the Inter-Departmental Helicopter Committee has been submitted to my noble Friend who has decided, in view of its general interest, to publish it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that progressive business firms are incorporating helicopter landing places in their new factories? Is there any hope that this will be brought to realisation in the next 10 to 20 years?

It is certainly possible to say there will be services within the time stated by my hon. Friend.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether the Report deals only with the potential civilian use of helicopters? Is he aware that many more helicopters could be used as ambulances and for other war purposes in the Far East? Will he see that that gets priority, important as the other matter may be?

I think my hon. Friend is confusing two matters, and I suggest that he puts down a Question on the use of helicopters to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is intended to transfer Northolt Airport to the Royal Air Force.

It is not intended to transfer Northolt Airport to the Royal Air Force for some years.

Is not that a change of policy? Were we not told two years ago that within two or three years it would be possible? Will the hon. Gentleman say what representations he has received from the Secretary of State for Air on this point?

I am not aware of any representations on this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what safety considerations have led to the grounding of Vickers Viking aircraft in the service of British European Airways Corporation; and when these machines will be restored to service.

As a precautionary measure, following discovery during normal overhaul, of a defect in a propeller which had flown approximately 3,840 hours, it was decided to replace propellers with over 3,200 hours flying. Rather less than half the Corporation's Viking fleet were affected and these aircraft have now been returned to service.

Is the Minister satisfied that these machines are now thoroughly airworthy and not likely unnecessarily to endanger the lives of passengers?

Certainly I am. There is no question of their being any other than airworthy. This is an example of the meticulous care which is taken.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if an inquiry is being held into the recent strike of electrical workers in the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

No, Sir.

Were we not told in this House, only a week ago, that £360,000 of the taxpayers' money was lost through the strike? Surely, as this is a nationalised industry, the Government have a duty to inquire into the strike to see what was the real reason and to publish the proceedings?

A statement has already been made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour about the causes of this dispute.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of his decision to terminate Mr. John Stevenson's appointment as senior prosecutor for the Control Commission for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein on the ground that there was no provision in the Control Commission for Germany establishment for 1951 for a senior legal assistant as senior prosecutor for this area he has now appointed Mr. John Ticehurst as senior legal assistant to carry out such duties.

Mr. Stevenson's services terminated when his fixed term engagement expired in September last. Mr. Ticehurst's engagement does not expire until August of this year. With a decrease in prosecuting work in the Control Commission courts a reduction has been made in the number of senior legal assistants in the legal adviser's office, Mr. Ticehurst deals with prosecutions in Land Niedersachsen in addition to Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.

Would the Minister answer the Question I have put on the Order Paper: whether there is a provision in the establishment for a senior legal assistant prosecutor at Hamburg, for that is the reason Mr. Stevenson's services were dispensed with?

A number of organisational changes have recently taken place in the legal department of the Control Commission. In that reorganisation the work previously done in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein has been taken over by Mr. Ticehurst, who was already doing the work in other areas. This is an economy and our object is to reduce expenditure in Germany as far as we can.

Is not the real reason for the change of Mr. Stevenson not a question of redundancy but that he dared to criticise the fact that high ranking officials at the Control Commission were not being prosecuted for very serious offences?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has no right to make those accusations in the House.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment on the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent American release of leading Nazi war criminals, he will make clear that His Majesty's Government does not intend to release leading Nazis under its control before they have served the sentences passed upon them.

Yes, Sir. It is the general intention of His Majesty's Government that all war criminals for whose detention they are responsible shall serve their sentences, account being taken of normal remissions for good conduct.

Is my hon. Friend bearing in mind that any reduction in the sentences on Nazi war criminals is not only morally wrong, but a political act fraught with grave implications that will do more harm against democracy than months of Communist propaganda?

We are responsible only for those war criminals who are in the British zone. As has been stated, a review is taking place, but a review does not necessarily mean that there will be any alteration in the sentences.

Does the statement of my hon. Friend mean that the Government does not agree with the statement of the High Commissioner in a recent speech that there was no sentence he was not prepared to review, having regard to the changed circumstances? If so, and if that statement is repudiated and our policy is different, does not he consider that an attempt might be made to co-ordinate our policy in these matters of general world-wide interest with other nations with whom we are associated?

The fact that the High Commissioner stated that he was willing to review all these cases does not affect the fact that the review does not necessarily mean there will be any alteration in the sentences. As regards the question of action taken by the other occupying Powers, they are acting entirely within their own rights; we have no right of interference with what the Americans or the French chose to do in this matter.

While accepting the remark of the hon. Gentleman that the other occupying Powers are acting entirely within their rights, may I ask whether there was any consultation with His Majesty's Government before their action was taken?

There was no consultation about the decision arising from the review in the American zone. The High Commissioner was consulted by the Americans to the effect that they asked whether the release of the property of Krupps would cause any administrative difficulty in the British zone. But there was no consultation about the review of sentences.

Will my hon. Friend reconsider this matter very carefully; particularly in view of the fact that he is now trying to get a Convention of Human Rights established and that this kind of review is apt to give an entirely wrong impression as to how we regard the violation of human rights?

This matter arises out of the recent review now under consideration; but I would repeat what I said in reply to a Question recently, that where crimes have been committed against humanity there will be no revision.

rose—

We cannot debate this matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Federal German Government in their discussions with the High Commissioners have yet put forward their conditions for making a contribution to Western European defence plans; and what those conditions are.

At their meeting in Brussels, on 19th December, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom and the United States authorised their respective High Commissioners to explore further with the German Federal Republic the problem of associating Germany in the common defence of the West, and to explore any changes in the present occupation arrangements which might logically attend a German defence contribution. The present discussions between the High Commissioners and the Federal German Government are the direct result of this decision and are, therefore, purely exploratory.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a large volume of opinion in this country which considers that German rearmament is wrong in principle and dangerous in practice, and that General Eisenhower himself recently expressed the opinion that it is premature? Will he give an assurance that no further steps will be taken until after the proposed four-Power conference has been held?

As I stated, the discussions which are now going on are only of an exploratory nature, and no steps have been taken actually to rearm Germany. At present the position is that we are explaining to the Germans our proposals and the Germans are considering them and putting forward their proposals. But there has been no step taken which is irrevocable.

Does my hon. Friend think that there is any prospect of the Germans being our comrades in the defence of Western Europe while we persist in keeping their most revered commanders in jail for obeying orders?

The earlier answer given by the hon. Gentleman seemed to me to be quite a new statement. He said that no irrevocable decision has been taken. Have not the Government, in conjunction with a number of other Governments, taken a decision—I am not arguing whether it is right or wrong—in this matter of German rearmament?

Yes, Sir, a decision of principle was taken at Brussels, and as a result of that, discussions are taking place. What will be the outcome of these discussions it is, of course, not possible to say at this stage.

Will these exploratory conversations include conversations with the leaders of German trade unions, who strongly object to their members being organised for cannon fodder in another war?

Would the hon. Gentleman confirm that the object of the conversations now taking place at the Petersberg are to reach a settlement in regard to the rearmament of Germany, and for that purpose only?

It is for the purpose of putting the decisions which were taken by the Atlantic Council before the Germans; to consider what they are willing to do in that connection as regards a defence contribution; and then to decide what further action should be taken.

Presumably His Majesty's Government want the result of the meeting at Brussels, where all this was agreed, to succeed. Do they not, or have they changed their minds?

The decisions taken at Brussels will be pursued by the Atlantic Council, which instructed the High Commissioners, to explore with the Germans the possibility, and the nature, of a defence contribution by the Germans.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that, no matter how successful the exploratory conversations may be, there will remain an overwhelming opinion in this country that the rearming of Germany ought not to take place; and that his statement that no irrevocable decision, even in principle, has been taken will be vastly welcomed by nearly everyone?

Could anything be more dangerous than to take a decision in principle to rearm Germany and then to muff the whole business?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long negotiations have now been in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Chinese Communist authorities for the establishment of full diplomatic relations; and what has been their outcome.

On 6th January, 1950, His Majesty's Government accorded de jure recognition to the Central People's Government and on 13th February, 1950, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires arrived at Peking to conduct negotiations on the establishment of diplomatic relations. On 17th June, 1950, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires reiterated His Majesty's Government's readiness to exchange ambassadors and asked whether the Central People's Government wished to do likewise. No reply has been received. While full diplomatic relations have, therefore, not been established, Sir John Hutchison nevertheless has access to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peking.

If the hon. Gentleman ever does get diplomatic relations with the Chinese Communists will he consider breaking them off at once as a protest against Chinese behaviour in Korea and elsewhere?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the closing of His Majesty's Consulate at Tihwa and the expulsion of His Majesty's Consul.

Yes, Sir, but as the statement is necessarily long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Cannot the Minister say why our Consul was thrown out of Tihwa in this way?

The statement is of such length that I should not like to weary the House by reading it now; but there were alleged charges of espionage which were quite incorrect and unjustified, and we are protesting to Peking against the expulsion.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what Consular representation we now have in Chinese Turkistan?

That is another question.

Will my hon. Friend indicate that he does not share the opinion, which appears to be expressed by hon. Members opposite, that it is possible at one and the same time to sever our diplomatic relations and keep our Consulate open?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to provide a modern system of food storage, in particular of grain, in East and Central Africa.

I recently asked the Governors concerned for a report on this question. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as their replies are available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies approximately how many foreigners or persons whose qualifications were secured in foreign countries have obtained British registration for medical or dental service in the Colonies.

On the assumption that my hon. Friend refers to doctors and dentists with foreign qualifications in colonial Government employment who are registered in the United Kingdom, the answer is 37 doctors and two dentists. There are also a few doctors in the employment of colonial Governments who are not registered in the United Kingdom.

As there are a number of doctors with foreign qualifications who could well be used in colonial areas, what steps are being taken to enable these doctors, especially those living in this country, to secure British registration?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would put that Question down. It is very important and I should prefer to see it on the Order Paper before reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, on 1st August, 1950, only 35 officers out of 276 officers in the Malayan Civil Service were Malay officers; and why there are now more European officers in the Malayan Civil Service than there were in December, 1941.

In the conditions prevailing in Malaya it is essential that the Malayan Civil Service should be staffed by the best qualified officers available. As suitably qualified Malays have become available they have been appointed to the Service. As regards the second part of the Question, my hon. Friend will recognise that events over the past few years have called for an overall increase in the Malayan Civil Service.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that before the war half of the members of the Indian Civil Service were Indian, and that this question of appointing Malay officers to the Malayan Civil Service is at the crux of the whole problem of making Malaya responsibly self-governing? Unless she has an administration of her own she cannot be responsibly self-governing?

The Federal Government and myself are most anxious to pro-mate the recruiting of more Malays to the Malayan Civil Service as quickly as possible. Under existing conditions, there is an urgent demand for men with special knowledge.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement on what steps it is intended to take in Malaya to bring to an end the activities of terrorists.

The principal need is to press forward with the resettlement of squatters and strengthen the administration in the newly settled areas. These measures are being carried out with all possible speed and there is increasing evidence of the extent to which they are effective in disrupting the terrorists' supplies of food. Substantial progress has been made with the new measures which I outlined to the House on 13th December and the High Commissioner has, of course, full powers to introduce any further measures which may be required for the successful prosecution of the campaign.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this terrorist activity has continued for over three years with weekly losses of life of innocent people? Have the Government a plan to bring the activity to an end? If so, when will results be achieved?

I repeat what I have said before. I think the Briggs Plan is soundly conceived. We are now taking steps to expedite this plan as quickly as we can.

Is the right hon. Gentleman pushing forward as fast as he can with the formation of more Malayan battalions?

Yes, Sir.

Can the Minister say when the resettlement of squatters will be completed, and whether European troops will remain in Malaya until the troubles are over?

At the moment I could not tie myself to a date by which we hope this resettlement will be completed. We are pushing forward with it as quickly as we can.

May we take it from what the Minister has said that he is satisfied that he has adequate forces with which to put an end to these terrorist activities?

Is the right hon. Gentleman making progress in getting rid of the large number of people in Malaya whom it is desirable to send away from the country, and who constitute a very serious problem in its defence?

We have been able to get rid of some of them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many arrests were recently made at the University and Musical and Dramatic Association in Singapore; how many persons were charged; how many released; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no interference in the normal academic freedom of the university.

Fourteen men and women who were employed at or were students of the University of Malaya, and three members of the Mayfair Musical and Dramatic Association, were recently detained in Singapore. Of these, two have since been released unconditionally, and five have been released subject to certain restrictions of movement. It is not yet possible to say how many of those still detained will be charged in the courts. These arrests were made solely on the grounds of suspected complicity with the Malayan Communist Party, an illegal organisation whose methods are as we know those of violence and murder. I assure the House that the Government of Singapore have no intention of interfering in any way with the normal freedom of speech and thought and of constitutional political activity which is an essential and most valued part of university life.

Will my right hon. Friend take as much care as possible to see that Socialists and men with progressive ideas are not dubbed as Communists and put in prison? Is he aware that these arrests are creating trouble among the students, to their disadvantage, which is something we should all discourage?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I am satisfied that the men who have been arrested have taken part in Communist activities, and I would call attention to the assurance which I have already given that the Government do not intend to interfere in any way with the normal activities of the university.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that wages of Europeans on the Northern Rhodesian copper belt have risen in five years from £58 to £93 per month, for underground workers, whilst the equivalent cash wages for Africans have risen from 42s. to 73s. per month; and what action is being taken by the Northern Rhodesian Government to support the claim of the African Mineworkers' Union for wage increases proportionate to the profit-sharing bonus paid to Europeans.

Yes, Sir. The increases mentioned by my hon. Friend occurred between 1945 and September, 1950, but the figures quoted for Europeans and Africans do not apply to similar posts. I am glad to be able to inform the House that, as a result of the normal process of collective bargaining, the African Mineworkers' Union have reached agreement with the copper companies on their recent claim. The Commissioner of Labour of the Northern Rhodesia Government acted as conciliator during the course of the discussions.

Should not the Secretary of State have drawn the attention of his hon. Friend to the fact that his arithmetic is all wrong, inasmuch as the increase in African wages, as stated in this question, is 73 per cent., while the increase in European wages is only 60 per cent.?

Is my right hon. Friend also aware of the fact that one of these companies recently declared a dividend of 120 per cent.? [HON. MEMBERS: "Shame."] Does not that justify an increase in the Africans' wages?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 120 per cent. referred to is on the original capital and bears no relation whatever to the dividends paid?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement concerning the resignation of Sir Stewart Gore-Brown from the Northern Rhodesia Legislative and Executive Councils; and whether he proposes to consult the African Congress concerning the filling of the vacancy.

I understand that Sir Stewart Gore-Browne has notified the Governor that he does not wish to be considered for re-nomination to Legislative Council when his present term of office expires this month. It is not proposed to consult the African Congress concerning the appointment of his successor. That body is entirely unofficial. When it is desired to seek African opinion on any matter this would normally be done through the African Representative Council.

In view of the fact that this representative body of Africans recently passed votes of no confidence in the remaining European member, as well as the two Africans present, will my right hon. Friend consult with these bodies before filling the vacancy created on this committee?

I think it is the Governor's duty to consult the official body if he thinks that it is desirable and essential to consult African opinion.