asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the pension scheme for pilots awarded by the Industrial Court in 1947 has yet been agreed and is in operation.

My noble Friend has approved the scheme and regulations will shortly be issued.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what he means by "shortly"? Will it be six months, three months, a year?

"Soon" he means by "shortly."

A matter of days.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will consider the desirability of instituting further research into the design of safety belt with a view to giving further protection to the passenger.

The Flying Personnel Research Committee, which advises my noble Friend on such matters, has at his request initiated further research into the problem.

In this development will the hon. Gentleman consider referring the matter to the I.C.A.O., as it would be 'desirable to have the advantage of international research on this matter?

I should have thought that in any case it was necessary for us to formulate a view, and the research now being carried out will enable us to do that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware of the fact that a cosmic research balloon was flying over London for some time causing concern to aircraft; and what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of this danger.

I have no evidence that a cosmic research balloon has been flying over London causing concern to aircraft, but if the hon. Member has any relevant evidence probably he would let me know. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 26th July last, free balloons are subject to the Rules of the Air set out in Schedule 2 of the Air Navigation Order, 1949. As an added safeguard, an order is in preparation requiring the prior permission of the Minister for the flight of free balloons.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that this balloon was over London, that pilots approaching London were warned of it and were very concerned about the whole affair? As I understand that a balloon twice as big is now being made, would the hon. Gentleman make sure that it does not come over London next time?

The order I mentioned will deal with the balloon twice as big. As to the alarm caused to pilots, careful inquiries have been made and no pilot has expressed such concern.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many helicopters are on the register of civil aircraft holding valid certificates of airworthiness; and what is the rate of production.

There are 11 helicopters with valid certificates of airworthiness on the United Kingdom register, comprising three types of American design. One of these types is manufactured under licence in this country as a private venture, but I cannot give the rate of production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the present position in regard to the development of helicopter routes in Scotland, with particular reference to the Highlands and Islands area.

The suitability of certain Scottish routes for eventual service by helicopter is recognised, but development cannot be initiated until a suitable helicopter is available.

Can the Minister say when it is likely that such a helicopter will be available? Are they any plans for it?

It is possible that there will be a machine within, say, six or seven years. When it can be put into operation will, of course, be a matter for the operator.

Do the Minister and his Department realise that there are many areas in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland which cannot be reached by ordinary fixed-winged aircraft, and that the helicopter is the ideal means of communication in these areas? Could not his Department, who are now flying these machines between Cardiff and Liverpool, use some of them for the Highlands and Islands?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to a single-engined helicopter, which is not suitable for flying over water. We are awaiting a suitable multi-engined helicopter, and, despite what hon. Members opposite say, that will take some time.

Does the hon. Gentleman expect to be in office then?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the regulations under Section 36 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1949, have yet been framed; and, if not, how soon it is expected to complete these regulations.

The regulations are in an advanced stage of drafting, but a number of points of legal difficulty have arisen which have not yet been resolved. We are examining these points with other Departments concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has now been outstanding some time, and that until the regulations are framed former employees of Southampton Airport are unable to put in their claims against his Ministry? Will he be fair to these people and get a move on?

I understand that two people are involved. I agree that the legal people have been rather slow in this matter, which is not unusual in their profession.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what final decision has now been taken with regard to the future of the Princess flying-boats.

asked the Pariamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is now in a position to make a statement on the construction of the three Saunders Roe Princess flying-boats, S.R.45; and if it is intended to complete the project.

I have nothing yet to add to the reply I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Gosport and Fare-ham (Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett) on 31st January, 1951.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance, in accordance with statements made in responsible quarters recently, that when these flying-boats are in commission they will be operated by B.O.A.C. and from Southampton Water?

If my hon. Friend will look at my previous answer he will see that I cannot give that assurance.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter also has been outstanding for a very long time; and as hundreds of men who are employed at the Saunders Roe Works have put everything they know into this work, will he give the House an assurance that the project will not be dropped, whatever it is decided to do?

I am not quite sure what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means when he says "the project will not be dropped." There are various fresh considerations which have to be taken into account.

Is it not a fact that on more than one occasion a definite assurance has been given to me, and, in fact, a pledge, by the Minister as well as by the Chairman of B.O.A.C., that this project will be continued, and that one of the flying-boats will be ready this year? Has anything happened since then to change that policy?

I understand that a lot of things have happened in the world since then.

Is it true that there is no flying-boat operating under the British flag today, and that if this project is dropped there will be none for many years?

I understand that some flying-boats, civil aircraft, are operating under the British flag. A number are also flying under the Royal Air Force.

Is it not a fact that on 29th November, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Gosport and Fareham (Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett), my hon. Friend suggested that these flying-boats would be operated by B.O.A.C.?

I suggest that my hon. Friend awaits a statement which will be made.

When will the statement be made?

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, and with a view to trying to elucidate the matter, I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when he proposes to insist on the employment of flight operations officers in British Overseas Airways Corporation as recommended in Annex 1 and 6 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Neither Annex recommends the employment of such officers by airline companies.

Is it not a fact that the Annexes provide for employment of these officers and that other national airlines have found that they greatly aid the safety of operations?

What these Annexes do is to lay down the qualifications for such people, if they are employed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he has any statement to make about the recommendations of the Brabazon Committee which examined the relative responsibilities of the pilot of a civil airliner and the ground control in conditions of very low visibility.

Lord Brabazon's report was published yesterday. His Majesty's Government accept in principle this valuable Report, including the main recommendation that the operator, and not the State, should continue to be responsible for laying down weather minima to be observed by the pilots of aircraft in landing at, and taking off from, aerodromes. The Report contains a number of suggestions for detailed safeguards, of which the most significant is that arrangements should be made for the measurement of "runway visual range" in conditions of poor visibility; these suggestions are receiving intensive study in my Department.

Is the Minister aware that the whole country, and particularly the flying public, will be most grateful to Lord Brabazon for undertaking this investigation and for his valuable Report, which will give rise to a great deal of confidence? Has his attention been drawn to paragraph 15 of the Report, and does this mean that F.I.D.O. will be installed at Heathrow, as the Opposition have recommended for a long time?

I thoroughly agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said in the first part of his supplementary question. We accept the particular recommendation to which he calls attention, and it is, except in one small detail, applied at the present time.

Would the hon. Gentleman explain the expression "weather minima"?

Does the hon. Gentleman, in reply to my supplementary question, mean that visual landing aids are to be installed at Manston or that F.I.D.O. is to be installed at Heathrow?

I mean that full landing aids, with the exception of I.L.S., are already available at Manston.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what instructions are given to the United Kingdom representative under his terms of reference when the appointment is made which requires, along with his other duties, that he shall take any steps necessary to safeguard the interests of British nationals appointed through the agency of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

No such instructions are given. British nationals, in common with other nationals serving on the staff of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Secretariat, are appointed by that organisation under conditions prescribed by them and outside the direct control of His Majesty's Government.

If I am able to produce evidence which tends to show that certain redundancies have been declared of British nationals, will my hon. Friend satisfy himself that the British representative on the I.C.A.O. is taking steps to see that justice and fair play prevail

I will consider any evidence which my hon. Friend produces, but I think that it would be a novel and dangerous principle to suggest that the British representative has any special responsibility for British nationals employed as international civil servants.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation upon what routes and under what circumstances passenger aircraft are directed over the central parts of London; and what are the locations of the route and the navigational marks by which they traverse London.

Full details of the latest routeing instructions and radio facilities, which come into force tonight, were published in Notice to Airmen No. 210 of 15th December, 1950. Under these instructions no aircraft are specifically directed over central London, but some aircraft taking off from London and Northolt Airports in an easterly direction will be routed as far east as Kilburn before turning north or south; while aircraft following instrument approach procedures for landings to the westward at London Airport may fly as far east as Hammersmith or, for very large aircraft, Chelsea.

Apart from the danger from intermittent bombardment of London by ice floes, is it not advisable that large civil aircraft should not approach London Airport in dead straight lines across London in fog and dirty weather, in view of the fact that sooner or later one of them will get into difficulty and drop on London? Would it not be better if they approached on the South-West runway which would be more suitable in foggy weather?

That is a point which has been considered, but I see no way of getting round that particular difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communication he has received from the Greek Government relating to the Cyprus Enosis demand; and what action he proposes to take.

I have received no such communication from the Greek Government and the second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

Is it not a fact that the Greek Government met a delegation from Cyprus, and that the Greek Government expressed complete approval of that policy?

That is another question. I was asked whether there had been any approach by the Greek Government and the answer is. "No."

Is it not the policy of His Majesty's Government that this is a non-discussible question?

I think that the hon. Gentleman is quite correct. I would prefer that any question relating to status be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have given any further consideration to the proposal that the re-armament of Bulgaria, Hungary and Roumania in defiance of their treaty obligations should be brought before the Security Council; and what decision they have reached in the matter.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary informed the hon. Member on 7th February the subject of satellite re-armament has figured in written exchanges between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government. He will also recollect that the Prime Minister referred to it in this House on 12th February. As my right hon. Friend pointed out on that occasion, it is hoped that the proposed Four-Power conference would offer an opportunity of reducing the various causes of world unrest and tension. It would, therefore, be premature to bring the question of satellite rearmament before the Security Council at this stage.

Does not the Minister recognise that this represents a direct threat to world peace, and will he take the opportunity of making the policy of His Majesty's Government clear on this point?

I thought that it was made quite clear by my right hon. Friend only two days ago in the House, when he said that we take this matter very seriously indeed.

Am I right in thinking that it is, therefore, the intention of His Majesty's Government that this item should figure on the agenda of the Four-Power conference?

It is certainly one of the matters which we have predominantly in mind, but nothing is yet fixed.

Do we want to put it on the agenda?

I think I can say that this is one of the matters we wish to have discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what news he has of Mr. Vivian Holt, formerly His Majesty's Minister at Seoul, and of the Anglican Bishop of Korea; and what steps he is taking to secure their early repatriation.

Nothing has been heard from Mr. Holt since I replied to Questions by the hon. Members for Hemel Hempstead (Viscountess Davidson) and Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) and the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport, North (Wing Commander Hulbert) on 24th January, nor has any information been received regarding the Anglican Bishop of Korea.

However, as stated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on 12th February in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, East (Mr. E. Fletcher), the British Embassy in Moscow have been informed by the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the authorities in North Korea are prepared to pass a letter to Mr. Holt from His Majesty's Government. A communication has accordingly been sent to the Embassy for transmission to Mr. Holt through the Soviet authorities in which, among other things, he is asked if he has information regarding other British nationals.

The question of securing Mr. Holt's repatriation is under urgent consideration. No positive steps to secure the repatriation of the Bishop of Korea are possible until information of his whereabouts is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the situation in Tibet.

I have nothing to add to the reply given on 29th January to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor).

Is not the Minister aware that what happens in Tibet is of very great importance to us, and should he not take steps to find out what is happening there? Is he simply writing it off?

It would be quite wrong to suggest that we are simply writing it off. The position there is very obscure and information is very difficult to obtain.

Have we any means of communication with Tibet, or is the Government of India the only Government that is in direct contact with Tibet?

I think I am right in saying that the only information we receive comes through the Government of India.

In view of the information that we were apparently able to get from Russia about Korea, would it not be a good thing to try them on the subject of Tibet?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what exemptions from the capital levy under the German Tax Bill will be granted to United Nations nationals;

I assume that the capital levy to which my hon. Friend refers is the proposed Equalisation of Burdens Tax now under discussion in the German Federal Parliament. His Majesty's Government regard this tax as designed in part to meet charges arising out of the war. In so far as it has this character, they do not consider that it should be paid by United Nations nationals. Discussions on the subject of this exemption are at present proceeding between the Allied High Commission in Germany and the German Federal Government. In this connection His Majesty's Government have also in mind those persons whose naturalisation in the United Kingdom was delayed on account of the war.

Will my hon. Friend put these exemptions on a permanent basis, otherwise the people who have suffered from Nazi victimisation will be expected to pay twice for the burden of the war?

This is a very complicated question, and I was very careful to say this tax relates only in part to the burdens of the war and that it has other elements.

Is this, by any chance a once-and-for-all tax?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that restituted property of victims of Nazi persecution residing in this country, Germany or elsewhere, shall be free from the proposed Equalisation of Burdens Tax in Western Germany.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leek (Mr. Harold Davies). Where successful restitution claimants are United Nations nationals, they will enjoy any benefit conferred upon such persons. I am advised that the tax liability of other successful restitution claimants depends upon a proper construction of certain provisions of the Zonal Internal Restitution laws and of the Equalisation of Burdens Law itself, which has not yet been finalised. The point will be kept under review by the United Kingdom High Commissioner.

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that it would be cruel to ask those who are victims of brutal Nazi persecution to pay for the evil deeds of their persecutors? If this law is brought into effect will he do his best to see that that anomaly is not created?

I have explained that this matter is under review. The text of the law itself is not finalised.

Can we be told whether this is the first occasion upon which the Foreign Office has used—and, if so, whether it will be the last occasion on which the Foreign Office will use—the word "finalised"?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many German youth parties, sponsored by the Tours and Facilities Section of the Central Office of Information, are expected to visit this country during 1951; what is the average size per party and cost per head; and what reciprocal arrangements have been made.

Four parties, each consisting of six young Germans between the ages of 20 and 30, will visit this country during 1951 as part of the programme arranged at the request of the Foreign Office by the Tours and Facilities Section of the Central Office of Information. The operational cost of these visits per head will be approximately £2 10s. per day excluding fares to and from this country, but including, apart from food and accommodation, fares within the United Kingdom and all other costs arising from the programme arranged. As these visits are sponsored by His Majesty's Government in order to show young Germans interested in politics how British institutions work, the question of reciprocal arrangements does not arise.

Will the hon. Member say how much are the fares to get them over and back again? In view of the fact that they are coming over, is it not possible for them to stay a little longer? Does this apply only to German youth parties?

As far as I am aware it applies only to Germany—I was only asked about Germany. There cannot be any precisely similar case, and I have explained the purpose of the visit.

Can the House be told how these young people are selected and what is done to make sure of their interest in politics?

I have not got the precise details, but our authorities in Germany, in co-operation with the German authorities, can no doubt pick suitable parties. I understand, for instance, that there will be included in the first party the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the youth organisations connected with the principal political parties in Germany.

Can we be told why these parties are restricted to young ladies?

They are not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a further statement about the discussions which took place recently between himself and the Egyptian Foreign Minister in relation to the future status of the Suez Canal.

I am not able to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hitchin (Mr. Fisher), on the same subject on 29th January.

Can my hon. Friend say whether there is any prospect of a further continuation of the discussion on the Suez Canal which took place the other day?

I think it is known that certain aspects of the questions relating to the Suez Canal are at present before the United Nations. At the moment we are awaiting the results of these discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the United Nations organisation any further information about the repatriation of the Greek children from Yugoslavia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further information he has received from the United Nations organisation regarding the present whereabouts of Greek children who were kidnapped by Communist forces; and the action which is being taken to secure their repatriation.

I have received no reports from the United Nations since the adoption by the General Assembly on 1st December, 1950, of a resolution on this subject. A Swedish Red Cross Commission assisting the Yugoslav Red Cross in the repatriation of Greek children still in Yugoslavia announced on 27th January that a further 400 children would 'shortly be leaving Yugoslavia to join their parents in Greece. There is no favourable news of repatriation from countries within the Soviet orbit.

Can the hon. Member say how many children have been released and how many remain in Yugoslavia?

It is exceedingly difficult to get precise figures. I think that a certain amount of repatriation that has not been fully registered on either side has taken place. I could not give the figure of how many have gone back to Greece.

Can the hon. Member tell us the total number of children still in captivity, and will he advise Marshal Tito that it is in his own interests that these children should be sent back?

We have left that Government in no doubt about our great interest in the matter. All I can say about the number in captivity—it is a rather vague answer—is that the original figure was given as about 28,000. That figure did not relate to Yugoslavia, but to all the other countries. There has been such difficulty in regard to identification and such lax registration that I cannot give a precise answer.

Can my hon. Friend say, approximately, how many of the parents of these children are known?

No, Sir, I cannot give a figure. In a good many cases the parents are not known.

Are the Red Cross organisations referred to having all the assistance they require from the Government of Yugoslavia?

Yes, Sir. I think that is the case. I have heard no complaints to the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long it is intended to maintain the United Kingdom Headquarters of the Foreign Office Administration of certain African Territories.

The Foreign Office Administration of African Territories must be maintained for so long as His Majesty's Government remain responsible for the administration of any of the ex-Italian Colonies in Africa, and for such further period as is necessary to complete the discharge of their responsibilities in those Colonies. I regret that it is not possible at this stage to be more precise.

Is the Minister aware that there appear to be three times as many people employed in this country than in Africa at three times the cost? Is that not the wrong way round?

I am not aware of that figure. When we remember that we still have considerable responsibilities in Eritrea, Cyrenaica and Tripolitania, I do not think that the total number employed at home—125—is excessive.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will cause the Jamaica Government to publish in future years a fuller Forest Department Annual Report than that for the year 1948–49.

The decision in this matter rests with the Government of Jamaica. The Report follows the lines generally used by colonial Governments for this purpose and gives all the information required for an assessment of the year's work. If the hon. Member will let me know the points on which he wants further information, I will see whether it can be got.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take regarding the claims officially being made by the Chinese in Malaya for an investigation of their constitutional position either by a Royal Commission or other means.

During the visit of my right hon. Friend to Malaya the Malayan Chinese Association and the Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce put a request to him for the appointment of a Royal Commission on constitutional development in the Federation of Malaya. In replying, he said that he was unable to accept the proposal as a satisfactory solution of the political and that constitutional problems of the Federation could in his view, best be reached by free discussion between representatives of the various communities. With permission, I will circulate the text of my right hon. Friend s reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does that answer mean that the Government are not favourable to any change in the constitutional arrangements at the present time, and, if so, have they informed the Chinese?

The Report does not comment on that at all. It simply says that the best method is by agreement between the communities rather than by the establishment of a Royal Commission.

Following is the text:

During my visit to Malaya the Malayan Chinese Association and the Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce put a request to me for the appointment of a Royal Commission on constitutional development in the Federation of Malaya.

Although there is some force in the argument that a Royal Commission would be in a position to make disinterested recommendations for further progress, I do not consider that such investigation at the present juncture would assist a solution of the political and constitutional problems of the Federation. A solution of these problems likely to be beneficial to the peoples of the Federation and therefore acceptable to His Majesty and Their Highnesses the Rulers can, I am sure, best he reached by free discussion between representatives of the various communities. The recommendations of a Royal Commission would be of little practical value unless there was that measure of agreement between the various communities necessary to ensure that they would be put into practice and made to work effectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take regarding the desire officially expressed by the Chinese community of the Federation of Malaya that a Chinese regiment should be recruited as part of the Malayan Defence Force.

The pressing need is for Chinese in the Police Force, and the High Commissioner has recently made it clear that there is no more effective way for them to show loyalty to the Federation at the present time than by joining the police. The possibility of recruiting Chinese into regular units of local armed forces is also under active consideration.

Does that mean that the Government propose to consult the Malays and the other communities in Malaya before taking this step?

It means that we consider it is much the best thing for the Chinese to be part of a general Malayan force—a force representing the whole country of Malaya, of which they are citizens.

What response has there been by the Chinese community to this appeal to join the police?

I cannot give exact figures about that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions on destination are now placed on the export of rubber from Malaya.

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary's answer to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 12th February.

As the first-hand British seller is not aware of the buyer's identity at the time of sale, will the hon. Gentleman consult with the trade to ensure that this country and our friends get the rubber they need?

Naturally, we are interested that this country and our friends should get the rubber which is needed, but it is of interest to note that only 14 per cent. of Malaya's gross exports went to the U.S.S.R., China, Czechoslovakia and Poland in other words, to the countries with which the hon. Gentleman is concerned.

In view of the present record rubber prices, will my right hon. Friend restrict the scale as well as the scope of profiteering in this trade?

Will the right hon. Gentleman comment on the fact that five times as much rubber was sent to Communist China in the last six months of last year than in the corresponding period of the previous year? Does he realise that the rubber is being produced by British planters who are being killed by the agents of the very same Government?

It has not been decided that there shall be general sanctions on all trade against Soviet Russia, China and the other countries behind the Iron Curtain. We are carrying on a normal trade, including such items as rubber, subject to an overall review of the position. If we find that there is undue export we should naturally take steps to look into the matter.

Does it not follow from that answer that in so far that there are sales to Russia and her satellite countries they are, at the moment, entirely with Government approval?

I would not put it exactly like that. We only look into the matter if we find that there are abnormal sales. If the sales are normal we leave it to the ordinary course of private enterprise, which is engaged in this trade.

When my right hon. Friend says that we are carrying on a normal trade with these countries does he also mean that the profiteers are getting normal profits?

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the abnormal price of rubber today is, first of all, due to American stockpiling; and, secondly, that the price on the London market today is because of the dock strike in the Mersey?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why rubber plantation companies alone have been called upon to pay export tax by the Malayan Government.

Export duty is levied on all rubber produced in Malaya irrespective of the source of production.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the same has not been done in the case of tin as in the case of rubber?

Tin is also subject to export duty.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many graduates of the University of Malaya have been refused for the Malayan Civil Service since 1945; and how many British cadets, without university or professional qualifications, have been accepted for the Malayan Civil Service since 1945.

No applicant with a degree of the University of Malaya has been refused for the Malayan Civil Service. The answer to the second part of the Question is 89, of whom 20 had not completed their university studies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many years a non-European teacher has to work in Malaya before earning the starting salary of an English teacher in England of similar qualifications.

It is impossible to draw a full parallel between a non-European teacher in Malaya and an English teacher in England, but fully trained non-European teachers in schools in Malaya in which the medium of instruction is English, receive, in salary and cost-of-living allowance, rather more than the trained teacher in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why no war compensation claims have yet been paid to rubber producers in Malaya; how many of such claims have been agreed; when it is expected to complete payment; and why the payment has been deferred for over five years after the end of the Japanese war.

Initial payments of 350 dollars are being made on each claim considered likely to be finally assessed for compensation in excess of that figure. Complete settlement of a claim must, however, await the assessment of all claims in the category concerned, when a final payment in that category will be made. It is expected that sufficient assessments of claims in the rubber category will have been made very soon to enable an interim payment to be made. With regard to the lapse of time since the end of the war, it should be borne in mind that the war damage scheme began to operate only a year ago, and it is inevitable that there should be delay in making payment while the work of assessment of the large number of claims submitted is being carried out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay has very much burdened companies which not only suffered during the war but, during the few years after the war, have done very badly? The sooner their claims are met the better for them.

Is my right hon. Friend also aware that the loss sustained by the plantation owners was really a monetary one whereas the workers in the jungle suffered hardship and semi-starvation for four years? When he is considering compensation for the plantation owners will he also consider compensation for those workers?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the companies will receive the first instalment of 350 dollars?

No, Sir. The Commission have more than 100,000 main claims registered; assessments have been completed and awards made on some 22,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the action taken by the Uganda Government to assist Uganda Africans to gin their own cotton.

Yes, Sir. It is the policy of the Uganda Government to provide for the participation of Africans in the ginning industry. The way in which this policy should be developed is being considered and proposals will be published later in the year. Arrangements will also be made to train Africans in the technical and managerial branches of the industry. Meanwhile, the Uganda Government has recently arranged for a second ginnery to be operated during the coming season by the Uganda Growers' Co-operative Union in addition to the ginnery already leased to the Union at Ngogwe.

While expressing appreciation for that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend to consider, in any reorganisation of the ginneries in Uganda, that the Africans should have direct representation on the boards of control?

We will consider that point, among others. I do not think that I should make a statement before we have been able to consider the report in full.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what regulation the chairman of the Jos branch of the Nigerian National Emergency Committee was charged with conducting an illegal assembly; and what was the verdict of the court.

He was charged under Section 38 (a) of the Police Ordinance, which makes it unlawful to hold an assembly or procession without a licence. He was found guilty, but no penalty was imposed.

Does it mean that the person charged went entirely free?

I understand that it is the same as if it were said in a British court that he was discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take in view of the Report of the Commission on the establishment of a Customs Union in the British Caribbean area; and whether he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in establishing a Caribbean Customs Union.

The Report referred to was published on 1st February. It is an important contribution to closer union between the British Caribbean territories and my right hon. Friend has commended it to the Governors concerned for the earnest consideration of their Legislatures, upon whose decision the formation of a Customs Union, as recommended by the Commission, primarily depends.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a target date by which he hopes the Legislatures will have completed their consideration of this Report?

No, Sir, I do not think we can state a date, but we hope that they will complete consideration as soon as possible. It is up to them to offer that consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what sort of reception is being given to the Report by the Legislatures concerned, which already have had an opportunity of discussing it?

No, Sir. Each Legislature will, obviously, come to its own conclusions. I cannot at the moment give detailed results of those conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now studied the reports on legislation establishing racial discrimination in the Colonies; and if he can now make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has studied the reports and is now in consultation with colonial Governors on various points. He hopes to be able to make a statement before long.

Will the report be published in the form of a White Paper? If so, will the House have an opportunity of discussing this very important subject?

I cannot say offhand whether it will be published in the form of a White Paper. It will certainly be published, and I can certainly say that the House will have an opportunity of discussing it. It is because the Government attach so much importance to it that we are waiting until we can not only publish the report but say, at the same time, what action we propose to take in connection with it.

Will the report be limited to legislation or will it also include the administration of racial discrimination?

It will also include the administration of racial discrimination.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will refer to the appropriate Government research organisation the desirability of making an early and effective inquiry into the technological causes of land subsidence in Cheshire resulting from the pumping of brine, with a view to applying up-to-date and scientific knowledge in the remedying of this serious problem.

A certain amount is already known about the causes of subsidence due to pumping of brine. I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by initiating a special inquiry at this time since the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is already carrying out such investigations into the geology of this area as their resources permit.

Is not the question of the effect of controlled and wild brine pumping on land subsidence of the most urgent national interest; and is the Minister aware that there is wide disagreement on this effect, even among the most expert geologists?

I would not be a bit surprised. As to the importance of the matter I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we recognise the importance of it and that we are doing all that we can in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that cold brine pumping causes pillars and that some eminent persons have said that these may well collapse and cause disaster on a major scale?

In that case, I am sure that that is a factor that will be taken into consideration.

asked the Minister of Defence what steps are being taken to expedite the return of ex-miners, now in His Majesty's Forces, to the coal mines.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilkeston (Mr. Oliver) last Wednesday.

Will my right hon. Friend inform the House of the approximate number involved, and how long such men need to work in the mines before they can consider themselves released from the possibility of return to the Forces?

In regard to the latter part of that supplementary, perhaps my hon. Friend will look up the answer previously given. In regard to the first part, I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make an up-to-date statement on operations in Korea.

I hope to make a statement shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he has not made a statement for more than two months, and that the public and the House particularly are extremely interested in what is going on; and that the only really authoritative statement can come from him and his Department?

I am conscious of that, but there have been many fluctuations in recent weeks. I shall do my best to furnish a statement next week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, while we do not expect a detailed account of the fluctuations in the whole of the fighting, the House is interested in the part our British troops are playing and would like a statement about it at regular intervals?

I will bear in mind the right hon. Gentleman's wishes, and I will do my best.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman reply in exactly the terms as he has used now to a supplementary question which I put to him some time ago, when he said that he agreed with me and would make a statement at regular intervals? Why has he not done so?

If I said that, the noble Lord ought to be quite satisfied.

asked the Minister of Defence how many British helicopters are in service with the British Forces contingent of the United Nations Armies in Korea.

None, Sir.

Is it a fact that British units in Korea have to borrow American helicopters? Does the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the years that British industry has been developing the helicopter, that it is not possible to provide British helicopters for British units serving overseas? Is he aware that it is the prejudice of Government Departments against the development of the helicopter which prevents this being done?

The Americans are responsible for evacuating casualties, and there has been no demand for British helicopters. As this matter is being properly handled I do not think that we need interfere.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he has considered the possibility of some reduction in the air mail rate for parcels below a certain weight addressed to persons serving with His Majesty's Forces in Korea.

asked the Minister of Defence if he is aware of the heavy charges levied for parcels sent by post to men serving with British units in the Far East; and if he will state his intentions regarding this matter.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Coventry, South (Miss Burton), on 7th February.

While realising that it may be impossible to apply concessionary rates up to the full weight of 4 lb., may I ask the Minister to consider offering reduced rates for small weights such as 1 lb. or even ½ lb.?

I should prefer to wait until we see how the bulk parcel scheme works out. We are not quite ready to say what the final form will be, but I think we shall be able to do so very shortly.

Is the Minister aware that the cost of parcels to men serving in Korea is the cause of probably the greatest amount of dissatisfaction among relatives in this country at present?

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, we did go a long way to meet some of the hardships. Now we are working on the new scheme, and if we find it satisfactory we shall put it into operation.

If I were to put down a Question to my right hon. Friend for next Wednesday, would he be in a position to make a statement on the matter, because I think the country should know the excellent suggestion which has been put forward by the Government to help with the problem?

I cannot complain if my hon. Friend puts down a Question to me, but the scheme has been worked out by the War Office and perhaps the Question might be transferred to that Department.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if these facilities are to be available for naval Forces as well as the others?

We shall seek to apply the scheme wherever it is necessary.

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that married National Service medical officers, aged 25 years or over, receive a marriage allowance of 12s. 6d. a day, as compared with a corresponding allowance of 18s. 6d. a day payable to short-service or permanent officers; and whether he will take steps to remove this anomaly, having regard to the fact that the upper age limit for the conscription of medical practitioners is 30 years, as against 26 years for other sections of the community.

The increases in marriage allowance given to regular officers in November, 1948, were intended to meet certain exceptional expenses which are not normally incurred by National Service officers, whether medical officers or not. It is, therefore, not possible to treat medical officers in this respect more favourably than other National Service officers.

Bearing in mind that the upper age for conscription for medical' officers is 30, and, further, that the cost of maintaining a wife, special expenses and other burdens is no less to a National Service officer than to a short-term officer, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the position?

We went into the matter very carefully indeed, I can assure the hon. Member, in order to avoid all possible hardship. The fact is that the liabilities of the Regular medical officer are much more severe than in the case of the National Service officer.

Can it be made easier for these medical officers to obtain short-service promotions?

That seems to be another question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the enormously important part that these National Service officers play in the Army, the Air Force and, I believe, the Navy, and ought he not to bear in mind the point put by my hon. Friend just now? Will he not reconsider this point?