asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the resolution of the all-African elected town council of Lagos, that the mayor should be paid a salary of £2,500 a year and that £2,000 for his car and £500 for his regalia should be voted, has been implemented by the Government of the Colony.

The matter of the mayor's salary has been referred back to the Lagos Town Council by the Governor in Council, and details have been given of mayoral remuneration in towns of similar size in the United Kingdom. The Governor in Council did not take objection to the provision for a car.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Lagos Council or any Standing Committee of it passed the resolution in question?

Yes, Sir, but it is subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, who has referred the matter back.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many museums there are in Nigeria; in how many the historical treasures of Nigeria are on view; and when it is proposed to commence the building of a museum in Nigeria, especially for displaying the Benin treasures and antiquities.

I have asked the Governor for information and will write to my hon. Friend when I have his reply.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that some of these treasures are stored in most unsuitable conditions and that some of them have been obtained by other nations and will be returned, provided that suitable accommodation for their preservation and display is provided? Will he do something to expedite this matter?

I will give consideration to it when I have received a reply from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schools there are in the northern territories of Nigeria; and in how many science and nature study are now being taught.

There are over 1,400 schools in the Northern Provinces of Nigeria. Nature study is part of the recommended syllabus for primary schools, and science is normally taught in secondary schools. I have asked the Governor for more detailed information, and will write to my hon. Friend when I have his reply.

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that the teaching of science in these schools is of extreme importance if the standards of agriculture are to be improved and if the use of fertilisers is to be extended? Will he take into account the recommendations of this matter put before the education authorities in Nigeria over a considerable period by Mr. Duckworth, a one-time science inspector?

I appreciate that. When I have received further detailed information, perhaps my hon. Friend would put down another Question.

How many girls are receiving education in the Northern Territory schools?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what price is being paid by the French West African authorities for a ton of Nigerian groundnuts; and how this price compares with that paid by the Nigerian Marketing Board for groundnuts of the same quality.

I am informed that the groundnut trade in French West Africa is in commercial hands, but I have no information about the open market prices paid there.

Is it not a fact that, by order of the marketing board, the growers of this crop are not allowed to export, but that, in spite of this, 10,000 tons have been exported?

I should like to look at that point before answering.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as long as the price fixed by the marketing board is well below the real price, he will find large movements of material, which are urgently required here, going into hands quite different from those which we desire?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much coal has been shipped from Nigeria to this country since it was decided to import Nigerian coal; how much awaits shipment at the colliery and Port Harcourt, respectively; and to what extent the ships sent to load it have been kept waiting.

No shipments have yet arrived in the United Kingdom, but two ships were due in Part Harcourt on 23rd and 24th February to load 4,600 tons, and another is due there in March to load 2,500 tons. There are 10,000 tons at the colliery and 31,600 tons at Port Harcourt. No ships have been kept waiting at Port Harcourt.

As coal has accumulated at both the colliery and the port, is it not a pity that, as we were told last week by the Minister of Fuel and Power, only 10,000 tons of Nigerian coal has been bought by the National Coal Board?

That is a question which ought to be put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

It's your coal.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this coal can be shipped direct to British ports, or whether it has to be trans-shipped at great expense, like the American coal?

That, again, is a question which ought to be put to the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Is the use of ships for this purpose creating a shortage of ships on the neighbouring Gold Coast?

I cannot say, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many immigrant workers are employed by the Cameroons Corporation; whether they have their families with them; and whether they participate on terms of equality with the other inhabitants;

(2) what proportion of the employees of the Cameroons Development Corporation are provided with housing; and what assistance is given to employees not living in Corporation property.

I have referred these requests for information to the Governor of Nigeria and will write to my hon. Friend when I have his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on how wages paid by the Cameroons Development Corporation compare with wages paid for similar work in other parts of the Cameroons and Nigeria.

I have asked the Governor for this information and I will write to my hon. Friend when it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the allocation of any profits made by the Cameroons Development Corporation to date.

In 1948 the net profits remaining for distribution on projects of general benefit to the people of the Cameroons were £54,352. I have asked the Governor for the figures for 1949 and 1950 and for a statement of the schemes on which the moneys available from 1948 onwards have been, or are being, expended. I will write to my hon. Friend when I have the Governor's reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far cocoa farmers in Nigeria are still objecting to the cutting out of trees infected with swollen shoot; and whether working gangs are still being withdrawn in consequence of this opposition.

Opposition to the work of both survey teams and cutting-out gangs is now of negligible proportions. Cutting-out is being carried on in a systematic manner.

Can the Secretary of State give a little more information as to how the opposition was overcome, because as recently as five months ago we were told by the Department of Agriculture that hardly a week goes by without some incident and the withdrawal of the labour gangs?

Yes, we are carrying on a continuous educational campaign to explain why we have perforce to adopt this policy.

Do those who have cooperated in giving explanations include a number of Africans?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is now in occupation of Deception Island.

There are both British and Argentine parties established on Deception Island. The British post is under the charge of a magistrate and maintains a meteorological station and a post office.

What steps are being taken to evict these undesirable aliens from British territory?

No steps have been taken, but His Majesty's Government have indicated that they are quite prepared to let this matter be decided by the International Court.

How many of those who are there are armed?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is his policy to encourage and to assist colonial students who are married to bring their wives with them when studying in Britain; and whether his policy in this respect is the same for West Indian as for African students.

The answer to both parts of the Question is "Yes, Sir." I am in consultation with colonial Governments about certain practical considerations affecting the implementation of this policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the hardship which arises as a result of students who have come to this country finding, on their return to the Colonies, that their outlook has altered so much that it is rather difficult to live with their former wives? Will he give sympathetic consideration to this matter?

I am aware of that consideration, and I am sympathetic to the project put forward.

Exactly what does my right hon. Friend propose to do in the case of those unfortunate students who do not like their wives when they return?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ensure that the wardens in charge of the colonial students hostels possess the qualities needed to enable them to carry out their tasks satisfactorily.

The British Council are responsible, under my general direction, for the administration of the hostels and the appointment of the wardens. In the selection of wardens consideration is given to experience in dealing with colonial students and in handling a student or similar community, to administrative ability, and to the qualities of sympathy, firmness and tact. Confirmation of the appointments is subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.

Is the Minister aware of the criticisms which come from high quarters in Malaya of the appointment of senior Government officials to take charge of these places, and that because of this the students do not feel a sense of sympathy and confidence?

No, Sir. I have visited some of these hostels and no such criticism has been conveyed to me.

If I draw the attention of the Minister to it, will he take action?

If my hon. Friend will give me any details or particulars of what he has in mind, I will look at the matter, but, as I say, I have had no complaints.

Would my right hon. Friend try, as often as possible, to ensure that the wardens are of the same race as the students?

In one of the hostels I have been encouraging young officers trained here for the Colonial Service to share the hospitality of the hostels with those from colonial territories so that they can begin to co-operate before they leave for their service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the Government's plans for the future of the Cyprus railroad.

The Cyprus Government have been advised that the railway could not be operated safely after the end of this year without extensive and costly renewals. Since alternative road transport could be provided more cheaply, the Governor has invited public comment on the proposal that the railway should be closed. Many comments have been received and are now being examined.

Is the Minister aware that this railway is of great importance to the mining industry, as well as being of great strategic importance? Is he further aware that in the spring both passengers and crew stop between stations and gather spring flowers? Are not these three very good reasons for continuing the railway?

No, Sir. I understand that the railway loses about £4,000 per annum and that the cost of renewal is £400,000 so there is no chance of making it an economic proposition.

Is the Minister aware how satisfactory it is to have at least one Minister who will answer Questions about railways?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the growing economic importance of Cyprus, it is proposed to give any assistance to the island in improving the harbour facilities.

Existing facilities for merchant ships are considered adequate except at Limassol. Proposals for improvements at Limassol recommended by consulting engineers are now under examination. The cost would be met from Cyprus funds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Cyprus will be very glad to have this information about Limassol? Is he aware that at Famagusta there is no crane capable of working a ship, that there are only two mechanical cranes capable of lifting three tons from ground level on to a lorry and that there is no lighting at the harbour entrance, which means that no ship can leave or enter after dark? Will he look into this matter?

I will look into the matter, but my information is that the facilities are adequate. We are trying to make them adequate in Limassol.

Would it not greatly improve the prosperity of Cyprus if these harbour facilities were improved?

They are to be improved at Limassol, and I understand that they are already adequate in other ports.

Has consideration been given to bringing these needs of Cyprus under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act?

Cyprus has funds of its own which are adequate, we think, to meet the cost of these improvements.

Is this not a terrible legacy which we have inherited from the Tories?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the growing strategic importance of the island of Cyprus, what steps he is taking to ensure that satisfactory harbour facilities are maintained.

Present harbour facilities in Cyprus are sufficient to provide for strategic requirements.

Does the Minister not think that for an island of the strategic importance of this Colony to have a harbour which only holds ships drawing no more than 22 ft. 6 in. and no more than 425 ft. in length is not sufficient and that this matter should be looked at again at the earliest opportunity?

This matter has been looked at by our advisers and my answer gives the information we obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what land at Kongwa, developed by the Overseas Food Corporation, is leased from the Tanganyika Government; what restrictions operate against its sub-lease by the Corporation to another party; and what applications have been received by the Tanganyika Government to sub-lease it in the event of the Corporation reducing its activities.

All land developed by the Corporation at Kongwa is leased from the Tanganyika Government, and may not be sub-let without the consent of that Government. No application has been received to sub-lease land at Kongwa in the event of the Corporation reducing its activities.

Has the Tanganyika Government or any private interest been given a chance to make application to take over this area?

I do not know. The right of sub-letting is subject to the consent of the Tanganyika Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much land has been leased in the Tahora district of the Western Province of Tanganyika for agricultural purposes within the last 12 months; and what crops are likely to be planted on the land so leased.

No land has been so leased in the Tabora district within the last 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will arrange to send out to East Africa demonstration units of road and railway vehicles for the cold storage carriage of foodstuffs, using the latest equipment, including eutectic tanks.

This would be a matter for the transport authority in East Africa. Their view is, I understand, that an experiment on the lines suggested, at the expense of public funds, is not considered justifiable at the present time.

Is it not a fact that refrigerating activities in Kenya are already nationalised, and would it not be as well to try to get them to instal up-to-date equipment?

Should not the penultimate word of this Question be "eupeptic"? If that is the case, would the right hon. Gentleman have one put into the Library so that hon. Members who are suffering from indigestion can study it?

I understand that the right word is "eutectic." These tanks are containers which are filled with dioxide ice—"dry ice"—and when placed within a closed vehicle extract heat from the atmosphere within and so lower the temperature.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated yield of cotton grown in Uganda and Nigeria, respectively, this season; and what were the figures for the 1948–49 and 1949–50 seasons for each territory.

Cotton yields in Uganda for the 1948–49 and 1949–50 seasons were 392,000 and 342,000 bales respectively; the yield for the 1950–51 season, when weather conditions were very unfavourable, is estimated at 300,000 bales. The Nigerian exportable surplus for the 1948–49 season was 51,000 bales; the estimated exportable surpluses for the 1949–50 and the 1950–51 seasons are 60,000 and 71.000 bales respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will expedite publication of the reports and balance sheets for the various commodity marketing boards operating in West Africa and Uganda for the year 1949–50; and whether, in advance of such publication, he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving approximate figures for the net credit balance earned by each on the year's working;

(2) whether he can publish approximate figures showing in 1950–51 an estimate of the credit balances likely to be earned by each of the produce marketing boards in West Africa and Uganda on the assumption that the present buying and selling prices are maintained and that the total crops for sale in 1950–51 are the same as those in 1949–50.

It rests with the boards themselves to publish their reports and balance sheets. I am asking the Governors concerned to inquire from the boards whether publication can be expedited. I should be reluctant to ask the boards to give any figures in advance, as they might later prove to be misleading.

As it is certain that important policy decisions may depend upon having, in time, the best estimates that are possible about the way in which the finances of these boards are being used, may I ask my right hon. Friend once again to do his very utmost to make broad and general estimates of financial progress available to the House before Easter?

I appreciate the point, but as the responsibility for publishing the accounts rests with the boards I can only do what I am proposing to do, and that is to ask them to expedite publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in opening up jungle areas in Malaya under the Rural and Industrial Development Authority under the chairmanship of Dato Onn.

I have no details of specific plans and schemes. The Authority has, of course, been in existence only since September, 1950, and much preliminary planning will have been necessary. I have asked to be regularly informed of progress in order that due publicity may be given to this imaginative and far-reaching scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a group of Malays, Chinese and Indians applied to the Rural and Industrial Development Authority in the Karang area of Kuala Selangor, Malaya, for a loan to purchase a rice mill to be run on cooperative lines; what assistance was given; and how far the example of the three races getting together on a cooperative basis is being encouraged.

No such application has been made to the Rural and Industrial Development Authority, but before the establishment of the Authority Government assistance was given to the Tanjong Karang Mill project. Co-operation between races is encouraged by the Authority and a new pineapple grading scheme in Johore, for example, will cater for Malay and Chinese small growers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the greatest problems in Malaya is to get the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians to work together? When applications of this character are made, will he deal with them expeditiously?

I have given my very fullest support to all projects of this kind by and through which the races can cooperate and build up harmony between each other.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason only five of the last 35 Malay candidates interviewed for the Malayan Civil Service were selected, although they all had either long experience as administrative officers or were barristers or graduates of English universities.

I am consulting the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya and will write my hon. Friend in due course.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is of the utmost importance that we should make the Malayan people believe that we want them to have self-government? Will he therefore bring as many Malays into the Civil Service as possible?

I appreciate that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many British graduates have failed to get into the Malayan Civil Service? Will he, above all things, maintain the quality of that Civil Service?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is with his knowledge and approval that senior European police officers dined with the Johore Bahru branch of the Malayan Chinese Association at which surrendered bandits were entertained to a ten course dinner.

No, Sir. Instructions have since been issued that such invitations should not be accepted by Government officials.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that the European and Asian communities many of whose members have been murdered by the bandits, disapprove entirely of this sort of entertainment?

Yes, Sir. I thought I had made that clear in my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Chinese, Indians and Sinhalese have registered as federal citizens in Malaya; and what is the ratio of those who have registered to the total population of Malaya.

A conservative estimate of the numbers of non-Malays who are automatically federal citizens under the present citizenship law is 350,000 Chinese, 225,000 Indians and 45,000 others, i.e. 1 in 8 of the total population. Approximately 154,320 Chinese and 6,690 Indians and others have been granted certificates of citizenship on application, i.e. 1 in 33 of the population.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that that is an extraordinarily small proportion of the population to have applied for registration of federal citizenship; and would he do everything in his power to impress upon those who are entitled to apply the advantages of full citizenship, and make it as easy and attractive as possible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many acres of cocoa are under cultivation in Malaya; and what steps are being taken to increase this production.

As regards the first part of the question, I am consulting the High Commissioner and will write to the hon. Member when the information is received. As to the second part of the Question, an expert investigation was made in 1947–48. Since then, a cocoa officer has been appointed and several experimental plantings undertaken. Supplies of first-class planting material are being obtained to build up the best planting stock procurable.

In view of the world shortage of cocoa, and the great possibility that this presents to Malaya, will the Minister take early action to ensure that every opportunity is taken to make financial and other facilities available?

Yes, Sir. If this succeeds, it will be a valuable addition to the economy of Malaya. It will diversify it, and will also help to meet a world need.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any increase as yet, and whether the experiments are likely to succeed or not?

I would not like to make too definite a statement at the moment. So far, I think that it is reasonably encouraging.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. Ignatius Musazi was detained on arrival in Uganda from Britain on 22nd January; and what are the Uganda Government's intentions in respect of him.

I informed the House on 31st January of the circumstances that led to Mr. Musazi's detention. I am now glad to be able to say that the Governor has decided, with my concurrence, not to deport Mr. Musazi, but to keep him under light restraint at Moyo, a township in the Northern Province of Uganda, where he will be able to be accompanied by his family and, subject to reasonable conditions, to see his friends and associates. The Governor and I hope that it will prove possible to help Mr. Musazi to realise that Government policy and intentions are designed soly for the welfare of the people of Uganda. We hope that he will thereby become convinced of the desirability of working with, rather than against, the Government in the interests of the country and that it will then be possible to release him from all forms of restraint.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman despite his use of the word "detention," whether it is not a fact that Mr. Musazi has been deported to a northern province, and to a village on the Sudan frontier, by an order—a copy of which I have in my hand—which refers to the fact that he has been deported? Can he say whether the charges against Mr. Musazi are not those of taking part in the disturbances of 1949 when, in fact, he was in this country, and whether the Government do not now recognise that his organisation—

Speech.

Well it is a good speech.

—is constructively aiming at building a co-operative organisation? In view of those facts will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision?

I do not want, at this stage, to go over the past history of this case, about which I have already answered many Questions in the House. The organisation to which my hon. Friend has referred is now showing signs of co-operating with the Government, and it is our very anxious desire that that co-operation shall develop. It is my hope, for the reasons that I have given in my answer, that in the not too distant future it will be possible to remove all restraint upon Mr. Musazi, and in view of that I would rather not re-hash this matter.

Has my right hon. Friend received any evidence from non-official European sources in Uganda supporting the action of the Government? Is it not a fact that the Bishop of Uganda and other leading Europeans have expressed confidence in Mr. Musazi?

I do not wish to go into the history of this matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Co-operative Party, which represents a considerable section of opinion in this country, has made inquiries into this business and finds that Mr. Musazi is completely vindicated?

This matter arose quite a considerable time ago. There was an inquiry and the findings of the inquiry were accepted by my predecessor. That was announced in this House. I say again, to hon. Members on both sides, that I think there is a possibility of this matter ending satisfactorily. That being so, I do not want to pursue it any farther.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's only partially satisfactory answer, I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment, and, further, that I will take advantage of the Ten Minutes Rule procedure to introduce a Bill to withdraw these Hitlerian and Stalinian powers of deportation from Colonial Governors.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that extraordinary description of his powers?

No, Sir, I do not. I may say that I am myself examining, not only in Uganda but in all Colonial Territories, the policy of deportation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage co-operative trading in Nyasaland.

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the development of all forms of co-operative enterprise in Nyasaland, as in other Colonial Territories. At the end of 1949 there were 31 consumers' societies in Nyasaland, and since then seven further societies have been established in the Northern Province. A union of the Northern Province societies to import certain consumer goods is being formed. My adviser on co-operation recently spent three weeks in Nyasaland.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Kota-Kota Co-operative Store at Mzuzu has been closed down by the Colonial Development Corporation after the Corporation had invited it to trade? Can he say if the Nyasaland Government has made any protest about the matter to the Colonial Development Corporation?

I have no information about it. If my hon. Friend will put the details to me in the form of a Question I will do my best to give him an answer.

I did try to put the details down, but they were rejected by the Table.

If my hon. Friend will write to me about it, I will then write to him.

Arising out of the last supplementary question, will the right hon. Gentleman use this illustration to re-open once more the matter of the admissibility of Questions about the Colonial Development Corporation and the Overseas Food Corporation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many houses were destroyed or damaged by the recent hurricane in Antigua; how many have been rebuilt or made habitable; and whether he is aware of local dissatisfaction on this matter.

One thousand three hundred and seventy-eight houses, including 384 of wattle and daub, were destroyed, and 2,506 were damaged. About 500 wattle and daub houses have been repaired or rebuilt as temporary accommodation and, in addition, grants have been made amounting to about 115 per cent. of the estimated cost of materials needed to repair all damaged houses. As regards the last part of the Question, I am in communication with the Governor and I hope that a further statement about additional assistance may be issued shortly.

Will my right hon. Friend try to expedite action in this matter because there is some local dissatisfaction, particularly as British representatives in the United Nations advised the other member States that the situation was well in hand?

We did act quickly in this matter and we did provide assistance. What I am considering now is whether further assistance is necessary.

Meanwhile, has any compensation been given to those who suffered from the hurricane.

I should like notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the general strike in Grenada; and on the circumstances which led to the landing of marines.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the situation in Grenada; how many casualties have occurred; and what steps are being taken to restore order.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the situation on the island of Grenada.

I would refer to the statement I made on 26th February and deal more fully with certain points raised.

The widespread strikes began on 19th February. Parties from H.M.S. "Devonshire," including marines, were landed on the 22nd in view of the internal situation. They have taken over guard duties at vital points thus freeing the police to concentrate on the essential task of restoring order. Four more cases of personal injury have occurred. There have, in addition, been numerous cases of widespread intimidation including the intimidation of witnesses.

Two persons have been detained under regulations made under an Emergency Order-in-Council to counter the threat to public safety and order. They will not be brought before the courts but will be released when the emergency has passed. Nine arrests have been made for unlawful assembly: and those convicted have been fined and bound over. The stoppage originated at Belmont, La Sagesse and Hope estates. No agricultural station has been burned.

I am making arrangements for my Labour Adviser to go to Grenada within the next few days, but I wish to emphasise again that nothing can be done to deal with the underlying causes of these disorders until the disturbances have ceased and there has been a general resumption of work. When that has taken place negotiations can be started. Those who have allowed themselves to be misled into these acts of violence are doing great harm to the island and to their own interests.

Were the disturbances started after the leaders of the strike had been arrested? Would my right hon. Friend consider releasing those leaders as a possible way of getting the disturbances stopped?

This is a matter which I must leave to the discretion of the Governor on the spot. When I answered a question the other day I made an appeal —in which I am sure we all join—that there should be an end of the disturbances and a resumption of work, so that we can then go fully into whatever are the causes of the dispute.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the disturbances are, to the best of his information, purely local, or whether there are any wider symptoms? I am sure he will agree that there is much anxiety at these conditions and at the resulting riots, which do damage not only to the island but to the good name of the West Indies and to the happiness of their people?

As far as my information goes, they are purely local in origin. I do not think they have any connection with any events outside the island.

Could my right hon. Friend say how long in advance of the disturbances actually breaking out he was advised of a situation probably arising which might cause such trouble?

For some time there has been a dispute between these two unions. Actually, these strikes began without any application being put forward and without any kind of wage demand or any other claim at all. The strikes were just called. Therefore, there has been no tangible request to us to which we could give any consideration or negotiation.

I am sorry to press the right hon. Gentleman, but would he not agree that although there may be a dispute between two unions, and even good reasons for that dispute, it is really no excuse for outbreaks of disorder of this kind, which do thousands of pounds worth of damage as well as damaging the good name of the colonial administration?

Yes, Sir. I think I emphasised that today and the other day. I have called upon all to cease the disturbances so that investigations can take place. I am sending my Labour Adviser out there to examine the situation.

The right hon. Gentleman used the words "negotiations which will take place after the disturbances have come to an end." Did he mean political or industrial negotiations, and in either case, surely, these are matters for the local authorities? Is he expecting that his Labour Adviser will take part other than in an advisory capacity?

He will take part in an advisory capacity. When I said negotiations, I meant industrial negotiations.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether I heard him correctly in saying that there have been no deaths and that the number of injuries are limited to four?

What I said was that four more cases of personal injuries have been reported since I made my last statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able, or expects shortly to be able, to make any statement about provisions for carrying on the research work formerly undertaken by the Medical Research Council into the social consequences of mechanised farming, the diseases of native villages and the potentialities of fertilisers in the Gambia.

The original scheme for the Nutritional Field Working Party, which operated at Benieri in the Gambia under the auspices of the Medical Research Council, ended on 31st December, 1950. The Governor of the Gambia has agreed that, with some shift of emphasis from nutrition to agriculture, the scheme shall continue under his general control and I am awaiting his detailed proposals.

Will my right hon. Friend say why the scheme has been allowed to lapse—that is what it really means—why there is not more cooperation within the Colonial Office in providing information about the Nutritional Field Working Party Report, and what is going on at present in Fajara as well as Benieri in regard to this scheme?

Perhaps my hon. Friend did not grasp the import of my answer. It was that the Governor of the Gambia has agreed that with some shift of emphasis, the scheme shall continue, and I am awaiting the detailed proposals.

Is it not a fact that a very large proportion of the findings of the Council would, if they had been applied to the poultry scheme in the Gambia, have prevented a great deal of the trouble which has arisen there?

Will my right hon. Friend, in particular make sure that the work on the potentiality of fertilisers for tropical soils is continued and widely supported?

I will consider that. As I have said, I am awaiting the detailed proposals from the Governor. If my hon. Friend will put down a Question in a few weeks' time I will give him an answer.

Is not the result of this research very valuable, and was it not completely ignored when the chickens and eggs scheme was started?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total amount of advances made to the Colonial Development Corporation for the purposes of the poultry farm in the Gambia.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many eggs have been imported from Gambia under the scheme started two years ago; and what is the cost of that scheme to date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the failure of the supplies of eggs and dressed poultry from the Gambia poultry scheme, he proposes to send out a commission of inquiry or to call for any special report from the Colonial Development Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the disappointing output from the Gambia egg project, how far he intends to modify or abandon the scheme.

With permission, I will make a statement at the end of Questions in answer to these Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the Vernacular Literature Board in the Gold Coast; what are its powers; and whether he has received any complaints that the activity of the Board adversely affects vernacular publication by voluntary and other bodies.

As the information is detailed I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have received no complaints against the activities of the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the proposed changes in the penal code and criminal procedure code in the Seychelles; and why the Court of Appeal for the Seychelles is being transferred from Mauritius to East Africa.

The present penal code is a mixture of French, English and Indian penal law and the criminal code is unsatisfactory in many ways. The object of the drafts which have been published and are now being studied by the Seychelles Government in consultation with local lawyers, is to replace these codes by new ones based on the East African codes, which are themselves codifications of English law. The proposal that appeals in criminal matters should be transferred to the East African Court of Appeal is connected with the proposed revision of the Criminal Procedure Code. Legislation would be required in Seychelles to enable this transfer to be effected. No such legislation has as yet been passed.

Is it not a fact that when the Seychelles were taken from the French by the British they were then administered under French law which governs Mauritius as well, and was not an undertaking given at the time that they should remain under that law?

As I have said, I understand that the present legal code is a mixture from several sources. This is a proposal which has been put forward for consideration and has been discussed, but no final decision has yet been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what increases of salaries have recently been made in the Seychelles to the postmaster and treasurer, respectively.

No increase in the salaries of these two posts has been made since the general revision of salaries which took place in 1947 after an investigation by an independent commission.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether it is proposed to announce the decision the Government has reached with regard to the recommendations of the Beveridge Committee on broadcasting and television; and whether legislation in this connection may be expected.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 24th January, and my hon. Friend the Member for Accrington (Mr. H. Hynd) on 14th February.

When the Lord President comes to a decision will he bear in mind that the B.B.C. is already riddled with Communism?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of having a debate in this House before he reaches a final conclusion?

All these things have been raised before. As to who is riddled with what I would like to hazard a guess about the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) one day.

asked the Minister of Defence how many persons in the Fighting Forces are entered as Service voters in the new Electoral Register; and what proportion of the persons qualified to vote in each of the three Services are so registered.

It is estimated that about 311,000 men and women in the Forces will be entered as Service voters in the new Electoral Register. The proportion of those qualified in each Service who will be entered is estimated to be about 95 per cent. for the Navy, 67 per cent. for the Army and 75 per cent. for the Royal Air Force.

Can the Minister offer any explanation why the Army has done so much worse than the other two Services? Secondly, as so many young men of about 20 are in the Services, can he say whether those men who qualify for registration if they are 21 by 15th June, 1951, are included in his figure of qualified men?

The lower percentage for the Army is largely attributable to the wide dispersion of that particular Service.

What about the Navy?

Strange as it may seem, there are greater difficulties in connection with the Army. As regards the second part of the hon. Gentleman's first supplementary question, the answer is in the affirmative.

On a point of order. May I ask, Sir, whether the Lord President of the Council has any statement to make to the House about a communication he has just received from my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers)?

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but I think that in the interest of public amenity I ought not to disclose it.

asked the Minister of Defence what administrative action is contemplated with regard to the composition of courts-martial in the Army and Royal Air Force in fulfilment of the report of the Lewis Committee.

None, Sir.

Does not the Minister think that it is quite wrong that soldiers may be tried and convicted of serious offences, such as murder, on a majority verdict of four officers against three, or three against two, whereas people in civilian life can only be convicted on the unanimous verdict of 12 jurymen?

That matter was discussed in the recent debate on the Courts-Martial (Appeals) Bill.

The right hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. I was ruled out of order by Mr. Speaker when I sought to raise this matter in the debate on that Bill. I would beg the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider this matter and have the unanimity rule immediately introduced for courts-martial throughout the Services.

asked the Minister of Defence how many ex-miners, now in the Forces, have volunteered for the mines in the last month.

asked the Minister of Defence how many ex-miners have applied for permission to leave the Forces; and how many of these applications have been granted.

The administrative details of the scheme for allowing ex-miners in the Forces to return to the mines have only recently been completed and there has therefore been no opportunity yet for ex-miners officially to apply for release. The necessary instructions are being issued to Service commands at home and abroad this week.

In view of the importance of speed in getting these men back to the mines, can my right hon. Friend say whether commanding officers have been given instructions accordingly?

It takes some time to work out the administrative details of a scheme of this character.

Will my right hon. Friend use his good offices to expedite this matter, because we in the mining industry are satisfied that the only people who can really get the additional coal we require are our ex-miners?

So that hon. Members may be assisted in answering questions from miner constituents on this matter, would the Minister explain to us the administrative details so that we can cope with such questions—the conditions, for example?

It is impossible to do so by way of Question and answer, but I will, if the hon. Member wishes, give him in writing what information I can.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the other two Services have reached the same deplorable decision as the Army in withholding this concession from ex-miners who are National Service men, and whether he will extend it to the ex-miners who are National Service men?

There has been no deplorable decision in relation to anyone in the Services.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear what categories of Service men can be brought back—whether all or only some?

This arrangement applies to ex-miners in the Forces without regard to any particular category. If they wish to apply to return to the pits they may do so, but it does not follow that their application will always be favourably received.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will grant local overseas allowances to Service personnel who have left their families in Hong Kong or Malaya.

Local overseas allowance is already paid to these families at a rate equivalent to the difference between the married and single rates for the station.

Does the Minister appreciate that yesterday the Secretary of State for War said that men serving in Korea have extra expenses? If they have left their wives behind in Malaya and Hong Kong they need extra money to sustain the same standard of living.

This has been in operation for some time and we have had no complaints about it.