asked the Minister of Food if he will reconsider his decision substantially to reduce allocations of sugar and fats to biscuit manufacturers and bakers, in view of the harmful effect it will have on the trade as well as the inevitability of price increases.

I think the hon. Member has been misinformed. So far from reducing allocations to these industries, I have recently been able to make some overall increases.

asked the Minister of Food how much milk was imported from Ireland during the months of October, November and December, 1952, and January, 1953, respectively.

The total quantities transferred from Ministry of Food Creameries in Northern Ireland to Great Britain during the period were 1,350,000 gallons and 375,000 gallons for the months of October and November, 1952, respectively.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has any statement to make on the de-control of eggs.

The Government have now decided, in consultation with the National Farmers' Union and the representatives of the packers, wholesalers and other interests concerned, on temporary arrangements for egg marketing after de-control. These arrangements will operate from 26th March, on which date the allocation and price control of eggs will cease, until permanent plans can be brought into operation after full and mature consultation with all the interests concerned.The existing machinery of the Ministry of Food will be used to operate the guarantees of price and market under Part I of the Agriculture Act, 1947, and to provide certain services, such as market intelligence and a supply of egg boxes, for packing stations or producers. A National Committee comprising representatives of the farmers, the packers and the distributive trade will be set up to advise the Ministry of Food on any policy questions arising in the performance of these functions and to exercise certain executive functions in their day-to-day operation. Area advisory committees comprising the same interests will also be set up.This use of the existing machinery of the Ministry of Food is a temporary expedient. It is important that these interim arrangements should not jeopardise the long-term scheme to be introduced at a later stage. For this reason especially the Government, and the industry, attach great importance to the maintenance of satisfactory quality standards for home-produced eggs. It is therefore proposed to require that all eggs should be sold by grade and weight. The only exception to this will be sales of eggs by producers direct to consumers for consumption in private households. The Ministry of Food will continue to licence packing stations for grading purposes.Guaranteed prices and assured markets under the Agriculture Act, 1947, will be implemented by packing stations being required to accept from producers all eggs offered to them and to pay not less than the guaranteed minimum price current at the time. Packing stations will be free to pay producers more than the guaranteed price according to market conditions. Guaranteed minimum prices on a seasonal basis will, of course, be determined in the light of the forthcoming Annual Review. When accepting eggs at the guaranteed prices packing stations will be operating on behalf of the Ministry of Food, which will carry any loss involved in disposing of eggs so bought.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate production of groundnuts in Nigeria for 1951–52; how much of these are still awaiting transport; and what effective steps were taken last year to provide adequate transport facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the tonnage of peanuts lying at Kano awaiting transportation to the coast.

The only precise figures of groundnut production available relate to purchases for export. In 1951–52, 418,000 tons of Nigerian groundnuts, or nearly three times the previous season's tonnage, were purchases for export. Substantial improvements in groundnut railings have recently been made and consequently the backlog at the end of January had been reduced to 60,000 tons. If the present rate of railings is maintained, both this backlog and the 300,000 tons of the present season's crop still in the Kano area would be cleared before the beginning of the next season.The great bulk of these groundnuts must be moved by rail. As regards the last part of Question No. 47, I would refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 17th July last. Since then the staff position of the Nigerian Railways has improved, considerable numbers of additional locomotives and wagons, delivery of which is to begin this year, are on order, and certain other measures to improve the efficiency of the railway are being taken

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the state of affairs disclosed by his expert's report on the administration of the Lagos Municipality.

The Commissioner who conducted this inquiry was appointed by the Nigerian Government and submitted his report to them. He found that the Lagos Town Council was failing, or had failed, in a number of respects to discharge its functions in a manner conducive to the welfare of Lagos. I have no comment to make on these conclusions.After considering the report, the Western Regional Government have dissolved the Lagos Town Council and appointed a Committee of Management under the chairmanship of Sir Kofo Abayomi to discharge its functions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position yet to announce proposals for social and economic reform in those areas of Kenya not affected by Mau Mau violence; and if the views of the Unofficial Members of the Kenya Legislative Assembly on this subject have been considered.

Since 1946 the Government of Kenya have been carrying out a continuing programme of social and economic development. So far about £42 million have been spent under the ten-year development plan. The programme was endorsed by the Kenya Legislative Council and it is constantly revised and improved by the Planning Committee, which includes all the Unofficial Members of the Executive Council, who are also members of the Legislative Council. Two pamphlets will shortly be published detailing the progress already made with African development plans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that acts of violence have been committed by the Government of Kenya, or its representatives, upon Africans in Kenya; how many of those acts have resulted in death; and what action he proposes to take.

There have been allegations of maltreatment of persons by the authorities in Kenya, but no evidence has so far been produced which would make it possible to take action on any of the alleged incidents. The Governor and I are, however, determined to do all possible to prevent such excesses and to deal with them if the allegations are substantiated. The Governor has recently issued a directive making this clear.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Kikuyus have been imprisoned for failure to take an oath of allegiance and to wear an armlet bearing a number and his or her photograph; under what emergency regulation this action has been taken; and what are the maximum penalties which can be imposed.

There are no emergency regulations requiring Kikuyu to take oaths of allegiance or to wear armlets bearing numbers or photographs and no Kikuyu has been imprisoned for failure to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will introduce an elected element into the rural authority in the Kombo St. Mary Division of Gambia.

The authority already contains a substantial majority of elected members.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures have been taken to establish an agreed franchise in Sierra Leone so that citizens of the Colony and the Protectorate will have equal rights in voting and representation throughout Sierra Leone.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. T. Reid) on 9th April, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the powers of the recently formed district councils in Uganda.

There have been no recent changes in the existing district councils, which are mainly advisory but have certain powers of making bye-laws.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the establishment of county councils in Tanganyika.

The Tanganyika Government are at present considering the report of the Special Commissioner on this and other local government matters. I expect to hear from the Governor shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many secondary school systems are in operation in Malaya; what provision is made for Malay and Tamil children to attend a secondary school; and if he will prepare a comprehensive scheme through which the three sections, Malays, Chinese and Tamils, can pass to the university.

Three. There are schools maintained from Government funds, schools aided from Government funds, and other, private, institutions. The provision made by Government for Malay and Tamil children to attend secondary schools includes the maintaining and aiding of schools and there are also special provisions for free education, the remission of fees, the grant of scholarships, the payment of maintenance grants and the running of hostels for Malay children. Under the existing educational system, which is expanding rapidly, there are already facilities enabling students to pass on to the university irrespective of race, whether Malay, Chinese or Tamil.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many students were accepted into the University of Malaya last year; how many were trained abroad because the university was unable to accept them; and what is being done to provide a university for the Chinese section of the community.

162 new students were admitted to the University of Malaya in 1952: in addition 43 graduates were admitted to honours courses. I cannot answer the second part of the Question because there are many other reasons which may have influenced individual students in choosing to study abroad. The University of Malaya is available for the Chinese as for any other section of the community, and in fact more than half the students last year were Chinese.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the expulsion order recently given to 500 students of the Singapore People's Education Association, at Raffles Institute; and if he will call for a report of the matter.

The Governor of Singapore has reported as follows. The People's Education Association was provided with accommodation in the Raffles Institution for approximately 150 students attending evening classes in 1952. A greatly increased number of persons presented themselves for enrolment in 1953 and conducted themselves in a manner which disturbed the other evening classes being held on the premises. The headmaster then felt himself compelled to withdraw the facilities enjoyed by the Association in 1952. The Association has now been offered accommodation for the enlarged number of students in various schools including the Raffles Institution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Colonies, other than those which originally accepted invitations, have now expressed a desire to attend the conference on West Indies Federation in London in April.

The territories which have not accepted Federation in principle have been invited to send observers but have not yet replied. Federation is still being debated by the Barbados Legislature.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what facilities will be arranged for Members of Parliament to witness the naval review at Spithead.

Arrangements are being made to invite a proportion of Members of both Houses with their wives to witness the Coronation Naval Review from liners chartered for guests of Her Majesty's Government, in which space will, of necessity, be limited. I shall take steps to ascertain the total number of Members who wish to be present and hope it will be possible for those who cannot be accommodated in the liners to witness the Review from certain of Her Majesty's Ships. These arrangements may involve Members in some small expense, but details are not yet settled.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what tenders he received for bulk supplies in the United Kingdom during 1951–52 of motor and aviation spirit; how far these prices were competitive; what was the quantity and cost of the spirit supplied; and what action he is taking to ensure competitive tenders in future.

The Admiralty draws its requirement for aviation spirit from the Air Ministry and I must accordingly refer the hon. Member to the reply to be made to his Question to the Under-Secretary of State for Air. As regards motor spirit, it is contrary to long-established practice to reveal contract prices paid, but the requirements during the period in question were some 10,000 tons. All tenders received for motor spirit were within the maximum controlled price less rebate for Government bulk supplies. I can assure the hon. Member that tenders will continue to be invited from as wide a field as possible.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones remain outstanding for the Ilford area to the latest convenient date; and what steps are being taken to minimise delays.

About 4,000 applications were outstanding in the Borough on 31st December, 1952. New plant is needed to meet these applications. The borough is served by three exchanges and the capacity of all three is being increased. At Seven Kings the new equipment will, I hope, be ready about the middle of this year. New cables are also being laid.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the total number of farmers who have taken advantage of the farmers' telephone lines scheme announced on 30th July, 1952; and how many of these are in Wales.

Seventy-two farmers have so far agreed to co-operate. None of the eight lines already working are in Wales, but up to the present five Welsh farmers have agreed to take part in the scheme.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what proposals have been made for the setting up of new transmitting stations for television which will give coverage for parts of Cornwall; and to what extent they will cover the whole of Cornwall.

The B.B.C's general plan approved in principle by the Government provides for a station near Plymouth. The Corporation had in mind a site at North Hessary Tor, but are now testing a possible alternative in order to estimate its approximate coverage. I cannot, therefore, answer the second part of the Question yet.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the construction or extension of aerodromes frequently results in increasing the drainage problems of farms on to which water from such aerodromes flows; and what steps he proposes to take to enable owners and occupiers of such farms to carry out their increased drainage responsibilities.

I know of no recent instance where the construction or extension of an airfield has created drainage problems for nearby farmers. I should be glad to have inquiries made if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement about the recent accident over Sandwich and Deal in which United States aircraft were involved and which endangered civilian lives; and, in particular, what steps have been taken to avoid a recurrence.

I regret to say that both pilots were killed when two F.84 Thunderjet aircraft collided in mid-air near Deal on 6th February. There were no civilian casualties. I understand that the U.S.A.F. authorities have not been able to establish the cause of the accident. I can assure the House that the U.S.A.F. authorities co-operate very closely with the Royal Air Force to ensure that all flying is done with the greatest possible safety.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if, following his investigations into the case of 2479800, Aircraftman A. Kirby, he can now state what arrangements are to be made for notifying parents in the case of National Service and other personnel seriously injured while on duty.

My noble Friend gave the right hon. Member full details of the present arrangements in his letter of 12th February. Briefly, they are as follows. When airmen are seriously, dangerously, or mentally ill, the next-of-kin are told at once. In less serious cases, we write officially at regular intervals to the next-of-kin of airmen under 18, but we leave airmen over 18 to decide for themselves whether or not to tell their relatives that they are ill. Medical staffs impress upon patients the need to keep in touch with their relatives and are always ready to write home on behalf of those in their charge. These arrangements have worked well for many years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what tenders he received for bulk supplies in the United Kingdom during 1951–52 of motor and aviation spirit; how far these prices were competitive; what was the quantity and cost of the spirit supplied; and what action he is taking to ensure competitive tenders in future.

During 1951–52, the Air Ministry bought some 475,000 tons of aviation fuel and some 30,000 tons of motor spirit at maximum controlled prices less the minimum rebate for Government bulk supplies. All tenders received were at these figures. For the future, tenders will continue to be invited from as many firms as practicable.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he proposes to hold a public inquiry into the loss of the York aircraft missing over the North Atlantic; and when the inquiry will be held.

The question of holding a public inquiry will not be decided until I have received the preliminary report of the Chief Inspector of Accidents. This will be made immediately after the return of his investigating staff from the Azores.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation when the new air service between West Wales and Cardiff will begin to operate for the public what the fares will be; how often aeroplanes will run; and what plans have been submitted for extending the service to Bristol and London.

Cambrian Air Services Ltd. have been informed of the detailed conditions for my right hon. Friend's approval of the service between Haverfordwest and Cardiff, via Swansea, and these should have been fulfilled in time for the Company to introduce the service on 1st April. The fares to be charged have not yet been finally decided. I understand that initially the service will be operated two or three times a week, but that these frequencies may be increased if traffic demands. My right hon. Friend has also provisionally approved the extension of this service to Bristol and London, but I understand that the Company is unlikely to introduce this extension before April, 1954.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he can give an assurance that adequate safety precautions are being maintained by British European Airways Corporation, in view of the use of a spare set of faulty accumulators on 5th December, 1950, in the passenger Dakota G—AGHS, and other faulty equipment, details of which have been supplied to him.

Yes. As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 4th February, I am satisfied that the allegations that British European Airways Corporation used faulty equipment are without foundation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present status of the territory known as the Canal Zone in Egypt.

The territory in question is part of Egypt. Under the 1936 Treaty Her Majesty's Government have the right to station certain forces there. The existence of these rights does not, however. affect the status of the territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government intend to take as a result of the interference with the British ship s.s. "Incharran" in Far Eastern waters.

Reports of the Master of the "Incharran" indicate that it was not possible to identify the attacker. A spokesman of the Chinese Nationalist authorities announced that Nationalist naval units had been sent to investigate as soon as the "Incharran's" wireless distress signal was intercepted. This step was apparently taken by the Nationalist authorities on their own initiative. Her Majesty's Consul at Tamsui has been instructed to inquire from the Provincial Government the result of the investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who gave evidence at the inquiries which were held at the time, and after the war, into allegations of neglect on the part of the British Secret Service in connection with the execution of 47 British agents at Mauthausen: and how many of those agents who escaped execution were called to give evidence.

I cannot reveal the names of those who were interviewed in the course of the British inquiries during and since the war. These were inquiries into the affairs of a secret organisation and it would be contrary to the public interest and established practice to publish any details.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will give an assurance that owners who sell land by agreement to public authorities at existing use value will not be treated less favourably in the matter of compensation than those whose land is compulsorily acquired.

Yes. No distinction will be made between those who sold by agreement and those whose land was bought under compulsory powers. The Government propose to pay to all owners who have sold land to a public authority at existing use value the full amount of any claim admitted for payment from the £300 million fund. Where the claim covers a larger area than was acquired the appropriate part of the claim will be paid. This applies to all sales effected before the coming into operation of the legislation which the Government plan to introduce next Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the comparatively small expenditure involved, he will alter the conditions of payment of teachers' pensions in Scotland from a three-monthly to a monthly basis.

No. Apart from the addition of £3,000 to administrative costs, the change would entail a further charge of about £360,000 for Scotland in the financial year in which it took effect. Nor would it be justifiable to make the change in Scotland without making a corresponding change in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish students there were at the universities, central institutions, training colleges and theological colleges in Scotland in the session 1951–52; and how many and what proportion of them were receiving grants from education authorities.

I regret that the information asked for is not immediately available. I am writing to the hon. Member explaining the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total cost to education authorities of bursaries to Scottish students at the universities, central institutions, training colleges and theological colleges in Scotland in session 1951–52; what proportion was borne by the Exchequer; and what was the total of assessed contributions of the parents or guardians.

The total expenditure by education authorities on these bursaries was £824,021, of which 60 per cent. was borne by the Exchequer. The total of assessed contributions of parents or guardians was £226,962.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to readers at the British Museum by the early closing of the reading room; and whether it would be possible to allow readers to stay till 7 p.m. as the present time limit makes it impossible for people fully occupied in the day-time to pursue their researches.

The Trustees of the British Museum appreciate that there is a demand for later opening of the Reading Room. This would mean not inconsiderable expense and in view of the need for economy they do not feel able to institute this extension of their services to the public at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of workers employed on the Kirkby Trading Estate, Liverpool, and the numbers employed in other industrial developments at Kirkby at October, 1951, October, 1952, and the latest date. respectively.

I am not aware of industrial developments in the Kirkby area other than on the Liverpool Corporation's Trading Estate at Kirkby, which embraces both the area of the ex-Royal Ordnance Factory and the large area of industrial land adjoining it. The numbers of persons employed on this Estate has been as follows: October, 1951, 5,507; October, 1952, 5,320; February, 1953, 5,549.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to publish in HANSARD a table showing the number of bankruptcies in England and Wales in each of the years from 1945–52.

The figures are: