asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider the establishment of an independent body to review the use of manpower in the Armed Forces, in view of the numerous complaints of wastage at the present time.

No, Sir.

In view of the very serious nature of the Government's National Service proposals in the Defence White Paper, and the numerous complaints about the wastage of manpower that have been made in recent times, is it not high time that a thorough investigation of this character should be held? What have the Service chiefs to conceal?

They have nothing to conceal. There have been at least three investigations in each Department since the war, and in two Services investigations are going on now. We are coming to the time when there will be debates on all three Services, and if the hon. Member has any specific points in mind my right hon. Friends will be very glad if he will raise them.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to furnish the House with the details of the investigations to which he has just referred? That is new to the House. Will he say why the Service Departments cannot, through the Ministry of Defence, establish permanent machinery to ensure that there is no wastage of manpower?

The fact that there have been certain investigations can hardly be news to the right hon. Gentleman, because some of them took place under his guidance. The question of permanent machinery is rather another question, but it is the first duty of my right hon. Friends to see that manpower is not wasted, and that is what they devote a large part of their energies to ensuring.

The hon. Gentleman has just informed the House, in reply to a supplementary question, that two investigations are now proceeding. Will he give the House the details?

No, Sir. These are Departmental investigations as to how manpower can be saved. It is not customary to give the House details of Departmental investigations.

Is it not a fact that the establishments divisions of all three Services are constantly reviewing these matters and trying to cut down wherever possible?

Yes, Sir, of course they are, and I think that my colleagues have had considerable success, which will be brought out, in saving manpower.

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the difference between a Departmental investigation and an independent investigation, and that what is asked for in my Question is whether he will set up an investigation by an independent body of people who have no prejudices within the Service Departments?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to what extent British naval and air units are patrolling the Straits of Formosa in order to provide protection to British merchant ships on their lawful occasions.

It is not in the public interest to reveal operational information about the extent to which patrols are carried out.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that everything possible is being done to protect British ships that are plying along the coast of Communist China? Only last week another British ship, the "Incharran" was fired upon. Has the attention of the Minister been drawn to the statement made by the Chinese Nationalist Prime Minister, a few days ago, at a Press conference, that the Chinese Nationalist authorities intended to do everything possible to stop ships carrying strategic goods to the ports of Communist China? Is it not clear from these events that there will be a repetition of what happened when British lives were lost a few months ago?

The Foreign Secretary stated that British ships, on their lawful occasions, would be protected. I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said.

That is all very well, but in the absence of details which, obviously, ought not to be disclosed for security reasons and that we understand—will the Parliamentary Secretary say quite categorically whether protection is being afforded to British vessels in the Straits of Formosa?

I have nothing to add to my answer.

This is very important. Another British ship was fired upon last week. May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary a straight question —he has the information and the House has not? Is he personally satisfied that everything possible is being done to give physical protection to British ships trading in Chinese coastal waters, and that nothing more could be done, for example, in the way of organising convoys through the Straits of Formosa?

I am satisfied that all appropriate steps are being taken.

If we cannot get a satisfactory answer, or any other kind of answer from the hon. Gentleman, could we get some other Member of the Government to give us a more satisfactory reply?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will try.

I shall, to the best of my ability.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will arrange for the Service Ministries to release their wartime news films to the British Broadcasting Corporation or other documentary producers so that British films "Victory in the Air" and "Victory on Land" may be produced in order to balance the American production "Victory at Sea."

Yes, Sir. I understand that the War Office and the Air Ministry have already offered the B.B.C. the use of their war-time film material for the production of programmes of the kind my hon. Friend has in mind, and that the B.B.C. has the matter under active consideration.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the B.B.C. submitted proposals in 1946 and 1947 with a view to obtaining these films, but that such high prices were charged that the proposition was dropped, and that it will give great satisfaction that a saner view now prevails?

Is there not an excellent war-time film of the Prime Minister meeting Marshal Stalin in Moscow, Yalta and Tehran, and could not the B.B.C. be asked to exhibit the film on television so that we may know there is a precedent for these gentlemen meeting again?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that up to the B.B.C.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, in terms of 1950 prices the amounts spent as part of the defence programme on textiles in the financial years 1950–51, 1951–52, and the estimated expenditure for 1952–53 and 1953–54, respectively.

The amounts spent on textiles (including clothing) for the financial years 1950–51 and 1951–52 respectively were £22 million and £47 million. Estimated expenditure in 1952–53 and 1953–54 is £90 million and £51 million respectively.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when my right hon. Friend announced the three-year rearmament programme he said that £200 million was budgeted for in respect of expenditure on textiles in the next three years? As the hon. Gentleman's figures show—even allowing for rises in costs— only an expenditure of some £150 million in those three years, is it not clear that the announcement made last year that additional orders were being placed with the textile industry were inaccurate, and that, in point of fact, there has been a reduction of Government expenditure on textiles at the same time as there has been a restriction on textiles on the home market?

The hon. Gentleman is aware that special action was taken during the current financial year in view of the textile troubles, and that at least an extra £20 million were spent which it was not previously intended to spend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will circulate in HANSARD a list of all forms of pensions and retired pay which are the responsibility of the Service Departments, showing in each case by what percentage the rates have been increased since 1945.

Yes, Sir.

Do not these figures show conclusively the absolute justice of the claim of retired officers to an increase in retired pay; and how long do the Government propose callously to disregard the pleas of the very distinguished officers who recently wrote to "The Times "?

That is the subject of a subsequent Question.

Army ranks are given for convenience. For corresponding ranks and periods of service in the Navy and R.A.F. the position is identical.

The chief improvement of the 1950 revision of service non-effective awards was the addition of a lump sum terminal grant on retirement or discharge: this improvement is not reflected in the percentage increase in the retired pay or pension, but is shown separately below.

Except for certain special categories, the rates of disability awards, and of awards to widows and dependants where death is due to service, are identical with those paid by the Ministry of Pensions, and on this matter I would refer to the Written answer given by the Minister of Pensions on 29th January. The following tables give the percentage increases since 1945 in the main forms of retired pay and pension awarded in respect of service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether he has examined the representations made by Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope, Viscount Allanbrooke and Viscount Portal of Hungerford, a copy of which has been sent him, on the need to revise the rules governing the retired pay of officers who retired before 1st September, 1950; and, in view of these representations, what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I have seen the representations referred to. As my noble Friend the Minister of Defence, explained recently in a debate in another place, there are serious practical difficulties in giving special treatment to this class of State pensioner. But he promised that their claims would not be forgotten if and when it becomes possible to assist them financially.

Does my hon. Friend realise that there are a few of the older pensioner officers who have not had their rate of pension altered for 34 years, and that though time may be on the side of the Government in this matter it is certainly not on the side of the pensioners?

I am very well aware of that.

As his right hon. Friend will not listen to the representations of these distinguished officers, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many of his hon. Friends threatened to vote against the Government unless they did something about it?

As this matter must finally be decided by the Treasury, will my hon. Friend say what action he is taking to get the money out of the Treasury? Is he pressing them on the matter and drawing their attention to its importance?

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give an undertaking that this rather shabby treatment of this particular class of pensioner will be considered by the Chancellor between now and the Budget? I am not asking for any undertaking, but whether the Chancellor is being asked to consider the matter.

Yes, of course; frequent consultations take place.

Why is the hon. Gentleman not as aggressive in his replies as he was when he asked Questions from this side of the House?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have now been taken by the Kenya Government to introduce the necessary economic and social reforms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about any new measures designed to accelerate the improvement of economic conditions for Africans in Kenya and particularly for members of the Kikuyu tribe; and whether it is proposed that Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom should make any financial grant to the cost of any measures which may be proposed for such purpose.

In the answers given to the hon. Member for Cannock (Miss Lee) on 20th January and to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Alport) on 18th February, I described briefly the action being taken by the Kenya Government in these spheres. That action covers, of course, all parts of Kenya. Her Majesty's Government are already contributing considerable sums through grants under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

As it is now universally recognised that social and economic grievances have fed the Mau Mau movement, and as conditions have become worse because of the confiscation of cattle and the lifting of Kikuyu workers from European farms—

This seems to be going rather beyond the Question on the Order Paper.

—will the right hon. Gentleman urge the Kenya Government to put into operation the proposals he himself mentioned in the House as being under consideration?

Two pamphlets have been issued by the Kenya Government which give a lot of information on this point. I will have them put in the Library, and I hope that from their study the hon. Member will find answers to some of his questions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the C.D. & W. contribution which he mentioned and whether that has been increased by any decision taken since this emergency began? More serious still, have we not to recognise that we cannot deal with this problem in Kenya unless we propose to take steps which will involve costs to the British taxpayers and the white settlers far in excess of the C.D. & W. contributions?

I will not trouble the House with all the figures, but I shall be glad to send them to the hon. Member. Of course, any requirements

My hon. Friend asked whether there had been an increase.

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the allocation has already been made and no further applications have been received. The Government will be prepared to consider any further financial grant when the time comes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, approximately, what is the total of the grants? Did I understand him to say that the Government are ready to make a further grant if an application comes along?

I did not give any such undertaking. I said that we would consider sympathetically any further application. As the right hon. Gentleman presses me, the actual sums are £3,657,000 in Kenya, all allocated to schemes and £2,186,000 actually issued; East Africa Regional, £3,630,000; locusts, £430,000; and Makerere University, £1,250,000, making a total of £5,310,000.

In view of the very grave circumstances to which my hon. Friend has called attention, will not the Government now say that they are prepared to make a further grant?

I have no power to do that, nor has any application for further money been received from the Kenya Government. I can only repeat that when the time comes the Government will be willing to look at any application with sympathy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the printing press of the "Tribune," Nairobi, has been suppressed by the Kenya Government.

The Registrar considered that the "Tribune" press had been printing documents prejudicial to or incompatible with peace or good order in the Colony, namely, objectionable vernacular newspapers, and after consultation with the Member for Law and Order cancelled its licence on 14th January. The "Tribune" newspaper itself is not prescribed and is still published.

Does not the cancellation of the registration of the printing press mean, in effect, that the "Tribune" cannot be printed and that it has had subsequently to be cyclostyled? Is it not the fact that the police have even visited the cyclostyle owners and that the "Tribune" is not now appearing at all?

That is not in accordance with my information, which is what I have given, that the "Tribune" newspaper is still published.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the "Tribune" was publishing anything more likely to create disorder in Kenya than some of the statements that are printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT of this House?

Does this newspaper have any connection with the London edition, and is it running any brains trusts? If it is giving any trouble to the right hon. Gentleman, would he consult the executive of the Labour Party on the best way of dealing with it?

In the interests of peace and good order, will the Minister put on record that it is his opinion that it is very undesirable in Kenya to depart from the higher standards of British journalism?

It is extremely undesirable to allow a vernacular newspaper in Kenya to spread sedition all over the country.

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of newspapers and printing presses suppressed, the number of meetings banned and the number of schools closed down in Kenya, since 1st October, 1952.

Seventeen newspapers. 16 cyclostyled sheets and eight printing presses have been suppressed and 188 schools closed down under emergency regulations. I have asked the Governor for information about the number of meetings banned and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In these circumstances, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider it appropriate, in the broadcasts to the Kikuyu, to address a few observations to them on the Atlantic Charter. the Declaration of Human Rights and the Devonshire Declaration that the interests of the Africans would be paramount in Kenya?

Those remarks have no relevance to the subject of the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give further details of the broadcast by Africans to the Kikuyu in Kenya; how many Kikuyu are known to have receiving sets; and to what extent sets are provided in reserves or in detention centres.

Broadcasts by African announcers and speakers in vernaculars and Swahili total 28¾ hours a week, including 12 hours in Kikuyu. The Post Office records do not show an analysis by races or tribes of wireless licences issued, but a considerable number of Kikuyu are known to have purchased receiving, sets during the last year. Eight hundred "saucepan" receiving sets have been purchased by Africans during the past six months.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that many people have been wondering exactly what is meant by broadcasting to the Kikuyu? In future, would it be possible for us to study this in more detail, because it can be of immense help in our propaganda about what this country is trying to do for the people of East Africa?

It is being carried out energetically. Twenty-eight and three-quarter hours a week is quite a long time. These sets are used in the open and the broadcasts are beard by a great many people.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the annual cost to Kenya of the three yearly holiday to the United Kingdom of civil servants; the cost to Kenya of transferring officials to take their place temporarily; and the saving if holidays were annual and for shorter periods.

A precise answer to the first part of the Question is not readily available. As regards the second part, the cost must be negligible since such transfers from outside Kenya are exceptional. There is much to be said for more frequent and shorter leave periods, but I doubt whether they would result in any financial saving.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the rates of pay for Europeans serving in the Kenya Police Force; how many Europeans born in Kenya are so serving; and what has been the increase of pay since the war.

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

Comparative rates of pay are as set out in the following table. Information is not available in London as to the number of the European members of the Kenya Police Force who were born in Kenya. I am asking the Governor for this information, if it is readily available, and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT later.

A cost of living allowance is at present being paid to all ranks at the rate of 30 per cent. of salary up to a maximum of £300 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the respective strengths of the military and police forces now in use to maintain order in Kenya.

The military forces are the 1st Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers, and Kenya Regiment and five battalions of the Kings African Rifles, the East African Armoured Car Company and the East African Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, a total of between 5,000 and 6,000. The police forces number about 12,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Reuter's correspondent in Nairobi reported on 20th February that the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was holding discussions on the possibility of using South African troops to replace or reinforce British troops? In view of the possible political implications if that policy were pursued, will he assure the House that South African troops will not be used to reinforce our troops?

That seems to be a very long way from the Question which the hon. Lady asked but, in reply, I can say that I am fully aware of all the political implications involved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the total casualties in Kenya in terms of Europeans and Africans seriously wounded or killed believed due to Mau Mau activity; of Africans seriously wounded or killed in police or military operations; and of Africans under arrest awaiting trial.

Total casualties in Kenya since the declaration of the Emergency on 20th October, 1952, are 97 Africans, eight Europeans and three Asians murdered, and 44 Africans, seven Europeans and three Asians seriously wounded; 161 Africans have been killed and 101 seriously wounded in operations by the security forces.

In view of the gravity and tragedy of these figures would not the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider trying to substitute for a policy of ruling by fear a policy of winning the confidence of the African people?

We cannot proceed with a policy of winning confidence on any lines except those which are now being pursued, which seek to make law-abiding Africans safe, and this cannot be done by failing to punish those who are engaging in murder.

It has not been done up to now. In November there was a chance of putting an end to this. The position is rapidly becoming more difficult and dangerous.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what success he has achieved to date in isolating the disloyal from the loyal Kikuyu in Kenya; and his estimate of the numbers of each.

There have been no major developments in this particular respect since my statement on 28th January. As I then informed the House, some 10,000 Kikuyu are enlisted in Home Guards and resistance groups and this, together with the closer policing of the Kikuyu districts, has led to an increase of confidence in the Government.

Does the Minister agree that in order to restore peace and confidence in Kenya it is deirable to distinguish between loyal and disloyal Kikuyu and offer the loyal ones as much protection as possible? What protection is afforded to the loyal Kikuyu?

Talk to Leslie Hale.

We are providing all the protection we can. The hon. and learned Member asked me to make an estimate of the numbers of those who are law-abiding and those who are not. I find that impossible to do.

rose—

On a point of order. The hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) referred to me by name during this Question in words audible all over the Chamber, Sir. Might I ask the hon. Member what was the imputation behind his remark?

The two hon. Members must settle that between themselves.

Further to that point of order. The hon. Member for Louth was clearly heard to say, at a time when my hon. Friend was referring to non-law-abiding citizens, "Talk to Leslie Hale." In those circumstances, may I protest at what was a despicable observation? It was peculiarly loathsome and despicable, coming from someone who comes from my own county, whom I have known for many years and who ought to know my character and reputation.

If I have offended in any way I withdraw what I said. I can assure the hon. Member that what I said was not meant to be taken in the way he has taken it. I meant nothing offensive.

On a point of order. I was on my feet, Sir, when my hon. Friend raised his point of order. May I now put my question? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman find some means of affording protection to those who are distinguished as loyal Kikuyu?

Under the emergency regulations the whole of the measures taken by troops, police and part-time police are designed to try to give protection to the law-abiding and hunt down those who break the law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is his intention to restore the right of assembly for Africans in Kenya.

The Kenya Government will restore the right to hold public meetings as soon as this can be done without risk to public safety. On 3rd December, 1952, I told the House that there is no barrier to African members of Legislative Council having interviews with their people, but that in the present situation large public gatherings cannot be permitted. In a recent debate in the Legislature the Kenya Government promised to consider carefully and sympathetically applications by individual members.

Is the Minister aware of the Motion upon this subject last week in the Nairobi Assembly? Since all desire to isolate the loyal Kikuyu from the disloyal Kikuyu, does he not think it would be a good thing if the moderate African leaders were to meet in public assembly and were able, in public assembly, to put what we all think is the correct viewpoint about the tragic state of affairs in Kenya?

Such measures can he undertaken only with due regard to public safety. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the ban will be relaxed whenever it is felt that public safety would not be endangered. I am sympathetic with his point of view.