asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider making a flat rate charge for sending parcels by air mail to all Her Majesty's forces stationed overseas whether in or outside Europe.

The cost of the hon. Lady's proposal would be prohibitive unless the present rates to forces stationed in the nearer theatres, such as Germany, were raised appreciably: this course is not regarded as practicable.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that is the answer given me by his predecessor, and is he aware that that is not the point? Does he consider it right that it costs 6s. 6d. to send a 4 lb. parcel by air mail to Germany and 63s. to send the same parcel to Korea? Does he not think that the men in the distant theatres of war should have a preference and not be treated worse than those nearer home?

I always try to copy the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell), when it is appropriate to do so. I can see the force of the hon. Lady's contention, but she will realise that there are a great many things which make a station desirable or undesirable besides the rates for parcel post. I think that the man in the Forces accepts the luck of the draw and realises that in some cases he will be more fortunate than in others.

Since the hon. Gentleman has mentioned me, might I ask him whether it is not true that the present Government's only claim to fame is that they make an improvement upon the previous Government, and if that is their claim, why do they not do something about this matter?

I think the right hon. Gentleman has missed out the words "where appropriate" in my answer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider the sending of parcels up to 3 lb. in weight, letters, newspapers, limited in weight if necessary, by air mail to Her Majesty's Forces outside Europe free of charge except for the ordinary postal rate incurred in this country.

I regret that I cannot accept the hon. Lady's proposal, which would involve a heavy addition to the cost of present postal concessions for the Forces.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the very great worry caused to families of the men who are serving overseas by these rates? Has he himself not had letters from them saying that it is quite impossible to send newspapers or small parcels to the men because of the cost, and, if not, may I send him some?

I shall certainly be willing to receive any communication from the hon. Lady who has put up a gallant fight in this matter for a number of years. I can see her point, but she will realise that the present postal concessions already cost over £1,600,000 and there must be some limit to them.

I am glad the Parliamentary Secretary appreciates my gallant fight, but would he not appreciate still more the gallantry these men are putting up overseas, and is he not aware that on this matter the people of this country are quite prepared to pay an extra cost for a cheaper postal rate to the men out there?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence how many eligible applications have now been received for protection certificates under the terms of the Coronation amnesty for deserters; and how many protection certificates have been issued to date.

Up to 25th April, 1,663 eligible applications had been received for protection certificates under the amnesty. Protection certificates will be issued within the next fortnight.

Is it not deplorable that these men who have applied for an amnesty should be kept waiting so long? Quite a number of them think they are going to be prosecuted, and will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that these protection certificates will be issued within the next week or so?

My answer says that we hope they will be issued within the next fortnight. The hon. and gallant Gentleman realises, no doubt, that these men have waited some time before now.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence how many protection certificates have been issued to deserters resident in Eire; and to which army or other Reserve these applicants have been posted.

None, Sir. Applicants will be posted to Class Z or equivalent Reserves.

What is the good of posting these residents of Eire on Class Z or other equivalent Reserves when, if an emergency breaks out, it will be quite impossible to enforce the call-up notice?

It will be impossible if they are in Eire, but I see no particular reason why such men should be in a privileged position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will ask the Governor of Kenya to report on the operation of the Emergency Regulation which gives any member of the police force and Her Majesty's Forces and any administrative officer, forest officer or game officer or subordinate officer within the meaning of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance authority in a prohibited area to use force extending to voluntarily causing death in the case of any person who fails to stop when challenged, and in a special area to the use of lethal weapons in the case of any person who resists arrest or attempts to escape from arrest or fails to stop and submit to a search when called upon to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason, and under whose authority, Nairobi has been designated a special area; under what provisions instructions have been given permitting authorised persons to shoot persons who do not stop when challenged; and whether the request to stop has to be given in the language of the persons challenged.

Under Emergency Regulation 22b, which is available in the Library, if it appears to the Governor to be necessary or expedient that special precautions should be taken to prevent malicious injury to persons or property, he may by order declare an area to be a special area. The same regulation permits authorised persons to use such force as in the circumstances of the case may be reasonably necessary, including the use of lethal weapons to arrest any person who fails to stop when challenged. The request to stop is given in a language which the person concerned would certainly understand.

While it is- recognised on both sides of the House that the police and Forces in Kenya have been acting under a very great strain and with great restraint, is it not also a fact that the European-controlled Press in Nairobi, as well as the Government in Kenya, have shown some concern about these powers being wrongly used? Is he aware that I have a number of statements from Nairobi, including one from an African policeman who declined an order to shoot a man in the back? In view of all those circumstances, will he ask for some report from the Kenya Government upon this matter?

The hon. Gentleman has mentioned a case of which I have had no notice at all. My position in this matter and that of the Kenya Government is quite clear. Where we get evidence that any of these powers are being misused, the culprit will be visited with the utmost severity. So far, I have received some representations about this, but I have received no evidence.

While I recognise, as does my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway), that the Forces and police are living and working under a very great strain in Kenya, was the Secretary of State's attention called to an editorial in "The Times" this week, not for the first time expressing some concern at the report of abuses of these powers? Since these tend to bring the forces of law and order into disrepute, will he make full inquiries and make a statement to the House at the earliest possible opportunity?

I cannot undertake to make a statement to the House. I am in complete sympathy with the sentiments expressed in that article, but so far no evidence, other than rumours, has come to my knowledge. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, two circulars have been sent out by the Governor on this very point.

The Secretary of State has said that before, but, nevertheless, correspondents of considerable repute. whose reports are generally very reliable, continue to make these statements. That is why I urge the Secretary of State to consult with the Governor. I think a statement could be made both in this House and in Kenya.

This is nothing new. I have been in close touch with the Governor on this very matter for, I suppose, six weeks. I share the concern which the right hon. Gentleman has expressed and that of reputable correspondents, but he must not expect me to pre-judge any cases until I have definite evidence. I have asked for that. I can only assure him that we shall follow it up.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Question No. 34 asks for the reason why Nairobi itself has been declared a special area in view of the statement in the Press that no new emergency had occurred there and that this was merely a question of tidying up or trying to follow suspected people from one area to another? Will he bear in mind, in view of foolish interjections from hon. Members opposite, that it is difficult for corpses to complain? Once a man has been shot on an allegation that he is resisting arrest, or on suspicion, or, having been challenged in a language which he may or may not understand, it is not easy to produce evidence to justify a complaint. That is one of the fears which we seriously entertain. Is it not unprecedented to make this great capital city an emergency area for this purpose unless there is some very grave reason for it?

I resist the allegation that because people are shot no evidence can be forthcoming. If one believes statements made, evidence can be gathered from other members of the security forces and other Africans. So far, no definite piece of evidence, other than hearsay, has come to my knowledge. If the hon. Member will await my statement at the end of Questions about the situation in Kenya, I hope he will be satisfied with the reasons why Nairobi has been declared a special area.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Governor of Kenya and those who are advising him are quite capable of managing their own affairs without so much interference from Members of this House and that these allegations which are being made are only adding fuel to a fire which is already furious enough?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people in Kenya, up to date, have been arrested in connection with the disturbances there; how many have been screened and tried or released; how many are now in custody; and where the latter are.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now state the total casualties in Kenya since the passing of the emergency laws, including the number of persons arrested; the number of persons detained for screening; the number of persons imprisoned, and who have not been brought to trial; the number of persons imprisoned and released without trial; the number of persons shot after a challenge to stop; and the number of persons shot whilst resisting arrest.

Up to 14th April, 270 members of security forces and civilians had been murdered (255 Africans, three Asians and 12 Europeans) and 166 wounded (153 Africans, four Asians and nine Europeans). Since the beginning of the Emergency 82,840 persons have been arrested. Of them 8,975 were released at once; 38,947 have been screened and released, and 28,912 screened and tried. Six thousand and six persons are now in custody awaiting trial, of whom 2,549 are in police custody, 2,116 in prison custody and 1,291 in remand homes. Four hundred and thirty persons have been shot while resisting arrest or after being challenged to stop.

I am obliged to the Minister for that detailed reply. Would he tell us whether anything is being done to those in custody with a view to divesting their minds of the perverted ideas of Mau Mau and giving them an opportunity of learning how to be good citizens?

I think the hon. and learned Member will not press me on the narrow subject of men awaiting trial on particular charges. We and the Kenya Government are doing everything we can to make the position clear to the Kikuyu tribe in general.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that, on the whole, these figures are a testimony to the success of a policy of collective punishment and the punishment of the whole Kikuyu tribe and of driving good Kikuyu workers from the farms back to the Reserves? Would he not accede to a plea that one really genuine effort be made at conciliation, even at this stage, through the national leaders of the Kikuyu, making a real appeal to try to get understanding and toleration?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is in deep error on this matter. If he considers that collective punishment has anything to do with the arrest of people charged with definite crimes, he must think again. We must resist threats to law and order. At the same time, we must make it clear that the law-abiding have a future, and a prosperous future.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the movement of the Kikuyu from the settled areas back to the Reserves was not as a result of pressure from the authorities but as a result of the policy of the Mau Mau leaders in order to embarrass the authorities and cause hardship to the people concerned?

Yes, that is so. Of course, the murder of over 200 Africans, many of them squatters, has led to a movement, which the Government have tried to check, of Kikuyu squatters from the farms back to the Reserves.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds ex-Chief Koinange has been detained in Kenya.

Ex-Chief Koinange was detained under Emergency Regulation 2 (1) because the Governor was satisfied that for purposes of maintaining public order it was necessary to exercise control over him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that ex-Chief Koinange was kept in prison for six months pending trial for murder and those of us who knew him never believed he was guilty of it, that he was entirely acquitted but immediately the acquittal took place was arrested by the Government under these Orders? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that action?

It is not a matter for me to reconsider at all. Ex-Chief Koinange was detained under the equivalent of Regulation 18B in this country, and I am quite satisfied that there is no reason whatever why I should intervene.

Might I put one point which is of some importance to the Secretary of State? This ex-Chief was tried and was acquitted and it is of the utmost importance in Kenya that all the Africans should be taught to respect and look up to law and order. Does not this case tend to create the impression among them that almost immediately after acquittal this man was detained? Is not the Minister apprehensive that this might have a bad effect on the view which Africans take of law and order because of the coincidence of these two things?

No, the threat to law and order is coming from the Mau Mau terrorists.

I appreciate that, but here is a man who was tried and acquitted, and is it not of the utmost importance that all Africans should look up to and respect the forces of law and order and the judicial procedure? In view of the coincidence of these matters, will not the right hon. Gentleman look at this again, because it tends to create an impression that although a man is acquitted nevertheless he is detained immediately afterwards?

No, I am afraid I cannot give the right hon. Member a sympathetic answer. To be acquitted of murder is not any reason why, for other causes, a man should not be detained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the functions and composition of the Wages Advisory Board and the Labour Advisory Board, respectively, in Kenya.

The Wages Advisory Board advises the Kenya Government on wages and conditions of employment. It consists of three independent members, one of whom is chairman, two representatives of employers and two of employees. The Labour Advisory Board advises the Kenya Government generally on all matters of labour policy and legislation. It consists of a chairman and 14 members, of whom three represent commerce, six agriculture and five the interests of employees.

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that there is not some overlapping between these two bodies and that their functions might not usefully be combined?

There may be some overlapping, but where there is I think it is on the whole desirable because the spheres of the two boards axe complementary, although they are different, and they are both serving a useful purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies his reasons for refusing to publish a full report of the trial of Jomo Kenyatta.

The publication of either a full report or a full summary of the trial of Jomo Kenyatta would involve a vast amount of work which I am not prepared to ask the Kenya Government to undertake.

While recognising that, may I ask the Minister if it would be possible for him to place a transcript of the proceedings of the trial in the Library of the House?

I do not think that would help hon. Members. I think the trial lasted for 56 days. But if it would be a help to the hon. Member it would be possible to make available copies of the "East African Standard" for the period of the trial. I understand that paper carried a fairly full report, and I will see that copies are placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further plans for the constitutional advance of Kenya he is contemplating.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what economic reforms have been instituted in Kenya since October, 1952; and what further reforms are now contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the situation in Kenya, with particular reference to the destruction of the African settlements near Nairobi, the arrest of their 6,000 inhabitants for screening, the deportation to the Kikuyu reserve of those not detained, and the extension to Nairobi of the order to shoot to kill Africans who resist arrest or attempt to escape.

With permission, I will deal with these Questions in a statement after Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the execution of the Caura Waterworks scheme for Trinidad has been unsatisfactorily managed; and if he will make a statement.

Major works on the Caura Dam scheme were suspended in March, 1948, owing to the financial position of the Trinidad Government at that time. The scheme was estimated to cost £1,400,000 over a third of which had then been expended. The project has since been put on care and maintenance: but provision for its completion is included in the Trinidad five-year economic programme. A commission of inquiry was appointed in 1950 to inquire into certain irregularities in the scheme, and its report was recently published. This disclosed shortcomings in the supervision and control of the scheme, particularly in the purchase of materials and heavy equipment, and the supply of transport. Disciplinary action has been taken against three of the officers involved.

Have the funds for this scheme come from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund or from the revenue of the Colony itself?

I am not sure that I have the information readily available, but I shall be glad to supply it to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans there are for the redevelopment of the Vieux Fort area of St. Lucia formerly used by the United States of America as an air and army base.

A team of experts who visited St. Lucia have recommended that grants be made from Colonial Development and Welfare funds to help develop this area, which they considered suitable for rearing livestock and dairy farming. These recommendations will be taken into account by the Development Commissioner whom we are now trying to find for St. Lucia.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which Colonies in the West Indies give taxation relief in order to encourage new agricultural and industrial enterprise; and what measure of success is being produced by this policy.

Laws to encourage new enterprises by the grant of income tax and customs duty concessions have been enacted in Barbados, British Guiana, British Honduras, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. A number of enterprises have taken advantage of these concessions, but the legislation is too recent for a useful assessment of its value.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if concessions are made by Colonial Governments to the British taxpayers and then they accrue in fact to the United Kingdom Treasury, the whole purpose of them is lost, and will he make representations to his right hon. Friend?

This is a very difficult question which I cannot reply to shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet decided to publish the reports submitted to him by the trade mission and the timber mission both of which recently visited the West Indies.

I am still awaiting replies from some of the West Indian Governments which were consulted about publication.

In view of the fact that these trade missions returned to this country last year will my right hon. Friend do all he can to expedite publication of their reports?

Yes, Sir, but I must not publish them until I have the concurrence of all the Governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to encourage the sale of Sea Island cotton produced in the West Indies.

My Department maintains close contact with the West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association, which is responsible for promoting sales of this cotton. Expansion of demand for the high quality articles made of Sea Island cotton is not easy at the present time, particularly when competing grades of cotton are selling at more favourable prices.

May I ask the Minister, arising out of these Questions, which affect economic development in the West Indies, whether he does not realise that there is little prospect of sound economic development unless some effort is made to improve the transport facilities, which are in a shocking and inadequate condition?

I do not think the question of transport is one which concerns this particular matter of Sea Island cotton.

Does not my supplementary question arise out of the subject of economic development, whether it concerns the encouragement of Sea Island cotton or anything else? The right hon. Gentleman must really do something about this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what regulations now exist with regard to the carrying of firearms by Africans in Northern Rhodesia; how many arms licences have been issued to Africans during the last 12 months; and what is the licence fee.

Both Europeans and Africans must possess annual licences as prescribed in the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance. The number of firearms licensed to Africans in 1952 was 46,940, a very large number of which are muzzle loaders whose main use is ceremonial, or bird scaring. The licence fee varies from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per weapon with a maximum of 10s. for any total number of arms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the colour discrimination operating at the Ndola airport in Northern Rhodesia, if he will make representations to the Northern Rhodesian Government to secure such a modification of the existing practice as will avoid offence to educated Africans.

The Government of Northern Rhodesia is considering arrangements which, it hopes, will be satisfactory to all communities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that meanwhile considerable humiliation has been imposed upon educated Africans in refusing them lavatory and toilet facilities that are available to Europeans? While there may be justification in the case of some types of Africans, there is no justification for this discrimination between Europeans and educated Africans for lavatory and toilet facilities.

The arrangements which the North Rhodesian Government are considering arise from an incident to which the hon. Member has referred.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use every opportunity to bring home to the authorities in Northern Rhodesia the great importance of effectively getting rid of the colour bar?

I think that the Northern Rhodesian Government are fully aware of these questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the decision of the Eastern Region Parliamentary Committee of the party led by Dr. Azikiwe in Nigeria that Ministers belonging to the party must sign an undated letter of resignation before appointment, to be kept by a person who is not a member of the Eastern Region House of Assembly; and what steps he is taking to safeguard the electorate against this undemocratic practice.

I am informed that the National Executive Committee of this party did require such letters to be furnished by those whom it nominated to replace the present Ministers in the Eastern Region. These letters were to be kept for use should the nominees fail to obey the party dictates, but in fact none of these nominees has been appointed to office. I hope that the House will join me in condemning this threat to democratic Parliamentary Government in that Region. The only effective safeguard against it lies in the sense of responsibility of members of the Regional Legislature and electorate and I propose to ask the Governor to give this Question and answer wide publicity in Nigeria.

As one responsible for bringing this constitution into operation, may I ask to be able to join in making an appeal to our friends in Nigeria, who are embarking on a very great scheme of self-government and Ministerial responsibility, that in these matters they would be well advised to follow the good practice obtaining in this country?

I should like to thank the right hon. Member for that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what charges Dr. Nwafur Abyssinia Orizu, Eastern Regional Secretary of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons and his brother Joseph Orizu have been brought to trial in Nigeria.

The brothers Orizu have been charged under the Criminal Code of Nigeria with conspiring to defraud persons who might be induced to deposit money with them as agents for a body known as the American Council on African Education Incorporated, and with stealing from such persons.

Can the Minister tell us why this Dr. Orizu has only now been hauled before the courts, because I gather he has been doing this since, I think, 1948? Is not it somewhat disgraceful that it has taken so long to investigate this case of defrauding parents and students?

I cannot answer that question without notice. I might hazard that the evidence may have taken some time to collect, but if the hon. Member will put down a Question, I shall be glad to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the imprisonment of women in Abeokuta and the seizure of their goods because of nonpayment of the water rate, what action has been taken to deal with the problem and the grievances of the women.

This is a matter for the Western Regional Government of Nigeria. My information is that the collection of water rate in Abeokuta has been proceeding smoothly, and that the number of defaulters against whom court actions have been taken represents only a small proportion of the total number of persons who have paid it without any pressure from the Native Authority.

Can the Secretary of State say how many of these women have been imprisoned or are in prison now for non-payment of water rate? In view of this position, will not the right hon. Gentleman make some representation to the Western Regional Government to consider this matter, in view of the very great grievance that is felt in the area?

My information is that a very small number have been punished. I think the hon. Member will realise that in the case of these advanced constitutions, the occasions when Her Majesty's Government should intervene must be strictly limited.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to establish wage negotiating machinery for the 40,000 workers in the tin mining industry of Malaya.

It is the policy of the Government of the Federation to improve the machinery of collective bargaining in the tin mining industry by encouraging the growth of sound trade unions.

Is the Minister aware that even if we destroyed the bandits and won the war in Malaya, if we lose the confidence of the people in the tin mines and on the plantations we shall have lost Malaya? In order to create confidence and to maintain it, it is necessary to have a wage negotiating machine that will give the men confidence that they will get a square deal. Will the Minister take the initiative in establishing this machine in the tin mines of Malaya?

In reply to the hon. Member's Second Reading speech on this matter, may I say—[HON. MEMBERS: "Cheap!"]—that the Government can only provide the machinery for the setting up of trade unions. It rests with the employees themselves to make use of the machinery.

May I ask that the Minister, if he cannot answer a supplementary question, will not be insulting?

I did answer the question. All the Government can do is to try to provide the machinery, and that they have done.

Will the Government take the initiative and encourage the setting up of the machinery in the tin mines of Malaya?

The Government have set up the machinery. They cannot themselves form the trade unions. They have provided the necessary machinery but they must let the movement take place spontaneously.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the fact that the postal clerks of Singapore were claiming 44 months' back-pay and the recent award of arbitration proceedings conducted by Mr. Yong awarded 28 months, whether he will take steps to bring about speedier negotiations to obviate such long periods of retrospective pay, and to deal with the outstanding difficulties not specifically dealt with by the arbitration court.

I agree that delays in negotiations are undesirable, especially if they have the consequences suggested. The Government of Singapore are fully alive to this and I see no need to intervene.

Is the Minister aware that the main cause of the strikes in Malaya, and we have had quite a number during the past 12 months, is the delay caused by the prolongation of the negotiations, particularly in Government Departments, and will he take steps to see that these negotiations are not prolonged?

I agree it is undesirable that the negotiations should be so prolonged. But the hon. Member is probably aware that the award of back pay in the case to which he refers is not due to the length of the negotiations but to the fact that the union wanted retrospective effect to August, 1949, on which date the Federal Government had made concessions to similar workers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many boys from secondary grammar schools, and how many boys from independent and direct-grant schools, passed the recent written examination for the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; and how many of each group were selected for cadetships by the interviewing board.

Forty boys from secondary grammar schools and 46 from independent and direct grant schools passed the written examination in the competition for the entry in May, 1953, of naval cadets at age 16. The interview board passed 17 and 34 boys, respectively, from these groups of schools.

I congratulate the public school boys on their success. Is the Minister aware, however, that many of us are concerned about the comparative failure of grammar school boys to satisfy an interviewing panel that they, too, contain the qualities necessary in young officers? Does not the Minister think that the time has come either to reform grammar school education or to change the interviewing panel?

I ask the hon. Member to await the report of the Committee which my right hon. Friend has set up to examine this subject. I have, however, some information which might interest the hon. Member about this entry. Of the first five successful candidates for the executive branch in the present examination, three—the first, fourth and fifth—were grammar school boys. Of the candidates who were successful both in the written examination and at the interview, the four with the highest interview marks came from grammar schools.

To get this matter in perspective, can my hon. and gallant Friend state the total intake?

I think my hon. Friend will find the intake from the figures I have given.

Will the Minister circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members of the interviewing board.

I will consider that, but I think that the names of the interviewing board have been given to the House before.

Without revealing the individuals involved, but by some means by which the order can be indicated, could the hon. and gallant Gentleman publish a list showing the actual marks obtained by each candidate in each part of the examination?

I will certainly consider that, but these are the sort of points that would be best discussed when the report comes before hon. Members.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the report on cadet entry to Dartmouth College will be published.

My right hon. Friend has decided to publish this report: publication will take place as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will arrange for ships of Her Majesty's Fleet to visit Newport during the Coronation festivities.

Arrangements are being made for Her Majesty's Ship "Aisne," a destroyer, to visit Newport from 29th May to 4th June.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) the number of ships chartered for the accommodation for guests of Her Majesty's Government for the Naval Review on 15th and 16th June; and the cost of chartering;

Three liners are being chartered for the accommodation of guests of Her Majesty's Government for the Naval Review on 15th June. A number of guests will also be accommodated in an aircraft carrier and certain other of Her Majesty's Ships. It is not normal to give the details for which the hon. Member asks, but the total for these items will be about £43,000.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether these liners have been drawn out of normal trade or whether they were laid up? Would he not agree that this seems to be a travesty of social values when we are giving free accommodation and free transport at this time and then putting on a charge on surgical instruments for sick people?

The three liners in question were chartered out of service. I think I am right in saying that, but I will confirm it. With regard to the hon. Gentleman's other Question, I do not think that that is at all the view of the House, or, indeed, the view of his colleagues, because the response to my right hon. Friend's invitation to come to the Review has been considerable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the "Britannia," recently launched in Clyde-bank, is to be completed; and what would be the estimated cost of making the necessary alterations to make the vessel into a hospital ship.

The "Britannia" is due to be completed by the end of this year. The cost of her conversion into a hospital ship is estimated to be between £160,000 and £200,000 at the present levels of costs.

Would the Minister say if this sum is in addition to the £1,800,000 which is already estimated to be the cost of this royal yacht? Has his attention been drawn to the fact that President Eisenhower has just laid his yacht aside on the grounds that it is a useless symbol of luxury, and will he consider handing over this yacht to the hospital authorities in order that the sick may be taken care of?

The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is, "Yes, Sir." With regard to the second part, I think the House will agree that the position here is very different to that in America. This yacht is to enable Her Majesty to travel vast distances to visit the Commonwealth and Empire, and I think that Her Majesty should have a yacht in accordance with our traditions as a maritime nation.

Without making any comment on the merits of the Question, do I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply that it is the intention of Her Majesty to use this yacht "Britannia" for the purpose of visiting the Commonwealth? Is it not the case that, if Her Majesty does go to the Commonwealth, she will use a warship?

The purpose of this yacht is to enable Her Majesty to travel in the Commonwealth and Empire.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will take steps to raise the output strength of Wenvoe station before Coronation Day.

The television transmitter at Wenvoe has been working since last December at the full output strength planned by the B.B.C., which the Corporation inform me gives the maximum coverage possible from this station.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will now give a definite date when the Sports Television Advisory Committee will be reconvened.

My noble Friend has written to the Chairman of this Committee on the general question of its future activities, and I will advise the hon. Member of the outcome.

Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that this Committee has been anxious for a long time whether or not it is to be re-convened, and if it would not serve a useful purpose if that were to be the case?

Yes, I can give the hon. Lady that assurance.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air on what grounds 4018853 Leading Aircraftsman Chester was discharged from the Royal Air Force.

After representations about this airman's personal difficulties had been made to me by the hon. Member for Clayton (Mr. H. Thorneycroft) and my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley (Mr. E. Johnson), L.A.C. Chester was discharged on the grounds of "Services no longer required." This heading is used in cases of discharge which do not readily fall under any other heading in Section 652 of Queen's Regulations. However, after further consideration of all the circumstances, it has been decided to alter this entry in L.A.C. Chester's Certificate of Service to read "Free as an indulgence at own request." If he will return his certificate, I shall arrange for the alteration to be made.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air on what grounds the officer commanding, No. 1 Wing, O.L.H.S., Royal Air Force, Lytham, refused to write more than the word "Nil" on the page provided for "Additional Information and Recommendation for Employment" on the Royal Air Force Form 856 issued to 4018853 Leading Aircraftsman Chester on his discharge from the Royal Air Force.

I understand that when he was being discharged L.A.C. Chester refused an offer to have this page of his certificate of service completed by his parent unit in Germany. If the airman has now changed his mind, perhaps he would say so when he returns his certificate of service to have the entry on page 2 altered.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have a sworn statement by Mr. Chester to the effect that his commanding officer sent a warrant officer to him with the message that, if he insisted on a reference being given, he would write something which would prevent him from ever getting employment; and that he further said that he should not have gone bothering a Member of Parliament and causing trouble, but ought to have gone on with his service?

I know nothing about that, but if my hon. Friend will write to me, I will certainly look into it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to ensure that grass growing between runways and land that can be cultivated on Royal Air Force aerodromes is put to the fullest possible agricultural use.

During last winter, the Air Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, carried out an individual examination of the agricultural use being made of every airfield under its control. The airfields in active use by the Royal Air Force comprise some 170,000 acres, of which about half cannot be cultivated for one reason or another—for example because they are covered by concrete runways. Some agricultural use is made of virtually all the remaining 85,000 acres and my noble Friend has the possibility of intensifying this agricultural use constantly in mind.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the possibilities of developing commercially the drying of the grass which grows inevitably in the strips between runways on aerodromes? Will he say what conclusions he has reached upon that matter?

Yes, we have examined that matter recently, and, as a result, flying restrictions have been modified where possible to permit a reduction of the width of the grass safety margin to perimeter tracks and runways.

May I ask whether in connection with aerodromes in Scotland the hon. Gentleman will consult the Secretary of State for Scotland on this agricultural matter?

Yes, Sir. We have worked very closely with the Department of Agriculture in Scotland..