I beg leave to present a humble Petition made by Thomas Stanley Lane Fox-Pitt, Commander, Royal Navy (retired), an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and Hastings K. Banda, licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

The Petitioners ask that in view of the fact that certain responsible Chiefs of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland have presented a Petition to the United Nations, and for the reasons set out in this Petition and

"In order not to prejudice the Petition of the Chiefs and People as aforesaid at the United Nations nor to embarrass the United Nations in regard to the consideration of the said matter, this honourable House will take no steps that might in any way so act either to the detriment of the Chiefs and People as aforesaid nor to the embarrassment of the United Nations.

And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray."

To lie upon the Table.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation when he expects to be able to start work on the development of Gatwick Airport as the alternative airport for London.

Since I announced in the House last July the decision to develop Gatwick as the southern alternate for London Airport, certain points which arose out of subsequent discussions with local authorities have been under consideration, together with certain technical problems connected with the lay-out of the aerodrome. Until these are resolved I have nothing to add to the statements previously made.

Does the Minister appreciate that there is a certain amount of misunderstanding as to exactly what is the position now? Do I gather from what he has just said that the decision announced in July last year is not a fast and firm decision and that the whole question is still being reconsidered?

The present Government suffer from some difficulties not altogether of their own making, and one of my problems in this matter is the assurance given by the late Socialist Administration that they did not propose to develop Gatwick as a major airport. I think that after having given that assurance, as in many other fields, they speedily regretted it. But it has created a problem for me and I have nothing to add to the answer that I have given.

Was the Minister not aware of all undertakings given by his predecessors when he made his statement last July?

I am certainly aware of all that has passed Ministerially, both under this Government of which I am a member and under our predecessors, but inferences have been drawn from statements made by my predecessors, of which naturally we must take account.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the obvious care which he has taken over this involved problem has given great satisfaction and is appreciated by the local authorities?

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he has now come to a decision about the use of F.I.D.O. at London Airport.

The technical problems associated with a high pressure F.I.D.O. installation have in the main been solved, but it has not yet been decided whether a large scale experiment is justified, and if so whether such experiment should take place at London Airport. In the latter case, it will also be necessary to reach satisfactory financial arrangements with the users before it is possible to proceed to the installation of a full scale F.I.D.O.

Does the Minister remember that I said pretty well the same thing two years ago? Can he say whether any progress at all has been made within the last two years and when he expects a decision to be made in this matter?

The most important progress of all is that engineering problems associated with the design of burners, lighters and systems of control have, through the work of the Royal Aeronautical Establishment at Farnborough, now been virtually solved.

I was glad to acknowledge that work two years ago. That work had already been done and I was glad to acknowledge it. Does the Minister not appreciate that the question now remaining is whether he is going to take a decision, taking into account the views of the commercial operators? Can he say when a decision is likely to be made?

I am fully conscious of the importance of a decision being made, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, not only civil but military aviation is involved as well as questions of public finance. I can assure him that this is being energetically pursued.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of applications by independent operators to run air services in 1953 or, subsequently, which he has approved on the recommendation of the Air Advisory Council.

A list of applications from independent companies so far approved was placed in the Library of the House on 20th May. I have had this brought up to date and a revised list showing the position as at 1st June was sent to the Library this morning. It will be brought up to date from time to time.

May I express appreciation of the fact that at long last, and rather belatedly, the Minister has recognised Parliament's right to have this information?

It certainly is not at long last. I have sent in a new amended list today. The list was originally put in on 20th May. If I put it in the OFFICIAL REPORT it would occupy between 12 and 15 pages, and it is really better to put it in the Library.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation how far the estimates in Appendix E of the Wilcock Report, 1949, Command Paper No. 7746, on the recruitment, training and licensing of personnel for civil aviation have been borne out by subsequent events, and in particular how many aircraft maintenance engineers are employed in an operative or hourly rated capacity; how many of these have served an indentured apprenticeship in the aircraft engineering industry; and how many have served an indentured apprenticeship in any associated industry.

In general, the estimates in Appendix E of the Wilcock Report proved to be considerably in excess of the numbers actually employed. I am informed that there are about 3,600 licensed aircraft maintenance engineers of whom about 90 per cent. are employed in an operative or hourly rated capacity; 730 have served apprenticeships in the aircraft engineering industry and 535 in associated industries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that British European Airways have recently dismissed an engineer on the grounds that he had no indentures of apprenticeship, despite the fact that he holds a current licence issued by the Ministry which enables him to certify 75 per cent. of all the aircraft registered in the United Kingdom, and despite the possession by him of 14 years' practical aircraft engineering experience? What does my right hon. Friend propose to do about it?

I will follow up that individual case with the employers in the Corporation concerned.

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he will now announce the result of his discussions with the London County Council regarding the site of a landing station for helicopters in Central London.

Discussions with the London County Council have covered the earmarking of a site on the South Bank for occasional landings in existing helicopters, and suggestions for a larger airstop capable of coping with the intermediate 13-seater Bristol 173 when it can come into regular service.

In the meanwhile, and until more is known of the characteristics of the intermediate type, I do not propose to commence work on an airstop in Central London and I am confident that we shall be able to finalise requirements and to develop an airstop before the intermediate type is in commercial service.

The long-term requirements for a permanent airstop to accommodate the largest helicopters will, of course, depend on the experience gained in handling the intermediate types.

Does the answer not mean that for a long time to come the Minister is going to do nothing about anything, and that London is not to have a helicopter airstop capable of dealing with modern helicopters? Is it not quite clear that either the South Bank or the roof of Waterloo Station are likely to be the most suitable sites for this purpose?

It may well be that somewhere on the South Bank, not necessarily on the existing site but somewhere on the South Bank, or on the roof of Waterloo Station may well turn out to be the final place, but it would be unwise to act in advance of knowledge on which alone a decision can properly be based.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much Egypt has agreed to pay for the construction or maintenance of the Suez Canal base; and how much she has paid.

The Egyptian Government agreed in the 1936 Treaty to construct barrack and technical accommodation in the Canal Zone for the British forces, a quarter of the cost to be paid by His Majesty's Government. Construction had not started by the outbreak of war and was subsequently carried out entirely by His Majesty's Government. In the event, no accommodation or public utilities have been provided at the expense of the Egyptian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the gold looted by the Germans and found by the Arbitrator to be the property of the National Bank of Albania, has yet been handed over to the United Kingdom in partial settlement of the compensation awarded to Her Majesty's Government in connection with the Corfu Channel incident.

No, Sir. As I told the hon. Gentleman on 15th April, the Arbitrator's award was pronounced on 20th February. While no communication has been received from the Albanian Government, the Italian Government have appealed to the International Court of Justice against the Arbitrator's decision.

Would the Minister confirm that the position now is that this gold was awarded to Albania by the Arbitrator, that it was going to be set off against our claim for compensation arising from the Corfu Channel case, that an appeal has now taken place to the International Court and that if the gold remains with Albania it will come to us in compensation?

My understanding of the situation is the same as the hon. Gentleman's.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations have taken place between the Soviet Government and the United Kingdom Government with a view to superseding Article IV of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance of 1942 as a result of the adoption of proposals contemplated in Article III (1) of the treaty.

There have been no recent consultations on this subject.

In view of the statement recently published in "Pravda," I think on 24th May, which states that the Prime Minister had completely overlooked the existence of this Treaty in his recent international review, would the Minister say whether, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, Part II of this Treaty providing for collaboration and mutual assistance between the two countries still remains fully effective and that Her Majesty's Government attached great importance to the continuation of this Treaty?

It is quite true that this Treaty is still in force and, therefore, Part II of it is in force. The right hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that Article IV in Part II does deal with the question of mutual guarantees. Article III states quite clearly that it was envisaged as going to be within the framework of an organisation such as the United Nations.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman answer the last part of my supplementary? Do the Government still attach great importance to this Treaty?

I think any treaty is of importance, but this Treaty was intended to operate within the framework of the United Nations. I think that is the more important factor.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent representations have been made to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in regard to the jamming of the British Broadcasting Corporation's overseas services; and with what result.

No such representations have been made.

Does not the Minister think that, in view of the somewhat changed atmosphere, it would be advisable to make approaches to the Russian Government asking them whether they could change the policy with regard to the jamming of our broadcasts?

The time to have made such representations was really when the jamming started in 1949. No representations were made then. I think the Soviet Government are very well aware that they are acting in breach of the Atlantic City Convention of 1947. They know that Her Majesty's Government strongly disapprove of their action. I really do not think that any useful service could be done by making formal representations.

Is there any evidence of an increase or decrease in the jamming, or does the right hon. and learned Gentleman need notice of such a question?

I would require notice of that question in order that I may refer to the times which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now obtained compensation from the Spanish Government for the damage done on 4th March, 1952, to the Protestant Church in Seville, which is British property.

No, Sir. Her Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid presented a claim for compensation on 10th May, 1952. The Spanish Government have, however, pointed out that before they can admit that Her Majesty's Government have any right to demand compensation, the owners of the chapel must first have recourse to the legal remedies open to them in the Spanish courts. So far as I am aware, they have not yet done this.

Does not compensation imply also redress for the outrage committed to an ordained clergyman in our Church by setting fire to him in his vestments, by piling up the prayer books and hymn books on the Holy Table—an act of sacrilege—and setting fire to them? All these facts have been admitted by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

The people alleged to be responsible for these outrages are now in the process of coming before the Spanish courts. I think the court of first instance have found that there is a criminal case, and the case will go for trial.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received from the Colombian Government redress and compensation for the attack on the Reverend Samuel Heap, a missionary from Barnsley, Yorkshire, who was severely injured when the Protestant congregation at Ubate was attacked on Sunday, 12th April.

No, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member for Gravesend (Sir R. Acland) on 20th May, the investigation ordered by the Colombian Government is being pursued, but it was to be expected that it would be some little time before it was completed. The Colombian Government have meanwhile been made aware of our continued interest in this case, and have stated that the provincial authorities concerned have been reminded of its urgency.

Has my right hon. and learned Friend reminded the Colombian Government of the intense indignation felt by all the 12 Protestant societies in this country—all represented on the United Protestant Council—against the outrage on this humble preacher of the Gospel who was attacked and escaped narrowly with his life after the doors of his chapel had been broken down by stoning? Surely something should be done to make it apparent to the Colombian Government how strongly we feel on this question?

Our views on this matter have been conveyed to the Colombian Government. We are pursuing the matter actively. On 8th June we received a communication reporting the latest representations which Her Majesty's Ambassador had made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now reopen with the Cuban Government discussions on the claims of British shareholders in the United Railways of Havana.

My right hon. Friend understands that negotiations are in progress in Havana for the sale of the Cuban assets of the Company to a private individual, and there appears to be no call for his intervention at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what occasions during the last two years representations have been made to foreign governments against the religious persecution of Christians of the Protestant or Roman Catholic faith.

I will, with permission, circulate the detailed answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Cabinet of the German Government in Bonn have approved a Bill to give compensation to victims in Germany of Nazi persecution; that it is desirable that this Bill should extend its benefits so as to include non-German displaced persons left in Germany; that this matter is urgent as the Bill is now on its way to the German statute book; and if he will state what representations or other steps Her Majesty's Government are making to the German Government in Bonn to extend the scope of the Bill in this manner.

I am aware of this draft law. The hon. and learned Member will understand, however, that responsibility for protecting the legal rights of displaced persons in Germany is discharged by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He states in his Annual Report, received last week, that he has been in continuous consultation with the Federal German Government on all aspects of the draft law. No representations have been received by the Allied High Commission from the United Nations High Commissioner on the subject.

Does not the Minister of State agree that the regard for human rights which rightly actuates the United Nations is outraged by discrimination against victims of Nazi oppression? Surely something should be done to see that the particular victims I have mentioned in a letter to the Minister are included in this Bill?

I quite agree that there should not be discrimination. I think the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is very well aware of this matter and is seeking to do his best in regard to it. I propose to ascertain if that is the case.

In view of the wide interest in this matter could the Minister of State make the High Commissioner's Report available in the Vote Office?

May I consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to make a considered statement on the action which is to be taken by the United Nations Organisation to counter the effects of the recent declarations of Mr. Syngman Rhee and other members of the Government of South Korea that they are not prepared to terminate hostilities in Korea in pursuance of an armistice negotiated by the United Nations Organisation.

As was made clear by the Prime Minister's statement yesterday, the agreements reached between the two sides at Panmunjon now provide the basis for the conclusion of an armistice on terms compatible with the honour of the Allied Powers acting under the authority of the United Nations, and in the best interests of the people of Korea.

As to the recent declarations by President Syngman Rhee and his Government, I have nothing to add to the Prime Minister's supplementary reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) yesterday.

asked the Minister of Food the tonnage of potatoes used for human consumption in each of the last five years; and what his estimate is for 1953.

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with permision, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the apparent fact that there is a large surplus of potatoes in Angus at the present moment, can my hon. Friend say whether in fact there is a surplus in the country as a whole and, if there is, what steps is he taking to relate supply to demand?

There has been a particularly good crop in Scotland in the current season, but it has been almost entirely cleared from the farms. On 1st March there were 525,000 tons on the farms, but the position today is that there are less than 30,000 tons.

In view of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply in connection with Scotland, can he indicate whether a greater acreage was planted for this year's spring crop than for last?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down that question I shall be glad to answer it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what training in atomic warfare British officers will receive from American officers in the United States Zone of Germany.

A series of courses in the tactical use of atomic weapons is being conducted by the United States authorities for N.A.T.O. commanders and staff officers.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary sure that these courses are not largely a waste of time, since the American officers are prevented by their law from passing on to their allies a great deal of the atomic warfare information?

There are restrictions imposed by the United States Atomic Energy Act, but I am advised that these courses are proving of great value.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what steps were taken by the Service Departments prior to the stabilisation of officers' pensions in 1935 to secure the agreement of the officers concerned; and, having regard to the fact that these were previously adjustable to the cost of living, in what form the agreement of any individual was secured whereby he consented to the abolition of the sliding scale and the substitution of a fixed pension at 9½ per cent. below the rate agreed upon in 1919.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir." The second part does not therefore arise.

Is it not the case that in 1920 these officers were given the option to adopt a pension rate which was adjusted to the cost of living? Does not my hon. Friend's answer mean that in 1935 it was abrogated unilaterally without their consent? If they had that rate today would not they enjoy much greater pensions than they do now?

I do not think it is strictly true to say that an option was given in 1919. A new code was brought in in 1919 which was much better than the existing code.

If, as the hon. Gentleman admits, the new code was imposed without the consent of those concerned, does not that strengthen the case for reconsideration of this matter now, apart from other factors?

The point I was making was that both in 1919 and 1935 there was no consultation. In fact, in 1935 the decision of the Government of the day was welcomed.

Is it not the case that the original idea was that these pensions should be adjusted to the cost of living? Would my hon. Friend not agree that the changes in the cost of living in the last 10 or 15 years have made these pensions wholly inadequate in present circumstances?

I believe we shall be having a debate on this matter on Friday week. Perhaps my hon. and learned Friend can raise the matter then.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence why his noble Friend has rejected the proposal to establish an advisory committee for the purposes of the pension and related problems of the retired officers of the Services and their widows; and what steps are taken to ensure that these retired officers and their widows are represented at discussions concerning such matters.

The reasons for my noble Friend's decision were explained in a letter to the Chairman of the Officers' Pensions Society dated 11th February, 1953, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The interests of retired Service officers and their widows are represented by those members of the Board of Admiralty and the Army and Air Councils who are responsible for personnel administration in the Armed Forces.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the reasons given by the Minister of Defence were wholly unsatisfactory? Is it not the case that for retired officers to be represented by serving officers is unsatisfactory, because those serving officers have no idea of the unfortunate position in which pensioners now find themselves? They should have an opportunity of explaining to those concerned the very strong case they have for an increase.

I do not think it is right to say that the senior personnel officers are unaware of the circumstances. They are very often related to the retired officers and they know very well what is going on.

Now that the hon. Gentleman has intimated that there is to be a debate on Friday week on a Private Member's Motion, will he not make representations to his noble Friend that in view of the strong feeling which exists in all quarters of the House on this matter he should be put in a position in that debate to give a favourable reply to the complaints made?

Will my hon. Friend cause the letter to which he referred to be printed in HANSARD and not merely sent to his hon. and learned Friend the Member for Hove (Mr. Marlowe)?

I shall certainly consider that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what steps are being taken to obtain from those recently repatriated information about the identity and welfare of other prisoners still in North Korea, to collate this information, and to communicate it to the next-of-kin concerned.

Care has been taken by those who interview repatriated prisoners of war to check up on the lists of prisoners. Information given has resulted in a number of casualties being re-classified; in such cases the next-of-kin are immediately informed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been made to the proposal of the Colonial Development Corporation that certain projects that are of great value, but unlikely to be commercially profitable, should be accounted for on a different basis from the other projects undertaken by the Corporation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 20th May.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether any conversations have been held with the chairman or members of the Board on this subject; and if it is impossible to carry out these projects under existing legislation, according to the reply mentioned, have any other ideas occurred to Her Majesty's Government for carrying out agricultural settlement, for instance?

The broad reply to the hon. Lady is that, where a proposition which has long-term benefit for the Colony is entirely uncommercial, it more properly comes under the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions have taken place with Colonial Governments on the future of projects and establishments which have received assistance from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund; and if he will make a statement.

I hope to make a statement on the matter in the near future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is becoming one of considerable urgency, because many of the persons in charge of this project are unable either to recruit further staff or to retain staff they now have?

I am aware that it is a matter of urgency, although I should not put it as high as the hon. Lady, because the present funds will not be spent by the end of the present Act, by 1956. I quite agree that it is urgent, and I hope to make a statement in the near future. There are a good many things involved in this—things for the House itself.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received representations, particularly about that part of the fund provided for long-term research, which is really urgently required?

That is one of the reasons I have pressed on with this matter. Apart from research, I do regard it as a subject upon which the House should be given information at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has not renewed the appointment of Professor Arthur Lewis to the Colonial Development Corporation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 21st May, to which I have nothing to add.

Has the Colonial Secretary decided who will succeed Professor Lewis in this appointment?

No, not yet. This will be made public when the appointment has been made.

In view of the present state of affairs, would the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a non-white to this post?

Appointments to the Board must, in the main, be decided by the commercial qualifications of those selected.

Have the appointments of the other members of this Board been renewed?

The appointments are what I think is called staggered, and I shall have to have notice of that to give the hon. Gentleman a satisfactory answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons which led him to permit Lord Reith to undertake business activities in addition to his work as Chairman of the Colonial Development Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations he had with the Chairman of the Colonial Development Corporation before he accepted an appointment with a private firm.

Now that Lord Reith has nearly completed his re-organisation of the Corporation both at headquarters and in the regions I saw value in a suggestion which he made some time ago that the Chairman, as in many large commercial organisations, should concentrate upon major questions of policy leaving the day-to-day administration to be carried out by the strengthened executive.

I therefore felt able to agree that the post of Chairman need no longer exclude the acceptance of two or three private directorships. I welcome this move, since it will keep the Chairman in closer touch with the business world outside the Corporation. The re-organisation of the executive will be completed in the autumn, and thereafter Lord Reith's salary as Chairman will be £3,500 p.a. instead of £5,000. He has assured me that he will still regard the Corporation as having the first claim upon his time and energy.

Before coming to this decision, did the right hon. Gentleman discuss the matter with the Prime Minister, and did both of them consider the effect this would have on the chairmen of the boards of other corporations? May we now assume that the chairmen of the National Coal Board and of the Electricity Authority and any other board may take directorships as and when they like?

Of course not. The right hon. Gentleman is not justified in assuming anything other than what I have said. If he will look at the record of the Colonial Development Corporation under the auspices of the previous Government he will see that it is highly desirable that the Chairman should have closer touch with the outside world.

I gather, from the right hon. Gentleman's reply, that he has consented to Lord Reith's taking two or three directorships outside the Corporation. Is he able to tell us how much time each day and each week he will now be able to give to the Colonial Development Corporation?

Lord Reith will continue giving the whole of his time to the affairs of the Colonial Development Corporation, subject to attending, I suppose, one board meeting or two a month of those companies.

Would it not be very useful if members of the Government, including the right hon. Gentleman, had closer contact with the outside world so that they could know what public opinion thinks about this decision?

It is very easy to arouse prejudice on this matter, and I am not surprised that the right hon. Gentleman is trying to do it. However, there are roughly two systems under which joint stock companies are managed in this country. One is by having a whole-time chairman, who is the chief executive, and the other is by having somebody who is in touch with the outside world, and the day-to-day business, in the majority of cases, is carried on by the executive.

Is it the fact that during the administration of the late Government the Chairman of the Colonial Development Corporation, at the same time as he was the Chairman, held several directorships in private business?

Yes, that is so, I believe.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that he has now decided to reverse a decision of Parliament without previously consulting this House, which decided that this was a full-time job? He has now decided it is a part-time job. Does he really think that that is in the best interests of the Colonial Development Corporation?

If it is not in the best interests of the Corporation, why did the last Government permit Lord Trefgarne to hold outside directorships? [Interruption.] If everybody got a knighthood who contradicted the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) we should have a very full House of them indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the causes of the present unrest in Nigeria; and what steps he is taking to remove them.

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the statements on the constitutional situation in Nigeria which I made in the House on 22nd April and 21st May.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House his plans for solving the fundamental root causes of this disturbance; and does he realise that the causes will not be solved merely by force?

It is not a question of force that arises. The present proposals I have made are for a conference upon the constitutional position to be held in London. The root causes of this thing, to which the hon. and learned Gentle, man refers, go beyond the power of anyone entirely to eradicate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what his hopes are in approaching this conference?

I cannot yet, no. The conference will probably be convened. So far, as the hon. Lady knows, two people I have invited have refused to come, and I am making further representations to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the replies he has received from Dr. M. Azikiwe and Mr. O. Awolowo to the invitation to discuss the redrafting of the Nigerian Constitution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in respect to the recent developments of the Nigerian constitutional problem.

In pursuance of the statement which I made in the House on 21st May, the Governor issued invitations at the end of last last month on my behalf to representatives of each Region to the proposed conference in London. Those invited included Mr. Awolowo and Dr. Azikiwe. Some acceptances have already been received. Mr. Awolowo and Dr. Azikiwe declined the invitations for reasons already made public.

The Governor has now appealed to them to reconsider their decision and has assured them that the full exchange of views which the proposed conference will render possible would not be confined to the method of revising the constitution. He has pointed out that each representative would be able to indicate to me both in what respects, in his opinion, the present constitution is unsatisfactory and in what particulars it should be re-drawn, and has said that if there is a sufficient consensus of opinion the conclusions could be used in any discussion for a settlement of the constitutional difficulties. Their replies are awaited.

Does the Minister agree with me that the future behaviour of these two gentlemen is not likely to change? In the event of deadlock, where do we go from there? Is it not likely that they will also refuse to work in the Western House at Ibadan and the Eastern House at Enugu? Where do we go beyond that? Does it not mean that we are coming to an impossible situation in Nigeria?

I do not think this situation will be improved by my attempting to answer hypothetical questions concerning a situation which has not yet arisen. I must confine myself to issuing these invitations and to saying how desirable it is that these gentlemen should come.

While we realise that the attendance of two important leaders of this kind would be essential as well as desirable, do I gather from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the Governor has been inviting the two leaders of the political parties, indicating to them that if they come to the conference they can put forward their point of view and it will be considered? Have they been told that they will be entitled to put forward their ideas about the future constitution if they come to the conference?

The Governor said that specifically but the very invitation to a conference means asking somebody to come to put his views before the conferance. It would be a farce to call a conference and then to say that nobody was allowed to express his views.

Have the representatives from the Northern Provinces agreed to attend?

I am without advice about how many have now accepted invitations, but I shall be quite prepared to answer a Question on the subject early next week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to consider appointing a public services commission in Mauritius.

A Bill to establish a public service commission and to give the Governor power to appoint the chairman and members of the commission was published in Mauritius last month in preparation for its introduction into the Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the head of the Chinese department of the University of Malaya has yet been appointed.

The University of Malaya is an autonomous body. Appointments within it are governed by the Constitution and Statutes and made by the Council. I am, however, making inquiries about this matter and will write to the hon. Member about it.

Is the Secretary of State not aware that the advertisement for the head of this department was made in 1951, and that as a result of the delay wealthy Chinese are coming forward with offers to create a Chinese University, which surely runs counter to our policy in Malaya?

That goes rather beyond the hon. Gentleman's Question, which asks whether the head of the Chinese department has yet been appointed. As I say, the university is an autonomous body, and I am making inquiries about it.

Is the Secretary of State aware of the results of this delay?

That is a matter of speculation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Whitley Councils have not been formed in the Federation of Malaya; and when the Government propose to take action in this matter.

Whitley Councils have been formed in the Federation of Malaya. I gave some particulars in my reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 22nd April, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that according to the new electoral law of China the overseas Chinese have been given the right to elect 30 members of the All China Peoples' Congress; and whether Colonial Governments will make it clear to Chinese residents that participation in these elections will automatically disqualify them for all citizenship rights in British territories.

The new electoral law of China to which the hon. Member refers provides for the holding of separate elections by the overseas Chinese for the All China Peoples' Congress. The regulations governing these elections are to be enacted separately and I am not aware that they have yet been promulgated. The holding of Chinese elections outside China is not a new idea. The Chinese Nationalist Government proposed in 1947 to hold such elections in British territories but the proposal appears to have been dropped.

Participation in the election under the Chinese electoral law will not, under the British Nationality Act, 1948, which is in operation in the Colonies, automatically disqualify Chinese residents for citizenship in the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Will the Secretary of State agree, however, that the Chinese in Malaya should make up their minds where their loyalty lies, and that this is perhaps an opportunity for the Secretary of State to help them to make up their minds on the subject?

In the last year the Chinese in Malaya have made up their minds in overwhelming numbers to which side they belong.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that to take part in the Chinese elections in this way would not automatically disqualify the Chinese, is it clear that he is referring to a subsequent application to be a British subject, or does he mean it is possible for a man to be a British subject and still take part in the political election of a foreign Government?

I was merely giving advice on what I believe to be the legal position, which is that participation in the elections would not disqualify a Chinese resident from citizenship.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the banishment of Chief Gomani by the Governor of Nyasaland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for which Paramount Chief Gomani has been banished from his own district in Nyasaland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for the arrest and banishment of Acting Paramount Chief Gomani of Nyasaland.

Chief Gomani was suspended as a Native Authority on 19th May when he refused to withdraw a written notice inciting his people to breaches of the agricultural laws and urging them not to pay their taxes. He was required to leave the district and when he refused a deportation order was signed by the Governor. He resisted the enforcement of the order, and was taken away under escort in a car: he started a struggle with his guards and succeeded in escaping into Portuguese territory. He was handed back by the Portuguese authorities, arrested as a result of his resistance to the police, and is now being held on remand.

Does that mean he is to be brought to a public trial; and, if so, can we be given an idea before what body the trial will be held?

I imagine that he will be brought to trial in the ordinary way, for breaches of the law. I might also add, for the benefit of the hon. Lady, that deportation in the context in which I have used it means removal from one district to another in the same territory.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give a little further information about this matter of resistance and struggle, in view of the fact that Chief Gomani is an elderly gentleman suffering from Parkinson's disease, and that it is highly improbable that he could struggle very hard with anybody?

There is no medical evidence to support what the right hon. Gentleman has said, but I have been at some pains to look into it and I can only say that in the confusion he succeeded in escaping.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a report in today's newspaper that Chief Gomani, who is one of the most influential chiefs in Nyasaland, is now under trial; and when the trial is over, will the right hon. Gentleman make a fuller statement of what has happened?

I do not think the actual details of this fracas are of particular interest to the House, but if somebody likes to put down a Question I will go into it more fully. Our information is that Chief Gomani was only led into these errors by very strong pressure exerted upon him by Congress and others.

If Chief Gomani is to be tried, is it fair to him that statements of this kind should be made pending trial?

The statement I have made, if the right hon. Gentleman will examine it in HANSARD, is certainly in mitigation of any action of which Chief Gomani has been accused.

But he has not been convicted.

Certainly. I do not think the use of the word "mitigation" is harmful. I said "of anything of which he is accused."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Chief Kawinga, from Nyasaland, was kept in a police station for a week preceding his departure for the Coronation, and was taken direct from there to the aeroplane.

The hon. Member has been misinformed. Chief Kawinga left his village two days before his departure to the United Kingdom. He was unwilling to stay in Blantyre, for fear of intimidation, to which many opponents of federation are now resorting and he gratefully accepted accommodation for two nights in a vacant house at the Police Training School, Zomba. He was naturally provided with a Government car to take him to the airport, but there was no police escort.

I have a letter from a European of the highest integrity whom I know personally, and if I show this letter to the right hon. Gentleman will he agree to think again about this matter and to speak to me in a somewhat different fashion?

I am only too glad of any opportunity to talk to the hon. Gentleman at any time on any subject, but I am afraid that any letters which he produces will not alter my opinion or what I have said because I have all the facts categorically put down and I can support them with documents, if need be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state how many areas of land there are in Antigua, West Indies, still lying uncultivated; how much of this land is suitable for growing sugar cane; and what steps he and the local Government are taking to bring this land into cultivation, to increase the supply of sugar cane and increase the earning of the native population.

Much of the uncultivated land in Antigua is unsuitable for cane production as the soil is too thin. About 600 acres along the south coast could grow cane, but not enough to justify the heavy capital expenditure on road and rail which would be necessary to get out the cane. A land utilisation survey by the Antigua Government will help to determine what crops can best be grown with profit to the people.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report by the recent conference on West Indian federation will be available.

The Report is being published today as Command Paper No. 8837. Copies are available in the Vote Office.

While congratulating my right hon. Friend on the undoubted success of this conference, may I ask him to bring it to the notice of the Governments of British Guiana and British Honduras so that they may have a further opportunity of considering the advantages of federation?

I hope they are in touch with the outside world.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the bad conditions obtaining in many abattoirs in Tanganyika and to the unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting; and what steps it is proposed to take in the near future to improve the conditions and reduce the cruelty involved.

My attention has not been drawn to this. If the hon. Member cares to furnish me with information about instances of avoidable cruelty I will ask the Governor to look into the matter.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman photographs which I have in my possession showing the dilapidated condition of these premises, and the blood and filth and offal lying about, will he have a careful look at them and make inquiries?

I shall not only look at them, but I shall make representations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the fact that the Colonial Development Corporation's Tanganyika Coalfields Investigation has now proved reserves of over 200 million tons of coal in the Mchuchuma, Mbalawala and Mbuyura areas, what plans are being prepared to construct a railway to those areas; and how it is hoped to finance such plans.

A survey has been made of two possible routes from the coast. It is estimated that the more direct line would cost £10 million, the other £20 million. Both would take six years to construct. The next step is to show whether the export prospects for the coal, and other products from this zone of Tanganyika, can sustain this investment. This is being studied by the Tanganyika Government and I await their views.

In view of the importance of the mineral development of Tanganyika, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to stimulate the opening of communications to those areas?

These two subjects are interlocked. It is highly desirable that this coal should be exploited but that will depend economically on whether we can find a sufficiently large market for exports.

Is it not true that the discovery of this coal, which can be and will be of very great importance to this territory, was one of the fruits of the Colonial Development Corporation under the late Administration?

Certainly it was, and it is a most unfortunate piece of bad luck that this very important deposit should be rather inaccessible. That is the only thing which is holding back its development, and we must always examine that point when we are trying to exploit it. I am far from saying that the Colonial Development Corporation had no successes. Unfortunately Questions are generally addressed to me on their failures.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the analogy of the Wakkie coalfield in Southern Rhodesia where development of the whole of the minerals in that part of Africa has been retarded by the absence of any form of rail communications other than through Portuguese territory? If the railway is built first, should we not get the coal out very much more quickly than through relying on present facilities?

The problems which have to be studied will be clear to all hon. Members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the development of coal deposits in Tanganyika has been frustrated for many years—I think I am right in saying from 1925 or 1926—and that the economy of Tanganyika has thereby been jeopardised. Is he satisfied that the Development Corporation or the Welfare Fund are the appropriate bodies to finance this possible development?

When the hon. Gentleman says "frustrated," I think he should bear in mind that this development is inaccessible, and that is causing the frustration. I do not think the Colonial Development Corporation or the C.D. and W. Fund are necessarily the only ways to be able to finance the railways. I think that is a matter more appropriate for a loan, if the position warrants it.

Would the Government not lose their sense of proportion in this matter but keep in mind that in Fife and the Lothians there is great possibility of development of coal resources which might require development at much less expense?