asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what research has taken place into the possibility of utilising for paper-making the bark of the baobab tree, which is indigenous in the African coastal areas and for which there seems little demand.

Considerable research over a period of years has shown that it is technically possible to use the bark of the baobab tree for paper-making, but its commercial use has proved uneconomic.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is an opinion in Tanganyika that the tree can be used for the extraction of cellulose? Will my right hon. Friend make some inquiries to see whether it is possible to make use of what is now a very useless tree?

I am quite willing to make further inquiries. My information is that the distribution of the tree is so scattered and such large quantities are required for these purposes that that project would not prove economical.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what territories in Eastern and Central Africa mobile news vans operate; how far experience shows that they serve a useful purpose; and what encouragement is to be given to their further use.

Three mobile news vans are operating in Kenya, two in Uganda and two in Zanzibar. They are considered to be an effective means of disseminating information, particularly in areas not reached by broadcasting services, and the Kenya and Uganda Governments propose to use more.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give details of those rice development schemes for which an additional £3 million has now been made available.

This money is intended for preliminary investigations and pilot schemes which will provide the information on which large-scale development can be based. Colonial Governments have put forward several promising proposals, and three schemes have already been approved.

Having regard to the interest which my right hon. Friend's answer will arouse in the rice eating territories, can he say which are the three schemes already approved?

The scheme in Tanganyika in the Rufigi Valley and the one in Zanzibar, these are already authorised, and one in Malaya of 180,000 acres in the Trans-Perak area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent prefabricated houses made in this country are being exported to the Colonies; and whether he will draw the attention of Colonial Governments to the excellence of the British product and the contribution it could make to the housing problem in the Colonies.

Prefabricated buildings to the value of £618,000 were exported in 1952 to 24 Territories. I can assure my hon. Friend that Colonial Governments are aware of the potentialities of this type of building.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the considerations which caused his Department, following the Japanese invasion of Malaya, to terminate the appointment of Mr. A. Terrell as a judge of the High Court in Malaya, although he had not reached his retiring age, while at the same time the other High Court judges in Malaya were either retained on full pay or given alternative judicial appointments in the Colonial Legal Service.

After the Japanese had occupied Malaya Mr. Terrell's appointment was terminated because it was impossible for him to discharge the functions of his office. There was no other suitable employment in the Colonial Service which my predecessor could have offered him at the time. Mr. Terrell was over 60 at the time and his age was a factor which contributed to the difficulty of finding him other employment.

Two other judges who were absent from Malaya at the time of the occupation were on leave in East Africa. One served under the War Office for over two years and was then appointed as judge in Kenya at the request of the Kenya Government. The other was reemployed as judge in Uganda at the request of the Uganda Government. The remaining judges were interned. They did not receive full pay, but after release were given arrears of salary less 10 per cent.

Does not that mean in effect that all the judges were in the position that they could not discharge their offices, but only this one was singled out for exceptional treatment and his appointment brought to an end while the other two who happened to be in the same position were in fact ultimately given other judicial appointments which compensated them for their loss of office? Has not this unfortunate man been given unique treatment different from the rest?

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the factual statement which I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. A. Terrell, a former High Court Judge in Malaya, was appointed by an exchange of letters with the Colonial Office which created a contract that he should remain in office until the age of 62; that the Lord Chief Justice has ruled that such contracts are unenforceable against the Crown; and whether, nevertheless, he will advise Her Majesty to waive the privilege of the Crown and treat the contract as though made between ordinary subjects.

The Lord Chief Justice held that there was no contract and he regarded the correspondence as merely telling Mr. Terrell of the age of compulsory retirement and of the pension at whatever age he retired that he might expect. The last part of the Question does not therefore arise.

That is an answer of casuistry. In effect the Lord Chief Justice did not find that there was a contract, because it was not necessary for him to do so. What he found was that any such contract, if made, was unenforceable. Therefore, it was not necessary for him to decide whether there was a contract. Is my right hon. Friend aware that these letters would amount to a contract between ordinary subjects, and is not it discreditable that a Government Department should enforce a privilege which is not open to ordinary subjects?

I have in front of me the judgment of the Lord Chief Justice. He said:

"… a judge holds office by Royal Appointment and not by contract."

He also said:

"… I regard the correspondence merely as telling him of the age of compulsory retirement and of the pension at whatever age he retired that he might expect."

There is no need for hon. Members opposite to cheer, because all this was done under their administration.

Is not it a fact that this judge was not dismissed in any sense of the word?

He certainly was not dismissed, but his appointment was terminated just before the retiring age because there was no longer any opportunity for him to exercise his functions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in regard to the representations he has received from the Government of India concerning the treatment of Africans in British Colonies in Africa.

No, Sir. No such representations have been received by the United Kingdom Government.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by the Prime Minister of India in a speech at Agra on 6th July in which he said:

"It is a scandalous thing that the people of Africa are being treated as wild animals,"

and—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, Hear."] It is not true—will he take this opportunity of stating emphatically that such conditions do not obtain in territories in Africa under British rule?

Her Majesty's Government categorically reject these misleading and ill-informed remarks about territories in Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has now been made with the survey of the incidence of onchocherchiasis in the Gold Coast, Cameroons and Nigeria entrusted to the British Empire Society for the Blind; whether sufficient finance is available to enable the full originally planned survey to be completed within three years; and what portion of the total cost will be borne from Government funds.

The main survey began in the Gold Coast last November. It is hoped to extend it to Nigeria and the Cameroons early next year. The cost is being borne by the British Empire Society for the Blind, but the local Governments are providing medical facilities and accommodation. The Society inform me that although the scheme has proved a heavy drain on their finances, they hope to be able to complete the survey within the allotted time.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman and I am sure that that announcement will give a good deal of satisfaction, but, at the same time, is it not very deplorable that an important survey of this kind should depend on charitable subscriptions for its finance, and that, apparently, the Government are not paying a penny piece towards this very great service to the African people? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter and discuss it with the Treasury and see if full financial help can be given?

If the British Empire Society for the Blind, in which, I think, the hon. Gentleman knows that I take a very keen interest, should be short of money for this purpose, then another situation will arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) why British students awarded travelling scholarships are now subjected to political screening before being granted permission to enter the Colonies; and how many students have been excluded since December, 1951;

(2) whether he is aware that Mr. Ronald Frankenburg, a graduate of Cambridge and Manchester universities, who was awarded a Nuffield Foundation Grant to do research in the West Indies, was refused permission to land after being earlier given permission; and why Mr. Frankenburg was refused admission on grounds of security.

Most Colonial Governments have statutory powers to control entry into their territories. It is for them to decide who may enter, in the light of their responsibilities for the welfare and good government of the peoples in their charge. I cannot say how many British students have been refused entry without inquiry with which I should be reluctant to trouble 35 Administrations. I regret that Mr. Frankenburg was erroneously told he had permission to work in St. Vincent. The decision to refuse him entry was taken by the Government of the Windward Islands, and I see no reason to intervene.

Surely, the Colonial Secretary is neglecting his duty when he says that he will not make inquiries concerning how many British students have been refused admission? May I refer him to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday when he said that this is still a free country? Let him act up to this principle. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Frankenburg was told—and the right hon. Gentleman has repeated the reason —that he was refused admission because he was a bad security risk? What is meant by a "bad security risk"? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side of the House consider that he is a very bad security risk, but we say why?

My answer to the question put to me by the hon. Member —although he added some other gratuitous information of his own—is that I have to judge whether the strain put on this Administration in getting the statistics is justified or not. I will endeavour to meet the hon. Gentleman as far as I can without carrying these inquiries too far.

Is not Mr. Frankenburg entitled to know the charge being made against him? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this smear, without being specified and without giving this constituent of mine a chance to answer it, may possibly the man's whole career?

No charge has been preferred against Mr. Frankenburg. His entry in certain cases has been refused.

Why?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many medical officers are on the Malayan establishment; how many of them are over 55 years of age; how far this number is sufficient to meet the present requirements; and how many vacancies there are at present.

There are 344 medical officers on the establishment in the Federation or Singapore. Seven of them are over 55 years of age. In addition, 58 medical officers are employed on a month-to-month contract. There are 104 vacancies.

Is the Minister aware of any medical men who have applied for these posts, or who have re-applied and been turned down, and if so why?

I am not sure of the positions to which the hon. Gentleman refers. There are contract positions—

Medical positions?

They are under two heads. There are permanent medical officers and medical officers on contract. We are endeavouring to fill the vacancies as best we can.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what evidence he now has showing that cocoa can be successfully grown in parts of Malaya.

Trials with both Amelonado and Trinitario cocoa are so far encouraging, but it would be unwise to conclude that a successful cocoa industry can be established until further results are available from the trials which are being conducted both on agricultural stations and estates.

Have these trees come to maturity? It generally takes about five years to develop a cocoa tree. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if any fruit has yet been produced?

I do not know about maturity. My information is that the cocoa trees appear to be making reasonable growth and it is likely that they will yield well under certain conditions. I think this is promising, but I do not think we should conclude that it will necessarily be successful.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the ban on the export of rubber from Malaya to China is depressing the rubber market and adversely affecting the living conditions and wages of the rubber workers; that Ceylon is exporting large quantities of this commodity to China; that a trading delegation has just concluded an agreement with China; and if he will now remove this ban.

No, Sir. I do not think that the removal of the ban would have a significant effect on the price. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his Question on 24th June.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Ceylon has made an agreement with China to export 50,000 tons of rubber each year for the next five years and that recently a British trade delegation has been in China making arrangements for the exportation of 30 million tons of goods? I wish to ask the Minister if the ban was placed upon the exportation of rubber by the Colonial Office or by the Malayan Government, or jointly by both?

The embargo on exports of rubber to China was imposed by the Governments of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore at our request early in May, 1951, and before the United Nations Resolution of 18th May. The hon. Member will recognise that so long as our troops are fighting in Korea it would be most improper for us to permit a licence to export rubber to China.

But is the Minister aware that we are concerned with the post-war and post-armistice period, when the people now exporting rubber to China will have an advantage over the Malayan market? We are keen to protect the Malayan market from exploitation of this character.

How does the Colonial Secretary expect the people of Malaya to believe in our sincerity when we talk about giving them self-government when here is an issue on which Europeans, Malays and Chinese are all agreed, that the ban should not continue, while the Colonial Secretary insists on maintaining it against the interests of Malaya?

The hon. Member will have to take a rather simpler view of this matter. It is not possible to permit the export of strategic material by a member of the United Nations when there is an actual war going on.

But Malaya is not a member of the United Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the strong opposition of the Chinese community in Malaya to the Registration and Licensing of Businesses Ordinance, 1953, and of the general stoppage of business threatened by way of protest; and if he will make a statement.

The matter is essentially one for the Government of the Federation of Malaya; it is at present the subject of petitions to the High Commissioner, and I cannot make any comment at this stage.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the threatened stoppage, due to begin on 31st July, will damage the trade of Malaya, and will he be willing to use his good offices if the present negotiations should fail?

I think that is a hypothetical question, but I must look at it in the light of the circumstances when they arise.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this is an annual registration fee, how much revenue it is estimated it will bring in from each of the four major communities, and how much revenue comes in from Income Tax payments from each of the four communities?

I think my hon. Friend had better put that Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what functions are performed by the Regional Economic Committee in the British West Indies.

The Committee is a consultative body which advises the colonial Governments concerned on economic matters of regional significance. It provides a means for the exchange of economic information between them and it also advises on all matters relating to the British Caribbean Trade Commissioner Service in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, judging by the very authoritative report of Sir George Seel on development and welfare in the West Indies, this body seems to have achieved very little since its inception? Can my right hon. Friend say who are its members and by whom they are appointed?

I cannot give that information without notice, but I think they have done some useful work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the statement on page 84 of the Report on Development and Welfare in the West Indies in 1952, regarding the difficulty experienced in the British Caribbean Territories in getting sufficient British films of suitable quality; and what steps he is taking to improve matters.

The position described in the Report has already been discussed by my Department with the Board of Trade. I understand that, in the three Colonies where quota legislation is in force, the quotas are usually fully met. The general difficulty is that American films can usually be got more cheaply than British, and contain more of the violent action type which is said to be in greatest demand.

Has my right hon. Friend seen that passage in the Report which states:

"… the episodes of sheer brutality that are portrayed on so many films in so many cinemas in the West Indies do make it legitimate to wonder whether the boards of censors, and those who appoint them, are sufficiently alive to their responsibilities,"

and can my right hon. Friend discuss that matter with the West Indian Government?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances that led to the arrest of Mr. Theodore Joshua, M.L.C., leader of the Peoples' Political Party in St. Vincent; why he was charged with sedition and the charge then withdrawn; and whether an inquiry will be made into the allegations contained in the document sent to him by the hon. Member for Leyton.

Mr. Joshua made a number of wild and alarmist speeches and was arrested on a charge of public mischief. Two charges of sedition were added. One was withdrawn after the jury had failed to agree; on the other, Mr. Joshua was acquitted. He was convicted of public mischief. I am satisfied by a full report from the Governor that the allegations mentioned in the last part of the Question are a fabrication, and I see no reason for further inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a charge of public mischief would refer to both sides of this House, including one of his own supporters not far from him now; and, under those circumstances, would he not make an inquiry to see whether, in fact, this kind of charge was justified, seeing that the looseness of the charge opens up very grave disquiet?

I can only presume that, since he was convicted on that charge, the charge was justified. The only other thing I would say is that I hope the hon. Gentleman will not engage further in this form of self-flagellation.

Before the right hon. Gentleman bases his case upon the decisions of the court, would he bear in mind that Jomo Kenyatta was convicted, but the Supreme Court in Kenya took another view of his conviction?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will appoint a commission to investigate and report on the consequences of the Order made in Kenya permitting the Armed Forces, the police forces and civilian officials to shoot to kill in the case of those resisting arrest or attempting to escape.

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread disquiet in this matter? While recognising the discipline in the Armed Forces and, indeed, the heroism of lonely members of security forces, is he aware that both the Governor and the Commander-in-Chief have sounded warnings on this question? Soldiers, policemen, lawyers and journalists have brought evidence on this matter, and should not the Government make the kind of inquiry now proposed?

No, Sir. I am glad the hon. Member put down this Question, because I think he is under some misapprehension. There is no blanket authority to shoot to kill. The ordinary principles of English law apply in acting under this Regulation, namely, that only the amount of force may be used that is reasonably necessary in individual circumstances in order to effect an arrest. The hon. Member asked about the statements made both by the Governor and the Commander-in-Chief. I consider those statements are entirely proper. The Commander-in-Chief said, "I will not tolerate breaches of discipline leading to unfair treatment of anybody and all cases in which evidence can be produced will be investigated."

Would the Minister agree that where allegations have been made about beatings and shootings of Africans the charges lie not against the Armed Forces of the Crown but against the Kenya police?

Some allegations have been made against the Kenya native police as well as against Europeans. As the hon. Member knows, there have been some convictions already, speaking from memory I think it is five or six. When evidence is produced those concerned will be pursued with severity.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what provisions there are for an inquiry when people are shot and killed in these circumstances? Will he say whether there is an inquest and, if so, by whom it is held, or whether there is an inquiry, and what evidence is called? What rights are given to members of the family to give evidence?

Certainly it is open for an inquest to be held. Inquests are held.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what precautions he is taking to make sure that all people likely to be involved know the risks they are running if they make any attempt to avoid arrest?

We do all we can in these matters. On the other point, I might add in reply to the expression of dissent, that all cases of sudden death have to be notified to a magistrate under Section 385 of the Criminal Procedure Code. It is up to him to hold an inquest in any case where he is not satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Mau Mau terrorists have been killed, how many wounded and how many captured since 1st April, 1953, or since the nearest convenient date for which statistics are available.

From the beginning of the emergency to 6th July, 1,300 Africans were killed by the security forces, 514 are believed to have been wounded and 2,673 were taken prisoner. Between 27th March and 6th July, the corresponding figures are 1,062 killed and 349 believed wounded. Between 11th May and 11th July, 223 persons were taken prisoner.

Is there not a remarkable and disquieting disproportion between the number killed and the number wounded? Is it not the case now that any African found in a forbidden area may be shot dead without further charge, and is it not carrying ruthlessness to an extreme?

The hon. Member is entirely misinformed upon this matter. Nobody can be shot in any of these areas unless he is resisting arrest or attempting to escape from arrest—that is, in the prohibited areas. The ordinary processes of law, as I have already said, will apply in this case as in others.

Since the Question asks how many Mau Mau terrorists were killed, are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman considers that all those Africans who have been shot were actually terrorists? Does he state categorically that they were, or were many others shot who were not terrorists?

That is another Question, but, by and large, my answer to that would be "Yes." It is impossible for anybody to tell when they are resisting arrest—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Perhaps hon. Members will allow me to finish my sentence? It is impossible to tell whether a man is an ordinary criminal or a member of a terrorist gang.

Is it not a very disquieting state of affairs when, in the course of what appears to be three and a half months, 1,300 alleged Mau Mau terrorists have been killed, which is actually twice the number of the fatal casualties which our troops have sustained in Korea since the beginning of the emergency?

The right hon. Gentleman said three months. The figures I gave are from the beginning of the emergency to 6th July, which is a period of about 10 months.

How does the right hon. Gentleman account for the fact that, for every one prisoner taken alive some four or five are shot, and would he say how, before arrest, it is possible to say whether the person proposed to be arrested is a terrorist, an ordinary criminal or a law-abiding citizen?

The hon. Gentleman is entirely wrong; his arithmetic is wrong. I gave him the figure of 2,673 terrorists taken prisoner, and said that 1,300 were killed. How he makes that four killed to one wounded I do not know. On the other matter, those who resist arrest in these areas are naturally taken to be breaking the law.

Would the Secretary of State give us the figures for the latter period again, because we could not hear them?

I have already given them. Since 7th March to 6th July, the corresponding figures are 1,063 killed and 232 taken prisoner.

The Secretary of State has just given the point about which we are most anxious. It is the universal experience in all military operations that the number of wounded, and very often the number of prisoners, exceeds the number of fatal casualties. Here it is not so, and the disproportion has been increasing in recent months. May I therefore ask the Secretary of State to examine it very closely?

The danger of these matters are well known to me and to the Kenya Government, and the reason for the increase in the figures of killed are that the number of armed gangs in operation and the numbers in each gang have greatly increased recently. We have been conducting military operations to clean up these gangs.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority in this House, in this country and in Africa realise that he is doing his best in extremely difficult conditions?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what authority he has given to Mr. Davo Davidson to kill Her Majesty's subjects in Kenya;

(2) how many of Her Majesty's subjects in Kenya have been shot by Mr. Davo Davidson.

Mr. Sidney Davidson is a Kenya Government officer seconded to the police force, and he has therefore the same authority as other members of the security forces. This includes authority to use force, extending to the voluntary causing of death, if this is necessary when persons fail to stop when challenged in protected and special areas. The only engagement in which Mr. Davidson is known to have shot any person was on 27th February this year, when with an inspector of police he killed three terrorists who were wanted for murder and who failed to stop when challenged.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the picture of Mr. Davidson which appeared in the "Daily Express," and to the caption underneath it:

"It looks as if 'Davo' Davidson, the lone-star gunman of Kenya, has got his way. He has been pleading with military leaders to meet the Mau Mau terrorists with 'Wild West' methods as described by Fenimore Cooper in his novels about the war against the redskins.. Now his plan seems to be in operation."

Order. The right hon. Gentleman is not responsible for that.

I was just ending my question. I am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been drawn to that, and whether the recent casualty figures do not show that an Indian war of extermination is, in fact, being carried out?

The hon. and learned Gentleman must realise that my responsibilities towards him are to give him accurate information which I derive from official sources.

Are we to gather from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that the report published by the "Daily Express" is, as usual, completely inaccurate?

I have given the official figures, and the accuracy of the report in the "Daily Express" can be got by comparing my figures with theirs.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Davidson is reported to have killed 33 terrorists, which are notched on his automatic rifle and ·45 revolver? Can he also throw any light on this report?

I cannot go further than give the information which I derived from official sources, when I saw the Question on the Paper, to the effect that the only engagement in which Mr. Davidson is known to have shot any person was on 27th February when he killed three terrorists wanted for murder.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply given by the Secretary of State, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, and when I do so I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will tell us—

That is quite irrgular. I think notice has been given beforehand on this.

Surely, Mr. Speaker, I am within the rules of the House when I tell the Secretary of State the point I wish to raise?

The hon. Member has given notice to raise it on the Adjournment, and he must defer further remarks till then. If he wants to write to the Secretary of State, I would not interfere with his right to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take the initiative in establishing an inter-racial commission, including representatives of India and Pakistan, to make recommendations regarding the steps necessary in Kenya to establish conditions of racial co-operation and peace.

No, Sir. The House is aware that as soon as conditions permit it is intended to convene a conference of political leaders and representatives of all races in Kenya. This will include representatives of the Asian community resident in Kenya on whose behalf it is neither proper nor necessary that India or Pakistan should participate.

As the Indian and Pakistani population in Kenya is three times as great as the European population, would not it be desirable that the co-operation of India and Pakistan should be secured in this matter?

No, Sir. This matter raises very wide questions? The United Kingdom Government as such are not represented, nor would it be proper for India or Pakistan to take part in the discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet received proposals from the Committee on African Advancement which has been set up by the Governor of Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals to date have been transmitted to him by the Governor of Kenya from the Committee on African Advancement.

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 8th July.

In view of the great importance of making clear the reforms which are proposed in Kenya, will the right hon. Gentleman at least ask that the Committee on African Advancement should expedite its proposals?

I have already done that. I informed the Government of Kenya, and they readily agreed, that as soon as any scheme could be put into operation it should be announced. The hon. Member may expect to see one of these schemes in a very few days.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is at least nine months since almost everyone in Kenya declared in favour of a subsidy on posho? Why should he delay this vital reform which would add so much to the living standards of the people? Why should he wait until the Committee has reported?

In all these complicated matters we must await the results of the inquiries which are being conducted with all possible speed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to prevent help, financial and other, reaching the Mau Mau terrorist movement from territories outside Kenya.

There is no evidence of any assistance being given to the terrorists from outside sources. Every possible step is being taken to isolate Mau Mau gangs.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the fact that Mr. Peter Evans, who was recently deported from Kenya, stated in Bombay on 26th June that the Mau Mau terrorist movement had now reached an organised stage and that it required financial and other help from the people of the world sympathetic to its cause?

Again I must point out to the House that the Minister cannot be held responsible for statements made by other people or that appear in the Press.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a statement on the practice of officials in the Royal Naval Aircraft Workshops. Almondbank, in using the services of employees at the workshops for the construction of a number of articles, for private use, a list of which has been sent to him.

I do not accept that there is or has been any such practice. As the hon. Member is fully aware, allegations of such a practice have already been the subject of exhaustive inquiries, and they have not been substantiated.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the alleged report that an official of the workshops was disqualified from a motor-cycle racing competition because his machine was not a standard machine, but had a frame which had been made of special aircraft alloys at the workshops?

I do not know. I should be glad to have details of that report.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this place is in my constituency and well known to me, and that had there been a serious complaint I am quite sure it would have come to me?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it was admitted at the inquiry that work had been done and that the difference of opinion was only as to the size of the work done?

No case was made out against anyone, and we must assume that a person is innocent until he is proved guilty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that inquiries into this matter have been proceeding for the last two years and that at the inquiry in another place the full case was not denied, but was merely difficult to prove owing to the passage of time? Can we have an assurance from the hon. Gentleman that there will be no victimisation against those people in the factory who gave evidence on these malpractices.

Certainly there will be no victimisation. One of the reasons why the inquiry went on so long was because the alleged practices had gone on for two years before they were reported at all, and then they were not reported to the Superintendent of the Workshops.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the desire that the Polar exploration ship "Discovery" shall continue to be in good hands when relinquished by the Boy Scouts Association; and if he will give favourable consideration to the suggestion that this historic vessel shall be taken over and maintained by the Royal Navy.

I can confirm that the Boy Scouts Association have offered "Discovery" to the Admiralty and my right hon. Friend is considering the offer. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that before reaching a decision we shall have to ascertain whether "Discovery" can be used economically for naval purposes.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there will be widespread satisfaction if the future of this unique and historic vessel can be satisfactorily secured?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give immediate instructions that as soon as there is any increase in the pig swill at the Royal Naval Air Station, Brawdy, a separate contract shall be made for the increased amount over and above the amount which is the subject of the present contract.

No, Sir. I regret I can give no such undertaking.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the increasing amount of their Lordships' swill is a matter of considerable interest to the pigs in my constituency and, in view of the special circumstances relating to this case, if there is any increase in the future in the swill, would the Civil Lord see that special priority will be given to the original receivers?

I do not want to disappoint the hon. Gentleman but, far from increasing, the swill is likely to decrease.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what inquiries he made before consenting to the transfer of all current Admiralty contracts from John Brown and Company Limited to John Brown and Company (Clydebank) Limited.

The customary inquiries were made in order to ensure that the new company was in a position to complete the contracts in accordance with the obligations and conditions set out in them. The inquiries proved satisfactory.

Yes, but will the Civil Lord say whether his attention has been directed to what the Economic Secretary to the Treasury said in the House last Wednesday? Could the Civil Lord allay the suspicions that have arisen by giving an assurance that this re-organisation was not entered into merely as one of those devices for avoiding tax which was so scathingly denounced by the Economic Secretary last week?

I have no reason to believe that this is the case. My attention has been drawn to what the Economic Secretary of the Treasury said.

Can the Civil Lord give us an assurance that that was not the only reason for this re-organisation?

I am not responsible for that aspect of the matter. The Question relates to Admiralty contracts, and we are satisfied that they can be fulfilled by the company.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many orders for new tonnage to be built in North-East Coast shipyards have been cancelled this year; what were the dates of the cancellations and the yards affected; and what was the total value of the orders so cancelled.

Orders for three new vessels to be built in the North-East Coast shipyards have been cancelled this year, the total tonnage being approximately 12,000 gross tons. Two of these vessels were to be built by Messrs. Cleland Limited, Wallsend, and these were cancelled on 5th May, 1953. The other was to be built by Messrs. Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson of Wallsend, and this order was cancelled on 4th June. I estimate the total value of these ships at approximately £900,000.

Does the Civil Lord realise that the reply he has just given, and the reply he is about to give to the next Question, will be very disturbing to shipbuilders in the North-East, and that we expect him to take a more direct interest in our affairs?