asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that all substantial racial groups in Tanganyika will be represented on the Board of the Tanganyika Agricultural Corporation, and that it will be the policy of the Board to prohibit racial discrimination in its service, to train Africans progressively for the higher grades of service, to aim at progressively raising standards of living in its service, and to encourage the promotion of cooperative organisations amongst Africans.

The composition of the Board and its policy will be primarily matters for the Tanganyika Government. I am sure the Governor will have very much in mind the kind of consideration to which the hon. Member has drawn attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the conditions under which Africans in the Korogwe township of Tanganyika may be allowed 33 years' lease for land which they occupy.

Africans may acquire leases for 33 years or longer in the Korogwe township provided they conform with the requirements of the town plan as to the use of the land, the erection of buildings and payment of a small annual rent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular township, if an African is occupying a plot of land, unless he has upon it a building or buildings to the value of £1,000, he will not get the lease, and it is very difficult for most Africans, only earning at the most 5s. a day, to acquire buildings of this value?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, Africans can have shorter term leases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances in which members of the Washambala tribe have been required to leave their territory in Tanganyika and to live in the jungle.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Wasambaa living in the Usambara Mountains where overcrowding and overstocking has resulted in serious soil erosion. A development scheme, in which the local native authorities are cooperating, aims at stopping cultivation on the steepest slopes and developing the plains for food production and eventual settlement. No members of the tribe have been required to leave their territory or live "in the jungle."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider holding another African conference, similar to that held in London in 1948.

The opportunities for inter-territorial consultation have improved considerably since 1948, and I do not consider that a repetition of the 1948 conference would serve any useful purpose.

Would the Minister agree that the last conference was a huge success and an enormous inspiration to the African people? Does he not think that there is still a need for a get together of the people to discuss African education and African agriculture besides the more important issues of constitutional development?

I readily agree that the 1948 Conference was very valuable indeed. It was held in the after-math of war to consider the problems then thrown up, and since the war we have had a number of regional conferences. But I will always bear it in mind and there is nothing final about my answer.

May I congratulate the right hon. Member upon his new appointment and ask whether he considers that the present situation warrants a discussion with representatives of the colonial peoples just as much as the situation after the war; and if he would consider following the precedent of his predecessor and inviting not merely representatives of the Legislative Councils but representatives of popular organisations?

I certainly intend to follow all the many good examples set by my noble predecessor. While thanking the hon. Member for his congratulations, may I tell him that we are having talks all the time and that I hope to pay as many visits to the Colonies as he and other hon. Members will allow me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the annual Governmental expenditure upon education per child in the population among Africans, Asians and Europeans, respectively, in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia; and for what percentage of the school-age children of each of these populations education is provided.

Since the answer contains a large number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It does not include figures concerning the education of Asians and Europeans in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which has now become the responsibility of the Federation.

Do the figures show that whereas every European child in Kenya gets education, only one in three Africans receives it?

The hon. Gentleman had better wait to read my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance for the continuation of their education has been given by his Department of students from East and Central Africa resident at universities in South Africa who have been given notice by the Government of South Africa that they must leave after concluding their next examinations.

The hon. Member's description does not accord with my information, which is that, after adequate notice had been given, the South African universities ceased to admit new non-European students from East Africa from 1st January last whilst allowing students admitted earlier to complete their courses. Some East Africans who were studying for South African matriculation after failing at their own schools are therefore now unable to gain admission to universities in the Union, but their own Governments are considering means of assisting them and I am sure will do so sympathetically.

May I point out that my information was that Africans were told that they had to leave on the completion of their next examination although that was not necessarily a final examination? Can the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter further, if there are cases of that kind, to see whether help can be given to get them either to Makerere or to a university in this country?

I am satisfied with the accuracy of the answer I have given, but I will look into any case of hardship caused to any individual.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the figures of expenditure, or estimated expenditure in 1953–54 and 1954–55 on higher education for Africans in Northern Rhodesia, Kenya and Tanganyika, respectively; and the ratios between these figures and total revenues in each year in each Colony.

As the answer is long, I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a serious review of these figures? Does he appreciate that they reveal that the facilities for higher education for Africans in these Colonies are totally inadequate? Does he appreciate that the Kenya Government do need prodding on this subject?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consult the Government of Northern Rhodesia about the level of school fees for African parents with a view to finding ways and means of reducing them.

Tuition is free in all African schools in Northern Rhodesia. For boarders the maximum payable by parents is £5 per annum, plus £3 for uniform. Proportionate or total remission may be granted in cases of necessity by assistance from Native Authorities or other sources.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will recruit Africans as stenographers in Government service in East Africa, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia.

Stenographers are recruited locally, so far as possible, by the Governments of the territories concerned. They try to recruit suitably qualified Africans, but very few are forthcoming for such posts at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what arrangements he has in mind to ensure that suitable training facilities are made available?

There are quite a lot of training facilities. I will send details to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the annual Government expenditure on medical services per capita for the African, Asian and European populations, respectively, in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia.

Since Government medical services in these territories are organised for the benefit of the community irrespective of race it is impossible to give per capita details of expenditure separately for the African, Asian and European populations. Health services in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia have now become a Federal responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Government social services, covering sickness, unemployment, old age and children's allowances are provided in Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia; and what is the expenditure of their respective Governments upon them.

If the hon. Member is referring to social security schemes providing cash benefits in the contingencies mentioned in his Question, none exist except a limited old-age pension scheme in Northern Rhodesia: but the social services provided by these Governments include, of course, free or subsidised medical and hospital services, poor relief from public funds and employment exchanges, except in Nyasaland. Legislation also covers workmen's compensation and the provision of sick benefits by employers.

Can the Minister say what plans he has to inform these Governments that apparently it is the object of Her Majesty's Government to encourage social and economic advances of this kind?

Anybody who has had dealings with these Governments knows that there is no need to prod them on the matter. They have it constantly in their view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the per capita income, including an allowance for subsistence goods, for Africans, Asians and Europeans in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia.

National income calculations have been published for Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Kenya and Uganda, and plans are being made for estimating the national income of Tanganyika. I regret, however, that in no case are the data sufficiently detailed to provide a reliable analysis of per capita income between the several racial groups.

Will the Minister make it his business to try to secure this information? It is very important.

I certainly hope that as we go along in colonial improvement these and other vital figures will be available.

Is the Minister aware that in the social survey published by the United Nations per capita figures are given for the racial groups in a number of the countries mentioned in the Question? Will he bring that information up to date?

Answer!

I am quite prepared to reply. The answer is as I have stated. The figures in the various United Nations publications relate to national income per head, including estimates for subsistence output in certain territories. In the absence of the necessary data, I am afraid that it is impossible to give an analysis of per capita income between the several racial groups, which is what I have been asked for.

But the United Nations does it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have been reached by Her Majesty's Government on the recommendations of the Commission on economic and land reforms in East Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the report of the Royal Commission on Economic and Land Reforms in East Africa has yet been received; and when it is to be published.

The report of the Commission has not yet been submitted. I had expected to receive it before the end of the year, but I now understand it is unlikely to be completed until early next year.

What is the reason for this delay? It was generally understood that the Commission has completed its report and that the report has been submitted to the Secretary of State?

There is certainly nothing sinister in the delay. Very many busy people are involved. A mass of evidence has been taken and the Commission is now engaged on writing the Report. I am satisfied that there are very good reasons why it cannot be ready before.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of the anti-sedition law in Cyprus promulgated at the beginning of August.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will allow newspapers in Cyprus to print reports of speeches or Questions in this House which advocate the right of the people of Cyprus to self-determination; and if he will allow British newspapers which do so to be sold in that Colony;

(2) why the "News Chronicle" of 4th August, 1954, was withheld from sale in Cyprus under the terms of the anti-sedition law; and what other British newspapers have been affected by this law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the enforcement of the anti-sedition law in Cyprus, under which publishers and vendors of printed matter which advocates a change of sovereignty may be imprisoned for long terms or lose their British nationality, and newspapers may be suspended for three years, was announced with his authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to state the measures which have recently been enforced for the restriction of the expression of opinion in Cyprus.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to repeal or relax the existing laws in Cyprus restricting freedom of speech, freedom of the Press and liberty of the subject.

I am taking the opportunity of the Governor's presence in London to discuss with him the points raised in these Questions. As I have not had time since my return to this country to go over the ground fully with him, I propose, with the hon. Members' permission, to make a statement on this aspect of Cyprus affairs next week.

In the meantime, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind the fact that many people think it is inconsistent to offer the Cypriots a constitutional Government with one hand while, with the other, imposing upon them very repressive legislation which makes it illegal for newspapers to print speeches by the Archbishop or by right hon. and hon. Members of this House?

I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says, and I hope that he and his hon. Friends on their side will bear in mind that there has been no new legislation, and that the only legislation is that which was current during the previous Socialist Government.

In view of the statement yesterday by the Prime Minister clarifying a previous statement made on this matter, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in considering the question of Cyprus, he will consider the suggestion I ventured to put forward in the debate in July and discuss it with the Governor.

Yes, Sir, I will certainly do that, but I must point out that the remark attributed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State yesterday by, I think, the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg), that Cyprus could never enjoy self-government, is completely untrue, as a reference to HANSARD will show.

Though I do not wish to be discourteous to the right hon. Gentleman on his first appearance in his present office, may I ask him to say why he said that he would answer Question No. 49 with this one and then made no reference to the matter raised in Question No. 49, which asks him to state, quite briefly, the measures which have recently been enforced for the restriction of opinion in Cyprus?

As I said, I will answer that Question next week along with other Questions dealing with sedition and the Press laws.

Without wishing to press the right hon. Gentleman at this stage, may I ask whether, in considering the enforcement of the anti-sedition laws, he will keep in mind the importance of maintaining our reputation in the world as a liberal minded nation?

Since the right hon. Gentleman gave me the lie, may I ask him if he will look more closely at HANSARD, when he will find that the word "never" was used apropos of Cyprus by the Minister of State? He has probably been misled by the fact that his predecessor did not know that, and came into the debate later and wrongly denied that the word "never" had been used.

I took the earliest opportunity of correcting a misapprehension under which the hon. Gentleman obviously laboured. My right hon. Friend was referring to self-determination and not to self-government, and that was made plain.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the progress made towards implementing the proposed new constitution for Cyprus.

The constitutional proposals outlined by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Colonial Affairs on 28th July need close examination on many points of substance and detail before they can be put into final form. The Governor is considering these points, and I await his recommendations.

Will there be some explanation how self-government can be exercised without self-determination, and, since Cyprus is to be a kind of "Never-Never Land," will there also be some explanation of the constitutional use of the word "never," or are we to take it that the Government's policy towards the use of that word is the same as that of Humpty Dumpty?

The hon. Gentleman had better await the statement.

Does not the Secretary of State realise that, whoever did or did not use the word "never," the present policy of the Government in regard to Cyprus is making a mockery of the world-wide policy of this country, which is to have a voluntary association of nations within the Commonwealth, and not a compulsory one?

I would find it very difficult to know how the right hon. Gentleman can reconcile that question with the way in which his Government disregarded the plebiscite held in Cyprus during their administration.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that any steps towards constitutional advance must be of benefit to all sections of the community in Cyprus?

Certainly.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise how impossible it is to impose a constitution on a people who are, at the same time, being deprived even of the usual democratic right of discussing their own sovereignty?

I wish the hon. Gentleman had used his time in Cyprus in encouraging people to come in and help to work the constitution rather than some of the things he did

asked the Secretary for the Colonies (1) the number of Europeans and Africans, respectively, who have been killed and wounded in Kenya by Mau Mau adherents, exclusive of those killed and wounded in military action, since the beginning of the emergency; and

(2) the number of Mau Mau adherents and members of Government forces killed, wounded and taken prisoner, respectively, in Kenya, from the beginning of the emergency to the last available date; and the respective figures for Africans and Europeans among the latter.

Up to 25th September 6,608 terrorists had been killed and 11,524 captured, of whom 727 were wounded. Casualties to the Security Forces were 476 killed (28 Europeans, 2 Asians and 446 Africans) and 426 wounded (55 Europeans, 12 Asians and 359 Africans). In addition, 25 Europeans, 18 Asians and 1,234 African civilians were murdered, and 24, 27 and 703, respectively, wounded by Mau Mau terrorists.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons now held in detention in Kenya; and what is the number of these whose cases have been heard by the Advisory Appeal Committees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans are now detained in Kenya; and what plans have been made for the detention camps.

At the end of September the number was 48,022, including those held for screening as the result of the Nairobi operation as well as other persons temporarily in police custody for interrogation. Of the 17,435 persons against whom detention orders have been made, 724 have appealed to the Advisory Committees on Detainees, which have to date heard 642 cases.

My predecessor dealt with plans for the camps in his speech on 22nd July. I have nothing to add, except that the aim is, in the recent words of the Governor:

"… to place as soon as possible on the road towards release those who are capable of being recalled to a decent life, and in the meantime to make the method of confinement such that it will lead to the least bitterness possible."

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action is being taken to speed up screening, because it is taking a very long time?

I do not think that it is taking so long now. It is very well under control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some time to a consideration of this problem of detention in the future?

Certainly. I am fully aware that the long-term future of Kenya is of the utmost importance.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these detention camps are on the big side and that there are too many people in each camp? Does not he think that they should be taken out of the hands of the prison administration and put into those of another department under a committee of welfare or development, under Mr. Ohanga who is the African Minister?

Mr. Ohanga is doing a splendid job, but Kenya is living in a state of emergency. In all the circumstances, those concerned are doing admirably in coping with an unprecedented situation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision has been made for persons in Kenya who may be compulsorily evacuated together with their livestock and property from specified areas in Kenya under new emergency powers which came into force on 3rd August, 1954; and what compensation will be given when livestock and movables are destroyed.

Subsistence would be payable in cases of financial hardship, and ex gratia compensation based on need would be given for destroyed livestock and movables. No orders have yet been made under the Regulations, which are mainly designed to empower the removal to safety of elderly people living in isolated homes in danger areas.

Does the Minister not think it would be better if precisely what is to happen was defined in the emergency powers, because at present people do not know?

No one can tell precisely how the situation will develop.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in each of the social, economic and political reforms foreshadowed in the Kenya Government's statement of policy.

The statement covered the whole field of government and embodied aims of long-term policy which are being pursued as part of a planned programme. I could not range so widely in answering this Question, but if there are any items on which the hon. Member requires information, perhaps he will put down a Question on the particular points, or write to me about them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing alongside his reply the summary of the Parliamentary Mission's recommendations which I sent him?

I will certainly consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far the possession of passbooks is obligatory on persons of all races and of all African tribes in Kenya; and to what areas the obligation applies.

The passbook regulations at present apply only to Kikuyu, Embu and Meru above the age of 16 living in the Nairobi Extra-Provincial District and the Coast Province.

Could the right hon. Gentleman inform the House why this obligation is imposed only on Africans, and could he also say how many prosecutions have taken place up to date?

I should have thought that the realities of the situation in Kenya today would give the hon. Gentleman the answer. These particular regulations were passed as a result of "Operation Anvil," and it is from a cleaning up process in Nairobi that the beginning of the end of Mau Mau will be traced.

Bearing in mind the fact that the Mau Mau gangs in the forest will soon be wiped out, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making an early statement to abolish the passbook system and release a substantial number from detention camps?

I am afraid I could not give any such answer at all, and I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that one of the recommendations of those who visited Kenya was that a real attempt should be made to clean up Nairobi, and this has been an essential part of that procedure.

Does this system, which the Minister upholds, apply to loyal Africans as well as to disloyal Africans?

It is a method of distinguishing between the two.

In all seriousness, may I ask the Minister to reconsider the matter; otherwise, we shall have far more trouble in Kenya in the future?

If I were asked to give a single instance of the fear in the minds of the loyal Kikuyu, it would be the fear that those who have been contaminated should return among them again.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement upon conditions in the detention camps in Kenya, and in particular what steps he has taken to curb the outbreak of typhoid in Manyani Camp.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of typhoid have occurred in Manyani detention camp in Kenya during the last three months; how many of these proved fatal; what investigation has been made into the causes of the epidemic and with what results; and what steps are being taken to prevent its recurrence.

Since the end of August there have been 63 deaths from typhoid in Manyani camp, and on 16th October, 760 cases or suspected cases were under observation. The number of persons in the camp is 16,000. I am satisfied that conditions in the camp are good, and that the outbreak at Manyani camp, which I visited last Saturday, was not due to the camp water supply or sanitation, or to any failude to take proper health measures. The probable cause was the spreading by personal contact of infection from a number of detainees who had the disease in a mild form and did not report sick. All necessary steps to control the outbreak and to prevent a recurrence have been taken, including reinoculation, isolation of sufferers and provision of more medical staff.

When does the Minister expect to send the first detainees back from these detention camps to their lawful avocations elsewhere? Many are under suspicion, and there is great anxiety both in the United Kingdom and in the Colony about when the right hon. Gentleman is going to begin to send these people back to their normal life.

All those who have been classed as "white" under the screening procedure have had explained to them what they already know, that they are detained because of the typhoid epidemic.

When will he, so to speak, open the pipeline back to normal life?

The opening of the pipeline to work camps in the case of those who have been graded "grey" will start as soon as the typhoid has been eradicated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he will appoint the committee for investigation into the best methods of electing the African Members of the Kenya Legislative Council.

On 12th October the Governor of Kenya announced the appointment of Mr. Coutts to investigate and advise on the methods to be adopted in choosing African representative members for the Legislative Council in Kenya. The African Member of the Legislative Council for each area and two other local Africans to be nominated by the Provincial Commissioner will be invited to be associated with him in the investigation of their area. Mr. Coutts will begin this work early in 1955 and should complete it within six months.

While welcoming this step forward, could the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a distinguished West Indian or a distinguished African from the West Coast on to this Committee to help in this very important task along with Mr. Coutts?

I think that we can rely on the African Members of the Legislative Council in each area to advise about their own territory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many children of Kikuyu descent, whose parents are in detention camps, are left uncared for in Nairobi and its immediate surrounding territory;

(2) the number of homeless and detribalised orphans left to their own resources in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi; and what steps he intends to take for their welfare.

A survey is at present being made of the number and welfare of such children and I hope to have detailed information shortly. In the meantime, I can tell the House that plans are going ahead for orphanages in the Central Province the first of which is expected to open soon, and that the establishment of a children's home in Nairobi is under discussion with the voluntary societies, including the local Save the Children Fund now being formed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no money will be spared in an effort to care for and to protect these children, and does he appreciate that if we fail in this job these children will be the next generation of Mau Mau?

I take a very close personal interest in this matter, and I agree with the hon. Gentleman on the extreme importance of these steps.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the progress and prospects of the anti-Mau Mau campaign in Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the present position in Kenya, with special reference to the terrorist activities of Mau Mau and their suppression.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his recent official visit to Kenya and Uganda.

I hope to make a statement on my visit in a few days' time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Delegation to Kenya, a summary of which has been forwarded to him, have been implemented by the Kenya Government.

The Kenya Government have implemented, or are in process of implementing, most of the suggestions made in the Parliamentary Delegation's Report. I cannot give details within the compass of a reply to a Question but, if the right hon. Member will write to me on any particular point on which he requires information, I shall be glad to supply it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reinforce what he said earlier, that is, to answer the summary which I sent to him, question and answer together?

I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide education, housing and employment for the population of Singapore, which has doubled since 1931.

Much progress has been made in education, housing and employment since the end of the Japanese occupation and every effort is being made to secure further improvement. Every child can now have six years in a primary school and great attention is being paid to the training of teachers to meet the large increase in the birth rate during recent years.

The Singapore Improvement Trust are now building over 2,000 homes a year as against 212 in 1947. On employment, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his Question on 12th May.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the present rate of population growth continues for the next six years it will be necessary to provide another 100,000 places in the secondary and primary schools? Will he ensure that the provision of school places keeps pace with the growth of population?

Singapore has something of which to be very proud, that every child can now have six years in a primary school.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the latest figures of surrenders in Malaya during the present year, compared with those of last year.

One hundred and eighteen terrorists surrendered in the first seven months of this year, compared with 193 in the corresponding months last year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us why the number has been reduced? Is there in his own mind any reason for it?

It is fairly clear that it is probably due to the reduction in the number of contacts made with the terrorists, and that reduction is itself probably due to the fact that the terrorists have been driven into the deep jungle.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the surrender terms offered to the participants in the jungle war in Malaya.

The Federation Government have guaranteed that every Communist who surrenders will be justly and humanely treated and that, provided that he has not been concerned in murder, he will not be charged with the capital offence of bearing arms. There are also fixed rewards for any who bring out two or more others with them, or who bring out weapons which are not their own, eliminate other terrorists before surrendering or give information which is successfully used by the Security Forces.

Is the Minister aware that when we discussed the problem of Malaya before the Recess I quoted the case of a man who surrendered under the terms of the armistice and was then brought before a court and executed? Will the Minister look into a case of that character, because it discourages men from surrendering?

It would also enormously discourage the people who have witnessed atrocious crimes or whose families have been the victims of atrocious crimes if people who were guilty of murder were not called upon to pay the penalty.

Did I rightly apprehend the right hon. Gentleman to say that payments are made for the elimination of other people living in Malaya? Under what laws is this done? By what courts will the offences be tried? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the circumstances are, to whom the payments are made, and who is to be eliminated?

Malaya is living under emergency conditions, and it is essential to bring the emergency to an end as early as possible. These and other means, which would not be palatable under purely peace conditions, must be used in circumstances of this kind.

The Minister said in reply to an earlier Question that he would reply to me at this point. Perhaps I might put my question now. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider extending to Malaya the same surrender terms as are offered in Kenya, including no death penalties?

If I do not reply in detail to the hon. Gentleman's question, I must not be taken as accepting the comparison which he draws between Kenya and Malaya. Anyhow, the circumstances are wholly different. I have answered in reply to this Question the point put to me by the hon. Gentleman previously, and I have nothing to add to that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances in which the Hong Kong police launch disappeared from its moorings on 29th July; and what steps have been taken to prevent this happening again.

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that steps are being taken to prevent such an incident happening again?

I hope so, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the statement made in the United States of America by the Governor of Hong Kong criticising the recent visit to China of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Walthamstow, West, and whether he will instruct officials of his Department to refrain from political controversy.

I have seen Press reports of the statement to which the right hon. Member refers. Whilst I agree that it is undesirable that Governors, though they are not, of course, officials of the Colonial Office, should engage in political controversy affecting the United Kingdom, I do not feel that any instructions to them are necessary.

In view of this case, would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it would be better for the Governor of Hong Kong to spend his time governing Hong Kong instead of going to the United States on lecture tours arranged by Her Majesty's Government and, on arriving there, beginning by indulging in political controversy of this kind?

In view of the difficulties of Hong Kong, I think a visit by the Governor to the United States is very helpful. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman did not actually read the details of what the Governor said. I did. He said:

"I did say that I thought the visit was unfortunate. I also said that I thought that the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition was responsible and sincere. In reply to a further question as to whether I thought the same of the others, I replied that I did not know them and had never met them, and therefore I was not in a position to say."

The Governor is not just an official, but he is appointed by the Secretary of State. Would not the right hon. Gentleman say quite plainly that he deprecates any Governor making comments on British politics?

If the right hon. Gentleman will read my answer he will see that I said that it is undesirable that Governors should engage in political controversy.

If my right hon. Friend accepts the principle suggested by the right hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths), would he not agree that it should be reciprocal and that politicians should refrain from making unnecessary and critical comments on Governors?

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Governor of Hong Kong, like the Governor of any other Colonial Territory, is Representative and Vice-Regent in that area of Her Majesty, and that if the Governor goes in that capacity to any other country he goes cloaked with that authority and prestige?

Is it not also the case that if he uses that occasion in order to make political statements and criticisms of other people he is doing the one thing which has always been regarded under our constitution as wrong, that is, to drag the Crown into political controversy?

I would not dissent from what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I would remind the House, in fairness to the Governor, that he was no doubt approached from the point of view of the reaction in the Colony which he governs. While I stick to what I said, that it is undesirable, that point should be borne in mind.

Is it not extremely important that the people of the United States of America should appreciate the great difficulties now of Hong Kong owing to the embargo and that it is extraordinarily valuable that those people should be well-informed?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of the United States consular staff are now in Hong Kong; how these numbers compare with 1938; and the approximate number of United States residents served by them at these two dates.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the right hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the undoubted increase which these figures will show when published, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this horde of officials in Hong Kong is engaged in promoting American trade with China or in restricting British trade with China?

The Consular Convention between Her Majesty's Government and the United States leaves it to each Government to decide how many officers they require. As to hordes of people, I personally thank God that there are hordes of Americans in the world.

Oh.

While it does not follow that these hordes should be in Hong Kong, will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Governor of Hong Kong—if he can get in touch with him—and ask him whether it is not a fact that the whole British trading community in Hong Kong believes that this American Consular staff is employed there for the sole purpose of spying on British trade?

I could not accept the remarks of the right hon. Gentleman, but on this, as on everything else, I am in continuous touch with the Governor.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Hong Kong is one of the great achievements of this nation and that its tenure is pretty precarious at the moment? Will he at least be very careful to see that it is not used as an espionage centre by a Power hostile to China?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent United States officials in Hong Kong are concerned in the trade between Hong Kong and China; and to what extent United Kingdom officials refer to them applications by British nationals for licences to ship goods to China.

The administration of controls over exports from Hong Kong to China is the responsibility of the Hong Kong Government. I understand that they do not refer applications for licences to United States officials in Hong Kong except, occasionally, when goods of United States origin are involved.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the United States Consular Corps in Hong Kong are sending for British business men and warning them that if they do not stop particular trades with China, which are allowed by Her Majesty's Government, they will be blacklisted and will have their dollar assets frozen in the United States, and that attempts will be made to interfere with the trade of their customers and to keep them from trading?

My information is that there have undoubtedly been relaxations in American control of exports to Hong Kong because of this co-operation. If the right hon. Gentleman has any information to justify the very sweeping charges he is making against an ally, I should be very ready to receive it.

The right hon. Gentleman has in no way answered my question. Is he aware that the Governor of Hong Kong, who, if I may say so, has battled very hard for the rights of the British trading interests in Hong Kong on this matter, has had all this information brought to him on a number of occasions, and has, I am informed, passed on that information to the right hon. Gentleman's Department which thoroughly justifies what I have said?

I could not accept that the ex parte statements made by the right hon. Gentleman are necessarily accurate, and if he can give me any further information that he may have I will readily inquire into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is proposed to implement the Moffat resolutions adopted by the Northern Rhodesian Legislative Council.

Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Northern Rhodesia heartily welcome these resolutions. In continuing to shape its policy in accordance with them, the Northern Rhodesia Government will be greatly encouraged by the impressive demonstration of support which the resolutions received from the Legislative Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will do his best to ensure that these resolutions are implemented not only for Northern Rhodesia, but also for other areas of Africa for which he is responsible?

Conditions vary in many places. I welcome these resolutions, but I would constantly remind hon. Members that racial harmony is brought about not only by political action but also by good behaviour by all races.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to prevent chiefs in Northern Rhodesia from associating with the African Congress, and, in particular, from attending the meeting of the Congress at Ndolo on 17th August.

None, Sir, but certain native authorities have on their own initiative passed orders to exclude Congress representatives from their areas.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that previous meetings of the African Congress have been attended by 20 or more of these chiefs? Will he look into the matter again to make sure that there has been no repression or intimidation on the part of the Government?

I am quite satisfied with the accuracy of my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. Titus B. Makupo, Mr. Mathias Phiri and Mr. John Mumbi, officials of the African National Congress of Northern Rhodesia, have been imprisoned for 20 months, 18 months, and 18 months, respectively; and how many other officials or members of this organisation have also been imprisoned, and on what charges.

The three persons named were convicted of not under Section 4 of the Penal Code. Thirty-six persons known to be Congress members have been imprisoned for criminal offences since 1952.

Is the Minister aware that the three men named in my Question are trying to appeal to the High Court, but are unable to do so because they have no money? Will he make inquiries to see whether there is any legal aid available to help them with their defence?

I will certainly look into that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what ground the Lusaka Municipal Board imposes a night pass system for Africans; and whether this practice has been confirmed by the Northern Rhodesian Government.

The night pass system, which operates in Lusaka with the support of the great majority of law-abiding citizens, is intended to help in protecting the public from crime; the regulations at present in force were made by the Governor in Council.

In view of the fact that within a day or two the first anniversary of the Federation will be celebrated, would it not be a good thing to suggest to the Governor that it would be a fitting thing to remove this indignity to Africans?

I cannot do better than remind the hon. Gentleman of what was said by an African when the Southern Provinces African Provincial Council was debating the motion, which they carried by 10 votes to two, with no abstentions: "A person who does not like being asked for a pass is no good."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Ethiopia, where there is no European domination whatsoever, a similar so-called indignity is perpetrated by the entirely free Ethiopian Government on its African citizens?

May I ask whether the view which the right hon. Gentleman has just quoted is shared by himself?

Certainly, if the conditions are as they are in Lusaka. In the case of night offences, an overwhelming majority of law-abiding citizens—and this goes for Africans, naturally—are in favour of this proposal.