asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on land acquisition in Nyasa-land.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a general statement on this question. Particulars of land already acquired were given in a reply on 6th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Sir J. Barlow). It would be contrary to the public interest to give details of negotiations still in progress.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures given on 6th April showed that there were still some 200,000 acres of land, out of a total of 500,000 acres which are to be purchased, which remain to be negotiated? Can he give an assurance that this matter will be speeded up? It is now some seven years since it was decided to acquire the land.

I understand and share the anxiety of the hon. Lady that a settlement should be reached on this most important matter. A good deal of land has already been purchased. There are certain outstanding problems in regard to land and other issues in Nyasaland which I intend to discuss with the Governor who will be visiting London next week for talks with me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to institute some form of franchise for Africans in Nyasaland.

The Governor is coming to London to discuss with me next week the constitutional questions which he has already considered with representatives of the three communities at Zomba. I would, therefore, prefer not to make a statement about any constitutional matters affecting Nyasaland for the time being.

When the Governor comes to this country, will the right hon. Gentleman impress on him that if elections are good enough for Europeans and Asians, they are perhaps equally good enough for Africans?

I will bear that in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the Portuguese Government regarding the Shire Valley dam and irigation scheme in Nyasaland.

Discussions held with the Portuguese Government when the Shire Valley scheme was the responsibility of the Nyasaland Government are summarised in an exchange of notes between Her Majesty's Government and the Portuguese Government, published as Cmd. 8855 in January, 1953. The Shire Valley scheme has been the responsibility of the Government of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland since July, 1954.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that this does not get too far down the queue now that the Shire Valley scheme seems to be about to begin, because this is of vital importance for the future of the Colony?

I can assure the hon. Member that that is so, and I cannot sufficiently anticipate the pleasure with which I will tackle this particular problem after a renewed mandate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what institutions in Tanganyika are carrying out activities similar to the work of the extra-mural department of the University College of East Africa; and whether he will place such work under the supervision of the university to ensure academic standards.

The activities to which the hon. Member refers are carried on by the British Council and the Social Welfare Department of the Tanganyika Government. Whether the University College of East Africa should also undertake work of this nature is a question for the council of the college which, as the hon. Member already knows, is an autonomous body. The possibility of arrangements being made between the Government of Tanganyika and the university college for extra-mural work to be done in the territory will be considered by the Government of Tanganyika and the college authorities in the light of information gained from the working of a pilot scheme in Uganda.

While recognising those factors and thanking the Minister for that helpful answer, might I ask him to put his considerable influence behind this attempt to raise the status of these institutions nearer to university level? Is he aware that the Tanganyika African National Union is very strongly of this opinion, and will he note its attitude in the matter?

I am always in favour of the bodies with the highest possible influence continuing to exercise authority both in Britain and Africa.

On a point of order. In view of the fact that the Minister, in reply to Questions Nos. 10 and 12, has indicated that he has no authority over either of the matters raised, may I ask how the Questions came to be placed on the Order Paper in view of the fact that Members often have difficulty in getting such Questions on the Order Paper?

I assume that the Secretary of State has some residual responsibility for the Colonies. Though in varying degrees in different territories there has been a delegation of authority, I see nothing prima facie out of order in the Questions.

Is it not a fact that while devolution is continuing within the Colonies that does not rob the Minister of his influence in pressing his point of view upon them?

That may well be so.

Further to that point. While the university college at Makerere is an autonomous body, as Members on both sides of the House know, I naturally have responsibility in regard to the Government of Tanganyika who are watching with interest the experiment now being conducted in extramural work in Uganda to see whether it is applicable to Tanganyika. The experience in one territory is frequently of much value in another.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been released from detention in Kenya since April, 1954, and in what categories.

Since 23rd April, 1954, 6,759 detained persons have been released in Kenya. Of these 3,244 were released after initial screening from the Anvil camps at Langata, MacKinnon Road and Manyani. Two thousand four hundred and fifty-five were released after more detailed screening from camps in the Central Province. The remaining 1,060 persons were released from detention under Detention Orders, including 32 who successfully appealed against detention.

In view of the fact that nine months ago General Erskine estimated that 20 per cent. of those who were detained were innocent. can the Secretary of State state the proportion of those who have been released?

I wish that the hon. Gentleman, whose passionate interest for things African we all recognise, would read all the Parliamentary discussions, because quite recently, on behalf of General Erskine, I denied the statement that had been falsely attributed to him. However, the General, like a great many of us, if he found it obligatory to deny every inaccurate statement attributed to him, would find little time for creative work. He decided to ignore that particular misstatement.

Since it is the testimony of everyone who has been in Kenya in recent years that there is a general feeling that the screening is very slow and ought to be expedited, can the Colonial Secretary tell us now whether the screening process is being expedited so that those innocent may be released as soon as possible?

In reply to the right hon. Gentleman, whose interest I also fully recognise, I have recently made a statement in regard to the inquiry into screening in Kenya, when it was held that the procedure now was such that there need be no anxiety among reasonable people as to the speed with which it is being conducted. However, I would at this stage in Parliament, as before, put out the plea that we should from time to time look at this thing in the atmosphere of those engaged in a desperate struggle in Kenya and not always with the calm with which we are able to look at the matter from the United Kingdom.

Is the Secretary of State aware that many responsible people subscribe to the statement alleged to have been made by General Erskine? Is he satisfied that the rate of release is sufficient to justify reasonable action?

As the statement attributed to General Erskine was inaccurate, I see no reason why, attributed to people of lesser experience, it should suddenly become accurate. I can assure the House that I am constantly in touch with the Government of Kenya to see that the speed of release is carried out to the fullest possible extent commensurate with the needs of public safety.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what instructions have been given by the Government of Kenya concerning the establishment of tribal associations in Nairobi.

None, Sir. Tribal associations have been in existence for many years and the Kenya Government have agreed to the recognition as they have applied for registration from time to time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that trade union organisers in Nairobi have informed us that pressure was put by the Administration on Africans to join their tribal associations, and to avoid all other associations, including trade unions? Would he please look into the matter?

I have looked into it, and I wrote to the Governor about it when it was conveyed to me in a suggestion made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Creech Jones). I feel quite certain that the Kenya Government are not fostering the tribal associations to the detriment of the development of normal, healthy trade union activity. I will write to the right hon. Gentleman and the hon. Lady as soon as I have further information from the Governor.

In view of the importance of the new associations starting off on the right foot, can my right hon. Friend say whether it is obligatory on these societies to register under the Societies Ordinance of the Colony?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent under the provisions of the Northern Rhodesia (No. 2) Order in Council, 1954, the right to alienate African lands will be delegated by the Governor to a member of the Executive Council.

No delegation of power to alienate African lands has been made, or is intended to be made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the Amendment contained in the Northern Rhodesia (No. 2) Order in Council, 1954, to the Northern Rhodesia Order in Council, 1924, and give us an assurance that in that Amendment there is no change?

Indeed, I can. I hope that those who read the Questions of the hon. Gentleman will also read the Answers, for a great deal of misunderstanding in Colonial Territories is often created by people who read only the Question and who do not wait for the Answer. Under recent regulations the Governor of Northern Rhodesia has delegated power to the Director of Services and Land to make grants of Crown Lands on his behalf, subject only to the special or general directions of the member of the Executive Council responsible for land. Under the relevant Statutes and Orders the definition of Crown Land expressly excludes all native reserves, native trust land and land or mineral rights to which the Paramount Chief and people of the Barotse are entitled. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will use his considerable influence with the people who read his Questions to draw attention to the Answers given to his Questions.

With reference to that admonition, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the Kenya Government have suppressed nearly all the African newspapers? If the European newspapers which remain fail to report his replies, the responsibility cannot be mine.

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the generous way in which he took my admonition. We shall all be giving each other a good deal of advice in the course of the next few weeks, and in regard to the availability of newsprint perhaps the United Kingdom is not in the best position to lecture other countries at this time.

Do not the Questions that are asked in this House on these occasions do a great deal of harm overseas and create strife between the various races?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of African newspapers printed in Nairobi at the present moment?

If the hon. Gentleman will put a Question on the Order Paper for that information, I will gladly answer it. To my hon. Friend the Member for Leominster (Mr. Baldwin), who asked about the mischief that might be done by Parliamentary Questions, I would quote a Nigerian proverb, which is the slogan of a newspaper in Nigeria, that the truth is worth more than a penny. The truth can often be conveyed by Parliamentary Answers as well as by Parliamentary Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reduction there was this year in the estimates for the medical and health department of Hong Kong; what was the reduction in the Vote for malaria control; and what was the reason for such reductions.

There have been no such reductions. The total medical department estimates for the year 1955–56 show an increase of 2 million dollars as compared with 1954–55, while the malaria control sub-head shows an increase of 12,000 dollars as compared with 1954–55.

While expressing my pleasure that there is no reduction, may I ask the Minister to give very careful thought to malaria control? Is he aware that, owing to the influx of people from the mainland, the fact that trade has been cut by the embargo and the fact that there is no Welfare State there, malaria control is of great importance to Hong Kong?

Of course I am aware of the fact that the problems of the Governor and Government of Hong Kong have been enormously increased by the refugee population. If the hon. Gentleman suggests that the restrictions on trade are due to American action alone, that is wrong, because it is the united decision of many nations of the free world to cut down the sale of strategic materials to China. I am fully conscious of the need to ensure that the malaria control Vote in Hong Kong is not diminished. Not only is more money being spent, but the revised estimate for the forthcoming year is actually more than the original estimate.

In order to get the Question into proper perspective, is it not a fact that not only in Hong Kong but in other Colonial Territories the campaign against malaria is one of the brightest achievements in the Colonial Empire and that in some places malaria has been completely eradicated in recent years?

That is true.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the case, particulars of which have been sent to him, of the ill-treated child whose foster mother was sentenced in a Hong Kong court on or about 12th January; and what is the present estimated number of Mui-tsai children in Hong Kong and the New Territories.

My only information about this case is derived from a local newspaper, the accuracy of which however I have no reason to doubt. From the account there given I am bound to say that the sentence seems to have been well deserved. The case was not one of Mui-tsai which is illegal and of which no cases have come to light for a number of years.

Does this not seem at least somewhat indicative of the fact that, even though it is illegal, Mui-tsai is still practised behind the scenes? Will the right hon. Gentleman have special investigations made to determine whether an underhand Mui-tsai arrangement still exists?

From all that I know of the Governor of Hong Kong, it is quite unnecessary to stimulate him to the proper discharge of the duties imposed upon him by statute.

For the benefit of hon. Members who are not experienced in the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman say what Mui-tsai is?

Definitions vary according to the part of the world in which one happens to live. "Mui-tsai" describes a young female domestic servant who, by Chinese custom, is purchased from her parents or guardians for service in the household of her master.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will discuss with the Governments of the Colonies, Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories the preparation of minimum standard rules for prisons and detentive institutions in these territories.

Colonial Governments already possess copies of the United Kingdom Prison Rules, 1949, and a set of draft standard minimum rules, largely in agreement with United Kingdom principles, is being considered by the United Nations. My advisers scrutinise colonial prison reports and legislation and matters of importance are referred to my Advisory Committee on the Treatment of Offenders. In the circumstances, I do not consider that discussion of yet another set of standard rules, on the lines proposed, would serve any useful purpose.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that is enough? Has he read the Report of the Advisory Committee to the Colonial Office on conditions in colonial prisons? Is he aware that we have undertaken to the United Nations to carry out standard minimum regulations in the Colonial Territories? In view of all those facts, will he look at the matter again?

It is my custom, which I am sure is not an unusual one, to read the advice and the reports that advisory committees present to me. I should be very ready to circulate to any hon. Members interested the Report of the Advisory Committee on the Treatment of Offenders which was presented to my predecessor one month before I took office, and I would gladly lay copies in the House. I am sure that the result of any scrutiny of the Report would not only give some indications of the lines of future progress but would also show what valuable work has been done in penal reform over the last few years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will confer with His Highness the Sultan of Brunei with a view to securing voluntary collaboration in the provision of facilities in Brunei for the training of teachers and of nurses and medical assistants for service in Brunei and in Sarawak and British North Borneo.

Collaboration in all matters of common concern is already the function of the inter-territorial conference of the three Borneo Governments, and I do not think that special arrangements are necessary in these particular fields.

In view of the high promise of the Brunei five-year development plan, is there any likelihood of its being used under the direction of the Sultan's Council for the benefit of Brunei's poorer neighbours?

Brunei has already shown her readiness to help neighbouring territories, but I think it would be very wrong if we gave any impression that we intended to use the richness of Brunei, without her wish, to help neighbouring territories. The teacher training colleges now established in Sarawak and North Borneo are open to Brunei candidates, and I am advised that better facilities exist there than could be created quickly in Brunei itself. In regard to the training of medical assistants, all my advice is in favour of the territories doing their own training in their own territories.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I made no suggestion that pressure should be exerted by this country on Brunei and that I entirely share his appreciation of what Brunei has done?

I think that, as in so many other things, this is a case where there is very little in dispute between the hon. Gentleman and myself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate annual cost of the emergency in the Federation of Malaya and Singapore; what are the total grants made by Her Majesty's Government towards this expenditure; who will bear the cost of the Australian forces which are to be directed to this area; and, in view of the restriction on educational and social services caused by expenditure on the emergency, if he will consider a substantial increase in financial aid to the Federation and to Singapore further to ease the burden caused by the emergency.

The cost of the emergency to the two Governments in Malaya in 1954 was approximately £20 million, towards which Her Majesty's Government made a grant of £6 million. In addition, of course, Her Majesty's Government met the cost of the external forces in Malaya. It is customary for Commonwealth Governments to bear the cost of maintaining their own forces when these are deployed to meet Commonwealth strategic requirements.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that this emergency affects not only Malaya and Singapore but this country as well—we are involved in it just as much as the people of those two territories? Under those circumstances, is it not fairly evident that the expenditure they are making on the emergency must limit their power to spend similar money on the social services, and will he not reconsider the possibility of augmenting the assistance that we give to these territories?

No, Sir, there is no indication that the needful social development of Malaya is held up by anything other than the physical limitations enforced by the emergency, and Her Majesty's Government, having spent £65 million on the cost of the external forces of Malaya, cannot be accused of not realising that this is an all-out Commonwealth effort.

If the full financial responsibility of the emergency is not carried by this Government or very substantial further aid sent to Singapore and Malaya, then is there not a possibility of the Social services in both the Colony and in the Federation breaking down?

No, Sir, that is not the case at all. If my Answer and previous Answers are fully studied, it will be realised that what the hon. Member says is a completely inaccurate picture of the situation in the two territories. I am glad to say that in Singapore the surplus balance exceeds £35 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now make a statement upon the proposals for constitutional advance in Mauritius.

I have given very careful consideration to the proposals which have been submitted by the Governor for changes in the Constitution of Mauritius. I think it would be desirable for the Governor and the leading representatives of the principal schools of thought in the Colony to come to London for discussions on these proposals before any final decision is taken, but in present circumstances it is not yet possible to arrange a firm date for this visit.

While hoping that the Minister will follow his excellent example in Nyasaland and invite the Governor of Mauritius here, might I ask him whether he will get a move on, as it is 12 months since Lord Munster went to the island; and if the right hon. Gentleman does not get on with the matter soon, perhaps we on this side of the House will be able to finish it for him?

I am aware of the advisability of getting a move on, but I am also aware of the constitutional propriety which ought to be followed by a Minister receiving a Governor from a Colony, when there is a great deal of controversy about its future, on the eve of a General Election.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Spanish authorities have yet taken steps to abolish the interference from their station at Barcelona with the Home Service reception in the Arbroath area, in view of the fact that they are now signatories of the Copenhagen Convention.

This interference has unfortunately not yet stopped, although the Spanish Administration have made periodic changes in Barcelona's frequency, apparently with the object of improving the position. We have recently written to them again about the trouble. Although Spain is now a member of the International Telecommunication Union, she has not yet accepted the Copenhagen Plan.

May I welcome the light hon. Gentleman to his new Department and ask him to do his best, as Spain is now a member of the I.T.U., to see that they are urged to accept the Copenhagen Plan so that this interference can be reduced?

The Spanish authorities say that they are studying the Plan. A further communication went to them on 28th March and we are hopeful of an improvement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that, between 12th October, 1954, and 31st March, 1955, Norwegian shipowners placed 73 shipbuilding contracts in Norway, Sweden, France, and Western Germany, but none in Britain; that, in Britain, there is now a dearth of shipbuilding contracts for future execution; that this state of affairs threatens unemployment in British shipbuilding yards; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the subject indicating, in particular, his plans for resolving the relevant problems.

I am aware that a large number of Norwegian orders have recently been placed on the Continent. The United Kingdom order books at present represent about two years' work at the current rate of output and there is a marked revival of orders. I cannot therefore agree that there is a dearth of contracts for future execution, or that in consequence there is a threat of unemployment. It seems to me likely that the Norwegian shipowners were influenced by the firm prices and relatively early delivery promised by many yards abroad.

Has the Minister observed the speeches of the chairman of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company and the managing director of the Norwegian-American line on this subject, and does he realise the great anxiety that exists in shipbuilding and shipping circles on the part of both masters and men lest the future may bring unemployment to these spheres? Will he do something about it?

These two speeches have been brought to my notice. In the last two years German and Japanese yards have been in a position to compete successfully with our shipbuilders both in price and in delivery, but that competition, I am glad to say, is now slackening and things are evening out. I understand that during the last few weeks three orders have been placed in British shipyards by Norwegian shipowners.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if firm prices and early deliveries are important factors in obtaining further shipbuilding contracts, he has as yet instituted any inquiry into the matter in order to promote a solution or a partial solution?

I think the problem is solving itself now. Continental and Japanese yards have had the advantage of short order books, adequate steel supplies, and a plentiful supply of labour, but they are now running into difficulties, competition is slackening, and things are adjusting themselves.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most people in the country are getting sick and tired of the prophets of doom in relation to shipbuilding; secondly, is my right hon. Friend aware that until the order books are, in fact, reduced there will be difficulty in getting new orders; and, thirdly, would my right hon. Friend agree that the information contained in this Question was given by Mr. Henriksen at a lunch in Sunderland when he said, "I think the British"—

I think the supplementary is a little long.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a very close association between the shipbuilding yards of Sunderland and Norway for a considerable time, that Sunderland depends upon this association, that it is a matter of great disturbance to Sunderland that we have had no orders for several years, and will he use his best offices to see that orders reach us?

I certainly will, but, as I have said, I think the position is improving as far as Norway is concerned. I will bear in mind the points made by the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) and my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams).

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Norwegian shipowners are of opinion that there is a bright shipbuilding future for this nation?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent the educational services in the Royal Air Force depend on university graduates in mathematics and science, serving either as National Service men or on short-term commissions.

Of the 492 graduates in these subjects in the Royal Air Force education branch, 87 are serving on National Service commissions and 239 on short service commissions.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that proposals have been made in recent years to exempt from National Service such of these graduates who intend to enter the teaching profession, and does he realise that it would help if he and his Service colleagues gave rather more information than has so far been available about the use made of these graduates in the Services?

The question of whether or not graduates are called up for National Service is not for me; it is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour. Certainly we welcome as many of these graduates as we can get for the education branch of the Royal Air Force.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many licensees for public transport services in rural Kent have notified the licensing authority of their intention to curtail or suspend services during the two years ending 31st December, 1954; and how many services were involved.

During this period the licensing authority granted applications from four companies to curtail services. I am informed that 52 services were affected in greater or lesser degree, but that no service was completely suspended. At the same time I understand that some 74 services were improved in one way or another.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the curtailment of public transport in rural areas is having a most disastrous effect on agriculture, and will he call the attention of the licensing authorities to the fact that the drift from the land is to a great extent a consequence of this curtailment which is continually taking place?

This is an important problem but, as I said in reply to an earlier Question, licensing authorities are making great efforts to maintain these services. If the hon. Gentleman will study my answer, I think that he will appreciate that in the area to which he referred they are doing so with a considerable degree of success.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the reasons for the curtailment of these services is the high cost of petrol, and can he say whether he made representations to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce the petrol tax?

The right hon. Gentleman's own official experience will enable him adequately to answer that question himself.

Is the House to take it that it is the view of the Minister of Transport that many of these rural services are to be regarded purely as commercial undertakings and not as public service undertakings with a fundamental duty to the public as a final deciding point regardless of economic questions? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent judgment given in this matter is thought by many to determine the position of the Ministry? Can the Minister confirm or deny that he in fact regards these companies as commercial undertakings?

I should like to pay very high tribute to the sense of public spirit involved in the operation of unremunerative services in rural districts by many of these operators, for which I think that we should be very grateful.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the civilian technical staff employed in Anti-Aircraft Command have been retained; and by which Service Department they will be employed.

All have been retained so far but about two-thirds will become redundant during the next nine months. As I explained yesterday in answer to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Mr. Burden), as many as possible of these will be transferred to other War Department establishments or to suitable vacancies offered by other Government Departments. It is, however, too early to say how many of the temporary staff will be retained in Government employment and how many discharged.

Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable risk of losing the services of many of these highly skilled technicians who know all about radar and electronics, and that if the Government lose their services to industry we shall never be able to get them back if and when an emergency arises? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I wrote to the Secretary of State about this five weeks ago and I have not yet had an answer?

My right hon. Friend is naturally perfectly well aware of the need for retaining the services of men whose services are needed. On the question of the hon. and gallant Member's letter, this is a complicated subject which requires the concurrence of several Government Departments, and I am not in a position to make a statement about it now.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to do his best to see that I get an answer before 26th May?