asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated expenditure by the Government of British Guiana during the next quinquennium upon workers' housing; and what proportions of this are allocated to urban and to rural housing, respectively.

Two million eight hundred thousand pounds is allocated for Government low-cost housing in the revised five-year development plan; about 60 per cent. is for urban housing. The greater part of this sum will be absorbed by the initial programme for 4,500 houses, and further provision may be required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied that either the total amount or the very large percentage to be devoted to urban housing is satisfactory? Surely, in view of the great need for resettlement of the growing population, there should be an increase in the amount and a revision of the percentages?

It is certain that a further development of the housing programme will be required and that further financial provision will also be necessary. I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that, of course, in addition to these Government houses, the Credit Corporation is making loans available for those who wish to build for themselves, and then there are further houses being constructed by the sugar companies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons in British Guiana have been rehoused during the last twelve months, or other convenient period, in new areas on the coast land or riversides which are to be used for farming.

None, Sir, but arrangements are nearing completion for the acquisition of new areas on the coast lands and riversides where houses will be built and necessary clearing and improvements to drainage carried out as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with this achievement? Will he bear in mind what I suggested to him some time ago, that it is the lower ranks of the administration who are lacking in this Colony; and now that a new Governor, to whom we all wish success, is going out there, can he do something to build up the lower ranks in the administration so that progress in these matters can be accelerated?

I am aware of the deficiencies in the administration, and we will certainly do our best to remedy them. On the actual issue of the resettlement of lands which have to be reclaimed, there have been great difficulties about titles and other matters which have had to be overcome, but I know very well from my own visit there how important it is to press on with land settlement in British Guiana.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that thousands of workers in British Guiana, now being assisted to build their own houses on sugar estates, are unlikely in future to secure sufficient employment to enable them to maintain these houses; and the policy of the Government of British Guiana on this matter.

According to my information, the number of sugar workers rehoused so far is not in excess of future labour requirements but the position will be carefully watched. A survey is shortly to be made, with the assistance of the International Labour Office, to find out the extent of unemployment and underemployment on the sugar estates. The policy of the British Guiana Government is to develop other resources which will support the population, and in particular by major drainage and irrigation schemes to provide new land for agricultural settlement.

If all the information is not available to the right hon. Gentleman, will he study the statement which has recently been made by Dr. Giglioli, a great expert in the sugar industry, who has suggested that rationalisation and mechanisation in the sugar industry is so reducing employment prospects that many of these people who have built their houses with aid from the sugar companies may find themselves unable to maintain them?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of that statement. That was why I said that the situation would be very carefully watched. So far we do not think that the provision outruns the demand for housing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the elections are to be held in Trinidad in 1955, as provided for by the 1950 Constitution.

My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to authorise the Governor of Trinidad to make an announcement about this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, assure us that there is no truth in the suggestion which has been circulated in this Colony that in fact elections are to be suspended?

I should prefer not to say anything more on this matter at present, but I must remind the hon. Gentleman that there have been discussions in the Legislative Council on this question, as a result of which a Resolution calling for an extension of the life of the present Legislative Council was passed, so that the matter certainly has been discussed. As we hope to be able to make an announcement very soon, I prefer not to say any more now.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is precisely the danger, that because the existing Legislative Council wants to continue the life of the Administration in the Colony there is a danger that the elections will be held up?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being actively taken by the nominated Legislative Council of British Guiana to bring this territory within the proposed West Indies Federation.

The Council passed a Resolution expressing the opinion that British Guiana should join the Federation. The Resolution also asked the Governor to keep British Guiana in close touch with the action being taken to set up the Federation and to ascertain the state of public opinion in British Guiana towards participation in Federation. My right hon. Friend is considering, in consultation with the Officer Administering the Government, what steps should be taken on the last two parts of the Resolution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Legislative Council is a completely nominated body, that some of its members were defeated at the polls and others have never tested the electorate? Why, therefore, is this Council, however desirable the objective might be, attempting to bring British Guiana into the West Indies Federation without first consulting the people of British Guiana?

It is precisely on that point, on the question of ascertaining public opinion on this subject, that we are at the moment considering the Acting Governor's recommendations. Certainly we want to go into the question whether it would be possible for British Guiana to join the Federation before the restoration of representative Government in the Colony.

While the right hon. Gentleman is considering ways of ascertaining public opinion in British Guiana, is he considering the desirability now of abolishing the ban on public meetings so that public opinion can be expressed?

That is a different question.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the fact that the British islands in the Caribbean combined with British Guiana to form what is called a West Indies cricket team is a good augury?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the disappointment that has been expressed in the Colony, at the allocation to Jamaica of £4,250,000 under the colonial development and welfare allocations, and that the Jamaican Government are committed to a programme of expenditure over the next five years of some £30 millions; and whether, in the light of this burden, he will have the matter reconsidered.

I know that there was some disappointment at the size of Jamaica's new colonial development and welfare allocation of £3 million. My right hon. Friend was very glad to meet Mr. Nethersole, the Jamaican Minister of Finance, last month; he had full discussions in the Colonial Office on sources of finance for Jamaica's future development needs, during which it was explained that there was no possibility of reconsidering the C.D. and W. allocation to Jamaica. This allocation, together with the carry-over from the previous allocation, will permit a substantially greater rate of C.D. and W. expenditure than hitherto.

In spite of that, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable apprehension in Jamaica that, as a result of this grant, the five-year plan will have to be substantially curtailed? As the degree of unemployment in Jamaica is very high at present, is he aware that there is a serious danger that if this plan has to be curtailed unemployment will increase still further?

I know it is true that there was disappointment in Jamaica about the amount of the grant, but the matter was discussed with the Chief Minister, Mr. Manley, during his recent visit, and with other Ministers, and the reasons have been fully explained to them and accepted by them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the new West Indian coinage is to be put into circulation.

Depending on shipments, the issue of the new coinage is expected to begin in September or October.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance in the development programme of British Honduras is being given by the Foreign Operations Administration of the United States of America.

The Administration has agreed to provide technical assistance in the fields of agriculture, health, education, community development and such other fields as may be mutually agreed upon. The sum which the U.S. authorities expect to be able to spend, in the form of visits by experts and training courses, in the twelve months from July, 1955, is about $200,000. I should like to take this opportunity of recording the appreciation both of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of British Honduras of this assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what investigation he is making into the reasons for the continued emigration from Jamaica to this country.

I do not think any special investigation on this point is necessary. Jamaica is an over-populated island, and it is customary for some of its people to seek work abroad, and entry to other countries to which they went in the past is now greatly restricted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman trying to create the impression that there is any restriction in this country? If so, he is incorrect. Does not he realise that Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom also have some responsibilities in the matter? Will he reconsider some of the representations which were made to the Colonial Office on the subject last January by a deputation from the Metropolitan Borough Council of Lambeth?

That is a different question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will seek to have included in the terms of the Caribbean Federation a provision removing all restrictions on the free movement of West Indian citizens between the islands of the Federation.

This question was considered by representatives of West Indian Governments at a conference in Trinidad last March. The arrangements to which they agreed were set out in my reply on the 23rd March, to which I cannot add.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is not reasonable to expect of the various islands in the West Indies the same sort of mutual freedom of entry as all these islands expect of the Government of this country? Is it not quite fantastic that, for example, a Jamaican should not be allowed free entry into Trinidad, whereas he has every right to come into this country?

The position is that, although the arrangements agreed upon at the conference do not provide for that freedom at the moment, they represent a compromise between conflicting interests and opinions in the different islands as to what can be done. This is essentially a matter for the West Indian Governments themselves to settle.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the position in Singapore following the proposed resignation of the Chief Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further information he has in respect of the notified resignation of the Chief Minister of Singapore; and, pending his inquiry into all the circumstances, if he will state the reason attached to the request for the appointment of extra Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the constitutional crisis in Singapore.

Early this month, the Chief Minister of Singapore asked the Governor to appoint four additional assistant Ministers in order to strengthen the Ministries concerned. The Governor agreed to appoint two assistant Ministers, but refused to appoint the others because he did not consider that there was a real need for them.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that very full answer? While hoping that Mr. David Marshall will continue to serve as Chief Minister, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will convey to the Secretary of State, before the conversations take place, the feeling of many hon. Members of this House that the peoples of Singapore and Malaya are now as determined to end colonialism as the peoples of India were in 1946, and that steps should be taken for the realisation of full self-government in these territories?

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that, in the interests of all concerned, this matter ought to be left over until the Secretary of State has had his meeting in Singapore?

I very much hope that it will be possible to avoid discussion of the merits of the Chief Minister's claim until after there has been this opportunity, which we all very much welcome, of my right hon. Friend discussing it with him in person in Singapore next week.

While welcoming the fact that the Secretary of State will be meeting the Governor, the Chief Minister and other Ministers on Saturday, do I therefore gather that when he meets them he will not of necessity be bound by the statement made today that the views of the Governor must prevail, but that it will be open to him to discuss the whole situation?

Certainly, the discussions will cover this point and a number of others. I would, of course, remind the right hon. Gentleman that the present Constitution came into force less than three months ago, and one would have to consider very carefully before embarking on any changes in it. The right hon. Gentleman and the whole House can rest assured that we are most anxious to secure a settlement of this question, and that we appreciate the help which the Chief Minister and his Government gave in the matters of the strikes and riots last month, and the strength which they showed. We are most anxious to secure a settlement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider one other suggestion? We all welcome the fact that in the course of these discussions there was correspondence between Mr. Nkrumah and Mr. Marshall. May I ask him whether he will consider the fact that there are a number of Colonies which have reached the constitutional stage of having Ministers, and that it might be helpful to this development if in the not-too-distant future Ministers who occupy these offices in the various territories were called together in conference to discuss their related problems?

I will bring that point to the attention of my right hon. Friend when he returns.

While also sharing the hope that the meeting between the Secretary of State and Mr. Marshall will issue in some reasonable compromise, may I ask the Minister whether, meanwhile, he will consider whether it is advisable for the Governor—although it is his prerogative—at least to consider sympathetically the acceptance of the proposal put forward by Mr. Marshall in the interests of all concerned?

The question has, of course, gone very much wider than the original issue of the appointment of these assistant Ministers. The Governor's decision was based on purely practical grounds—that he did not think there was a need for the addition of two further Ministers, which would mean fourteen Ministers out of a House of thirty-two, apart from the fact that he did not think there was work for them to do. That decision was taken on its merits, and I think that, with the wider issues now under discussion, it would be quite wrong to go back on the original decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Mr. P. L. D. Pointon, of Ladywood, Birmingham, when serving as a police lieutenant in Malaya, was accommodated in a storeroom 6 ft. by 6 ft., full of rats, from November, 1953, to January, 1954, and that failing to obtain redress of grievances he tendered his resignation; and why this man, before returning to this country, was compelled to pay £290, which included a refund of his passage to Malaya as well as his return fare home.

Police in the Federation of Malaya who, like Mr. Pointon, volunteered for special operations duties, must have appreciated that their living conditions might sometimes be hard, but I have no evidence to support this particular complaint. He resigned after serving for less than half of his three-year engagement, in the full knowledge of the liabilities he would incur according to the terms of his contract.

Is the Minister not aware that this man contracted scrub typhus disease as a result of these conditions, and had to be taken to hospital? Surely the authorities must have been aware of these conditions. This man is not making frivolous complaints. He was awarded the British Empire Medal by the late King for distinguished service in Malaya. He was entitled to have his grievances attended to—and there were a series of them. Will the Minister consider this matter further in the light of further evidence which I will submit to him, if he needs it, to prove conclusively that this man made a series of complaints which were not remedied?

I shall certainly be glad to look at any evidence and informa- tion which the hon. Member cares to send me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the progress of negotiations with the Mauritian delegation regarding constitutional changes.

The discussions with the members of the Mauritius Legislative Council representing the Mauritius Labour Party, the Mauritian Party and nominated members, which began on 12th July, were concluded by my right hon. Friend on the 22nd. Agreement was reached on a number of proposals designed to improve and strengthen the machinery of government, on the need for a change in the status and powers of the present liaison officers, and on the appointment of a Speaker for the Legislative Council from outside the island.

May I again thank the right hon. Gentleman for that very full reply? May I ask him whether it is the case that the representatives of the Mauritius Labour Party, which has thirteen out of the nineteen elected Members, were in favour of universal suffrage for Mauritius; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government will bear in mind the fact that the overwhelmingly dominant opinion in the Legislative Council desires adult suffrage in the island?

I prefer at this stage not to go into details of the various proposals which were submitted during the course of these talks, at which I was present throughout. Of course, universal adult suffrage was one point which it was well known the Mauritius Labour Party favoured, but we believe that the question of constitutional advance in Mauritius has to be looked at as a whole. Our aim is to do so by providing more responsibility for the unofficial Members, with the appropriate safeguards for the very large minority groups, and we want to do so in such a way as to lessen racial tension and bring about the disappearance of the differences between the various groups.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total acreage of the land which the Kenya Government recently confiscated from 3,097 rank and file Mau Mau and 324 Mau Mau leaders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the confiscation of terrorists' land in Kenya.

On 8th June, when it was announced that the surrender offer of 18th January would be withdrawn on 10th July, it was also announced that the Forfeiture of Lands Ordinance would be amended to provide a more effective procedure for depriving of their land and land rights those terrorists who failed to take advantage of the offer and continued to resist the forces of law and order. This was done and since 10th July Orders have been made against 324 Mau Mau leaders and 3,097 adherents. The boundaries of the land affected are identified after the Orders are made and the total acreage is not yet known. Forfeited land will be used for communal purposes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is creating a very dangerous precedent? Does he not appreciate that this is unadulterated Communism? Could he give the House an assurance, for the sake of the peace of mind of the landowners of this country, that Her Majesty's Government have no desire, either now or at any time in the future, to introduce a similar practice in this country?

Is the Minister aware that in most cases boundaries do not exist on these holdings because, particularly among the Kikuyu, land is held in common land units? Is it therefore not a fiction to talk in those terms? Is he aware that many people think this is another punitive action against the Kikuyu gangsters? Is he aware that since May, 1952, since the gangsters went into the forests, the women have been tending these holdings and that he will punish women and children by taking the land? Is he aware that much of the land is fallow? Is not it just a fiction to talk in these terms of confiscating these alleged holdings?

This is an extension of a previous practice which was introduced last year—that of the forfeiture or setting aside of land of persons who have been convicted of certain offences. The Government of Kenya believe that it will reinforce the effect of the announcement of the withdrawal of the surrender offer. It is the case that many of these persons do not possess individual holdings, and they will lose their rights in the planned or commonly held land. The deterrent effect of this measure is expected to be very considerable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what public works by forced labour are being carried out in the Kikuyu Reserve; and whether he will make a statement.

Under the authority of Emergency Regulations projects to improve communications and agricultural potential are being carried out by communal labour in all districts of the Kikuyu Native Land Unit. These projects include land clearing and soil conservation works, protecting water supplies, and necessary protection works as a result of the Emergency, such as ditching and fencing of cattle bomas, and food stores.

Is the Minister aware that much anxiety has been felt by the Christian Churches—particularly the Church of Scotland—in this matter? Women have been working long hours—from seven in the morning until the evening—and leaving their babies at home, with consequent neglect and malnutrition, especially in the Fort Hall area. If this ordinance means anything, does it mean a tidying up of abuses of powers, and a checking of the actions of Kikuyu headmen? Does it mean that we can look forward to a change in the actual conditions there?

I have noted what the hon. Member has said about this matter. We have discussed it together before. I will see that the points which he makes are brought to the attention of the Governor of Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Anarghyros Stamatopoulos, a senior member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus, has been given 14 days' notice to leave the island.

The person concerned was admitted into Cyprus on a temporary entry permit, subject to cancellation at fourteen days' notice. I am informed that he has been engaging in political agitation among Cypriot youth and that the Governor is satisfied that there are adequate reasons for refusing to renew the residence permit.

Is the Minister aware that the information which he has is directly contrary to the representations now being made to hon. Members by Christian institutions in Cyprus, who declare that this distinguished Churchman has been doing purely Christian missionary work in Cyprus for the last five years and that repeatedly his permit has been renewed during that period, until the last few weeks? Is he aware that they regard this as purely religious persecution which is doing grave damage to the British cause as well as to the Christian cause in Cyprus?

I should be glad to examine any evidence or information which the hon. Lady cares to send to me, but the Governor was fully satisfied that the gentleman in question is an ardent and dangerous agitator—[Laughter]—this is no laughing matter—who has played a prominent part in promoting and encouraging a violent youth movement in Cyprus.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people have so far been detained without trial under the new detention law in Cyprus.

Twelve.

Is the Minister satisfied that the conditions in Cyprus justify the maintenance of this repulsive and undemocratic method of keeping order?

I would certainly say that I sympathise deeply with anyone who feels that an order of this sort is repugnant, and something which we would wish to avoid, but it is the view of the Governor and of my right hon. Friend that the present conditions in Cyprus fully justify its introduction.

Can the Minister tell us when it is proposed to hold the conference about Cyprus? Is there not urgency about this matter? Can he tell us when it will be held?

Discussions are still going on in regard to the date, but I think that it will take place towards the end of next month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state briefly the provisions of the recently promulgated detention law in Cyprus; and what rights of appeal are available.

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 20th July.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this type of law is wholly abhorrent to any country that professes to believe in freedom? Does not he think that this sort of legislation in Cyprus can only exacerbate the present unrest, and cannot do anything whatever towards solving it?

I have already made it quite clear that this type of legislation is as repugnant to me as to my right hon. Friend. It is directed against active terrorists and not against any non-violent advocates of political change. The fact is that the nature of the terrorist organisation in Cyprus is such that people will not come forward with information or evidence if it entails their appearance in court, because of their fear of reprisals. Both the Governor and my right hon. Friend are entirely satisfied that this legislation is justified under present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Greek subjects are resident in Cyprus; and how many have been requested to leave during the last twelve months.

One thousand seven hundred and sixty-five Greek subjects are resident in Cyprus. During the past twelve months three have been requested to leave on grounds of undesirable political activity, and about fifty for reasons such as the expiry of their temporary employment permits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Cooperative organisations are registered in each Colony, Protectorate, and/or Trusteeship Territory; and the membership in each case.

The list would comprise the names of over 8,000 organisations with a total membership in the region of some 960,000. While I appreciate the hon. Member's interest in the Co-operative movement in the Colonies, I do not feel that the value of such a list would justify the work involved in obtaining the necessary information from each colonial Government. I should, however, be glad to obtain the information for the hon. Member in respect of any territory in which he is particularly interested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what trade unions are registered in each Colony, Protectorate, and/or Trusteeship Territory; and the membership in each case.

A comprehensive list of registered trade unions, numbering over 1,400, giving their approximate membership where known, is compiled from time to time by my Department. I am arranging for copies of the latest edition to be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies and Protectorates statutory minimum wages are in operation; and what these minimum wages are.

The Governments of all territories except Bermuda and the Borneo territories have power to fix minimum wages. In a few territories, notably Hong Kong, the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and Tanganyika, this power has not so far been used but its use is under consideration in Tanganyika. It would be a very lengthy task, involving consultation with each Government, to obtain and compile complete and up-to-date details of all wage orders in force. If the hon. Member will let me know the territories in which he is particularly interested, I will do my best to obtain the information for him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what circumstances governors have in recent years used their discretion to allow Ministers in Colonial Territories to continue their business directorships; in what Colonial Territories at present Ministers or chairmen of public boards are also continuing as business directors; if he is aware that in the Bahamas and elsewhere contracts have been and are being given to business firms whose directors are Ministers; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter.

There are no Ministers under the Bahamas Constitution. More generally, there is no obligation on governors to report exemptions to my right hon. Friend and the information is not therefore available here. I am consulting the governors of the territories which have a Ministerial system and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have received their replies.

Apart from pointing out that the Minister has not answered the last part of my Question, may I ask him whether he does not consider that it is reprehensible that the Ministers should continue to hold their directorates? Is it not desirable that the Secretary of State should have the information which I seek in the Question?

It has been the practice to draw the attention of unofficial Ministers in the Colonial Territories to the rules and customs which govern Ministerial conduct in the United Kingdom. They are expected to divest themselves, for the period of their office, of business interests which might conflict with their public responsibilities but, as I told the hon. Member in reply to an earlier Question, there are provisions for exemption. I am asking the governors of the territories concerned to let me have the information for which he now asks. I would point this out: in the case of territories such as the Bahamas, where there is no Ministerial system, there has never been any rule that members of the Executive Council should not hold business appointments, and if one were to try to insist on any such rule we should find, particularly in the smaller Colonies, that we were unable to get men of the right calibre to join the Executive Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the uncertainty concerning the careers of administrative officers in certain Colonial Territories, of which the hon. Member for Wavertree has advised him, he will consider steps to safeguard the financial future of these officers.

On 17th June last year Her Majesty's Government published in Colonial No. 306 a statement making known its intentions in regard to all oversea officers serving in territories which attain self-government. My right hon. Friend has the future of these officers very much in mind, especially in Nigeria, to which I understand my hon. Friend's Question refers. I am not, however, in a position to make a further statement at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will require that the proposed Section 28 (a) of the Interpretation Ordinance of Northern Rhodesia should be revised so that, until the Legislature is elected by all races on a democratic basis, orders setting aside land in the Native Reserves, or grants of rights of occupancy in Native Trust Lands or the acquisition of Native Trust Land for public purposes, or the setting aside of Native Trust Land for game and forest reserves, should be given under the hand of the Governor and not of the Minister.

This Ordinance applies only to the interpretation of local legislative enactments and Government notices. The responsibility of the Governor for the matters mentioned in the Question is established by United Kingdom Orders in Council, on which the new Section 28A of the Interpretation Ordinance has no effect.

Does that mean that it is the Governor who is responsible for grants of rights of occupancy of Native Trust Land, and not the Minister?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why only Europeans are appointed as honorary game rangers in Northern Rhodesia.

Native authorities issue game licences and make local orders, and are empowered to enforce game legislation. There has therefore been no need to appoint Africans as honorary game rangers.

Does not the Minister think that, although there is no need to do so, it might be highly advisable to do so, because the native inhabitants resent the implication that they are not fit to be entrusted with this responsibility, and consider that the game is much more theirs than that of the white inhabitants, particularly as some of the game wardens are Afrikaners, and Afrikaners have a bad reputation for poaching.

In fact Africans are already carrying out many of these functions and there is nothing whatever to stop them being so nominated. I think it is quite likely that some chiefs will be nominated in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many chiefs and native authority officials in Northern Rhodesia have been deposed or dismissed or officially threatened with deposition or dismissal because of their association with the African National Congress.

None, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what period of imprisonment can be imposed for the offence of the publication of false reports likely to cause public fear and alarm or to disturb public peace in Northern Rhodesia.

The maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment for three years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the demand by the National Liberation Movement in the Gold Coast; how far proposals have been made for the amicable settlement of the political controversy over a federal form of government; and to what extent economic grievances by Ashanti cocoa farmers are relevant to that political agitation.

The report of the Select Committee to which I referred in reply to the hon. Member on 4th May is to be tabled and debated during the present Session of the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly, which began yesterday. Economic grievances have been mentioned by the National Liberation Movement, but the main issue now appears to be primarily a constitutional one. I am sure the House will share my hope that all Members of the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly will make their full contribution towards reaching agreement on these matters when the Select Committee's Report is debated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the discussions with the delegation from Sierra Leone.

The discussions with Sierra Leone Ministers and representatives of Sierra Leone Selection Trust have not yet finished, but progress has been made, and my right hon. Friend is hopeful that it will be possible to make a public announcement very soon.

On a point of order. The Minister keeps on referring to his right hon. Friend. Can we have some explanation why his right hon. Friend is not here to answer these thirty-seven Questions addressed to him?

That is not a point of order.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the claim by oil companies for compensation for oil stocks which disappeared in the closing days of the fighting in the Far East in the second world war.

The claim will shortly be heard by a court in Singapore.

As many feel that this Government are much too soft with the oil companies, can we have an assurance that at least in this instance every opportunity will be taken to see that the oil people do not get any more money from the people of this country?

I am sure that the hon. Member would not expect me to make any statement when this matter is sub judice in the courts.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what extent it is the practice of his Department, when envelopes are in use for the first time, to send them out with economy labels containing the recipient's name and address affixed thereto; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will take steps to stop such a practice.

The standard practice is to use economy labels only for used or ungummed envelopes or with mechanical addressing equipment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why Her Majesty's Government agreed to the transfer of the Simonstown naval base to the Union of South Africa.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4th July, 1955.

Is it not a fact that this base was held by Great Britain for many years under a treaty, and as a result of that all the inhabitants enjoyed citizenship, with all rights and privileges, and that as a result of this action they are denied the right to any citizenship? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman reconsider this matter, in view of these facts?

We were at Simonstown for many years under an agreement with the South African Government. We had no territorial rights there whatsoever. I think that if the hon. Member studies my right hon. Friend's statement and the following White Paper, he will see that very adequate safeguards have been arranged for employees of the past, the present and the future.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) the steps he has now taken to secure stricter control and supervision of speed marches, following the death of Marine D. Rhyce-Rees on such a march; and whether he will include the instruction that when a man collapses the man next to him shall remain with him until he is removed to medical care;

For the march on 31st May, the men were in light denim uniform, open at the neck, and they did not wear headgear; their equipment, including rifle, weighed 17½ lb. The speed march is a well-established and important part of Commando training, and I do not consider it too rigorous for fit men who have been trained up to it by planned stages.

Is the Minister aware that on this occasion the man next to the man who collapsed saw that he was going to faint and collapse? The arrangements were quite inadequate. The man was left for an hour in long grass and was not detected by the N.C.O. behind or by the follow-up lorries. Is it not a matter of elementary decency that when a comrade sees a man faint, he should be detailed to stay with him until he is collected and removed to medical care? Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the British Navy record for walking ten miles is only one hour fifteen minutes, or just under, for a man suitably clad? In view of that, it is not undesirable that men should be asked to walk nine miles in ninety minutes in full kit and with rifles, and will the Minister look into this matter?

This man was not in full kit. I did, in my Answer, state the actual kit carried. The rate of marching was decided upon as a result of operational experience and of the reasonable training required. I am most grateful to the hon. Member for the trouble which he has taken over this, and I hope the arrangements we are making for these marches will be in accordance with what I feel is the opinion of this House. May I say, with regard to hon. Members thinking what I said was very funny, that the point of counting the men was implied in the Question and was a factor in the case.

Is it not a fact that the Marines work up to these speed marches after a six weeks' course and Commandos are required to march at this speed over difficult country? Is he aware that several hon. Members have undergone similar speed marches and, therefore, it is utterly ridiculous for the hon. Member for Birmingham, All Saints' (Mr. D. Howell) to say that this is too rigorous?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present strength of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in Dundee.

Fifty-nine officers and three hundred and sixty ratings.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that one way of supplementing the potential strength of the R.N.V.R. in Dundee would be to encourage the ownership of small craft, many of which are ex-naval craft, and that the present owners of small craft in Dundee are being deprived of any adequate, satisfactory harbour facilities? Will he do what he can to assist in this matter.

As on previous occasions, it is likely that the Royal Navy would have use for small craft in an emergency, and we certainly hope that the owners will keep them going. I am aware of the point which the hon. Member has raised, and I hope very much that the owners will be able to find other billets.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many visits by Her Majesty's ships are being paid to coastal resorts this summer; and which places have been or will be visited.

Excluding visits by ships in the course of their fishery protection duties, operational visits generally, and those by ships of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Divisions, Her Majesty's ships will have made one hundred and eight visits in the United Kingdom this summer.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether a ship is going to Morecambe this summer?

No, Sir. There is no ship going to Morecambe this summer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in view of the further interference to local television reception caused by the New Waltham Naval Wireless Telegraphy Station, if he will have an investigation made of the new frequencies introduced at this station since 1st July, 1955.

Yes, Sir. The new frequencies are in accordance with international radio regulations. The Admiralty will, however, continue to make every effort to prevent interference with local television reception. A scientific officer visited the station last week and has made some suggestions which I hope will alleviate the interference.

May I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for sending an officer there to investigate. Is he aware that the interference is still continuing? If it develops again, will he give the local officer at the station the authority to receive complaints from local constituents, and so help to minimise the difficulty?

As my hon. Friend will realise, this is a very difficult technical problem, which we are doing all we can to solve. I will certainly go into the point which he has raised about local complaints.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is intended to publish the next edition of "The Health of the Navy"; and if he will make this publication available to hon. Members.

Preparation is well advanced, but I cannot give the probable date of publication at present. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as it becomes available.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that what are thought to be extracts from this document have been published in the Press, saying that the health of the Navy is not all it should be, and, in particular, that there is a very heavy incidence of tuberculosis? Can he confirm or deny that? It seems to be in the interest of the Navy that that should be known as soon as possible.

I am very glad that the hon. Gentleman asked this Question. There is not a lot of tuberculosis in the Navy; in fact the figure is 0·2 per cent. That figure may seem high in comparison with others, owing to the importance which we attach to regular and universal examination.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what extent south coast shipyards may expect to receive orders for some of the smaller vessels which the South African Government are to have constructed in this country.

The phasing of the programme is still being worked out with the South African Government and until this has been settled the allocation of the orders cannot be determined.

Will my hon. Friend remember the high quality of the work which he will find at Poole?

Certainly the claims of all shipyards in this country will be considered when allocating orders.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a statement on the request which he has received from the Confederation of Shipbuilding Unions for a public inquiry into the placing of shipbuilding orders abroad by shipping companies.

No such request has been received from the Confederation but one from the Mersey District Committee, containing a request for an inquiry into the placing of shipbuilding orders in Germany, has reached me.

Is the Minister aware that the Merseyside District Committee of the Confederation is alarmed that nine shipping companies have placed orders for sixteen ships in Germany, and that it holds the view that the profit margins demanded by the shipowners is pricing us out of the international market? Will he convey to the President of the Board of Trade, to whom I addressed the Question, the need for getting shipowners and men together to see what we can do to build up our shipbuilding trade abroad?

It must be remembered that this is part of the price which we have to pay for a very full order book, which means that our own shipyards are not able to quote delivery dates as early as those of our foreign competitors. That is partly a matter for satisfaction.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the position generally in the British shipping industry is very satisfactory but that one of the greatest difficulties that must be overcome is the demarcation between different trades in the shipbuilding industry?

I agree that there are various difficulties, but the rate of ordering in recent months has very considerably improved.