asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the terms of reference to, evidence taken, number of sittings held and progress made to the latest convenient date by the Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of the Cocoa Purchasing Company of the Gold Coast.

The Committee began its sittings yesterday. As regards the terms of reference, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) on 29th February.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say, in view of the events that have happened, what constructive steps will now be taken consistent with the constructive development of the Gold Coast, particularly with independence in the offing?

I think that on this question the hon. and learned Gentleman will agree that we should wait to hear the results of this inquiry. I hope that useful results will flow from it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent closing down and abandonment of certain gold mines in the Gold Coast as the result of strike action, he will consider having consultations with the Trades Union Congress with a view to sending a commission to the Gold Coast to advise on steps to be taken to avoid a repetition of such incidents.

A board of inquiry, set up by the Government of the Gold Coast, has recently investigated the economic condition of the gold mining industry. Sir Will Lawther was a member of the board. The board has not yet reported.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that such incidents as this, involving the loss of British capital, will discourage the investment of further capital in the Gold Coast and, in particular, might prejudice the River Volta scheme, upon which the future prosperity of the Gold Coast depends? Will he continue to do everything possible to produce a different attitude of mind amongst trade unions in the Gold Coast?

I am certain that my right hon. Friend and I will do all we can to ensure that as good relations as possible exist between employers and trade unions in the Gold Coast.

Would not the representatives of the Trades Union Congress be likely to exert more influence if the employers in the gold mines allowed them to visit the gold mines and enter into consultation with the workers there?

I hope that when the board has reported it will be possible for a better relationship to be established between the trade unions and the employers concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the European judges of the High Court in the Gold Coast are excluded from the benefits of the retirement terms provided under the Gold Coast (Constitution) Order in Council, 1954.

The retirement terms provided under the Gold Coast (Constitution) Order in Council, 1954, were intended to meet the altered conditions of service of public service officers; these were not applicable to judges.

Is it not a fact that in both Ceylon and the Sudan there was no discrimination between judges and expatriate civil servants? Is it not a little unfortunate, to say the least, that this discrimination should apply in this case?

I would rather not say anything more at the moment. I should like to tell my hon. Friend, however, that the Gold Coast Government are considering this matter and are likely to make a decision fairly soon.

Will the Minister give his most sympathetic attention to this problem, because of the danger of a breakdown of the judiciary in the Gold Coast unless some amends are made? These judges alone have been excluded from the general terms governing all the expatriate civil servants.

I can assure the right hon. Member that my right hon. Friend has the greatest sympathy with what he has just said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been reached in reconciling the conflicting claims of political parties in the Gold Coast, both in respect of constitutional proposals and the holding of an election.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the political situation in the Gold Coast, with particular reference to the White Paper recently published by the Gold Coast Government.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave last week to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson); but a copy of the Gold Coast Government's White Paper has now been placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in drilling for oil in Jamaica; and with what results.

A well was drilled in 1955 without discovering oil, but the Jamaican Stanolind Oil Company have now embarked, on the strength of the earlier drilling, on a $2 million exploration programme during the next two years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of the loans which the Government of Jamaica are proposing to raise in the United States of America.

The proposal is to raise a loan in Canada, not the U.S.A. The terms of the proposed loan are still being discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in drilling for oil in Barbados; and with what results.

Four exploratory wells have been drilled by the Barbados Gulf Oil Company since 1953. No oil has been found, but one well contained natural gas in commercial quantities which will be used to supplement the island's domestic supply. A fifth well is to be drilled.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with whom the Governor of Cyprus is negotiating for peace in Cyprus since the banishment of Archbishop Makarios.

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Question by the right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) on 17th April.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the wise speech of the Archbishop of Canterbury relating to this matter in which he said that before inaction injures our friends and incites our enemies still more, we can only hope that the Minister will take some—

Order, order. The Minister is not responsible for what the Archbishop of Canterbury says.

With respect, I am not reading any more than one sentence from the speech.

Even one sentence out of order is too much.

May I put it in this way? In view of the authoritative expressions with regard to this matter, what constructive and healing steps is the Minister taking?

In regard to the first part of the hon. and learned Gentleman's supplementary question, I would say that my attention was indeed drawn to the Archbishop of Canterbury's speech and, for greater accuracy, he was kind enough to furnish me with a copy and I have made certain comments about it. In my view, it would be extremely helpful if all with powerful positions in this land or elsewhere would weigh most carefully the effect of their words, or what the effect might be, on moderate opinion in Cyprus—the need for such opinion to come forward being of paramount importance. In reply to the second part of the hon. and learned Gentleman's question, we are bending all our efforts to the restoration of law and order in Cyprus, which I think it is the paramount duty of the Government to do.

May I ask the Secretary of State whether he has considered, or will consider, the advisability of publishing the constitution which Her Majesty's Government would be able and willing to offer to Cyprus? Secondly, would he consider the advisability of approaching the Ethnarchy to see whether it is at all possible to resume negotiations? If not, what steps do the Government propose to take to seek some way of bringing the conflict to an end?

The recent remarks made by some members of the Ethnarchy do not encourage the hope that such an approach would be very effective. If I am not transgressing the rules of the House by reading the Answer to a later Question, I would say that no constitution is likely to have validity OT strength unless it is produced from genuine discussions by those who will be responsible for working it. That is bound to colour my approach to the idea of producing a constitution without discussion in Cyprus and presenting it to the Cypriots for them to look at.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any steps at all—renewed steps with anyone—to seek to negotiate a settlement?

The White Paper brought out very clearly the sort of framework of the constitution which we were prepared to bring forward. I think that is available for all to see.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the situation in Cyprus.

The terrorist organisation EOKA has intensified its campaign of intimidation, by increasing its attacks against Cypriots and against the police force and vehicles of the Security Forces. The number of murders by the terrorists now total 75, of whom more than half have been Greek-Cypriots, and those wounded total 226. Perhaps the most vicious incident was the shooting down of a Greek-Cypriot policeman inside a nursing home where he had just visited his wife and newly-born baby. The inhumanity of the terrorists is also shown by their bomb throwing and shooting with an increased disregard of the danger to Cypriot civilians. Instances of this kind have caused the deaths of two Cypriot children.

In order to assist the Security Forces in their investigation of terrorist crime, curfews and restrictions of vehicle movement have been imposed as necessary; and three villages have recently been fined. There was some inter-communal rioting In Nicosia following on the terrorist murder of a Turkish-Cypriot policeman, and a strict curfew was enforced in Nicosia, together with a ban on certain places of entertainment.

The Governor of Cyprus is coming to London shortly to keep my colleagues and myself fully up to date on the situation.

While deeply regretting this tragic recital that we have had to hear once again from the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether he will not now consider the possibility that the reopening of negotiations would itself contribute towards the ending of violence? How many more lives have to be lost before hon. and right hon. Gentlemen on the Government benches appreciate that their present policy stands no chance of being successful or effective?

I have no reason whatever to think that constitutional talks, which have been up to now quite unproductive, would themselves bring an end to violence. There is this difference between the last statement I made to the House and this one: now it is possible to see real signs of abhorrence by ordinary moderate opinion in Cyprus at the methods being used by the terrorists. That is a good thing.

While not wishing to go as far as the hon. Lady, the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger), and while warmly applauding every action that my right hon. Friend has taken to maintain law and order, may I ask whether he does not think that the time has arrived for the Government to make a fresh move on the constitutional and political front? Will he be able, while the Governor is here, to promulgate in greater detail the Government's constitutional proposals?

I do not know whether my noble Friend was in the House earlier when I answered a Question somewhat along those lines. If he was not, perhaps he will read it. As to the second question, all who have had dealings with Sir John Harding will know very well that no subject in the island for which he is responsible can be excluded from any talks that I am likely to have with him.

While sharing the deep regret which has been expressed and joining in the appeal for cessation, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would particularise as to what caused the rather disturbing inter-communal riots? Taking a long view, it will be a pity if they lead to deep-seated trouble between Turks and Cypriots in Cyprus. Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the Governor that an attempt ought to be made once more to reopen negotiations to bring the trouble to an end?

It is a very disturbing sign. One of the most fruitful causes of misunderstanding and ignorance in this country and elsewhere is the lack of knowledge of the Turkish position and of Turkish feelings, and of the proximity of Cyprus to the Turkish mainland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when work is expected to start on the new mental hospital in Cyprus; how long it will take to complete; and what will be the estimated cost.

Work had been planned to start last month; but urgent building work for the Armed Services and internal security purposes now makes it unlikely that a start can be made this year. The first phase of building, which will consist of the treatment and administrative blocks and some ward accommodation, will take 18 months and is estimated to cost £300,000.

Is the Minister aware that there will be great disappointment at this delay? Is he further aware that the existing mental hospital in Cyprus is a disgrace to the Commonwealth, and that the medical superintendent is trying valiantly to carry out modern methods of physical treatment in conditions which are utterly appalling and impossible? Will he say whether a start on the new hospital cannot be expedited?

I share the hon. Gentleman's great disappointment, but it was not possible to start on this work last month as was planned. I can assure him that everything possible will be done to make a start as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the emergency law in Cyprus prohibiting the carrying of arms, under penalty of death or imprisonment for life, applies equally to Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Emergency Regulation 52, from which he will see that the Regulation applies to any person who carries arms without lawful authority.

In that case, can the right hon. Gentleman explain how it comes about that a reputable correspondent reported that during the disorder in Cyprus about four weeks ago a Turk was seen openly brandishing a pistol and that the Security Forces took no action?

The hon. Gentleman will probably like to know that nine Turkish Cypriot private individuals have been given licences to carry personal arms. One of those may well be the Doctor Kutchuk who was, I think, the gentleman referred to in the newspaper report which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. We are in correspondence with the Governor about this, and I will certainly give the hon. Gentleman information as soon as we hear whether or not that assumption is correct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet set someone to work to draft a constitution, along the lines of the correspondence between the Governor of Cyprus and Archbishop Makarios, to serve as a basis for ultimate renewed negotiations.

Before I last went to Cyprus, and in the hope that agreement would then be reached on the restoration of law and order, and a start made on constitutional discussions, I asked Lord Radcliffe if he would be prepared to act as Constitutional Commissioner in the island. He very generously agreed to do so. Negotiations in Cyprus, as the House well knows, broke down. It then became clear that the paramount duty of the Government, to which all else had to be subordinated, was the restoration of law and order.

No constitution is likely to have validity or strength unless it is produced from genuine discussions by those who will be responsible for working it. Detailed drafting of a constitution cannot therefore be undertaken until genuine discussion is possible and there has been a fair measure of agreement on fundamental issues. The offer in the White Paper which still stands provides a framework for a constitution, and we are of course studying how this could be elaborated once discussions are possible.

May I repeat my earlier question? When the Governor is over here, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to reopen negotiations with the Ethnarchy?

I can only repeat the answer I gave previously to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take immediate steps to make the details of Her Majesty's Government's present proposals for a new constitution for Cyprus more widely known; and whether he will broadcast the same to the people of Cyprus.

The proposals are embodied in the correspondence, published and widely circulated here and in Cyprus, in the White Paper, Cmd. 9708. The hon. Gentleman is probably not aware that the Governor drew attention to these proposals in a broadcast to the people of Cyprus on 5th March.

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain what positive action is being taken now, apart from the use of the Armed Forces, which, I believe, are being called on to perform a task which is almost impossible? If Her Majesty's Government have formulated proposals which go a long way towards meeting the desire for self-determination, what steps are being taken to make these known day by day to the people of Cyprus?

I have already answered three or four questions more or less on that subject. The proposals in the White Paper were widely known throughout Cyprus and, had the Ethnarchy been anxious to bring about a settlement, they could have been made even more widely known through the various sources which the Ethnarchy commands.

Is the right hon. Gentleman making full use of the radio to inform and remind the people of Cyprus of the terms on which Her Majesty's Government are prepared to open negotiations again?

Of course the radio is in constant use for bringing home to the people of Cyprus the very wide measure of self-government which we have offered, but I will look into the particular suggestion which the hon. Member has made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports he has now received on ill-treatment of the villagers of Phrenaros by British personnel on 27th-28th March.

The allegations referred to were against members of the military forces who were searching this village, where a lieutenant and a private had just been ambushed and killed. I understand that the detailed report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has not yet been completed. Further reports which I have had from the Governor indicate that the burning down of a coffee shop may have been caused accidentally by a stove. Claims for damage or loss of property arose chiefly from the need to break open the doors of locked premises in the owners' absence. These and any other allegations are still being investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, besides allegations of damage to property, there were several allegations of harm done to persons? If I send him an affidavit from a doctor in Famagusta who examined some of these people and reported their injuries, will he consider it with the other evidence?

I will certainly consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the action of Her Majesty's Government in deporting Archbishop Makarios and others from Cyprus and detaining them in the Seychelles has been notified under the terms of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; how, and when such notification was made; and what steps were taken by him to bring such action to the attention of the other signatories of the Convention.

In accordance with "Article 15 (3) of the Convention, notification was made by note to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on 13th April. This action fully discharged Her Majesty's Government's obligations under the Convention.

Do I understand from that. Answer that no other signatories to the Convention were informed by Her Majesty's Government? Is the Secretary of State aware that the Secretary-General has not passed this information on to anyone and the most unfortunate impression has got abroad that this was due to the influence of Her Majesty's Government? Does he not think that when serious steps like this are taken in regard to human rights it is most desirable that it should be done openly?

This was certainly done openly, and we have fully discharged our obligation. There is no obligation at all under the Convention for Her Majesty's Government to inform other signatories of the notification. As to what happened to our notification afterwards, that is not for me to say, but I know that there is nothing in the Convention which lays down what should happen to notifications after they have been submitted to the Secretary-General.

Is it not the case that, this subject having been brought up at the Council of Europe, it was made absolutely clear that Her Majesty's Government did notify these facts, that the Secretary-General had received the facts, and that there was no feeling whatever that Her Majesty's Government had not done everything they should do under the Convention?

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will direct the discontinuance of the imposition of curfews on the civilian population in Cyprus.

No, Sir. In present circumstances curfews play a necessary part in helping the Security Forces to prevent and to detect terrorism.

Is the Secretary of State aware that these curfews impose untold hardship and inconvenience on thousands of innocent people, thereby increasing the bitterness and hatred? Does he not realise that this is a supreme example of the failure of the policy of repression? Does he not think the time has come when we should remember what happened in Ireland and in America and do the sensible thing?

I have nothing to add to my statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a grant from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund to the Northern Region of Nigeria to improve the roads.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. N. Pannell) on 25th April.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, at the Nigerian Constitutional Conference to be held in London this autumn, he will invite the Regional Governments to consider the need for unification of commercial legislation in Nigeria.

Much commercial legislation is already generally applicable throughout Nigeria, but if my hon. Friend will specify the legislation he has in mind, I will certainly consider his request.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make arrangements to enable a building society to be established in Lagos.

I understand that there is already one building society in Lagos and that the Federal Government have been considering the establishment of another.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the report of the Colonial Development Corporation relating to the difficulties it has had in Lagos?

Yes, it most certainly has. As my right hon. Friend said, it is hoped to be able to introduce legislation in this House later which will, I think, deal with the difficulty which has arisen at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken to minimise the delays which take place to cargo awaiting railment up-country from Apapa Wharf, Lagos.

I am advised that there is now no delay at Apapa Wharf.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number and value of motor cars imported into Nigeria in 1955, or any recent period of twelve months; and what proportion of these came from the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively.

The information asked for is as follows:

IMPORTS OF MOTOR CARS INTO NIGERIA DURING 1955
—	Number	Value
		£
Total imports	6,670	3,642,319
Imports from U.K.	4,012	2,067,273
Imports from U.S.A.	654	468,729

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that this is a very important market for British car exports, with its large population of over 30 million? Should not the motor car industry take every possible advantage to get into this market and meet foreign competition?

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. I hope that the motor car industry will do all it can to encourage the sales of cars in this territory.

Does not that answer show that the British motor car industry is being as unenterprising in this market as it is in most other overseas markets?

I do not think that is fair. The figures which I have just given show that more than half the motor cars in Nigeria are being supplied from the United Kingdom. Still, that is no reason for complacency, and we hope that the United Kingdom motor car industry will increase its sales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many mission schools in the Eastern Region of Nigeria have recently been closed, or are to be closed, and for what reason.

A number of mission schools in Calabar Province have been closed because the local authorities were unable to collect the education rate. I cannot give the exact number, but it is not large. The Regional Government have recently introduced new financial measures which they hope will enable the schools to re-open shortly and will prevent the closing of any others.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many public corporations have been set up in the Eastern Region of Nigeria; for what

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement regarding the extension of self-government to Somaliland and the association of the Protectorate and the Trust Territory for this purpose.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) on 25th January.

There are ten such statutory bodies. As the other details are long and complicated, I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that the delegation from Somaliland came here in January, and that it was then indicated that a statement would subsequently be made, will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement at any early date, reassuring the people of British Somaliland that they will have an opportunity to join the people of the Trust Territory if they so desire?

We are here building for the future, and I think it is extremely important that great care and consideration should be given to the statement which I shall make, which will not be very long delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the loans advanced by the Colonial Development Corporation for establishing building societies in Colonial Territories.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 18th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what period Mr. M. Q. Y. Chibambo, who was deported to the Southern Province of Nyasaland in July, 1953, after serving a sentence of 15 months for sedition, is to be subject to the restriction order which confines him to an area of two miles of Port Herald and requires him to report daily to the police.

The restriction order on Mr. Chibambo is reviewed by the Governor in Council every six months.

Is it not a fact that Mr. Chibambo was originally arrested for a speech which he made in criticism of the proposals for the Central African Federation? He has served fifteen years in prison—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—he was immediately picked up and has been kept in detention ever since. [HON. MEMBERS: "Fifteen months."] I am sorry. He has been kept in detention for fifteen months. Is it not time that this sentence was reviewed?

The hon. Member is quite wrong. He is not now in detention, but he is subject to this restriction order, and I am not prepared to interfere in a matter of this kind. I believe this man to be a very dangerous agitator, and in the present situation I am not prepared to ask the Governor to review his decision other than at regular intervals, as he now already does.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many District Commissioners there have been at Fort Johnston in the last eight years; and what steps he is taking to obviate frequent changes.

There have been nine District Commissioners at Fort Johnston in this period. Shortage of staff and the incidence of leave sometimes make frequent changes unavoidable, but Fort Johnston has suffered particularly from the retirement and illness of District Commissioners.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that frequent administrative changes are in general undesirable, and that elsewhere they may have been a factor in the spread of Mau-Mau?

Yes, that is by no means improbable. I have every sympathy with the Government of Nyasaland who, despite the most Herculean efforts, are still on the administration side, seventeen below strength. It is up to me in particular, and all those responsible, to do all we can to supplement their staff.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the United States contractors now installing radar equipment at Vieuxfort, St. Lucia, are paying their workers 17 cents an hour; how this compares with other rates of pay in the island; and what steps were taken to see that adequate wages were paid by United States firms before permission was given to reactivate this base.

Unskilled labour employed at the United States base has been paid at the rate of 17 cents an hour, semi-skilled and skilled labour receiving higher rates. A 25 per cent. increase has been granted to all categories with effect from 12th March. The rates paid compare favourably with other rates of pay in the island. The Notes exchanged with the United States Government before the base was reactivated provide that wage rates shall be determined by agreement among the United States and British authorities, including the Administrator of the island.

I welcome the fact that this low rate of pay has since been increased by 25 per cent., but is the Colonial Secretary aware of the fact that there is grave discontent in the island at the low rates of pay which are being paid by these wealthy American contractors, and that even a 25 per cent. increase upon a rate of about 6s. a day is inadequate for modern needs? Will the Minister have the matter looked at again?

I am always anxious to see the standard of living of every West Indian island steadily rise, but it is extremely important to be realistic and to realise the need for the American authorities' wages to be based upon those operating elsewhere in St. Lucia. I have no reason to think—indeed, quite the contrary—that their rates are unfair, judged by this criterion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why there were only 16 Africans from Tanganyika studying in the United Kingdom in Session 1955–56 while there were 155 from Uganda; and how many of the 16 Tanganyikans were here on Government scholarships.

Revised figures indicate that 19 Africans from Tanganyika are at present studying here, if whom thirteen have scholarships from the Tanganyika Government or under the C.D. and W. Acts. There are, however, at present 131 African students from Tanganyika at Makerere.

Is it not a fact that few Tanganyikans get higher education? What is the right hon. Gentleman doing in the way of expanding secondary education, particularly for the good sixth forms and the secondary schools? Will he tell us what plans he may have, or possibly has, for future higher education in Tanganyika itself?

I have great sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman has said. He will be glad to hear that the output from secondary schools is expanding consider ably. It should result in a marked increase in those who go on to higher education.

Are there any plans for higher education inside Tanganyika?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the matter, I should like to answer it in detail.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for the transfer to other duties of the Chief Justice of the Seychelles in view of the fact that out of fourteen appeals from his recent judgments only one has been upheld.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister not aware of the dissatisfaction both inside and outside the island about the conduct of affairs in the sphere of justice and other matters? Would he be good enough to consider sending out a commission of inquiry to this island? In view of the fact that the French-speaking plantocracy appear to govern the island, it might be possible, if the talks did not result in satisfaction, for the Government to consider giving the island back to the French.

I do not follow the hon. Gentleman there. It is only fair he should know that during the last seven years the Chief Justice has tried 1,561 cases and that only fourteen of the litigants have thought fit to appeal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will appoint an independent commission to inquire into the allegations of maladministration in the Seychelles, including the continuing acts of prosecution of and discrimination against non-Roman Catholics.

If the hon. Member will give me the details of whatever allegations he may have in mind, I shall look into them.

I am obliged to the Minister and will certainly give him the details. I can assure him that a number of my hon. Friends and myself are receiving a number of complaints about the injustice and lack of tolerance which exist in the Seychelles. I hope he agrees.

Question.

Order. The hon. Member should ask his question.

Would not the Minister agree, when he receives this information, that the best way of allaying this anxiety will be by the appointment of an independent commission?

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to give me the allegations which he has mentioned, perhaps I shall be able to answer the latter part of his question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what proposals the Government of Northern Rhodesia have to provide adequate hospital accommodation at Mongu in the Barotseland Protectorate;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the condition of the buildings and equipment of the Government hospital in Mongu in the Barotseland Protectorate.

The provision and maintenance of hospitals in the Barotseland Protectorate is now the responsibility of the Federal Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether it is possible for the territorial Government to spend money to give assistance to the Federal Government? Secondly, is he aware that many parts of this hospital are said to be in decay and that some of the buildings are falling down? Is there any way in which we can be of assistance?

As I have explained to the hon. Gentleman, this matter is within the responsibility of the Federal Government and not of the Home Government. Therefore, it does not come within the purview of my Department.

Will the hon. Gentleman remember, in making further grants to purposes in Northern Rhodesia, to impose a condition that there is no colour bar and no segregation in any institution in respect of which United Kingdom funds are granted?

That point does not arise out of the question.

No, but just remember.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Saza chiefs in all have been deposed by the Government of Buganda.

None; but five have resigned since the return of the Kabaka in October last year. Two had passed the retiring age and a third had completed 30 years' service.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that to say "resign" is a considerable euphemism, in view of the pressure put upon these persons to resign? Would he not look at the Buganda Appointments Board which is supposed to be like our Civil Service Commission but consists largely of the Kabaka's relations, who may have been wreaking vengeance on people who have supported this country in the past?

I made a very carefully considered statement on this matter on 30th November, and as my hon. Friend knows, I was also in touch with certain very important people in Buganda on the matter. I am glad that nothing further has happened since last December, but I cannot pretend to be happy at what happened before that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British and African troops were being employed against Mau Mau in June, 1955; and how many it is anticipated will be employed in the same period in 1956.

The total for fighting troops are 6,443 British and 5,363 African in June, 1955, 1,455 British and 3,330 African in June, 1956.

Does not that show a remarkable improvement in the situation?

Indeed it does. I am sure the whole House congratulates the soldiers and others concerned, and not least the Government of Kenya, and the people of all races who are co-operating in the multi-racial experiment in Kenya for which my noble Friend Lord Chandos is so largely responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the offence for which Chief Mundia was sentenced on 28th February last; why the evidence was heard in camera; and whether it is now intended to rescind his appointment as chief.

Chief Mundia pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault. Defence counsel asked that part of the evidence as to character to be offered before sentence should be taken in camera in the public interest. This evidence related to the Chief's part in combating terrorism in his location. The court, acting under powers conferred on it by the Criminal Procedure Code, agreed to hear this small part of the evidence in camera.

On review, the Supreme Court held that in this instance there were no materials before the Resident Magistrate on which to consider whether a prima facie case existed for hearing evidence in camera, but held that that evidence had added nothing material to the case.

In view of his outstanding record of service, it is not intended to rescind Chief Mundia's appointment.

But is not the Minister aware that Chief Mundia was originally charged with causing actual bodily harm, and that then, at the request of the District Commissioner, the court went into camera to hear evidence on which the charge was reduced? In view of the fact that Chief Mundia has been associated with previous breakdowns in the rule of law, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the strange conduct of the case—with which, apparently, the Supreme Court later disagreed—is one more sign that the administration of justice in Kenya is not being carried out on proper lines?

I cannot agree with the hon. Lady. It is true that the charge was altered, but that was in view of the trivial nature of the injuries inflicted, and the prosecution decided on that evidence that the charge should be altered. I think it is absolutely unfair for the hon. Lady to make this widespread condemnation on such grounds.

Is it not very unusual for evidence of this kind to be heard in camera? Why was it considered necessary to do so at all? If Chief Mundia is above question, which some of us doubt, why was not that evidence taken in public?

Again, I think that the hon. Lady probably did not quite hear the reply which I gave. In the view of the Supreme Court there was not sufficient evidence for this part of the case to be held in camera. The reason that prompted the magistrate to decide that that part should be held in camera was that it dealt with the actual security position in the location in which the Chief was operating.

Is it not very easy for indignation to be registered in this House by people who do not at all appreciate the conditions existing in that locality?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what relaxation of emergency regulations has been made in British Guiana.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to Questions by the hon. Members for Cannock (Miss Lee), South East Essex (Mr. Braine) and Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) on 25th April. Since then two restriction orders on movement have been lifted, thus reducing the number of such orders to six.

But if the election which the Minister announced last week is to be a real election and not a sham, must he not restore full freedom to all the political parties to prepare for it? Would he, for instance, end the confinement of eight leaders of the two largest parties in Georgetown and Buxton?

There is a Question later on with regard to possible restrictions on candidature, and I would prefer to wait until then.

Does the Secretary of State confirm that all the political leaders, including Mr. Burnham and Mr. Jainarine Singh, have now freedom of movement, and that only Mr. and Mrs. Jagan and some of their supporters are now confined? Would he further explain why he wishes to give this artificial advantage to the Jagan party in British Guiana, because obviously this is the best possible way to maximise their prospects in the election?

I would most indignantly deny that the Governor has been in any way guided by any party political considerations in the Colony. The restrictions have been based or decided solely on whether or not the individual in question is judged to be a danger to security.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on constitutional progress in British Guiana.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the Question by the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun), on 25th April.

Has the Minister had any reactions from the main political parties and leaders in British Guiana whether they are willing to co-operate in the elections? Will he once again try to put the various parties on an equal footing by stopping the restrictions on certain of them?

I can only repeat what I said previously. No considerations of a political kind enter into whether or not detention orders or restriction orders are made. Judgment is solely on the individual and the danger which that individual might or might not provide to security. It is a little early as yet to say anything about the general reactions. I am not anxious in any way unduly to hurry what must be at best a very bold experiment.

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that since the raising of the ban on the holding of meetings there has been no disturbance of any kind? Is he aware that there is general approval on all sides of the House of this step-by-step return to normalcy?

I think that is indeed so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any alterations in the franchise will accompany the proposals for an elected Legislative Council in British Guiana; whether nominations for candidature will be without restrictions; what will determine the inclusion of the five elected members in the Executive Council other than their election to the Legislature; and whether there will be any restrictions imposed on the power and function of the Government.

There will be universal adult suffrage as before, but I shall be considering with the Governor whether there should be any addition to the usual disqualifications for election. The Governor will appoint to the Executive Council those elected members of Legislative Council whom he considers can best serve the country. The powers and functions of the Government will be as at present.

Will these particulars be given in a form in which we can examine them more closely? Do I take it that in regard to general elections there is no alteration contemplated?

If there are to be additional restrictions they will be written into the amending Order in Council, which will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the discussions that he had with the Government of Northern Rhodesia prior to the passing of the Riot Damages Ordinance, 1955, which gives the Governor powers to impose communal fines on all inhabitants of an area in which there has been riot damage.

The Governor submitted the Ordinance to my right hon. Friend in draft to which he agreed subject to certain amendments.

Does not the Minister agree it is inconsistent with British ideas of justice that innocent people should be punished for the offences of the guilty? Does he not also agree that collective punishment should be used only in the most serious of crises, and will he not now have further discussions to see whether this retrogressive legislation cannot be withdrawn in the Colony?

This Ordinance was produced only after a prolonged series of incidents in which drivers of motor cars were assaulted by crowds of Africans after being involved in accidents. And all the incidents have so far occurred in the railway belt, generally where there are unauthorised settlements of de-tribalised Africans along main roads. It was only after a very careful consideration that the Governor decided to bring in this Ordinance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the result of the appeals of the 18-year-old Brown Kapena who was sentenced to nine years' hard labour for riotously damaging mine property and for rioting at Nchanga. Northern Rhodesia, of the two other Africans also sentenced with him to nine years, of the seventeen other Africans sentenced to five years' hard labour, and of the other thirteen sentenced to two years' hard labour; and if the recommendations by the magistrate that all these sentenced men should be deported at the expiry of their sentences is to be carried out.

All these sentences were reduced on appeal. As the details are rather lengthy, I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. One Nyasaland African will be deported on the expiration of his sentence; the deportation of four other Nyasaland Africans is still under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these chaps were between 18 and 20 years of age, that the riots started as a result of an African being killed by a white crane driver, and that the row that then followed illustrates the tension that exists between Africans and white men in Northern Rhodesia? Will he not now ask his right hon. Friend to exercise his clemency in the direction of trying to pacify the Africans, who are feeling that they are being run over far too often by white drivers who, to put it mildly, are a little careless?

The hon. Gentleman will see from my reply that, in fact, there have been substantial reductions in sentence. But I would not like the House to get the idea that this was not a really serious riot. It was a riot which lasted about five hours, and a number of people were injured, some seriously, in the attacks. I would also point out that among the injured was an official of the African Mine Workers Union, Mr. Ben Chilongo, who was injured while asking the crowd to disperse.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that the provisions of Northern Rhodesia (Native Reserves) (Amendment) Order in Council, 1955, have the effect of allowing a corporation controlled by the Federal Government to administer the Kafue Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme; that this is not in accordance with the Order in Council which requires that the control should be in the hands of the Government of Northern Rhodesia; and whether it is proposed to alter any of the remaining safeguards to African lands established at the time of the formation of the Federation which kept with the Secretary of State the ultimate responsibility for the use of land alienated from the Northern Rhodesian Native Reserves and Trust Lands for public purposes;

(2) what Africans were consulted before the enactment of the Northern Rhodesia (Native Reserves) (Amendment) Order in Council, 1955; and whether they agreed to its provisions.

The amending Order in Council was designed to clear up a doubt regarding the scope of the power conferred by the Northern Rhodesia Native Reserves Order in Council, 1928, on the Governor to set aside land in native reserves for "public purposes." These purposes were defined in the Order as including the purposes of a corporation controlled by the Government of Northern Rhodesia.

The Federal Constitution lays down that for the purposes of the African land laws any reference to "public purposes" includes a reference to Federal public purposes. It was doubtful, however, whether the two provisions could be read together so as to make the phrase include the purposes of a corporation controlled by the Federal Government, such as the Federal Hydro-Electric Board. The native authorities in the Gwembe valley, who are particularly affected by the amendment, had already agreed that the land needed for the Kariba Hydro-electric Scheme could be set aside. Further consultation in the legal technicality was therefore not considered necessary.

There is no intention of altering any of the safeguards to African land established at the time of the formation of the Federation.

Is the Minister aware that as a result of the execution of this desirable project 30,000 Africans in Northern Rhodesia and 10,000 Africans in Southern Rhodesia will be rendered homeless? What is he seeking to do to provide them with alternative accommodation?

If the hon. Member puts down a Question, I shall be delighted to give him plenty of details of what plans are in mind for settling those who have to move from the area affected by the scheme.

Will the hon. Gentleman publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, Or indicate in reply to a Question, what steps are being taken to find alternative accommodation and work for the Africans displaced, a matter upon which my hon. Friends and I have given him information?

I think my right hon. Friend replied to those representations. If the right hon. Gentleman puts down a Question, I shall be only too pleased to give the information.

In view of the fact that my supplementary question arose directly from the main Question, I must regard the answer as quite unsatisfactory and beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date when the polling station in the outlying district of Wanchai in Hong Kong was moved into the central district.

The change was notified in the Hong Kong Government Gazette of 27th January.

Is the Minister aware that in replying to me on 14th December his right hon. Friend said that the two polling stations concerned were in the most densely populated part of Hong Kong, and that the change of location of this one took place only a month or six weeks after he made that statement in the House of Commons?

I am not quite sure what the hon. Gentleman is getting at, but if he would be good enough to have a word with me afterwards I would be only too delighted to discuss it with him.

asked the Seretary of State for the Colonies when the commission to report on a site for the federal capital in the British West Indies will be set up.

I hope very shortly.

Since the London Conference decided that Federation should come into force no later than the end of March, 1958, is not my hon. Friend aware that that gives very little time for the selection and, if necessary, building of a capital? Can he say whether there are any plans for a provisional capital pending such a decision?

No. I think we want first of all to set up the commission. I am glad to be able to tell my hon. Friend that the West Indian Governments have been consulted about the choice of persons to serve on the commission and have approved generally. Letters of invitation are being prepared for issue to the three persons with the experience required.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when legislation will be introduced to set up the Federation?

I cannot give the hon. Member a definite date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the proposed constitutional changes in Uganda.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the statement about elections which the Governor made with my full authority on 24th April. I prefer not to attempt a summary of this statement within the compass of an answer to a Parliamentary Question and would invite the hon. Member to read the full text, of which copies have been placed in the Library.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider including it for circulation in HANSARD? Is he aware that this announcement has been received with profound disappointment by the African population in Uganda, particularly by the Uganda National Congress, whose sweeping victory at the last election shows that it has the support of the people?

I think the time-honoured way of circulating this sort of document is in the Library. There is a limit to what we can include in HANSARD. Answering the second part of the question, I hope the hon. Gentleman will not fall into the error of the Uganda National Congress which, on the very day that the document was first made known, condemned it in toto before it could possibly have had time to read it properly, let alone study it. Any such irresponsible tactics go ill with their claim to be representative African leaders.

Will the Minister keep in mind the fact that a unitary State, as opposed to a Federal State, is better for Uganda, since only in this way will the wealthy Buganda State carry and help the weak States of Ankole and Toro?

There is certainly much to be said for that point of view.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what division of activity as between research, development and construction, is proposed between the Atomic Energy Authority and private industrial firms in the development of new types of atomic reactors.

I have nothing to add to the information I gave to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey) in reply to his Question on 14th March.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is very important to avoid the situation which has arisen in the aircraft industry, in which too few scientists and development engineers are working on too many research projects? In order to avoid that, is it not very important that there should be a very clear line of demarcation between work done by the manufacturing companies and work done by the Atomic Energy Authority?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this, and so are the Government. I gave as clear an answer as I could on 14th March and, pending any further development, I am unable to give the hon. Member any further information at present. I will, however, bear in mind what he says.

Have the Government yet been able to decide where the demarcation line should be drawn in respect of the ownership and operation of nuclear reactors?

So far as it is possible to define this question, I did so in my answer on 14th March, which I have before me.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what conversations have taken place with the United States authorities regarding the discussions between the Atomic Energy Authority and the representatives of the German Federal Minister for Atomic Energy.

There have been no conversations with the United States authorities on this subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it rather important that we should keep in step with the United States Government, with whom we are in such close and cordial relations about atomic research generally, before we have these discussions with the Germans?