asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the appropriate resolutions transferring the administrative functions of the East African forces to the East African High Commission will be submitted to the Legislatures of the three territories concerned.

It is not now the intention that the East Africa High Commission should be responsible for the administration of the East African forces.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement will be welcomed by African representatives in those three Parliaments who have the fear that the Governments are not democratically representative of the population and also the fear of powers passing into the hands of the Commission, which may be regarded as a precedent for Federation in the future? Does the right hon. Gentleman now give us an assurance that the plans previously announced have been dropped?

I am not quite sure that the hon. Gentleman has got this story absolutely correct. The Uganda Legislature did not like the idea of the civilian agency which was to run certain administrative aspects of the forces being under the High Commission. It did not oppose centralised administration, and I am now discussing with the Governments how the objective can otherwise be achieved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the European, African and Asian members of the Uganda Legislative Council regarding the wishes of the Representative Members to have elections in the Protectorate during 1957.

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question on 3rd April, I have had no discussions, but discussions are continuing in Uganda.

In view of the fact that all the representative members of all communities in Uganda are agreed that elections should be held in the Protectorate, will not the Secretary of State agree to meet them?

That was not the information brought to me by the letter. It related to the fact that if something happened in Buganda, it should happen throughout the Protectorate. The key to the problem is progress with the Buganda review, which is now being renewed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will request the principal auditor of the accounts of the Seychelles to submit a special report on the progress made in rectifying the faults and abuses revealed in his last annual Report; and if he will publish this report.

An informed judgment on these matters can be formed from the annual Reports, and I am satisfied that the production of a special report would not be worth while.

Has the Under-Secretary of State read this Report, which is the last annual Report, produced in February, and is he aware that it reproduces almost exactly the same story as the previous annual Report— a story of incompetence, negligence and fraud? Cannot something be done to end these shocking abuses in the Seychelles, and will not the hon. Gentleman have a special inquiry made as to why the steps advocated by the auditor in annual Report after annual Report are never taken?

I must immediately repudiate the charge of fraud. I am satisfied that progress is being made, and my right hon. Friend has every confidence in the ability of the present Administration.

Would it not be a good idea for testing out the possibility of sending a small all-party delegation to those islands to find out the facts in order to prevent these sort of allegations being made and denied without any conclusion ever being reached?

I think that is a much wider question, but I have denied the allegation made by the hon. Gentleman.

The Under-Secretary of State said that he refuted the charge of fraud. Would he turn his attention to page 4 of the auditor's official Report, paragraph 28, published in February, in which he said, in relation to the Public Assistance Welfare Department of the Government:

"The absence of such checks permitted the perpetration of fraud for some time in the

Public Assistance and Welfare Department where payments of poor relief were apparently made to certain persons who were subsequently discovered to have died."

I was speaking about the present position, and I am satisfied that progress is being made in the matter. I have nothing to add to what I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish a list of the books and journals, importation of which is banned by the Government of the Seychelles.

There are none, Sir.

Would the Under-Secretary turn his attention to the possibility of getting imported into the Seychelles some simple text books advocating honest and efficient administration and simple economics, and would somebody in the Colonial Office kindly read the official reports on the Seychelles of the last five years revealing this shocking position and the need to do something to improve the administration?

That is another question. The hon. Gentleman is now suggesting the importation of books, whereas his Question seemed to object to their import being stopped.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Achieng Oneko, who was acquitted of charges of being associated with the organisation of Mau Mau on appeal to the Supreme Court in Kenya in 1953 and who has been imprisoned since that time, will be released.

Achieng Oneko is not imprisoned, but is detained because the Governor is satisfied that control over him is necessary in order to maintain public order. When the Governor is satisfied that his detention is no longer necessary he will be released.

Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that it is a shocking state of affairs? This man was acquitted over two years ago of all charges made against him during an extremely long trial in which Jomo Kenyatta was one of the accused, and in view of the fact that the appeal judge referred in his summing-up to the good character of this man, is it not time that he was released from detention?

I think that the hon. Gentleman will know that this was gone into by the Advisory Committee, which recommended his continued detention.

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many complaints of desertion by African employees under the provisions of the Kenya Employment Ordinance, Chapter 109, Section 60 (1), have been made to the Kenya Police in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and whether he will make a statement of policy on the future of this statutory provision to enforce civil contracts by means of criminal sanctions.

As the Answer contains figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a fact that, under the provisions of this Ordinance, an ordinary worker who is absent from work can be charged and brought before a police court on a charge of desertion and be sentenced by that court, and is it really desirable that legal sanctions should be used to underpin the low wage structure in Kenya? Is the Minister really satisfied with this position?

If the hon. Gentleman reads my Answer, he will see that the Kenya Government are about to introduce amending legisation to repeal this section.

As the Minister was perfectly able to give that reply in response to my Question without pretending that a number of figures prevented him from doing so, I should be grateful, Mr. Speaker, if you would give some Ruling as to the circumstances under which a Minister can give what, I suspect, was a slightly misleading Answer in reply to my Question?

I think that the Minister said that there were figures in the Answer and therefore he would circulate them. That is quite common. Following are the figures: The numbers of sworn complaints were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the rejection by the Government of Kenya of the proposal made by the Royal Commission on East Africa, chapter 15, "African labour", paragraph 67, that land should be acquired for African village dwellings; and if he will make a statement.

Although the Kenya Government listed the various reasons why they could not accept this proposal in the form recommended by the Royal Commission, they also indicated the lines on which they are themselves investigating the present system of rural labour, which all are agreed is unsatisfactory. The Rural Wages Report, which is still being studied, is likely to bear considerably on the whole problem.

I am very grateful to the Minister for not circulating that reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but will he please answer the Question, which was whether the Government of this country would make a statement on policy, in view of the fact that the Royal Commission said that it regarded the present system as most unsatisfactory and suggested that it should be abolished? The Government of Kenya did not accept that view. I am asking the Minister for his view on the squatter situation in Kenya.

I think that the hon. Gentleman and I are both keen to see the squatter system gradually disappear and be replaced by something more efficient.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the riot which occurred in the Embu Labour Camp in Kenya on 26th April.

On 24th April, 80 intractable Mau Mau adherents who had been rejected from other camps in the area and were awaiting transfer from Thiba detention camp in Embu District refused to obey orders to move out of their compounds. Thirty of these were detainees who had refused to co-operate in rehabilitation, and they had established their ascendancy over the rest. After warnings and repeated orders had been ignored, the prison staff had to move the detainees out by force. During the move nine detainees received injuries for which they were treated at the dispensary, and four others were admitted to hospital. None, however, was seriously injured and the four detained in hospital have been discharged. All those involved have now been dispersed to other camps, where they appear to be responding to rehabilitation.

In view of the recent mass outbreak from Langate Prison, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this process of diluting the worst Mau Mau offenders with those already in the process of rehabilitation is proceeding at the right pace? Can he give an assurance that no pressure is being brought to bear on the Kenya Government to accelerate the pace beyond what they regard as desirable?

I can certainly give that assurance. We all knew that when the Kenya Government introduced the dilution technique it was bound to be followed by an increased security risk. No pressure of any kind is being imposed.

Is the right hon. Gentle. man aware that the surprising thing is not how much trouble there has been, but how little?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to call a conference of the three elected groups in the Kenya Legislative Council to discuss the demand of the African members for 15 additional African seats.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will initiate discussions between representatives of the three races in Kenya on the revision of the Lyttelton constitution.

An initiative on my part on the lines of that suggested by the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) would hardly be consistent with the pledges given by my predecessor in paragraph 10 of Cmd. Paper 9103 of 1954. But the Kenya Government have made it clear that they are ready to do everything possible to facilitate all forms of discussion between the groups. Progress seems to depend on the readiness of all groups to enter such discussions without insisting on prior conditions.

Is it not a fact that owing to the small number of African seats in the Kenya Legislative Council, the African elected representatives have an impossible task in trying adequately to represent their constituents? Which of the racial groups are refusing to take part in these perfectly voluntary discussions to try to meet the situation? Is it true, from what the right hon. Gentleman says, that only the Europeans are refusing?

No, Sir, most certainly not. I have made it quite clear that I am prepared at any time, as are the Government of Kenya, to consider any proposals put forward if they have the consent of all the races. I have noticed with regret the attitude hitherto taken by the African elected members. I very much hope that they will see fit to change their minds. I do not have that meagre view of their talent which the hon. Lady apparently has in thinking that the relatively few that they are in number means that any representations must be ineffective.

Does not the Secretary of State think that the present situation ought not to be allowed to drag on? Will he not reconsider his view and initiate a conference under the chairmanship, if necessary, of somebody from outside the Colony? The right hon. Gentleman has a responsibility in this matter, and if one of the racial groups is refusing to cooperate, it is up to him to do something about it.

No, Sir, I see no reason for outside intervention in this matter. I am fully aware of our responsibilities and am also aware that last year, under the leadership of the Governor, who assisted in the discussions, there were agreed changes without any intervention on my part. If the people of Kenya are to be led forward in increasing measure to running their own affairs in the multi-racial society that is, and will remain, Kenya, it is much better that they should be left to work this out themselves.

Is it not quite clear that the existing allocation of seats in the Kenya Legislature is the only one that can command agreement at present between all three races?

Yes, Sir.

I realise that the right hon. Gentleman is pledged by his predecessor not to make changes until 1960, but 1960 will come. In the meantime, will he consider this suggestion? When I was Colonial Secretary, representatives of all the communities in Kenya agreed to sit in conference to find whether they could, by agreement, decide upon a constitutional future, and accepted the view that they would be helped by the appointment of a constitutional adviser by Her Majesty's Government. May not the time come— and very quickly— when some method of that kind might be the best way to handle the situation in Kenya?

Of course, if the various races got together, no one would be more pleased than I, but some of these supplementary questions seem to suggest that it is the Europeans or Asians who are making things difficult. The truth is that the African representative members have said that they are prepared to meet the Governor and his official advisers, but only those groups, and only then if the Government first decide that they are under-represented at present in the Legislative Council. What I must insist upon is that if there are to be any changes before 1960, they must be agreed between all the races.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that one of the difficulties is that if the African members obtain two or more additional representatives the Europeans expect the same? Does he not think that unfair in that the Africans can never become more equal with the other side and will never, comparatively speaking, advance?

There will be no stability in Kenya or anywhere else if agreements arrived at are broken, and the agreement arrived at is that there shall be no change, except by agreement, before 1960, and no amount of questioning in Parliament or agitation outside will shift me from that.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Tanganyika has set a very good example in this direction? Will he not advise the Government of Tanganyika that he, at any rate, approves the action that they have taken and suggest that the Governor of Kenya might follow in their steps?

I am delighted to get that rather tardy recognition of the wisdom of the Government of Tanganyika, but there is no greater mistake than to assume that conditions are similar even in territories which are fairly contiguous.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to publish the Report on agricultural wages in Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to publish the Report on social security in Kenya.

I am afraid that I cannot as yet add to the replies which I gave on 13th March to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Rankin) and the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson).

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that we have been waiting for a very long time for both Reports, and that both deal with matters of fundamental importance in Kenya? Further, is he aware that a member of the Kenya Legislative Council himself said that the Report on security in old age might itself die of old age before it was published?

It is precisely because they are of such importance that the Reports are being given such careful consideration. I can assure the hon. Lady that there is no dragging of feet here; it is really the serious study of the Reports which alone is holding up publication of them. I trust that it will not be long delayed.

Will the Secretary of State assure us that we shall not need to wait as long for the Report on agricultural wages in Kenya as we did for the nutrition Report from Kenya?

I am afraid I do not carry the relevant dates in my head.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to invite the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus to send representatives to London to discuss the implementation of a new constitution based on Lord Radcliffe's Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, when it is proposed to open negotiations with Archbishop Makarios regarding the future of Cyprus.

We are always ready to receive views on the Radcliffe constitutional proposals. If there are indications of a general desire on the part of representative Greek and Turkish Cypriots to discuss them in a constructive spirit, we shall be in a better position to consider the timing of such an invitation.

How does the Colonial Secretary propose to find out what are their views unless he invites them? Would it not be sensible for the Government themselves to take the initiative, as the implementation of the Report is a declared part of their objective, and invite both communities to London?

There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we are quite ready to receive any comments which anyone may care to make on the Radcliffe proposals.

May I ask whether the United Nations did not ask that this Government should begin negotiations with the representatives of the Cypriot people, and, in view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman say how long Archbishop Makarios is to remain in Greece without initiative being taken for such negotiations, particularly in view of the fact that he is taking a reasonable attitude and is proposing that there should be a United Nations mandate previous to self-determination?

The view of the N.A.T.O. Secretary-General was that the U.N. Resolution was best met by the suggestion of N.A.T.O. good offices in the international field. Her Majesty's Government immediately accepted that, and such acceptance still remains

Surely the Colonial Secretary realises the difference between inviting comments on the constitution and inviting people to London to negotiate about its future? Will he please answer my Question: What is the objection now, as this is stated Government policy, to the Government taking the initiative, as they are the only people who can do this, and inviting these people here in order that the future of the people of Cyprus can be discussed?

I have already answered that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for a Parliamentary mission to visit Cyprus.

I have this suggestion well in mind and will consider when such a visit might most usefully be arranged.

I thank the Minister for that reply, but does he not agree that the previous objection raised, that the Governor could not hold himself responsible for the safety of such a delegation, no longer holds good. and does he not think that now is the moment when such a mission could most usefully perform its task?

Due to the activities of the Governor and the security forces, tension is, of course, remarkably reduced, but none the less, through our action in releasing Archbishop Makarios— which I believe was correct— the tension between the Greek and Turkish communities might possibly at some time flare up. I have to bear that in mind also in recommending whether the time is opportune or not. I have it very much in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent, arising from his recent discussions regarding the future of the Protectorates in Central Africa, he proposes over a period to withdraw from Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia members of the overseas colonial service as personnel in the Federation are recruited.

There is no question at all of my withdrawing officers of H.M. Overseas Civil Service from Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland. I expect those officers to continue to serve there for an indefinite period to come. It is not contemplated that the eventual emergence of locally based Civil Services in those territories would affect the position or rights of serving officers; or that overseas recruitment will necessarily cease when locally-based services are eventually established.

What is the meaning of the paragraph in the Report of the discussions between Sir Roy Welensky and the Secretary of State? Will the staffs in these Protected Territories be the responsibility of the territorial Governments, and, through the territorial Governments, the Secretary of State, and how will the staffs of these Protectorates be regarded in the days to come?

The responsibility will for the time being remain exactly as it is. All we agreed was that we accepted in principle that eventually all the Civil Services it the Federation would be locally based. The same is true of all other territories when they have acquired full status within the Commonwealth, and I think that it is perfectly reasonable that the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland should look towards the same future.

Does the Colonial Secretary mean, by the statement "for the time being", up to the 1960 talks?

There is a good deal of work to be done in this field, and in our view the best step forward towards the objective, which I should have thought would commend itself to all sections in the House, is to get on with the examination of interchangeability, which will take some time and is not a simple matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what rate the Central Electricity Board of Mauritius pays contractors for labour; and the usual rate paid by contractors to their workmen.

The Central Electricity Board puts out to contract certain works such as the erection of poles for overhead lines. Contracts are based on tenders per unit of work and are not directly related to wages. Details of wages paid by contractors arc not available, but the normal wage for a contractor's labourer is about five or six shillings a day.

Can the Under-Secretary tell me how the rate now paid by the contractors to these workmen compares with the rate paid to them by the Central Electricity Board when they were employed directly by the Board?

I am afraid that I cannot give that information without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what evidence of usurping judicial powers the district branches of Pangani and Handeni in the Tanga province of the Tanganyika African National Union have been closed down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the acts prejudicial to peace, order and good government committed by the Pangani and Handeni branches of the Tanganyika African National Union which have led to the closing of these branches.

Convictions have been obtained against members of the Tanganyika African National Union in both the Handeni and Pangani districts on charges of usurping judicial authority. The decision to close the branches of the Union in these two areas was taken not only on this account but also because a most careful administrative inquiry had clearly established that they had been used to build up a general attitude of contempt of authority and to promote a spirit of anarchy.

Will the Secretary of State say if the men who were accused were on the executive committees of these branches of the union? Who conducted the inquiry to which he has referred?

The inquiry was in the usual form. As to the officers in the Handeni district, the chairman of the Kwamsisi sub-branch was himself convicted in February for usurpation of judicial powers and false assumption of authority, although at the time of his conviction he claimed that he had ceased to be a member of T.A.N.U. In the Pangani district, three members of T.A.N.U. were, on 2nd March, 1957, convicted of usurping judicial powers. As the hon. Member knows East Africa so well, he will know what a possibly dangerous effect it would have if a widespread conviction grew that the ordinary courts were not to be resorted to but that some bogus courts set up by T.A.N.U. were in fact the judicial authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will reconsider his decision that the development of coal in Tanganyika is not at present a justifiable economic proposition, in view of the satisfactory results of steaming tests on bulk samples recently made by East African and Nyasaland Railways.

The present demand for coal in East Africa, including the railway, is so small that an assured market for substantial exports would still be a prerequisite for development of the Tanganyika coal fields. On this point, no evidence has so far been produced which would lead Her Majesty's Government to change the view expressed by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General in the House on 25th February.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there are about 280 million tons, and the tests by the Greenwich Research Station and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research show that the coal has a calorific value almost as high as the American coal imported into this country? That means that it would be of immense value to the economy locally and would also save us dollars. If we do not exploit this coal very shortly, American and other foreign capital will wish to do so.

I think that if the hon. Gentleman looked carefully at the capital costs which would be entailed in developing the coal, he would take another view.

Is it not the case that the Paymaster-General is concerned principally with the use of coal in this country? Are there not many other countries which could find a use for this coal? In particular, could not use for it be found in other African countries? Will the Government take a more farsighted view and realise that there may be a need for the coal, and that it should be exploited as quickly as possible?

I was trying to make the point that wherever the coal was exported, it would have to be exported economically. In view of the capital costs, which would be tremendous, it is considered impossible to do anything further about it at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Northern Rhodesian Government in resettling the African tribesmen and their families who are being moved from the Zambesi valley bottom following the flooding of their lands under the Kariba Dam scheme.

About 450 Africans, in four villages, have so far been moved and it is expected that about 16,000 will be moved in 1957–58. I have placed in the library a copy of a Report tabled by the Government of Northern Rhodesia in the Legislative Council on 25th March giving full details of the resettlement programme up to 31st December, 1957. I shall be receiving copies of similar reports which the Northern Rhodesian Government will be making to the Legislative Council and will likewise place these in the Library.

Is the Minister aware that these are very simple people, many of them in skins and many of whom have never seen a white man in their lives? Is he aware that the district commissioner is having difficulty in finding decent soil and good land in the Tonga plateau above the escarpment? Will he give his personal attention to this very important matter, as there is a lot of anxiety in the Colony?

I am acutely conscious of the human implications of this problem, and I looked into the problem with care when I was in Rhodesia. I pledge myself to do what the hon. Member asks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will institute an inquiry into the banning of the North Rhodesian African National Congress from the districts of Lundazi Petauke and Gwembe to see whether changed conditions will now allow of that organisation functioning in those areas.

No, Sir; the organisation has not been banned in these districts but the native authorities concerned have made orders requiring Congress members or delegates to seek permission before entering or holding meetings in their areas.

Does not the Minister know that his Answer, if not "phoney" is at least slightly artificial? Is he aware that the provincial commissioners and. the Governor must finally confirm these decisions of the native authorities? Is he not aware that, following his visit, the African leaders pledged their loyalty and co-operation to Sir Arthur Benson, the Governor? Will he use some imagination and give the Africans a chance to work out their pledges of co-operation?

I am always willing to use my imagination within limits, but imagination should also apply to understanding the problems of the native authorities, on whose request these various restrictions have been imposed.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman confirm in this Chamber that it is the Governor and commissioners Who finally confirm the decisions, as it is not fair to shelter behind the native authorities who banned Congress leaders?

I think the hon. Member saw something of the native authorities when he was in Africa. If he did, he knows that they are robust authorities who make up their minds and do not need leading in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will rescind the Order in Council of 1924 which prohibits Africans from holding title deeds for land, houses and shops in Northern Rhodesia and thus allow the Protectorate Government to introduce forthwith a Bill on these lines.

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Clauses which make it difficult for an African to be removed from the land he has been assigned. These provisions, which were designed to protect Africans, are unfortunately working to their disadvantage in that Government is unable to issue leases to Africans for residential and trading plots in municipal and African township areas because the normal conditions and covenants of the ordinary form of lease could not in practice be enforced. The Governor has been in consultation with me about the difficulty and I am awaiting proposals for an amendment to the Order-in-Council to surmount it.

While thanking the Minister for his Answer, may I ask whether he would agree that this is one of the best steps forward we can take to build a stable African urban society? I beg that he will place no bar in the way of finally quashing this Order-in-Council so that they can get this Bill, which they have on the stocks in Lusaka, into working order?

As I said when I was out there recently, I will do all I can to accelerate it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to the complaints of the Governing Body of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions alleging violation of trade union freedom, and asking for re-examination of the compulsory registration of trade unions and the imposition of Press censorship at times of labour disputes.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the complaint addressed to the I.L.O. by the Northern Rhodesia T.U.C., an affiliate of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. This complaint was referred by the I.L.O. to Her Majesty's Government in accordance with normal practice, and I am arranging for a copy of Her Majesty's Government's reply, which is detailed, to be sent to the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that it is not a lot of good for the I.C.F.T.U. to try to blaze the trail of free trade unionism and get rid of the shackles of which we complain behind the Iron Curtain if this kind of thing happens in Rhodesia?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "this kind of thing". All the charges in the document, except two, were dismissed by the I.L.O., and the two which were not dismissed are the subject of a further inquiry, which we are conducting speedily. I will let the hon. Member have a copy of the information that we send to the I.L.O.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Northern Rhodesia Native Film Censorship Board prohibited the showing of "The Lavender Hill Mob" to African audiences; and if he will now reconsider the whole system of film censorship in Northern Rhodesia.

The Governor informs me that the film was declared unsuitable for African audiences because it contained scenes judged likely to encourage disrespect of law and order. With regard to the second part of the Question, local film censorship is a matter for the Northern Rhodesia Government, but I am bringing the hon. Member's suggestion to the Governor's notice.

Might I congratulate the hon. Gentleman upon running a ban on "The Lavender Hill Mob", which was paralleled only by Hungary and Czechoslovakia, the only other countries in the world which took a similar view of the dangers of that film? As the film was shown in South Africa without the slightest difficulty, will the hon. Gentleman examine this absurd business of censorship, particularly as there is a new multi-racial cinema in Lusaka and the proprietor of it has complained that one of his films was banned only 24 hours before it was due to be shown? It is quite impossible to get any multi-racial system of that kind working if the Censorship Board is to exercise that sort of control.

There are Africans on the Film Censorship Board, and it is important to recognise that. It is also important that we should leave matters of this sort to the discretion of the people on the spot. I cannot add to what I have already said, which is that my right hon. Friend will bring the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the attention of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what basis decisions are reached by the Northern Rhodesian African Film Censoring Board as to which British, United States or other films are considered to be suitable for African audiences.

The Board is required by local Film Censorship Regulations to withhold approval of any film which in its opinion depicts any matter which is contrary to public order and decency, or the exhibition of which would for any other reason be undesirable in the public interest.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that under this censorship not only films like "The Lavender Hill Mob" have been banned but so also have newsreels by Gaumont-British and Paramount? Is he suggesting that the newsreels contain matter contrary to public order and decency, or does he think that truth in the news of the world is unsuitable for African audiences? Will he not seriously look into this matter again, in view of the danger that censorship may be used to impede and perhaps close down the work of this multiracial cinema?

I am sure that there is no intention of that sort. I do not think that I can add anything to what I have already said in answer to an hon. Member earlier, that this matter will be considered.

In view of the recent defection from the Government, would the hon. Gentleman consider recommending to the Board that the film "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is unsuitable for African exhibition?

I found it very suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the Prime Minister of Malta's speech on 1st May, he will make a further statement regarding future constitutional relations with Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present position of the negotiations with the Government of Malta regarding the conditions of the integration of Malta with the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the public official statement made in Malta by Mr. Mintoff on May Day, he will now make a statement on the negotiations for integration and especially on the question of grants for education in Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what issues are holding up the entry of Malta as a unit of British Parliamentary Government; and whether he will make a statement.

The two Governments have so far been unable to reach agreement on the principles governing the economic arrangements under the integration proposal, but exchanges of views between them are continuing. I am not able meanwhile to make any further statement.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether agreement has been reached between Her Majesty's Government and th Vatican in regard to religious minorities?

No formal agreement has yet been reached, but I do not believe it will prove difficult to do so when the time seems opportune.

Is it not the case that the financial agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Malta for this year assumes increased employment rather than decreased employment? In view of that, ought not some discussions to have taken place with the Maltese Government about dismissals and plans for alternative employment? Is it not the case that under the arrangement the Maltese will have to pay as high taxes as people in this country? Would it not be fair that the social services and education for the Maltese people should be equally high?

In regard to the second part of that supplementary question, I cannot answer in anticipation of the general statement I shall make when, as I hope, agreement is reached. With reference to redundancy in the dockyard and elsewhere, that is another matter. Her Majesty's Government are conscious of the spirit behind the June, 1955, declaration, which exists whether or not integration proposals come forward.

Is there not disquiet because most of the information about what we are discussing with Malta comes from Mr. Mintoff? Is it not possible for my right hon. Friend to be a little more forthcoming? Is he aware that in The Times today we are told that the Archbishop of Malta has been in touch with the Vatican and the Vatican is in touch with the right hon. Gentleman? Does that not make it slightly untrue to say— as my right hon. Friend said in his Answer to me last week, now contradicted by the Archbishop of Malta— that there are no discussions going on with the Archbishop, since my right hon. Friend knows full well that the Archbishop and the Vatican are working together in this matter?

No, Sir; my hon. Friend will. I hope, on reflection, not repeat the statement that I said something to him last week which was not true. I said that there had not been discussions between the Archbishop and myself or the Archbishop and Her Majesty's Government. That is absolutely true and there is no reason to doubt what I said. When the time is opportune there will, of course, be discussions with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta, whose high standing in the island is well known and well deserved. In regard to the other suggestion of my hon. Friend, the usual charge is that information coming out of Malta comes mostly from Opposition sources. It is not my practice to make comments in the middle of negotiations.

Is it not the case that the public speeches of Mr. Mintoff which have been reported have indicated only that he thought integration was still the most desirable solution and that negotiations should be pursued to that end? I do not wish to press the right hon. Gentleman on this, but is the present position that the Government now propose to communicate some proposals to Malta for further consideration?

I should prefer not to interpret speeches made by Prime Ministers in other parts of the Commonwealth. I have quite enough to do in making my own speeches and answering the misinterpretations to which they sometimes give rise. As to the other part of the Question, the Government are proposing to send their views to the Maltese Government very shortly.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are some sections in the country who believe that if Mr. Mintoff's brash demands are carried too far it may become economically and politically advisable to base the Mediterranean Fleet in this country, as can be seen is possible from the recent activities of the American Sixth Fleet?

As I frequently, and I hope successfully, point out to Mr. Mintoff, I have my political difficulties as well.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what surveys have been made as to the extent of malnutrition in the dependent territories; and what systematic plan is being developed to check its spread and finally to eradicate it.

In addition to the normal work of medical departments in this field, extensive surveys have been made in Nigeria, Uganda and St. Kitts, and surveys of particular areas or groups of the population have been made in many territories, notably in British Guiana, Fiji and other South Pacific territories, Jamaica, the Gambia, Nyasaland and the Federation of Malaya. Eradication of malnutrition involves research into its causes, which are various, and is bound up with the economic and social progress of the territories. I am sure that the problem is much in the mind of every Government.

The Minister of State has referred to the surveys in Nigeria and St. Kitts. Why is it so difficult for Members of this House to get these reports? Is it the case that their availability to Members of Parliament is within the discretion of the Governors concerned? Is it not the case that, as I pointed out last Wednesday, there are only two territories in the whole of the dependent Empire where we have fully-trained nutrition officers; and in view of the extent of malnutrition in the dependent territories, is that not a scandal? Will not the Minister consider seconding an officer from his Department to take special charge of this matter in order to organise it along better lines than presently obtain?

A great deal is being done in this direction, which, as the hon. Member, who takes a very close interest in the matter, realises, is an extremely difficult problem. I will certainly look into the question of the reports to which the hon. Member has referred. I know of no reason why they should not be available to hon. Members.

Is the Minister aware that the malnutrition report for Uganda refers to the lack of protein content of food in the Protectorate, and that despite that, the Administration in Uganda continue to export to the Congo fish which should be consumed in Uganda?

I cannot answer that question in detail, but I can tell the House that there has been a general trend of improvement in dietary standards.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many colonial Governments have taken legislative action in accordance with the principles enumerated in the White Paper on Colonial Mining Policy, Colonial No. 206.

The White Paper purported to cover the whole field of mining policy including many ancillary issues of fiscal and social policy. The main suggestion for legislative action was for the vesting of mineral rights in the Crown.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to impress upon those who have not adopted this recommendation that they should put it into operation now. so that the mineral rights of the territories shall be preserved?

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the widespread practice of selling dogs, cats and puppies in public markets in Hong Kong for human consumption, and of the conditions under which sale takes place and if he will make a statement.

The practice is illegal in Hong Kong, and the law is effectively enforced in the urban areas. In some rural areas in the new territories, where the practice is traditional and is not opposed by the villagers, the law is evaded by sales outside the public markets. In these areas the Hong Kong Government are tackling the problem through education.

What is the police force for? Is it not its function to enforce the law in the new territories? Is it not the case that the police in Hong Kong are conniving at the sale of these animals? I am not interfering in the Chinaman's desire to eat dog, but let it be done only if it is legal.

It is illegal, but prevention is a difficult matter. If somebody takes a dog, cat or puppy outside the markets, it is extremely difficult to prove whether it was taken there as a pet, as a watchdog or for some honourable gentleman to eat.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance has been given by the Government of Sierra Leone in the way of geological surveys to British Titan Products Limited and Columbia Southern Chemicals.

The local Geological Survey has given the companies access to geological reports, maps and aerial photographs relating to their investigations.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the geological service is sufficiently staffed and equipped to be able to co-operate efficiently with the two companies?

Yes, Sir. I have no reason to think that it is not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far the United States oil companies, Conoco Somal Limited and Standard Vacuum Oil Company, now negotiating for oil leases with the Government of Somaliland, are indicating their willingness to compensate Somaliland farmers and others whose livelihoods may be adversely affected by their operations.

Both companies have indicated their willingness to pay compensation to the occupiers of land.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies. in view of the official reports of 52 cases of slave dealing and 91 true cases of child stealing in Nigeria in 1955–56, what consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of the Federation and Eastern Region, respectively, in respect of child stealing and slave dealing, particularly with regard to action that could be taken in the area adjacent to Fernando Po; and what are the latest reports he has received on this matter.

There have been no formal consultations between the United Kingdom and Nigerian Governments but I have seen the report to which the hon. Member refers, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Nigerian authorities are fully alive to the seriousness of these offences. The police investigate all cases of persons reported missing, and the activities of both the police and welfare offices in Calabar— the area which the hon. Member may have in mind— have been particularly successful.

While I appreciate the nature of the reply, and while I am sure everything is being done, may I ask whether the matter is likely to be discussed at the forthcoming Nigerian Conference? It is a matter of very great importance. In view of the transference of responsibility from this country to the Federal Government, it is obviously a matter which should particularly concern the other Government.

I do not think that the subject is down for formal discussion, but my right hon. Friend and I will certainly take the opportunity of having a word about it during the conference.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the United Kingdom or Nigerian Government to develop industry in Nigeria and the Cameroons on the basis of the recent increased output of coal.

Both the Federal and Regional Governments of Nigeria pursue a policy of industrialisation. This has resulted in an increasing internal demand for coal which, with exports, is more than keeping pace with the increasing output of coal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent commercial production of petroleum is planned in Nigeria; and how far the Nigerian Government will participate in the exploitation and use of the oil recently discovered.

Plans for commercial production cannot be prepared until the results are known of production tests which the oil companies hope to begin in the latter half of this year. It is also not yet possible to say whether any oil produced can be used locally.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has already been announced in the Federal House of Representatives that Shell/B.P. is proposing to start production at a rate of 325,000 tons a year in January? Does he not think it is urgent that the local Government should be brought into participation in the matter?

I have not the information which the hon. Member has.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has refused to issue a passport to Mr. Gogo Chu Nzeribe, of Nigeria, to attend the Commonwealth and Colonial Conference of Labour Parties.

I am asking the Governor-General about this, as the issue of passports to Nigerians is a matter for the Federal Government, and I will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.

I thank the Under-Secretary for that reply, but will he not give very sympathetic attention to this case, and will he make it clear that it is not a part of the policy of the Colonial Secretary to exercise political discrimination in the issuing of passports in Colonial Territories? This gentleman has been chosen as a representative of a recognised trade union body in Nigeria. Would the hon. Gentleman, therefore, exert some sympathetic pressure on the Governor-General to allow this gentleman to come to the conference?

I understand that the passport was not just withdrawn when this man was invited to come to the United Kingdom; it had been withdrawn for some time. But I think we had better await the Governor-General's reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports he has received in respect of political agitation in and near Aden; and what Yemeni representations have been made concerning the future of Aden.

Both in the Colony and Protectorate there is increasing interest in constitutional development and the future status of the area. Attempts have been made by Egyptian and Soviet propaganda and by Yemeni propaganda and subversion to direct this interest into anti-Western paths. There exist, however, moderates as well as extremists among the politically-minded in the area. On the second part of the Question, the Yemen Government have made clear by various means that they do not intend at present to abandon claims to large parts of Aden territory, based apparently on rule by the Yemeni Imams for a period of under a century which ended in 1728.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of discontent in respect of salaries and cost-of-living adjustments affecting British colonial officers in Aden; what action is being taken to ensure equitable treatment of these officers; and what long-term consideration is being given to their future position.

A review of salaries has recently been carried out in both the Colony and the Protectorate. The proposals made have been implemented for the Colony and those for the Protectorate staffs are at present under urgent consideration. The Aden Government have recently been informed by officers through their associations that they are dissatisfied with some of the terms of the revision and are considering these representations.

Do I take it from the hon. Gentleman's reply that it is recognised that there is discontent among some branches of the Service, and that their very justifiable claims will be sympathetically reconsidered?

I think that when the hon. Gentleman reads my Answer he will be satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on recent developments in connection with the proposed constitution for Singapore.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have been reached in the negotiations with Mr. Lim Yew Hock, the Chief Minister, on the subject of self-government in Singapore; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Members to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen) on 17th April. Since then, the proposed new constitution has received the unanimous support of all political parties in the Legislative Assembly of Singapore.

Would the Secretary of State say whether, in view of the unfavourable reception of the "subversives" clause, he is prepared to reconsider that?

In my view, that clause is an essential necessity in order to get the Constitution off to a good start. I very much hope that Singapore Ministers and those others who have found it repugnant will come round to this view. I have been encouraged in that by some of the Press comments on the clause.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what expansion will be needed of naval base and port facilities at Mombasa, as a result of the decision to join up the East Indies and Far East Stations of the Royal Navy to station a carrier force in the Indian Ocean.

There are no plans at present for the further development of Mombasa as a naval base.

In view of the fact that there are no plans for expanding Mombasa, will my hon. Friend consider the position of the dormant naval stores at Mombasa, with a view to handing them over to the city?

I will certainly examine the question raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many fishery protection vessels are available; and from which British ports they operate.

Eight, of which six are ocean-going. Ships of the squadron do not operate from any particular port, but move about Northern European waters, including the Arctic Ocean, fuelling and provisioning from the most convenient ports in the areas where patrols are required. The selection of these areas depends upon the movements of the fishing fleets.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that these vessels are always brought into operation as quickly as is necessary, taking into account the long delay which occurred before H.M.S. "Bramble" was sent off to the Norwegian coast?

I cannot agree that there was a long delay. We were asked by the Ministry of Agriculture on 16th April whether we would send a ship. We said that our plan was for H.M.S. "Bramble" to sail on the 17th, which would enable her to reach the fishing grounds on the 19th. We asked if that met the Ministry's requirements, and the reply was that it did. We are, of course, in these cases, agents, so to speak, for the Ministry of Agriculture, and we have had no complaints from the Ministry as to the speed with which naval vessels have reached the scene.

Has consideration been given to the use of helicopters with these fishery protection vessels, which would extend the range of their protection very greatly and be much more economic by avoiding the building of extra fishery cruisers?

We use ocean-going minesweepers for this task and they have no facilities for flying helicopters off or on.

Does the hon. Gentleman think there are sufficient of these patrol vessels available to do the duties which fall to them?

Yes, I think so.

As to the fitness of these ships for the purpose, can the Minister state the age and type of each of them, and what crews they carry, especially having regard to the delay in the case of H.M.S. "Bramble"?

That is a wider question than the one on the Order Paper.

As these incidents between Russian and British vessels took place over a long period of time, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary has to wait for a request from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food before dispatching these ships? Could not they be sent to the area on the initiative of his own Department?

Normally, there are fishing protection vessels in the vicinity of these fishing fleets, but if there is a special incident which requires the intervention of one of Her Majesty's vessels, the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food receives information of it from the fishing fleet and requests us to send a vessel specially for the purpose.