asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding proposals to increase the borrowing powers of the Colonial Development Corporation.

The Government share the Corporation's view that it will need additional capital in order that it may embark on further projects in Colonial Territories. The amount is still under discussion.

While I welcome that assurance, is it possible to put an end to this uncertainty before long, because the limit of £100 million is already committed, and schemes amounting to another £38 million are now being discussed, and because of the general recognition which that affords of the value of the work done by the Corporation?

It is not true to suggest that the Corporation is now prevented by shortage of capital from embarking on further projects. It has £56 million outstanding, and the total effective commitments are about £84 million. I fully understand that the Corporation will need further funds soon, and we are discussing the matter with it. As I have said, an announcement will be made after we have had the discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to introduce the necessary legislation to permit the Colonial Development Corporation to continue to operate existing schemes in Colonial countries which achieve independence and to provide further capital for such schemes.

Legislation is not required for this purpose. The Corporation can do these things under the Overseas Resources Development Acts as they stand at present.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, before making his statement of 1st July, he consulted the Corporation, and if he has not done so, will he do so at an early date?

I and my fellow Ministers, as well as officers of my Department, are in constant touch with the Corporation on this and everything else.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the authority of a United Kingdom Minister will be required to enable the Colonial Development Corporation to undertake the management of development projects within the territory of another independent Commonwealth Government.

This question is at present being considered in connection with the legislation which will be required to enable the Colonial Development Corporation to carry out this new function.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any assurance from any of the Prime Ministers or other representatives of independent Commonwealth countries who were here recently that such countries will be willing to use the services of the Corporation if the Corporation is debarred, as apparently it will be, from making any financial contribution when it undertakes a scheme of this kind?

I know that all Dominions would be very interested in suggestions of this kind, though every particular case would, of course, have to be examined on its merits.

In preparing the legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that when undertaking a management agency it would not be unreasonable for the Corporation itself to have some share of the finances of the scheme?

No, Sir. The basis of this association was that it would be without commitment of Corporation funds, but, subject to that, I will take notice of anything that the Corporation may say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made by the Governments of Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Uganda and Kenya, for apprenticeship schemes in the mining and building industries and in agriculture, respectively.

I am communicating with the Governments concerned, and will write to the hon. Member when the information is available.

Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that opportunity is given to the Africans, who are very discontented with the present state of affairs, to be really trained and to earn decent wages, like anyone else in their own territory?

The extension of the present ordinance to Africans is at present being considered by a special committee set up by the Northern Rhodesian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonial and trust territories the minimum wage rates are assessed on a family budget of three persons; and in which territories they are fixed on the subsistence level of one adult male worker.

Family responsibilities are no doubt taken into account when statutory minimum wages are fixed but, so far as I am aware, statutory wage fixing bodies, as in this country, are not bound by specific criteria, except in Kenya. The same is true of wage rates determined by collective bargaining.

The hon. Gentleman says that they are no doubt taken into account, but would he make a survey to get detailed information in order to find out exactly to what extent they are taken into account? Is it not a fact that in these Colonial Territories family responsibilities are assessed in fixing minimum wage rates? To what extent are any other responsibilities—for example, provision of family allowances—taken into account to enable the families to be kept together?

I think that that raises a very much wider question. I will be glad to answer the hon. Gentleman on that, but 1 would be glad if he would put such questions on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland to deal with the problem of soil erosion in the African reserves.

I am consulting both the Governors so as to provide up-to-date information and, as the reply is likely to be both lengthy and detailed. I will write to the hon. Member.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that many Africans oppose schemes for preventing soil erosion for reasons of superstition and because they are inately conservative and do not like changes? Will he, therefore, take steps to strengthen the staff of the agricultural advisory service to help the Africans towards enlightenment and education?

I am quite aware that one of the better qualities of the African is inate conservatism, but I am always ready from time to time to see how this can be brought in touch with modern life.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will discuss with the Government of Hong Kong how imports of Hong Kong cloth into the United Kingdom can be limited, in view of the refusal of the Hong Kong Cotton Spinners' Association to agree to any voluntary arrangements for limitation.

It would be contrary to Her Majesty's Government's policy to impose restrictions on Hong Kong's exports to this country.

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that it is a thousand pities that when the merchants and trade interests in India and Pakistan are anxious and willing to agree to a scheme of voluntary limitation if the merchants and producers in Hong Kong so agree, my right hon. Friend feels, the Hong Kong merchants and producers having refused, that he cannot even use his good offices to ascertain whether they will agree to some tripartite scheme of voluntary limitation?

I could not accept the inferences in my hon. Friend's question. Hong Kong is a Colony for whose welfare we are responsible. It has concentrated on manufactures largely because of the strategic controls that we imposed upon it, and it would have been in a difficult position if we had not allowed it to develop manufactures in this way. It has no independent membership of G.A.T.T. and it looks to Her Majesty's Government to protect it, as would any part of the United Kingdom.

While I appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman's over-riding interest is the welfare of the colonial peoples, is he not aware that the United Kingdom cotton textile industry is having to pay a disproportionate price for the industrial development in Hong Kong? Is he satisfied that Hong Kong may not make the same mistake as Japan did in concentrating too much on an export industry, the trade of which, according to the trends over the last forty years, has continued to decline in the world? May it not be that Hong Kong will meet the same fate as Japan did?

We ought to look at this matter in perspective. Hong Kong production is a minute fraction of United Kingdom production, and the consequence of interfering with the free entry of British Colonies into the United Kingdom market in the interests of a single industry in the United Kingdom would be widespread and would have to be weighed most carefully before any Government took action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many boys applied to the Industrial Training Committee of Antigua for apprenticeship training during the twelve months ending at the latest convenient date; for how many such training has been arranged; and what opportunities of learning a trade are planned for the others.

During the year ended the 31st January, 1957, the Industrial Training Committee received 169 applications for apprenticeship training. The number of applicants selected for training was 42, of whom five have so far been apprenticed. The Committee is trying to find places for the others, but opportunities are limited.

Is there not a remarkable gap between the number of applications and the number who have been placed? Is not five a very small proportion out of a population in the community of 50,000? Can the hon. Gentleman say what avenues are being tried to expand this service?

As I said, the trouble is that the opportunities are limited, but the Industrial Development Board has recently brought into operation an edible oil factory, a cotton ginnery and a small arrowroot factory, and a cornmeal factory will shortly be constructed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if Her Majesty's Government have yet approached the Government of the United States of America with the request of the Standing Federation Committee of Trinidad that their base should be surrendered to them, in terms to be arranged, for the site of the new federal capital.

Yes. As a result of the approach, discussions between representatives of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America have opened today. Delegates from the Standing Federation Committee are taking part.

Will the Minister press the American Government in order that they may see the great advantages of an airfield near Port of Spain, since other airports have nowhere near the same advantages?

That is one of the matters which will certainly be very much in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the British West Indies Trade Commission in London will be invited to attend the meeting of the signatories of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; and what are the views of the Economic Committee which met in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in May, on the effects of the European Free Trade Area on the products of the West Indies.

My right hon. Friend will be consulting Colonial Governments, nearer the time, regarding the necessity or otherwise for attaching colonial advisers to the United Kingdom delegation to the session of the G.A.T.T. which is to consider the Treaty of Rome there is no objection in principle to such attachment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by Her Majesty's Government for financial assistance to the West Indian Federation during the first ten years of federation in addition to the present commitments of the Colonial Development Corporation and the Colonial Development and Welfare Corporation in order to increase urgent economic development.

The assistance which Her Majesty's Government have undertaken to provide to the Federal Government is described in Cmd. 9733. Consideration of a case for any further assistance must await a detailed and realistic assessment of the most pressing needs of the area and a co-ordinated regional economic plan. I am aware that the Standing Federation Committee has the importance of such planning much in mind and no doubt it will be one of the first preoccupations of the Federal Gov- ernment. My right hon. Friend is considering how best this Department can give the Federal Government any help it may require in the drawing up of such a plan and in the assessment of regional needs.

Does the Minister realise that the success of this great experiment will depend largely upon the help which the West Indies receive, particularly during the early years, and that if the sum can be made as large as humanly possible there is more chance of the Federation succeeding?

Yes, Sir, but before considering whether anything further can be done there must be a detailed economic planning assessment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the minimum wage rates and the wage rates for skilled workers which will be paid to employees of the firms engaged in the development of the port of Grand Bahama, under the terms of the agreement with the port authority.

Actual rates are not prescribed but the Grand Bahama Port Authority Area has undertaken to pay Bahamian workers, both skilled and unskilled, wages or salaries comparable with those obtaining in similar works elsewhere in the Colony. Firms licensed by the Authority to operate in the port area are required to give a similar undertaking.

Will the Minister consider recommending that the scandalously low minimum rate be raised and further that the minimum rates throughout the Caribbean be standardised, otherwise the islands paying better wages will be deprived of capital which will flow of necessity to the Bahamas where wages are notoriously lower?

I think that is a much wider question than the one on the Order Paper. In the case we are discussing the minimum wages laid down by ordinance are often exceeded, so that the arrangements made by the Government and the Authority are really more favourable than they would otherwise be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision exists on the Island of Dominica for health teaching about venereal disease.

Health teaching about venereal diseases is undertaken within the ambit of a yaws eradication project, on which W.H.O. and U.N.I.C.E.F. are assisting. This has been in operation for some years, and a start is being made under it to control venereal diseases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the latest available figures for the incidence of venereal diseases and yaws in Dominica and Trinidad, respectively.

The 1955 incidences per thousand of population for venereal diseases and yaws respectively were about 5·5 and 17 in Dominica and 9 and 0·6 in Trinidad.

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there are more than two and a half times as many persons in Dominica to each doctor as there are in any other British territory. How far does that contribute to an incidence of these diseases in Dominica much higher than is to be found in any other territory, and how far does the fact that the housing conditions of the majority of the people in Dominica are worse than are to be found in any other territory under the British Crown contribute to this result also? Is it not the fact that overcrowding and shocking housing are responsible for these health conditions?

I should not wish to accept any of that contention. However, it happens that an important Minister from Dominica is here at the present time, and either my right hon. Friend or I will consult him on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the total number of Indian children at school in Mauritius failed the 6th standard examination during the years 1954–57, respectively.

The information is not available since the lists of candidates give no indication of their religion or racial origin.

Is the hon. Member aware that a considerable number of Indian children fail this examination because of the great difficulty they have in mastering the French language? Will he encourage the carrying out of the recommendations of successive Royal Commissions and the Ward Report that they should have their basic instruction in their mother tongue, with English as their second language, and that French should no longer be compulsory in this examination?

I have recently been to Mauritius and I was not made aware of this difficulty in any way. I do not believe there is any reason to think that the Indo-Mauritians are suffering more than other children. There is a large proportion of failures, but the Government hope that that is only a phase in the development of education.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Government of Northern Rhodesia have accepted the recommendations of the Brown Committee on African representation on local government authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to introduce African representation on municipal councils.

The Brown Committee on African Representation in Local Government in Urban Areas recommended that special arrangements be made for greater participation by Africans in the administration of the African housing areas but did not recommend direct representation in the local authorities. The report of the Committee is to be debated in the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council during the present meeting.

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that there are no African representatives at all in these local authorities and that he has recently given me replies about the population which show twenty-seven Africans to one European, eight to one European and five to one European. If the demands of the Africans for a place in their country are to be met, would he not at least encourage African representation in these local authorities?

I am all for increasing the chances of Africans playing a proper part in their own affairs. I will lay this Report in the Library of the House. I hope the hon. Member will hear in mind, however, that the present position is that African housing areas within local authority areas are not rate-able and that Africans are therefore not ratepayers in the housing areas. This is a factor which ought to be borne in mind. If, after further reading the Report—

I have read it.

—the hon. Member wants to question me further, I shall be glad to answer him.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter very carefully? Is it not basic to our ideas of government in these territories that we should govern with the consent of the majority? Is it not clear that the Africans here are in all cases in the majority? Will not the Secretary of State say that it is his policy that as soon as possible the majority should be represented on the governing body?

Most certainly. I made that quite clear when I was in Northern Rhodesia. I ask hon. Members to ponder the Report carefully. It puts the picture as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Government of Northern Rhodesia intend to take to remove discrimination against Africans who are not allowed to undertake skilled occupations in Northern Rhodesia.

Except for restrictions arising from the agreements which have been made by certain trade unions and employers, notably in the copper mining industry, there is no limitation on the opportunities for skilled African workers to follow their trades in Northern Rhodesia. Relaxation of some of the restrictions on the Copperbelt has been achieved by collective bargaining between the European and African Unions and the companies concerned. The Government welcome this advance, and would certainly welcome further advance, but agree with the view of the Forster Board of Inquiry in 1955 that the solution of this problem rests upon the parties engaged in the industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although there is no legal discrimination, there are great social and other discriminations which are preventing Africans from following skilled occupations which, a few miles away in the Belgian Congo, they could undertake? Will he look further at this matter to see whether steps cannot be taken to improve the Africans' chances?

I am not one of those who need educating in this matter. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will use all his influence with those people who are still in a position to make it difficult, but I think that there has been remarkable progress, and I must emphasise that in a question of this kind, where everyone has right, of a kind, on his side, it is necessary to proceed by agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will advise the Governor of Northern Rhodesia to amend the Riot Damage Ordinance of 1957 to allow for a means of appeal against the imposition of a levy under Section 8 and that such an appeal shall be to a judicial body.

No, Sir.

Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that it can create a most unfortunate impression when a fine can be imposed on a political body without any appeal being allowed, and will he look further into this?

I think that if the hon. Member will re-read the history of this country, he will come to the conclusion that in a comparable stage of political development this situation existed here. Levy, or compensation, is essentially an act of the Executive, and I cannot see on what principle it would be possible to make a levy of this kind subject to a judicial court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate average salary paid to Africans and Europeans, respectively, in the territorial Civil Service in Northern Rhodesia; and what provision is being made to train Africans for higher positions.

I have consulted the Governor, and when I have his reply I will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that according to figures published three months ago, the average salary paid to a European in the Civil Service is £1,000 a year, and the average paid to an African only £113 a year? Will he have a look at this matter to see what further opportunities Africans can have to advance into the higher grades?

The hon. Gentleman is now proceeding to answer his own Question. I prefer to wait for the official figures from the Governor, and then we may be able to go into the matter a little further.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the minimum wage payable to Africans in the building industry in Northern Rhodesia; and the number of Africans receiving minimum wages, the number receiving skilled labourers' wages, and the number of European skilled labourers receiving similar wages.

I am asking the Governor for this information and, when I receive his reply, will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Peter Hubumba, Deputy Provincial President of the African National Congress of the Southern Province of Northern Rhodesia, was suspended by telegram on 23rd April, 1957, from membership of the Plateau Tonga Native Authority in the Mazabuka district of Northern Rhodesia; and if he has now been reinstated.

I am consulting the Governor and when I have his reply I will write to the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do something more than that? Is he aware that this gentleman has served eleven years a a councillor, that he was suspended just by telegram, that a meeting was then called to disband the African Congress, and that the meeting of the Native Authority refused to do so? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this gentleman, as a leader of the African Congress, is reinstated on that authority?

The Governor's remarks may provide an interesting comment on the hon. Gentleman's premature observations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Northern Rhodesia either to stabilise the production of maize or to secure other outlets for the rapidly increasing quantities being produced particularly by Africans.

I am consulting the Governor and will circulate the information, when it is received, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

If the hon. Gentleman is consulting the Governor, would he bear in mind also that, if he does not do something and the Governor does not do something very shortly about the overproduction of maize in this territory, there will be a great deal of distress among African farmers, and will he ensure, if he cannot get other outlets, that there are other forms of production which could be usefully employed in the country?

It would, I think, be wise to await the information from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what encouragement is being given by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to the dry land production of wheat; and what proportion of the total wheat consumption of Northern Rhodesia is imported.

I am consulting the Governor and will circulate the information, when it is received, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The House will be distressed at the hon. Gentleman's lack of information. Will he bear in mind, until such time as he gets the information, that there is imported into this territory a considerable quantity of wheat, and, having regard to the subject of the previous Question, namely, the overproduction of maize, would this not be an avenue for the constructive reorientation of crop policy in the territory which would help African and European alike?

I think that I ought just to explain to the hon. Gentleman that about 90 per cent. of our Questions usually require consultation with Governors. These Questions came to me only last Friday and I know that the hon. Gentleman, as would any other hon. Member, would wish the information given to be accurate. But it does take time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of the trimming of the African education estimates of Northern Rhodesia because of the fall of the copper revenues.

When my hon. Friend in his reply on 4th July mentioned a "trimming" of the estimates, he was referring to the Northern Rhodesia estimates generally. The position is that instead of an expansion of more than 20 per cent. over all Government Departments, which would have maintained the rate of development and which had been hoped for, the 1957–58 budget, just introduced, provides for an increase over the previous year at rather more than 9 per cent. for recurrent expenditure on African education and rather less than 9 per cent. overall.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that helpful answer, but would he agree that any economy at all would be disastrous? Would he agree that much more money needs to be spent, because there is only one boys' secondary school in that Colony with its 2 million Africans and there is not yet one girls' secondary school with a school certificate course?

I am very conscious of this, but, clearly, the price of copper is a factor. I think that the fact that the average increase in expenditure is less than 9 per cent. but in the case of African education it is more than 9 per cent. is an earnest of the intentions of the Government of Northern Rhodesia in this regard.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the negotiations with Malta; when he will make a statement on the employment situation there; and what is the latest offer made by Her Majesty's Government to the Maltese Government.

I am hoping to have talks in a day or two with the Prime Minister, who is over here for medical consultation.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we have only a little more than a fortnight before the Recess and that after that we shall be away for about three months? Will he bear in mind that many of us will feel that perhaps we are being treated a little casually if we are not told something before the House rises?

We are dealing with very big issues which cannot always be settled to correspond with Parliamentary sittings, but I hope that my hon. Friend agrees that even in Recess I still know what he feels.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this proposal to integrate Malta and the United Kingdom has struck the imagination of decent-minded people not only in the Commonwealth but all over the world and that there is a feeling abroad that he and his right hon. Friends are dragging their feet in this matter?

That is quite untrue. My views remain unchanged, but I would not accuse those who disagree with me of indecency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is being made by the Government of Kenya for the Ahoi younger sons and others, who were able to farm their own land under tribal custom before the land consolidation schemes deprived them of this right, to buy or lease land in other parts of Kenya.

No person who is farming his own land under tribal custom is being deprived of his land rights. On the contrary such rights are being ascertained and confirmed by a formal process. Ahoi and others who have no land of their own will now be able to buy and lease land by a simple and cheap procedure which will provide a certainty and security hitherto unknown to customary law. They will also have the opportunities described in my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway on 8th March. The land needs of younger sons present a problem only where there is a shortage of land. They will be more easily met by these new processes, which make it easier to acquire or lease land.

Am I to understand from that reply that adequate land is available for the whole of the Ahoi younger sons and others, provided, of course, that they are able to buy or lease it? Will the facilities be such that they can readily acquire the land or will there be created a landless class of peasants who are forced to enter other occupations?

I think that if the hon. Member reads my reply, which is carefully worded, he will understand the situation. If he has any particular question which he would like to ask after that, I will do my best to answer it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the tribal system and the breaking up of land leads to fragmentation and soil erosion and that, if something is not done to stop it, much of the land in Kenya will be as productive as the Sahara Desert? Is he aware that land consolidation is doing a grand job in these tribal areas and that, although there was resistance at the start, the people are now welcoming the scheme which is operating?

That is so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what conditions a hard case detainee in Kenya is permitted to qualify for rehabilitation; and on whose authority and on what evidence such decisions are taken.

Rehabilitation is open to all detainees, but the "hard case" or intractable detainees are so called because of their persistent refusal to have anything to do with it. Nevertheless, it is the Kenya Government's policy to offer detainees of this class further opportunities of speeding their release by moving them to camps where there are large numbers of co-operating detainees. In most cases so far, this has resulted in the non-co-operators beginning to work their passage to release through the process of rehabilitation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to The Times this morning, the Governor of Kenya has indicated that there still remain 23,000 of these cases, and that we are now coming, in his words, to the "more difficult characters", and that it is impossible to say whether our present system of release and rehabilitation will continue to be suitable? Will he keep the House informed of any changes in the system, and of such other measures as may be deemed to be desirable in order to deal with these more difficult cases?

Indeed, I will take the House into partnership on every possible occasion. Although it is true that 23,000 are still in detention, it is also true that 45,000 who were in detention have been released.

Can the Colonial Secretary give an assurance that when a detainee appeals for release, he may be present throughout the proceedings of the advisory board hearing his case?

Well, Sir, there are some difficulties there; but I will discuss the matter with the Governor, who is now in London.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given by the Government of Kenya and by the United Kingdom Government to the request of the Nairobi District African Congress that restrictions on African political meetings should be cancelled.

This request has not yet been sent to me officially through the Governor, and I am unaware of the terms of any reply which may have been sent by the Kenya Government. But control of these meetings is essential to the maintenance of public order, and the Kenya Government have my full support for their present policy.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the restrictions amount virtually to a total ban on open-air meetings, and, in view of the necessity of listening to the political aspirations of the Africans, will he make representations to see whether the restrictions, if not abolished, can at least be further reduced?

No, Sir, but I am very ready that the Governor should have a talk with the hon. Gentleman, and with any other hon. Members about this matter. It is not true that this restriction leads to a complete ban. For specific meetings in rural areas where no halls can be used, permission is given, if the authorities are satisfied that the local situation and the facilities for keeping public order are satisfactory. But I am not prepared to disregard the advice of those people on whom the blame would lie if disorder occurred.

Can the Minister confirm that Mr. Tom Mboya and the elected members of the Legislative Council met the Governor on this very subject as far back as 10th June? Can he tell the House what answer was given to them on that occasion?

Yes. They were told what I have told the House—that, on certain conditions, open-air meetings in rural areas can be allowed. But those conditions must be fulfilled, and nobody can claim exemption from that obligation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many convictions there have been for assault on prisoners at Gathigiriri Works Camp, Kenya; how many prisoners have died as a consequence of ill-treatment; what members of the staff were involved in these convictions; and what was the sentence in each case;

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will make a statement with regard to the death of Macheri Githuma, a detainee in Kenya;

Macheri Githuma was one of fifty intractable detainees sent to Gathigiriri Camp for rehabilitation. Soon after arrival each man was placed separately in a hut with a small group of detainees under rehabilitation. Jasiel Njau Kariuki, an African rehabilitation assistant, led the men in his hut in an assault on Githuma, as a result of which he collapsed. He was taken outside the hut but died soon after.

Is not the Colonial Secretary aware that it is very unsatisfactory to have five Questions lumped together in this way, thus restricting the possibility of really elucidating the innumerable details which arise?

"We have evidence that there were other convictions in the camp for similar assaults and I am informed they numbered no less than 27."

I would suggest that it hardly helps in this case if the hon. Lady unjustly accuses me of evasion in a previous one. I am ready to consider laying any relevant papers before the House. When I last did so with regard to her other charges, the charges almost immediately dried up. The only correspondence in my office is from people who confessed themselves disillusioned at having listened to the hon. Lady, and naturally I am only too ready to follow the previous precedent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I believe that a wonderful job has been done by a great many people in connection with this rehabilitation project, but that nonetheless one is frightfully concerned when these horrible cases occur and even more concerned when the sentences appear to be so inadequate? Secondly, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there seems to be a certain delusion in Kenya that the offence of murder involves only killing whereas in fact it also involves acceleration of death? When a man is thrashed and hung up by his wrists and dies, it is a little odd to hold that he would not have died rather later if he had not been treated in that way.

I am always prepared to listen to what the hon. and learned Gentleman has to say. He has had personal experience of what armed conflict means and he knows some of the difficulties under which the security forces have been operating in Kenya. In this case I think that if he reads my answer and my assurance, he will realise that I am only too anxious that all the facts should be known. I am ready to join him as well in any talks with the Governor, if the Governor is, as I do not doubt he would be, ready to discuss this case which I understand quite naturally has caused some anxiety to hon. Members on both sides of the House, and not least to those who have chosen to pursue the matter with me by correspondence and not necessarily in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what official discussions are planned with Sir Evelyn Baring, the Governor of Kenya, regarding the constitutional deadlock in that territory.

As is usual about this time of year, the Governor is paying a brief visit to give me an up-to-date account of the situation in Kenya.

Will the Colonial Secretary use this opportunity of discussions with the Governor to press upon him the desirability of immediate increased representation being given to Africans in the Legislative Council, in order to create an atmosphere of confidence which will enable multi-racialism to proceed in that Colony?

Quite naturally, I shall take advantage of the Governor's presence here to consider with him what negotiations and discussions on these matters are possible within the confines of the undertakings given by my predecessor, by which, naturally, I am completely bound.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Tom Mboya is flying here at this moment, that two Cabinet Ministers are in the same plane, and that two other Ministers from Kenya are already in this country? Will he, therefore, consult these men in high positions in Kenya with a view to agreement being reached as early as possible on a constitutional conference long before 1960?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have never shown any reluctance to see visitors from any Colonial Territory. He referred to Mr. Tom Mboya as being in a high position in Kenya. I am anxious that he should be in a position of responsibility in Kenya, but so far he has refused. I think that responsibility is more important than height, despite my own.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Turkish-Cypriot town councillors have recently resigned their office; and what reason they gave for their resignation.

Twenty-one. A message to the Governor gave as the reason, that the rights of Turks are not effectively protected in municipal councils and are left at the will of the majority, which exploits its position to achieve its own political aspirations.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these resignations have occurred in one particular area, or throughout the island?

They have occurred, I think, wherever Greek Cypriots are in a majority. They cover three-quarters of all the Turkish municipal councillors and, as far as I know, the only ones remaining are the seven Turkish members at Lefka, where they are in a majority on that council. That is my present information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many officials and members of the Cyprus Workers' Federation, which is affiliated to the International Federation of Free Trade Unions, are still in detention without trial in Cyprus.

I am asking Cyprus for this information and will furnish the figure as soon as I have the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a further statement on the future of Cyprus.

No, Sir. I have no further statement to make today.

In view of the completely disappointing speeches from the Front Bench yesterday, can the right hon. Gentleman at least give the House an undertaking that there will be some statement on Cyprus before the House rises, and that he will not wait until Parliament has dispersed before making an announcement on any plans for the future of the island?

The hon. Lady knows more about yesterday's disappointments than I do.

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to give the maximum publicity to the important statement made from the Opposition Front Bench yesterday that, in the event of a Socialist Government controlling this country, there would not be Enosis until after a long perod of probation?

Yes, Sir. It is already being widely pondered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date a Commissioner was appointed to examine the financial and fiscal system of the Seychelles; whom he has appointed; and what terms of reference have been laid down.

I am glad to say that Sir Rex Surridge accepted this appointment on 11th July. His terms of reference will be

"to advise on financial administration and financial and fiscal policy and to carry out a revision of structure, salaries and conditions of service of the Civil Service".

While I welcome this appointment and wish well to the Commissioner who has been appointed, may I ask if the Under-Secretary is aware that those of us on this side of the House who have been concerned about the Seychelles in the past are not satisfied that this is adequate; and that we still feel that an independent commission of inquiry into the whole governmental and administrative system of the Seychelles is necessary to prevent further maladministration?

As I have told the hon. Gentleman before, I do not accept his allegations. I really think that we ought to take one step at a time. Let us wait for the Commissioner's Report, and then, no doubt, the hon. Gentleman will find the chance to vent his feelings once again.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on port development plans for Gibraltar.

Further progress has been made on the oil bunkering side, as the oil company concerned has stated that it is now in a position to join in the scheme. The Governor came to London recently for further talks about the port development plan, and we hope that all the arrangements will very shortly be completed.

Will the hon. Gentleman make all facts public in Gibraltar itself where there is a considerable amount of anxiety about future development? Will he realise that people in Gibraltar are exercising extreme patience under conditions of siege economics?

I think that the question of making all the facts available is for the Governor, but I am going to Gibraltar myself in the not-too-distant future and I shall have a look at the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Africans in Nyasaland who have been recruited annually for the years 1955–57 to work in Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and the Union of South Africa, respectively.

I am asking the Governor to provide the details requested, and I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

If the figures show that there is a continuance of the matriarchal state in Nyasaland because of the absence of a large proportion of the male population, will the right hon. Gentleman consider how to get the men gainfully employed in Nyasaland itself?

I think it will be found on examination that the matriarchal system is even older in the Union of South Africa.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that because a thing is older it is necessarily better?

I should hesitate to say that control by women was necessarily wrong, particularly after yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the calorific content of the food ration valued at 4d. a day allotted to agricultural labourers in Nyasaland; and the number of industrial firms who provide a free midday meal without a deduction from pay.

I am asking the Governor for this information and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT in due course.

Does not the Minister think that it should be part of his responsibility to see that the real value of the food which can be obtained for this very low amount is adequate for nourishment, and ought not all these factors to be in the possession of the Colonial Secretary's Department?

I am anxious to give the hon. Gentleman accurate and up-to-date figures.

Will the Minister when circulating the figures also circulate the morbidity and mortality rate?

If that is not too complicated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Singapore to investigate the causes of the recent industrial unrest; how many strikes have taken place during the past six months; and if he will make a statement.

I am consulting the Governor and will write to the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the spate of strikes that have taken place in Singapore? Is it possible that the conciliation machinery is not so well known as it might be, and will he take steps to make it known to the workers in this Colony?

I think that the explanation of the hon. Gentleman is an unlikely one. Nonetheless, I prefer to wait for the Governor's comments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to prepare a scheme of registration and decasualisation of the port workers of Singapore as a means of removing the present industrial unrest.

The Singapore Government have recently appointed a Port Commission, one of whose terms of reference will be to examine and report on the desirability of establishing a separate Dock Labour Authority to be responsible for the supply of labour for the waterfront and to advise on the organisation and functions of any such body.

Cannot the Minister draw the attention of the Commission to the position in this country, because a great deal of the trouble is the casual character of the labour? If he wants to remove the cause of the trouble at the docks in Singapore, could not there be introduced a system of decasualisation of labour, similar to that which we have in this country?

I will circulate the names of the Commission. After reading them I do not think that the hon. Gentleman will feel that it is necessary for me to draw their attention to any such matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the proportion of cultivated land in Tanganyika which is farmed by Europeans and Africans, respectively; the proportion of the territory which is at present under cultivation; and the number of African farmers who are growing the main cash crop of Tanganyika, sisal.

I am consulting the Governor of Tanganyika and will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that there is an inordinately high proportion of cultivated land in the hands of non-Africans? Will he also bear in mind the remarks of the Economist of 29th June that a generous and constructive land policy is vitally necessary and would be in the interests not only of Africans but of non-Africans? Will he do everything he can to bring this initiative about?

I am consulting the Governor only because I myself do not know what the proportion is and, therefore, I would not venture to go as far as the hon. Gentleman.