asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Her Majesty's Government proposes to extend self-government to the British Somaliland Protectorate, in view of the United Nations decision that Somalia shall become independent in 1960; and what opportunity will be given to the Protectorate to become incorporated in a Greater Somalia.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) and to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 6th June, 1956. The OFFICIAL REPORT for that day contains the statement of policy for the Somaliland Protectorate which was made on 29th May, 1956, by my noble Friend, the then Under-Secretary of State, when he was visiting the Protectorate.

Those replies were eighteen months ago, and there have been happenings since. In view of the very close identity between the Somali peoples and the sense of frustration that there will be in 1960 if some of them have independence and others do not, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have discussions with those people for the purpose of achieving an agreed advance towards unity and independence?

Within the Commonwealth?

Yes.

In regard to events in 1960, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 5 of the statement to which I have referred. With regard to talks with other Governments, I would refer him to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Rugby on 27th January.

Will my right hon. hon. Friend say whether there is any possibility of the government of British Somaliland being carried out without a financial subsidy from the United Kingdom by 1960?

None whatever, I should say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding plans for the implementation of the constitutional changes in Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the proposed measures for constitutional advance in Kenya.

The White Paper announcing the decisions of the Government upon the powers, functions and composition of the Council of State and the method of nominating candidates for the specially elected seats was published last Thursday. I hope that these details will be carefully studied in Kenya, since I believe that, with the other decisions I have already announced, they constitute a coherent, workable and fair pattern of constitutional advance which should reassure all who have their homes in the territory.

Arrangements have now been made for the elections to be held in the six new African communal constituencies. Nomination day will be next Thursday, 20th February, and polling will take place over the week-end beginning 22nd March. I hope that the whole Constitution will be brought into force very soon thereafter by Order-in-Council.

Whilst recognising that the right hon. Gentleman has gone a considerable way to meet the views of this side of the House on the Council of State, may I ask whether, in view of the continued African opposition to these constitutional changes, he will take steps to set a period within which they can be reviewed and also state the ultimate object of universal adult suffrage in that Colony?

I think that these proposals ought to be given a fair trial and a substantial working period before they should be reviewed. As to the ultimate status of Kenya, I said when I was there recently that I could not foresee the date on which it would be possible for Her Majesty's Government to relinquish control over the territory. My own view is that, whatever its final evolution, the Constitution in Kenya must enable all who live there, of whatever race, to feel that they have an enduring rôle to play and see that the high standards set are maintained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side of the House have the utmost sympathy for more African participation in this Constitution and feel, unlike the Government Front Bench, that it should have gone further? Is he also aware that some of us feel that the Africans might at least have given this Constitution a trial? In the event of disappointment, which of course there might be, they might then be able to walk out and not be martyrs before the event as perhaps they might be at present.

That is a very sensible view.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side of the House welcome these proposals, which are a very important advance, especially the abandoning of the old doctrine of parity? It is important that we should secure the co-operation of all Africans in this matter, and I think that this turns on the Council of State. In order to reassure the Africans further, so that they will co-operate as we all desire that they should do to make the Constitution a success, will the right hon. Gentleman again give an assurance, which I know is in the White Paper, that the ultimate control of Kenya and its destiny still rests with Her Majesty's Government and the Secretary of State?

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said about these proposals. As to the latter part of his supplementary question, I can give him that assurance absolutely.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is the desire of my hon. Friends also that Africans in Kenya should follow the sensible advice given them from the other side of the House and try to make this compromise work?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he has made, following his discussions with Mr. E. A. Vasey, for assisting the Kenya Government to undertake relief works among the Kikuyu in order to reduce unemployment in the Kikuyu reserves.

Provision is already made by the Kenya Government within their emergency vote for relief works in the Kikuyu areas, which suffer from special difficulties in reabsorbing and resettling released detainees. Her Majesty's Government have made each year a general contribution towards expenditure arising from the emergency, and the money is not directed specifically to particular subheads within the emergency vote.

Is it not inviting trouble to allow the present level of unemployment in the reserves to continue unchecked, and is it not as necessary for Her Majesty's Government to assist the Kenya Government in this matter as it was during the height of the emergency?

We are assisting them indeed, and in quite a definite way, about which there is another Question on the Order Paper today.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the major area of unemployment is the Kiambu area, near Nairobi, and that if Africans would accept agricultural work, as opposed to wishing to work in a semi-urban area, the situation would be relieved quite quickly?

There is something in that. I believe that I am right in saying that about 50,000 people have been found employment recently in the Kiambu area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the constitution and powers of the Council of State in Kenya.

I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) last Wednesday. The White Paper was published on Thursday, 13th February.

While we all recognise that in a multi-racial society there must be some safeguard for minorities against discriminatory legislation, is it not a fact that Her Majesty's Government have undermined the confidence in the sort of safeguard which the Council of State was intended to be, by their treatment of the African Affairs Board in the Federation? Has not the time come to consider setting up an entirely independent body—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—probably for the Commonwealth as a whole—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—which would discuss—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—

Order. Short supplementary questions are desirable.

I had almost finished, Mr. Speaker. Has not the time come to consider setting up an independent body for the Commonwealth as a whole which could decide these matters of discriminatory legislation—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—on a purely judicial and not a political basis?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will recommend to the Government of Kenya the desirability of holding a general inquiry into education in Kenya.

No, Sir. A comprehensive examination of the African educational system was undertaken in 1949 by the Beecher Committee, on whose Report the accepted programme of the Kenya Government has been based ever since. Two education experts from the United Kingdom will shortly visit Kenya to advise on certain aspects of European and Asian secondary education.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conclusions have been reached on the recommendations in the report of the United Nations Visiting Mission to Tanganyika.

The views of Her Majesty's Government on this Report are set out in the observations which will be submitted shortly to the Trusteeship Council. A copy of these observations will be placed in the Library of the House. Her Majesty's Government consider that the Report, taken as a whole, is a helpful and constructive document, giving a fair and balanced account of the situation in Tanganyika.

While welcoming that expression of opinion about the Report, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would say what the Government's attitude is towards the recommendation that there should be an optional vote, rather than a compulsory vote, in constituencies when candidates of the three races are before the electorate, that the qualifications should be liberalised and that following the elections there should be a constitutional committee to prepare the way for universal suffrage?

The hon. Member had better wait and read the observations on this important matter in full and then question them by all means.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what fees are charged in Tanganyika for an African child receiving primary education.

Ten shillings a year, to cover the cost of school materials supplied.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how that compares with the average level of the lowest-paid workers? Is it not the case that a great many workers in the Colony are paid no more than about 10s. to 15s. a week, including a ration allowance, and does not that correspond to a fee per child in the primary schools of this country of £8 to £10 a year?

There is no evidence that these arrangements are deterring children from being sent to school.

Oh.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the numbers of people, Europeans, Asians and Africans, respectively, who have been declared prohibited immigrants in Tanganyika during the five-year period 1953 to 1957.

Eleven Europeans, five Asians and one African. The declaration of one Asian as a prohibited immigrant was later revoked.

May I ask the Minister if he has final powers in this matter? Is he aware that his puerile behaviour in this respect appears fatuous to most people in East Africa, and will he not appoint an all-party committee of the House to inquire into these matters, particularly into the exclusion of people like Mr. Basil Davidson, Mr. George Hauser, and many others?

These matters are gone into searchingly. They are the responsibility of the Governor and the Executive Council in each of the territories. In Tanganyika there are Europeans, Asians and Africans on that Council and we can safely leave to them decisions of this kind. Of course, I have an overriding personal responsibility as Secretary of State, but I have no wish to use it in matters of this kind. It seems to me highly desirable that in such confidential matters, where all three races come to the same conclusion, the decision should be left to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply was given by the Government of Tanganyika to the suggestions regarding the appointment of a constitutional committee made by Mr. Julius Nyerere before his resignation as a nominated member of the Legislative Council.

The intention to appoint such a committee after the completion of the elections in 1959 was announced by the Governor in April, 1957. When Mr. Nyerere suggested in the Legislative Council in September, 1957, that the committee should be set up forthwith, the Minister concerned indicated that this was not acceptable for two main reasons. First, it would involve serious delay in the elections now planned to begin in September this year; second, it is in any case desirable that any such committee should contain elected representatives among its members.

Is it not a fact that Mr. Nyerere's suggestion was a very reasonable one, and, in view of the remarks made in the report by the mission on behalf of the Trusteeship Council, would it not have been in the best interests of Tanganyika for this constitutional committee to have been appointed?

I do not think so. I discussed this quite amicably with Mr. Nyerere himself, and I remain of the same opinion as I was then.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Tanganyika are selling to a private company their newspapers in Swahili.

The Tanganyika Government are transferring the ownership of their three Swahili newspapers to Tanganyika National Newspapers Limited. This is an independent company whose overall directions will be in the hands of a board of trustees, which will hold all the shares.

In view of the fact that these newspapers have been regarded as a very useful medium for public relations in Tanganyika, and as, according to the Answer, they are to be transferred to an independent company—although it has trustees—can the hon. Member say why the change has been made?

Because there was a suspicion in some quarters about control by the Government. I think that the change will represent an improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Governments of the West Indies to replace the West Indies Navigation Company's ship "West Indian"; and what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government with the West Indian Governments to develop communications between the Colonies.

Arrangements have been made for two ships to be chartered, and I expect them to be in service next month. Her Majesty's Government have the needs of the West Indies for improved communications constantly in mind. Recently they have given technical advice on the charter of the two ships, and the improvement of air services in the area has been encouraged.

Will the hon. Gentleman say who is providing the two ships which he mentions and whether anything is being done by Her Majesty's Government, possibly through the Colonial Development Corporation? Two ships, of course, are quite inadequate to meet the need.

This is an Interim arrangement. One is a Danish vessel and one is a German vessel. Colonial Development and Welfare had been used in the previous arrangement. As this is only an interim one, the hon. Member can rest assured that Her Majesty's Government will continue to take an interest in the long-term arrangements for communications between the West Indies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the United States Navy is at present actively engaged in constructing a missile tracking station on the suggested site for the West Indies capital at Chaguaramas.

I understand that the United States Government are building a missile tracking station there, but they have given an assurance that the work now in progress will not prejudice the findings of the Joint Commission on the capital site.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that activities of this kind have not been helpful in the establishment of the capital of the Federation of the West Indies? Could he also tell me whether the establishment of Federation will make any difference in the leases of land to the United States all over the West Indies, leases which were made in exchange for American destroyers during the war?

The latter part of the supplementary is a much wider question. In regard to the first part, the arrangements were already well in train, and it would have been exceedingly difficult for the United States Government to have withdrawn from their work. They have given the assurance which I have mentioned, and they also tell me that the site is on a high ridge in a remote and undeveloped part of the leased base, in an area which would probably not be suitable for any buildings in connection with the capital.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to secure an adequate supply of rice for the West Indies during the current year, in view of the acknowledgement of the British Guiana Rice Marketing Board that it cannot fulfil its contractual commitments following the comparative failure of the recent crop.

So far I have had no requests from the West Indies for help in obtaining supplies, but I am asking the Governor-General for information and will write to my hon. Friend when I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the proposal of the Northern People's Congress of Nigeria that they should be granted self-government on 15th March, 1959; and if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that a universal adult suffrage shall be introduced in the Northern Region before self-government is introduced.

I have not so far received the proposal, by Her Majesty's Government will, of course, stand by the undertaking given in 1953 regarding the granting of regional self-government to any region requesting it. This undertaking did not presuppose the adoption of any particular form of franchise, but the North has adopted adult male suffrage for elections in the region to the Federal House of Representatives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the decision of the Governor-General of Nigeria to invoke emergency powers in areas of Eastern Nigeria where disturbances have broken out over the restoration of school fees.

In order to finance their programme of universal primary education, the Eastern Regional Government last month announced their decision to introduce certain fees with effect from the beginning of the new school year in January. The resentment aroused in parts of the region by this decision led to mass demonstrations, mostly by women, and to widespread acts of lawlessness. Police action met with resistance. On 5th February, the Governor-General, following a recommendation by the Governor of the Eastern Region and his Security Committee, and after consultation with the Federal Prime Minister, applied emergency powers to 9 out of 29 divisions in the region and to one urban area. Four more divisions were included on 12th February. Strong police reinforcements have been sent into the region. These actions, which were endorsed by the Federal Council of Ministers, have had the effect of restraining violence. One man was killed on the only occasion when the police have had to open fire, and one man has since died. The situation has been calmer in the last few days and some schools closed by the demonstrators have begun to reopen.

In a broadcast on 9th February, the Premier of the Eastern Region called for restraint and for representations to be made only in a constitutional manner. The Eastern House of Assembly met on 13th February, and has been debating a Government motion embodying certain modifications in the application of school fees.

I think we all regret that it has been necessary to invoke these powers, and we all hope that it will not be necessary to continue them. In view of the fact that the Eastern Region is the poorest of the regions, and that there is a tremendous and inspiring demand for education there, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it possible that some subvention from the Federal Government would help the Regional Government to get over this particular difficulty and to carry on with the progress made so far?

The Eastern Region of Nigeria has been fully internally self-governing since August of last year, and we must leave such arguments to that Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which of the reforms proposed by the Cox Commission relevant to the area of Paramount Chief Kamal II of Sierra Leone have been effected and which remain to be carried out.

The relevant reforms adopted following the Cox Commission were the revision of the tribal authorities to enable taxpayers to be represented, the election of chiefdom committees to give regular advice to the paramount chiefs on the conduct of affairs, and the appointment of presidents of native courts. All these reforms were effected in Bombali before Paramount Chief Kamal II was reinstated. The Government are also considering reform of the local tax system.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there were a great many other recommendations in the Cox Commission's Report, some of which, I am sure, must be relevant to this district? Will he look at this matter again? Is he aware that there is still a good deal of dissatisfaction at the fact that the chief was allowed to go back before all these reforms took place?

My information is that the discontent comes from a minority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to improve communications in the Gambia; and whether he will state the amount to be spent in 1958 on communications in Bathurst and the Protectorate, respectively.

The Gambia Government have a considerable programme of road improvement and extension in hand. I will be glad to send the hon. Member detailed information.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the proposed expenditure will be satisfactory, having regard to the fact that outside Bathurst there are only earth roads and that most of those are impassable in the wet season?

The programme contains arrangements for the improvement and reconstruction of feeder roads in the Protectorate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what advice is being given by the Government of the Gambia to rice growers to prevent them over-polishing their rice crops and thus running the risk of causing beri-beri.

The Gambia Government give advice on the parboiled method used elsewhere, provides demonstrations of milling processes designed to preserve the germ, and encourages the selection of a white strain which will breed true and suit the local taste.

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that a local trader has installed a rice-polishing machine which over-polishes the rice, with the dangers to health implied in my Question? Will he encourage the establishment of co-operatives, so that the farmers may own their own hand rice-milling machines, which I understand are much more satisfactory?

I will certainly consider that suggestion. I would make the comment now, that no cases of beri-beri have beer reported for ten years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what communication has been received by him, since 1st December, 1957, from Gibraltar expressing dissatisfaction that in the table of precedence, heads of Her Majesty's Government Departments take precedence before the elected city councillors.

No formal communication later than the date mentioned has been received, but I have received a personal letter from the Mayor enclosing a copy of a city council resolution, to which I have replied.

As more people than the mayor are interested in the nature of the reply, would the Under-Secretary of State tell us if that reply will be much more convincing than the one he gave in December? Also, is he not aware that the reply he then gave was very disappointing to the people of Gibraltar, but that, in the hope that common sense will prevail before long, I will refrain from making any caustic comments?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for refraining. Perhaps he will understand if too, refrain from making any comments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date he replied to the representations of 13th November, 1956, made by the city councillors of Gibraltar in respect of the question of the city councillors and the table of precedence.

It was considered that the matter could most profitably be discussed between the Colonial Office and the Governor in person. The first opportunity for such a discussion arose when the Governor came to London in June, 1957. Owing to a misunderstanding, the outcome of this discussion was not embodied in a formal dispatch until 22nd October. 1957.

Is the Under-Secretary stating that there is now a satisfactory answer to those representations?

I would not like to go as far as to say that the answer will necessarily be satisfactory.

Well, what does the hon. Gentleman think?

As I am in part responsible for the answer, I hope it will be at any rate a satisfactory explanation to those concerned of why this difficult problem has to be considered further before we can make any radical change.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take on the petition presented to the Governor of Hong Kong, by the Hong Kong Council of Women in December of last year, for the abolition of concubinage.

This is a matter for the Governor of Hong Kong. He is carefully studying the petition and will reply to it as soon as possible.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the principle of concubinage is repugnant to the equality of the sexes, that it has been banned in Red China and Formosa, and, further, that we ought to put our own house in order?

I must repudiate entirely the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the total production of cotton goods in Hong Kong suitable for the British market is exported in the form of unfinished, grey unbleached, and finished fabrics, respectively.

As the reply contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does the Secretary of State agree that the figures will show an increasing tendency by Hong Kong to export more and more of those cotton goods to this country? Is he aware that textile workers in Hong Kong are now working from 12 to 14 hours per day in a six-day week and are getting £6 per month for it? Does he not realise that unless he can urge the Government of Hong Kong to establish a minimum living wage there, British workers simply cannot face that type of unfair competition?

This is far too big a matter to settle by question and answer, but I would remind the hon. Member that we have certain obligations to British Colonies which have no independent economic existence at G.A.T.T. except through the United Kingdom and that we should think very seriously before we change our historic policy.

On a point of order. In view of the Secretary of State's failure to give me an answer now, I will give him the chance to reply later by raising the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the cultivable land is actually under cultivation in St. Lucia; and what further steps are being taken.

About 35 per cent. is fully cultivated. To ensure more adequate cultivation of the remainder is largely a problem of improving peasant agriculture. To this end, schemes financed from Colonial Development and Welfare funds provide for agricultural extension staff, who assist by advice and demonstration, and for a variety of other agricultural development activities. Another recently approved scheme will provide agricultural credit which has up to now been the main lack.

Do not those figures prove that there is a lack of development in all these Leeward and the Windward Islands, and is it not time that more progress was made? Cannot the Colonial Development Corporation, particularly in view of the fact that we gave it some more money a fortnight ago, do something more about these groups of islands?

A considerable proportion of St. Lucia's allocation under the 1955–60 Colonial Development and Welfare Act, which was a generous one, has been or is being devoted to productive schemes. The problem is not only one of money, but also of changing established attitudes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the terms on which the recent general strike in the Bahamas was ended; and what steps he proposes to eliminate the workers' grievances.

The dispute between the taxi-cab union and the tour company operators, which led to the general strike, has been settled by a detailed legal agreement, a copy of which I am placing in the Library of the House. It is not possible to summarise its contents shortly, but it provides in detail for the way in which passengers from the airport should be transported in cars belonging to the two parties to the dispute. There were no specific terms on which the general strike ended, but, broadly speaking, there was a return to work on the same terms as those applying before the strike, wherever jobs were available.

With regard to the last part of the Question, the Governor informs me that it is now hoped that there will be support in the House of Assembly for the enactment of legislation for three purposes: first, to govern the remuneration and conditions of service of hotel workers and to provide machinery for dealing with grievances; second, to set up effective machinery for collective bargaining and to enable hotel and agricultural workers to form their own trade unions; and thirdly, to establish a Labour Department on the lines proposed in the Grossmith-Ogilvie Report—made by two members of my Department.

Whilst I note that reply, will the Minister agree that the matters referred to on the Order Paper, particularly in Question 42, are the ones underlying the dispute? Should they not be satisfied immediately to prevent further unrest, and do they not go beyond the three matters to which he has referred?

I will answer Question 42 when we get to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the legislation concerning emergency powers recently introduced in the Bahamas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that recently a Bill was introduced into the Bahamas Legislative Council which, if passed, will give almost unlimited power to the Governor to rule by order and regulation; if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that such powers should be given; and whether he will make a statement.

In practically all Colonial Territories the Governor has power, under either United Kingdom instruments or local legislation, to declare a state of emergency and to make emergency Regulations. There are at present no such powers in the Bahamas, and the Bill recently introduced into the Bahamas Legislature is designed to give the Governor the necessary powers. These would be exercised by the Governor only in time of emergency.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the timing of this legislation is regarded as peculiarly provocative, coming as it does immediately after the peaceful settlement of a dispute? Will he tell us whether this action was taken on the initiative of the Governor and why it is needed now, when, for instance, after a much worse disturbance in 1942 when the Duke of Windsor was Governor, no such powers were apparently required?

This is a wise move, and I have no indication that it is being resented.

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe, when the strike was settled as amicably as he indicated in answer to a previous Question, that the new machinery will have a reasonable chance of working in these islands when this kind of legislation is being introduced to give the Governor unlimited power at the Governor's discretion?

Yes, Sir, I do.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been made by the Government of the Bahamas to the request by the Bahamas Federation of Labour for union recognition, the lifting of barriers preventing hotel and agricultural workers forming their own unions, a 48-hour week, security against unjust dismissal and setting up a complaints procedure, as a result of the settling of the recent strike and to prevent further unrest in the island.

I am not aware that the Government of the Bahamas have refused registration of any legally constituted trade union. Since the settlement of the recent strike, legislation has been introduced to enable hotel and agricultural workers to form their own unions to govern remuneration and conditions of service of hotel workers; and to provide machinery for dealing with their grievances.

Does the Minister also favour the appointment of a Royal Commission, as has been requested, and if so, when?

That is quite another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far he was aware, before its publication by the Admiral Superintendent of Malta Dockyard, of the notice dated 20th January, 1958, laying down the penalties to be imposed on all dockyard employees who in future take any part in stoppages of work.

I was fully consulted at all stages about the publication of the notice.

Is the Minister aware that we are very much surprised at that Answer? Does he realise that there has been a loss of only 4½ hours work in the dockyard at Malta during the last twelve months? Further, does he not think that the circular, which states in one part that any people going on strike in future will have their paid leave entitlement reduced, that in the case of established men their position will be examined and that in the case of un-established men their records will be examined with a view to their suitability for establishment, reflects a very high-handed attitude indeed? In view of the delicacy of the position of Malta—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—will not the Minister take steps to have this circular withdrawn before it leads to further trouble?

The dockyard at Malta certainly has an enviable and splendid record of good industrial relations. The circular issued by the Admiralty should be read as a whole in order to put that passage in perspective. It was an attempt, and I think a useful one, to remind the workers there, at a time when we were hearing a great deal about privileges, of their obligations as well.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present intentions of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the future constitution of Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made with discussions concerning the future constitution of Malta; and whether he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) and other hon. Members on 23rd January.

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind the great concern recently expressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and others in the Church Assembly about religious freedom in Malta, and will he give an assurance that any new Constitution will include specific safeguards to prevent the violation of the principle of religious toleration?

I am on record as regarding that as of first importance and I hope that, in addition to reminding the House of the speech of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the hon. Member will also draw attention to Sir Kenneth Grubb's letter in The Times of yesterday.

In view of Press statements that Her Majesty's Ministers have met the 1922 Committee and discussed the Malta situation, and as the Government made the matter of Malta's future Constitution an all-party matter and set up a Round Table Conference to discuss it, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Her Majesty's Government still stand by the proposals of the Round Table Conference which the House debated and accepted?

Certainly, Sir. Her Majesty's Government have not departed from the policy announced in the House in favour of the integration plan, on the assumption that, as recommended by the Malta Round Table Conference, the Maltese people themselves demonstrate clearly and unmistakably that they desire it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement on the proposals of Her Majesty's Government for ending the Cyprus deadlock.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement of the Government's policy towards Cyprus.

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what constitutional proposals he is making for Cyprus.

I have nothing to add to previous Answers I have given to similar Questions, but my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is making a statement on his visits to Ankara and Athens at the end of Questions today.

Is it not time that the Colonial Secretary had something to add to his previous Answers? Is he not aware that there is a distinct responsibility upon him, as distinct from that carried by his right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary, and that the House must expect to hear something from him very soon?

My right hon. and learned Friend and I share responsibility and both hold the same view.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate into what an impossible situation he is putting Sir Hugh Foot? If the deadlock continues much longer, will it not be time for the right hon. Gentleman to consider his own position in the Government?

I venture to think that I am more often and closely in touch with the Governor than is the hon. Member, and that is certainly not his view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what developments are planned for the Probation Service in Uganda.

The long-term requirements for probation and after-care services will be assessed after consideration of the report of a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice which is investigating juvenile delinquency. In the meantime, a proposal for an interim increase by seven in the establishment of probation and after-care assistants and officers is under consideration.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that the provision for the probation service in Uganda in the last few years has been appallingly small and that expenditure on this very important service has been restricted to about £15,000 a year, whereas in one financial year alone new prisons were being constructed to the tune of nearly £500,000? Would it not be better for the probation service to be extended so that many hundreds of first offenders could receive probation treatment rather than be put into gaol?

I imagine that the adequacy of the probation system will figure in the report of the committee on juvenile delinquency to which I have referred.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the list of proscribed publications in Uganda is too long to be easily memorised, and that, as the Uganda Government takes no steps beyond initial announcement in the Official Gazette to publicise the list, there is little opportunity for it to become more widely known; and, as there is a danger of injustice being done to individuals who unwittingly come into possession of proscribed publications, whether he will arrange for the list to be reduced to more reasonable proportions.

My right hon. Friend is in touch with the Governor about ensuring that those who might be concerned know which publications are proscribed.

Is not the Minister aware that several people have been subject to charges over the possession of proscribed publications, and that many district commissioners and even policemen are unaware what publications are proscribed? Would he not ask those responsible to have an immediate look at this question, so that this list can be either reduced to reasonable proportions or abolished?

We had better wait until we hear from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies by what methods of procedure the inhabitants of British North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei will be consulted as to their views on the proposals for federation made by the Governors of British North Borneo and Sarawak and for the use of the coastal strips north of Jesselton for the training of British troops.

The people of North Borneo and Sarawak can express their views through their local councils, through unofficial members in the central Legislatures, in the Press, and in representative bodies such as Chambers of Commerce, as well as, of course, to the district officers. As to Brunei, Her Majesty's Government will at all times consult His Highness the Sultan as to the wishes of his people. The question of the use of coastal strips north of Jesselton is, of course, a North Borneo matter only.

Will the Colonial Secretary answer that part of the Question where it is said that federation is under discussion? Does he think that we should renounce our responsibilities in that area by federation among these three territories?

There is no question of renouncing responsibilities. The purpose of the two broadcasts was to focus attention on the issues involved and to initiate public discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to implement the recommendation of the Asian Regional Conference of the International Labour Organisation in New Delhi in November, 1957, for the expansion of co-operatives and of systems of credit, improvement of the supply of raw materials and adequate training schemes in Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour gave to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen) on 12th February.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Singapore, while great progress is being made in organising industry, not so much progress is being made in agriculture and fisheries—[Interruption.] After that very minor local diversion, caused by the entrance of the Prime Minister, may I repeat—

Just a little domestic affair.

May I repeat that while in Singapore great developments have taken place and good progress has been made in industry and not so much progress has been made in agriculture and fisheries, in Hong Kong the reverse is the case? May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will consider the extension of co-operative housing on the lines of the Civil Service co-operatives there, in order to deal with the homeless and the roof-top dwellers, particularly in the textile industry, which employs most of the workers in Hong Kong?

I think that is a very much wider question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which colonial and trust territories, respectively, trade union leaders have the freedom to visit employer-owned labour camps and places of employment and work for the purpose of spreading trade union propaganda and for the purpose of organising labour, as distinct from the freedom extended to labour officers.

As in this country, it is entirely within an employer's discretion whether he allows trade union organisers access to his property or places of employment. Comprehensive information on the practice of all employers in all territories is not available to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent it is the intention of the Government of Northern Rhodesia that offences connected with picketing in trades disputes will be dealt with in future under the penal code instead of under the Trade Disputes Act.

Not at all; provision for picketing in trade disputes is made under Section 25 of the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance, 1949.

Has not the attention of the Minister been drawn to the Penal Code Amendment Order, 1957, which, among other things, raises the penalties for picketing and also extends the scope for prosecutions by making it unnecessary for the consent of the Attorney-General to be given? Will the hon. Gentleman comment on these changes, and does he not think they are liable to make relations in the territory much worse?

No, Sir. That ordinance consolidated the penal code legislation to control the watching and besetting of premises other than in trade disputes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what special arrangements are being made by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to find alternative employment for the unemployed African miners from the Bancroft Mine; and what is the number of Africans who have applied to return to their tribal homes and the number who reside in the area with their families.

Through the expanded Government employment exchange services, 500 vacancies at the Kariba hydro-electric project will be offered for Africans, including miners. The Northern Rhodesian Government's £2 million development plan for the two Northern Provinces will absorb others. Up to last Friday, 1,225 Africans had volunteered for immediate repatriation, and already 165, accompanied by 78 wives and 143 children, have been repatriated. At the end of January there were 4,209 Africans employed at The mine, of whom 2,430 had their families with them.

May I ask the Secretary of State particularly what is being done for those families who have now been uprooted from their tribal areas and settled in the mining area in the matter of finding them employment, or at least maintaining them while employment is being found?

Help is being given in a variety of ways. I will gladly write to the hon. Member and give him particulars, or have them published in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what categories of work in the civil services in Bermuda are reserved for white workers; upon whose recommendation appointments are made; and what public examinations or qualifying educational examinations are held before such appointments are made.

There are no special categories of work in the Civil Service in Bermuda specially reserved for white or coloured individuals. The recommending authority depends on the category of appointments. The only qualifying examination held locally is for clerical posts and consists of a simple test of English, arithmetic and general knowledge.

Is not the Minister aware that, in actual practice, this racial discrimination actually exists in Bermuda? Is it not a fact that, although denied by Her Majesty's Government, the colour bar is there, and, what is worse, is existing in Government services?

Where coloured individuals are capable of carrying out and are qualified to carry out the jobs concerned, no discrimination against them on grounds of colour is made at all.