asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the salaries and prospects for British civil servants in Nigeria are inadequate; and what steps he is taking to increase them.

Yes, Sir, I am much concerned with this question and for that reason, as the House already knows, I recently arranged for Sir John Martin to visit Nigeria and to report on the situation there. I am now considering his recommendations, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Does the Secretary of State realise that civil servants throughout the Colonies and all well-wishers of the Colonial Service will welcome the declaration that he has just made? Does he realise that the present policy is diminishing prematurely the administrative staffs in the Colonies, where they are wanted?

It is not the policy which is diminishing the numbers. I agree that administrative staff are greatly required. I am very conscious of the matter and anxious about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the average per capita income per annum in Nigeria.

The estimated average per capita income in Nigeria in 1956—the latest year for which figures are available—is £22.

Is the hon. Gentleman able to say how the Northern Region compares with other regions in this respect?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what charges eleven members of the Northern Elements Progressive Union in Kano, Nigeria, were found guilty; and how many other members of this political party are now in jail.

The hon. Member may have in mind an incident last January when eleven people, whose political affiliations are unknown, were convicted of holding a meeting in Kano Emirate without the necessary permit from the Native Authority. They were discharged on appeal. I cannot answer the second part of the Question since the political affiliations of prisoners in Nigeria are not recorded.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House to what extent now we have any responsibility in matters of this kind, and can he say whether his right hon. Friend is satisfied that freedom of expression exists in Northern Nigeria?

Oh, yes, in reply to the last part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend is perfectly satisfied to that extent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply was given by the Government of Nigeria to the proposal of the All-Nigeria Trade Union Federation to nationalise the mining industry and to withdraw from the International Tin Council.

I am asking the Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria for the information and will write to the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the hardship caused by this restrictive export agreement and the fact that already there are 5,000 out of work in Nigeria? Does not this call for a different kind of marketing of raw materials, particularly in the Commonwealth?

I think we had better wait until we hear from the Governor-General, but the agreement was adhered to by Nigeria's representative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Federal Government of Nigeria have been concerned with the granting of oil concessions to the Shell-B.P. Petroleum Company; and what conditions, with regard to the sharing of profits, if the oil so far discovered is found to be of commercial value, have been established by the contracting parties.

The Federal Government of Nigeria are responsible for the granting of these concessions. The conditions on which profits should be shared are in process of negotiation between the Federal Government and the company.

I think that we all welcome the arrival of some of this oil in this country. It is an historic moment and we hope that there will be more to come. Will the hon. Gentleman urge on the oil companies a most generous and wise settlement of this matter, because the oil comes from the poorest Nigerian Region—the Eastern Region—and we hope for a satisfactory solution of the problem?

I am sure that this is properly a matter for the Nigerian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the duration of the discussions between the University College of the West Indies and the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture on the question of providing a first degree in agriculture in the Caribbean; and when it is hoped to conclude these discussions and announce a decision.

I know my hon. Friend understands that discussion between these two institutions is not a matter that falls within my right hon. Friend's direct responsibility. I believe, however, that the discussions to which he refers started several years ago. On the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 13th February.

In view of the fact that these discussions have been going on for so long, will my hon. Friend use whatever influence he has in the matter in order to expedite the announcement of a decision?

I do not think that it needs the use of my influence. I know that those concerned understand the position as clearly as the hon. Member does.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is taken to inform West Indians proposing to emigrate that it is becoming more difficult to find employment in the United Kingdom.

Information on all aspects of conditions in the United Kingdom, with particular emphasis on employment, is made available to intending emigrants through the reports made to the Government of the West Indies by the British Caribbean Welfare Service, but the Migrant Advisory Bureau in Jamaica, and by radio and Press publicity in the West Indies.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Brixton, for example, 2,482 people are registered as unemployed, including quite a number of West Indians, and that this is a growing problem? Is not it necessary and desirable to give clear warning that jobs and homes are not readily available here?

The hon. Member used the words "including quite a number of West Indians". I should require to know how many before I could answer his supplementary question. I have no information to suggest that there is any significant recent change in employment conditions for West Indians here.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schemes are being proceeded with in British Guiana to assist in overcoming unemployment.

A large part of the Government's development programme is designed to provide and encourage increased opportunities for employment in peasant farming, through land development schemes, and in various other ways. More jobs are also being provided as a result of new investments in mining, new factories and local industries.

Does not the Minister agree that if a positive policy were pursued in regard to the highway system and lines of communication within British Guiana it might provide a means of accommodating much of the unemployment which exists there? Further, does not he agree that greater initiative in regard to further development should be taken in the Mara and Skeldon areas of British Guiana?

I am satisfied that the Government of British Guiana are aware of the problem and will do everything possible to make new opportunities for employment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the unemployment figures for British Guiana; and how such figures compare with twelve months ago.

No official unemployment figures are at present available, but a report has just been received of the survey of unemployment and underemployment which has been carried out by an International Labour Organisation expert, and this is now being carefully studied.

In view of the fact that the hon. Member is not in a position to give us the true figures about unemployment in British Guiana, can he give the House the number of young people of school-leaving age, and state what opportunities are likely to be afforded to these young people to take up employment in that country?

That is a much wider question. I shall do my best to answer it if the hon. Member puts it on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what system is in operation in British Guiana for the registration of unemployed; and what liaison exists between such organisation and industry.

Registration is voluntary. There are employment exchanges in Georgetown and New Amsterdam under the direction of the Commissioner of Labour. The Commissioner is advised by two committees, the Employment Exchanges Standing Committee and the Juvenile Employment Committee, comprising representatives of employers and trade unions and social organisations.

Does not the hon. Member agree that this matter requires examining most seriously? It is a serious matter for British Guiana. Under the present set-up it is practically impossible to ascertain the unemployment position. If we have not the degree of liaison that we ought to have within these territories, how can we make progress in providing the opportunities which the people ought to have?

I believe that the I.L.O. expert's examination, to which I have already referred, will be a very valuable contribution to finding out more of the information to which the hon. Member refers. Meanwhile, I am satisfied that the Government are doing everything in their power.

Can the Minister tell us when the studies of these figures and of this report are likely to be concluded, and when the hon. Member will be able to reach any conclusions about them?

I am afraid that I cannot give that information now, because the report will primarily be to the Government there, and it is being urgently looked at now. I cannot give any estimate as to when the report will be available. I cannot say anything further, except that we shall try to keep hon. Members in touch.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many limited liability companies have been registered in Jamaica during the past year with a capital of £5,000 and more; how many established companies of similar size have increased their capital during the same period and whether he will continue to support the Government of Jamaica in its plans for industrial and agricultural expansion.

Sixty-eight companies. A further 37 increased their capital to £5,000 or more during 1957. The answer to the last part of the question is "Yes" so far as our capacity and other commitments allow us to do so.

Can my hon. Friend say how much this industrial expansion has been brought about by the Jamaican Pioneer Industries legislation?

To a considerable degree.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made for the teaching of Arabic in secondary schools or colleges in Kenya.

All classes in the Arab Secondary School at Mombasa are given instruction in Arabic.

Arabic is not taught as a subject at the Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education, which is a technical training institute, but one period is devoted to Islamic religious teaching each week in addition to daily prayers and Friday worship.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Kenya Government now propose to implement the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Land in East Africa that the Highlands in Kenya should no longer be subject to exclusive occupation by white settlers but should be available for African farming under proper safeguards.

The Kenya Government's position in this matter remains as stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 14th November, 1957.

Will the Secretary of State tell us what are the objections to the White Highlands being developed?

As I told the hon. Gentleman then, last November, the Royal Commission expressly linked the reservation of African land and the reservation of European land as being two aspects of the same problem of reservation. In its view, therefore, action in one field would not be proper without action in another. That raises a great many very important issues.

Is not it a fact that leading white settlers like Mr. Lipscomb, Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Michael Blundell are in favour of opportunity being given to a number of African farmers, on the basis of good husbandry and good farming? Would not the right hon. Gentleman listen to those leaders of white opinion in the Colony itself?

I have seen with great pleasure the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture and others. I realise that more people are beginning to see that this is an agrarian rather than a political problem.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals are being considered by the Government of Tanganyika to provide alternative employment for the 6,000 to 8,000 African labourers who will no longer be able to work in the copper mines of Northern Rhodesia as a result of restrictions on immigrant employment.

The Government of Tanganyika expect sufficient employment to be available locally for Africans who might formerly have sought work in the Northern Rhodesia copper mines. Plans have, however, been made to help any who may still wish to migrate for employment by increasing facilities for employment on the Rand.

Does the Minister consider that the rate of development in Tanganyika is sufficient to absorb these additional people who will be constantly available?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now state what conclusions have been reached regarding the recommendations made in the Report of the United Nations Visiting Mission to Tanganyika.

The Report is still under discussion in the Trusteeship Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to be able to announce the conclusions of Her Majesty's Government on this matter, as the Government of Tanganyika have already indicated their attitude?

I agree with the observations of the Government of Tanganyika. As the hon. Gentleman knows, a copy of their observations has been put in the Library. I have not myself control over the timetable of the Trusteeship Council.

The question is what conclusions have been reached regarding recommendations? Those must be conclusions by Her Majesty's Government and not by the Trusteeship Council. Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the conclusions of Her Majesty's Government?

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would be among the first to say that it would be courteous to the Trusteeship Council to wait until it had made its full comments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many children of school age in Tanganyika live at such distance from school as to make it impracticable for them to attend without transport.

This information is not available.

Do not a very large number of children live so far away from the schools that it is unreasonable to expect them to go? In view of that fact, and of the comparatively high fees charged, does not the Under-Secretary of State think that he ought to withdraw the strictures which he made on the parents of Tanganyika for not using to the full the school places?

No, Sir, I do not think so. I thought very carefully before I said what I did on that occasion. I think the hon. Gentleman will find that there is substance in what I said about the difficulty which must exist in territories of this sort with the number of schools in rural areas where the population is very sparsely distributed. The Government are doing all they can to provide the right number of schools in the right places.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the recent dismissal of Mr. George Skelt from his employment by the Singapore City Council.

I am told that on 13th February the Staff Committee of the Singapore City Council held Mr. Skelt to be guilty of contravening the rules of conduct and discipline laid down for City Council employees, and recommended his dismissal from the Council's service. On 28th February the City Council confirmed the recommendation of the Staff Committee. I understand that an appeal to the City Council against this decision has been lodged on behalf of Mr. Skelt by the City Council Senior Officers' Association.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this case appears to be one of victimisation; that a British subject with a good reputation extending over many years of service is being made the victim of a shabby trick in order to get rid of him as cheaply as possible? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the necessity to give expatriate British subjects the confidence of having the support of Her Majesty's Government in the difficult positions and jobs in which they find themselves?

I fully understand the need to give confidence to expatriates in Singapore and elsewhere. My constitutional position in relation to employees of Government agencies is one which I have tried to explain in this House on previous occasions. As in this case there is an appeal pending, I think it better if I do not make any comments this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the proposed constitutional changes in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

I have nothing to add to my reply on 6th March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very grave situation throughout the whole of Central Africa, and how important it is that African claims in these two Territories should be met, if there is to be an easing of the situation? Will he reassure the African population at an early date?

I cannot accept that there is a grave situation throughout the whole of Central Africa. I am very well aware of the great importance which some people, understandably, attach to these constitutional developments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the conclusions reached in the discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta regarding the integration of the Colony with the United Kingdom, the maintenance of employment, the provision of social services, and the progressive advance of the standard of life.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about his discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the constitutional future of Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement upon his talks with the Prime Minister of Malta.

As my discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta are not concluded, I am not yet able to make a statement.

While not pressing the Minister to make a statement now, may I ask him whether he is aware that many of us are tremendously conscious of the service which the people of Malta have given to this country? Further, is he aware that our desire is that in these negotiations there shall be generosity—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—yes, generosity—so that, after having been used for military purposes, they shall not be thrown on the scrap heap because of new defence arrangements?

No such ludicrous development was ever contemplated.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he will have the sympathetic support of hon. Members on this side of this side of the House in these difficult negotiations which he is now conducting? Would not the alternative of independence, which is referred to in some quarters, be economic suicide for the people of Malta, and gravely endanger the good will in this country for Malta and the good will in Malta for this country?

A great many people would agree with my hon. Friend.

Can the Colonial Secretary at least say that so far as he is concerned the policy of integration which the whole House approves is still the basis of Her Majesty's Government's approach to the government of Malta?

I answered a Question on that a few weeks ago, and I have nothing to add today.

Regarding the financial aspects of this matter, will the Colonial Secretary bear in mind that as we are maintaining our Estimates here at their current level, it would ill attune were any drastic cuts suggested in the grants made by the Government to the people of Malta during this financial year?

The important thing is the amount of money which should be available, and I think that other sources than Her Majesty's Government ought to play their part in helping over that.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the next stage, whether negotiations will be resumed, and so on?

They have not stopped.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent visits of the Prime Minister of Malta and of the leader of the Progressive Constitutional Party, Miss Strickland, to this country and of the opportunity that was given both to Ministers and hon. Members of this House to hear their views on Maltese questions, he will now invite the Leader of the official Opposition in Malta Dr. Borg Olivier, to visit this country, or to send a representative.

The Prime Minister of Malta is here as leader of a Maltese Government delegation: Miss Strickland came on her own initiative. Whilst, of course, I would be prepared to listen to the views of Dr. Borg Olivier, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to invite him to London.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that constitutionally this is rather a difficult problem? If the Prime Minister of a Colony comes here, possibly on Government funds—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—why not indeed—he is quite likely to discuss matters also from a party point of view, and if a lady who is very rich is also able to come, is it not hard luck on the real Opposition in Malta, which is not sufficiently well-off to afford to send representatives? In these critical days, might not it be good for us to know what the Opposition has to say?

The subjects of the talks I am having with the Prime Minister of Malta are really only appropriate to negotiations between Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who were the members appointed by the representative members on the Uganda Legislative Council to report on Income Tax in East Africa.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the nine members who were appointed by the Representative Members' Organisation to consider, together with representatives of other bodies, the Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Income Tax in East Africa.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recommendation by the members of the Uganda Legislative Council for substantial cuts in personal Income Tax on higher levels of incomes seems rather shocking, and sets a bad example in a country where there is still so much to be done in the way of development? Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the next step in the matter?

The next step is that the Commission's Report is still under consideration by all the East African Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals the Governor of Uganda has made to the Buganda Lukiko to secure the fullest possible registration of electors for the direct elections to the Legislative Council; and what efforts have been made to secure direct elections to the Buganda Lukiko.

Following discussions with a delegation from the Lukiko, the Governor of Uganda has replied to the Lukiko resolution of 4th March and has called upon the Lukiko to say categorically whether or not it wishes direct elections to the Legislative Council to be held in Buganda this year. I have arranged for copies of the Governor's reply to be placed in the Library.

As regards the introduction of direct elections to the Lukiko, a motion proposing this was defeated in the Lukiko last November, when it was decided to postpone consideration of this issue until after the system of direct elections to the Legislative Council had been observed in practice.

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware of the great importance of direct elections taking place in Buganda at the same time as they take place in the rest of Uganda? Is it not important also that direct elections to the Buganda Lukiko should soon take place?

To the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question my answer would be "Yes". On the second part, I regard the question of elections to the Lukiko as primarily a domestic matter for the people of Buganda.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present objections of the Buganda Government to the registration of electors for the proposed Legislative Council elections.

The Kabaka's Government objected to the appointment by the Protectorate Government of Buganda Chiefs as assistant registration officers, and to their taking an oath not to reveal election secrets which, it was claimed, would be in conflict with their oath of allegiance to the Kabaka. The Protectorate Government made suggestions to overcome these difficulties, but the Lukiko subsequently resolved that preparations for elections be suspended in Buganda pending discussions on certain constitutional issues.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members on, I believe, both sides of the House have been disappointed by the objections put up by the Kabaka's Government in this matter, and that we hope that they will very soon come to a decision whereby such registration may proceed?

I share that hope.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent in his discussions about the future of Cyprus consideration has been given to the federation of British, Greek and Turkish sectors of the island under a federal island government, and without change in sovereignty.

In the discussions that I have held and am holding no possible constitutional solution has been excluded.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the federal scheme obviates much of the danger of the partition scheme and could give the three countries concerned—Britain, Turkey and Greece—some measure of what each of them desires?

I am sure that all people in the many countries who follow this business with great care will listen to the statement of my hon. Friend.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give us a little more indication than he has given in the first part of his Answer of the people with whom he is now discussing the future of Cyprus? Is he aware that there is a feeling in the island that, because of the fall of the Greek Government, Her Majesty's Government are taking no initiative whatsoever? If he can remove that feeling by indicating what discussions are now going on, and with whom, he may be able to regain a little of the initiative.

I really do not believe that that would help forward the business which we all have at heart.

What does the Colonial Secretary want to achieve in this matter? Is not it a common purpose to endeavour to maintain peace in the island? Is not he aware of the outbreaks of violence that have taken place in the last fortnight? Is not he further aware that that is partly due to the feeling that Her Majesty's Government are taking no action because of the fall of the Greek Government? Is it not, therefore, in his own interests as well as in the interests of the British people and of the people of Cyprus, that the right hon. Gentleman should give us a little more information than he has given in the first part of his Answer about the people with whom he is discussing and what he is discussing?

I am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman's intentions, but if I responded as he wishes I do not believe that the result of his intentions would be fulfilled.

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that, if we cannot get the information in any other way, I will try to raise the matter on the Adjournment before the Easter Recess.

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

I am afraid I have nothing at present to add to the reply given on 5th March by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affiairs.

Is it too much to expect the right hon. Gentleman to have something to say about Cyprus very soon? Does he realise that he is putting an intolerable strain on all these people who want law and order kept in Cyprus? Would not it be a good idea if he started talking with representatives of the Cypriot people instead of getting mixed up with all these foreign Governments?

If the problem were as simple as that, it would have been solved long ago.

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman realises that hon. Members have shown very great restraint about the anxious position in the island. Can he indicate when he may be able to make a more definite statement about the future of these people?

I assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that I am anxious to be able to do so, and that I will do so as soon as it is possible to make a worth-while statement.

When?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the cost to the jewellery trade, because of the high deposits required by Her Majesty's Customs, of taking samples overseas for exhibition in Nicosia, what steps he will take to amend the restrictions which at present hamper the export of jewellery to Cyprus.

I am advised that no deposits are required by the United Kingdom authorities on exports of jewellery to Cyprus. In case the hon. Member has in mind possible import restrictions in Cyprus, I am asking the Governor for information and will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that my information is that a manufacturer recently was asked for a deposit of £12,000, that he could raise a deposit of only £2,000 and, as a result, he lost many thousands of pounds worth of trade?

As I am sure the hon. Member knows, there are international regulations about this matter. I think we had better await the reply to the question I have addressed to the Governor of Cyprus. Then we shall know the actual position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Hong Kong to encourage new industries which do not require high capital investment, in order to provide employment for the increasing numbers of unemployed workers.

The Hong Kong Government give much aid to small-scale industries by providing special accommodation on resettlement estates and by establishing specially designed experimental factories. Furthermore these industries, in common with others, enjoy the benefits of great Government activity in land reclamation, water supply improvement, and overseas trade promotion. The population of Hong Kong is increasing, but I have no evidence that unemployment is.

While those efforts are welcomed, is not it the case that, as the result of the closing of the dockyard, there has been a considerable increase in the number of unemployed? While there is no registration, is any attempt made to give a dependable estimate of the number of people unemployed in Hong Kong? Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, if we are to give these people a sense of belonging to a community, a job and a home are absolutely necessary?

The hon. Gentleman is not quite right. Of the 390 workers discharged from the dockyard by 15th March, only 15 below retiring age are still without work, and at least 10 of those are under consideration for new jobs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has noted the speech to the Hong Kong Legislative Council on 18th December, 1957, in which the former Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, regretted the failure of the United Kingdom Government to bear an equitable share of the cost of the refugee problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have noted the speech and am glad of this opportunity to pay a tribute to the splendid work done by the Hong Kong Government in resettling refugees. Since 1945 Hong Kong has received from Her Majesty's Government Colonial Development and Welfare allocations exceeding £1 million and an interest-free loan of £3 million towards the cost of rebuilding Kai Tak airport. Bearing this assistance in mind, and the relative needs of Hong Kong compared with those of other territories and the very heavy calls on our resources, Her Majesty's Government did not feel justified in making a specific contribution to the refugee problem.

Does not the Colonial Secretary regard it as a very serious matter when a Governor of the experience of Sir Alexander Grantham makes a devastating attack on the Government for their irresponsibility in regard to the financial aspect of the refugee problem? Is not it the case that during the period of the problem Hong Kong has spent more than 300 million Hong Kong dollars and this has restricted the general social and economic development of the Colony? Will not the Colonial Secretary see if he can give a little more help than is represented by the £1 million he mentioned?

I do not recognise in the hon. Member's rather flamboyant language the actual speech made by the retiring Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what weekly wages are paid to dock workers in Zanzibar; and if he will make a statement on their general conditions of employment.

Dock workers in Zanzibar are not paid on a weekly basis. Permanently employed stevedores receive minimum monthly salaries of 140s., rising to 170s.; casual labourers are paid 7s. for an eight-hour day from Mondays to Fridays, and 4s. 6d. for a five-hour day on Saturdays. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement on general conditions of employment of unskilled workers.

Are not those very low figures indeed for unskilled labourers? As a result, is there not a great deal of discontent? As a matter of fact, I have a cutting here from a Zanzibar newspaper which says that the discontent among dock workers is partly due to low wages, unpalatable food and general frustration because of conditions of labour. Does the Minister agree that those things are true?

I have not read the article to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I would tell him that the employers have recently offered a higher rate of pay for all labour and an increase in overtime rates with effect from 1st February. This offer is at present under consideration by the dock workers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in respect of the present conditions in Aden and the Protectorate.

The new constitutional proposals in Aden Colony have received general public approval, although some points are still under consideration. The trade unions in Aden are reported to be contemplating a general strike soon; it is believed their contention may be that the immigration policy of the Aden Government is not sufficiently strict.

As regards Aden Protectorate the Yemenis are still causing provocation on the frontier. They have been firing guns of various calibres across the frontier at subjects of the Protectorate Rulers and at their and our security forces; they have been fomenting dissidence within the Protectorate States. All necessary measures will continue to be taken to protect the Rulers of the frontier States and their people from this continuous aggression.

Is any attempt being made, or is an attempt likely to be made in the near future, to secure reconsideration of the cause of the incidents to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred?

We are always anxious, of course, to bring about a calmer situation on every frontier. Our record in this case proves that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many hospitals for mental illness and infectious diseases there are in the South Cameroons; how many training centres exist in that area for medical practitioners, pharmacists, health inspectors and others engaged in medical, health or nursing services; and what steps are being taken to meet more adequately the need for hospital, medical and nursing services in the area.

I have asked the Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria about this and will write to the hon. Member when I receive a reply.

Has any attempt been made to draw the attention of the authorities there to the quite inadequate medical and similar facilities with a view to meeting these needs?

The medical facilities which exist there are being improved as time goes on. A grant of £139,000 from C.D. and W. funds towards the cost of development of medical and health services in the Southern Cameroons during the period 1955–60 was approved during 1955–56.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans have been made for constitutional progress in the British Cameroons, in view of the connection between this problem and the forthcoming independence of the Federation of Nigeria; how far it is the intention to consult public opinion; and how and when this will be done.

An Order in Council which is being laid before Parliament today, provides for the considerable constitutional advances in the Southern Cameroons which were agreed at last year's Nigeria Conference. The Northern Cameroons continues to develop as part of the Northern Region, which is seeking Regional self-government in March next.

I informed last year's Conference that before Nigeria becomes independent, the peoples of the British Cameroons would have to say freely what their wishes were as to their own future, and that Her Majesty's Government would of course pay the very greatest regard to their views whatever form they might take. The timing and method of ascertaining the wishes of the people will be considered in the light of the advance of Nigeria towards independence and our responsibilities to the United Nations under the Trusteeship Agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are being made for the future financing of the Cameroons Development Corporation.

Proposals have been made by the Colonial Development Corporation for its participation in the Cameroons Development Corporation. These proposals are at present under consideration locally.

Can my hon. Friend say how long it is likely to be before the House can be given more information in view of the fact that the financing is likely to be on a large scale by the Corporation, which has done excellent work since the war?

I agree with the last observation made by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am afraid I cannot answer the first part of his supplementary question, except to say that all speed is being used.

Will the Order in Council mentioned a moment ago be debatable in this House? Will it be subject to the affirmative or the negative Resolution procedure.

It will not be debatable in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he has in mind for constitutional reform in Fiji.

None, Sir, but I know that the Government of Fiji have the question of constitutional reform under review.

Will the Minister confirm that for the first time the Indian immigrant population now outnumbers the indigenous Polynesian population, and that the Indian population is wealthy—they are the middle men—and with their money they wish to buy land; but obviously the land is in the hands of the Fijian people and that is causing considerable tension? Will he consider appointing a Commission to look at the matter before it blows up, as it might, into a situation like that in Kenya or Cyprus? Can that be looked at before it gets too late?

I see no reason to do that. The question of constitutional political change was not an issue in the elections to the Legislative Council in August, 1956. It would be giving a misleading impression to suggest that there are widespread demands or desires for significant political change.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the matter before it is too late, because in two years or five years it might blow up into a situation such as we have seen in other Colonies?

I am certainly looking at the situation all the time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to make a statement regarding constitutional advance in Northern Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision he has reached about the future composition of the Executive Council in Northern Rhodesia.

As regards a statement, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 6th March to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan). As regards Executive Council, the answer is "None, Sir." Although I have had some discussion about the Northern Rhodesian constitution with the Governor and with some others concerned, I am not in a position to reach decisions about the future composition of Executive Council, or any other aspect of the constitution, until I have received the firm recommendations of the Northern Rhodesian Government.

While accepting that reply, may I ask the Colonial Secretary to bear in mind that the African people are in a difficult mood, following on the objectionable action of the Federal Government in the last Constitutional Amendment Bill? Will he also bear in mind that any liberal action he may take, such as, for example, parity between the white-elected and the African-elected members, would be helpful to the Congress leaders in steadying their followers in this matter?

If I do not follow up the hon. Gentleman's remarks, I must not be taken to agree with the words he has used in regard to the Federal Government.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask if he will think of the difficulty facing a single African representative, and, Possibly, consider withdrawing the European representative of African interests so that there might be two African representatives?

From my experience elsewhere, I am very well aware of the difficulties in which a single representative, bound by a solemn oath, might find himself in the various Commonwealth Territories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the special position of strain created in this Territory by the decision of the Government to over-rule the recommendation of the African Affairs Board, and that it is therefore doubly incumbent on him to consult African opinion on this before reaching a conclusion, and can he assure the House that he will do so?

I had two interviews last week—one, very long—with Mr. Sokota, who came over for that express purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now considered the report of the accountant investigating operating costs of London taxi-cabs; and whether he is in a position to announce a reduction in the present 6d. surcharge as a result of the fall in fuel prices.

I authorised the surcharge last September, as an interim measure, to cover a number of items of increased costs of operation which have occurred since the present scale of fares was fixed in 1951. The recent falls in the prices of fuel offset only a very small part of these increases. The accountant's interim report shows that a little more time is needed before the full effect of the increased costs can be judged. I have, therefore, decided to postpone a full revision of the scale of fares, and that the surcharge should be retained meanwhile.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to take note that not only has the price of fuel fallen, but also that of tyres, and that it is very desirable to get this surcharge reduced as soon as possible?

Naturally, everyone would wish to see a surcharge reduced, if it could be done. All I am asking my hon. and gallant Friend is to await a little further experience, so that I get the full view of what the position actually is. I will, in the meantime, undertake to take into account what he has said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in order to give the benefit of an hour's extra daylight in the evening, if he will take measures for extending summer time this year until the end of October.

No, Sir.

Is the Home Secretary aware that his reply will give great dissatisfaction to many who think that one hour of extra daylight in October would be of great benefit to health and a boon to many people?

asked the Prime Minister to what extent the speech of the Minister of Defence at the meeting of the National Union of Conservative Associations on the question of the use of the hydrogen bomb represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The speech was entirely in accord with the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the rôle of nuclear weapons.

Is the Prime Minister aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence said that the official Labour Party is 99·9 per cent. sound on defence? Does that mean that he agrees 99·9 per cent. with the official defence policy of the Labour Party, and what is the ·1 per cent. that the mystery is about?

I should not like to be drawn in great detail into these mathematical calculations. If my right hon. Friend was over-optimistic, I must, of course, ask him to make a new calculation more in relation to the objective consideration of the facts.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the confusion arising from the varying interpretation of Government policy by Ministers, if he will ensure that Ministerial statements conform in every case to the announced policy of Her Majesty's Government.

It is through the statements of Ministers that Government policy is announced.

Almost every week, and almost every day, there are different statements from different Ministers, each contradicting the other, on various aspects of Government policy, particularly in regard to the Rent Act. Does not the Prime Minister think it far better to have all these Ministers at least declaring the policy of the Government with one voice?

I think that the policy of the Government as expressed by the Ministers is consistent and clear. I do not feel quite the same with regard to the policy of the Opposition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is quite incorrect in what he has just said; that the official Labour Party policy on defence, declared at the last conference of the party at Brighton, remains official policy?

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but I think that he should not reopen these old wounds.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a United States bomber accidentally jettisoned an unarmed nuclear weapon in Georgia on 11th March causing injury and destruction; and what discussions he has recently had with the appropriate authorities to prevent such an occurrence in Great Britain.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on Tuesday.

asked the Prime Minister what information he has received from the United States Government of the contents of the sealed orders carried by the United States bombers now patrolling over Britain with hydrogen bombs aboard.

As was stated in the Defence White Paper, operational plans are co-ordinated between Bomber Command and the United States Air Force.

Does not the Prime Minister's reply mean that he has admitted that planes are patrolling overhead at this moment with sealed orders, to be operated instantly in the event of war? If that is so, is not it a contradiction of the pledge he gave to this House on Tuesday that there is no permanent standing patrol taking place by bombers with H-bombs at this moment for deterrent purposes?

If the hon. Lady's premise was right, her conclusion might also be right, but her premise is wrong. I know of no such orders. It is perfectly clear that the operational use of bomber bases, British bases, is governed by the Governmental agreement first entered into by Mr. Attlee's Government—as he then was—and then confirmed by my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) at a later stage.

asked the Prime Minister if his meeting with the President of the United States of America is planned to take place before or after the Summit Conference.

asked the Prime Minister why his visit to the United States of America is not to take place before June.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the agenda for his forthcoming talks next June with President Eisenhower; and what advisers he intends to take with him.

The De Pauw University ceremonies which I am to attend take place in June. I am using the opportunity of my visit to the United States to have some talks with the President and the Secretary of State; and the subjects discussed will depend on the circumstances at the time. I have not yet decided who shall accompany me. Whether my visit would precede or follow a Summit Conference depends on when a Summit Conference will take place.

is the Minister aware that this visit is being construed as an exercise in feet dragging—[Interruption.]—and when he sees the President, will he say that this stink of defeat, this defeatism which the American correspondents say they can sense in this country, is really exasperation, indignation and impatience at the way in which we are being held back in our attempt to get a political settlement at the summit?

No. This invitation was extended to me several months ago for a purely personal reason, and, perhaps, a sentimental reason as far as I am concerned, as my grandfather was the first medical student at this university. I said that I would accept, if it were possible—as I think that it may be, perhaps—to get leave for a day or two to do this. It would be quite natural that, in passing back through Washington, I should have discussions with the President and with the Secretary of State. What will be the precise situation at that moment I cannot tell, but any moment such as this is a useful opportunity for personal contacts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if the subject of his lecture will be "British By-elections and Their Significance"?

No, Sir, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I will consult him beforehand, because he could give me some very good jokes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the replies he has given indicate that he is treating this matter too lightly—[Laughter.]—and the laughter of his supporters supports this view? Will he frankly answer the question whether his visit, his long-delayed visit, is in relation to the Summit Conference and whether it is to be in the nature of a prologue, an epilogue or a post mortem?

No, Sir. I try to get some help on the question of jocosity from the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes), and I will take, if I can, lessons in solemnity from the hon. and learned Gentleman.

May I ask the Prime Minister a question about the position with regard to the summit talks, rather than an announcement on the address which I understand he is to give at an American university? Can he say what the position now is? Most of us, I think, are getting a little tired of the continual exchange of letters on both sides putting forward proposals which we know the other side cannot possibly accept. We want to see some progress made towards the summit. Can the Prime Minister say whether it is the view of the Government that there is no prospect of summit talks unless, first of all, the Russians agree to the precise form of the talks between the Foreign Secretaries which has been put forward by the United States; or will not he consider that there may be a case for summit talks even in the absence of prior negotiations, so long as there have been preparatory talks about the agenda, the place and the time?

Without making any reflections on the precise implications of the right hon. Gentleman's phrases, which I would rather answer after I have seen them on the Order Paper—I shall be very happy to answer a Question carefully after seeing it—I would say frankly and broadly that my position remains as I have stated it many times in this House and the country. I want these summit talks to take place. I want them urgently, but I want them to take place—and I think this is the position of our allies—in conditions which give us a good hope of some result, even of a comparatively unambitious result, in some part of the field. If we could get that, I think it would be a great advance upon which hopes could be built for a further advance, but I would be very unhappy if we were to have summit talks in conditions which would make it almost certain that they would be merely debates, and that we would come away with nothing done, so that the hopes raised so high were dashed very low.

Is not there great danger at present that if the Western Powers stand on the line hitherto adopted, there will be no prospect of judging even whether the talks have any prospect of success? Is not it possible, in view of the nature of the Russian constitution, that talks at the summit might in fact be far more successful than talks between the Foreign Ministers?

All these matters, of course, are under consideration between the Western allies at the moment. I have stated my position clearly, and I hope that it may be that greater progress will be made in reaching the goal which we all want to attain.

Are we to understand from that reply that there are talks at present taking place between the Western Powers with a view to a further approach or proposal being made to the Soviet Union?

Yes. The Western Powers are very closely in touch with each other as to how best to handle these matters with a view to reaching the purpose which we hope to achieve in conditions likely to make it effective.

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Lord Privy Seal at the Central Council of the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations on 14th March regarding economic policy represents the policy of the Government.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend was describing in the course of a speech on civil liberty, the Government's record in sweeping away the war-time emergency powers bequeathed to us by the Socialist Government, and their intention to proceed with the process.

Was the Lord Privy Seal correctly or incorrectly reported in The Times as having said that the Government proposed before the end of this Parliament to remove all the economic controls which remain, and does that mean, for instance, that exchange control and import quotas for dollar goods are to be removed?

No, Sir. I think the right hon. Gentleman has drawn the wrong deduction. What I think my right hon. Friend said was that we will proceed with this process, and that those temporary powers which are necessary as a permanent feature of our government will be enshrined in permanent legislation, instead of relying upon temporary powers taken under war-time Acts. That process, I think, is already operating in regard to the Bill dealing with land powers, and the same will apply to economic controls.

Can the Prime Minister confirm that the Lord Privy Seal did not say, as reported in The Times, that all the economic controls that remain will be removed?

No, Sir. He said that the economic controls which—and this was the whole context of the speech—depend on temporary powers taken during the war ought to be removed, as I understood his argument. It is perfectly clear in the context of the speech, and I have the whole speech here if the right hon. Gentleman wishes to read it again. It is quite clear, and it is also, in fact, what we are doing.