asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recommendations have been made by the Governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika and the Sultan of Zanzibar for the extension of higher education in East Africa; and what financial contributions Her Majesty's Government will make towards the realisation of these recommendations.

Proposals for the future development of higher education in East Africa are set out in a White Paper published jointly by the Governments of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika and Zanzibar on 7th March, copies of which are in the Library. Colonial development and welfare assistance amounting to nearly £3 million has been allocated for higher education capital works projects in East Africa in the period from 1946 to 1960.

In view of the fact that this White Paper of the four Governments proposes that there should be a university for East Africa with colleges in Kenya and Tanganyika associated with the Makerere College in Uganda, will not the right hon. Gentleman, before a short time has passed, whisper in the ear of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that a more generous grant should be made for education in East Africa?

This might not be the most appropriate day to do that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the number of vacation courses and lectures that have been given in 1957 by the Department of Extra-Mural Studies of Makerere College, in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika and Zanzibar; and how many lecturers are employed at the present time in those Territories.

I am obtaining this information and will write to my hon. Friend.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that when I was out in the Territories I was most impressed with the work I saw, and that I hope he will do all he can to encourage it?

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as there are also other hon. Members who would like to know about the very valuable work that is going on there?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many women students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika and Zanzibar are receiving instruction in the United Kingdom; and how this number compares with that of the male students from these Territories

One hundred and seventy-two from Uganda, 184 from Kenya, 64 from Tanganyika and 22 from Zanzibar. The comparable number of men students from these Territories in the United Kingdom is 599, 682, 307 and 100, respectively.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him if he will do all he can to encourage more women students who are able to come here, because it is essential that we should have a measure of equality between the two sexes in the Territories?

As the overwhelming need in Africa is for teachers, does not the Minister think it would be in the interests of good administration and social progress to increase the number of women teachers?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what opportunity the peoples of Northern and Southern Cameroons will be given before the recognition of the independence of Nigeria to decide freely whether they wish to continue their federation with Nigeria or to unite with the French Cameroons as an independent State.

As I informed last year's Nigeria Conference, the Trustee- ship Agreement for the British Cameroons will need to be reviewed when Nigeria becomes independent. Before then the people of the North and South sectors of the British Cameroons will have to express freely their wishes as to their own future. The manner in which this is to be done will have to be decided in consultation with the United Nations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this discussion with the United Nations is likely to take place, since the time factor is not very long?

I am afraid I cannot say at this stage, but I will keep the House informed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the new High Court at Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia, has separate rooms for African and European witnesses.

I am in touch with the Governor about this.

Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that there is no difference in principle between a case like that and the case of the South African courts where there are separate entrances for coloured and non-coloured, and separate public galleries? Will he take it from me that I have seen this High Court at Lusaka? Does he not agree that it is shocking to have apartheid in a British Protectorate?

I think I had better wait until I hear from the acting Governor, but my views on distinctions based on colour are well known, as are also my views on the need for Governments to set a good example in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Lusaka Racial Relations Committee, set up under the Northern Rhodesian Race Relations (Advisory and Conciliation) Ordinance, 1957, has decided to hold its meetings in camera.

I understand that the Committee felt that to do otherwise would stifle outspokenness and might well deter some complainants from coming forward if they thought that by doing so they would attract unwanted publicity.

Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that it is at any rate important that the results of the discussions should be announced in public? Whereas there might be a case for the examination initially to take place in private, will he give an assurance that the findings of the Committee will be made public?

There is a Question down about the findings. I think it is essentially a matter to leave to these committees on which, as the hon. Lady well knows, there is strong African representation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Board and District Racial Relations Committees set up under the Northern Rhodesian Race Relations (Advisory and Conciliation) Ordinance, 1957, to end racial discrimination in the Territory.

I am placing in the Library of the House two advance copies of the first annual Report of the Central Committee, which was tabled in the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council on 1st April. The Report covers also the activities of the district committees. It indicates what is being done to promote better race relations in a number of ways, including the study of African languages by European children, the encouragement of inter-racial sports, the removal of racial barriers in shops and hotels and co-operation with various bodies, including school authorities, business interests and voluntary organisations.

While thanking the Colonial Secretary for that reply, may I ask him whether he is satisfied that the powers of this Committee are adequate? Could he say, for instance, how they compare with the decree passed in the Belgian Congo last year, which makes it a punishable offence to show racial or ethnic aversion, or to encourage it in any way? Would he not consider introducing a similar decree in this Protectorate?

I think that the Northern Rhodesian Government and authorities deserve the greatest credit for having introduced the arrangements that are now in force, but I will certainly have a look at the Congo proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the proposals affecting the constitution and the franchise recently made by the Government of Northern Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.

I have naturally studied the proposals closely and with great interest; but, as hon. Members will know, the Northern Rhodesian Government have published them for public discussion. They have not yet made recommendations to me.

Can my right hon. Friend say when the House will be able to debate the proposals?

In this House?

Yes, in this House.

I shall have to look into that.

Is it not a fact that these proposals which were made by Sir Arthur Benson are much too complex for Europeans to understand, never mind Africans?

I do not think so. Without claiming any particular merit, I took them in quite easily.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the reasons for the hostile demonstration against the Government African surveyor during the course of his surveying the proposed Kasikisi township on the shores of Lake Mweru in the new Luapula Province on 22nd February in Northern Rhodesia; and what steps have been taken by the Government of Rhodesia to prevent further outbreaks of hostility.

The demonstration was inspired by persons trying to undermine the position of the Native Authorities and Chiefs, and to impede the Government plan, in which the Native Authorities and Chiefs are fully co-operating, to develop the Luapula Province for the very obvious benefit of the local African population. Police reinforcements were moved into the area and officers of the Provincial Administration and the Native Authorities have taken steps to make Government policies even more fully understood locally. The situation is now normal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that no African was consulted in the planning of the new townships? They were merely presented with the plans afterwards, and is not their resentment rather natural?

I do not think that is so. The Native Authorities and Chiefs have co-operated in this matter, as I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what circumstances the police opened fire with automatic rifles on a crowd of 5,000 Africans in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, on 10th April; how many casualties resulted; and on whose authority this order was given.

The incident occurred following demonstrations, ostensibly against a recent raising of hut rents, most of which are payable by employers. A crowd of about 2,000 Africans refused to disperse when called upon to do so. Baton charges and tear smoke had no effect. Finally the crowd advanced in a very ugly mood, stoning the police heavily and inflicting damage on police vehicles. The police opened fire with two automatic rifles—firing one round at a time. When the crowd dispersed, three men were found to have been wounded and three more were admitted to hospital subsequently with gun-shot wounds. The order to fire was given by the Superintendent commanding the Ndola District Police after consultation with the District Commissioner on the spot. The situation has since remained quiet.

Is it not a reflection on the Administration in Northern Rhodesia that on the Order Paper today are questions relating to two separate incidents involving the issue of protests? Is it not regrettable that when these people protest against increases in rents the police should fire upon them?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman, having read my answer, will be more generous and accurate in his references to the Northern Rhodesian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average weekly wage paid to agricultural workers in the rural areas of Northern Rhodesia; what is the number of Africans working at subsistence farming; and what steps are being taken by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to encourage cooperative or other forms of remunerative agricultural schemes to provide unemployed copper miners with opportunities to earn a living wage for their families.

As the reply is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the expenditure aimed at in the expanded development programme, 1956 to 1960, for the Somaliland Protectorate; how much of this has been spent to date; and whether he is satisfied with the progress so far achieved.

The expenditure aimed at was £2,470,000; of this a total amount of about £720,000 has been spent to date. The current development plan took some little time to get under way, but great strides have been made in the current financial year. This pattern was expected in a Territory lacking in natural resources and in the required materials and men. I am satisfied that there has been no unreasonable delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Somalis themselves are not satisfied with this programme and feel that they are lagging behind the Somalis to the south in the Italian territories? Is he further aware of the stoning of the hon. Members for Edmonton (Mr. Albu) and Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine)? Would it not be a good thing to fix a target date for independence so that these Somalis can work towards their future as well as can those in Mogadishu?

That is quite another question. The Question on the Order Paper deals with development, which I have tried to answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Constitutional Commission now at work in the Somaliland Protectorate will report.

The Governor has told me that he hopes that the Commission will be able to report to him within approximately two months.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the work of the Commission has been delayed and, if there has been a delay, would he consider at least two reasons for making an entirely new approach to the whole question; the first being the impossibility of holding elections, as we understand them here, in a country where half the population spends half the year outside, in Ethiopia; and the second, the impending changes in Somalia, for which the Somalis cannot be——

Order. That supplementary question seems to me to go much beyond the Question on the Order Paper. The hon. Member only asked for an approximate date.

With respect, Mr. Speaker, as my right hon. Friend well knows, these questions are relevant to the Question on the Order Paper.

I am afraid I am the judge of that and that the hon. Member must accept my decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that sufficient police protection is provided against cattle theft in the Northern Province of Tanganyika, and that effective action is taken to apprehend the thieves; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that the Tanganyika Government are taking all available measures to safeguard the stock of farmers of all races in the Northern Province, having regard to police commitments elsewhere in the Territory and the very large area to be covered.

Is it not a fact that, normally, the stolen cattle can be traced to some tribal area or another, but that, according to our concepts of the law, it is extremely difficult to prove the guilt of the thief? Would recognition of some tribal compulsory compensation be acceptable to responsible tribal leaders?

I will put that suggestion to the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he has taken upon the communication received by him in March, 1958, from the Tanganyika National Farmers' Union concerning desertions by African labourers, who desert after receiving many free benefits in food, housing, blankets, medical attention, etc., and recoupment of transport costs.

I am at present considering this communication in the light of the Governor's comments, which I have just received.

Is it not a fact that a great amount of effort and money are spent in encouraging African labourers to take up agricultural employment like this but that very many of them take the benefits and then never even start the employment? Could not some law such as that applying in Kenya be applied in Tanganyika?

I will take the earliest possible steps to acquaint the House of my conclusions following consideration of the Governor's comments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what replies have been sent by the Tanganyika Sisal Owners' Association to the demands of the newly-formed National Union of Plantation Workers in Tanganyika for recognition of the union and various measures for the improvement of wages, working conditions, and housing; and whether this union is represented on the Consultative Labour Council of the Central Line Sisal Estates Limited.

The National Union of Plantation Workers, which to the best of my knowledge has submitted no formal proposals to the Tanganyika Sisal Growers' Association, has not yet applied for registration as a trade union and cannot, therefore, be offered formal recognition on the Consultative Labour Council of the Central Line Estates Limited.

Has the attention of the Secretary of State been drawn to the meeting on 21st February between the existing unions, when it was decided that they would form themselves into a national union which, according to reports, would ask the Sisal Growers' Association for recognition and representation on the Consultative Labour Council? Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to encourage that recognition in order to promote good labour relations?

I understand that negotiations on such a proposal are now taking place between the Tanganyika Sisal Growers' Association and the Federation of Labour, and that there is the possibility that a Union of Sisal Workers, possibly affiliated to a National Union of Plantation Workers, may be recognised; but no final decision has yet been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a further statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the Report of the United Nations Delegation to Tanganyika in 1957.

Her Majesty's Government's policy in regard to this Report has been set out in its observations as Administering Authority for Tanganyika; a copy is in the Library of the House. The Trusteeship Council has now completed its consideration of the Report with our observations. The Council adopted a number of resolutions, nearly all of which were acceptable to the United Kingdom Delegation. The official text of these Resolutions is not yet available but, when it is, I will put a copy in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the main political parties with whom the Governor of the Gambia is having informal discussions regarding further constitutional advance in that Colony; and what steps he is taking to see that the Gambian people, particularly those in the Protectorate, are aware of any proposals that may eventually be submitted to Her Majesty's Government and will have full facilities for discussion of these proposals.

The Governor has invited the leaders of the Muslim Congress, the United and the Democratic Parties to meet him for informal discussions on their proposals for constitutional change. So far, only the Muslim Congress Party has accepted the invitation. The stage for the submission to me of formal proposals has not been reached, but the hon. Member can be certain that the Gambian people, including those in the Protectorate, through their representatives, will be given all proper facilities for discussion.

Would not the Colonial Secretary agree that the Gambians should follow the course of Sierra Leone and soon move into a state whereby the Executive Council becomes a Cabinet, with some elected members at least being Ministers without Portfolio, and gaining apprenticeship in political life?

One of the lessons I have certainly learnt in the last four years is the danger of assuming that the problems of one territory are exactly the same as those in another.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the discussions that have taken place between the Governor of Nyasaland and various groups in that Protectorate regarding future constitutional advance; and what organisations have been consulted.

The Governor of Nyasaland has had preliminary discussions with representatives of the Nyasaland African Congress, the Asian community, the Euro-African and Coloured Community Welfare Associations and the African Progressive Association. The representatives of the European community have not yet submitted any proposals to the Governor. When he has received their proposals he will be able to consider the question of further discussions. I cannot say anything further at this stage.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the last settlement, whereby he gave six seats to Europeans and five to Africans in a society of over 2 million Africans and some 5,000 Europeans, caused intense dissatisfaction in the Protectorate, and will he see next time that he has a much more liberal constitution, particularly in view of the fact that a delegation will come to the 1960 Conference on behalf of that Protectorate?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that when the present constitution was introduced it was assumed that it would last until 1960 unless there was agreement to alternative proposals, but, as I have said, the Governor will be further considering this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to expand the existing facilities for secondary education in Aden Colony and Protectorate.

The construction of a girls' college and an extension of the Technical Institute in the Colony are almost completed, and plans are being prepared for building additional boarding accommodation for Protectorate students attending schools in the Colony. Future needs are being studied by the Aden Government's Adenese Training Committee. Plans for a junior secondary school in the Western Aden Protectorate are being prepared.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Answer will give very great satisfaction, especially in view of the anxiety expressed by the hon. Member for Edmonton (Mr. Albu) and myself while on the spot, that existing facilities were not equal to the need? Can he say whether any scholarships have been made available in this country out of C.D and W. funds?

Yes, eight scholars are receiving secondary education and eleven receiving technical education scholarships from C.D. and W. funds.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine) was stoned when in the Somaliland Protectorate?

I do not think the Minister was stoning him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) under what legislation a co-operative society can be registered in the Bahamas;

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what legislation exists in the Bahamas to encourage the growth of co-operative societies.

There are no cooperative societies in the Bahamas and no specific legislation designed to encourage their growth. If a co-operative society wishes to register as a company, it may do so under the Companies Act, chapter 124 of the Revised Laws.

Does the Colonial Secretary consider that position satisfactory? Is there not a great need in the Bahamas for a co-operative society, and does not the recent trouble there show that we ought to assist these people to help themselves; and it is impossible to support a co-operative movement unless there is some protective legislation?

I hope that my visit has been of some assistance in helping people to help themselves. This was not one of the subjects under discussion, but I will certainly take it up with the Governor.

Does not the Minister recognise the importance of encouraging the development of co-operative effort in Colonies such as this and to pave the way by providing them with the guidance of a co-operative ordinance, such as I learn his predecessor considered a possibility?

In general, I agree with that, and there is a general Question on that subject later on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent by the Government of Nigeria to the request of the All-Nigerian Trade Union Federation to summon a meeting between the employers of labour and trade unions to negotiate a national wage structure for the whole Federation.

I understand that the Federal Government have not received such a request.

Even if he has not received such a request, could not the Colonial Secretary agree that steps should be taken by the Government, having regard to the fact that the income per head in Nigeria is only £22 per annum? Does not that show that the national "cake" should be properly divided out, and would not steps of this nature be appropriate?

I have answered the Question. The population of Nigeria is 32 million, and the country is equal in size to Great Britain and France put together, with many varying standards of living, and I do not think that the suggestion made is appropriate at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Colonies have not got a co-operative ordinance: and whether he will make a statement.

Nine territories have not got a co-operative ordinance or other legislation. In one of these an ordinance is at present in draft. In the majority of the Colonial Territories there is now legislation based generally on the model Co-operative Societies Ordinance circulated by one of my predecessors in 1946. In one or two instances the legislation in force departs somewhat from this model. Whilst I attach much importance to the development of cooperative societies in the Colonial Territories, the hon. Member will realise that the question whether any legislation is needed or the form of it are matters for individual Colonial Governments to decide.

Surely the Secretary of State realises that in order that co-operative efforts may be developed in the Colonies it is essential that there should be some legal guidance and protection? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in many of these Colonies, such protection has been secured from a co-operative ordinance? In so far as it is now recognised that there are many Colonies without this guidance, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter and see whether it is possible to provide it?

I certainly will. I should like to have a talk with the hon. Member about this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been registered as entitled to vote in the Bermuda General Election; and what proportion of the adult population the figure represents.

The number is 5,675, which represents 23·76 per cent. of the adult population of the Colony. I am sorry for the discrepancy between this figure and the figure given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in reply to the hon. Member's Question on 27th February that 6,048 persons were registered on 22nd February. The latter figure did not take account of the fact that a number of persons are entitled, under local legislation, to more than one vote.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that a property qualification which disfranchises about three-quarters of the adult population is hardly in keeping with modern Commonwealth thinking? Does not the right hon. Gentleman's experience in the Bahamas suggest that there may be a case for introducing constitutional reform in advance of trouble breaking out?

This is a matter for Bermuda. I know of no widespread demand in Bermuda for a change in the franchise qualifications.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British Service men and civilians and Cypriot Service men and civilians have been killed in Cyprus since 1st January, 1958.

Eleven Cypriot civilians. No British Service men, police or civilians and no Cypriot Service men or police have been killed.

Do these figures represent an improvement on the past two years? Could my right hon. Friend say how many of the woundings were caused by right-wing Greek-speaking Cypriots against left-wing Greek-speaking Cypriots and vice versa?

The situation has undoubtedly deteriorated in the last few weeks. Four of those killed were Greek Cypriot civilians who were shot by other Greek Cypriots, and over the whole period of the trouble 265 people have been killed, of whom 142 were Greek Cypriots killed by other Greek Cypriots.

Whilst we are glad to learn the Colonial Secretary acknowledges that the situation is deteriorating in Cyprus—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] We are glad to have his acknowledgment of it. As the Colonial Secretary will know, we have been telling him this for some time. May we be told by the Colonial Secretary what is the Government's policy that will make it possible to bring to an end the state of emergency and to encourage constitutional development in this island, and when can we expect it to be implemented?

As I have already told the hon. Member, as soon as I can make a profitable statement I will gladly do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the amount of financial help Britain has given the Cyprus Government towards the cost of the emergency and towards the cost of development, respectively, in 1956, 1957 and 1958.

As the reply contains figures in tabular form, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that development in Cyprus is extremely important and that an adequate amount is required for this purpose?

It certainly would be available, but the situation on the island has not allowed its deployment.

In view of the heavy financial burden on the taxpayer, may I ask in what circumstances the Colonial Secretary will be able to make a statement on policy which will bring the situation to an end?

I am in no better position to answer that question than I was half a minute ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what protests have been received against the compulsory labour schemes in the Kiambu district of Kenya.

I have received no protests, but I am asking the Governor of Kenya for information about any made locally and will circulate a further reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members on this side of the House have received protests against the use of compulsory labour involving over 30,000 men in Kiambu, and when the right hon. Gentleman receives information about this, will he ensure that this compulsory labour is not used in contravention of the International Labour Convention?

It is not in contravention. It has got nothing to do with the emergency. It is a historical practice in Kenya for communal work of this kind to be requested.

asked the Minister of Works what was the output of cast-iron baths in the United Kingdom in 1957; to what extent this was sufficient to meet the home and export demand; and to what extent it is anticipated that United Kingdom manufacturing capacity will exceed demand during the current year.

I regret that figures of output of cast-iron baths are no longer collected so that I cannot answer the first or last parts of this Question. I am satisfied, however, that present capacity is sufficient to meet both home and export demand.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a surplus of capacity in the British bath manufacturing industry, and will he call the attention of his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to this fact so that he also is aware of the circumstances in which the Socialist-controlled Barking Borough Council can specify baths of Hungarian manufacture, thus creating an embargo on the products of British workmen?

I have no reason to suppose that this small importation of Hungarian baths under a payments agreement is having any adverse effect upon the large British production.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great trouble was taken by the Barking Borough Council to obtain what it wanted, and that, because it was unsuccessful in getting British goods, it had to go abroad for them?

I was not aware of that, but I am extremely glad to know that the Barking Borough Council obtained what it wanted. I have no doubt, however, that very satisfactory baths are also produced by the British industry.

Can my right hon. Friend suggest in what way it is thought that a Hungarian bath is better than a British bath?

Answer.

Is it not a fact that there are price-fixing arrangements in the bath-making industry of this country?

asked the Minister of Works if he will provide a morning lift man again for the lift from the Library Lobby to the Committee and Upper Committee Lobbies.

My right hon. Friend is proposing, for a trial period, to change the shift of the attendant on the Members' Lift, and in future he will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

May I thank the Minister, on behalf of the two dozen hon. Members and officials who use the rooms on the Upper Committee Corridor, and may I ask him whether he can assure us that the disabled ex-Service men who manned this lift have been given adequate employment elsewhere?

There has been no question at all of interfering with their employment. They will be employed at other points, except for one, who resigned voluntarily.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is another case in which one small administrative economy has led to a large loss of efficiency and dignity in the working of this House, and, for example, could we not have a lift man on the lift which takes up distinguished strangers?

I do not think there is any basis for that sort of comment. We are trying hard to make these changes to fit the convenience of hon. Members, and I think we are succeeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the opportunities existing in Canada and the United States of America for the sale of the products of Scottish trade and industry; and what steps he has taken, and through what agencies or bodies, during the last twelve months, to publicise and encourage the expansion of trade between those countries and Scotland.

I am fully aware of the importance of promoting trade between Scotland and North America. I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who has the primary responsibility in this matter, and also with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) and the Council of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, who are all, as the hon. and learned Member knows, very active in this field.

Is the Secretary of State aware of the exhibition of the Aberdeen fisheries which is now being held under the auspices of the Scottish Council in London, and would he take steps to have similar exhibitions in other capitals so that trade may be encouraged?

I am always prepared to listen to any suggestions and to pass them on to those primarily responsible for holding the exhibition, and this sounds a good suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet ascertained how many tenants of houses in Aberdeen are affected by the Rent Act, 1957; and how many are likely to be evicted from their homes.

As the landlords and tenants of the 400 let houses in the City which will be decontrolled under the Act have until October to negotiate new leases, it is not possible to say at this stage how many tenants are likely to be required to remove.

Does the Secretary of State realise that this is a matter affecting the life, health and happiness of many people? Will he take steps to ensure that such an inquiry is instituted in time to see that these people are properly cared for?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman will study my original reply, I think that he will see that it is not possible to tell, because there is plenty of time for agreement to be reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many mentally defective patients there are detained in Scotland under his authority; where they are; and what steps are being taken by him to ensure that the condition of each is periodically reviewed with a view to release.

Mentally defective patients are not detained under my authority, but on the initiative of the parents or of the local authority with the parents' consent, or by order of the Sheriff. At the end of 1957, there were 5,649 patients on the registers of mental deficiency institutions and 2,551 patients under guardianship. The General Board of Control are required by statute to review the need for detention at prescribed intervals.

Does the Secretary of State realise that this is a very important and far-reaching matter, and that many of these people who are detained believe, with their relatives, that they are fit for freedom? Will he take steps to ensure that they are properly examined so that they can obtain their freedom if they are fit for it?

There are the most careful provisions for watching to ensure that anybody who should be released is released. I should be very glad to tell the hon. and learned Member more about this either in a letter or if he cares to see me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report from the Scottish Council for Research in Education on the inadequacy of nursery school provision in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions in this field.

I have read this Report with interest. I regret that I see no prospect of any relaxation in the restrictions on the provision of new nursery schools which have been in force since 1948. All available building resources and staff are still needed for primary and secondary schools and technical education centres.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Report shows that more than two-thirds of the Scottish education authorities make no nursery school provision at all? Does not the most effective way to get into a nursery school appear to be either to have problem parents or very well-to-do parents? Will not the right hon. Gentleman at least look into the possibility of using existing accommodation and converting it for nursery school purposes?

I am aware of the very valuable part which nursery schools can play, but there is a problem of priorities in this. I will continue to watch the position as closely as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to expand the youth service provisions in Scotland to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of young people in the teen-age groups.

So far as available resources will allow, I will continue to give assistance to education authorities on whom rests the statutory responsibility for the youth service, and to the voluntary organisations which play so important a part in this work.

Will the Secretary of State circulate the local authorities of Scotland, drawing to their attention the teen-age bulge which is now arising in the various youth service departments, and ask them to increase their provision in the way of youth clubs and other community centres?

I should want to think over that proposal rather carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the concern recently expressed by the Ayrshire Branch of the National Farmers' Union over the action of the Ayrshire landlord in taking over the land of a farmer in Ayrshire without giving reasonable notice; and what administrative steps he intends taking to prevent landlords taking over good agricultural land improved by the tenant and using it for purposes which will not increase food production.

I have seen Press reports about the matter referred to in the first part of the Question. With regard to the second part of the Question, resumption is a matter between landlord and tenant and is governed by the terms of the lease of the farm and the provisions of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act,1949.

Does not the Secretary of State agree that it is unfortunate that good agricultural land, on which much labour has been expended, should be taken away for the planting of trees, and is it not very unfortunate that the landlord happens to be a member of Her Majesty's Government?

These matters are governed by the conditions of lease. On the specific case to which the hon. Gentleman refers, the matter has been before the court, and I do not think that it would be proper for me to comment on it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what request he has received for the granting of a development certificate for the purpose of setting up a second oil refinery in Southern Hampshire; and what action he intends to take.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the application of the Regent Oil Company for an industrial development certificate to erect an oil refinery in the Urban District of Fareham, which was granted on 7th September, 1956. The hon. Member may wish to refer to the full statement on the subject made on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in another place on 25th October, 1956.

Will the Minister bear in mind that Hampshire is a rapidly expanding county, that its main need is industrial work for the increasing population, and that the Esso refinery has been a tremendous boon to Hampshire as well as to Britain? Will he do what his predecessors did, namely, take active steps to encourage the setting up of a second oil refinery in Hampshire?

Steps have been taken by the granting of the industrial development certificate, which is, of course, still valid.