asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the constitutional conference on the application of self-government to Singapore.

I began discussions with a delegation from Singapore on Monday. They are still in progress.

Is it not the case that at the last conference the only point of difference was the right of subversives to stand for elections, and is there hope in the present discussions of a solution of that problem on democratic lines?

I would prefer not to anticipate the conclusion of the talks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies by what method he has ascertained that women in the Bahamas do not wish to exercise the franchise.

I heard the views of the various organisations in the Bahamas, and I made certain limited observations of my own in both New Providence and the Out-Islands. I was not sufficiently satisfied that the demand was widespread enough to justify including votes for women among the constitutional changes which were necessary at once.

Did the right hon. Gentleman take steps to consult any women or any women's organisations, and, if so, with what results? Does he not think that, had he recommended the granting of the franchise to women, the political organisations he consulted would have rapidly undertaken their political education?

Yes, Sir. I saw a large number of women while I was there, and a delegation advocating this step came to see me. Clearly, votes for women will be introduced in due course in the Bahamas, but I was concerned in immediate first-aid measures.

What exactly does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "in due course"? Is it soon, a long time, or perhaps never?

It certainly does not mean never. I think this is a matter where public opinion in the Bahamas had better express itself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the recommendations of the last Parliamentary delegation to Fernando Po have been implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The views of the Spanish authorities on the delegation's recommendations have recently been received and are being examined by the Federal Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as recently as this year responsible people, like the Government Chief Whip in the Eastern Region of Nigeria—and I am sure he must be a responsible person, as all Government Chief Whips are—have been saying that there is still considerable maltreatment of Nigerians in Fernando Po?

I will answer another question about this when we get the views of the Spanish authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the arrest of a number of members of the Northern Elements Progressive Union in Northern Nigeria and to the letter addressed by Mallam Aminu Kano to the Sardauna of Sokoto; and if he will make a statement.

The hon. Member is probably referring to disturbances at Zaria on 29th March, when a large crowd tried to break into a Native Court. One hundred and fifty-three people were brought before a magistrate. Eleven of these were imprisoned, 18 fined, 104 bound over and the rest acquitted. The Premier of the Northern Region has agreed to a proposal made by Mallam Aminu Kano that all parties in the Region should confer on ways and means of maintaining peace in the Region. A meeting is being arranged for 29th May.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that helpful reply, may I ask whether he will bear in mind the other point made by Mallam Aminu Kano, that possibly political cases would be better tried in courts other than the Alkali courts?

No doubt that will be argued at the meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a detailed statement on the extent and condition of the railway systems in Nigeria, the plans for their renovation and extension, the estimated cost of the implementation of those plans, and on the financial provision made for their execution; and when the work will commence and be completed.

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

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for giving me a detailed reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Does he agree that the further railway development of Nigeria is necessary for the proper development and exploitation of the country and that it would be unfair to put the financial burden of that upon the new Government?

It is not only desirable but absolutely vital for the development of Nigeria. I have no fear about adequate funds being available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what grants have been made to the Federal Government and the Regional Governments from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund for the improvement of roads and communications in Nigeria.

From 1946 to 1955 nearly £2·5 million was granted for the improvement of roads in Nigeria and the Southern Cameroons. Since 1955, grants for road developments have been made as follows:

• Federal Government—£3·3 million.
• Northern Region—£3·45 million.
• Western Region—£770,000.
• Eastern Region—£970,000.
• Southern Cameroons—£659,000.

Is there any way of ensuring that each region is devoting the grants to the causes for which they are intended?

Yes, there is machinery to secure that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Commission of Inquiry established as a result of the Nigeria Constitutional Conference, 1957, to examine minority problems and the question of new States; and when he expects the Commission to Report.

The Commission has completed its hearings in Nigeria and has returned to this country to write its report. I expect to receive it later this summer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Delimitation Committee appointed as a result of the Nigerian Constitutional Conference, 1957; and when it is expected to report.

The report of the Constituency Delimitation Commission has been presented to the Governor-General and is being published in Nigeria tomorrow.

In view of the fact that the appointment of this Commission and the Commission of Inquiry mentioned in my previous Question was not reported to the House, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the findings will be communicated to the House as soon as possible?

Yes, Sir, certainly. I will also see that a copy of the report submitted in the latter case to the Governor-General of Nigeria is placed in the Library as soon as I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the export crop of groundnuts in Nigeria for the season 1957–58, and the price per ton paid at railhead, compared with the figures for the previous season.

About 600,000 tons—after meeting the needs of the local oil-crushing industry—compared with about 270,000 tons in 1956–57. The price at railhead for special grade groundnuts was £38 9s. per ton compared with £36 19s. in 1956–57, but the standard grade price has remained at £33 9s. per ton for the two years.

Was the Groundnut Stabilisation Fund drawn upon in order to pay these prices?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Africans and Europeans, respectively, employed on the staff of the Cameroons Development Corporation; and what opportunities are given to Africans for training to qualify them for staff jobs.

I have asked the Federal Government for the information and will write to the hon. and learned Member when I have a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have been reached as a result of the consultations between the Southern Cameroons Government and the Nigerian Federal Government with regard to the deficit in the Budget of the Southern Cameroons Government for 1958–59.

The Governor-General of Nigeria, as High Commissioner for the Southern Cameroons, has directed that recurrent expenditure in the Southern Cameroons be kept within the limits prescribed by recurrent revenue until financial arrangements for the territory are considered at the Resumed Constitutional Conference, which is expected to be held later this year, in the light of the report of the Fiscal Commission now in Nigeria.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is widely reported that substantial economies are being made now in all fields of Government activity, and, if this is so, would he not agree that this will be harmful both to British prestige and to the native population now and in future?

Yes, Sir; it would be so—if it were true.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the amount of the grant for the year 1957–58 on road communications in the British Cameroons.

The Southern Cameroons Government have been granted £659,000 from Colonial Development and Welfare funds for road development during 1955–60. The budget provision for road development in 1957–58 was £213,000, of which £174,000 was eligible for reimbursement under the terms of the grant.

In addition, a sum of £3·3 million has been granted to the Federal Government in Nigeria towards a programme for the development of trunk roads costing £20 million in the period 1955–62. Part of this expenditure will be devoted to trunk roads serving the Southern Cameroons.

Although the amounts seem enormous, does the right hon. Gentleman believe that they are really adequate to the task they are intended to perform, as the whole economy of the Colony is dependent upon roads? Will he not agree that the expenditure on the new bridge over the Mungo River is being minimised because of the dreadful state of the roads leading to and from the new bridge?

I think that they are pretty sizeable sums.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with which Colonial Governments he has concluded consultations about the application of the International Labour Convention on the abolition of forced labour which was ratified by Her Majesty's Government in December, 1957; and on what grounds he bases his view that the byelaw of the Kiambu African District Council requiring all adult males to perform unpaid communal labour every Thursday morning for five hours is not a breach of this convention.

As regards the first part of the Question, I am not yet in a position to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 1st April. As regards the second part of the Question, which I assume refers to my reply to the supplementary question asked by the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse) on 15th April, my view is based on paragraph 2 (e) of Article 2 of the 1930 Forced Labour Convention which is the only Convention on this subject at present applicable in Kenya.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are other interpretations? It is not a fact that the exclusion is of communal work of an emergency nature and not regular communal work of this kind? Is he further aware that there is a danger of the extension of this practice lending itself to considerable exploitation of the Africans? Will he have another look at the matter?

I have looked at the matter very carefully in Kenya and elsewhere. It is not a question of emergency work. If the hon. Gentleman wishes, I will give him the actual quotation in detail afterwards, but I would just say now that it refers to normal civic obligations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the transfer of the control of military forces to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria on 1st April, 1958, and the proposed transfer of control to Sierra Leone on 1st January, 1959.

Control and administration of the Nigerian military forces reverted from the War Office to the Governor General of the Federation of Nigeria on 1st April, 1958. This transfer was agreed at the Nigerian Constitutional Conference held in London in May and June of 1957. I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 61 of the Report of the Conference (Cmnd. 207).

Similar proposals have been made for the transfer of control of the Sierra Leone military forces, as foreshadowed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War at paragraph 25 of the Memorandum on the Army Estimates 1958–59 (Cmnd. 372). I am awaiting the views of the Governor of Sierra Leone.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell the House what the subvention from British Government funds to the Government of Nigeria is in the present year and what it will be next year, and, perhaps, even the year after, and will he give similar figures for Sierra Leone? Will he also tell the House whether Nigeria and Sierra Leone continue to be an internal security commitment for British forces, having regard to the fact that we have left in this country only two battalions in any sort of condition to meet an emergency?

I do not think I could answer that question at this stage. The Finance Member for the Federation, Chief Festus, an old friend of many hon. Members, is in this country at this moment discussing matters of that kind.

Mr. Tilney.

With great respect, the right hon. Gentleman could surely tell us—

Order. I have called the next Question. Mr. Tilney.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. If I am not allowed to press the right hon. Gentleman for a reply on the issue of whether the Government are able to discharge their military commitments in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, I beg to give notice that I shall seize an early opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far, in the drawing up of the constitutions of emergent territories, the Convention on the Political Rights of Women, passed by the United Nations in 1953, is taken into careful consideration.

The principles enshrined in this Convention are always kept in mind during consideration of constitutional revision in territories where these rights are not already secured, but regard must also be paid to local religious or other customs in such matters.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is some disappointment that in the new Constitution for the Bahamas the Convention on the Political Rights of Women has not been observed inasmuch as the women there have not been granted votes?

As I have already said in reply to an earlier supplementary question, I do not for a moment doubt that this will come about in the Bahamas in due course, but the purpose of my visit was to take immediate action to remedy proved grievances and I did not feel that this as yet fell into such a category.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date last November the wages of plantation labourers in the Seychelles were raised by 13 shillings per week; how many workers were dismissed during the following month; how many have been re-employed at task rates; and what action is being taken by the Government to prevent the victimisation of workers and to ensure that proper rates of wages are paid.

Minimum wage rates in Seychelles were raised by amounts varying from 4s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. a month on 2nd November, 1957. As the registration of employment and discharge of labour is not compulsory, the information requested in the second part of the hon. Member's Question is not available. The Labour Department has so far noted 15 cases of dismissals through to be due to the wage increase. No information is available about the number who have been re engaged at task rates.

The Seychelles Government do not consider that there is any victimisation of labour at present but will prosecute in any case where evidence of evasion of Minimum Wages Orders is obtained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the matter is kept under close review? Is he aware that there are allegations of victimisation of workers and deliberate evasion of the long-overdue wage increase that was granted? Will he, therefore, ask the Labour Department in the Seychelles to keep him continuously informed about the matter?

Yes, Sir, I will indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have been reached by the Government of Cyprus on the recommendations contained in the detailed report submitted to the Government by a French wine expert in 1957.

Following Professor Branas' advice, several thousand improved varieties of vine cuttings have been imported and a working party from the industry has been set up under the Vine Industry Consultant to submit plans for a Vine Institute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been received by the Government of Cyprus from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions about the release of Cypriots detained without trial, the return to the island of the Secretary General of the Cyprus trade unions, and the resumption of negotiations with Archbishop Makarios; and what response has been made to these representations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent by the Governor of Cyprus to the appeal sent to him by the General Secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions to give favourable consideration to the request by Michael Pissas, the exiled General Secretary of the Cyprus Workers' Confederation, for permission to return to Cyprus to resume his trade union duties.

The Governor received a letter from the General Secretary of the I.C.F.T.U., asking that Mr. Pissas be allowed to return to Cyprus, and a letter from Mr. Chiakoulas of the I.C.F.T.U. making the same request, and also asking for the release of all political detainees and the suspension of the Emergency Regulations.

The Governor replied that he regretted he could not agree to meet these requests in view of the continued violence in the island and the failure of Mr. Pissas to abstain from political activity, despite his undertaking to do so. The Governor undertook, however, to keep the case of Mr. Pissas under review in the light of developments in Cyprus.

Is the Secretary of State aware that this international trade union organisation represents a very powerful opinion all over the world and that very sympathetic attention should be paid to its views? Is it a proper way of trying to lay the basis for a negotiated settlement in Cyprus to exclude important leaders of the workers in Cyprus who have been put in a responsible position in the trade unions of the island?

The more important the organisation the greater the obligation on its officers to keep their word, and this man flagrantly broke his word both in Athens and in Brussels.

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Governor of Cyprus.

I cannot at present add to what I said in reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) on 8th May.

Is the Secretary of State able yet to say when he is likely to be able to make a statement upon this matter? Is he aware of the very grave concern there is at the long delay in settling the Cyprus issue, which many of us feel is a disgrace to the record of this country?

Without accepting for a moment what I may, I think, call the really monstrous statement in the hon. Gentleman's question, I can say that the Governor of Cyprus and the Ambassadors in Ankara and Athens are presently in London and we are having discussions.

Can the Secretary of of State assure the House that, before the Whitsun Recess, we shall have a statement of firm intentions and not just another statement that the Government have no statement to make?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman not to press me at this moment on that. An opportunity will certainly be given for a Question of that kind to be answered.

Before the Whit-sun Recess?

An opportunity will be given before the House adjourns to answer the sort of question which the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) asked.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been received about industrial conditions in Aden from the Trades Union Congress there; and if he will make a statement on the recent strike.

The Aden T.U.C. called a 24-hour general strike on 25th April, which was widely supported but peaceably conducted. They presented to the Governor a memorial asking for the repeal and replacement of the Immigration Ordinance, the establishment of an Employment Bureau and the introduction of a Social Insurance Scheme, and the imposition of price control on foodstuffs. I am awaiting the Governor's views on these representations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is severe discontent about this issue and some other issues in Aden, and, since the Aden T.U.C. has suggested that an international commission might visit the Colony to examine it, will he consider that application sympathetically?

I ought to give the Governor a chance to write to me first.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement on the situation in Aden Colony in view of the disturbances recently reported.

Since 6th March, there have been several incidents involving hand grenades or explosives in Aden Colony designed to terrorise the inhabitants and resulting in three deaths and injuries to ten people. The Governor, with my approval, issued a proclamation on 2nd May bringing Part II of the Emergency Powers Orders in Council, 1939 and 1956, into force in the Colony, and has made emergency regulations under the Orders in Council enabling the detention of persons believed to be concerned in these outrages. The Governor will use his powers and make regulations under these Orders as sparingly as is consistent with the maintenance of public safety. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement issued by the Governor on 2nd May.

While, naturally, deploring the violence which has broken out in Aden, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not, in his own mind, associate some of the discontent with the fact that political activity in Aden has been limited, some applications for the publication of newspapers have been prevented, and that, two years ago, Lord Lloyd announced that, in the foreseeable future, there could not be self-determination for the Colony?

No, Sir. I am afraid that it has more sinister origins than that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to revise the treaties governing Her Majesty's Government's relationship with the rulers of the Aden Protectorates; and if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the Sultan of Lahej.

I have no proposals under consideration for revision of the treaties. As regards the second part of the Question, I have agreed with the Sultan of Lahej that our discussions should remain confidential.

While, naturally, I respect the wish of the right hon. Gentleman that these discussions should be confidential, since I hope that that proves that they will be important, will he not agree that treaties going back as far as 1882, which are still in force and impose humiliating conditions on the rulers of the Protectorates, both East and West, ought now to be revised if there is to be any peace in the hinterland?

To describe the treaties as humiliating is, if I may use the phrase, really rather ludicrous. In particular, the most recent treaty with the Sultan of Lahej was in 1952.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that he holds the palm for the speed with which it is possible for man to drift towards disaster, and does he not appreciate that, unless he does something rapidly in this part of the world, disaster will be upon us before we know where we are?

Certainly not.

Is it not a fact that these treaties are solely to protect these people from aggression from over the border in the Yemen, and is it not also a fact that there is far more freedom in Aden than exists anywhere in the Yemen?

Yes, Sir, to both.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what provisions of the Treaty with the Protectorate of Lahej the Governor of Aden exercised powers, respectively, to order and implement the arrest of the Director of Education and the President of the Legislative Council of Lahej and to send British troops in the Sultanate.

For the purpose of ordering the arrests referred to, the Governor did not rely on any specific provision of the Treaties with Lahej, but on the Aden Protectorate Orders in Council, 1937–1956. For the purpose of sending British troops into Lahej, he relied both on the Orders in Council and on the Treaties, which, by imposing on Her Majesty's Government the duty of protection, imply permission of the use of troops for that purpose.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that it is a very grave action to arrest Ministers in a Protectorate, to send in British troops and to rely on an Order in Council of this character? In view of that situation, will he endeavour with the Sultan, while he is in London, to reach a solution which will really be permanent in these matters?

No solution would be desirable in the interests of Lahej or the Aden Protectorate which allowed for the return of the Jifri brothers to Lahej.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of village rice land in Gambia has been tractor ploughed in each year since and including 1955 under the mechanical ploughing scheme; and at what cost.

About 10 per cent. in each year since 1955. The farmer pays 30s. per acre for ploughing and 20s. for disc-ing, and there is a subvention from the Farmers' Fund of 90s. and 25s., respectively, per acre.

May we take it that the success of this scheme means that we have solved the problem of the hungry season? If so, should we not congratulate everyone who has been concerned with the scheme.

Yes, Sir; I think that that is true. I am sure that the House would like to join in congratulating the retiring Governor on a really brilliant achievement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many successful prosecutions have been made in Sierra Leone during 1957 under the Alluvial Diamond Mining Ordinance, 1956.

Nine hundred and sixty-two.

Does the fall in the rate of convictions mean that we have succeeded in dealing with the problem of illicit diamond mining? Is it less serious than it was?

I am afraid that it remains still as serious. The Governor, in a rather picturesque phrase, says that it is like trying to keep wasps away from a jampot at an August picnic.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have now been reached as a result of the discussions between the Sierra Leone Government and the Columbia-Southern Chemical Inc. and British Titan Products Limited on the production of titanic ferrous metals, especially rutile.

No decisions have yet been reached. The Sierra Leone Government are studying proposals which have been made to them and negotiations will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider introducing legislation to fix a maximum working week and a legal minimum wage in Hong Kong textile factories in order to improve conditions there and also to defend Lancashire against unfair competition.

I am awaiting certain information from the Governor about the length of the working week in industrial establishments, including textile factories, and am not yet ready to make a statement on that matter. As regards a legal minimum wage, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 27th June, 1957.

I note the Minister's reply. Is he aware that many Hong Kong operatives are working twelve hours a day for seven days a week? Could not he introduce a legal maximum of six working days a week, at least for women and girls, since no such limitation at present exists? Would not that be in the interests both of the Hong Kong workers and Lancashire, where four or five mills are closing down every week?

As I have said, the Governor will be shortly writing to me about this matter, and when I am ready to make a statement I shall do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many instances, as a result of the cases of 2,072 persons under eighteen years convicted for drunkenness in the three years 1954–56, proceedings were instituted against the licensees from whom in something less than half the cases the drink was known to have been obtained.

In 1,192 of the 2,072 cases in question, the source of the drink was unknown. Of the remaining 880 cases in which the source was known, licensed premises accounted for 635. During the same period, the number of persons proceeded against for knowingly selling drink to persons under eighteen for consumption on licensed premises was 135 and the number convicted 67.

Is the Home Secretary aware that there is very serious concern among social workers at this increase in drinking among young people? Is not the percentage of convictions rather low, considering the numbers involved? I understand that the Minister is considering ways of obtaining information on juvenile drinking. Can he promise a report to the House in the near future on the steps that the Government are taking to check this growing evil?

We do our best to obtain all the information we can. It is very difficult to establish the exact source of the drink. That is why the number of convictions is relatively small.

Does not the Secretary of State think that the figure of only 70 convictions out of 137 cases, which were presumably presented to the bench by the police, calls for some investigation by his Department?

I cannot interfere with the ordinary administration of justice, but I do not think that this is unnatural. What I think is rather extraordinary is the number of cases known compared with the number which have been brought up for trial. That is the real difficulty.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he has any means of penalising these juveniles who give false information of their age to licensees or club stewards.

It is simply a case of finding them out and catching them. Then we can do something about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what length of time Mrs. Janet Armstrong was a prisoner on remand at Holloway Gaol awaiting trial subsequent to her committal by the magistrates; what opportunities she had of communicating with other prisoners during that time; and whether, in view of the information supplied to him by the hon. Member for Carlisle, he will hold an inquiry into the circumstances of her stay at Holloway.

Mrs. Janet Armstong was received into Holloway prison on 1st September, 1956, and discharged from court on 13th December, 1956. She had the opportunity to speak to other untried prisoners, particularly, though not exclusively, during exercise. I do not think that an inquiry into the circumstances of her stay in Holloway could throw any further light on her husband's case.

Is my right hon. Friend aware, however, that this Question arises from two facts? First, at the trial at which her husband was convicted for murder this young woman had changed her evidence from that which she gave to the police prior to being placed on remand; and secondly, that one of her fellow-prisoners at the time has publicly admitted in a popular newspaper that she has discussed the case with her? Will not the Home Secretary reconsider his decision in the light of these two facts?

Information has been given to me by my hon. Friend, and I have also read the statements in the newspapers concerned. As I have the case under close consideration at the present time, perhaps my hon. Friend and the House will allow me to consider it further.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further recommendations have been or are to be made to medical practitioners for charges for cremation certificates B and C.

The Annual Report of the Council of the British Medical Association, published in the British Medical Journal on 19th April this year, reminded members of the Association's policy that a suitable fee for the completion of either of these certificates is two guineas plus mileage allowance. The Association has informed me that another reminder was included in a bulletin sent last December to hospital consultants and specialists, and that it recently decided again to draw the attention of hospital staffs to its policy in the next bulletin.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. In view of the fact that there are many different charges, from two guineas upwards—some of which are considered very excessive—is it possible for his Department to do something to reinforce the bulletin sent out by the Medical Association?

We are watching this matter, but in the meantime we would like to support the Association's efforts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation to amend the Representation of the People Acts to make provision for altering the register once it has been published if a name has been omitted through the error of an official.

No, Sir. Much as I regret the mistakes that occasionally occur, I attach great importance to the principle that the register, once published, is final.

I appreciate the need for maintaining public confidence in the register, but does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is quite unjust that people should be excluded from the register, after they have filled in the necessary forms, simply because of a clerical or a printer's error? Should not steps be taken to have the names of these men returned to the register so that they are not disfranchised?

The register is compiled to cover about 29 million voters, and on the whole we escape without very many mistakes. In the circumstances, and in view of the precedents—because this matter has come up before my predecessors on many occasions—I would rather adhere to my general answer unless I get evidence to make me alter my mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that most British citizens prize very highly the right and privilege of voting, and that if they are deprived of that vote through no fault of their own they feel a very deep sense of injustice?

I have to balance that very important consideration of our civil liberties against the very considerable difficulty of altering the register once it is published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what date it is anticipated that the work of the Anglo-Egyptian Resettlement Board will be wound up.

Until further progress has been made, it is impossible to say.

Does the Home Secretary realise that the Board is putting some pressure on these unfortunate people and causing them considerable anxiety by telling them that it will shortly be wound up? In view of the understandable difficulties which the remainder of these refugees are finding in settling in this country, will he give an assurance that if and when the Board's work is wound up some other agency will be set up to cope with cases which are still not satisfactorily settled?

I have ascertained the source of the hon. Lady's anxiety. It is that the Board's staff warn people in receipt of regular allowances that it will not be able to help them indefinitely, but in response to her Question I should like to say that there is no immediate prospect of winding up the Board. It is intended that it should do the work entrusted to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with his present powers of investigation relative to provincial police forces; and if he will make a statement.

The responsibility for maintaining an efficient police force is placed by law on the police authority for the force. The Secretary of State's duty is to satisfy himself that this responsibility is being properly discharged. He does so on the basis of reports by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary. I do not think that any additional powers are required for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware of the public concern at the recent revelation in regard to the provincial police forces? In addition to his present powers, will he not also take powers to investigate complaints made by members of the public when put through their Members of Parliament? Am I not correct in saying that, for instance, in the recent Brighton case the abuses that came to light had been going on for many years before they came to a head at the trial?

I cannot comment on the two cases which are at present sub judice, namely, Brighton and Worcester. The case of Brighton is sub judice because the appeal of the Chief Constable still lies to me, as Home Secretary, and I would rather not comment pending the determination of that appeal. But I understand the anxiety on this matter, and I have made it the subject of inquiry, with the aid of my Inspectors of Constabulary. If a Member of Parliament wishes to put any point to me, he has immediate access to me, and I shall be glad to hear anything he says.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is here a rather difficult problem which should be looked into, namely, that it is anomalous that this House has ultimate responsibility for the Metropolitan Police but no responsibility at all, as far as I can see, for other police forces in the country? He will be aware that very grave problems are raised in this matter. Nobody wants to turn the whole police into a politically-controlled force, but does not he agree that there is a problem which needs inquiry?

I do not think that the problem needs inquiry, but it exists, because the Secretary of State is primarily responsible for the Metropolitan Police Force and area—and it is a very large force—but has direct powers only in certain matters relating to chief constables, and a certain responsibility, through the Government, for grants. Otherwise, he is not responsible for provincial police forces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now make a statement on the progress of his study of schemes for dealing with the state of the law regarding the remedies and rights to compensation of the victims of unlawful attacks upon their persons and property.

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave to his Question and to that of the hon. and learned Member for Ipswich (Mr. Foot) on 13th May.

Does not the Home Secretary realise that that Answer does not cover this Question? Does he realise that Britain lags behind other civilised countries in this respect? Does he further realise that it is hopeless to expect finance in this matter from the criminal who commits the damage because such criminals are generally impecunious—[Laughter.]—not always, but generally—and that here is a grave wrong awaiting remedy, especially in the case where the breadwinner is either killed or injured and his family left destitute? Will he look into this much-needed social reform?

I have looked carefully into the ideas of the late Miss Margery Fry which, in short, involve a scheme of national insurance on the same sort of basis as the Industrial Injuries scheme. The reform to which the hon. and learned Gentleman referred is a big question of principle on which I do not think there would be universal agreement. There is also the question of obtaining from the prisoners' earnings some sort of restitution for the victims of their crimes. That is a different problem. I have examined both questions, but I cannot undertake to get agreement in the near future.

I regard that answer as thoroughly unsatisfactory and I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment, at an early date, because this is an urgent and much-needed social reform.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that in 1955 18,560 fires were attributed to children playing with matches and that children usually obtain matches from the kitchen, what steps he is taking to encourage housewives to use automatic lighters.

My Department has issued no advice to housewives about using automatic lighters; but a popular booklet on fire precautions produced by the Home Office and published by the Stationery Office emphasises that matches should be kept out of the reach of children.

Is the Home Secretary aware that a flint lighter with a retail price of 5s. 11d. is taxed at 4s., and that a 7s. 6d. battery lighter is taxed over 5s. 3d., which includes duty and Purchase Tax? Does not he think that this is being penny wise and pound foolish, and will he remit the matter for consideration to the Inter-Departmental Committee on Home Safety?

I think that I had better discuss any fiscal question with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consideration he has given to the possibility of introducing legislation to enable all local authorities to incur expenditure for the promotion of home safety.

Since my answer on 19th December to my hon. Friend, the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke), there has been no Bill introduced in which such a provision could suitably be included. But I will keep the matter in mind.

Is the Home Secretary aware that there is considerable confusion among county district councils about this matter? While some have been spending money on home safety propaganda without challenge for a number of years, others have recently had their expenditure questioned, and is he aware this is a matter of some urgency which should be cleared up in view of the importance of home safety propaganda?

That is why I was looking for a vehicle in which to insert this provision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has already circularised every local authority in England and Wales and drawn attention to how and where they can obtain money for their activities? Is he also aware that at 5 o'clock today any hon. Member who attends the Home Safety Committee will receive a copy of that circular?

I hope hon. Members will pay attention to the "Whip" of the hon. Lady.

Will my right hon. Friend consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government as to whether the provision could be introduced into the Local Government Bill in another place? Is he aware that that Bill covers this possibility?

We have looked at it, though I will again have a word with my right hon. Friend if it is so desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that night-clubs which have been struck off the Register for gross breaches of the licensing laws shall not be able to reopen on the same premises under a different name.

It would not be practicable to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion without radical alteration of the law relating to registered clubs, and this would raise very contentious issues.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that public opinion has been somewhat shocked recently by a serious case? Surely what has happened recently is only calculated to bring the law into contempt? Will my right hon. Friend look at this matter again with a view to seeing whether something cannot be done?

I have looked at it. I thought that perhaps we might re-enact the law in this way, that the same club should not be registered under a new name. But on examining that simple formula, I found that it would not work. All sorts of detailed complications and inquiries would be involved, and that is why I say that the issue is contentious.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how he is considering the question of the whole problem of these bogus proprietary clubs which are in a different position from working men's clubs and other bona fide clubs of that kind?

We had a recent rather striking example which we are examining in the light of the Question put by my hon. Friend, and in the light of what the hon. Gentleman has said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will advise magistrates that, in cases where gross breaches of the licensing laws have been discovered, the premises should always be disqualified.

It is for the courts to consider on the merits of the particular case whether to exercise their power to disqualify premises for use as a registered club, and it would not be proper for me to advise them on the exercise of their judicial discretion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the methods used by the Metropolitan Police to obtain evidence of breaches of the licensing law, with particular reference to the recent proceedings brought against a certain London night club.

The methods used to detect offences against the licensing laws necessarily depend on the circumstances of the case. I have no comment to make on the proceedings to which I assume that my hon. Friend is referring.

I do not think anyone will deny the difficulties which are experienced by the police in discharging their duties of implementing the licensing laws. Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is quite wrong that the police should commit offences in the course of attempting to detect the commission of offences by other people? Will my right hon. Friend look at the matter as being very serious and involving dangerous precedents?

My hon. Friend is quite right to be anxious on this score. It is very difficult publicly to discuss all the methods that are used but this case has brought to my mind certain dangers. If my hon. Friend would care to discuss the matter with me, I shall be very glad.

In regard to dangers, will the Home Secretary tell me what remedy a Member of this House has if a club is called after him?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of prisoners, the total number of prison staff, and the prisoner-staff ratio at Her Majesty's Prisons, Nottingham and Chelmsford, respectively.

On 2nd May, there were 228 prisoners and a staff of 109 at Chelmsford, and 173 prisoners and a staff of 81 at Nottingham. The number of prisoners to each officer was thus 2·09 and 2·13, respectively.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Parkhurst there is an average of considerably less than two prisoners to one officer? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."] Can he explain why it is possible that prisons like Chelmsford and Nottingham can supply more amenities and better facilities than Parkhurst, where there are far more officers?

In general at central prisons like Chelmsford and Nottingham the prisoners are out of their cells, and extra staff is required for supervision and training. I will look into the position at Parkhurst.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the week-end compound period at Parkhurst, which in 1952 was 2½ hours on Saturdays and Sundays, has been reduced to 80 minutes; why evening association, formerly of two hours' duration, is now only 70 minutes; and if he will restore association time to the hours prevailing before the staff was increased.

The week-end compound period was reduced by 15 minutes because the introduction of a new shift system made necessary some changes in the movements of officers. Evening association was reduced by 30 minutes partly because it became possible to increase workshop hours and partly because an expanded education programme made it necessary to use association rooms for classrooms. I hope to provide additional accommodation which will make it possible to restore 15 minutes of the lost association time.

Will the Home Secretary deal in particular with the question of association time on Sundays, which is the only time when men can spend periods in association in the fresh air? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this cut was far more considerable than the one he mentioned? Will he look into the fact that since 1953 there has been a big increase in staff which could have made it possible to increase association time and not reduce it?

Yes, Sir, I will look into that point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, on the day before he is discharged, on completing a seven to 14 years' sentence, a prisoner at Parkhurst is removed to the punishment cells, locked up at 2.30 p.m., and given a bed board for his last night, that he is denied the privilege of becoming accustomed to civilian clothes and, on leaving, although given a railway warrant and 5s. or 10s., is denied soap, towel, or any means of keeping himself clean; and if he will forthwith end this treatment and give the men a better chance to face the world in the first few days after they leave prison.

For the convenience of both prisoners and prison staff, it is desirable that arrangements for discharge should be carried out in a place apart from the main prison. The cells used at Parkhurst are similar to those in the rest of the prison; and I have arranged for prisoners awaiting discharge to have ordinary prison beds in future. Most prisoners receive a towel on discharge from Parkhurst. Prisoners are allowed to try on their civilian clothes some time before discharge; but they do not get final possession of them until the morning of discharge. The money grant to discharged prisoners is intended to cover subsistence needs on the homeward journey; for the rest the prisoner is given a letter of introduction to the National Assistance Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have seen men on the day of their discharge from Parkhurst and that my Question referred not to the regulations but to the way they are applied? Is he also aware that many of these things which are on the pre-war list are no longer allowable?

Is he further aware that if upon entry a man cannot be persuaded to sell his clothes they remain in his case, perhaps for seven years, and that when he opens it a lot of things, such as braces, have perished? A constituent of mine was discharged recently and was given this bit of cloth as all that was left to tie up his trousers. [Laughter.] It is neither very funny nor a very good foundation for the start of a new life. Will the Home Secretary look very carefully at the way in which these regulations are applied and do his utmost to help these men, most of whom are friendless and alone?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any further information, I will discuss it with the Prison Commission.

May I ask whether the experiment which was tried at Bristol of giving short periods of leave before discharge to prisoners who had been away for a long time so as to get them accustomed to life has been a success?

Yes, Sir. There is a special hostel at Bristol which is the best experiment in preparation for discharge in the country. We hope to extend that experiment. I am glad that it is working very well.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long notice he gave to Mrs. Anna Horrat Marcovic before service and execution of his deportation order on her at 8 a.m. on Thursday, 1st May.

Mrs. Marcovic, whose permitted stay in this country expired last October, was repeatedly instructed to leave, the last occasion being on 4th March; and I stated on 28th March, in reply to the hon. Member, that I was not prepared to agree to her remaining here any longer. As she made no arrangements to go, the deportation order I made was carried into effect on 1st and 2nd May.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only desire of this unfortunate stateless person was to be allowed to remain in this country with her own family? Has there not been some lack of humanity in dealing with her case? Is it normal for the police to call at eight o'clock in the morning and to tell a woman that she must be ready to leave the country within half-an-hour? Will he say what instructions are given when a deportation order is made?

I cannot go into the whole merits of the case. Each of these cases is examined with great humanity and care. I might add that the relatives of Mrs. Marcovic have written to the Chief Constable of Warwickshire expressing thanks for the kindness and consideration shown by the superintendent, officers and men of the Stratford Police in carrying out the instructions of the Home Office. I am sorry about this case, but I have to follow certain rules.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the public disquiet on the matter, he will appoint a Royal Commission or other suitable body to inquire into the law relating to the hunting of stags and other wild animals.

No, Sir. The Committee on Cruelty to Wild Animals reported fully on this subject in 1951.

Since we had that report, is the Home Secretary not aware that new evidence is forthcoming? Has the right hon. Gentleman studied the copy of the Daily Mirror of 5th May which I sent to him in order that he might be better informed on the matter? Photographs in that newspaper show the final episodes in the hunting of a stag. These were photographed by an American teacher who described the incidents in the hunting of this animal as, "The most outrageous brutality I have seen." Do the photographs not stir the conscience of the right hon. Gentleman? If they do, is he prepared to think about doing something to stop this outrage on the conscience of the British people?

No, Sir. I could not go as far as the hon. Gentleman. Perhaps the House will remember that the Committee's recommendation on red deer hunting was:

"Hunting is a useful and necessary method of controlling red deer on Exmoor, and the deer could not be destroyed or controlled, without danger to persons or stock, in a way that would cause less suffering. It should therefore be allowed to continue".

Is the Home Secretary not aware that we can control deer in Scotland without committing the outrages that are committed here? Can he not follow the method that is practised in Scotland?

I have studied the methods in Scotland. This is highly contentious matter. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to give me any further evidence, perhaps he will do so.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now received a report from the Poisons Board in regard to Persomnia.

No, Sir. This matter will be further considered by the Poisons Board at its next meeting in June.

In June? I will wait till then.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of robbery with violence, involving the theft of money, were known to the police for the year 1958 to the latest convenient date.

I regret that no figures for 1958 are yet available, and the statistics do not in any case enable me to distinguish robberies involving theft of money from other robberies.