asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement of the position in Colonial and Trust Territories in relation to the International Labour Organisation Convention on the abolition of forced labour.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the Convention (No. 105) adopted at the International Labour Conference last year. That Convention has already been applied in 28 of the overseas territories for which the United Kingdom is responsible. Consultations with the remaining territories are still proceeding.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Can he give the House any indication how long it will take to complete the process in the remaining territories, and can he give an assurance that in the twenty-eight territories to which he refers none of the forms of forced or compulsory labour as defined in the Article I in the Convention now apply?

I can give the latter undertaking which the hon. Gentleman asks for. I am afraid that I cannot say how long it will take; but good progress has been made during the six months since the United Kingdom ratification. It may give the hon. Gentleman some sort of perspective when I say that only eleven out of eighty members of the I.L.O. have so far recognised the Convention.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how it happened that there has been such a long delay in the ratification of this Convention? The original Convention was made in the years before the war, and there was a directive from the Secretary of State ten years ago. What stands in the way? What are the impediments to the full implementation of the Convention?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, there are two separate Conventions. The first, to which I think he refers, and which was in 1930, has been ratified and is now applied in all United Kingdom overseas territories. This is a different Convention with which as much progress is being made as is physically possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many women from the Colonial Territories are in training in this country to become doctors, nurses, teachers, and social welfare workers; and from which territories they come.

164 for medical training; 4,652 for nursing; 286 for teacher training and thirty-nine for social welfare. They come from thirty-six different territories.

With permission, I will circulate a full table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if he thinks, in view of the fact that there are 13,000 students in this country from Colonial Territories, that women are getting their fair share of this work?

I hope so.

What is the size of the aggregate population which these few women have to serve?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the statement in the Kenya Legislative Council by Mr. Wilfrid Havelock, Minister for Local Government in the Kenya Government, to the effect that democracy is not one man, one vote, represents the policy of the Kenya Government.

In criticising a proposal that a "city manager" type of administration should be introduced in local government, the Minister observed

I could not give an answer without notice. If the right hon. Lady puts the Question on the Order Paper, I will be glad to answer it.

In a situation when we are trying to put over to the Africans the idea of multi-racial Government and when many of them fear that this is being pressed as an alternative to the prevention of their enjoyment of full democratic rights, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is very unfortunate that a Minister in the Kenya Government should seem to cast doubts on the validity of the principle of universal suffrage, and will the right hon. Gentleman say that, so far as he is concerned, his objective for Kenya is the operation of full democracy as we understand it in this country?

I think the Labour Party document, "Plural Society", which the hon. Lady knows, was quite sensible when it declared that a genuine democracy had not been reached until racial consciousness had withered away. I do not think anyone can say that we have yet reached that stage in East Africa.

Looking to the future, would it not be far wiser and better for all European leaders in these Colonial Territories to say that they fully accept the implications of our colonial policy, which is ultimately towards full self-government?

This is in danger of getting out of perspective. All Mr. Havelock did was to point out the manifest fact that a system of "one man, one vote" does not by itself constitute democracy and that other features of society are the main test whether or not a country is democratic.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the widespread demand in Kenya for an early constitutional conference, he will arrange for such a conference to be held later this year.

No, Sir,

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the African elected members have made new constitutional proposals in an attempt to have discussions about developing a much more peaceful and settled Kenya and that the proposals for a new constitutional conference are supported by all the non-European elected members in Kenya and one European, Miss Cook? In view of that, will the Colonial Secretary use his influence to secure an early conference?

No, I am aware of the new proposals, and there is a Question about it later on the Order Paper. I see no signs that the necessary participants in such a conference, if held, would get beyond the point of disagreeing about the agenda, which was the rather unfruitful result when I tried the procedure last November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he discussed with the Governor of Kenya the recent African demand for increased representation in the Legislative Council; and what further constitutional adjustments he intends to make.

I must obtain the advice of the Government of Kenya on the memorandum making a variety of proposals for constitutional change, including a suggestion for increased African representation, which I have just received from the African Constituency Members. Until I have received that advice I would prefer not to comment on the memorandum. But I would remind the hon. Member that the present Constitution, under which the Africans received six additional communal seats, apart from their four specially elected seats, has come into force only very recently.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to announce the decision?

I cannot yet say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in regard to the staffing of the Maendaleo Wa Wanake Clubs in the Central Province, Kenya.

There are seven Government community development officers, eight Government homecraft assistants and 194 homecraft assistants in local government service helping these clubs do the Central Province. They are assisted by voluntary workers and others employed by the voluntary agencies.

By how many have these numbers been cut? I understand that these clubs mean progress for women and that some of them are short of staff and will not be able to carry on if the emergency fund runs out.

I have no actual figures. I know my hon. Friend's interest in this matter, and I will see what I can do to get more accurate information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the outcome of the discussions by African provincial councils in Northern Rhodesia of the constitutional proposals for that territory.

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

Will the Colonial Secretary confirm whether or not it is true that three of the seven African provincial councils in Northern Rhodesia have rejected the Government's proposals outright and the remaining four have severely criticised many details of them? In view of the fact that members of the Executive Council of Northern Rhodesia have also criticised the proposals, does not this show that there is a formidable body of hostility towards the proposals which the Minister ought to take into account?

We would have a more profitable interchange if the hon. Lady would read my Answer, from which she will see that dissatisfaction was expressed by four councils and that in the three others certain aspects of these proposals were welcomed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Government of the British Cameroons for the further training of African staff; and when these proposals will be put into operation.

Pre-service and in-service training schemes are already in operation in both the Northern and the Southern Cameroons. I do not know of any additional proposals.

Can the hon. Member say whether these schemes were started this year? Not very long ago his right hon. Friend, in answer to a question of mine, said that new proposals were about to be made. Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether these schemes are the result of those proposals, or whether new proposals are still being adumbrated in the mind of the Government? In view of the fact that there are only twenty-six Africans, as against 161 expatriates, can the Minister say that further training will be urged on as quickly as possible?

Certainly. My right hon. Friend is extremely anxious to do that. I am confident that the Governments concerned appreciate the need for training Africans for posts at all levels in the public service, and they are implementing this policy as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of Africans and Europeans, respectively, employed by the co-operative movement in Sierra Leone; what steps are being taken to train Africans for responsible positions in the co-operative rice and cocoa societies; and what amounts are being allocated to the development of co-operatives for the year 1958–59.

One hundred and fifty Africans and no Europeans are employed by the co-operative societies, eight Europeans and 115 Africans by the Government co-operative department. Training courses are organised by the department. The sum of £67,100 is provided for development of co-operatives in 1958–59.

I thank the hon. Member for that very detailed reply to my Question. Does he not agree that one of the most effective ways of developing democratic experience in territories like Sierra Leone is to develop a co-operative activity? Does he not also agree that in Sierra Leone only a very small percentage of the population is engaged in these activities? Indeed, I think it is the smallest proportion of population in the whole of West Africa. Does he not further agree that in the light of these facts more encouragement should be given and more money spent upon training competent co-operative workers?

That supplementary question is too long.

I am not sure that agree with the hon. Member's last point, but I can tell him that considerably more progress has been made under a Conservative Government than under the previous Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent a system of grants-in-aid to native administrators in Sierra Leone has been introduced by the Government; how far these have enabled them to employ more competent staff; what rates of pay they receive; if the proposals to introduce a system of annual conferences at which representatives of the chiefs and the people can discuss common problems with representatives of the Government have now been accepted; and when the first conferences will take place.

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

I am much obliged for that information. Cannot the hon. Member give any figures of the number of representatives of organised African workers? Is it not very important that there should be representatives of the organised African workers who have first-hand knowledge of their living conditions? Could we not therefore have a set of figures of those who actually represent the trade unions of the Africans?

When I have full information I will write to the hon. Member—and I will get the information as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposals of the Sierra Leone Government, as embodied in Sierra Leone Sessional Paper No. 1 of 1958, have been approved.

Yes, Sir. After discussions at the end of last year, the Sierra Leone Government submitted formal proposals in March for changes in the Constitution which involve the creation of an all-African Executive Council under the Governor. These proposals have been approved. The drafting of the necessary instruments is nearly finished and I hope the changes can be put into effect quite soon. I am arranging for copies of the Governor's despatch and of my reply to be placed in the Library of the House.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask him what powers still remain to Her Majesty's Government?

That will be clearly shown in the communications I shall place in the Library. I will take the opportunity of saying that, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, Sierra Leone Ministers have shown every evidence of responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many African trade union members are represented on wage-fixing bodies in each of the territories under the administration of Her Majesty's Government in Africa.

There are approximately 120 workers' representatives who have been nominated to serve on statutory wage-fixing bodies in the territories in Africa for which my right hon. Friend has a responsibility. Not all of these, however, are Africans or trade unionists. When I have complete information I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the book, "The Gold Coast Revolution," by George Padmore, Adviser on African Affairs to the Prime Minister of Ghana, has been banned in Tanganyika, and from what other Colonial Territories it is excluded.

Because it was considered that to import it would be contrary to the public interest in Tanganyika. According to the latest information available in my Department, the book is also excluded from Kenya and Nyasaland.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter? Is he not aware that Mr. George Padmore now occupies a very high position in Ghana, that he accompanied the Prime Minister of Ghana to other African States, and that his last book was a very strong attack on Communism in Africa? Is it not the case that this book is a factual publication of the advance of Ghana towards independence?

This is a decision of the Governor in Council, and there are three very distinguished Africans on the Council. Recent developments in the mind of an author cannot change the influence of a book written some years ago.

Only two years ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the existing registered trade union in Tanganyika, to which sisal workers belong, has been excluded from membership of the proposed consultative council on labour relations for the sisal industry.

Representatives of the Tanganyika Sisal and Plantation Workers Union, formerly the National Union of Plantation Workers, are included in the membership of the recently established Joint Consultative Council for the sisal industry.

Can the hon. Member say why it is that the Tanganyika Federation of Labour, which certainly represented by far the largest number of workers on the plantations, has been deliberately excluded? Is it right that the Government should give the impression that only a kind of company union is to be tolerated?

That is not the situation at all. The union was not originally recognised, but now that it has changed its major principles it is fully recognised. I am sure that what the hon. Member has in mind has now taken place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Government scholarships awarded to Africans from Tanganyika for study at university level during 1957, and the number of these awarded for the study of law.

Ten in the United Kingdom, including one for the study of law.

In view of the small proportion given to the study of law and the small number of applicants for such scholarships, will the hon. Gentleman do all he can to encourage more Africans to study law in view of the desirability of the courts of the Territory being staffed by Africans.

Yes, Sir.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these scholarships were for the study of medicine?

Two.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will report on the state of industrial relations in the brewing industry in Dar-es-Salaam in Tanganyika; and what steps the Government of Tanganyika has taken in the matter.

A dispute over a wage claim between the Commercial and Industrial Workers Union and East African Breweries, Dar-es-Salaam, led to a strike on 16th April. Attempts at conciliation between the two sides by the Tanganyika Labour Department have been unsuccessful.

Would the Minister indicate whether the Tanganyikan Government are taking any further steps? Is it a fact that Asian strike breakers have been used at one point by one of the breweries concerned? If that is so, will my right hon. Friend convey to the company concerned how very unwise that is in a country where the maintenance of good relations among all races is so very essential? Is it also a fact that the Asian strike breakers were being paid more money than the actual wage claim of those on strike?

I have no information about that, but I am satisfied that the Government did not neglect any opportunity of promoting a settlement and acted throughout with proper sense of impartiality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, despite the fact that Kenya and Uganda have extra-mural departments of the University College of East Africa at Makerere, there is no university extension work in Tanganyika.

I cannot at present add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member, which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 11th June.

I have asked the hon. Gentleman this question three times and have never had an answer. Perhaps the Minister can confirm this one. Would he not agree that, with the developing consciousness of the African Nationalist Movement, it is even more important to have adult education than to have elementary education?

I have given the hon. Gentleman three answers. I am sorry if he does not think they are good ones. The need for extension of the education services in Tanganyika is very great, but I should be reluctant to interfere with the discretion of the Tanganyika Government in allocating available funds to one or other of the many different forms of educational activity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision has been reached in the official discussions with the Chief Minister of British Guiana regarding the financial needs of that territory.

The delegation from British Guiana with whom discussions are proceeding comprises: The Governor, Sir Patrick Renison, the Financial Secretary, Mr. F. W. Essex, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. C. B. Jagan and the Minister for Natural Resources, Mr. E. B. Beharry. I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider very sympathetically this request for additional financial aid, in view of the fact that since the Government was reconstituted there has been encouraging progress? We do not want a situation to arise where the absence of finance would lead to a new crisis.

It would be wiser to conduct negotiations with the delegation rather than across the Floor of the House.

That was an unnecessary remark.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Government of Nyasaland propose to meet the situation arising from the unanimous decisions of the African Councils of the Southern and Northern Provinces to elect no further members to the Federal Parliament.

None, Sir. I would remind the hon. Member that the body designated by the Governor of Nyasaland for the purposes of Article 13 (3) of the Federal Constitution as a body representative of Africans is not confined to the present members of these two councils.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opinion of these councils reflects a very considerable proportion of opinion among Africans in Nyasaland? In view of that fact, will he look carefully at this situation and, when the time comes, apply the Preamble of the Federal Act, which requires that the inhabitants of a territory shall endorse the review?

We certainly consider seriously what the body says, but the body designated includes all members—past and present—of the three African provincial councils, and the Question refers only to the present members of two of the councils.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the new ship on order for the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific has yet been delivered.

No, Sir. Delivery has been promised by 10th August.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the many frustrations which tend to occur in these rather remote places in getting these orders fulfilled? In view of the great importance of senior officials getting round their territories, will my hon. Friend do his utmost to overcome the inertia which tends to be present in the affairs of these little Cinderellas?

I do not think I can accept my hon. Friend's contention. In this case, at any rate, there has been no inertia. The building of the "Coral Queen" was started, but she was found to have inadequate stability.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for how long Gilbertese immigrants have been entering the Solomon Islands Protectorate; whether they have been doing it under a Government-sponsored scheme; and with what success.

A colonial development and welfare pilot project was started in May, 1954. It proved successful and was expanded a year later and some 200 Gilbertese, mainly from Sydney Island in the Phoenix Group, are now living near Gizo in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. A further 160 are expected shortly. A chain of partly planted islands near Gizo have been purchased to supplement the imcome of the present settlers and to provide room for expansion if necessary.

Can my hon. Friend say whether these natives, who speak quite a different language from the people of the Solomon Islands and are a different type of people altogether, are getting on well with the Solomon Islanders and whether their health, which on their own island is completely free from all tropical diseases, has suffered at all in their new home?

I have no reason to think so; in fact, they are going to return a member to the local rural district council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the recommendations of the Governor of Somaliland on the Report of the Commission on Unofficial Representation in the Legislative Council.

No, Sir. This important Report was laid before the Legislative Council in the Somaliland Protectorate on 25th June, and I am still awaiting the views and recommendations of the Governor.

Would not the Minister consider it important and urge the Governor to forward the recommendations as soon as possible? In view of the known urgency of this matter, would he consider giving rather wider circulation to what, I think, many people believe to be an excellent Report?

I will put that to the Governor. He is anxious to hurry matters up. I should like to thank the hon. Gentleman for his own very helpful work in that part of the world.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken to improve the sanitary conditions in Belize, British Honduras.

The Colony's Development Plan includes provision for an investigation and the preparation of plans for an up-to-date sewerage system. This was not one of the schemes put forward by the British Honduras Government for provision of funds this year, but they intend to give it high priority in their future programme.

Is the hon. Member aware—I am sure he must be—of the real urgency of this matter and the impossibility of further progress with health considerations in Belize until this job is tackled? Will he put it to them, as they put it to me, that this is a matter of first priority?

Yes, and as they put it to me as well; and the result—not the result but the fact—is that the revised development programme contains provision for £12,500 in order to make a start on the work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when a suction dredger will be delivered to Belize in British Honduras to enable land to be drained for urgent housing development.

Purchase of a suction dredger was not one of the schemes put forward by the Colony for provision of funds this year. However, when I was there recently I learned that they want to place an order now and this proposal is being examined very urgently.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any date for delivery, as all housing development of that kind depends on it and people are building houses right in the swamp?

No, I am afraid I cannot give a date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions are placed by the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland on the entry into their Territories of the inhabitants of Southern Rhodesia.

In both these territories there is an Inter-Territorial Movement of Persons (Control) Ordinance containing provisions governing the entry of inhabitants of the other Northern Territory and of Southern Rhodesia. If any such person has been convicted of a scheduled offence, or has been ordered on any previous occasion to leave the Territory, he requires a permit to enter. In addition, the Governors can prohibit the entry of any other such person if satisfied that his presence would be a threat to security or good order.

But is it not the fact that if any European in Southern Rhodesia wishes to go into either Protectorate he does not have to carry a pass or in any way be subject to humiliation, whereas if an African or an Indian in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland wishes to go to Southern Rhodesia he becomes the subject of humiliation? Is that not entirely contrary to the spirit of the Federation, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that what is good enough for Northern Rhodesia ought to be good enough for Southern Rhodesia? Will he see that there is equality of treatment between the races in the Federation?

I am sure that what the hon. Lady has said will be noted. The answer I have given was the answer to the Question I was asked and applies to people of all races entering those Territories.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about the danger of famine in these Southern Rhodesian reserves, particularly Gwanda; and if it does develop, what will happen?

I have no responsibility for Southern Rhodesia. Perhaps the hon. and learned Gentleman will put that Question down to the appropriate Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the communal disturbances at Omorphita on 3rd July.

On the afternoon of 3rd July there was a clash between members of the two communities in Omorphita, which stopped when the police intervened. A curfew was imposed that evening and has been in force on subsequent occasions. Fourteen Greek Cypriot families have left the area since 3rd July, but there is no known case of a family being physically evicted. Turkish Cypriots who were prepared to occupy houses evacuated by the Greeks were prevented from doing so by the security forces and Turkish flags placed on a few abandoned houses were removed.

Do not all the reports suggest that this incident was more serious than the right hon. Gentleman's statement makes out? Can he say why there were no arrests made as a result of these disturbances, which were on quite a wide scale? Is he aware, despite the Prime Minister's indignation the other day, that all the evidence continues to show that security forces in Cyprus are treating the Turkish Cypriots with special tenderness?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman, whose interest in this matter I recognise, will nail that abominable lie whenever he hears it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the incident at Avgorou, near Famagusta, on 5th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the incident at Avgorou in which two Greek Cypriots were killed and 22 British soldiers wounded.

I have received a full report from the Governor, which, with permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what instructions are being given to British troops in view of the reports that have appeared in The Times about the origin of that incident?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will read the very full answer I am circulating. I am convinced that in this case the patrol commander took the only possible action. The Governor fully realises the importance of balancing the need to maintain order in the face of terrorist slogans inciting the public to disorder and the need to avoid unnecessarily strict action by security forces. But I hope the hon. Member will read my answer.

Does the Colonial Secretary really suggest that the word "Eoka" painted on a wall incites people to disorder? Is he aware that the whole story of this incident suggests that the tragic consequences and the reprisals which followed were wholly unnecessary?

I wish the hon. Gentleman not to think me offensive if suggest that he should read the answer before he makes up his mind. It has been failure to do that which has led to so many tragic misrepresentations before.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made to open discussions between the Governments of the Federation of The West Indies and the United States of America with regard to the United States offer of assistance to the Federation; and whether he proposes to send representatives to attend these discussions.

Last April, Her Majesty's Government conveyed to The West Indies an invitation from the United States Government to send representatives to Washington to discuss assistance; and the Governor-General expressed his Government's gratitude in his Speech from the Throne. Arrangements for the talks are being considered by the Governments concerned, and Her Majesty's Ambassador will be available to give any help that may be needed.

Will my right hon. Friend make it very clear indeed to the American Government that their offer of assistance to The West Indian Federation is very welcome in this country?

Most certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the population figure for Mauritius in 1958; what is the estimated population for 1968; and what plans the Government of Mauritius have for coping with this demographic problem.

In mid-1957, the population of Mauritius was 587,000. If it continues to increase at the same rate as between 1953 and 1957, it will reach about 750,000 by 1968. In its recently published five-year development programme, "A Plan for Mauritius", the Mauritius Government recognise unambiguously that the basic problem facing their people is that of over-population. Under the plan, the Mauritius Government hope to develop the economy and social services of the island in such a way as to keep pace for a time with the increase in population as well as to bring greater prosperity to the present inhabitants of the island.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the question of over-population looms over the future of Mauritius? Since the industries will not give many more jobs to people and emigration is almost hopeless, are the Government of Mauritius thinking further on the subject of family planning? What are they going to do about it?

The Government of Mauritius have no actual plans about family planning, but the people of Mauritius must realise that they have the choice either to control the growth of their own numbers or to suffer a decline in the standard of living.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now received assurances from the Argentine Government that measures are being taken to tighten up the precautions to prevent foot-and-mouth disease infection reaching this country through chilled and frozen meat shipped from Argentina; and what action the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations is taking to assist the South American countries in clearing up the disease.

We are constantly reminding the Argentine Government of our concern about foot-and-mouth disease, and I am advised that the Argentine authorities are co-operating fully in the operation of precautionary measures which have recently been strengthened. The fifth session of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which met in April of this year, discussed the extent to which outbreaks of this disease in Europe might be attributable to imported South American meat. Following this, the Food and Agriculture Organisation invited my Chief Veterinary Officer to accompany the chief of their Animal Production Branch on a visit to South American countries. They have just concluded their visit to the Argentine. Their purpose is to study and report upon the situation generally, and, in particular, upon the control measures which are being pursued. I welcome F.A.O.'s initiative in this matter, which, I hope, will be of benefit both to South American and European countries and ourselves, in particular.

In view of the very heavy cost that falls on us through foot-and-mouth disease reaching this country from Argentine meat, costing about £1 million last year, will my right hon. Friend promise to pursue the matter with the utmost energy? When he has the report of the F.A.O. experts we shall know about it and take whatever action is appropriate.

As my hon. Friend knows, I am as interested in this matter as he is, and I will certainly follow it up with all possible vigour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the continuing unsatisfactory state of the Fisher Fleet at King's Lynn; what steps are being taken to improve and maintain the facilities for the fishermen of the port; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that following discussions with my Department plans for the reconstruction of the quay have now been prepared by the British Transport Commission. Discussions with the fishermen and other interests concerned will shortly take place.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, which will give encouragement to all concerned, may I ask him if he is aware that he is the only authority that can co-operate with the various interests in bringing the matter to a head? Will he also remember that maintenance of the quay and of the general facilities is just as important as putting them in order?

I will remember what my hon. and gallant Friend has said.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future policy for the maintenance of deadweight certification centres.

I am anxious to provide adequate facilities for deadweight certification of fatstock for guarantee payments, but I must have regard to the difficulties and cost of providing staff for certification and for effective supervision to reduce the risks of fraud. New deadweight certification centres are continually being approved. On the other hand, where little use is made of these centres, it is necessary to withdraw certification facilities from them.

Representatives of both producers and butchers have been consulted on the policy which is followed, and I can assure my hon. Friend that full weight is given to the considerations brought forward by interested parties before any decision is taken to withdraw facilities at any particular slaughterhouse.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of representations he has received from the Market Rasen Branch of the National Farmers Union about the Deadweight Certification Centre, Caistor, Lincolnshire, he will give an assurance that this facility will be maintained in the area.

I regret that I cannot give an assurance that approval will continue to be given to the Caistor Deadweight Centre. Only a very small number of pigs are certified at this centre and there are adequate alternative facilities for obtaining certification in the district.

While I recognise the special difficulties there are in the administration of the centres, I hope my right hon. Friend will look again at the very special need for the certification centre up in the Lincolnshire Wolds. I hope it will be possible for him to let us keep it.

I know that my hon. Friend is extremely zealous in looking after the interests of his constituents. I assure him that I have looked at this matter very carefully and that I do not think I shall be able to modify my reply.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has now received representations from all the organisations representing the interests affected by the Report of the Committee on Transactions in Seeds; and if he win make a statement.

Not yet, Sir, but I have again asked the organisations which have not sent in their views to let me have them as soon as they can. These and the views of the other bodies concerned will have to be carefully considered before any conclusions are reached.

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to expedite his consideration of the matter, or, alternatively, go ahead without waiting for these representations, because we cannot be held up indefinitely by these interests?

I always thought that the hon. Gentleman believed in consultation with industry. I can assure him that I accept what he said and that I shall not allow any grass to grow under my feet.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take, in view of the losses suffered by some soft fruit growers owing to severe flooding.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the losses sustained by soft fruit growers in some parts of the country owing to flooding; and what steps he is taking to provide compensation or other appropriate assistance.

There has been damage to some soft fruit in some parts of the country, and I have much sympathy with the growers concerned. The risks of such damage are regrettably part of the normal hazards of horticulture, and I am afraid there is no way open to the Government to provide assistance.

While joining the right hon. Gentleman in expressing sympathy with those who have suffered, may I ask him if he will look at this again, because in the case of some small growers this is a calamity? Will he consider the possibility of giving exceptional relief in these circumstances? Will he also survey the drainage arrangements, because allegations have been made that they did not function properly?

I will certainly look at what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I am glad that he joins with me in expressing the sympathy which we all obviously feel with those concerned. I wish, however, that townsmen would realise that this is part of the normal hazards which agriculturists and horticulturists have to face.

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the damage to growing crops caused by flooding in Yorkshire; whether he will make a statement on the extent and value of the losses incurred; and what proposals he has for the protection of land in the future.

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what survey he has made of the crop losses suffered in the recent floods; and what relief funds are available to assist those hardest hit.

Recent excessive rainfall with violent thunderstorms has caused flooding and damage to crops. The flooded area comprises some 12,000 acres of mainly arable land in Lincolnshire, about 3,000 acres mainly grassland in Yorkshire, together with small acreages in the Great Ouse and Trent areas. In addition, there has been widespread water-logging in Eastern England. The extent of the damage cannot be properly assessed until the land has dried out.

With regard to my hon. Friend's Question, I have the greatest sympathy with those who have suffered, but I am afraid there are no Government funds available to compensate farmers for crop damage. In reply to the point raised by the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. G. Jeger) on the future protection of land affected, my engineers have already been discussing remedial measures with the Drainage Authorities concerned, who are, of course, responsible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there have been considerable losses in corn, potatoes and root crops due to the flooding of land in Yorkshire, although he minimises what happened in Yorkshire? Does he not also realise that had the remedial measures for which we have been pressing ever since the last disastrous floods in 1956 been introduced, much of the present damage could have been avoided?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman is fair in saying that I was underestimating the damage in Yorkshire, because I gave a factual reply. In fact, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary made a detailed tour of Lincolnshire this week and has given me a firsthand account of the damage. I regret that there is no way open to me to give the particular relief to which my hon. Friend refers.

If experience in the course of the next few weeks shows that there are particular areas in which farmers have been extremely hard hit, and in which some local effort is made to raise relief funds, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he will look at the possibility of some support for such funds being provided out of central funds?

I would say to my hon. Friend that these are matters for very serious consideration by the local interests concerned. From my past experience in my own county, I think it is likely, and if it is decided that special funds should be raised I think we should give all encouragement to those efforts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in 1947 some funds were made available to pay farmers who had suffered serious losses, but that in actual fact the losses today, particularly in Lincolnshire, are far greater because the crops are growing and the potatoes have been sold? Will he not do something more than was done in 1947, and is he also aware of the serious charges floating about concerning a lack of maintenance on the part of certain river boards. Will he see what his engineers can do to try to speed up the maintenance work of river boards?

I will certainly do all I can to give further assistance to the river boards with regard to the representation which my hon. Friend has just made. Otherwise, I have nothing further to add to what I have already said in my answer to this Question.

In view of the very serious problem in Lincolnshire, I hope it will be possible for you, Mr. Speaker, to allocate an Adjournment debate on this subject so that we can straighten out this problem.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the ice cream currently sold is made with dairy products; and whether the public demand for this quality of ice cream is increasing.

All ice cream must contain milk solids. Ice-cream manufacturers are not required to make returns of output, and I regret, therefore, that I cannot estimate the proportion of ice cream which is also made with dairy fats. Sales of dairy ice cream are increasing steadily however, and I am encouraged by the number of manufacturers now entering this field.

In view of the possibility of amending legislation, will my right hon. Friend try to let us have some more accurate information about the present demand for dairy products in ice cream? Would he also ensure that when people are receiving Government hospitality the ice cream offered is the genuine dairy product?

I have a very definite personal interest in trying to secure the object of the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the advances made to the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Limited.

To date, £2,775,000 has been advanced to the Corporation's Guarantee Fund out of the maximum of £3¼ million authorised by the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Act, 1956.

While appreciating that the rate of interest is a matter for the Corporation itself, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it ought to reflect the fall in the Bank Rate, and will he see that my Question is brought to the attention of members of the Corporation?

Yes, Sir. I am certain that members of the Corporation will read of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but I will certainly draw their attention to it. In fairness to the Corporation, I think that it should be stated that of course the rate of interest is its concern, and that, in fact, the shareholding banks, which put up the capital for the purpose, have not received a penny in dividend since 1935. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree with me that there is no question of private profit being made at the expense of agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the public is safeguarded against possible deception caused by the sale of milk substitutes consisting of the non-fat solids of milk and fat other than milk fat.

My right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are well aware of this problem. We are circulating to the interests concerned proposals for regulations controlling the description, labelling and advertising of such products, and beverages made from them.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that encouraging reply, may I ask if he does not think that the increasing use of milk substitutes would constitute a very serious threat to the dairy industry? Does he not think that to apply the names "milk" and "cream" to some of these substitutes is an outrageous and, indeed, offensive breach of the inalienable copyright of the cow?

I have considerable sympathy with what my hon. Friend has said, and I can assure him that I am as anxious as he is that the industry shall be properly protected. I think that if milk substitutes are plainly labelled the public should not be misled into believing that they are real milk.

What is the penalty for non-observance of these regulations?

These regulations have not yet come into effect. They are merely in draft, and I shall be able to give more details about them later.