asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in the preparation of a report on the practicability, design and estimate, cost of constructing a movable flood barrier for the purpose of preventing flooding in the Thames Valley.

The amount of work involved on this proposal has exceeded expectations and my right hon. Friend has not yet received the report of the consulting engineers. They are, however, fully aware of the importance of completing their tests and reporting as soon as possible.

Whilst thanking the hon. Gentleman for that information, may I ask whether he will bear in mind that we were promised a report by the end of 1957? In view of the disastrous floods in 1953, the fact that they may recur, and the fact that the Waverley Committee's Report suggested that there should be a barrier near Dartford and many people feel that there is not on the part of the Ministry the sense of urgency that this important matter demands, will the hon. Gentleman give a more definite assurance about the time when we can expect the report?

The position is that the two firms of consulting engineers wish to carry out further tests before they decide the best method of operating a barrier. I cannot say when the report will be ready but when it is received I assure the hon. Member that it will be studied with urgency by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) if he will initiate a campaign in all industrial areas in England and Wales to clean and brighten the towns and cities by the planting of trees, shrubs, plants and turf, and appeal for the united co-operation of all organisations, employers and others in each area;

I am glad to say there is evidence that local authorities generally are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of trees to the amenities of both town and country, and I have no doubt that the circular played its part in stimulating interest.

While appreciating that sympathetic reply, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary will consult his right hon. Friend with a view to asking him to consider the advisability of the Ministry taking the initiative to a greater extent than it has done in the past, in order to stimulate interest in this matter and give greater encouragement to local authorities?

I am not sure in what way my right hon. Friend can take the initiative over and above what he has done already. If the hon. Member has any suggestions, we should be glad to consider them.

In view of the highly unsuitable choices that are often made, may I ask from what source local authorities can obtain advice about the most appropriate species of trees to grow?

Many local authorities have their own parks superintendents. We have experts in the Ministry whose services are always available to the smaller local authorities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in relation to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's appeal, reference 1436/40620/70L.2(d) 11741, against Staffordshire County Council's proviso to planning consent for the use of land at Holditch, Chesterton, that a trunk road should be included in the plan, if he will consult with the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation about his present proposal that the trunk road should follow the line of the present Liverpool Road and Talke Road, Chesterton; and, in the light of these consultations, if he will reconsider whether it is necessary or desirable to include a road in the Holditch plan.

I am aware that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation no longer proposes to construct a trunk road along the line cutting through the Holditch Industrial Estate, but the Staffordshire County Council, which is the local planning authority for the area, considers that there is a need for some kind of road here. Neither I nor my right hon. Friend see any reason to dissent from this view, which was upheld when dismissing the appeal on 9th May.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the original plan the road included in the Holditch plan was the trunk road but that in the meantime the Minister of Transport has changed his scheme for a trunk road? Why is it necessary, therefore, to include the road in the plan? Does the hon. Gentleman know of anybody in this area who wants the road?

Yes, Sir. It is the view of Staffordshire County Council that a road is necessary through the Holditch Industrial Estate as well as the other thoroughfare to which the hon. Member has referred.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many requests for the postponement of a hearing under the Local Government Act, 1948, have been refused by the Stafford North Local Valuation Court each year since 1948.

I regret that this information is not available. But in amplification of previous Answers and correspondence I can assure the hon. Member that applications made in good time and with sufficient reason given are not refused.

Does not the Minister agree that, where the Act specifically lays down that an appellant can appeal to a lands tribunal only if he or his representative attends the court, there is a moral obligation on the court to permit the case to be postponed on a written application from the appellant sent several days previously? Alternatively; would not he agree that it is an injustice to a workman to deny him the right of postponement because he or his representative cannot attend, and that it is an injustice for the court to give a decision in those circumstances?

I cannot agree that proceedings of this kind are unfair and unjust. One must bear in mind that the members of the local valuation courts are themselves serving unpaid, and in the case which the hon. Gentleman has in mind a request for a postponement was received two days before the proposed date of the hearing, with no explanation given. In the circumstances the court, in the exercise of its discretion, decided that it would not grant deferment.

On a point of order. In view of the statement just made by the Minister, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will now indicate when the Royal Commission on Local Government in London will be issuing its report.

It is too early to say when the Royal Commission will report.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is yet in a position to reply to the petition sent to him by the hon. Member for the Honiton Division of Devon, signed by nearly 5,000 residents of Exmouth, objecting to the proposal to take over the Exmouth Urban District Council's Water Undertaking and requesting that the Minister should not take any compulsory action.

My right hon. Friend is considering this Petition, which was received in the Department only a few days ago, and he will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply, but will he urge on his right hon. Friend the examination of this matter with the utmost sympathy, bearing in mind the fact that this is an extremely efficient undertaking, which is run very economically, and that literally thousands of local ratepayers regard the proposal as a forerunner of nationalisation and, eventually, of higher water rates?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has all that multiplicity of considerations well in mind, and I hope my hon. Friend will be patient and await the reply.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what grants have been made by his Departments since 1945 to the Biddulph Urban District Council, Staffordshire; and for what purposes these grants were made.

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

Can the hon. Gentleman give some indication of the amount of time that elapses between the request by the local authority for a grant, its submission of plans, and the award of the grant to the authority?

It varies from case to case. I am not sure what type of grant the hon. Gentleman is referring to, but if the suggestion is that there have been delays in respect of this local authority, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is proposing to take to enable local authorities to advance 100 per cent. of the purchase price to suitable applicants for loans for house purchase.

While I wish local authorities to make full use of their powers to lend for house purchase, these could only be extended by legislation. I will keep in mind the suggestion in the hon. Member's Question.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he appreciates that if he could take some action quickly it would greatly assist families who are being evicted under the Rent Act and are trying to help themselves by buying houses but who cannot get together the 10 per cent. deposit in the short time available?

This suggestion has been made to me from a number of quarters. To prove that I have not a closed mind

Is my right hon. Friend aware that facilities of this sort for advances of 100 per cent. to house purchasers would be welcomed on this side of the House as well, at any rate in respect of new houses?

I will take note of that.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he proposes to introduce legislation to permit local authorities to retain prefabricated houses on public open space for the temporary housing of the homeless.

As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 24th June, I do not think that such action is needed. In general we want more public open space, not less.

Since the Minister's estimate of the number of homeless families, certainly in Wood Green, differs from that of the local authority, in that he thinks that the problem will he negligible after October and the local authority thinks that a great many families will be involved, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to look at this matter again in six months' time when the position will be clearer, and consider whether action on these lines can be taken then?

I am afraid that I cannot give that undertaking. In the case which the hon. Lady has in mind, Wood Green Borough Council sought Ministerial approval to keep 56 houses on public open spaces until August, 1960, and that was granted. I really do not believe that they ought to stay there longer.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress is being made in the objectives of the Rent Act; what evidence he has of unreasonable demands by landlords from tenants of decontrolled houses; and what effect he estimates evictions under the Act will have on the housing problems of local authorities.

The Rent Act is already enabling landlords to put and keep their property in better repair, and is encouraging them to re-let rather than to sell. The decontrol provisions are working, and cases of genuine hardship should be met by the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Bill. I anticipate no serious difficulties for local authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what has been the effect of his warning to unscrupulous landlords who are trying to make tenants who have short leases; of neglected property take on all obligations except for major structural operations? What information has the right hon. Gentleman that the evictions after October, as a result of the Rent Act, will not create major problems for some local authorities at a time when the housing programme is being cut down materially?

Since the warning to which the hon. Member refers, I have introduced the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Bill and that Bill, in the course of its passage through Parliament, was amended, I should have thought, in the sense which the hon. Member would approve. Nobody can tell for certain the number of people who may be homeless after October, but I know that the London County Council first made an estimate of 30,000 and then reduced it to 3,000. I think that it will be lower than that.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) what powers have been given to the Lake District Planning Board over the erection of private dwelling-houses in the Lake District National Park;

The Lake District Planning Board has the powers of a local planning authority under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, to control development including the erection of private houses. The bungalows in question were to be erected on conspicuous sites in an area of great natural beauty in a National Park. My right hon. Friend agreed with the local planning authority that bungalows here would damage the landscape.

Whilst it is widely appreciated that the Lake District Planning Board serves the best interests of the Lake District, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that in this case the Board overruled the authority concerned and flatly contradicted one of its own previous decisions? Is he also aware that the considerations which he has mentioned may have applied to two private individuals who were trying to erect bungalows designed to fit in with the scenic beauty of the district, whereas the same consideration did not apply to a public body which was allowed to erect cottages of a very ordinary design indeed in exactly the same area?

It is true that the Lake District Planning Board delegates some of its planning functions to the rural district council, but it is perfectly entitled to overrule that council if it thinks that the latter is wrong. It thought so on this occasion and so did my right hon. Friend. As for the comparison with the Outward Bound buildings, I have looked at these two cases and I am perfectly convinced that, owing to the shielding of the Outward Bound buildings by trees and the difference in the contour, they are not offensive to amenity whereas the bungalows on the edge of the lake would have been so.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what date his sanction was sought by the Cardiff City Council for the erection of twelve three-storey blocks of flats at Ball Road, Llanrumney, Cardiff; and on what date his assent was given.

On the planning aspects of this scheme my assent was not required; Cardiff City Council is itself the planning authority. As regards the Housing Acts, the Council submitted the scheme to me on 8th May, 1958, and my approval was given on 25th June.

In view of the impression under which a number of local inhabitants are labouring that this was intended as an open space, can the Minister confirm that in fact it was not so intended? Secondly, can he tell us whether any limitation is put on the type of housing development in the area?

To the best of my knowledge, this land was not allocated for open space, nor am I aware of any limitation being put on the form of housing development.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is taking to check the growing practice of landlords in Newcastle-upon-Tyne threatening eviction proceedings against tenants who reduce their rent when landlords' undertakings to carry out repairs remain unfulfilled.

I am not aware of this practice. But I welcome this opportunity of re-emphasising that the security of a controlled tenant is in no way affected by his exercising his rights under the disrepair procedure of the Rent Act.

While welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's clear statement to this effect, is he nevertheless aware that many tenants refuse to believe that this is the case, and are paying very much higher rents, as they have been, in effect, almost terrorised by private landlords in many cases? Will the right hon. Gentleman not cease to make these public statements about the true position of the tenant, both on the radio and in other ways, to try to ensure that tenants appreciate their rights?

I have from the beginning done all in my power to let tenants know what are their rights, and one and a quarter million copies of the 6d. booklet, "The Rent Act and You", have been sold. Unfortunately many people may have been misled by false propaganda about the Rent Act.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that I have sent him a specific case of a landlord, who fortunately is not a constituent of mine but who has property in my constituency at North Shields, who has deliberately terrorised the tenant? The details of the case have been sent to my right hon. Friend. Does not he consider that it is ill-advised merely to dismiss these allegations?

One thing I have learned is that it is unwise for any of us to express a view about a case on the spur of the moment without knowing both sides of it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, to my own knowledge, far too many landlords are still refusing to accept the holding back of rent, which the tenant is entitled to do under the Act, and will he consider bringing forward legislation to make such a refusal an offence, even when there is no entry in the rent book?

In the kind of case to which I think the hon. and learned Gentleman is referring, paragraph (8) of the First Schedule to the Rent Act enables the tenant to go to the local authority and seek a certificate stating definitely whether or not the undertaking has been carried out.

That is not the point.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to enable tenants to enforce proper standards of repair against their landlord when the property has become decontrolled under the provisions of the 1957 Act.

No, Sir. The repairing obligations of landlord and tenant must be a matter for agreement when the terms of a new tenancy are settled.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that many people have taken on new tenancies quite forgetting the fact that this puts them completely in the power of the landlord? Will he consider the very serious plight of many tenants of bad property who are now unable to enforce any decent standard of repair against the landlord? Will he seek powers to enforce decent standards upon the landlords?

I am very sorry if any tenants have entered into unwise agreements without taking professional advice beforehand, as they have been advised repeatedly to do.

Is not the Minister aware that this is a natural consequence of his own Act, and will he, therefore, take measures to protect tenants against these consequences?

The Opposition cannot distract attention from the shortcomings of their own housing policy by continuing to slight the Government, who have had the courage to tackle rent restriction.

In view of the evidence from both sides of the House that landlords are taking advantage of tenants, may I ask the Minister whether he will recognise his obligation, as the Minister who recommended this legislation to the House, to protect the tenants against them?

No, Sir. I think we must all have regard to the protection that is available to us under the law. I am extremely sorry when individuals, whether in this matter or any other, fail to inform themselves adequately.

While it may be true that considerable repairs are needed, is not there evidence from all over the country to show that in recent months the scale of repairs to houses has been far greater than for very many years?

Yes, Sir. That is one of the excellent effects of the Rent Act which the Opposition have sought to prevent.

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment tomorrow.

Further to that point of order. May I join in the debate tomorrow night?

I shall have to see how we get on, but I think the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) may want to ask for legislation.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) whether he will reconsider his decision not to allow the construction of 22 houses at Warton in the Atherstone rural district in the County of Warwick;

I have already agreed that the council should put 67 dwellings into tender this year. The council has asked for this to be increased to 89 because it claims that it was delayed by my Department in approving the layout for its Warton site. It is not in dispute that there were difficulties about the layout proposed by the council, which took time to resolve: but this particular problem had no bearing on the size of programme I could authorise the council to put in hand this year. I shall be prepared later in the year to review its request for an increase.

While welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's approval of the houses, may I ask whether he is aware that the Atherstone Rural District Council has completed only 12 houses this year, as compared with an annual average of 122 since 1951–52? Is he aware that since 1956 preparations have been made at Warton to build houses to remove slum dwellings? Would not it therefore be a good idea if the council were allowed to get on with those as well?

What I have done is to approve a programme of 67 houses this year, which should cover the immediate slum clearance commitments, and I have told the hon. Member that I am prepared to look at the matter again later in the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many detainees in Kamiti Quarry Hospital, Kenya, are suffering from tuberculosis and leprosy; how long have they been in the hospital; and what treatment they are receiving.

I assume the hon. Lady is referring to Kamiti Prison Hospital, which is the central prison hospital to which all convicts and detainees suffering from infectious tuberculosis are transferred. At 15th July there were 30 detainees suffering from tuberculosis and four suffering from leprosy in the hospital. The maximum period for which any tubercular patient has been under treatment there is two years; the lepers are new arrivals. As the medical treatment is varied and technical I will, with permission, circulate details of this in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that information confirms that in a letter which I have received from one of the detainees in the hospital, which also complained that the treatment which the detainees are receiving is not the same or as good as that given in the civil native hospitals, and that it also alleges that medicine is refused unless the men confess, and that there is no diet for the sick different from that of the healthy? Will he examine those points carefully?

I think that the hon. Lady knows that if she sends my right hon. Friend or me any information of this sort, we will always examine it very carefully. I hope that she will resort to that instead of making what appear to be wild allegations in the House. I assure her that when she reads my Answer, she will see that the treatment afforded is of the most up-to-date kind.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that, however undesirable he may think it, this sort of Question becomes inevitable in view of the recent discussion which we had in the House on whether Members' correspondence is privileged or not?

If the hon. Lady likes to speak to me, that will give me even greater pleasure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what petitions have been received by the Government of the Seychelles from shoe makers against the use of prison labour for the making and repair of shoes; and what action has been taken.

The Governor received a petition dated 19th February, 1958, alleging that the Prisons Department was undertaking shoe repairs for the public, using prison labour and in direct competition with commercial shoemakers. It was found that six private repairs had been undertaken, in order to extend the training in cobbling given to the prisoners by the police cobbler. On 25th February the Superintendent of Prisons was directed to limit work to the repair of police and Prison Department boots and the shoes of nursing sisters; the petitioners were informed of this decision.

As there are plenty of opportunities in the Seychelles for constructive labour by prisoners which will not damage the interests of craftsmen or traders, will the Under-Secretary ensure that there is strict adherence to the rule that prison labour should not be exploited to the detriment of civilians?

So long as the international regulations are being observed, those are matters which are better left to the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of the Seychelles for the rehabilitation and resettlement of persons discharged from the leper settlement of Curieuse; and what financial provision is made for them during the period of resettlement.

The Director of Medical Services makes sure that people discharged from the leper settlement have a suitable home to go to and someone to look after them. The Welfare Department finds work for them if asked. Financial help in the form of poor relief is given if necessary.

Will the Under-Secretary make some inquiries about the present financial provision? Is he aware that many of these people fall into a state of destitution after leaving the settlement? As they should clearly be given special care and welfare facilities, will he inquire what measures are being taken by the Government of the Seychelles to provide some form of regular financial assistance?

My Answer was designed to let the hon. Member know that I am perfectly satisfied that the Government of the Seychelles are taking these masters into consideration and helping all those who need help.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals were made on the problems of diamond smuggling in discussions between President Tubman and Sir Maurice Dorman, Governor of Sierra Leone, during the Governor's official visit to Liberia.

I understand that the Governor took the opportunity during his visit of discussing the matter informally with President Tubman who expressed his sympathy for the Sierra Leone Government in their difficulties and promised his support within the limits of what was practical.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether these conversations will be embodied in a document or White Paper for consideration by the House? In the meantime, what steps are being taken to stop this practice?

I could not give that undertaking without further consideration

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals for a national policy are being considered by the Sierra Leone Marketing Board to stimulate the palm oil industry, in view of the conclusion in its annual report for 1957 that the palm oil industry is of fundamental importance to the economy of Sierra Leone.

The Marketing Board's Report urged the adoption by the Government and others concerned of a policy of planting high yield varieties of oil palms; and I understand that the Sierra Leone Government have been actively investigating means of stimulating production of palm kernels, as well as of other agricultural products.

I thank the hon. Member for that reply, but does not he agree that there is great scope in the palm oil industry for the possible development of the co-operative principle? Does not he further agree that a scheme similar to the one operating in Nigeria, where seedlings are circulated at very cheap rates, and where there is a high degree of training, might also be considered for the palm oil industry of Sierra Leone?

I should like to look into that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conclusions were reached in his official discussions with the Governor of Trinidad regarding constitutional changes for that territory.

Discussions have not yet taken place.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is the last week before the Recess? As these discussions are contemplated, in view of the able administration of the islands by Dr. Eric Williams and the fact that Trinidad is to be the site of the Federal capital, will he do his utmost to enable full self-government in Trinidad to be realised?

Work at the Colonial Office does not stop merely because the House of Commons rises.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conclusions have been reached in the official discussions with the four rulers of Western Aden Protectorates regarding the establishment of a federation of these territories; and what proposals have been made for increasing the provision of British defence forces.

I explained the result of my discussion with the Rulers from the Western Aden Protectorate in my reply to the question of the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 17th July. The Answer to the second part of the question is that it is not in the public interest to disclose what scales of British forces may be required in the Aden Protectorate or elsewhere from time to time.

In these discussions, will the right hon. Gentleman be careful not to establish an artificial structure which does not have the support of the people of the Protectorates?

That will certainly not be an accurate description of the proposed federation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will extend the Recovery of Compensation for Malicious Damage Act, introduced by Greek members and passed by the Cyprus Legislative Council in 1931, to cover compensation for crimes of violence in Cyprus.

The Governor is considering whether the amendment of this legislation would help in present circumstances.

Does my hon. Friend agree that it might help to check racial violence if, when damage was done to the property of one of these communities and the culprits could not be found, the other community had to pay just compensation?

Those are the sort of things which the Governor is taking into consideration, but my hon. Friend should bear in mind that this violence is often caused by people coming from another district.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many offenders arrested in Cyprus under the Emergency Regulations, since January of this year, have been granted bail.

One hundred and twenty-eight.

How many of those arrested were in cases involving offences which could bring the death penalty? Is it a fact that a Turkish police sergeant carrying a primed bomb in his car, a case which carries the death penalty under the Emergency Regulations, was granted bail, jumped his bail and escaped to Turkey? Is this the only case of its kind? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a widespread belief in Cyprus that the Emergency Regulations are not being operated with scrupulous impartiality?

Shame.

I simply will not accept the implications of the hon. Lady's question. There is a later Question on the subject which will be answered by my right hon. Friend. The answer to the first part of the hon. Lady's supplementary question is that there were six cases of carrying firearms, four Greek and two Turkish.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the charge brought against Police Sergeant Mustafa Tuna in Cyprus; what is the statutory punishment for this offence; why bail was granted to Police Sergeant Tuna, without guarantors; and what are his present whereabouts.

He was arrested for being in possession of a bomb, for which he was liable to imprisonment for life or a lesser punishment. The grant of personal bail lies solely within the discretion of the judge. Mustafa Tuna left Cyprus for Turkey on 8th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied not only that justice was impartially done in this case but that it was seen to be done? Is he aware that this case has caused the gravest misgivings in Cyprus, as an example of apparent favouritism to a Turkish citizen?

It would not be proper for me to comment upon any judicial action taken, but I would certainly say that the fact that this man went to Turkey on a Turkish passport, and therefore escaped further proceedings, is highly unfortunate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what response there has been from Her Majesty's Government to the most recent letter of Archbishop Makarios, offering to co-operate in attempting to end violence in Cyprus; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now permit the return of the Archbishop.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of Archbishop Makarios' plea for the cessation of violence, he will now permit the Archbishop to return to Cyprus.

Her Majesty's Government have noted the full text of the Archbishop's recent response to the Governor's message. The House will be aware that violence continued after the Archbishop's statement. I see no reason to make an alteration in this aspect of our policy as stated on 19th June, and cannot add to what I said on this matter in reply to supplementary questions on 24th July.

Is not it getting clearer every day—a fact that we all deeply regret—that the situation in Cyprus cannot be improved without the active participation of Archbishop Makarios? Will not the Government give him a chance to get back among his people, on the spot, to use his power and influence to bring about a better situation in the island?

I think that we are all anxious to say nothing which will make a solution more difficult, but I must remind the hon. Lady that the statement made by the Archbishop included the words,

"The recent Greco-Turkish trouble in Cyprus wholly arises from the Turks."

Will the right hon. Gentleman understand that the presence of the Archbishop in the island would be a moderating factor? Does he appreciate that sooner or later he must bring the Archbishop back? Is he determined that it must be too late?

I have answered that supplementary question in advance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the result of the consideration by the Central Whitley Council in Kenya of the allocation of Government quarters on a nonracial basis.

The staff side has not yet been able to produce proposals to put before the Council. The next opportunity for the Council to discuss the question will be in early August but meanwhile all senior African officers in Nairobi have been allotted quarters at European standards.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that a purely ad hoc solution is not satisfactory, since it does not fulfil the non-racial principle? As this matter has been dragging on since February of this year, can he give some indication of the difficulties on the staff side and what the staff is standing out for?

The difficulties are the practical ones of preparing a detailed scheme which is both in line with the policy of non-racial allocation and fair to those who have joined the Service expecting a certain type of accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken and are being considered by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to counteract discrimination in employment, including discrimination on grounds of race, in view of the recent Convention adopted by the International Labour Organisation at Geneva.

The Convention was adopted only last month and as Her Majesty's Government have not yet decided what action to take the question does not at present arise.

Do Her Majesty's Government see any reason why the Convention should not be applied to Northern Rhodesia?

I am afraid that that is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on his discussions with Sir Arthur Benson and the delegation from Northern Rhodesia with regard to constitutional changes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on his talks with the Governor of Northern Rhodesia.

I have at present nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) yesterday.

Can the Colonial Secretary give an assurance that no changes will be imposed in the Protectorate before the House has had a chance of debating them? Will he bear in mind that there is widespread opposition, not only in Northern Rhodesia, but also in this House, to the proposals which will give a majority to the European minority, which is only 3 per cent. of the country's population?

I could not accept the hon. Member's description of the White Paper proposals, but I will be quite frank with the House: it will be necessary to advise Her Majesty to make constitutional instruments during the Recess in order that the Government of Northern Rhodesia may proceed with the registration of voters under the new franchise proposals to enable the holding of a new election within the time limits imposed under the present constitutional instruments. The House knows my difficulty, and also knows that I have been long urged to get on with the task of constitutional development in Northern Rhodesia.

On a point of order. Will Her Majesty's Government have the power to impose these constitutional changes without an Order in Council, which should lie upon the Table and be open to debate by the House of Commons?

I am not sure about the facts of this Order, but usually there are safeguards for the House in proper cases. But there is no power to prevent a Government Department making an Order generally during the Recess.

I am sure that the whole House and the Leader of the House will agree that this is an unusual situation, in which substantial constitutional modifications are apparently to be made, and the House of Commons will have no opportunity of pronouncing upon them even though the final responsibility is that of the House of Commons. Will the Leader of the House consider the position which is likely to arise, so that we can have a statement, if the situation is so far advanced, before the House rises, so that we might all have further time to consider what changes are to be made?

Perhaps I may answer for Her Majesty's Government. I understand the difficulties but I do not believe that there would be a different policy, whichever party was in power, in regard to the proceedings during the next few months. We cannot stop the necessary work during the Recess. I have given a great deal of thought to this matter, and I should be willing to arrange that the Order should be in two parts and it would then be the second which would enable the changes to take place. We could consider, through the usual channels, whether the House would wish to discuss proposals before an election could take place.

Is not it a fact that the delay has been caused by the long discussions about the Constitution?

Yes, it has been thoroughly thrashed out.

Are we likely to have a statement about the proposed machinery before the House rises?

Not in addition to what I have said. I think that what I have said will ensure that the House, if it wishes at the time, will be able to have a discussion before irrevocable action is taken.

On a point of order. Grave issues are involved here for the whole of Central Africa. If there were a demand by hon. Members for a sitting of the House before these proposals are put through, would you take it into consideration, Mr. Speaker?

The only provision made in our Standing Orders for the recall of the House is in Standing Order No. 112. Unless that were put into operation, there would be no way of recalling the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many boys completed middle school education in Tanganyika at the end of last session for whom places were not available in secondary schools or trades schools.

A total of 3,850 boys completed middle school education at the end of last session. Of these, 1,759 entered secondary trade schools. Of the balance of 2,091, 362 entered teacher training centres, and some 600 are known to have taken up employment with central or local government, missions and seminaries. Statistics are not available for those who entered the many other fields of employment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are not enough secondary schools to take all the boys who want to go to them, nor enough trade schools? Will he try to make sure that the comparatively small number of people in the population of Tanganyika who succeed in completing middle school education have an opportunity to go further with their education?

Yes, Sir. The Tanganyika Government has this matter very much in mind.

Can the Under-Secretary confirm that although Tanganyika has a population of about 9 million Africans, fewer than 250 have finished their school certificate course? Is that correct?

I should not like to hazard a guess about those figures without more information, although I know that the hon. Gentleman is usually accurate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the fact that the recent Customs and Income Tax changes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika were not considered by the East African Revenue Advisory Board, as provided by Order in Council, how far the new Regulations will be implemented; and what action he proposes to take to clear the confusion in commercial circles in the three territories in regard to customs changes.

It is for the High Commission in its discretion to refer any such question to the Revenue Advisory Board and decisions of this kind cannot by their nature be the subject of prior public discussion. The recent changes came into effect on 8th May although the Income Tax decisions are effective in the main on incomes arising in 1958 and the new Customs Regulations came into full effect only on the 1st July. I see no cause for the confusion which the hon. Member suggests exists.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend been drawn to the speech of the Minister of Commerce and Works in Uganda earlier this month, which was reported in the Uganda and Kenya Press and which was to the effect that the Customs changes were illegal? What action has been taken as a result of that speech?

No action has been taken as a result of that speech.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why such a high proportion of members of the Council of Makerere College are governmental nominees.

Since the recurrent expenses of Makerere College are met almost entirely by the East African Governments it is not unreasonable that there should be 14 Government nominees, of whom only five are officials, out of a total membership of 23.

Does the hon. Member realise that the universities in this country also have their recurrent expenses met out of public funds? Does he realise that on the score of academic freedom, if this sort of governing body were offered to any university or university college in this country it would be instantly rejected?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has not wholly appreciated that there is an Academic Board which is responsible to the Council to carry out the academic management of the College. The Makerere College Council is mainly responsible for the financial control and general administration of the College.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give support to the proposed formation of a development corporation in Hong Kong.

This is a matter in the first instance for the Government of Hong Kong to consider.

Will my right hon. Friend draw the attention of the Government of Hong Kong to the advantages of the establishment of such a body, which are twofold: first, to co-ordinate the industrial production of Hong Kong, and, secondly, to harmonise United Kingdom and Hong Kong industrial production when there may be conflict?

I know that it has been arranged that the member who brought this idea forward should put up a plan to the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present number of unemployed workers in the tin mining industry in Nigeria; what alternative employment has been found for them; and what proposals are being considered by the industry and Government of Nigeria for the future of the mines, in view of the latest decisions of the International Tin Council.

The labour force has dropped by 22,000 between June, 1957, and June, 1958, but only about 500 have registered as unemployed. The remainder have returned home to work on their farms or have obtained employment elsewhere in Nigeria. If there is continued large-scale redundancy and unemployment resulting in hardship, the Federal and Northern Region Governments will be prepared to consider advancing certain building and development projects in the worst affected areas in order to provide some alternative employment. The extension of the railway from Jos to Maiduguri is expected to begin within the next two months and in recruiting the labour force for this work preference will be given to unemployed miners.

Can the hon. Member say whether plans are being made for the re-assembly of this labour force when full production is possible again?

I do not think that any active plans are being made, but I judge that it will not be very difficult to reassemble the labour force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet reached a decision on the future of Malta as a result of his discussions with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the discussions with the Governor of Malta respecting the constitutional future of the island have now been completed; and if he will make a statement.

My discussions with the Governor are nearly over and I hope to make a statement before the House rises.

Would not the Colonial Secretary think it a worth-while gesture at the moment to release those who are held in political detention, and, secondly, to consider the advisability of withdrawing the emergency regulations?

No, Sir—to both questions.

Is the Minister aware that Friday, when the House rises, coincides with three months of emergency in Malta? Will he now consider allowing the state of emergency to die a natural death? May I also ask him to give further consideration to the constitution that he proposed a few months ago? Further, is he aware that a commercial undertaking has offered to do the work in the dockyard, but that it proposes to employ only 4,000 men, instead of 13,000? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that alternative employment will be found for the remainder?

The hon. Member will be well advised to await my statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the constitutional proposals for the future of Uganda that have been submitted to the Governor by J. K. Babiiha, Member of the Legislative Council, on behalf of the Toro Kingdom; and what action he proposes to take thereon.

These proposals have not been submitted to the Governor. I feel that no action is called for on my part, although these suggestions are an interesting stimulus to public discussion in Uganda.

Bearing in mind the ignorance of the Minister about these proposals, will he confirm the fact that the smaller kingdoms of Uganda are distinctly apprehensive of Buganda, and the Buganda Government as a whole? Will he give the House an assurance that he will safeguard the interests of the smaller kingdoms, if and when any future constitution is being considered?

Most certainly, yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the resolution passed by the Gibraltar Legislative Council protesting against libellous innuendoes concerning the loyalty of Gibraltar during the war contained in an article in the Sunday Dispatch, 6th July, 1958; and what action he will take to reassure the people of Gibraltar of the Government's appreciation of their services in the war.

Yes, Sir. I am sure that all in this House will wish the Gibraltar Legislative Council to know that any imputation on the loyalty of the people of Gibraltar is deeply resented in this country.

Is the right hon. Member aware that that Answer will cause great satisfaction in Gibraltar, where the Legislative Council described that article in the Sunday Dispatch as deliberate lies and an unwarranted libel? Will he take steps to see that his remarks are passed on to the Legislative Council?

Yes, certainly. I think that the article complained of contained a deplorable statement.