asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what choices the people of the Southern British Cameroons will be given in any plebiscite to determine their future that may be held in the immediate future; and whether he will include amongst those alternatives the opportunity to defer their long-term decision for another few years.

This matter is now under consideration in the United Nations General Assembly, and I cannot anticipate the result of these deliberations.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that freedom of choice exercised too hurriedly may lead to bondage later on?

Yes; I am sure that the people ought not to be asked to vote on choices which they have not as yet fully understood.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) in view of the numbers recently engaged in illicit diamond mining, what steps the Government of Sierra Leone are taking to increase the opportunities for employment in the Colony;

(2) what schemes of development have been planned for the Kono area of Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone Government cannot, at present, afford to start large new schemes outside the diamond areas to employ those who have been mining diamonds illicitly. However, a special plan of development for the Kono area has been approved by the Sierra Leone Government. £88,000 is to be spent on it in the year ending on 31st March, and a further £100,000 has been allocated for next year. The works to be carried out by the Central Government include improved road communications, water and electricity supplies, two new schools, a hospital and a number of health centres.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of agriculture for the economy of a country like Sierra Leone, especially the plantation system, whether on a co-operative or a company basis?

Yes, Sir.

Why is it that when Kono men are excluded from their own country, so to speak, from the district where they were born, for alleged illicit diamond mining, they are not allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court about the decision of the local magistrate or whoever it may be?

I think that is an important point. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision has been reached by the Government of Sierra Leone on the recent suggestion of the People's National Party that an all-party Parliamentary commission of inquiry should be sent to Kono to investigate the troubles in the diamond mining area.

The view of the Sierra Leone Government is that the improved position in Kono does not warrant the appointment of a Parliamentary commission of inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people who live in this district and have lived there all their lives are being deported in large numbers and that their property is being confiscated? Surely this is not a situation likely to bring tranquillity to the worst trouble spot in Sierra Leone? Will not the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Sierra Leone Government?

It is, of course, the movement of strangers which is causing the difficulty, and I would call the attention of the hon. Member to what was said on 5th February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when cooperative diamond mining will be started in the Lower Bambara Chiefdom in Sierra Leone; and what have been the results of the co-operative pilot study recently started in Kono.

The timing of the scheme in Bambara depends upon the outcome of the similar scheme in Kono. It is too early as yet to assess the results of this.

Has the Minister any information as to the progress of the Kono scheme?

No, not at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent, in framing his new policy for Somaliland, he took as his criterion the interests of the people of the Protectorate.

The interests of the people of the Protectorate were obviously my main consideration.

Will the Secretary of State draw the attention of his colleagues in the Foreign Office to the long established principle of the paramountcy of the interests of the local inhabitants in the British Colonies?

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to a question previously put to one of my hon. Friends in the Foreign Office, that concerned a different question about a possible union of all areas occupied by Somalis.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in extending the runway at Hong Kong airport and providing navigational aids and new terminal buildings.

The new runway was opened on 12th September last. A 600-foot extension, bringing the total Lmgth to 8,350 feet, together with ancillary taxiway and aircraft park ramps, is to he completed in June. New navigational aids including P.A.R. (Precision Approach Radar), V.O.R. (Very high frequency omni-directional radio range), I.L.S. (Instrument Landing System), Approach Radar, Long Range Radar and lighting system will be installed between May, 1959, and April, 1960. Completion of the new terminal building is forecast for early 1961.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this is a very remarkable piece of enterprise which should bring great benefit to the Colony, and do not all those concerned in its planning and execution merit warm congratulation?

Yes, I agree.

asked the Secretary at State for the Colonies how free the Governor of Malta will be, under the new arrangements for direct rule, to invite to serve on the Governor's Council persons with experience in political and public life in Malta, even though they may not be representative of labour, commerce or the professions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now state the names of the Maltese members of the projected Council for Malta; and what representative qualifications they possess.

It is intended that the new arrangements should give the Governor discretion to invite to serve on his Council those persons he considers best qualified. I cannot yet give names.

Is it to be taken from that reply that people with experience in public and political life will not be excluded from receiving invitations even though they have not the other qualifications mentioned?

Certainly.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet succeeded in finding any representative Maltese person prepared to serve upon this utterly dictatorial Council?

I do not, of course, accept the hon. Gentleman's description of the Council. The Governor is not yet ready to issue invitations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what basis the contract was given to the Royal Netherlands Harbour Works Limited for the construction of a new deep-water wharf to be built at Malta; and how the British tenders compared with the one accepted.

Tenders for the construction of a deep-water harbour were invited on the basis of open competitive bidding. That of the Royal Netherlands Harbour Works Limited was accepted on the recommendation of a United Kingdom firm of consulting engineers. The lowest British tender was about £89,000 more.

Will my hon. Friend say whether it is the policy to accept the lowest tender? Will he bear in mind that it is unfortunate that, with all the millions of British taxpayers' money going into Malta, this business has been given by contract to continental firms at a time when British firms badly needed work?

The award of the contract was made by the Malta Government, and it has not been the policy of Her Majesty's Government to make financial aid to a territory dependent on the award of contracts to British firms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the West Indies Permanent Exhibition was opened in Bruton Street; how many people have visited it since that date; and what steps he is taking to prepare a traveling exhibition on the same lines which would be available to schools in this country.

The Exhibition is the responsibility of the Commissioner for the West Indies, British Guiana and British Honduras. It was opened on 19th January, but no count has been kept of the numerous visitors. I understand that the Commissioner has no present plans for a travelling exhibition on these lines.

An Exhibition on the British Caribbean produced by the Commonwealth Institute has, with the co-operation of the Central Office of Information, been touring the United Kingdom since January, 1957.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this Exhibition, though small, is very interesting and deserves the widest possible audience? In view of the lamentable ignorance about the British Commonwealth throughout the country, will he do his best to encourage the sponsoring and development of travelling exhibitions such as I have mentioned in my Question?

In answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I have done my best to encourage the exhibition by attending its inauguration. I entirely agree with the second part of his supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of fruit licensing restrictions by the New Zealand Government and the difficulties which may be caused by the European Common Market for the West Indies fruit industry, he will take steps to encourage larger importations of West Indies fruit into the United Kingdom.

We are always anxious to encourage the West Indian fruit industry, and, as the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, the United Kingdom already takes over 95 per cent. of all exports of fruit from the West Indies.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the Government have in mind in regard to a long-term contract for citrus fruits from the West Indies?

There are many different views in the West Indies as well as here at home on the value of long-term contracts. I have found many producers who do not agree that they invariably benefit from them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what medical posts in the British West Indies calling for recruitment from Great Britain remain unfilled at the latest available date.

Vacancies number 32; and six candidates have so far been selected against them. With permission, I will circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there is very great anxiety about the lack of recruits coming forward, and would he not do something both to review the financial terms of the appointments and also look at the possibility of joining the Colonial Medical Service in some way with our own National Health Service in order to give some greater sense of security to those who apply?

I will certainly look into the hon. Gentleman's proposal.

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind the need to make proleptic appointments in this country, thereby increasing the supply?

Yes, indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the agreement granting to the West Indies technical aid from the United States of America and signed in the week ended 28th February.

In view of the length of this document I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say at this moment whether there are any conditions attached to technical aid—things like American bases?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what purpose the anti-submarine frigate, H.M.S. "Ulster", put into St. George's Bay, Grenada, West Indies, early in February.

I would invite the attention of the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for The Hartlepools (Mr. D. Jones) on 24th February.

I have seen that Answer. It is quite unsatisfactory. Will the hon. Gentleman say, in the first place, whether the Federation Government were consulted about this matter? Secondly, would he care to express an opinion on whether it is a good way to preserve good will in the Colonies to send a frigate the moment there is a sign of the least possible industrial unrest? Or did the frigate go there to fill up with rum?

The hon. Gentleman said that he had seen my answer. If he had read it carefully he would have seen that the frigate did not go because of an industrial unrest but in case there was a breakdown of essential services.

Oh.

It is all very well for the hon. Member to shrug his shoulders. He only displays his ignorance in so doing. There were no alternative technicians available in the island.

Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that the presence of a frigate was requested by the Governor and that at the moment that the frigate arrived close to shore in St. George's Bay delicate industrial negotiations were going on? Is this kind of gunboat diplomacy likely to help in that?

The frigate was not invited because of industrial unrest but because of a danger of a breakdown of services. There happened to be a shortage of technicians in the island.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what financial or other help Her Majesty's Government proposes to offer to the Government of Tanganyika, in view of that country's deficit of £1,200,000 in the last financial year.

The last financial year in fact showed a small surplus, and although a gap of £1,200,000 between revenue and expenditure has been estimated for the current financial year, the final deficit is likely to be smaller and will be met from the territory's surplus balances. Forecasts of the situation in 1959–60 and succeeding years give cause for concern, however, and it is on this account that Her Majesty's Government have accepted the obligation to assist Tanganyika in meeting its financial difficulties. The way in which this should be accomplished is now under consideration.

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the latter part of his Answer will be very warmly received by all well-wishers of Tanganyika. In view of the many important social and economic developments taking place, he will appreciate that it is essential at this critical time in the territory's development that it gets this help.

Yes, I realise that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to reinforce the forces of law and order in Tanganyika.

Both the Governor and I are very alive to the need for ensuring that the police force in Tanganyika is fully adequate to preserve the peace so that orderly development in all fields can go on unimpeded. The new Commissioner and one of my Inspectors-General have each recently completed an inspection of the force, and the Governor is now considering what measures may be necessary to bring its strength and equipment into line with current needs.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one district, Njombe, there is only one Asian police inspector and twenty constables, no transport and no wireless? Is he satisfied that the police force is really strong enough on the ground?

No, I am not satisfied, and I am awaiting the report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to give details of the plans announced by the specially-elected members of the Kenya Legislative Council to build a multi-racial secondary school for boys between the ages of 12 and 18 years; if he has now ascertained the views of the African-elected members of the Legislative Council; and from what sources the money to finance the school will be provided.

The sponsors are still working on the project. As far as I know, the African Elected Members have not expressed a view on the proposals. I understand that the sponsors are now exploring possible sources of finance, but I have no details.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that The Times of 11th December carried a full statement about this matter, saying that the Elected Members would build a leaders' college modelled on the best public schools in Britain and that there would be a preponderance of European boys to "ensure a levelling up of standards"? Why cannot the Members of the Legislative Council in Kenya have a normal State day secondary school for all races?

That is another matter. This is a piece of enterprise upon which the specially Elected Members have got together, and I think that it is well worth consideration.

Why cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a lead to the Governor and say, "We want a normal State day secondary school for all races" and not leave it to the Elected Members to say "We should do it in this fashion", which is a bad way?

People may vary in their opinions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the assistant chief secretary of the Kenya Government was unable to give the reason for the refusal of the Immigration Department to endorse the passport of Mr. Tom Mboya, African trade union leader and member of the Legislative Council, for travel to Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.

It is not the practice to give reasons for refusal of passport facilities. I understand that the Kenya Government have reconsidered the question of endorsing Mr. Mboya's passport and endorsements have been granted for Morocco and Algeria.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and being grateful for the latter part of it, may I ask him to take steps himself to bring home to the Kenya Government what an immense legacy of they are founding for themselves and the whole white race in Africa by their recent conduct? Will he have regard to the protest, which is noted in The Times this morning, by the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons on this matter?

I think that is both ungenerous and unfair.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals were made by the eight non-official members of the Kenya Legislative council appointed to examine the progress of land consolidation; and if their report was unanimous.

After paying a tribute to the achievements of the land consolidation authorities the group recommended changes of detail in procedure, most of which have been accepted by the Kenya Government. This was no minority report, but the report was signed by four only of the eight members, the other four having failed to indicate whether they wished to sign or not.

Does not the Colonial Secretary think it unfortunate that we cannot find out why the African members were unable to sign this report, and would he say whether a copy of the report is in the Library, or, if not, will he put one in the Library?

Yes, Sir. It is certainly disappointing that four Africans, including Mr. Mboya, neither signed nor assented. I will put a copy of the report in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Kenya Government have yet introduced legislation to set up machinery for determining statutory minimum wages in agriculture; and to what extent such wages will be based upon the living needs of man and wife.

Not yet. As regards the second part of the Question, I am consulting the Governor and will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the Kenya Government have been very dilatory about this? The talks have been going on for a very long time. Cannot he, even now, give an assurance that when these wages are fixed they will be based on family needs, which has been indicated as the principle for urban wages for Africans?

The matter is a difficult one, particularly at the time of an agricultural recession. It has not been easy to reconcile the conflicting opinions of the employers' and workers' representatives, whose co-operation is essential in this. The Kenya Government hope the way is now clear to reach an agreement which will provide the basis of legislation. As I have said, I am consulting the Governor about the basis of agricultural wage fixing, and I would not like to anticipate the reply I shall get from him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement about the disturbances in Nyasaland.

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement on the situation in Nyasaland.

Conditions in Nyasaland remain generally disturbed in the rural areas, but I am glad to say that there is a greater degree of stability in the main centres where conditions are returning to normal. Rumour is rife, and by broadcasting and dissemination of pamphlets every effort is being made to ensure that the true facts are brought to the notice of the people. Members of the African Civil Service, Posts and Telegraphs and Railways are back at work; but intimidation of loyal chiefs continues and attacks on Government servants outside the main centres have been increased.

Conditions are probably worst in the Northern Province. The homes of some African Government officers, schools and other public buildings have been burned down and communications have been disturbed by the widespread sabotage of roads and bridges.

Two mission schools have been burned. Troop reinforcements have now moved in to this Province.

In the Central Province two mission stations belonging to the Watch Tower Bible Society are reported to have been burned down, but there appears to be a decreasing number of incidents and among estate labour there has been a reaction of relief to the removal of Congress leaders.

In the Southern Province the situation in the Mlanje area remains tense with widespread interference with the telephone lines. Crowds have gathered on some of the tea estates, and on 7th March a riot took place on Thornwood estate in which two Africans were killed and four injured. Some Asian shops in isolated positions have been looted.

Casualties up to and including 7th March amongst the rioters were 44 killed and 71 injured. Twenty-three members of the security forces, including 13 Europeans, have been injured and 16 civilians, making a total of 39. I have no information on how many of the civilians injured were African and how many European.

To sum up, the indications are that the situation is gradually improving in the Central and Southern Provinces but in the Northern Province remains serious.

In Northern Rhodesia the community as a whole is naturally anxious about developments in Nyasaland and particularly in case the activities of Zambia in Northern Rhodesia should bring about a similar situation there.

Now read the letters in the Manchester Guardian.

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that when the situation in Nyasaland returns to normal the constitutional talks will continue? Will he also ascertain whether there have been favourable reactions among Africans in Nyasaland to the arrest of the more extreme members of the Congress Party?

The answer to both questions is "Yes."

The right hon. Gentleman referred to troop movements within the Central African Federation. Will he confirm the Press statement that an official statement was issued by the British Government that the Government have offered British troops in Kenya to be at the disposal of the Federal Government to deal with law and order in the British Protectorate of Nyasaland?

If this statement is correct, would the right hon. Gentleman say since when have the British Government abandoned their responsibility for law and order within this British Protectorate to Sir Roy Welensky? Is it not deeply humiliating to hand over British troops to Sir Roy Welensky to use in this Protectorate, and by what right was this done?

The hon. and learned Gentleman is completely false in some of the assumptions and inferences which he has drawn. As the House knows, a small part of the United Kingdom Strategic Reserve is stationed in Kenya. It would be common prudence, when there is a state of disturbance in Central Africa, for measures to be taken to alert those forces, but there is no need for them to be used. The responsibility for law and order remains, as it has always remained, the responsibility of territorial Governors.

Are we to understand that the Colonial Secretary wants to see the Southern Rhodesian forces withdrawn and replaced by British forces? Also, have any white people bean killed in these disturbances?

In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, I have every hope that forces outside Nyasaland can be withdrawn shortly be-:muse of the restoration of law and order, but I have no wish that Federal forces outside Nyasaland should be withdrawn in order that United Kingdom forces should replace them. It has been suggested that there is a lack of co-operation between the Governor of Nyasaland and the Federal Government, which is completely untrue. The troops are there because the Governor of Nyasaland asked for them, and police reinforcements.

In answer to the second part of the supplementary question. I am glad to say that no people have been killed. The suggestion has been made that stories of a plot are obviously untrue because no one has been killed, but I would remind the House that the charge is frequently made that preventive action is delayed until it is too late.

Lord Hinchingbrooke.

On a point of order. The right hon. Gentleman has answered a question of mine on the Order Paper. Am I not entitled to put a supplementary question?

I am hoping to come to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) in due course.

Is it right to say that my right hon. Friend has not ruled out the possibility of the Minister of State paying a visit to Nyasaland and the rest of the Federation at an early date?

There is a later Question on the Order Paper which will enable me to deal with that point.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received any evidence from the police of the story of a plot to massacre? Is it not the case that this information came from rewarded informers who had overheard a conversation in a forest last January? Is it not the case that Dr. Banda was not even there? Is it not the case that the Governor rejected this story? It was not until Sir Roy Welensky accepted it that any action was taken on the matter.

That is a complete fabrication. The information given to me by the Governor was such, as a later Question will show, that neither he nor I could possibly fail to act upon it.

Is not the policy of revolutionaries in these countries to seize power by murder and bloodshed and then to abolish freedom? Is it not a pity that this policy seems to be encouraged, however unwittingly, by certain Left-wing politicians?

The forces of law and order do not always get the support they deserve, but in this and other cases I am very anxious to build bridges for reconciliation rather than to destroy them.

In view of the widespread scepticism as to the massacre plot and the tragic loss of African life, will the Secretary of State seriously consider—what is the usual, customary practice—appointing a commission of inquiry in order to ascertain the facts and to distribute responsibility?

There is a Question on that later on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the qualifications required by members of the staff of the Co-operative Department of Nyasaland; what are the numbers of Africans and Europeans, respectively, who are employed by the Department; and what is the number of Africans who occupy senior positions.

I have asked the Governor to provide this information and, when it is available, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not rather unusual that such information is not more readily available? Will the hon. Gentleman inquire whether there is any machinery, and if so the methods, for recruiting for co-operative posts, because I understand that many well qualified African applicants for this kind of work are passed over in favour of Europeans less well qualified?

I do not think it surprising that we should not yet have the particulars here in London, as we have had only 48 hours to get them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what methods are used to recruit labour in Nyasaland for work outside the territory; and what encouragement is given by the Government to those methods.

The recruitment of labour in Nyasaland for work outside the territory is largely done through two agencies. The Witwatersrand Native Labour Association engages labour for work in South Africa and the Rhodesia Native Labour Supply Commission for work in Southern Rhodesia. Both recruiting agencies operate under a Governor's permit which is renewable annually and a limit is placed on the numbers of workers which each may recruit. Subject to that control, the Nyasaland Government encourage these operations, which are directly beneficial to the economy.

Is this not one of the principal causes, or one of the causes, of some of the unrest in Nyasaland at present, that African leaders are getting more and more concerned at the denuding of their country by cheap labour outside it, labour which ought to be used to build up their country? Is it not time that the whole policy of recruitment of labour in Nyasaland was reconsidered?

I think the hon. Member misunderstands the situation. Being a poor country, most of Nyasaland's able-bodied men go in search of better-paid work elsewhere.

Is not this one of the reasons why Nyasaland people at present are so unhappy about federation; because they have seen the effects of white domination in Southern Rhodesia and South Africa?

It could also be argued that it is one of the reasons why remaining within the framework of the Federation is so important.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, except to a Marxist, economic conditions are not the only things which influence one's approach to these matters?

It is hardly for the hon. Member to teach me that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will make a statement on the arrest and treatment by the police of the African janitor of the Church of Scotland Mission School, Blantyre, Nyasaland, on 23rd February;

(2) what report he has received on the attack by a volunteer police patrol on pupils of the Church of Scotland Mission School, Blantyre, Nyasaland, on 23rd February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the statement, a copy of which has been sent to him, of Mr. A. C. McAdam of the Church of Scotland Mission, Blantyre, Nyasaland, concerning incidents in Livingstonia and Blantyre; what reports he has received of rioting in those areas; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the statement, a copy of which has been sent to him, of the Reverend James Dougall, General Secretary of the Foreign Mission Department of the Church of Scotland, concerning incidents in Livingstonia and Blantyre; what reports he has received of rioting in those areas; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has received about the incidents at the Church of Scotland Mission, Blantyre; and if he will make a statement.

As regards the incidents at the Church of Scotland Mission School, Blantyre, over the weekend of 21st–22nd February, groups of Africans, mainly youths, sought to terrorise the public by stoning cars and general hooliganism. On the evening of Monday, 23rd February, a patrol of three special constables came upon groups of African youths on either side of the Chileka Road rear the Church of Scotland Mission; they were shouting and singing, and the constables left their vehicle to investigate. The youths then ran into grounds of the Mission. The constables pursued them and thereupon were surrounded by a crowd of youths quickly augmented by adults. They decided to withdraw and were stoned; one stone smashed the windscreen of the police vehicle and temporarily knocked out one constable. They withdrew to the police station to report the incident but in the general fracas one of their party was left behind. Police reinforcements were sent to the scene. On arrival the police found an uncontrolled mob surrounding the remaining special constable. After one shot had been fired in the air order was restored.

Thereafter five youths, three teachers, and the janitor of the school were taken to the police station where they were interviewed. The youths and the teachers were sent back to the school and the janitor was released on bail. The special constable who had remained behind had been manhandled by the crowd and had received a blow on the chin.

Regarding events at Livingstonia, a report stated that the African Lakes Corporation store and a lorry were stoned on the 20th February and windows broken. Stones were also thrown at the manager of the store, Mr. Robson, but he was unhurt. His report stated that he had reported the incident to the Mission Principal, Mr. Macpherson, who rode up to the crowd on a bicycle; that the latter was unable to control them, and was in turn stoned; and that his bicycle was smashed, and that he made his way back to the house followed by the crowd.

I cannot trace having received any communication from the Rev. James Dougall or from Mr. McAdam, though I have seen a letter addressed to the Press by the latter. In view of the conflicting reports which are current the Governor has informed me that the details are being checked and should there be any variation in the information which I have given I will immediately inform the House.

Is the Minister aware that the information which he has just given to the House is completely different from that supplied by Mr. McAdam of the Church of Scotland Mission at Blantyre? Is he aware that the Rev. Macpherson denies completely being stoned—a statement which the Minister has again made? Is he also aware that Mr. McAdam has said that the truth is that the police initiated violence and acted irresponsibly?

Since these stories are so conflicting, does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that to reassure people who are interested in the Church of Scotland, both in this country and in Nyasaland, and everyone in the country who is seriously interested in and worried about what is happening in Nyasaland, we ought to find out from a commission from this House what exactly is happening there?

On that point, I think it would be unreasonable for the hon. Lady not to accept what I have said—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—that in view of the conflicting reports which are current the Governor has asked for all the information to be checked and that I will let the House know if there is any variation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the letter from Mr. McAdam to which he referred makes some extremely serious allegations, among them that the B.B.C. gave wrong information about this incident and, if I may quote the letter, that

"The local official report is not just biased. it is blatantly provocative."?

Does not that underline the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Lanarkshire, North (Miss Herbison) and made from the Front Opposition Bench that a commission of some independence ought to go out to get at the facts? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we in the House feel that neither the Minister nor anybody else in the House is acquainted with the facts and that the facts given from the Government Front Bench are obviously biased and suspect?

The Governor, who is well known to many hon. Members, can be relied upon to sort out the conflicting stories, and I will tell the House the final conclusion.

Who will check the facts? Is not the Governor several hundred miles away in Blantyre, and is there any independent person who is able to go there and check the facts unless it is somebody from this House or from some equivalent body?

I think that few hon. Members would conclude that we have the monopoly of independence. There are, of course, people there who are qualified to arrive at a fair conclusion.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that in the present difficult circumstances it is of the utmost importance to support the forces of law and order and to protect them against unauthenticated innuendoes?

Is it not also of great importance in the present situation that exaggerated accounts from either side should not be put out prematurely? As on the right hon. Gentleman's own showing there is some doubt about this matter, would he also represent to the Governor that authorities such as the B.B.C. and other information services should make sure of the facts before they are broadcast all over the world?

That is always desirable, but here we have two different statements made by people of equal credibility. I deny that the European manager of the African Lakes Corporation is not entitled to be believed in the House like anybody else, but, as I have said, the Governor will look into the truth of the matter and I will let the House know if there is any variation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement which he has made is contrary to what is supplied by the General Secretary of the Foreign Mission of the Church of Scotland? That gentleman makes plain in the information which I have sent to the right hon. Gentleman that these boys were marching home as they normally did and were attacked by the police. Does not that call for an investigation by the right hon. Gentleman? Ought he not to consider where the Governor is obtaining the information which he is supplying to the House?

As I have said, the Governor is looking into all this, and his only desire in this as in everything else is to supply the truth.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have now been detained under the emergency regulations promulgated in Nyasaland; how many of such persons have been removed out of the territory to Southern Rhodesia or elsewhere; to what extent the emergency regulations provide, as in Kenya, for a right of appeal to an advisory committee and for detained persons to be furnished with a statement of the reasons for their detention; or how far those detainees will be informed of the reasons for their detention and given an opportunity to make representations thereon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the African members of the Nyasaland Council have been arrested under the emergency.

The latest information available to me is that 142 persons have been detained under detention orders made by the Governor under Emergency Regulation 24 (1). Included in this number is Mr. Chipembere, the only member of the Nyasaland Legislative Council to be detained. In addition, 113 persons have been detained under Emergency Regulation 24 (7) for a limited period of twenty-eight days. Of the total of 255 detained, 102 have been removed to Southern Rhodesia.

Persons detained under detention orders made by the Governor can lodge objections in writing to an Advisory Committee already established, and it is the duty of the Chairman of the Committee to inform objectors of the reason for their detention. Detainees are informed of their right to lodge objections against their detention.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, although it is a good thing to have an advisory committee, it is no substitute for trial in a court of law, and since allegations of a conspiracy to murder have been put forward, is it proposed to take legal proceedings against any of those supposed to be implicated?

That is a matter for the Attorney-General in the territory concerned. The hon. and learned Gentleman knows very well that in problems of this kind there is often great difficulty in finding people ready to come forward as witnesses.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any arrangements have been made to look after the welfare of the families of the detainees?

Yes, Sir, there are.

But would not the Secretary of State agree that, since a member or the Nyasaland Council is involved in this, at least he should bring him or arrange that he should be brought to trial?

As I have said already, it is not for me to bring people to trial; that is a matter for the Attorney-General.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will advise the Governor of Nyasaland to follow the precedent set in the Gold Coast in 1948 by appointing a commission of inquiry to inquire into and report on the recent disturbances in Nyasaland and their underlying causes, and to make recommmdations on any matter arising from their inquiry.

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General said on 4th March, we would not rule out, nor would we ignore, any proposal which would enable Parliament to discharge its responsibilities or to be accurately informed. But we consider that the obvious next course is, as was recommended in both Houses on 3rd March, to pursue the original proposal that my noble Friend the Minister of State for the Colonies should pay his visit to Nyasaland at such time as the Governor of Nyasaland thinks would be appropriate. I am at present considering in consultation with the Governor of Nyasaland whether it would be helpful if my noble Friend were to interrupt his East African visit in order to go to Nyasaland at the earliest practicable date.

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the Question as it appears on the Paper? Does he appreciate that in the Gold Coast in 1948 Dr. Nkrumah and other persons against whom serious allegations had been made had the opportunity at a public inquiry of answering the smear campaign against them, and ought not this precedent to be followed in Nyasaland?

I am aware, of course, that the Socialist Government in their time also found it necessary to take strong action against law breakers. If we can learn any profitable lesson from their experience, we will certainly do so.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that the action taken by my right hon. Friend over the Gold Coast helped, first, to stabilise the situation, and secondly, led the way to the constitutional development which brought Ghana independence? Is he not also aware that when we were faced with a similar situation in Kenya, the despatch of a responsible commission from this House did a great deal to inform the country of the situation there? Is not the situation the same now in Nyasaland?

I have already dealt with the parallel of Ghana—or the Gold Coast, as it was then. In the case of Kenya the circumstances were different, as those who went in 1954 on the useful Parliamentary mission will realise; but as I have said, we are closing no doors in this matter, and I ask the right hon. Gentleman to read my Answer carefully.

Is the Colonial Secretary going to follow the parallel of Ghana all the way through? Are the people of Nyasaland to have the opportunity of choosing their own form of Government in the same way as the people of the Gold Coast had that opportunity? Further may I ask, as regards Lord Perth's visit, whilst we shall all be glad if he will get there at the earliest possible moment, will he have the opportunity of talking with the detained African leaders? If not, with whom among any representative Africans will he have conversations?

If the decision is that my noble Friend goes out there at an early date, I will certainly tell the House about it and there will then be an opportunity to question me as to the range of his talks and activities there.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the parallel just referred to is not all that close; that a closer parallel was provided in Malaya, where an emergency was not proclaimed by the party opposite until after scores of Chinese, Malays and Europeans had been killed, though subsequently the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) was responsible for detaining 25,000 persons without any charge being brought against them?

In view of the rising fear, prejudices and conflicting rumours coming from Nyasaland, does not the Secretary of State see the wisdom of sending a mission at once to that land in order to save the situation from getting graver, when we could do nothing to help?

I have nothing to add to my Answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the date and time of the receipt by the Governor of Nyasaland of the information which caused him to declare a state of emergency and the date and time of the receipt of this information by his Department in London.

The Governor's decision to declare an emergency depended not only on specific information received by him but on the general development of the situation in the territory. He informed me of the probability that he would have to declare a state of emergency in a telegram which reached the Colonial Office at 10.30 p.m. on 26th February. And he told me of his definite intention to do so in a telegram which reached me at 2 p.m. on 2nd March. I had been aware, even before 26th February, that the Governor considered that the declaration of a state of emergency would probably become necessary.

Are we to take it, therefore, from that answer that there is no specific evidence of a plot? Did not the Secretary of State say last week that suddenly some evidence of a conspiracy had come to light, whereas we are now told that it was on more or less general information that the Governor declared the emergency? Did not the Governor the day before say to the Press that there was no need to declare a state of emergency to deal with dissidents? Is it credible that the Governor changed his mind within a few hours unless strong political pressure had been brought to bear on him?

I dealt with all those three mis-statements of the hon. Gentleman in detail in the debate which took place at 7 o'clock a few nights ago.

Will the Colonial Secretary make available to the House, in the form of a White Paper or a statement, the details of the plot upon which the Governor acted? In view of the fact that journalists in Blantyre have been passing some information over here, can the House of Commons please have an authoritative statement of it?

The hon. Gentleman knows, or should know, that it is impossible to give an answer of an affirmative kind to that question, anyhow at this stage. Information of this kind is bound to be confidential, as anybody who has held high office, under difficult circumstances, knows only too well.

I am asking whether the House of Commons can have an authoritative statement on the plot. If journalists in Blantyre can be met by the Governor and told what it was that led him to declare a state of emergency and be given the details of the plot, why cannot the House of Commons have at least that information?

I have already made two statements on that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about his visit to Aden.

My visit, which included the Aden Protectorate as well as Aden Colony, was from 10th to 15th February, and 21st to 28th February. On 11th February, I was present at the inauguration ceremony of the Federation of Arab Amirates of the South, and I later visited the Rulers of many of the States in the Eastern and Western Aden Protectorate, including the States of the new Federation.

While congratulating my right hon. Friend on the constitutional advance given to the Western Aden Federation, may I ask if my right hon. Friend can say whether this unity is likely to prove the basis of a loyal State which may eventually emerge into an Arab sovereign member of the Commonwealth?

That is indeed possible, but I think the Rulers are wise in wanting to build slowly and wisely first.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what price per pint of milk is paid in Kampala and the surrounding district; what is the average daily wage of the population; and what efforts are being made by the Government of Uganda to provide a lower-priced milk, as suggested by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Report in 1958.

In and around Kampala, the price of imported milk is 65–70 cents a pint and local milk averages 55 cents. Only about 6 per cent. of the total population of some 5½ million in Uganda is in paid employment at any one time, and only a small minority of those are entirely dependent on wages. Wage rates vary considerably depending on skill, occupation and district, but the average daily wage in Kampala is 5s.

The Uganda Government are encouraging local milk production by research and advice to livestock owners. At present there is no local surplus for processing as suggested in the Food and Agriculture Organisation Report, but a Kenya firm, in conjunction with the Uganda Development Corporation, is considering establishing such a project using surplus milk from Kenya.

I thank the Minister for that reply. In view of the fact that the F.A.O. Report suggested that milk per pint would cost the lower-paid wage earners a quarter of their daily wages and of the great need for milk in the territory, can the Minister say whether, in addition to the measures already being taken, the Uganda Government have asked U.N.I.C.E.F. for an extension of the milk powder in schools scheme, as I raised this matter last December and the hon. Gentleman promised to call attention to that possibility?

I understand that the U.N.I.C.E.F. programme is going on, certainly until 1960.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average weekly wage paid to Africans working on the Kariba dam scheme in Northern Rhodesia; what were the causes of the recent strike; and if he will make a statement.

41s. 3d., exclusive of food and quarters. On 25th February the workers on the north bank struck in support of the demand of underground workers on the south bank. The majority returned to work the next day, though 150 out of 730 elected to be repatriated by the employers, as did 38 Northern Rhodesian Africans employed on the south bank.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the wages paid for this particular job are disgracefully low, having regard to the value of the work and the benefit to the whole country? Ought not the people doing the work to be paid much higher wages than are paid at present?

In the light of local conditions and local comparisons, I do not think that they are unfair.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if in view of the amnesty given to all internees and others in Cyprus, he will consult the Archbishop Makarios with a view to securing that the families who were excommunicated for supporting the British authorities should be readmitted to the Church.

I have no information that Cypriot families were in fact excommunicated for supporting the British authorities, but I have referred this question to the Governor for further inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiations or discussions he has had concerning the future nationality of Cypriots at present employed in the United Kingdom.

I have at present nothing to add to the reference to nationality made in the Declaration by H.M. Government at the Conference on Cyprus and accepted by the other parties to the Conference.

Can we understand, therefore, that if the island of Cyprus, as a republic, remains in the Commonwealth all citizens will have full rights of British citizenship? If, on the other hand, Cyprus decides to leave the Commonwealth, will these citizens be treated for all purposes as aliens in this country?

I think that is so, but it is a little early to prejudge this matter. There are some 60,000 Cypriots at the present moment in the United Kingdom. This is a matter which needs very careful thought and I am sure ought to be approached in an imaginative way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the terrorist leader Grivas has been in personal contact with the authorities in Cyprus in connection with his safe conduct from that island.

There has been no personal contact, but I think the House will have noted the satisfactory terms of the leaflet he issued yesterday calling on his followers to lay down their arms and accept the London Agreement.

May I ask my right hon. Friend, firstly, whether he can confirm that Grivas now exists in nothing but name; and secondly, if he would not agree that, despite the attempts that are now being made to portray Grivas as an heroic and patriotic leader, he should be remembered as a hired assassin who was very successful in carrying out many cowardly and brutal murders but completely failed to achieve his main object?

I hope that all of us are looking forward to the future rather than to the past.

Would not the Colonial Secretary agree that, in conformity with usual Tory policy on this matter, we ought to have Grivas staying at the Dorchester Hotel at £25 a day?

Answer.

That is what the Government did with Makarios.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent leaders in Cyprus are being protected by bodyguards who are not Government servants or members of the security forces.

Arrangements for the protection of individuals in Cyprus are the responsibility of the police.

Has my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary or the Colonial Office made any investigation into reports that on the return of Archbishop Makarios men who were described as members of E.O.K.A. searched British subjects? Will my hon. Friend ensure that there is no encroachment upon the police functions as the proper authorities and that British subjects are not subjected to indignities in Cyprus?

Anyone who is searched in Cyprus against his will in a public place has, of course, immediate recourse to the courts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he had with Archbishop Makarios during his visit to London concerning the authenticity of the Grivas diaries; and if it is now intended to publish the diaries in full.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "None", and to the second part, "No, Sir".

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that some of us are getting a little weary of the continuing discoveries by the Government of plots and conspiracies whenever political conditions become difficult in the Colonies? Is he aware that we shall now give the same credence to this story that we gave to Dr. Jagan's plot to burn Georgetown and the Nyasaland plot to assassinate Europeans?

The hon. Gentleman almost dissuades me from the wisdom, despite the vast expense and labour, of publishing the diaries. I do not, however, think that any responsible people have any doubt about their authenticity. As I said before, cannot we all look to the future in Cyprus rather than the past?

Would the right hon. Gentleman say that about the boys who gave their lives?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities are available in Cyprus for the employment or re-employment of released detainees; and what are the latest available unemployment figures for the island.

Many have returned to their former occupations and employers are showing readiness to engage the others. The latest unemployment figure is about 5,500.

Is it a fact that even before the people were released from detention the unemployment figures in the island were the highest for several years, and as long as we have responsibility there, will the Government do everything they possibly can to ameliorate this problem? In particular, can the Minister tell us about the progress made in re-employing the people who were dismissed from N.A.A.F.I. and other Service establishments last year?

I have no precise figures here, but as I said, there has been evidence of employers being ready to negotiate with those released, and there has been a great deal of re-employment by the Services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies w hat percentage of people in Hong Kong and Singapore are suffering from tuberculosis; what is the death rate; and, in view of the satisfactory methods of dealing with this disease in the United Kingdom, what steps are being taken to introduce similar remedial measures in the two Colonies.

The Hong Kong 2 per cent. of adults have the disease in active form. The death rate in 1958 was 83·8 per hundred thousand. In Singapore there is no accurate figure available for the whole population.

Preliminary results of a case-finding programme conducted last year amongst those over fourteen years of age show that, of those X-rayed, the percentage suffering from the disease in its active form varies from 1·1 in the rural area to 4·7 in the City area.

The death rate in 1957 was 51 per hundred thousand. In both places vigorous campaigns are being waged against the disease and in both all proved remedial measures employed in the United Kingdom are already applied.

Is the Minister aware that the incidence of tuberculosis in these two States of Hong Kong and Singapore is the highest in the world, and that it cries aloud for something more to be done than is being done to reduce the incidence of this disease?