asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his talks with the delegation representing the elected members of the Kenya Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what conclusions were reached in his discussions with African and Asian members of the Kenya Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the outcome of his talks with the Kenya elected members' delegation.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the agreed communiqué which was issued after my right hon. Friend's meetings with the delegation of the Constituency Elected Members' Organisation.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there is general appreciation of the friendly way in which the Secretary of State received this delegation from Kenya, but can he tell us whether the constitutional conference will be held before a general election takes place in Kenya and whether the state of emergency there will soon be withdrawn?

That raises somewhat different questions. The state of emergency is not an easy thing to withdraw just like that. We all desire to see it withdrawn, but the Governor has to distinguish between political advance and maintenance of law and order.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what consideration is being given to the expert advice for which the delegation asked? In particular, will he ask his right hon. Friend to bear in mind the desirability of associating some African constitutional lawyer, possibly from Nigeria, with such a body?

I shall certainly convey to my right hon. Friend what the hon. Lady has said.

While welcoming the much better atmosphere there is now in Kenya, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if this can be carried a little further, not only by ending the emergency, but by releasing the detained and rusticated Africans? Can he say whether the Africans are to have a national political organisation?

As I said in answer to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse), we must distinguish between political advance and the maintenance of order.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd, has met the Kenya delegation of Constituency Elected Members of the Legislative Council twice—on 27th April and 30th April.

Among the matters discussed were the Secretary of State's speech in Parliament on 22nd April. The delegation noted with appreciation the aims of Her Majesty's Government's policy as outlined in the Secretary of State's speech though they reserved their position on a number of details. In relation to the forthcoming conference, however, they asked for an assurance that no subject would be debarred from consideration. The Secretary of State confirmed that this was his intention, but emphasised that Her Majesty's Government had not altered their views concerning the basic principles which they felt should continue to govern Kenya's future constitutional advance.

The delegation urged that there should be no undue delay in convening the conference and that, before the conference, experts should visit Kenya to ascertain the views of the various groups and subsequently report in confidence to the conference itself. The Secretary of State noted the views of the delegation but said it would be necessary for him to hear the views of other interested parties on these matters and then to discuss them with the Governor before decisions were taken on the timing of the conference and the form of expert advice.

The delegation also urged the need for an early ending of the emergency restrictions, including those operating on the formation of country-wide political associations and the holding of meetings. The Secretary of State noted the points made by the delegation, assured them that he would discuss them with the Governor and added that, since the emergency restrictions were solely designed to maintain the improvement in public order, both he and the Governor were anxious to see them removed as soon as it was clear that this would not prejudice that improvement by encouraging a trend towards violence or unconstitutional action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Singapore Government have taken over many of the principal powers possessed by the municipal council of the city; what was the reason for this action; and when it is proposed to restore powers to the elected municipal council.

Under the Singapore Local Government Ordinance, 1957, the responsible Minister may, if it appears to him necessary or desirable in the public interest, transfer to himself any function conferred upon a local authority, order an inquiry to be held and, in the light of the report of that inquiry, make such further order as he may think fit. In exercise of this power certain functions, mainly those concerned with the handling of staff, have been transferred from the city council; and a Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to investigate irregularities alleged against it. This Commission has not yet reported.

In view of the confusion which apparently exists in Singapore about the taking over by the Government of the powers of the local authority, will the hon. Gentleman make a statement on the whole position on the island?

I am sure the hon. Member appreciates that it is impossible for my right hon. Friend or myself to comment on this matter until the Commission of Inquiry has reported.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations have taken place between the Singapore Government and that of the Federation of Malaya on the subject of economic integration of the two communities; and if he will make a statement.

I can, of course, speak only for Singapore. There is continuous consultation between the two Governments on matters of common economic interest, but I am not aware of any discussion of integration as such.

Although the Minister is not able to speak for the Federation, he can, as representative of Singapore, approach the Federation. Because there is a need for unity between these two countries—the Federation and Singapore —which are a natural unit, cannot he approach the Federation with a view to bringing about such a unity?

The hon. Member will appreciate that some of these matters are election issues at the present time in Singapore, and it would be unwise for me to comment on them. It has always been the declared policy of Her Majesty's Government that the future relationship of Singapore and the Federation are primarily matters for the people and the Governments of the two territories to determine.

Is it the case that these matters are the subject of an election at the present time and that all the major parties standing in the election are in favour of close economic unity with the Federation of Malaya?

All parties, I am sure, wish to see most continuous and close consultation between the two elements. There is a great deal of discussion going on in Singapore at the present time, and it would be much wiser if Ministerial spokesmen did not comment on these questions at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on whose authority animals are designated as vermin in Tanganyika.

Under the provisions of the Tanganyika Fauna Conservation Ordinance the game warden may declare any animal to be vermin.

Is the Minister aware that animal lovers and naturalists are becoming alarmed by the destruction of the fauna in these parts of Africa, and that, according to my information, hippopotamus, zebra, monkey, wild pig and a great many other species are now designated as vermin? Is he aware that not only can very cruel methods be used to get rid of them, but that this encourages their destruction to the point of exhaustion? Will he look further into this matter?

No, Sir. We are very well aware of the problem raised by the hon. Member, but I would remind him that some of the animals designated as vermin which he has mentioned are so designated only in certain areas of the Territory, and not in the whole of it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in this part of the world, there is uneasiness about the preservation of fauna in this part of Africa, that everything is not absolutely all right, but that great suffering and destruction of animal life are caused by uncontrolled hunting by natives? May I ask him whether his Department will institute careful inquiries to see if everything is as satisfactory as he appears to think it is?

We have been looking at the matter again very recently, but if my hon. Friend has any particular points to bring to our attention, we will be very glad to consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what evidence the Governor of Northern Rhodesia based the allegation he made in his official broadcast of 12th March, that Mr. Harry Nkumbula had left the Accra Conference before it ended after disagreeing with certain of the decisions taken.

Mr. Nkumbula's own public statements about serious differences he had had with Mr. Kaunda and also Dr. Hastings Banda. The Governor was misinformed that Mr. Nkumbula left Accra before the end of the conference: he did not do so but did leave before Mr. Kaunda, who stayed behind at Accra for a time.

I accept the acknowledgment that the Governor made a misstatement in this particular case. Obviously, at this remarkable congress of African leaders, there was some difference of opinion expressed, but does not the Under-Secretary think that this "divide and rule" game amongst African leaders in Northern Rhodesia is a disreputable business, and would not it have been very much better and more profitable for the Governor if, instead of making a misinformed statement, he had tried to understand the genuine motives underlying the actions of the African leaders?

I think the Governor's references to differences were perfectly legitimate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what account was taken by the Governor of Northern Rhodesia, in deciding to ban the Zambia African Congress, of the resolution passed at the Accra Conference, to which he referred in his broadcast on the banning of the Congress on 12th March.

The Governor's decision was based solely on the actual intimidation practised by, and violence planned by, the Zambia Congress. He referred to the Accra Conference in his speech as part of the general background.

Would not the Under-Secretary agree to present to the House the evidence, which has so far been unpresented, apart from charging three or four people with disorderly behaviour, of the violence plan of the Zambia Congress? In view of what he has said about the Accra Conference, has he studied the literature of the African leaders' conference, and the fact that the agenda included a very specific reference to the fact that it stood for non-violence? Does he realise that that was the theme throughout the literature of the Accra Conference?

The hon. Member will have noticed that the previous position of strict non-violence has been somewhat modified in Northern Rhodesia, and that the plans of the Zambia Congress appear to come closely into line with the modified non-violence resolution of the Accra Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to end the rustication of leaders of the Zambia African Congress in Northern Rhodesia.

The restriction of movement will remain in force in each case until the circumstances in which restriction is necessary cease to obtain.

Is the Minister aware that no evidence whatever has been produced that these leaders were planning violence? Will he ask the police authorities in Northern Rhodesia whether it is not a fact that, at the moment the arrests were made, there were documents in those offices, to be distributed, appealing against violence? In view of the fact that these arrests took place at the time of the election and that the election is over, will he now release these men?

Our understanding of the situation is rather different from that of the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what demands were made in the petition received by him from the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress on 13th April; and what action he proposes to take.

To scrap the present Constitution of Northern Rhodesia; to institute talks immediately for a new constitution based on universal adult franchise; and to grant immediate self-government and independence. My right hon. Friend received the petition only on 28th April. He has not as yet replied.

As the African National Congress received most of the African votes cast in the recent election, and undoubtedly represents quite a large section of opinion in Northern Rhodesia, will the Under-Secretary undertake to consider this representation seriously, particularly in view of the thoroughly undemocratic nature of the present Constitution?

My right hon. Friend always considers all petitions seriously.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many children were attending school in Nyasaland immediately before the declaration of the state of emergency; and how many are attending at present.

Nyasaland Government records do not show how many children were attending school immediately before the declaration of the state of emergency; but on 31st October, 1958, which was the beginning of the school year, 270,902 children were registered. School attendance at present is 270,102.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present state of education in Nyasaland and on the Government's plans for keeping the schools adequately manned with teachers.

The Governor is doing everything possible to maintain the standard of education in Nyasaland during the present difficult time and to bring about improvements where possible. As regards the provision of teachers, training is conducted at 10 centres catering for 946 trainee teachers and this number will increase to 1,100 in October. Plans have also been prepared for further expansion of teacher training facilities.

In view of the substantial number of teachers detained under the emergency regulations, and the very great importance of maintaining continued education, would the Minister consider recommending the Governor to release those teachers who are detained unless there are charges that can be brought against them?

The word "substantial" is a matter of opinion, of course, but only 19 teachers have been detained out of a total of 3,138.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the growing unemployment in Nyasaland, particularly in the building and civil engineering trades of Blantyre Limbe; and what steps he is taking in this matter to help the Nyasaland Government to deal with the situation.

Yes, Sir. The unemployment is partly due to the completion of several large Government contracts in Blantyre and Limbe and partly to the current trade recession in the Federation. The recent deteriorating political atmosphere has also checked private investment.

Is it not a fact that the only argument ever adduced for Nyasaland joining the Federation was an economic one, and that now we have this territory moving into a slump? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that not only Africans but European and Asian communities think that they are Cinderellas compared with more fashionable Southern Rhodesia? Besides public works, why do we not begin the scheme for the Shire Valley dam, because unless we provide electricity and electric power we cannot contemplate any massive injection of secondary industries there, and, obviously, the Africans will not get jobs?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put on the Order Paper a Question on that subject. It would be quite wrong to give the impression, which I think his supplementary question did a little bit, that the Federation was no longer giving economic advantage to Nyasaland. It still is, to a very great degree.

I did not say that, but there are 5,000 unemployed in these places, and European mechanics are leaving to go back to Southern Rhodesia. This is a serious position, which shakes the confidence of the people, whether Africans, Europeans or Asians, in the future of Nyasaland.

I told the hon. Member that we were well aware of the problem and are trying to meet it. I only commented on the implications of his supplementary question.

Is it not a fact that since Federation the Federal Government have assumed very substantial financial obligations with respect to Nyasaland?

Yes, indeed, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been detained under the emergency regulations in Nyasaland; how many have been subsequently released; and when it is proposed to charge or release those still in detention.

A total of 851 Africans have been detained under detention orders; of whom 245 have since been released.

Is the Minister aware that we totally disagree with this method of handling the situation? Does not the Minister realise that as long as he leaves large sections of the African population leaderless, all he will do is encourage the growth of more extremist African leadership? Why does he not do the sensible thing and either immediately charge those against whom criminal charges can be brought or release the others in order that they may re-assume their rightful positions?

The hon. Gentleman has disagreed with our handling of the matter throughout. Had he handled it or had we followed his advice, there might well have been bloodshed on a very large scale.

Does not the Minister realise that the bloodshed which has been committed so far is that over forty Africans have lost their lives? Does he not further realise that if his Government had not committed the incredible folly of cramming Nyasaland into the Federation in the first place there would have been no lives lost?

I am convinced that had we followed the hon. Member's advice the loss of life would have been counted not in tens but in hundreds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the average monthly wage of workers in the Mlanje District of Nyasaland.

The average basic earnings for a 26-day employment ticket amount to £2 14s. 2d.

Is the Minister aware that the individual share of the collective fine is almost a month's wages for these people? Is he aware that when the police burned down houses which it was suspected contained looted goods, they also burned down a house containing many bales of clothing which belonged to another Indian and which had nothing to do with this matter at all? Are the Africans of the Mlanje District being asked also to pay for that?

I will look into that incident. I emphasise that the Governor has in many cases reduced the fine imposed so that it does not even cover the cost of the damage done, because he has taken account of the conditions of the people in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will stop the collection of fines imposed on communities in Nyasaland while the Commission is investigating in Nyasaland.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that in reply to previous Questions we have found that fines of over £30,000 have been imposed in collective fines on the people of Nyasaland, whose standard of living is miserably inadequate? Does he not realise that while we hope that the Commission which has been sent out will do good work, he is vitiating all that good work by the bitterness which he is engendering by this shocking system of collective fines on the very poorest of the people?

I do not think that the fines were excessive in relation to the disturbances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans who are Government employees in Nyasaland have been dismissed from their posts since 3rd March; and for what reasons.

Nineteen Nyasaland Government employees have been dismissed since 3rd March. Three were dismissed after conviction on criminal charges of theft, assault and communication of police matters to unauthorised persons, three for repeated drunkenness on duty, five for refusing to perform their duties, and eight for summary offences against police discipline.

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that, pending the conclusion of the Devlin Commission investigation into the allegations of the massacre plot made by the Government, no African will be dismissed from Government employment on the ground that he belongs to the African National Congress?

I cannot possibly give any assurance to the hon. Lady that no one will be dismissed who has in any sense infringed the law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many European civil servants in Nyasaland, receiving expatriate pay, are expatriates.

Nine hundred and forty-four, but I should perhaps add that eight of these are children of parents who settled for life in Nyasaland.

Is not the Under-Secretary of State therefore aware that these persons who are the children of Europeans who settled in Nyasaland are as much locally domiciled as are the Africans in the equivalent level of the Civil Service, but who nevertheless are receiving hundreds of £s a year less? Is not this, therefore, a contradiction of the statement made by Lord Home when he returned from Salisbury recently in which he said that under federation Africans will get equal treatment when they are equally qualified with Europeans?

I am not quite sure about the validity of the hon. Lady's first assertion. I think that some of the eight out of the 944 were recruited in this country after living in this country for a number of years, but I am at present making inquiries into that. In any case, looking to the future, it seems to me that this is a matter which will arise for consideration in connection with current proposals for a locally based Civil Service in Nyasaland, to which I referred in my supplementary answer to the hon. Lady on 28th April.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that he has enunciated a new principle? Do I gather that former Colonial civil servants who decide in future to base their homes in the Territory are still to be regarded as expatriates and that they will go on receiving expatriate allowance? Is not that a departure from the time-honoured principle?

I think that the right hon. Member has misunderstood my supplementary answer. If he will look at it in HANSARD tomorrow, the right hon. Gentleman will see the correct effect of it.

I did not misunderstand the hon. Under-Secretary's statement. I gathered the Under-Secretary to state that there were so many hundred expatriates, eight of whom were those who had decided to make their permanent home in the Territory. If that is not what the Under-Secretary said, at least it is what I understood him to say and perhaps he will correct it.

I said that eight of those were the children of parents who had decided to make their permanent home in Nyasaland. I went an to say to the hon. Lady the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle) that I have not been able to discover whether in each case these people were living in Nyasaland at the time they joined the service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans in Nyasaland have been arrested since 3rd March; what were the charges against them; and what sentences they received.

The Governor has informed me that it will be necessary to circulate all out-stations in order to obtain this information. This is being done and as soon as I receive the information it will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that, according to the Observer of ten days ago, there is an extensive drive now going on in Nyasaland to stamp out the African National Congress? Is not this short-sighted criminal lunacy, in view of the fact that the Devlin Commission has not yet reported on whether a massacre plot exists, and the African National Congress is the only constitutional means of political organisation open to the Africans?

I advise the hon. Lady not to base herself exclusively on reports in the Observer.

Do not the hon. Gentleman's replies as to the action being taken against the Nyasaland Government put the Devlin Commission in something like the position of the Red Queen's Court—sentence first, verdict afterwards?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what weapons were used when twenty Africans were killed at Nkata Bay; and what previous action was taken to disperse the people.

A Sten gun and rifles.

Does not that reply show how shocking the treatment accorded to the Africans was? Is the Under-Secretary aware that my information is that those Africans were completely unarmed? Are not other attempts usually made besides reading the Riot Act? Is it not the fact that sometimes a shot is fired into the air rather than using a Sten gun, which kills twenty people at one burst?

I am sure that the hon. Lady will not want to mislead the House. As I said, the District Commissioner spent nearly two hours trying to persuade the crowd to disperse. He had only six or seven soldiers with him. It was a large crowd. If the hon. Lady had been in the position of the District Commissioner, I am not sure that she would have acted differently.

Does the Under-Secretary of State deny that the crowd was unarmed? Why was not tear gas used to disperse the crowd?

I do not even know if tear gas was available at that point. I am not clear that the crowd was unarmed in the strict sense of the word.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated cost to date of the state of emergency in Nyasaland.

One hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds is the estimated cost to the Nyasaland Government.

Will the Under-Secretary of State say whether that includes the cost of erecting the detention camps? What will be the cost to the Federal Government, and in future will Ministers add that cost to the total financial benefits which the Nyasaland people are supposed to be receiving through Federation?

It is not for me to comment on the Federal aspect. I will look into the problem whether the cost includes the erection of detention camps.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the local committee on educational problems in Zanzibar under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Mr. P. A. P. Robertson, has yet issued its Report; and what consideration this has been given by the British Resident.

Yes, Sir. The Report, which was laid before the Legislative Council on 18th March, is now being considered in Zanzibar. I have placed copies in the Library.

While welcoming in the Report the fact that there will be a new secondary school—the first secondary school—for Zanzibar, may I ask the Under-Secretary to push forward the scheme for the further expansion of teacher training in Zanzibar, and the improvement of the whole status of secondary education for African boys and girls in the island?

I will certainly note what the hon. Member has said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date for the next elections for the Legislative Council of Zanzibar Protectorate; and whether it is his intention to begin talks with the various political parties and organisations concerned with the object of issuing a White Paper upon the next stage of constitutional advance.

The next elections for the Zanzibar Legislative Council will be held about the middle of 1960. The British Resident announced on 16th April with the approval of His Highness the Sultan and my right hon. Friend certain constitutional changes. These include the appointment of two more representative members to Executive Council, an increase in the number of constituencies—and a consequent increase in the number of elected members in Legislative Council—and reductions in the age qualifications for electors. I am circulating full details of these changes in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While we welcome this advance, may I ask whether the Minister would agree that it has been essentially a Government of the civil service in Zanzibar, that Zanzibar is a harmonious society and community, and that the people will welcome this step forward? Does he contemplate giving the vote to women in Zanzibar, because there is much feeling about that question?

At the moment there is a committee considering the whole question of the status of women in Zanzibar.

The following constitutional changes were announced by the British Resident on 16th April:

1 An increase in the number of representative members on the Executive Council from three to five, and the intention that at least two should be elected representative members of the Legislative Council. One of the new members will represent the interests of Pemba.

2 An increase in the number of constituencies from six to eight making five constituencies in Zanzibar and three in Pemba. This will raise the number of representative members to he elected to Legislative Council from six to eight, and the number of appointed representative members will be reduced from six to four.

3 A reduction in the minimum age qualification for electors from 25 years to 21 years.

4 A reduction in the minimum age for exemption from the literacy qualification from 40 years to 30 years.

5 The appointment of a committee to consider the question of the extension of the franchise to women.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given to the request by Archbishop Makarios to the Governor that the ban on political organisations and newspapers in Cyprus should be lifted.

I have at present nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler) on 16th April.

In view of the fact that there is this better situation in Cyprus, with hope for the future, is it not desirable that when Archbishop Makarios, as representative of the Cypriot people, makes this request for lifting these bans on organisations and newspapers, the liberal philosophy of this country should respond to that appeal?

I have nothing to add at the moment to what I have just said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent it is intended to implement the trade union scheme for the advancement of African railway workers in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which has been agreed by the Federal Government; when such implementation is anticipated; and what are the reasons for the delay.

I do not know of any such agreed scheme.

Is not the Minister aware that a scheme has been submitted for the advancement of Africans on the railways, that is has been discussed in public by the Minister for Railways, that he intimated a few weeks ago that he would have a Government meeting to discuss it on 2nd April, and that the excuse which he gives for not implementing it is that this would mean similar arrangements for other industries? Is not the Minister aware of that? If not, will he make some inquiries and let us know what is the position and why there has been a delay?

The railways are a Federal matter for which I am not responsible.

On a point of order. The Minister has referred to the fact that the Constitution provided for the railways to be a Federal matter, but this is a trade union matter.

The Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are responsible for legislation on trade union matters and their consequent administration of the law. They are not responsible for the negotiating of agreements between the Rhodesian railways, which are in public ownership under the Federal Government, and their employees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the approach of a World Refugee Year, what steps he proposes to take to help in the rehabilitation of the large number of refugees in Hong Kong.

Her Majesty's Government are contributing £100,000 to the World Refugee Year which they sponsored and very warmly support. Part of the proceeds of the World Refugee Year is intended for Hong Kong refugees.

While I appreciate the Government's interest in this matter, may I ask whether the Minister realises that if we take the £100,000 in relation to Hong Kong alone, it represents 2s. per head for the year? Does the Minister expect us to believe that this sum expended in Hong Kong would have any material effect on the welfare of the refugees there?

The hon. Member will realise that the Hong Kong Government are spending about one-third of their budget on refugees. We take the view that this is an international problem in which we are entitled to ask for support from others.

Does the Minister realise that most good-minded people in this country will be deeply disturbed to find that all the Government propose to give to the World Refugee Year is £100,000? In view of the fact that much of this will be spent in Hong Kong, will he press upon the Government that the overwhelming majority of people in this country would welcome a much more generous contribution in keeping with our international status?

It will be open to the public to subscribe to the World Refugee Year Fund. We have made available £4 to £4.5 million since 1945 on such special aid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been decided to extend the estate operations of the Colonial Development Corporation in the island of Dominica, in view of the land that is available.

In addition to its estate at Melville Hall, the Corporation is, I understand, now extending its operations to Castle Bruce.

How quickly is this development being carried out, bearing in mind that this area has lain idle for several years waiting for approach roads to be built?

I am afraid that I cannot give the hon. Member a time-table.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the capital requirements of the Uganda Electricity Board.

My right hon. Friend has recently received from the Uganda Government a revised estimate of the Uganda Electricity Board's capital needs up to 1961 and these are at present being studied.

As the Board lacks the capital to expand distribution and also to make full use of the power available from the Owen Falls, will the Under-Secretary of State see that the Secretary of State looks sympathetically at this application?

Yes, indeed. With the passing of the new Colonial Development and Welfare Act it will be possible for Her Majesty's Government to make an Exchequer loan to the Uganda Government if market finance cannot be secured.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the recent disturbances in Uganda.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present political situation in Uganda and the position of the Buganda Lukiko, and the action taken by the Uganda Government following the recent disturbances.

A Constitutional Committee is at present taking evidence from local governments, political parties and individuals in Uganda on the introduction of common roll elections in 1961 and related constitutional issues.

Will the Under-Secretary say what response there has been to the Secretary of State's letter to the Kabaka?

None as yet, that I know of.

While agreeing with the Secretary of State's reply to the Buganda Lukiko, may I ask the Under-Secretary of State if he is aware that there is very great concern about the action taken by the Uganda police in dealing with the disturbances last Tuesday? If I arrange to send to the Under-Secretary a copy of some allegations which have been made concerning the actions of the Uganda police, will he arrange for an inquiry to be held?

I will certainly look into any allegations the hon. Member is prepared to send to me.

On 10th April the Protectorate Government announced that because of the violence and intimidation which occurred as a result of the trade boycott organised by the Uganda National Movement, and of meetings of the Movement. the Governor had decided to gazette the Mengo and Masaka Districts under Section 34A of the Police Ordinance; as a result no meetings of more than 250 persons can be held in those districts without a permit from the proper authority.

It is now clear that the organisers of the Uganda National Movement are turning their attention to other areas, especially the Busoga District and the Mbale Township District; and unless steps are taken to prevent it, intimidation and violence are likely to occur in these Districts as they occurred in Mengo and Masaka. The Governor has therefore decided to extend the restriction on the holding of meetings to the Busoga and Mbale Township Districts, and has declared both of them to be gazetted areas under Section 34A of the Police Ordinance by notice published in a Gazette Extraordinary today. Meetings of more than 250 persons in these Districts can therefore only be held with the permission of the District Commissioner concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there are prima facie grounds upon which is based the hypothesis that vaccination by B.C.G. may prevent the incidence of leprosy and whether he will institute a pilot scheme of vaccination in one or more of the Colonies to ascertain the value, or otherwise, of this procedure.

Yes, Sir. I understand that pilot schemes of vaccination are already in progress in the Federation of Nigeria and Uganda.

May I thank the Under-Secretary of State for the statement he has just made? It is obviously reassuring. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose by this method of investigation. Will the Under-Secretary say whether he has any preliminary information to give the House as to the way these schemes are going and how many people are being vaccinated?

I have not any information as to the numbers. I am advised that it may take several years before we cart truly judge the efficaciousness of this cure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will place in the House a copy of the Public Order Ordinance passed in the Legislative Council of the Seychelles in March of this year; and whether he will make a statement giving the reasons for this measure being brought forward at this time.

Copies of the Ordinance to which the hon. Member refers are in the Library of the House. The Ordinance results from a general review of the arrangements in existence in Seychelles for maintaining law and order. It has been in preparation for over a year and its introduction at the present time has no special significance.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the Governor has now taken powers which prevent ordinary Seychellois wearing a tie of the wrong colour without his permission? In view of the extraordinary powers taken, will the Under-Secretary indicate why they should be wanted at this time?

As I think that the hon. Member was informed in the Seychelles, with the exception of the provisions regarding curfew and the restriction of liquor sales the Ordinance follows closely the provisions of the United Kingdom Public Order Act, 1936. I have not been so far aware that in this country the colour of the ties we wear can be dictated to us.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the report issued by the Medical Officer of Health in the Seychelles in 1957, and 1958, respectively.

I will gladly place copies of these reports in the Library of the House as soon as I can. The report for 1958 is not, however, yet completed.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the multiplicity of architectural research organisations which exist in this country make for confusion and expense in building; and whether he will consider setting up a department as is done in Holland and Sweden for the purpose of sifting and classifying technical information and presenting it in a standard form for easy filing.

The Government have for some time felt that there was room for improvement in the co-ordination of building research. It therefore decided that all research should be under the D. S. I. R As recently announced, I shall not, therefore, re-appoint my Advisory Council on Building Research and Development. In its place there will be a Standing Conference on Building Research, which will be under the aegis of the Lord President of the Council.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask if he is satisfied that the new set-up will provide facilities for architects quickly to obtain available information so as to cut down the expense on building, and provide more efficient buildings?

That is exactly what I am at present discussing with those concerned in the building industry—architects, builders and quantity surveyors.

asked the Minister of Works what progress has been made with the proposal to rehouse the Crown Jewels so as to enable all visitors to the Tower of London an opportunity to view them in reasonable comfort.

Work is continuing on the preparation of proposals for rehousing the Crown Jewels in the hope that funds may be found for the work in two or three years' time.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent he has authorised delays in maintenance works at the Royal Opera House during the past three years.

The only authority given to the Royal Opera House to delay any of the obligations under their lease concerned the external painting of the building, which was deferred from 1956 to 1957 so as to coincide with the centenary of the Opera House. This was done with the permission of the owners of the freehold of the property.

Is not the Minister aware that, in page 3, the last annual report of the Royal Opera House states:

"Year by year we have deferred important maintenance expenditure on this historic building "?

The hon. Gentleman has already raised his second point with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend then said upon the subject. As to maintenance, I have no responsibility for the publication of this report, or for the statements contained therein, but I am satisfied that no essential maintenance of the structure of the Royal Opera House has been deferred.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the obvious dissention between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Works over the meaning of the words "essential" and "important", I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Works what progress has been made with the arrangements for the memorial to the late Earl of Balfour.

I have now received the Report of the Committee of which my hon. Friend was a member, which was appointed under the Chairmanship of my right hon. Friend, the Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. J. Stuart), to advise me on the memorial to the late Earl of Balfour. The Committee has unanimously recommended that the memorial should take the form of a white marble statue of the Earl of Balfour, to be erected on the pedestal on the right-hand side of the Members' Entrance to the Inner Lobby now occupied by the statue of Sir William Harcourt. [Interruption.] The Committee further recommended the appointment of Mr. David McFall as the sculptor. The Government have decided to accept these recommendations. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee for the care with which it has carried out its task.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, which I am sure will give pleasure to all students of history—and Mr. Balfour, as he at one time was, was a great thinker and statesman—may I ask my right hon. Friend to take steps to ensure that the Members' Lobby is preserved for the statues of eminent Prime Ministers? Will he also try to see that a measure of uniformity in the stone and style of the statues is maintained?

I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend says.

In view of certain noises made in various parts of the House while the Minister was answering, may I make it plain that this was an all-party Committee, and I think that the Leader of the Liberal Party as well as myself felt it appropriate that the statue of Lord Balfour should be placed in the Inner Lobby, as he was a very distinguished Prime Minister?

In view of the representative nature of the Committee, I had not expected that its recommendation would arouse the cries of dissent that it did.

In taking up its position, will the statue repudiate the claim of its predecessor—" We're all Socialists now"?

Is not that precisely why the statue of Lord Balfour is to replace that of Sir William Harcourt? Is not this a case of anti-Socialist bias on the part of the Government? And in any case, have we not enough statues in this place—are there not ancient monuments on the other side?

Is it the intention that the statue of Sir William Harcourt should also remain on the same pedestal, or where is to go?

I propose to consult the Advisory Committee on Works of Art in the House of Commons on where it should be placed.

asked the Minister of Works what arrangements are being made for band performances in the Royal Parks during the coming summer.

At weekends during the summer there will be regular band performances as in past years. From Mondays to Fridays I am making two changes in the arrangements. First, the season will start a little later, on 22nd June. Secondly, there will be lunchtime and early evening performances in the Green Park or in St. James's Park instead of the afternoon and evening performances in Hyde Park. I hope this change of place will enable more people to listen to these performances. Details will be given to the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether the results of the sample inquiries undertaken by the Road Research Laboratory, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, into the nature of injuries sustained in road accidents are now available; and if he will make a statement.

The sample inquiries have been in operation only since October, 1958, and the number in the sample is not yet sufficient for analysis.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long it will be before significant results become available?

It may be possible to make a preliminary report in about twelve months, but since the collaboration with the Road Research Laboratory and the Medical Research Council has been in operation about forty cases have been analysed. At that speed, about twelve months will produce a number of cases which will be worth reporting on.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish Special Housing Association houses are now standing empty at Douglas and Douglas, West, in the County of Lanark.

On 29th April there were thirty-seven Scottish Special Housing Association houses vacant at Douglas. The Association does not own any houses at Douglas, West.

is my right hon. Friend aware that those figures have been outdated by events and that there are now about 70 houses of various kinds empty in this village, of which about 50 are subsidized? Further, is my right hon. Friend aware that this village is losing half of its industry and one-third of its population within a matter of months? Will he take energetic steps to help to avert the consequential ruin which threatens a wide area of Lanarkshire?

As my hon. Friend knows, we are very much aware of the problem in Douglas. I should inform him that I agreed that the Association should approach the Board of Trade in case any of the Scottish Special Housing Association houses can be used for key workers in industry, and that, if necessary, it should advertise the houses to let.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what immediate action he proposes taking to avoid the introduction of part-time education in Glasgow schools next session.

I understand that, until it knows how many teachers will enter its service from the colleges of education and how many will retire or resign at the end of this session, the education authority will not be able to say whether, or to what extent, part-time education will be necessary next session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that last Thursday the Education Committee of Glasgow Corporation homologated the view which I put to him on 26th March in a debate in the House on this matter? Can he tell me what attention he has paid to the valuable suggestions which I offered him then, in order to avoid part-time education in the City of Glasgow?

I am well aware of the gravity of this problem and we have the help of the Advisory Council on the shortage of teachers as well as the remarks made by the hon. Gentleman. We are in continued discussion on these matters and will do all we can to help in the difficulties which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has completed his consideration of the relevant factors concerning the prohibition of gin traps in Scotland; and what steps he now proposes to take to ban their use there.

Gin traps are now illegal in Scotland except for catching foxes and otters. The three related Orders made last October came into operation on the first of this month.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he confers on the fox a privilege which he denies to every other wild creature in Scotland? Can he say why, since Friday last, 1st May, the fox is the only animal that has the legal right to enter a gin trap? In order to get rid of that anomaly, will he follow the good example of England and abolish the gin trap altogether?

No, Sir. The difficulty is that no humane alternative to the gin trap has been discovered as yet for dealing with foxes and otters. Until an alternative is discovered, the gin trap must continue.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why there should be this discrimination between English and Scottish foxes? What is the position if an English fox crosses the border into Scotland or if a Scottish fox crosses the border into England?

That is a problem on which I must consult my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate.

If rabbits come back in a big way, these Orders may well make it extremely difficult to deal with them adequately. In that event, will my right hon. Friend be prepared to reconsider the matter?

I would have to think very carefully before I went back on the Orders which have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet considered the proposals put to his Department last January by Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce in connection with the power of local authorities to build factories, the Aberdeen Development Plan and the new building proposals for Scotland; and what steps he intends to take to implement those proposals.

My noble Friend the Minister of State sent full information to the Chamber in February about the power of local authorities to build factories and about the Building (Scotland) Bill; and I have arranged with the Town Council to provide as quickly as possible the further information necessary to enable me to reach a decision on the Aberdeen Development plan.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there has been far too much delay in this matter and that all authoritative bodies in Aberdeen, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Trades Council, are united in favour of fostering the trade of Aberdeen? Will the right hon. Gentleman give urgent consideration to this matter and take a leaf out of the book of the Government of Northern Ireland in their successful treatment of the problem?

The hon. and learned Gentleman knows very well the various steps which have been taken to help in areas of heavy unemployment in Scotland, and he knows, too, that Aberdeen is eligible for assistance under the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act, 1958.