asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Post Elections Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Ramage will complete its work and report to the Governor of Tanganyika; and when it is proposed to publicise its findings.

The Committee is expected to report to the Governor in September. I cannot say when the report will be published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how departmental responsibilities in Tanganyika are distributed among the total of 12 Ministers announced by His Excellency the Governor on 17th March, 1959.

Information is as follows:

Ministerial post	Departmental responsibilities
Chief Secretary	Public Relations; Printing and Stationery.
Attorney-General	Administrator-General; Legal.
Finance	Accountant-General.
Natural Resources	Agriculture; Forests, Game; Pesticides Research; Tsetse; Veterinary; Water Development and Irrigation.
Education and Labour	Labour; Education: Antiquities.
Security and Immigration.	Police: Prisons: Immigration.
Provincial Affairs	Provincial Administration.
Health	Medical; Government Chemist.
Lands and Surveys	Lands and Surveys.
Mines and Commerce	Mines; Geological Survey; Commerce and Industry.
Social and Co-operative Development.	Co-operative Development; Social Development.
Urban Local Government and Works.	Public Works; Town Planning.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what charge was made, during the recent out break of rabies in the Southern Highlands Province of Tanganyika, for the inoculation of dogs; and whether he is satisfied that this has not deterred a large number of natives from bringing their dogs to be inoculated.

The standard charges in Tanganyika are ten shillings for a single inoculation or seven shillings fifty cents when more than eight dogs are presented together. The Tanganyika Government has made bulk supplies available to the native authorities at cost price (originally two shillings fifty cents for a single dose; later, three shillings, due to increased land cost).The Rungwe Native Authority refused to buy vaccine in bulk and individuals in that area had to pay the standard charges. The co-operation of dog owners was excellent however, and the disease was eliminated rapidly.The Mbeya Native Authority purchased supplies in bulk and also provided a subsidy, making the cost of inoculation one shilling fifty cents. Despite this relative low cost, dog owners in the area were indifferent and responded poorly.The Njombe, Iringa and Chunga Native Authorities bought supplies in bulk and passed these on at cost. The response was good in Njombe and Chunga, and poor at first in Iringa; but the situation in that area has since improved considerably and the campaign there should be completed by the end of August.There is no evidence to suggest that these charges have seriously deterred Africans from bringing their dogs to be inoculated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the Governor's proposals for the Tanganyika Legislative Council now that five elected opposition members have accepted posts in the administration; and to what extent, in view of the political advance in the territory, it is proposed to provide for elected majorities in the Legislative Council and Executive Council.

As the Governor has already stated, it is hoped to make an announcement on the next moves forward in the constitutional field when decisions on the Post Elections Committee's recommendations are made public.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the nature and causes of the injuries sustained by Mr. Sam Banda, a Nyasaland detainee, in Kanjedza detention camp between 4th July and 10th July, 1959.

There is evidence that Mr. Sam Banda received bruises to his face consistent with his having received a blow. The Attorney-General of Nyasaland has ordered an investigation, which is now proceeding, with a view to a decision on criminal proceedings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the findings of the Devlin Commission, he will give an assurance that Mr. Chiume will not be detained on his return to Nyasaland.

No. If and when Mr. Chiume returns to Nyasaland, the question of whether he should or should not be detained is a matter for the Governor to decide, taking into consideration the circumstances obtaining at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will state the names of all persons detained under the Nyasaland Emergency Regulations whose release has been recommended by the Advisory Committee; and in which cases the Governor has refused to act on such recommendation.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th June, 1959; Vol. 607, c. 152], provided the following further reply:The recommendations of the Advisory Committee, and the Governor's decisions on these recommendations, are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many persons have been released from detention in Nyasaland in each month since March; and what compensation has been paid to those discovered to be innocent of any offence.

pursuant to the reply of his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July, 1959; Vol. 609, c. 582], supplied the following information:The numbers of detainees released in Nyasaland in each month since March, 1959, are as follows:

Month	Number released
March	225
April	275
May	95
June	29
July (to 24th)	19
Total released to 24th July	643

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what evidence was produced in the cases brought against Africans charged with membership of an illegal organisation in Nyasaland; and, in particular, what were the relevant dates for such membership.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th April, 1959; Vol. 604, c. 1086], supplied the following information:The evidence in the various cases falls into one or more of four categories:(1) enrolment of members;(2) possession of membership cards;(3) possession of other Congress documents;(4) active support of the organisation.7th March is the earliest date of any offence subsequently made the subject of a prosecution.

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.

pursuant to the reply of his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary [OFFICIAL REPORT, 5th May, 1959; Vol. 605, c. 202], supplied the following information:1,327 Africans were charged in Nyasaland between the 3rd March and the 1st May. A summary is given below of the charges made and of the sentences received.

Number arrested and charged	Section of law under which they were charged Penal Code (P.C.)
1	46—Inciting Mutiny.
1	53—Offences in relation to Publications.
44	71—Managing Unlawful Society.
160	72—Being Member of Unlawful Society.
44	78—Unlawful Assembly.
119	79—Riot.
51	82—Riot after Proclamation.
26	84—Rioters demolishing Buildings.
23	85—Rioters injuring buildings, machinery, etc.
26	87—Carrying Offensive Weapons.
3	92—Threatening Violence.
8	93—Proposing Violence at Assemblies.
93	94—Intimidation.
1	121—Escape.
5	130—Soliciting to break the Law.
9	183—Idle and disorderly persons.
2	235—Acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest.
1	254—Assaults occasioning actual bodily harm.
17	256—Assault punishable with five years' imprisonment.
1	312—Criminal Trespass.
1	299—Robbery.
1	307—Housebreaking and Burglary.
5	309—Breaking into a building and committing a Felony.
27	335—Arson.
3	342—Malicious Injuries.
(Other Laws)
2	5—Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance Cap. 40: Authority for selling or buying firearms, etc.
33	26—Police Ordinance Cap. 64: Unlawful Assembly.
1	71—Police Ordinance Cap. 64: Unlawful possession of articles supplied to Police Officers.
2	13—Native Authority Ordinance Cap. 73: Failing to obey a Native Authority.
10	61—Townships Ordinance Cap. 96: Obstructions in streets.
22	53—Motor Traffic Ordinance Cap. 146: Causing damage to Motor Vehicles.
1	50—Motor Traffic Ordinance Cap. 146: Taking Motor Vehicle without Consent.
1	81—Act 9/55: Removal of Prohibited Articles into and from Prison.

Number arrested and charged	Section of law under which they were charged Penal Code (P.C.)
1	13—Trespassing and Loitering.
1	15—Refusal to remove obstruction on road.
2	20—Direction of Labour.
497	23—Curfew.
2	28—Publication of Alarming Reports.
1	29—Propaganda.
1	30—Prohibited matter.
2	31—Prohibited Publications.
10	35—Acts, words or writing prejudicial to public safety or public order.
2	37—Control of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
2	39—Unlawful possession of firearms.
10	40—Dangerous weapon in suspicious circumstances.
1	41—Unlawful possession of, and dealing with, arms, clothing and equipment belonging to H.M. Forces or Police Force.
45	42—Meetings.
1	45—Uniforms and insignia.
2	47—Power to obtain information.
7	55—Interference with H.M. Forces, ect.
30	56—Injury to Property.
14	57—Looting and kindred Offences.
12	59—Causing Disaffection.
2	60—Consorting with and harbouring suspected persons.
13	62—Obstruction.
2	63—Attempts to commit offences and assisting offenders.
2	43—Arms at Meetings.
Total 1,406

Some of those arrested were of course charged with more than one offence. Sentences awarded are as follows:—

Bound over	27
Fined	27
Public work or imprisonment—up to 6 months	275
6–18 months	136
18 months–3 years	63
3–5 years	35
over 5 years	4
Corporal punishment	3

A number of the cases were not completed at the 1st May; and of the total number charged 654 had been released or acquitted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of those Africans in Nyasaland who, since 3rd March, 1959, have been sentenced to periods of imprisonment for being members of an unlawful organisation, together with the length of the sentence in each case.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd April, 1959; Vol. 604, c. 597], supplied the following information:MEMBERSHIP OF AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present grounds on which Mr. Chivunga, President of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers Trade Union in Northern Rhodesia, is restricted to Barotseland; and what is the reason for the change.

The first order served on Mr. Chivunga was based on information regarding his actions and intentions in respect of the General Election which was due to take place on 20th March, 1959. The second order was based on later information regarding his actions and intentions generally and not specifically confined to the period of the election.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much Crown Land lies along the shore of Lake Kariba.

pursuant to the reply of his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary [OFFICIAL REPORT, Tuesday, 3rd March, 1959; Vol. 601, c. 207], supplied the following further information:On the north bank of the Zambesi there is a strip of Crown Land approximately ten miles long and two miles wide running upstream from the Tonga (Sigongo) Native Reserve and abutting Native Trust Land in the west. The site of the Kariba Dam is about six miles above the Native Reserve boundary. The shore of Lake Kariba will run from the Dam through Crown Land until it cuts the boundary with the Native Trust Land about four miles upstream at a point about one mile inland from the present river bank.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether registration has yet taken place for the elections to the Nairobi City Council; how many Africans, Asians and Europeans have registered; and why the date for the elections has been postponed.

Registration still continues as the closing date for applications is the 31st July, 1959. Approximate registration figures to date are as follows: Africans, 3,200; Asians, 13,400; Muslims, 5,000; Europeans, 2,600; and 900 Companies.Because the closing date for registration applications has been twice postponed, the election date has been deferred, with the agreement of the Council, until February, 1960. This will be the first convenient date for elections after completion of the Electoral Roll, which should be towards the end of 1959.The first postponement of the closing date for registration applications was to enable the new Municipal Election Rules, which introduced a non-racial franchise and which were drawn up after consultation with and reference to all interested groups, to be amended to permit a wider franchise. The second postponement was at the request of the Acting Mayor and an African Constituency Elected Member, was to ensure that all communities have an adequate opportunity for registration as the original response had proved disappointing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will make a statement on the ill-treatment of two women prisoners who were frogmarched, beaten and kicked on 18th January, 1958, in Kamiti Prison, Nairobi, and if he will institute an independent inquiry into this and other allegations of ill-treatment of prisoners in Kamiti Prison.

pursuant to my hon. Friend's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 12th February, 1959; Vol. 599, c. 225], supplied the following information:The Crown Counsel appointed to investigate these and certain other allegations was required for work in connection with the Hola inquest and subsequent disciplinary proceedings and has not yet been able to complete his enquiries. As soon as I have the Governor's report I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for an independent inquiry into the conditions at Kamiti Prison, Nairobi, in view of the charges about ill-treatment of prisoners made by Captain E. Law, in a report, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Wednesbury.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th December, 1958; Vol. 587, c. 273], supplied the following additional information:The Crown Counsel appointed to investigate these and certain other allegations was required for work in connection with the Hola inquest and subsequent disciplinary proceedings and has not yet been able to complete his inquiries. As soon as I have the Governor's report I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date in May, 1958, prisoners and detainees from the hospital compound of Kamiti Prison, Nairobi, were subject to ill-treatment and forced to have their hair cut; and whether he will institute an independent inquiry into this and other allegations of ill-treatment at Kamiti Prison.

pursuant to the reply of his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary [OFFICIAL REPORT, 12th February, 1959; Vol. 599, c. 225], supplied the following information:The Crown Counsel appointed to investigate these and certain other allegations was required for work in connection with the Hola inquest and subsequent disciplinary proceedings and has not yet been able to complete his inquiries. As soon as I have the Governor's report I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons are now detained at Hola Camp; and how many such persons have at any time been committed of Mau Mau offences.

pursuant to the reply of his Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th July, 1959; Vol. 148, c. 46], supplied the following additional information: Four of the 17 detainees now at Hola Camp were formerly Mau Mau convicts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many of the detainees now in Hola detention camp have appealed to the Advisory Committee.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th June, 1959; Vol. 607, c. 54], supplied the following information:Of the 17 detainees now held at Hola closed camp, six have appealed against their detention to the Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the names of the detainees who were transferred to Hola from Tarkwa before 3rd March, 1959, the date or dates of such transfers, and the length of time for which each man has been detained.

pursuant to the reply of his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary [OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th Tune, 1959; Vol. 607, c. 151], supplied the following information:The table below sets out the names of the 70 detainees who were transferred to Hola from Takwa Camp before 3rd March, 1959, the dates of transfer, and the length of time for which each man has been detained (calculated to the nearest month).

Name	Date of transfer from Makwa	Length of time each man has been detained
		years	months
Ndegwa Metho	20.2.59	5	3
Gichui Gathunga	"	6	6
Macharia Karano	"	5	7
Muchai Kairu	"	6	6
Stanley Kagika	"	6	8
Gerald Gachau	"	6	9
Pauolo Mathiare	"	6	9
Chege Kinaka	"	6	7
Gachuiri Kiari	"	6	7
Job Muchuchu	"	6	4
Chege Kiburu	"	6	9
Walliam Mwariri	"	6	6
Karioki Murigu	"	6	4
Yacob (Yakobo) Chege	"	5	11
Mwinga Chokwe	"	6	9
George Githunguri	"	6	2
Kimaru Karioki	"	6	7
Jessi Waiti	"	6	5

Name	Date of transfer from Makwa	Length of time each man has been detained
		years	months
Warohi Makeru	20.2.59	6	5
Gachirigu Ndegwa	"	6	6
Hezekia T. Mwai	"	5	3
George Kabere	"	4	5
Josephat Wandiba	"	6	9
Mungai Gachungu	"	6	9
Ndei Matito	"	6	6
Gichuki Ndegwa	"	6	2
Macharia Kamau	"	6	2
Phillip Githuki	"	6	2
Gatimu Murugami	"	6	7
Mbiyu Kimani	"	6	7
Mukuruta Kimani	"	6	6
Paulo Karuru	"	6	7
Wainaina Waigogo	"	5	6
Gathiu Gichuki	"	6	2
Gachanga Kunyiha	"	6	7
Phillip Gichohi	"	6	9
Hucheson Muchemi	"	6	9
Bernard Gatheru	"	4	5
Mundati Chema	"	6	6
Wahome Kihia	"	6	9
Kanguku Mwaura	28.2.59	6	7
Kibugi Ngandeti	"	6	2
Muthee Checha	"	6	8
Gichuhi Ndinye	"	6	8
Amos Kanaithio	"	6	5
Stephene Mbuthia	"	6	2
Joyfrey Mwangi	"	6	9
Justus Nugo Muranga	"	6	2
Ngugi Kinyanjui	"	5	2
Obadiah Ndungi	"	5	2
Munagi Churi	"	6	7
Mwangi Mwira	"	5	1
Kinuthia Mugia	"	6	8
Charles Wambaa	"	6	9
Willie George Njue	"	6	9
Gedion Gaitwa	"	6	9
Greshon N. Tharau	"	6	9
Josphat Mburati	"	6	9
Mariko Kambui	"	6	7
Musa Kaptaini	"	6	3
John Adala	"	6	2
Mgarama Gakura	"	6	8
Paulo Nkeru	"	6	5
Titus Wageni	"	6	2
Arther Gatung'u	"	6	2
Wamuthenya Kagard	"	6	9
Peter Gatabaki	"	6	9
Stephene Mwaura	"	6	9
Flavin Mwangi	"	6	8
Ngombe Gakuru	"	6	9
Herman Gitau	"	6	7
John D. Kalli	"	6	9
Mwai Thogo	"	6	6
Mwangi Macharia	"	6	3
Dishon Wanjohi	"	5	7
Obadia Waweru	"	5	8
Magoto Kimani	"	6	2
Isaak Kuria	"	4	10
Fredrick Koinange	"	6	9

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans, held in prison and detention camps in Kenya, were subjected to corporal punishment for offences committed against the Prison Regulations in each of the years 1952–58; and how many were subjected to mechanical restraint by handcuffs or leg irons in each of those years.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th June, 1959; Vol. 608, c. 20], supplied the following additional information:

KENYA
—	Corporal punishment inflicted under the Prisons Ordinance	Mechanical restraint (Leg irons)
1952	98	56(a)
1958	63	264
(a) Corrected figure.

Statistics relating to mechanical restraint by handcuffs are not kept.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the number of Africans sentenced to prison in Kenya for Mau Mau offences in each of the years 1952–58; the number of such prisoners who died in prison; the number who completed their sentences and were released; the number who completed their sentences and were subsequently held as detained persons; and the number still serving sentences for these offences.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th June, 1959; Vol. 608, c. 19], supplied the following information:I am afraid that I cannot supply the details requested in the first four parts of the Question. They could not be obtained except by an examination of several thousand individual case files, and I do not feel able to ask the Governor to do this.The answer to the last part of the Question is that 82 convicts who are Mau Mau adherents are now serving prison sentences.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the total number of Africans detained without charge in Kenya for Mau Mau activity in each of the years 1952–58; the number of such detainees who died during detention; the number released from detention; and the number still detained.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th June, 1959; Vol. 608, c. 19], supplied the following additional information:

—	Number of Africans detained in each year (from March)(2)	Number of Africans who died in detention in each calendar year	Number of Africans released in each year (from 1st March)
1952	See Note (1)	Nil	See Note (1)
1953		9
1954		216
1955	5,075	327	14,019
1956	1,189	128	21,230
1957	92	73	21,151
1958	8	32	13,339
NOTES:
(1) Separate annual statistics for the total number of Africans detained without charge for Mau Mau activities, and the total number released, are not available before 1st March, 1955
(2) The figures in this column do not include Mau Mau convicts transferred to detention orders for rehabilitation and accelerated release.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will state the number of detainees in Kenya who have appealed to the Advisory Committee; the number of recommendations for release made to the Committee; and the number of such recommendations accepted by the Governor in each year since 1952.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th June, 1959; Vol. 607, c. 54], supplied the following additional information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state, for each of the individual years from 1952 until and including 1958, the number of detainees in Kenya who have appealed to the Advisory Committee, the number of such appeals where the committee have recommended release, and the number of cases in which the Governor has declined to act on such recommendation.

pursuant to the reply by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, [OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th June, 1959; Vol. 607, c. 151–2], supplied the following information:I am still in consultation with the Governor and I will write to the hon. and learned Member if further details can be supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to fulfil the intentions of Her Majesty's Government, as stated in the speeches of the Governor of Malta on 24th April, 1958, during September, 1958, and on 5th January, 1959, to hold early elections and to proceed with economic planning.

On the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 30th July. On the second part, I would refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 21st July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what official consultations took place with the Archbishop of Malta during his recent visit to Malta; and what conclusions were reached.

No official consultations—but I have been very happy to meet the Archbishop again and discuss matters of mutual concern.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the complement employed by Messrs. Bailey Ltd. at the Malta dockyard; and what assurance has been given that the number will not decrease in the foreseeable future.

I refer the hon. Member to my replies on 7th July to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and the hon. Member for Cardiff. South-East (Mr. Callaghan).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans have been made to modernise the dockyard at Malta, now leased to Baileys Ltd., to enable it to compete with other Mediterranean dockyards; and what subsidy, beyond the £6,000,000 already granted, is proposed for this purpose.

Plans have been drawn up to convert for commercial ship-repairing that part of the Naval Dockyard now leased to Bailey (Malta) Ltd. The estimated cost of this work is included in the £6 million which is to be made available to the Company by Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the contract between Her Majesty's Government and Messrs. Bailey Ltd., for the use of the dockyard at Malta, includes a provision enabling Messrs. Bailey Ltd. to withdraw if the commercial prospects are not regarded as satisfactory; and what provision has been made for the continued employment of the dockyard workers.

No. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far Messrs. Bailey, Limited, have increased their staff since taking over; and how many of these have been Maltese.

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member later.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many ships and of what total tonnage have been repaired by Messrs. Bailey Limited since they took over the dockyard at Malta; what kind of work was done; and what were the man-hours spent on this work.

On the first part of the Question I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 7th July. I have no information on the matters referred to in the remaining parts of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what action has been taken following the proposal of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia to release from detention in that territory persons originating in Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland, subject to their repatriation to their country of origin.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, Thursday, 9th April, 1959; Vol. 603; c. 363], supplied the following:I have received information that all persons from Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland detained under Southern Rhodesia law during the state of emergency there have been released and either have been allowed to remain in Southern Rhodesia or have returned to their own territories.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to state what steps he intends to take to solve the problem caused by persons acquitted on criminal charges being deprived of the costs they were obliged to incur in preparing and presenting defence against the offence of which they have been acquitted.

I am working on this matter but at present have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 23rd July to the hon. and learned Member for Ipswich (Mr. Foot).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will so amend the Visiting Forces Act as to ensure that members of foreign naval, military and air forces stationed in Great Britain remain answerable to British law and British courts while on British soil.

Under the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act, 1952, British courts have full jurisdiction over members of visiting forces, except in respect of offences which arise out of or in the course of duty, or are committed against the persons of other members of the visiting force or of persons having a relevant association with them, or against the property of such persons or of the sending Government. There is, therefore, no need to amend the Act to achieve the end which the hon. and learned Member desires.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the reasons which prevent him issuing visas to Jurgen Kuczynski and Mrs. Kuckhoff to come to the United Kingdom.

My right hon. Friend did not consider that the authorisation of visas in these cases would be in the public interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the market in stolen British passports in the Metropolitan area; and what steps are taken to inform the appropriate authorities in the case of passports reported as stolen, with a view to preventing their use for illegal entries into this country.

My right hon. Friend is informed by the Commissioner of Police that he has no evidence of a market in stolen United Kingdom passports in the Metropolitan Police District. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the steps taken when a United Kingdom passport is reported stolen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in how many cases during the past year persons in custody awaiting trial have been placed in strait jackets; and upon whose authority this was done;(2) in how many cases during the past year persons were placed in strait jackets when in custody awaiting trial without psychiatric care or advice being sought immediately on their behalf.

In the twelve months ended on 30th June, 1959, twenty-one untried prisoners were placed in restraint jackets. Prisoners are so restrained only on the instructions of a medical officer, who is responsible for ensuring that they receive all necessary medical care and treatment, including psychiatric attention. In none of the cases did the medical office think it necessary to seek further advice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what element of the benefit of £10 10s. 8d. per week payable to the widow of Detective Sergeant Purdy would have been payable as of right after the length of service of this police officer; and what element is payable as compensation for death as a result of injuries received on service.

If the late Detective Sergeant Purdy had died on 13th July, 1959, from causes unconnected with his police service the total benefit payable to his widow would have been £6 0s. 6d. a week. This sum would include both National Insurance benefit and police pension and would cover awards in respect of two of her children.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what pension would have been payable to the late Detective Sergeant Purdy had he retired through ill-health on the day he was actually killed on duty.

The amount of police pension that would have been paid to the late Detective Sergeant Purdy if he had retired from the Metropolitan Police Force through ill-health on 13th July, 1959, is 4 11s. 6d. a week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the date on which he received from the Cardiff City Corporation the proposals for changes in ward boundaries; what consideration he has given to the proposals; and when he expects to send a reply.

My right hon. Friend has not received any such proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received representations from the Irish Government asking that the Casement Diaries should be handed over to Ireland; and what was the nature of his reply.

The return of the diaries to Ireland was one of the possibilities which was discussed with the Government of the Republic of Ireland, and which was strongly urged by them. Her Majesty's Government explained, however, that these diaries were public records and that, apart from this, to send them to Dublin would have deprived the United Kingdom of important historical evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) to what extent civil defence personnel co-operate in Royal Air Force exercises designed to improve the defences of this country;(2) to what extent civil defence personnel co-operate with the Royal Air Force for the purpose of acquiring information about new developments needed for the civil defence of the country.

There is full cooperation between the Home Office and the Royal Air Force as regards the acquisition of information of use to civil defence, including the assumptions on which exercises are based.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made to appoint a chaplain at Stafford Jail.

My right hon. Friend is informed that the Bishop of the Diocese is not prepared to license the clergyman who had been appointed to this post. Under the Prison Act, 1952, he could not therefore officiate in the prison and he is being informed that, subject to the consideration of any representations he may wish to make, my right hon. Friend will accordingly have to cancel the appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how soon he anticipates receiving the report from the Central Office of Information concerning the increase in convictions for juvenile drunkenness; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answers which I gave to Questions by the hon. Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Holmes) and the hon. Member for Brierley Hill (Mr. Simmons) on 23rd July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reply he has received from the town clerk of Nottingham with regard to his letter of the 15th July concerning the suspension of the Chief Constable of Nottingham; what further action he proposes to take in the matter; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Nottingham, Central (Lieut.-Colonel Cordeaux).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received a report from the Criminal Law Revision Committee.

Yes. I asked the Committee in March to consider what alterations to the criminal law should be made to provide for the punishment of a person who, without committing an assault, invites a child to handle him indecently or otherwise behaves indecently towards a child. The Committee submitted their report in June They recommended that any person who commits an act of gross indecency with or towards a child under the age of 14 or who incites a child under that age to such an act with him or another should be guilty of an offence, and embodied their recommendations in a draft Bill. The report will be published shortly.The Government accept the Committee's recommendations and propose to take an early opportunity to implement them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what financial or other assistance he gives to the Voluntary Service Overseas Organisation.

None. The Organisation has so far operated in Commonwealth countries only on a very limited scale.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether he will make a statement about the Commonwealth Education Conference;(2) what arrangements have now been made to further the proposal for exchange scholarships which was made during the Montreal Conference.

A statement was made yesterday in another place by my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations which will be available to hon. Members. This statement dealt not only with the results of the Conference in general but with the arrangements for putting the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme into operation. In brief, the thousand scholarships recommended by the Commonwealth Economic Conference at Montreal in 1958 will not only be attained but exceeded. In addition, the Conference has recommended that the older Commonwealth countries should endeavour to assist the less developed by giving financial and other encouragement to teachers to take up key posts in those countries and by increasing the facilities they can offer them for the advanced training of teachers and for technical and industrial training. The Conference also agreed on follow-up action leading to a further meeting in 1961. Her Majesty's Government are immensely encouraged by the success of the Conference and are confident that its proposals will lead to a new drive in Commonwealth co-operation in this vital field.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the results achieved at the Commonwealth Education Conference.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. B. Harrison).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will now make a further statement about plans for the projection of the Commonwealth in the United Kingdom.

Yes. The Touring Commonwealth Exhibition will open in Liverpool in November and thereafter will be shown in Leeds, Birmingham, and Norwich before the end of the financial year. My noble Friend is most grateful to the lord mayors of these cities for the co-operation which they are giving in the organisation of Commonwealth Weeks when the Exhibition is in their areas. We are enlisting the help of a wide range of voluntary effort, and Commonwealth High Commissioners and the representatives of Colonial Governments in London are giving us their full cooperation. We are also making progress with the lecture programmes and other measures outlined in the White Paper on the Information Services (Cmnd. 685).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what are the number of Tibetan refugees who have now entered India and have asked for asylum in the United Kingdom or Colonies, or for permission to pass through these countries to other non-communist areas.

The total number of Tibetan refugees now on Indian soil is stated by the Indian authorities to be between 12,000 and 12,500. It is not possible to give more precise figures as some refugees have filtered into Sikkim and Bhutan where their exact numbers are not known. So far as is known, of those refugees who have entered India in the main influx since April, 1959, none have asked for asylum in the United Kingdom or Colonies or for permission to pass through those countries.Six persons of Tibetan origin who stated that they entered India in October, 1957, applied in May, 1959, for visas to transit Hong Kong on their way to Formosa. These visas were granted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is satisfied with the existing legislation in the South African High Commission territories on labour matters; and if he will make a statement.

The existing legislation has proved adequate up to date, but, having regard to the increased pace of economic development in the High Commission Territories, the High Commissioner has been asked to review the existing labour legislation, and, to assist him in this, it is proposed, in a few months' time, to arrange for an officer experienced in these matters to visit the High Commission Territories for discussions with the Administrations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what arrangements are being made for the avoidance of double taxation between the union of South Africa and the High Commission Territories.

Arrangements between the Governments of the Union of South Africa and of the United Kingdom for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income imposed in the Union of South Africa and the three High Commission Territories of Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, were signed at Cape Town on 18th June, 1959. The texts have been published in the High Commissioner's Gazette.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what schemes of economic development he is proposing for the High Commission Territories of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, respectively.

I am glad to inform the House that, with the approval of the Secretary of State, the High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland has appointed an Economic Survey Mission to conduct a general survey of the requirements and natural resources of the High Commission Territories and to make recommendations on the utilisation of the financial resources that are or might be made available to the Territories.The Mission has been appointed in consultation with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, who have advised on its composition and on the selection of its members, and have nominated its chairman.The Mission, which is expected to begin its work in September, will be composed as follows:

asked the Minister of Education how many dentists are engaged in the dental service for children in Southampton; and how many school children he estimates are unable to obtain treatment there.

I understand that the Southampton local education authority employs two full-time dentists and one part-time. Treatment in the Authority's Dental Service is necessarily restricted to those children who most need it, but the General Dental Service is also available to children.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will advise headmasters of primary and secondary schools to administer corporal punishment in cases where they feel that this would be the most effective form of punishment.

No. I think that this matter is one for the local education authorities and the schools themselves.

asked the Minister of Education what steps he proposes to take to help the local authority to improve school facilities in Swindon in time for the opening of the autumn term; and if he will make a statement.

A new hall and metal-work room at one secondary school are likely to be ready for the autumn term.

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the delay which is taking place in the provision of a site for the new Hellesdon secondary modern school; and what steps are being taken to expedite the completion of the necessary arrangements.

Yes. The proposed site could be acquired only by compulsory purchase. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to obtain all the information which he needs in order to reach a decision on this.

asked the Minister of Education which local education authorities were unable in January, 1958, to reach the quota of full-time teachers indicated in his Department's Circular 318; and by what percentage each of the authorities concerned failed to reach its quota.

In January, 1958, 56 local education authorities were 1 per cent. or more below their quota. The names of these authorities are as follows:

	Percentage
Rutland	16
Wakefield	9
Kingston-upon-Hull	8
West Bromwich	8
Isles of Scilly	7
Huddersfield	6
Dewsbury	6
Birmingham	6
Wigan	6
Bury	5
East Ham	5
South Shields	5
Chester	4
Rotherham	4
Tynemouth	4
West Ham	4
Essex	3
Northamptonshire	3
Suffold West	3
Grimsby	3
Middlesborough	3
Walsall	3
Bedfordshire	2
Durham	2
Isle of Ely	2
Leicestershire	2
Staffordshire	2
Sussex West	2
Warwickshire	2
Barnsley	2
Barrow-in-Furness	2
Bath	2
Bradford	2
Halifax	2
Hastings	2
Liverpool	2
Oldham	2
Preston	2
Sheffield	2
West Hartlepool	2
Worcester	2
Middlesex	1
Oxfordshire	1
Suffolk East	1
Yorks. North Riding	1
Yorks. West Riding	1
Burton-upon-Trent	1
Darlington	1
Lincoln	1
Norwich	1
Rochdale	1
Salford	1
Warrington	1
Merioneth	1
Monmouthshire	1
Pembrokeshire	1

asked the Minister of Education when he expects building operations to commence on the new site for Salt grammar school.

I understand that the local education authority hopes to start work on the site early in 1960.

asked the Minister of Education the total capital expenditure approved by his Department for the school building programme in The Wrekin between 1947 and 1950; and the total authorised between 1956 and 1959.

The value of major school building projects approved between January, 1947, and December, 1950, was £542,227 excluding professional fees, furniture and equipment, compared with £385,850 approved from January, 1956, to date. Two more projects valued at about £192,000 may start this year.

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that head teachers are being asked to invite mothers to talks on civil defence against nuclear warfare; and if he will issue a circular to local education authorities discouraging acceptance of such sponsored invitations.

No.

asked the Minister of Education how many school teachers are employed in Manchester at the present time; and what was the corresponding figure on 31st October, 1951.

4,134 in February, 1959, compared with 3,605 in October, 1951.

asked the Minister of Education how many new schools have been built, and how many additional school places provided, in Manchester since 31st October, 1951; and what were the corresponding figures for the period 30th June, 1945, to 31st October, 1951.

The Answer is as follows:

Period and Types of School		New Schools		Number of new places provided by
				Major Projects (a)		Minor Projects
		Started	Taken into use	Started	Taken into use	Started	Taken into use
1st July, 1945 to 31st October, 1951:
Primary	…	23	7	8,450	4,070	Not known	Not known
Secondary
Modern	…	5	1	5,170 (b)	3,520 (b)	"	"
Grammar	…	—	—	120	120	"	"
Technical	…	—	—	—	—	"	"
1st November, 1951 to 30th June, 1959:
Primary	…	13	27	6,120	9,700	3,945	3,945
Secondary
Modern	…	13	13	7,350	6,540	970	585
Grammar	…	3	2	2,835	1,620	90	90
Technical	…	3	2	1,425	900	360	300
Comprehensive		—	—	750	—	—	—
Note:
(a) Including some extensions to existing schools.
(b) Including places in huts built especially for the raising of the school leaving age in 1947.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further representations he has received from members of the Pig Industry Development Authority regarding his recent undertaking on pig prices in the next Annual Price Review.

No representations have been received either from the Pig Industry Development Authority or from any of their members regarding the recent undertaking on pig prices in the next Annual Price Review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the next Price Review, he will introduce a separate price guarantee for bacon pigs based on his Department's gradings at the bacon factories.

The position of the bacon pig producer is protected under the present guarantee system particularly by the quality premiums payable on bacon pigs and by the separate stabilising arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the undertaking given to the Danish Government that Her Majesty's Government will not increase subsidies to the agricultural industry in order to frustrate the terms of the recent Anglo-Danish Trade Agreement, whether he will outline the differences, officially communicated to him in the negotiations, in the methods by which the Danish Government supports its agriculture compared with those followed by Her Majesty's Government, with particular reference to the price of feeding stuffs, the raising of capital, the cost of fuel, the guaranteeing of markets and fiscal advantages.

Under the Anglo-Danish Agreement we have specifically reserved our right to determine annually the guaranteed price for pigs, with due regard inter alia to changes in costs. At the same time we have agreed that subsidy policy should not be used in such a way as to render nugatory the opportunity given to Danish producers in the United Kingdom market by the removal of the bacon tariff. In the circumstances of the negotiations to which my hon. Friend refers, it would not have been appropriate to go into the question of indirect supports to Danish agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will indicate the number of applications which have been received in each of the counties in Wales under the Farm Improvement Schemes, and the number rejected; and how many have been disallowed because of the failure of the applicant to satisfy the requirements regarding the income derived from the holding.

The following table gives the position at 30th June, 1959.

FARM IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
County	Number of Applications received	Number of Applications rejected (all reasons)	Number of Applications rejected on grounds that land is not capable of yielding a sufficient livelihood
Anglesey	578	112	43
Brecon	158	23	7
Caernarvon	352	78	33
Cardigan	1,002	120	56
Carmarthen	1,183	233	93
Denbigh	597	135	41
Flint	636	80	35
Glamorgan	628	91	35
Merioneth	104	26	10
Monmouth	574	78	20
Montgomery	421	63	25
Pembroke	1,551	232	97
Radnor	117	12	1
Totals	7,901	1,283	496

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the serious implications for the timber-growing and using industry of Great Britain involved in the proposals for a free trade area for the Outer Seven countries, he will call an immediate conference of the principal producers and users of British timber, with a view to drawing up a policy which will ensure that there will be an adequate market at reasonably remunerative prices for the increasing output of timber from British forests for the next few decades.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of his estimate that the potential thinnings production of United Kingdom forests are likely to rise from 19 million cubic feet per annum at the present time to 62 million cubic feet by 1975, he will state what steps are being taken to ensure adequate utilisation of this increased production at reasonably remunerative prices by timber-using industries in the United Kingdom.

I agree that suitable outlets will be required for the increasing output of thinnings, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and Gallant Member for Knutsford (Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport) on 18th June. At the present stage I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by calling a conference of producers and users, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps will be taken to consult the Forestry Commission, private woodland owners, and the principal present and potential users of timber from British forests with regard to the steps which are to be taken by Her Majesty's Government to ensure the adequate protection of the British timber industry in the tariff negotiations which are to take place with the Outer Seven countries in September next.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. member for Flint, East (Mrs. White) on 27th July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total amount of Government money invested in the forestry industry of this country.

Between 1st October, 1919, and 30th September, 1958 the Forestry Commission drew from Parliamentary Votes £98,334,973. Of this total £85,436,605 was devoted to State forestry operations and the remainder, £12,898,368 to other services such as grants to private woodland owners, research and education.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has now considered the Report of the Committee on the Technical Problems of Welsh Agriculture; and whether he will now make a statement.

I have given preliminary consideration to this Report, which has been endorsed by the Agricultural Improvement Council. I have also obtained the observations of the Agricultural Research Council. Comments have also been received from a number of interested organisations, some of them only recently, and these are being studied.I accept generally the need for further work in the directions recommended by the Committee, and in particular for continued team work by specialists concerned with the improvement of land and of grazings, and with animal husbandry and animal health.The Agricultural Research Council and my Ministry are accordingly taking steps to develop their investigations in Wales. Soil survey reconnaissance mapping has already started in South Wales. Conferences of research and N.A.A.S. specialists are being called to review work on mineral elements, fertiliser requirements and metabolic disorders, and I hope that these conferences will help to show how further investigations into interaction of land improvement techniques and animal husbandry can best be organised.The Agricultural Research Council is always ready to give sympathetic consideration to applications from Welsh university centres for research grants. They will also, in appropriate cases, consider

WHEAT
Accounting Period		Seasonal Standard Price per cwt.		Ascertained Average Price per cwt.		Deficiency Payment per cwt.		Quantity Qualifying for Deficiency Payment	Total Payments
		s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	million cwt.	£ million
1st July—30th Sept., 1958	…	25	6	19	6·7	5	11·3	10·6	3·1
1st Oct.—30th Nov., 1958	…	26	11	20	3·7	6	7·3	12·9	4·3
1st Dec., 1958—28th Feb., 1959		28	5	22	2·9	6	2·1	9·2	2·8
1st March—30th April, 1959.	…	30	0	21	4·6	8	7·4	7·6	3·3
1st May—30th June, 1959	…	30	6	19	9·5	10	8·5	8·9	4·8

Payments in respect of the first four periods have already been made.Payments for the period 1st May to 30th June, 1959 will be made in August.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the practice of certain agricultural landlords of inviting applications for the tenancy of vacant farms for the purpose of estimating the market value of a tenancy rather than for the purpose of finding a suitable tenant; and whether he will introduce legislation to protect applicants from the losses and inconvenience caused by unnecessary journeys to investigate such tenancies.

I have no evidence that this is a common complaint, and I can see no need for fresh legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give particulars of the deficiency payments on wheat, rye, barley, oats and mixed corn for the cereal year ended 30th June, 1959.

The particulars of these payments are as follows:

RYE
—			Yearly Standard Price per cwt.		Ascertained Average Price per cwt.		Deficiency Payment per cwt.		Quantity Qualifying for Deficiency Payment	Total Payments
			s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	million cwt.	£ million
Cereal Year 1st July, 1958 to 30th June, 1959	…	…	22	1	20	0·4	2	0·6	0·27	0·03

No advance payment has been made on rye.

BARLEY

—

Yearly Standard Price per cwt.

Ascertained Average Price per cwt.

Price Deficiency per cwt.

Deficiency Payment per acre

Acreage Qualifying for Deficiency Payment

Total payments

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

£

s.

d.

Million acres

£ million

Cereal Year 1st July, 1958 to 30th June, 1959

…

…

…

29

0

22

1·57

6

10·43

7

8

4

2·7

20·4

An advance payment of £5 10s. 0d. per acre has already been made to most barley growers following the announcement made on 5th December, 1958. The final payment to these growers will, therefore, be at the rate of £1 18s. 4d. per acre. Payments will begin immediately and will be completed during September.

OATS AND MIXED CORN

—

Yearly Standard Price per cwt. for Oats

Ascertained Average Price per cwt. for Oats

Price Deficiency per cwt.

Deficiency Payment per acre

Acreage Qualifying for Deficiency Payment

Total payments

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

£

s.

d.

Million acres

£ million

Cereal Year 1st July, 1958 to 30th June, 1959

…

…

…

27

5

22

2·72

5

2·28

4

13

11

2·3

11·0

An advance payment at the rate of £2 per acre has already been made to most growers of oats and mixed corn following the announcement made on 5th December, 1958. The final payment to these growers will, therefore, be at the rate of £2 13s. 11d. per acre. Payments will begin immediately and will be completed during September.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consumers' expenditure upon rent was for each year since 1955, to the nearest convenient date.

In the four years 1955 to 1958, £534 million, £568 million, £610 million and £739 million, respectively. These figures include the notional rental

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the approximate total of annual incomes from rent today compared with the last year before the increases under the Rent Act came into operation.

£1,038 million in 1958 and £814 million in 1956. The figures cover rental income from land, dwellings and other buildings and reckoned before providing for depreciation. For dwellings, expenditure on maintenance and repairs has been deducted. The figures are estimated according to the definitions used in the National Income Blue Books. The aggregate figure for 1958 includes rental income from the many new buildings brought into use subsequently to 1956.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what rate of interest the Public Works Loan Board advanced loans to local authorities for housing

1. RATES OF INTEREST CHARGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS LOAN BOARD FOR LOANS TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR HOUSING AND OTHER PURPOSES
—			For Loans for 20 years	For Loans for 60 years
1951			Per cent.	Per cent.
1st January to 9th November	…	…	3	3
10th November to 31st December	…	…	3¾	3¾
1958
1st January to 24th February	…	…	6¾	6¾
25th February to 22nd August	…	…	6¼	6¼
23rd August to 24th October	…	…	6	6
25th October to 31st December	…	…	5⅞	5¾

2. TOTAL INTEREST PAYMENTS BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY TO THE PUBLIC WORKS LOAN BOARD ON THE ASSUMPTION OF REPAYMENT BY HALF-YEARLY ANNUITIES
—					On a Loan of £1,750		On a Loan of £2,500
					Repayment over 20 years	Repayment over 60 years	Repayment over 20 years	Repayment over 60 years
1951					£	£	£	£
At an interest rate of—
3 per cent.	…	…	…	…	590	2,034	843	2,906
3¾ per cent.	…	…	…	…	753	2,662	1,076	3,803
1958
At an interest rate of—
6¾ per cent.	…	…	…	…	1,465	5,472	2,092	7,817
6¼ per cent.	…	…	…	…	1,340	4,980	1,914	7,114
6 per cent.	…	…	…	…	1,278	4,736	1,826	6,767
5⅞ per cent.	…	…	…	…	1,248	—	1,783	—
5¾ per cent.	…	…	…	…	—	4,496	—	6,422

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to encouraging foreigners to visit this country, he will take steps to arrange that those travelling by train from the port of arrival have their baggage inspected

In 1951, rates of 3 per cent. and 3¾ per cent. were at different times in effect for loans of both 20 and 60 years. In 1958, four sets of rates were in effect at different times at levels between 5¾ per cent. and 6¾ per cent. I am circulating below particulars of the precise rates in force at the various times and details of the corresponding total interest payments for the two kinds of loan quoted by the hon. Member.on the train as is done on the French railways.

No. Similar proposals have been considered many times in the past. But the conclusion has always been reached that, in the circumstances here, Customs examination of baggage on these trains would be inconvenient for the passengers and frustrate an economical and effective Customs control.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for as many years prior to the current year as may be convenient, the total amount of grants, subsidies and other financial assistance provided by the Government to privately-owned industry, including agriculture.

Provision for Agricultural Support Subsidies in the last five years has been as follows (in £ million):

1959–60	1958–59	1957–58	1956–57	1955–56
243	283	217	219	239

I regret that detailed figures for other financial assistance to private industry cannot be produced without an undue expenditure of time and labour; but approximately £15 million a year on average has been provided for this purpose over the same five years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage increase in National Savings for the 18 months ended 30th June, 1959, compared with the 18 months ended 30th June, 1951.

During the first 18-month period referred to by the hon. Member, National Savings rose by £25·1 million, an increase of 0·41 per cent.; during the second period they rose by £442·6 million, an increase of 7·08 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, taking the internal purchasing value of the £ sterling as 20s. in October, 1951, it had declined to 18s. 3d. in July, 1953, 17s. 2d. in July, 1955, and 15s. 9d. in July, 1957; and what was the comparable figure for July, 1959.