asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now take steps to secure the repeal of Regulation No. 35 of the Nyasaland emergency regulations.

The repeal of emergency regulations is a matter for the Governor. I shall, of course, be discussing with him during my forthcoming visit the whole question of the continuation of emergency powers.

Would not the Colonial Secretary agree that at the time when the Monckton Commission is just starting its work on the whole future of Federation it is unfortunate that this Regulation, which makes anyone who undermines public confidence in the Government of the Federation liable to fourteen years" imprisonment or a fine of £1,000, or both, should be in operation? Does not this make nonsense of the work of the Monckton Commission, and could not the right hon. Gentleman solve the whole thing by ending the so-called state of emergency which no longer exists?

It would certainly solve this particular problem if one felt able to end the emergency, because this would end with the ending of the emergency. I think it is more to that matter that the hon. Lady's Question is addressed than to the actual form of the Regulation, because most of it is common form as in other cases. I shall be discussing this matter with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have recently been made for sending troops into Nyasaland; and for what purpose.

This is a matter falling within the Federal Government's sphere of responsibility.

But surely the Colonial Secretary is concerned as to which troops are drafted into Nyasaland? Were not troops drafted into Nyasaland during the emergency at the Governor's request? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware which troops have been drafted into Nyasaland and for what purpose, or does he wash his hands of the whole thing and say that it is entirely a matter for Sir Roy Welensky as to what he does with the troops in Nyasaland?

Not at all. Of course, I am aware which troops have moved into Nyasaland. The 1st Battalion of the Rhodesian African Rifles moved into Nyasaland. The Governor was, of course, fully informed on this matter. What I said in the Answer—and this is correct—is that this is a defence matter and not essentially one of internal security.

Does the Colonial Secretary agree that in deciding which troops must be sent into Nyasaland it is extremely important to take into consideration the political situation in Nyasaland at present? Does he not agree that since these troops were used during the emergency, in the words of the Devlin Commission, "to cow the population", it is most unsatisfactory that troops should be drafted there now, just at the time that the Monckton Commission is going there?

I certainly agree that these matters must be done, as they are done, in close consultation, but I do not accept the implications in relation to a movement such as this which are contained in the second part of the supplementary question.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if an increase in the number of troops in Nyasaland is a necessary prerequisite to the ending of the emergency, that is something which some of us would very much welcome?

Is it not a fact that before troops can be sent into Nyasaland, or indeed into Northern Rhodesia, the Governor of the territory concerned must make the request, as he is solely responsible for internal security? May I ask the Colonial Secretary whether such a request was made and whether he was consulted before it was made?

The answer to the second part of the supplementary question is, "Yes". But I have said that this is not a matter of internal security but a defence movement.

Against whom?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will announce the results of the half-yearly review of detainees under the emergency regulations by the Governor of Nyasaland.

I have not yet received a report from the Governor, but the hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that detention orders are kept under continuous review and not limited to review once only every six months.

It is now more than two months since the right hon. Gentleman made his speech at Leeds in which he spoke about a rapid rundown in the number of detainees and an early end of the emergency. Is he aware that there is a general feeling in the country that it is a scandal that, more than a year from the beginning of the emergency, with the Monckton Commission already in Central Africa and the Secretary of State about to visit Nyasaland, there has not been a general release of detainees, the release of Dr. Banda, and an end of the emergency?

If the hon. Gentleman will study the figures, he will see that there was a very large release of detainees in January and February amounting to about 50 per cent. of those who were held at the turn of the year. Therefore, my Leeds speech has been carried out to the full. A considerably increased rate of release is continuing. Quite frankly, I think it is possible, in referring to 3rd March, to attach too much importance to the half-yearly review. All these people were released under the continuous review, and that is by far the more important of the two.

Does the review involve a consideration of whether any charges can be laid, and, where no charges can be laid, would not it be right to release the detainees?

The review is related to one subject and one subject alone, not to any question of charges, the presence of the Monckton Commission or the presence of anybody else in the Federation. It is related only to the Governor's judgment regarding law and order. There is no other consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has studied the notice circulated last November by the Director of African Affairs of the Lusaka Municipal Council, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Blackburn, warning employees that any active participation in the boycott or in political activities harmful to the council' s interests would result in their discharge for inefficiency: and what action he proposes to take.

As I have told the hon. Member, this, under the Municipal Corporation Ordinance, is a matter for the Municipal Council of Lusaka. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment.

Does not the Colonial Secretary agree that this circular which covers all employees of the municipality down to the very humblest is a gross form of political intimidation? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the astonishing phrase that an employee who does not at all times act in the best interest of his employer is obviously inefficient, and will he take steps to amend the Municipal Corporation Ordinance in order to enable him to deal with these totalitarian edicts?

No. Frankly, I think it would be quite wrong if we in this House had authority to intervene in matters of this sort which concern the municipal council of Lusaka or the municipal council of any other municipality in any of the Colonial Territories. As the hon. Lady knows, this particular matter related to the beer hall boycott some time ago, and I would have thought that her fire ought to have been directed at the boycott rather than at the measures which the municipal council took about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply he has made to the general secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions concerning its protest against the proposed ordinance on public security in Northern Rhodesia on the ground that it would gravely imperil personal liberties and freedom of association and endanger trade union rights.

The communication which I received from the I.C.F.T.U. alleged in particular that the provisions of this ordinance violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and endangered the rights of trade unionists. My reply has made it clear that I do not accept this allegation.

How does the Secretary of State explain the fact that this ordinance appears to perpetuate emergency powers in the hands of the Governor, such as the power arbitrarily to ban meetings, to detain persons and to censor the Press? Is he aware that the I.C.F.T.U. is concerned that these powers may well be used against African trade unions?

I understand the anxieties of the I.C.F.T.U., but I am sure that they are misplaced. The position is not that these powers are permanently retained in the Governor's hands, because he can use only such powers as are strictly required by the exigencies of the situation. That must be proclaimed by public notice. From that point of view the position is exactly the same as if it were necessary to declare an emergency. I hope that there will be fewer emergencies as a result of having these powers in reserve.

Is it not the case that this ordinance maintains in the power of the Governor the exiling of a large number of trade union officials under the emergency of a few years ago? Is it desirable that this should be maintained in a permanent ordinance?

To bring this regulation into effect, as I have just explained, the Government would by public proclamation have to make a declaration, in effect, that the safety of the State was in peril. That is the same sort of situation as has always existed under Emergency Orders in Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been received by the Governor of Northern Rhodesia from the United National Independence Party regarding constitutional changes; and what reply has been made.

The Governor has forwarded to me a petition on constitutional matters which he received from the United National Independence Party on 22nd February. I am still considering the terms of my reply.

When the Colonial Secretary goes to Central Africa, will he give this matter very urgent consideration and, in particular, consider calling a constitutional conference, perhaps for the early summer, on a revised constitution for Northern Rhodesia so that a truly representative delegation attends the conference on the constitutional future of the Federation?

In relation to constitutional matters, as I explained in my announcement, I am more concerned on this visit with Nyasaland than with Northern Rhodesia. The Northern Rhodesian Constitution was brought into effect in March, 1959, and I have no present plans for altering it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Clause 8 (3) of the Riot Damages Ordinance in Northern Rhodesia has been deleted.

Section 8 (3) has been repealed because it was realised that the fact that a prosecution had been brought was irrelevant for the purposes of this legislation, which is to provide compensation for those who suffer damage in a riot.

Are we to understand from that reply that in the case of a riot, even when a prosecution has been pursued and certain people have been found guilty of the so-called riot, those found not guilty will have penalties imposed on them as well?

No, indeed. What the hon. Gentleman fails to understand is that when this legislation was first drafted, without experience of these things, in, I think, 1955, a wholly unnecessary provision was included which is now being repealed. There is nothing more mysterious in it than that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he is recruiting citizens of the Union of South Africa as European inspectors of police for service in Northern Rhodesia.

British subjects with suitable qualifications and experience are recruited as inspectors of police by the Government of Northern Rhodesia from the United Kingdom, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and the Union of South Africa, to fill vacancies in the force.

When the Colonial Secretary goes to Northern Rhodesia, will he look at this matter, since it could provide quite a lot of unrest to have Afrikaans-speaking apartheid-minded European inspectors of police?

I think there is an immense amount of prejudice behind that supplementary question. These people are recruited in very small numbers, and I have no doubt that those who are recruited are wholly suitable for the tasks they have to perform.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are now the functions of the Colonial Research Council.

The Colonial Research Council was dissolved in August, 1959. Its functions as an advisory and co-ordinating body now fall to the Overseas Research Council which is responsible to my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Science, and operates in relation to overseas research generally.

Would my right hon. Friend confirm that many millions of pounds of taxpayers' money has been channelled to great advantage to the Commonwealth through the old Colonial Research Council, and can he say what is happening about the subsidiary committee that did such a good job for that Council?

The Colonial Research Council certainly did a wonderful job and I am sure that its successor, the Overseas Research Council, will do an even better job in the future. I think I must ask my hon. Friend to put down another Question, if he would, on the details.

Is it not rather disgraceful that an important step like the abolishing of this Council and the replacing of it by complicated new machinery should be taken without any sort of public announcement whatsoever? Can the right hon. Gentleman say to whom we should address Questions about colonial research now that it has been taken over by the Ministry for Science?

It would follow the distribution of political Questions laid down by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I shall have to inquire into this point. The Council was dissolved in August, 1959. I think that it is right, in order to co-ordinate scientific effort throughout the Commonwealth countries, that the advisory and co-ordinating body should be the Overseas Research Council rather than the inevitably narrower body, the Colonial Research Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ensure the protection, after 1st October, 1960, of the frontiers of the British Cameroons.

This is one of the many matters now being studied in connection with the arrangements for the British Cameroons after 1st October.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the troubles in the now-independent Cameroons may go on for some time? In any plans which he is making, will he remember not only the difficulty of the terrain and heaviness of the rain but also the inadequacy of the roads and the lack of any barrack-room accommodation?

Yes. I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. We are discussing this security problem with both Nigeria and the United Nations

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who are the members of the Malta Tourist Board at the present moment; how many times the Board met in 1959; and how often the Chairman was in the chair at such meetings.

They are Mr. P. Barker Benfield, Chairman; Captain J. W. Attard; Colonel R. Strickland; Mr. L. Vella; Mr. G. Zarb; Mr. W. Zammit-Tabona; and Mr. J. C. Pollacco, Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is now proposed to re-establish an elected legislature in Malta.

I am not yet in a position to add to my replies to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 9th February.

As Malta has had its Parliament dissolved for nearly two years now and the islands are governed by the decree of the Governor, with an advisory council that is absolutely fatuous, is it not desirable that immediate steps should be take to restore democracy to these islands?

I do not think that I quarrel with that at all. I have merely been trying to see how best that can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress he has made in considering whether the main enactments of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia can be made available in the Library of the House of Commons on publication.

I am anxious to be as helpful as possible to the House on this matter not only in relation to Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland but generally. The Chairman of the Library Committee has recently approached me on the whole question and I have undertaken to ask Colonial Governments to send copies of their Gazettes and Gazette Supplements by air mail to the Library of the House. These include the documents to which the hon. and learned Member refers.

Thank you very much.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration is being given by Her Majesty's Government to the possibility of a plan for the Caribbean area on the lines of the Colombo Plan.

This question is at present being studied by a Working Group of the Caribbean Commission.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen reports of the United Nations Special Fund on the Caribbean in which British Guiana is mentioned for grants as well as the island territories but no mention is made of British Honduras? In view of the need for development in that Colony, will he use his influence with that Fund?

I have not studied that document, but, in the light of what the hon. Member said, I will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at which airports in the Crown Colonies of North Borneo and Sarawak and in the State of Brunei night-flying facilities are available.

Goose-neck flares are available at Labuan Jesselton and Sandakan airfields in North Borneo, at Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu airfields in Sarawak on request and at Brunei Airport and Auduki in case of emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to close Labuan Airport, North Borneo, for resurfacing; and what navigational aids and night-flying facilities it is proposed to install.

Labuan Airport will not be closed but operations are restricted to the use of 3,000 feet of runway length during the period of resurfacing which should be completed by November, 1960.

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that, in view of the strategic position of this airfield, in the event of an emergency in the Far East the navigational aids and the night-flying facilities are sufficient? Will he also bear in mind the necessity of providing additional facilities as soon as possible to encourage extra civil airlines to call at this airfield?

Yes. I will bear those points in mind, and I will send to my hon. Friend details of the navigational aids provided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will appoint an independent commission to investigate bribery and corruption in the Colony of Hong Kong.

No, Sir. This subject is kept under frequent review by the Governor, with the assistance of a Standing Committee.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention called to a leading article in the Hong Kong newspaper, the China Mail, of 22nd February, which suggests that Hong Kong needs the shock that a truly impartial investigation would give? Is he further aware that, in the opinion of the China Mail and of many knowledgeable people, this situation is deteriorating and all the ordinary courses of the law are quite incapable of dealing with it? In saying this, I am not unappreciative of the difficulties and the achievements of Hong Kong; but this is really a very serious matter to which I urge the Minister to give his closest possible attention.

Yes, I have studied that article in the China Mail, and I have discussed it by signal with the Governor, who does not attach as much importance to it as does the hon. Member. But I am sure that the right approach to the matter is that it should be kept under frequent review by the Governor, as I indicated in my Answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why a special Commission was set up by the Hong Kong Government to inquire into the Colony's electricity supply industry; if the Commission has yet submitted its findings; and what are the main recommendations.

The Commission was set up to inquire to what extent Government control of the industry was desirable. The Commission recommended compulsory purchase of the two private undertakings which at present provide the supply and their replacement by an independent public authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the constant loyalty of the Maronite community in Cyprus, especially during the last few years, and in view of the fact that the Radcliffe Report recommended that they should have at least one seat in the suggested Parliament, if he will endeavour to obtain some security for them in the new constitution; and if he will grant them the small sum they have requested from the British Government.

Her Majesty's Government have made proposals for safeguarding the constitutional position of the smaller religious groups, including the Maronites. As regards the second part of the Question, I have received a request for a grant, which I am considering, but my view is that I can best serve the interests of the Maronites by providing adequate constitutional safeguards for them.

I appreciate what my right hon. Friend has said, but would he bear in mind that this is a very hard-up community—it consists of very poor people whose educational problems will be very difficult? All they are asking for is £80,000.

Yes, I understand that, but I think that it would be wiser for a smaller community to seek parity of treatment within one of the larger communities, because there is at least a danger that, if a small grant is made to one of the groups, such as that to which my hon. Friend refers, it may be taken as satisfying its needs, and it might not then share in what is possible for the rest of the island.

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I tabled a Question on the subject of Cyprus, and I heard from the Colonial Office that the Foreign Office is now replying to all Questions on Cyprus.

Yes, I should like to look into what the hon. Gentleman says. Something may turn on the actual terms of the Question, which I have not seen. I will make some inquiries, and let the hon. Gentleman know.

Thank you, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the fact that a second cyclone has hit Mauritius, what further sum he now proposes to give to the relief fund for the victims of both cyclones to meet their immediate and urgent needs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the extent of the financial relief now to be given to Mauritius as a result of the two recent cyclones; what is the estimated damage done to the sugar plantations; and whether any of the relief will be available for their rehabilitation.

As I have already made clear to the House, the amount of £2 million to be made available, subject to necessary Parliamentary approval, by loans and grants in respect of cyclone "Alix" will need to be increased as a result of cyclone "Carol." I have arranged for a full assessment to be made of the damage caused in Mauritius by the two cyclones, and of the cost of the relief and reconstruction measures required. The full amount of financial assistance to be given to the Mauritius Government by Her Majesty's Government, and the purposes for which it will be used will be determined when this assessment is complete. It is estimated that as much as 60 per cent. of this year's sugar crop may prove to have been lost.

I appreciate the long-term plans of the Government for redevelopment in Mauritius, but does the right hon. Gentleman realise that something has to be done now? Would he make clear exactly what monetary aid the Government are giving at present? There are many expenditures which must be made immediately on such things as temporary house dwellings, and the money is needed. Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House that a grant of, say, £100,000 is now being given to the relief fund?

I am, of course, much more concerned at the moment with the short-term than with the long-term. We have tried in every way that we can— and I am making a detailed statement today in response to a Written Question by the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson)—to anticipate all the needs, with, so the Governor tells me, some considerable success. But nothing is being held up for lack of money, and I do not think that it would be proper, in view of the very severe disaster, when we know that our help will have to be in terms of millions of £s, to make a second token payment which, against the need, would at this stage be derisory.

Is the insurance fund which was created a few years ago proving adequate to cover the damage done to the sugar crop? If it appears to be inadequate, would the Colonial Secretary consider whether there should be some extension or revision of the existing insurance scheme, or whether some larger and wider scheme should be made to incorporate a whole number of territories that are subject to this kind of calamity?

The right hon. Gentleman is quite right. There is a cyclone insurance fund, and that will certainly be adequate to meet the damage to the sugar crop. The Mauritius Government have reinsured a considerable amount of the sum, which runs into some millions of £s, and I am assured that there will be no difficulty in meeting the planters' claims.

In order to make the matter clear, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us—since there was this second tragic cyclone—the total sum given to meet the important and urgent emergency needs? Would he consider publishing, perhaps, a White Paper on the long-term aspects, so that we might study such very difficult problems as more permanent housing?

As the hon. Gentleman will see, I have given a very full reply today to what now appears as a Written Question by him. In agreement with the Governor, what we have been trying to do is to provide for the ordinary needs of people—which are always the same when tragedies like this happen—for food, shelter, warmth, clothing, blankets, medical supplies and trained personnel—

And money.

yes, but I have said that none of these things is being held up for lack of money. They are all flowing as quickly as they can to Mauritius, and my housing adviser is going to Mauritius in order to carry out a survey in relation to long-term rehabilitation of destroyed housing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) why the majority recommendation of the Wild Committee, that the Executive in Uganda should have responsible powers and be presided over by a Chief Minister, has been rejected;

The Governor stated in the Legislative Council on 22nd February that there would be a further extension of the franchise. The extent to which it will be widened has not yet been decided. Her Majesty's Government are of the view that, while the balance of the Executive should be altered to afford greater opportunities for the exercise of responsibility by non-official Ministers, it should continue to be presided over by, and advisory to, the Governor, and that the appointment of a Chief Minister would be premature.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there was considerable disappointment in Uganda at the Government's attitude towards the Wild Committee's recommendation? With regard to the franchise, have the Government been unduly influenced by the possibility of difficulties in Kenya, which is something which ought not to affect the situation in Uganda, which is really quite different? As regards the possibility of having a Chief Minister and an executive council, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would have a very important stabilising effect on the political parties in Uganda if they could have some real responsibilities? Is not this most desirable?

To take the last point first, that is certainly most desirable, but this represents a very large step forward indeed by which there would be an elected majority in a Legislative Council and a majority of non-official Ministers in the Council of Ministers mainly drawn from the majority party in the Legislature. I do not think that anybody who knows the present state of politics in Uganda would believe that it is ripe for a Chief Minister regime at the present time. As regards the franchise, I have indicated that a final decision has not been taken. We have said that we are sympathetic to an extension of what is already a very wide franchise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the urgency of coming to a decision on the question of the reintroduction of corporal punishment, he will now state whether the Report of the Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders will be available to hon. Members this Session.

The chairman is aware that I am anxious to have the Report quickly, but the Council must, of course, be given time to make a proper study of the problem.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind that it would be very helpful to have it before July? The Cadogan Report is now twenty-two years old, and it really dealt only with the birching of boys of 12 to 14 and does not answer the question which constituents are asking, namely, whether summary birching should be introduced for boys who commit violent crimes at, say, between the ages of 17 and 19?

I hope that those responsible for the inquiry will pay attention to my hon. Friend's observations. It will be very difficult to have the report in a great hurry, but the Council is aware that I want it as soon as it possibly can produce it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why machinery in the metal work centre of the approved school for boys, the Royal Philanthropic Society's School, Redhill, is not equipped with guards similar to those provided in factories; why a first-aid cabinet is not prominently displayed; and what provision is made for the ready availability of a person proficient in first-aid.

Some obsolete machines, from which the guards had been removed, were kept until recently in the maintenance shop; they were not used for training boys, and have now been disposed of. In the maintenance, electrical and woodwork shops, housed in the same building, there are three first-aid cabinets. The school has arrangements under which three doctors are on call, there is a school surgery and hospital with two resident nurses, and several members of staff have had first-aid training.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am well satisfied that the Question has had a very good effect?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the address of the Borstal Institution where the boys of their own accord contributed to the Save the Children Fund.

The cultivation of a desire to help others is an important part of Borstal training, and the response of inmates takes many forms. In six Borstals, the addresses of which have been sent to the hon. Member, it has included voluntary contributions to the Save the Children Fund.

I am grateful for that information. I knew of only one and felt it was so important that it should be mentioned in the House. Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that some method should be devised to inform the boys that their splendid efforts are appreciated, particularly when appreciation of this sort will help them at a critical period and may be much more valuable than birching or flogging?

I think that the hon. Gentleman's Question has served a very useful purpose. I have not named the six Borstals concerned because most Borstals save and contribute towards some voluntary organisation. It is a very worth-while habit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has completed his consideration of the possibility of allowing Ukrainians in this country to register as Ukrainians instead of as Russians or as Polish or as of uncertain origin.

In replying to the debate on 16th February, I undertook to consider this matter in relation to the review of registration of aliens generally. In the meantime, the police are being advised to suspend action to amend the existing registrations of Ukrainians.

Does that mean that the wretched people who do not regard themselves either as Russians or as Poles may now register as Ukrainians?

No; it means that those who are already registered as Ukrainians will not be advised to change the registration to "uncertain nationality" with "U" in brackets. The future registration of Ukrainians, of which there is not likely to be a very large number, will, of course, be in compliance with the present law which requires the nationality to be stated, or, alternatively, in the case of Ukrainians, the classification which I have described.

This decision, although only an interim measure, will be extremely welcome to the Ukrainians in this country, who will agree that my hon. and learned Friend's promise on 16th February, when he offered them a ray of hope, was in no sense an understatement. Will my hon. and learned Friend now consider allowing to revert to their former registration as Ukrainians those Ukrainians who were re-registered as Russian or Polish or as of uncertain nationality as a result of Home Office Circular 119 of 10th September?

I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for what he said about this decision. Quite candidly, I doubt that it would be wise to insist upon further amendment of the registration because quite enough confusion was caused by the last attempt. Nevertheless, I think that my hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that, when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has completed his review of aliens registration, the result will be satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, after considering the views of the organisations he consulted and of the general public, he has now reached a decision on the suggested extension of summer time by a fortnight in October.

Not all the replies have yet been received.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is taking a very long time to collect the voices? Does he also agree that many thousands of people would welcome a decision to extend summer time by at least a fortnight in October, especially in view of the fact that the farming community has now said that it has no objection?

I think the reason for taking a long time is that most organisations have had to consult their constituent members, and there are several replies still outstanding. I do not want to prejudge the decision that will be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of crimes of violence against the person known to the police during the calendar year 1949, and the number of similar crimes during the calendar year 1959.

The number of indictable crimes of violence against the person known to the police in 1949 was 5,235; the provisional figure for 1959 is 13,875.

Do not these figures convince both my right hon. Friends that the time has come for some more adequate punishment to be given to these people who attack innocent people?

I am not sure whether my hon. Friend is suggesting that that is a case for the reintroduction of corporal punishment—

I am.

—but he will appreciate that not since 1861 have all crimes of violence been subject to the penalty of corporal punishment. These figures will be available to the Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many attacks on prison warders by prisoners have been recorded in the year ended 31st December, 1959; and how many attacks on women and children by civilians have been committed, according to police records, during the same period.

There were 213 offences of assault by male prisoners against prison officers, of which 30 amounted to gross personal violence. I regret that the statistics of crimes of violence against the person known to the police do not distinguish the victims by age or sex.

Does it not seem quite illogical that attacks against lusty, male warders should be punished by flogging and that similar crimes or attacks on innocent women and children should not be rewarded by corporal punishment?

I think my hon. Friend knows that the Cadogan Committee quite clearly differentiated between attacks in prisons and those outside. In fact, sentences of corporal punishment for offences in prisons were confirmed in only two cases in 1959.

Is the Minister aware that what is perplexing the Chief Constables of Ayrshire and Ayr is the number of cases of people tried for driving motor cars while under the influence of drink? Has he received any representations from anyone that they should have corporal punishment?

Order. These shouts of sadistic enthusiasm do not assist progress.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiry is currently being conducted into the working of the vice squad of the Metropolitan Police in the West End.

Allegations of corruption against officers of the Metropolitan Police in connection with the sale of pornographic literature were fully investigated towards the end of last year and found to be baseless. During the course of the investigation, it came to light that one officer, not engaged in this particular work, might have been guilty of neglect of duty, not involving corruption. This case is now the subject of formal disciplinary procedure.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, even since the beginning of this year, people have been called to Scotland Yard to give evidence? Is he also aware that the police have been much too lenient with these shops that sell pornographic pictures? Is he also aware that London is now the centre for the production of these pictures, that buyers come from all over the country, and indeed, all over Europe, to so-called auction sales at which they buy these pictures in bulk, and that the amount of money involved in this sale of filth runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds per year?

In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, of course people are called to Scotland Yard very frequently in order to see whether they are able to assist the police. In answer to the second part, the question of sentences is a matter for the courts. In answer to the third part, if the hon. Gentleman cares to let us have any information which is in his possession, we shall study it with care and interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have set up Home Safety Committees; and what further steps will be taken to bring to the attention of authorities which have not done so the desirability of so doing.

I understand that 166 local Home Safety Committees affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents had been set up by 23rd February, 1960. In February, 1958, my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health issued a circular urging local health authorities to sponsor or support such local committees.

As my right hon. Friend has disclosed only this week that there are 3 million of these highly dangerous oil stoves in houses up and down the country, ought there not to be a fresh drive among the local authorities concerned to set up more Home Safety Committees? Would my right hon. Friend send out a further circular on that matter?

I will certainly discuss this urgently with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health. Of course, the Committees in question are voluntary Committees which enjoy the support of the local authority.

While it is up to people individually in the home to take very great care, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would agree that many accidents could be avoided if there were much more information and publicity on the effect of certain appliances?

Yes, Sir. This is a matter which is being discussed today with the representatives of the firms principally concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the communication addressed to his Department by the Chief Fire Officer, West Ham Borough Council, on 14th December, 1956, reporting tests carried out by a local firm of oil heater manufacturers and pressing for an investigation of oil heaters with a view to the introduction of safety measures; and what reply was sent.

Yes, Sir. The letter was discussed with the Chief Fire Officer concerned in January, 1957, and he was informed that the question of the safe use of oil heaters was already being investigated by the Departments concerned. These investigations in fact led to advice being given in a bulletin prepared with the collaboration of Government Departments by the Fire Protection Association, and issued in February, 1957, to the effect that portable oil burning heaters ought not to be placed in draughts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, of course, that was three years ago and that consequently there is dissatisfaction amongst responsible manufacturers and others that the matter appeared to be shelved for so long? Will he press on with this matter of oil heaters as a Government responsibility, by legislation if necessary, in which those of us who have studied the matter in the Parliamentary Home Safety Committee will be glad to give him our help and support?

Yes, Sir. I have already seen my hon. Friend and have offered to meet him and his hon. Friends, and, indeed, any other hon. Members interested in this matter of safety in the home. As regards his reference to legislation, I prefer to await the result of the consultations which are taking place today with the manufacturers. As regards progress made, he will note that a warning of a very authoritative character was issued as early as February, 1957, since when a good deal of work has been done. As I indicated in my statement on these heaters, it was only when this special wind appliance was recently produced that the most up-to-date information was available to authoritative sources. I have various of my colleagues involved in this in their Departments, and I undertake that we shall pursue the mattter with the utmost thoroughness.

If, as we think he should, the right hon. Gentleman seeks legislative power to control the sale of these dangerous heaters, may I assure him that we for our part on this side of the House will certainly facilitate the passage of such legislation?

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I think that shows the spirit in which we should all tackle this matter.

On a point of order. In view of the fact that it has been impossible to raise the very many issues in regard to this very urgent situation concerning home safety, particularly in regard to oil heaters, may I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity?

I would repeat my request that hon. Members should adhere to the traditional formula in these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, having regard to the circumstances of the case of Mr. J. Skehan, now in Parkhurst Prison, if he will refer this case to the Court of Criminal Appeal under Section 19 of the Criminal Appeal Act, 1907.

No material has been placed before me which would justify me in referring this case to the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Since the Minister is aware that I have had a very long correspondence with him about this case, and since Mr. Skehan has mentioned that there are very serious discrepancies in the depositions of the case, would the right hon. Gentleman now give further consideration to an examination of the depositions to see whether or not justice would be done by allowing this man to have the right of appeal?

It lies within my power to take the course suggested by the hon. Gentleman, but I must say that, examining the material before me, I have not been able to reach the conclusion which he desires. Mr. Skehan is at present an appellant, and has recently applied for an extension of time in which to give notice of appeal against a previous conviction in 1947. While the hon. Member can certainly send me any material he desires, I would rather make no further comment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the latest Report from the Children's Department was in 1955; and when a further report can be expected.

The intention is that these Reports should be published every four or five years. The next one is in preparation and I hope it will appear later this year.

As there are 70,000 children in the care of the Home Office Children's Department, is it not reasonable to expect an annual Report? While it is true that many of the children are under the care of children's committees of local authorities, are not some of them —for example, those in the Carlton House Approved School—in the care of managers who form only an ad hoc committee responsible solely to the Home Secretary?

Previous Reports were published in 1938, 1951 and 1955. It had been hoped to publish a Report in 1959, but it was delayed to this year by pressure of work. I will note what the hon. Lady says, but, having studied these Reports, I do not think that an annual Report would be a practical proposition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the Simonds Committee.

I am not yet in a position to say.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's Answer mean that the House will be able to consider the Simonds Committee's Report before proceeding with the Committee stage of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Bill, as he assured the House on 16th December last year?

There is obviously a difficulty in the Bill having to wait for the report if it is to go through this Session, but I know that Lord Simonds is aware of the advisability and desirability of an early report so that we can, if possible, proceed in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received from the United Kingdom Committee of the World Refugee Year the information concerning specially handicapped refugees who wish to come to this country; and whether he will consider reducing the standards which have hitherto operated.

Lists of applicants from among handicapped refugees of long standing will now be prepared abroad on the basis of revised criteria, settled in consultation with the United Kingdom Committee of the World Refugee Year, of which I am circulating a copy in the OFFICIAL REPORT. When these lists are available, consideration will be given, in the light of the offers of sponsorship received by the voluntary bodies concerned, to the numbers who can be admitted.

I am much obliged to the hon. and learned Gentleman and his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary for their very sympathetic action and understanding in this problem. Is the figure in mind about 500, in addition to the 210 handicapped refugees who have been allowed to enter this country? May we take it that Her Majesty's Government have in mind the entry into this country of approximately 1,000 handicapped refugees? If so, that is a very excellent contribution to the wonderful compaign on behalf of World Refugee Year.

It would be rash and, indeed, impossible for me to commit the Government to a definite figure, bearing in mind that we have yet to find out how many refugees there are in Europe who fit in to the enlarged new category. Also, the number received must depend upon the number of sponsorships we have received by the time that we have to make the decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order fully to inform himself of the anxiety currently prevailing in the mining industry, he will make a tour of the major coalfields to obtain the views of the people most intimately affected.

The Government are well informed about the problems and prospects of those employed in the coal industry. I fear I could not undertake such a tour at the present time. However, six out of the nine divisions of the National Coal Board have been visited either by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power or by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary during the last four months.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is tremendous anxiety among miners and their families, and that, with the best will in the world, he cannot appreciate the problems unless he visits the areas? If he can find time to visit Africa, surely he can find time to visit the centres of this great industry and at least give the people in it some assurances about their future.

That is why I said that I could not do this at present. We have quite a lot of things ahead of us, both here and overseas. I have great confidence in the knowledge and sympathy of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power. One satisfactory aspect of the matter is that, broadly speaking, the reduction in the size of the industry and the men employed has been carried out so far largely by normal wastage and by non-recruitment, and, to a large extent, those thrown out have been found alternative occupations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those of us who come from mining constituencies think that there is a very sharp contrast between how this matter has been handled under nationalisation and how it was handled by private enterprise in the 'thirties?

I do not think that the right hon. Gentleman is entitled to make that point. What we are trying to do is to ensure that, if this is an industry that has to shrink for technical reasons, we are able by all these various Measures, the latest of which is the Measure just passed by this House, to find alternative occupations.

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the memorandum submitted to him in Nyasaland by the Nyasaland Trade Union Congress, with the support of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, concerning African political and trade union rights and the need to abolish racial discrimination; and what reply he proposes to make.

The representations made by the Nyasaland Trade Union Congress are being considered in consultation with the Nyasaland Government.

May I ask the Prime Minister, to whom this memorandum was submitted, whether he agrees with the principal aims which were set forth in it, namely, constitutional advance for Africans, bold economic measures to develop Nyasaland, and the ending of race discrimination by law? Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will issue instructions for action to be taken to carry out these aims?

I received a memorandum in which there were nineteen main points. I acknowledged it at the time and said that I would do my best to answer it. When I have had consultation with my right hon. Friend and the Nyasaland Government, I will send an answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the deterioration in the Middle East situation, he will discuss this problem with President Eisenhower, Mr. Khrushchev, and General de Gaulle at the forthcoming Summit Conference.

It has been agreed that there will be no formal agenda for the Summit Conference. I cannot therefore state in advance whether any subject, however important, will or will not be discussed.

Is it not essential to stabilisation of Middle East conditions that there should be understanding and co-operation between the Soviet Union and the three Western Governments? May I ask whether we can take it that there is a common policy between the three Western Governments about these problems of the Middle East?

In answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's first point, I would say that that is certainly a consideration to be borne in mind. In answer to his second point, we have, I think, a very high degree of common agreement as to our policy.

Can the Prime Minister say whether the three Powers concerned —the United States, France and ourselves—are agreed on the precise interpretation of the Tripartite Declaration?

I think that I should prefer to produce an answer to a question of that kind if it were put on the Order Paper.

As this country is committed to trying to maintain a balance of arms among Middle Eastern countries and as this is impossible without Soviet co-operation, will the right hon. Gentleman at least seek to discuss this matter at the Summit Conference?

That is one of the considerations to be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a statement on the future financial and administrative organisation of the British Transport Commission.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement I shall be making at the end of Questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take the opportunity of his visit to President de Gaulle to propose the issue of a joint statement proposing that German unification shall take place within Germany's existing frontiers.

My visit is a private one and no statement or communiqué will be issued.

As President de Gaulle has twice declared that Germany's unification should take place within existing frontiers and as the Soviet Government take the same view, will not the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to reach agreement at least on this point before holding a Summit Conference?

I have nothing to add on this specific point to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in reply to the hon. Member on 11th November.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent during his recent conversations with Dr. Adenauer he discussed the possibility of providing bases for the German Army and facilities for training the Luftwaffe in Great Britain.

I have had no conversations with Dr. Adenauer since November last year. On the subject matter of those talks I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 24th November.

Will the Prime Minister tell us the Government's policy about allowing German soldiers and the German Luftwaffe to have bases in this country? Is he aware that there is a considerable lack of enthusiasm for this? In his conversations with General de Gaulle, will the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the Germans should have their bases in France?

There are two Questions on this point on the Order Paper addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence. Perhaps I may say, however, that the question of certain storage and other facilities has been raised. No specific proposals have been put forward. As the House knows, we provide training of one sort or another to a small number of German officers and other ranks. We have offered to all N.A.T.O. countries, including Germany, use of the Hebridean range for missile firing practice.

If the decision is taken that Germany shall come into the Highlands with the Luftwaffe, will the Prime Minister arrange as a corollary the introduction of industry into the Highlands alongside the Air Ministry, in order to provide the industry which the Government so far have not been able to provide?