asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will take steps to provide supplementary pensions for former members of colonial and overseas services who are in receipt of pensions paid by former dependent territories, sufficient in amount to bring their total pensions up to the level of those civil servants of the United Kingdom who have benefited by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959.

The question of increasing these pensions is one for the overseas Governments concerned and not for the United Kingdom Government. My right hon. and noble Friend when Commonwealth Secretary addressed the other Commonwealth Governments concerned, drawing their attention to the provisions of the United Kingdom Pensions (Increase) Act of 1959 and asking them to consider whether further improvements in their own pension schemes are now desirable.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have in my 'hand two letters, one from Mr. Bonar Law saying that

"No Servant of the Crown is at liberty to resign his appointment except by permission of the Crown, and this should be clearly understood by every member of the Colonial Service."

and the other, directed by my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill), informing a member of the Colonial Service that

…your transfer from Sierra Leone to the Gold Coast does not in any way affect your status as a confirmed officer in the Colonial Service."?

Does my hon. Friend not think that there is a responsibility on the Crown in this matter and that unless something is done the morale of the overseas service throughout the Commonwealth will suffer?

Yes, Sir, I well appreciate the depth of feeling of my hon. Friend on this matter. He will recall that he led a deputation to discuss it with my right hon. Friend as recently as last month, but I regret that it is not possible for me to add anything to my Answer.

Would the Civil Service pension which has been quoted have been bigger if there had not been a transfer of responsibility for the territory? If it is the case, as I believe it is, that this man would otherwise have had the advantage of the Pensions (Increases) Act, 1959, is not the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) quite right in saying that there is a moral responsibility on the Government in view of the conditions under which these men took up their service?

That is a specific point which I should like to look at if the hon. Member puts down a Question. As to the moral obligation, we have, of course, moral obligations in other directions as well.

Whatever may be the legal position, will the hon. Gentleman make every representation to the Commonwealth Governments concerned? Does he not agree that these loyal servants of the Crown have been rather shabbily and meanly treated?

If the hon. Member will refer to the Answer I gave, he will observe that I said that my right hon. Friend has drawn the attention of the Commonwealth Governments concerned to the matter.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what communication he has received regarding a proposal for a Commonwealth Festival of the Arts; and what action he is taking thereon.

A memorandum about the proposal for a Commonwealth Arts Festival has been provided by the Chairman of the Committee. It has received careful consideration, and is still the subject of correspondence.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is much interest in the proposal put forward by Lord Balfour and Mr. Yehudi Menuhin and others? It would be a great pity if the proposal could not go forward because of lack of Government support.

There are considerable implications in this, both financial and of co-operation with other Commonwealth Governments interested, but the matter is under active consideration.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what are the functions and purpose of the Commonwealth Economic Committee; what active steps it has taken to carry out the directions of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, held in June, 1957, and the Montreal Economic Conference, held in September, 1958, in regard to Commonwealth development and its financing; and what reports, or studies, it has published in the intervening period.

The Commonwealth Economic Committee, on which all Commonwealth countries are represented, provides economic and statistical services on subjects affecting Commonwealth production and trade, and in addition examines and reports on any economic questions which Member Governments refer to it.

The Commonwealth Prime Ministers in June, 1957, invited the Committee to submit proposals for the expansion of its scope and functions. This was done and among a number of these approved by the Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference at Montreal was a recommendation that the Committee should provide information designed to have a popular appeal on the progress of development in Commonwealth countries and its financing. This is a complex matter. I understand that work is in progress, but no report or study has so far been published.

Is the hon. Member aware that this organisation, which many of us hoped would be a major instrument for facilitating Commonwealth economic development and finance—a view which the Government themselves advanced—has been a grievous disappointment? Is it not a fact that only one major report of any significance—the Material Resources Survey—has been published in eight years? Has this Committee yet got a chairman? Will my hon. Friend ask his colleague to present to Parliament a full statement about this Committee, in respect of which Parliament has now been kept in ignorance for a long time?

It is important to remember that the Committee is not a United Kingdom body; it is a Commonwealth body. My hon. Friend ought not to conclude from the absence of published material that no work is being done. For instance, a new section of the secretariat has been recruited for the new work on Commonwealth development and financing, and a sub-committee of the main Committee has been set up under Sir Gilbert Rennie to supervise the preparation of the report. The form and scope of the inquiry has been determined and work on it is in progress. The Committee naturally depends upon information supplied by member Governments, and the drafts of its reports have to be cleared back with them.

Is the Committee inquiring into the possible effects of the European Common Market on the Commonwealth countries of Africa? If so, when may we expect its report?

That was not the Question that I was asked.

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully draw your attention to the fact that after more than half an hour's Questions we have dealt with only seventeen, which must be a record? As this is almost the last effective day for asking Questions, would it be possible to advise Ministers to shorten their answers?

Can my hon. Friend confirm that no major report other than the Material Resources Survey has been presented to any Commonwealth Government? Further, can he say how long this Committee has been without a chairman? If it now has a chairman, who is he?

The Committee has a temporary chairman. As for reports of its work, I can give my hon. Friend a list of some of them if he wishes, but it would take some time.

Does not this record of activity show how right the Prime Minister was to transfer Lord Home to the Foreign Office?

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British protected persons from British Colonies and Protectorates have been arrested in the Union of South Africa since 30th March, 1960, for technical statutory offences, and indefinitely detained without appearing before any court.

So far only one possible case of this kind has been brought to the High Commissioner's notice and he is making inquiries of the Union authorities.

But is it enough just to wait until the High Commissioner's attention is drawn to possible cases? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 8,000 detainees and that from among the 60,000 protected persons there will obviously be some who are in this category? If they had been Europeans action would have been taken to protect them at once. Surely there is a similar duty in the case of protected persons from our Colonies and Protectorates?

I think that the hon. Member is being a little unfair in this. Wherever we have found, or the High Commissioner has found, that a United Kingdom citizen or a British protected person has been arrested in these sorts of circumstances the High Commissioner has taken immediate action, but there is a distinction between the two categories of persons under arrest. There are those arrested under emergency regulations and those arrested for technical statutory offences. I am not aware that any of those arrested for technical statutory offences are not brought before the courts in the course of the normal processes of law. I know that this is a complicated matter and I do not want to appear to be in any way scoring off the hon. Member, but I think that in some ways he is mixing up the two different categories of people.

Is it not the case that information on this matter is obtained from the taxes that are paid by these protected persons and therefore, with the aid of that information, it should be possible to discover whether any protected persons are detained in this way?

The information is in the hands of the Union Government.

Not tax information about protected persons.

If attention is drawn to the fact that someone who is alleged to be a protected person has been arrested in certain circumstances it is up to the Union Government to make sure whether or not he is a British protected person and not a Union citizen. That is one of the difficulties involved in this matter.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many United Kingdom or British protected doctors were originally detained in the Union of South Africa under emergency regulations; and whether Dr. Letele is still under detention.

So far as I am aware, the only doctor who has been detained and who is a United Kingdom citizen or British protected person is Dr. Letele. Dr. Letele was released on 19th July. The Union Government require him to return to Basutoland, subject to a month's grace in which to arrange his private affairs in the Union.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any of the doctors who were detained were detained because of their opposition to the new regulation which comes into force on 1st September whereby white and non-white blood to be used for transfusions is to be segregated? Is this pure blood cult, which was so rife in Nazi-Germany, consistent with the multi-racial basis of the Commonwealth?

I am aware of only one doctor who has been detained—Dr. Letele—and I have just told the hon. Gentleman what the situation is in that case.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations on what conditions special permits are issued to refugees under the terms of Section 6A of the Swaziland Immigration (Amendment) Proclamation, 1960.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what restrictions are placed on political refugees from South Africa as a condition of their residence in the High Commission territories.

The High Commissioner has, with the Secretary of State's approval, made the issue of special residence permits in Swaziland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate conditional on their holders not taking an active part in politics. This condition does not, however, preclude membership of a political party or the registering of a vote. In Basutoland immigration is a matter for the Basutoland National Council. I understand, however, that a similar condition is being applied in Basutoland to the grant of residence permits to political refugees.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is now imposing in a British administered territory conditions on political refugees which have never been imposed in all our history in this country and which run quite contrary to all our best traditions of freedom of speech, political asylum and the rule of law? May I ask him, in particular, whether he has any complaints against the conduct of the refugees while they have been there, whether these conditions will prevent them from replying to personal attacks on them which have appeared in newspapers in Swaziland and whether they will be permitted, so far as they can, to agitate within the Union of South Africa for the release of their relatives who are still in detention?

I am sure that this does not in any way preclude them from making the proper reply to any attacks that may be made on them. As to the nature of the restrictions, I think that the right hon. Gentleman, from what he has said, will realise that the political refugees themselves appreciate the importance of not involving themselves in high political controversy when they are in the Protectorates. I would think that the right hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members who are concerned with this would also agree that it is most important that the interests of the inhabitants of these Protectorates should be considered first, and in so far as these Protectorates are closely concerned in the problems of their neighbouring territories, I do not think that the proviso that the High Commissioner has made with the Secretary of State's approval is in any way inappropriate to the particular circumstances in which they find themselves.

Would it be a correct summary of all that to say that, because we have a police State in South Africa we now have to have a semi-police State in a British protected territory?

The right hon. Gentleman is drawing a quite improper parallel. There is not a police State in any of the High Commission territories, as he knows. I must confess that I think that the way in which the people of Basutoland, Swaziland and Bechuanaland have helped and given shelter to the refugees is an indication of their sincerity and good spirit in the matter, and, therefore, I think that the interests of the inhabitants should be borne in mind by hon. Members.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he can yet make a statement with regard to the appointment of a development administrator to the staff of the High Commissioner for Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland, following the report of the Economic Survey Mission.

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 26th July, the report and the High Commissioner's comments thereon are being studied. Meanwhile the High Commissioner has appointed as Development Adviser for the High Commission Territories Sir Gordon Hadow, who was a member of the Mission, and previously had extensive experience in administration in West Africa.

Sir Arthur Griffin, who has given most valuable service since 1956 as Adviser to the High Commissioner on Economic Development, has relinquished that post, but I am glad to say that he has agreed to continue to give advice in an honorary capacity on communications in Swaziland, of which he has made a special study.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that many hon. Members will be particularly indebted to Mr. Morse and his mission for the very extensive work which they have produced? Five hundred and fifty-one pages is a little much to take in in the twenty-four hours since the report was issued. Will the Government provide the extra money for both the capital and the administrative expenditure which is envisaged if the steps outlined in the report are to be taken?

It is precisely the question of what assistance can be given by the United Kingdom that we are at present considering.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he can yet make a statement about constitutional advancement in the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

The Secretary of State has received proposals from the High Commissioner for the establishment in the Bechuanaland Protectorate of Legislative and Executive Councils. The Legislative Council will have an elected unofficial majority with equal numbers of European and African unofficial members and one elected Asian member. The Executive Council will have an official majority, and also with equal numbers of European and African unofficial members. The Secretary of State has approved these proposals, which are almost identical with the unanimous recommendations of the Constitutional Committee, which were endorsed by the Joint Advisory Council. A White Paper setting out the proposals will be laid as soon as possible.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement, which marks a very definite step forward in the constitutional advance of Bechuanaland. Will he give serious consideration to the desirability of the capital and administrative headquarters of Bechuanaland being moved inside the territory, now that this constitutional advance is being made? Without that neither the business interest nor the economic advance, which the political advance suggests, will ever develop.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State replied on an earlier occasion to the point which my hon. Friend has just made. During the immediate past there has been a substantial transfer of Government offices and administrative headquarters into the Protectorate, and I hope that it will not be long before the headquarters of an increased number of Government Departments operate from the Protectorate. I can assure my hon. Friend and other hon. Members that we are well aware of the significance of the point which they have made.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the military and other assistance given by the United Kingdom in bringing to an end the emergency in the Federation of Malaya.

Yes, Sir. The emergency in the Federation of Malaya will end officially on 31st July. I am sure that the House will wish to offer its warm congratulations to the Government and people of this fellow member of the Commonwealth whose courage and patriotism has enabled them to eliminate, after more than a decade of bitter struggle, so grievous a threat to their freedom and future. The United Kingdom is proud to have shared with the people of Malaya, as well as those of other Commonwealth countries, in the task of making this achievement possible. The price that we have had to pay has not been a light one. Three hundred and sixty-two men have been killed and nearly as many wounded in the course of the struggle and the financial contribution of the United Kingdom has amounted to some £84 million. I hope that hon. Members will feel that it is appropriate on this occasion not only to rejoice with the people of Malaya on their success, but also to remember with gratitude those of our own people who have sacrificed their lives in helping to make this achievement possible.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the statement that he has made, may I ask him whether he would agree that the rubber planters and tin miners, together with their wives, made a very notable contribution during the whole of the emergency?

I am sure that the Government and people of Malaya and the people of this country watched with pride the staunch way in which the United Kingdom civil community in Malaya during that trying period carried on with its work, enabling Malaya to enjoy economic resources permitting her to carry on the struggle which has now, or will in a very few days' time, come to a successful conclusion.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British protected persons from Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland have been arrested or injured as a result of recent measures taken by the Government of Southern Rhodesia; and what assistance he is proposing to give these persons.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the Ministerial changes, my Question is now addressed to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. Although it is appreciated that he may not be in a position personally to answer this Question, it is regretted that he is not in his place.

According to the latest information available, forty-three Africans from Nyasaland and twenty-three from Northern Rhodesia have been arrested. One African from Northern Rhodesia has, I regret to say, lost his life. Four from Northern Rhodesia and one from Nyasaland have been injured and admitted to hospital. I understand that the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are considering what, if any, assistance should be given in the light of the circumstances.

Is the Minister to press for compensation to be paid to the relatives of the man who lost his life, and will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a legal aid bureau to be set up in Southern Rhodesia and for each and every one of the British protected persons now detained or injured to have a visit from one of his representatives?

With regard to action to be taken, I have already said that this is a matter which the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are considering in relation to various cases which will, no doubt, be brought to their attention. But the hon. Gentleman should remember, and the House should know, that the charges which are being preferred are of various kinds, including stoning, arson, assault, intimidation, public violence and unlawful assembly, and, therefore, the nature of the charges would be kept in mind by the Governors in connection with any decision that they may make.

In view of that very ungracious comment by the Minister of State, would the Governors also take into account that it is the denial of elementary democratic rights by the Government of Southern Rhodesia over such a long period that may be a contributory factor to what has taken place?

The hon. Gentleman has stated an opinion, but I hope that in that country, as in all countries of the Commonwealth, these matters will be considered in relation to the law pertaining at the time.

Be a little more gracious.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will ensure that all recognised political parties in Southern Rhodesia are requested to participate in the discussions about the review of the Federal Constitution.

The delegations to the Federal Constitutional Review Conference will, in accordance with the Constitution of the Federation, be chosen by the respective Governments. The composition of the Southern Rhodesian delegation is thus not a matter for Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable anxiety over the arrest of the three leaders of the National Democratic Party, and in view of the fact that leaders of the U.N.I.P. from Northern Rhodesia are, I understand, to attend the conference, will he express to the Southern Rhodesian Government the view that unless these men are proved guilty of serious charges it would be advisable to have them at the conference?

All views will be borne in mind when the time comes, but I emphasise to the House that the decision about the composition of the Southern Rhodesian delegation is a matter for the Southern Rhodesian Government.

In all seriousness I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman not to forget the lessons of history again. Are we again to refuse to negotiate with Redmond and Dillon and find ourselves fighting it out later with Collins and De Valera? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole House, as I believe, feels that on this occasion there should be no prejudgment of the situation and that every endeavour should be made to consult those who are the real leaders of African opinion?

I fully understand the right hon. Gentleman's point of view, and I will call the Secretary of State's attention to it in due course. I agree that we should not forget the lessons of history, and one of those lessons is that if one devolves power on an overseas community it is not subsequently easy—or possible—to take it back again.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is now in a position to announce the result of his discussions with the Government of Southern Rhodesia regarding the holding of a constitutional conference.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is yet able to state what subjects will be discussed with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia when he visits London for constitutional talks later this year.

I have nothing at present to add to the Answer I gave the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) on 14th July.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no constitutional discussions will be entered into with the Southern Rhodesian Government during the Recess and before that Government ends its present policy of repression? Will he also give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will insist that the Southern Rhodesian delegation includes genuine African representation?

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman expects me to give the assurances for which he asks. The initiative in this kind of matter usually rests with the Government of the Commonwealth country concerned, and in these circumstances the Secretary of State must be free to act as he thinks in the interests of the situation at the time, if indeed a particular situation arises between now and the reassembly of Parliament.

I am sure that nobody will know what all that means. Is there not a particular responsibility on Her Majesty's Government, because of their reserve powers in Sections 28 and 31 of the 1923 Proclamation, under which Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the Africans in Southern Rhodesia in certain fields? Should not the Government be willing, therefore, now to give their pledge that.those interests will not only be taken into account but will be consulted?

No, because the hon. Gentleman has, once again, misunderstood the nature of the Constitution of Southern Rhodesia. The reserve powers relate to legislation passing the Parliament of Southern Rhodesia concerning either discrimination or the amendment of the Constitution. The reserve powers of the United Kingdom Government go no further than that. I think that perhaps the hon. Gentleman is misleading himself and the rest of the House in reading into these reserve powers more than is constitutionally the case.

As the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia has proposed that these reserve powers should go, and it is well known that many Africans object to their going, surely the interests of the people concerned should be consulted?

That is a different matter. The hon. Gentleman is aware that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said earlier this year that, if any changes were to be made, the interests and views of the Africans concerned would be taken into account. The House must remember that we had a debate about twenty-four hours ago in which both sides were pressing upon Her Majesty's Government that a constitutional conference for Southern Rhodesia should now be called. For me now to be asked to give an undertaking that no constitutional conference should be held appears to indicate a certain amount of confusion among hon. Members. Her Majesty's Government must be left with a free hand to do what is appropriate in the circumstances.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what requests he has received from parties in Southern Rhodesia to receive a deputation regarding the future constitution of that country; and what reply he has made.

None since the deputation from the National Democratic Party which my noble Friend received on 28th April last and which we the subject of my reply to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse) on 19th May.

In view of the fact that discussions on the Southern Rhodesian Constitution are pending with the Prime Minister, will the Secretary of State and the Minister of State bear in mind that the Prime Minister can speak for only a section of the population in Southern Rhodesia, and that it is vitally important that the representations of the respective political parties should be considered when questions of amendment of the Constitution are under consideration?

I think, if I may say so, that I have already answered that point on a number of previous occasions, even this afternoon. In deference to the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman), perhaps I should not repeat answers which I have given at least three times this afternoon.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now tell us whether the new Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations will receive Mr. Garfield Todd who is still in London and who has very important information and views to convey to him?

I cannot go further than the point I made at a rather early hour one morning earlier this week. As far as my right hon. Friend is concerned, he of course is well aware of the presence in London of Mr. Garfield Todd.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what consideration he has given to the memorandum submitted to him on 28th April by the leaders of the National Democratic Party of Southern Rhodesia; and whether he will now arrange further talks with representatives of the National Democratic Party to obtain their views on constitutional changes in Southern Rhodesia.

As regards the first part of the Question, the Secretary of State took note of the views expressed in the memorandum. As regard the second part, the discussions of possible constitutional change in Southern Rhodesia so far held have been of an exploratory nature only. As my hon. Friend said on 3rd May in reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South East (Mr. Callaghan), the method of ascertaining African opinion will be a matter for consideration by the two Governments when the time comes.

Does not this situation show the complete folly of the policy being pursued by the Southern Rhodesian Government at present? Does not it reveal a situation in which cordial talks took place between Her Majesty's Government and African representatives, and now those representatives are under arrest or trial? Will not the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that these discussions will not be entered into without an assurance on the part of the Southern Rhodesian Government that African spokesmen will have a full opportunity to put their point of view?

As I said in our debate yesterday, I am quite certain that not only the Government of this country but also the Southern Rhodesian Government are fully alive to the importance of seeing that representative African opinion is available in these circumstances.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many of those members of the National Democratic Party recently arrested in Southern Rhodesia are citizens of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, respectively.

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to recent arrests for alleged contravention of the Unlawful Organisations Act, 1959, of Southern Rhodesia, the answer, according to my information, is that no British-protected person from Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland has been so arrested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that if any should be arrested in future they will receive adequate protection from Her Majesty's Government?

That will certainly be a matter to be borne in mind by the Governors of the territories concerned.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he has yet replied to the recent representations sent to him on behalf of the National Democratic Party of Southern Rhodesia regarding the future use of the reserve powers of Her Majesty's Government.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stone-house) on 19th May.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Her Majesty's Government have considerable powers, which they could use if they wanted to? Does he realise that some of us are pleased with the appointment of the new Secretary of State, who has at any rate one characteristic—great toughness—which we hope he will use when he meets Sir Roy Welensky?

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will now provide travel documents to the Reverend Marcus Kooper, now resident in Bechuanaland, to allow him to accept an invitation from the United Nations Committee on South West Africa to give evidence on behalf of his community in South West Africa.

No obstacles would be placed in the way of the departure from the Bechuanaland Protectorate of Mr. Kooper whenever he wishes, but on the information at present available about his national status he is not entitled to a travel document from Her Majesty's Government.

Is it not the case that the Rev. Marcus Kooper comes from South West Africa, that he was evicted from his home and from his livelihood in that territory and is a refugee in Bechuanaland? Is it not the case that he has petitioned to be further heard by the United Nations Committee on South West Africa, that this matter has been discussed by the Committee and that very strong views have been expressed because a passport has been refused to Mr. Kooper? Surely the United Nations Committee should have the right to hear evidence from this man?

I am not aware that Mr. Kooper has claimed the status of a political refugee. As to his right to appear before the United Nations Committee, there is nothing which Her Majesty's Government are doing which in any way impedes or is in conflict with acceptance that a right exists. The problem is that the man is not a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Colonies or a British protected person, and, therefore, the problem about providing him with travel documents does not rest with the United Kingdom Government.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will take steps to ensure that all pensioners of the former Government of India services, now resident in this country, receive pension increases, irrespective of their parents' race or original domicile.

The limitation in respect of pensions increases to which my hon. Friend refers is not based on the parents race or domicile but on the pensioner's own domicile at the date of his first appointment to Government of India service.

The rule is in accordance with the Second Schedule to the Pensions (India, Pakistan and Burma) Act, 1955, as amended by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1956, Section 8 (2), and any change such as suggested would require new legislation, which I regret my right hon. Friend would not feel able to propose.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that a real injustice is being done here to a number of people? As my hon. Friend knows, my constituent, Captain Watkins, does not receive the same pension as those with whom he served, simply because he cannot prove that his father was a British subject domiciled in Britain. Will my hon. Friend look at this matter again?

I have looked at this matter very carefully. The point is that unless some distinction of this kind were made, the United Kingdom taxpayer would become liable for paying pension increases to many pensioners of purely Indian origin, and it is not considered fair to impose this burden on the United Kingdom Revenue.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what communications he has received from the Government of the Central African Federation about the joint provision of facilities for refugees from the Congo.

None, Sir.

Will the Government give an undertaking that if they receive any communication they will give what assistance they can to relieve distress that might exist among these refugees? Further, in view of the arrangements that are being made by the Central African Federation Government for the reception of Congo refugees, can the Minister tell us why they have been so miserly in their reception of refugees from South Africa? Should not distress be relieved wherever it may originate?

As has been shown in this country and elsewhere during the last year, there is immense sympathy for refugees of all sorts, from wherever they may originate. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation of the generous help and hospitality which has been extended in the Federation to persons coming from the Congo, including citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. If any communication were made to us by the Government of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland on this matter it would receive sympathetic consideration by my right hon. Friend and his colleagues.

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether Her Majesty's Government are proposing to make a gift to Nigeria to commemorate the attainment of independence on 1st October.

Yes, Sir, it has been decided to present to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, to commemorate Nigeria's attainment of independence, a gift of table silver which could be used on formal State occasions in Lagos. The Federal Prime Minister has told us that he welcomes this gift.

Is the Minister aware that hon. Members on this side also very much welcome the decision of Her Majesty's Government to make this gift, and are very pleased that the Minister has had such a cordial response from the Prime Minister of Nigeria?

asked the Minister of Education how many secondary modern schools offering commercial courses are equipped with dictating machines for training in audio typing.

Local education authorities have discretion to instal individual items of equipment in schools. Some schools have dictating machines, but I could only find out how many by making special inquiries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that typing from dictation involves quite a different technique from transcribing shorthand? Does he agree that the use of dictating machines is becoming extremely widespread in commerce and industry? In those circumstances, will he encourage all schools which have these courses to equip themselves with these machines?

I am aware of the use of these machines, but I think that training in the use of them is really better done after school.

asked the Minister of Education what progress he has made in discussing with associations of local authorities his proposals for legislation on the Public Library Service.

asked the Minister of Education whether he has yet finished his discussions with the associations of local authorities in respect of the recommendations of the Roberts Committee on the Public Library Service; and what progress is being made.

My discussions with the local authority associations and other interests are well advanced but they are not yet complete.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the development plans of many local authorities are being held up? Can he promise that legislation will be foreshadowed in the Queen's Speech in the next Session?

There are a number of very complicated questions involved, including the results of the Boundary Commission, and I am afraid that I cannot say for certain whether legislation will be introduced in the next Session.

asked the Minister of Education if he will now consider including new nursery schools in school building programmes in areas where the need is demonstrated to be particularly strong.

I know of the need and I regret that I cannot yet spare the resources for this purpose.

Surely, if several hundred teachers can be provided for the Commonwealth—a provision with which I agree—a few dozen could be provided for nursery schools? Is not the argument that this is an extra supply of teachers rather misleading? Are there not some married women who would not otherwise go into the schools who would come forward? Would not a number of nursery assistants also come forward for training in the training colleges? Cannot the hon. Gentleman do something about it?

It is the shortage of primary school teachers that is the difficulty. I welcome part-time nursery education where this does not entail the use of additional teaching staff.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that considerable anxiety is now being felt in urban areas where high flats are being built and where small children are living in conditions which, psychologically and physically, are most undesirable, and that the Nursery School Association and other bodies are getting very concerned about this?

I know that is so, but primary schools must come first.

asked the Minister of Education if he is now able to announce the establishment of additional day training colleges in London, Tyneside, Teesside, Birmingham, South Wales and similar areas with large concentrations of population and good travelling facilities.

Five day training colleges will be in service by January, 1961. I have just approved the establishment of a sixth in Wolverhampton and am considering specific proposals for a seventh in central London, both to open during 1961. The establishment of a further college on Tyneside depends upon finding suitable premises. In the other areas mentioned existing colleges rather than separate day colleges should meet the needs of day students.

Is there not a very strong case for day training colleges in every area of heavy population? In view of the experience of Leeds where 1,000 students came forward for 75 places, could not the right hon. Gentleman make an effort to cover the whole country with this form of training?

Either we need a day training college, or we can provide places in existing colleges. We are moving forward as fast as we can.

Can the Minister say which existing training college meets the needs of Tees-side? Would not this be an admirable place for a day college?

Although the population of Tees-side is growing, I am not sure that there are enough potential students for a separate college.

asked the Minister of Eudcation how many local education authorities provide their schools with tape recorders for the purpose of speech training.

Quite a number of schools have tape recorders, but to find out how many I should have to make special inquiries of local education authorities. I would not in any way discourage the provision of tape recorders if authorities are satisfied that they are worth the expense.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that tape recorders, when properly used, can provide a valuable means of teaching children correct pronunciation and spoken grammar? Will he consider circulating various local education authorities to get them to provide tape recorders in suitable schools?

I think that it is better to leave it to local authorities to make experiments with these new aids.

asked the Minister of Education what percentage of all grammar school entrants passed the General Certificate Examination in 1959 in five subjects or more at Ordinary level.

I estimate that over 40 per cent. of candidates from grammar schools offering subjects only at the Ordinary level of the General Certificate of Education examination in the summer of 1959 passed in five or more subjects.

Is the Minister aware that, while it is important that we should have a school leaving examination which tests the calibre of our ablest youngsters, it is also important that there should be an examination so that the less able child who has worked to the best of his ability during his school life gets some recognition of that fact? Will he give consideration to that?

I have just received a report from the Secondary School Examinations Council which bears on that subject and I undertake to consider it very carefully.

asked the Minister of Education if he will now amend the system of training college grants so as to provide dependants grants for mature students taking a three-year course on the same basis as those provided for mature students taking a shortened course.

As I told the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central (Mr. Short) on 14th July, this will be considered in the light of our decisions on the recommendations of the Anderson Committee on grants to students

Is the Minister aware that the present system of dependants' grants penalises just those mature students who are seeking the best qualifications for their future professional career? This reform could be made at very little cost to the Ministry, but with great advantage to the profession and to the students concerned.

This is an important point, and it will be considered along with the other Anderson recommendations.

Can the Minister say whether the decision will be made before the next academic year begins? It is very foolish to allow these students to enter the profession with a sense of grievance, which is what they have at the present time.

I will do my best, but the next academic year begins so soon that we will probably not have finished our considerations.

asked the Minister of Education whether he has reached a decision about the future of Heathrow School at Harmondsworth, Middlesex.

If the building of a new road makes it necessary to abandon the premises of this school I would consider a proposal for their replacement.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Will he give full weight to the fact that a decision about this issue is important to many parents? Will there be a decision before the end of the year?

Yes, there will. The county council is now considering a planning application for a site for a new school.

asked the Minister of Education what action he proposes to take about the recommendations of the Anderson Committee Report.

asked the Minister of Education what action he is proposing to take about the Anderson Report and whether he is now prepared to recommend the abolition of the means test for students who win scholarships to universities.

The Secretary of State for Scotland and I have now consulted the universites, local authorities, and others concerned. These consultations and the public reaction to the Report have shown a wide divergence of views on certain of the Committee's recommendations and the Government need more time to consider them. I can say, however, that we accept the Committee's recommendation that awards should be given to all students admitted to degree courses at universities who have two G.C.E. passes at "A" level or the equivalent. It is also our intention that the local authorities should continue to participate in the administration.

asked the Minister of Education if he will now sanction the rebuilding of St. Mary's School. Islington, on the site approved by the London County Cauncil, in view of the fact that both the London Diocesan Board of Education and the London County Council for some years recognised the rebuilding of this school as a high priority.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 30th November last. The position is unchanged.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a very strong case for the rebuilding of this school, which recently celebrated its half centenary and which has a high sense of frustration about the continued delays in dealing with it?

I have great admiration for the work of the school in very difficult circumstances, and I hope that before long it will be considered to have a high enough priority to come into a programme.

asked the Minister of Education if he will send a circular to local education authorities asking them to examine present requirements of head teachers with regard to school uniforms, with a view to giving parents greater freedom of choice of shops at which school uniforms can be purchased.

No, Sir. This is essentially a local matter. If parents have a complaint they should approach their local education authority.

Does the Minister appreciate that parents are complaining that the attempt of some head teachers to restrict them to one supplier, not only for blazers and badges, but for items such as dresses, cardigans, sportswear and even nylons, leads to abuses and to parents having to pay more at the school shop than they would if they bought from the supplier of their own choice, or even if they made the clothes themselves—and many mothers like to make some garments for their daughters? Will he agree to send out a circular, which is a very simple matter and which might help to end some of these abuses?

In 1952, my Department asked local education authorities to see that requirements for school uniforms did not lead to entirely unnecessary expenditure. I do not think that they need any reminder of that. This is essentially part of their business in running the schools.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the mounting indignation about the rising cost of school uniforms? Is he aware that in my constituency, for example, there is a railwayman, earning less than £10 a week and with six children, who reckons that he will have to pay £27 for a uniform far his daughter, who is going to the local grammar school? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this practice is vitiating free education in this country?

I have not had many complaints. Anyway, this is one of the items of equipment which are ordered through the usual machinery of the local authorities. I am sure that they would listen to a story, such as I have read in the Press, if it could be substantiated.

asked the Minister of Education what consideration he has given to the problem of securing the just remuneration of authors and publishers for books supplied to public lending libraries, and to the idea of the establishment of a public lending right.

I met representatives of the Society of Authors and of the Publishers' Association at their request last week to discuss their proposals on these matters.

asked the Minister of Education if he will make arrangements in English and Welsh schools, whereby schoolchildren will be informed that Scottish bank notes are an acceptable medium of exchange throughout the United Kingdom.

I hardly think this is a matter Which calls for a directive from me.

Is the Minister aware that the Scottish banknote is treated with regrettable suspicion by youthful shop assistants in this part of the country, much to the embarrassment of othe user, incidentally? Does he not realise that, by giving this training in schools in England and Wales, he will train future generations to respect the legitimacy of this currency?

I was not aware of that, but I am sure that the hon. Member's Question will be widely noted.

Would not this problem be overcome if the Scottish banks ceased to issue notes?

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how English and Welsh children are to get hold of these notes?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Education (1) how many students who had obtained three passes at advanced level in the academic year 1958–59, and had obtained a place at a university, have been refused a university award on academic grounds;

(2) if he will give the names of the education authorities who in 1958–59 refused to grant university awards to students who had obtained three or more passes at advanced level.

This information could be made available only by making special inquiries of local education authorities and I have not felt justified in doing this, in view of the Government acceptance of the recommendation of the Anderson Committee that awards should be given to all students admitted to degree courses at universities who have two G.C.E. passes at "A" level or the equivalent.

Is the Minister afraid that he may get a regrettably large number? Is he aware that students are not able to take their places at universities because of lack of financial means? Is he also aware that some students have to go into debt to the extent of £600 to find the means necessary to take their places in the universities? Will he not give more consideration to this urgent matter to ensure that those authorities who are not making these grants will be more generous to the students concerned?

All those are questions which are now being considered in connection with the Anderson Report. It is our wish, of course, that uniformity should prevail.

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, how much money will be lost by the Atomic Energy Authority on carrying unused stockpiles resulting from the slow-down of the atomic power programme, and over how many years; and if he will make a statement.

The slow-down of the atomic power programme will result in the Authority carrying large stocks of uranium. The cost of storage is small, but it is estimated that the annual interest on the capital locked up in the additional stocks may amount to several million pounds. Present estimates indicate that the Authority's current and prospective uranium supplies may last for about ten years; their exact duration will depend upon factors which cannot be estimated accurately at present.

I recognise that my right hon. Friend cannot give full details because of public security, but will he, within those limits, assure us that there is no unnecessary waste of public money involved in this policy. Will he do his best to avoid such a waste?

I will certainly convey to my noble Friend what my hon. Friend has said.

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, whether he has completed his discussions with the Shipbuilding Conference on the report by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into the scientific and technical resources of the shipbuilding industry; and whether he will make a statement on the results of these discussions.

No, Sir. Discussions are still in progress.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any assurances were given when this Report was being prepared that it would not be published? If no such assurance was given, will he have it published?

No assurance was given, and my noble Friend will consider publication when the discussions are complete.

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, if he will specify the lochs in Scotland which are included in the nature reserves in which the Nature Conservancy studies, under the authority of his Department, the relevant flora and fauna, indicating recent discoveries of new species or hitherto unknown species of flora and fauna recently found there.

The Nature Conservancy's Reserves in Scotland contain a great number of lochs mostly quite small, the largest being Loch Druidibeg in South Uist and Loch Einich and Loch an Eilean in the Cairngorms. I am informed that no species new to science have been discovered in these lochs—at least in recent years.

The Minister did not mention the loch most in the public mind, Loch Ness. Does he realise that there is a great public and scientific interest in the peculiar contents and potentialities of that loch? Would it not be better that its exploration should be made under Governmental authority rather than by private explorers? In the public interest, will he take steps to that desirable end?

My noble Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "Which one?"]—the Minister for Science—feels that there would be some advantage in leaving this question mysterious and not too carefully looked at.