asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he has for increasing the economic unity of the East African Territories and for encouraging greater political unity.

In July this year I appointed a Commission under the chairmanship of Sir Jeremy Raisman to consider the present arrangements in East Africa for a Common Market area, for economic co-ordination between Territories and for fiscal uniformity. With permission, I will circulate the terms of reference in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I hope to receive the Commission's report in the near future.

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to give special consideration to the views of such statesmen as Mr. Julius Nyerere, and will he also bear in mind that as the four Territories of East Africa move forward towards independence at different speeds it may become increasingly difficult to forge some form of federal link?

I am very conscious of that. Mr. Nyerere is coming to this country in two days' time, when we shall be having discussions with him. I am sure that we shall discuss this, among other matters, with him.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that any hope of federation of these Territories will depend on their advance to responsible self-government? If he is to have conversations with Mr. Nyerere about this matter, is he not aware that Mr. Nyerere asks for responsible self-government for these Territories if federation is to be realised?

It may well be that Mr. Nyerere will put that point of view to me.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the suggested movement towards economic unity referred to in my hon. Friend's Question would, if extended to the political field, give a very much broader hope for the stability of East Africa than appears at the present time?

I think that is so, and here, as everywhere else, I think it important to keep economic and political advance moving together.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the study of the Burns Commission's Report on the economic development of Fiji has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to receive the views and recommendations of the Fiji Government on the Burns Commission's, Report.

The Report is to be debated in Legislative Council early in December. In the light of the debate the Fiji Government will prepare their recommendations. My right hon. Friend expects to receive these by the end of the year.

Has my right hon. Friend considered, as a possible contribution towards solving the economic problems of Fiji, consulting with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence about the raising of two or three Fiji battalions?

No, Sir, not I think at this stage. It is important to see how we go on the Burns Report.

In view of the great delay in considering this Report, which came out in February, is there not now an urgent need, in view of the Fiji sugar crisis and what is stated in paragraph 246 of the Commission's Report, to revise the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement of 1951 in order to allow Fiji a higher export quota?

I gather that because of the various movements in the world—Cuba, etc.—there is a higher potential for Fijian exports. As to delay, there had to be appropriate consultation with the Fijian local authorities, and that has taken place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Committee appointed by the Government of Kenya to examine the possibility of starting a television service in Kenya has yet reported; and if he will make a statement.

The Commission's Report was published by the Kenya Government on 15th January this year. I am arranging for a copy to be sent to my hon. Friend.

Can my right hon. Friend give me any idea as to why it is taking the Kenya Government so long to make up their mind about this?

No, Sir. As far as we are concerned, it is a very complex problem. The amount that my right hon. Friend and the Kenya Government quite rightly spent out of C.D. & W. funds largely on the improvement of radio communications has been over £¼ million in the last two years.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the value of television in education? It is greatly under-estimated so far, and it may have a very important application indeed in Kenya, not only for education in the schools but for adult education as well.

I am fully aware of that, and I hope that the Kenya Government will make up their mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for the early release of Mr. Jomo Kenyatta.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 8th November.

Will not the Colonial Secretary admit that, although he is now doing so well in so many fields, on this particular issue he is being very unrealistic? Is he not aware that leading political figures in the African groups want Mr. Kenyatta to be released, and that many Europeans now also agree that if there is to be unity in Kenya, Mr. Kenyatta must be allowed to return to civil life? Would not the right hon. Gentleman revise his position on this matter?

As I said last week, it is a matter to which I give constant thought, and I do not think that my attitude is at all unrealistic. Again, as I said last week, there are very deep feelings indeed held on both sides about Kenyatta by people of all races. I am content to leave the matter to the judgment of the Governor.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that a number of Africans do not believe that Kenyatta was mixed up with Mau Mau but that all the available evidence goes to show that he was directly responsible for it? Would he not agree that Kenyatta's release now might strike a blow against future confidence in Kenya?

I am very anxious, as I said earlier, to recognise the difficulty of this position, and not try to make it worse either way round. It is, of course, true that very many Africans indeed do not accept the evidence, which appeared conclusive to most of us, that has been produced of Kenyatta's complicity in these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the future of the White Highlands of Kenya, and the funds which Her Majesty's Government are proposing to make available for development and land guarantee.

The policy of Her Majesty's Government and the Kenya Government is that racial and tribal barriers to land tenure should be abolished and that the basis of management and tenure of all agricultural land should be similar so far as local factors permit. Proposals to accomplish this policy were contained in two Kenya Sessional Papers, copies of which I have placed in the Library. Legislation based on the recommendations is now in preparation.

While thanking the Colonial Secretary for the first part of his reply, and congratulating him upon the change in approach to the White Highlands, may I ask him if he is not aware that the financial provisions are far from adequate for the situation in Kenya today? Will he consider the establishment of a land bank which will be able to provide money for farmers to buy their way into farms in the White Highlands and to open up undeveloped land and provide guarantees for European farmers, who believe that they have been misled by some of his predecessors?

The hon. Member is wrong on the first point. The question of the Kenya land policy dates back to long before the time when I became the Secretary of State, and it has been pursued by successive Secretaries of State in this country and by the Kenya Government over the years. On the second point, I am always anxious to draw a distinction between resettlement and development, on the one hand, for which one can attract international finance, and plain schemes of compensation, on the other, for which, I assure the hon. Gentleman, one cannot. It is important to keep the emphasis on the first throughout.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the discussions with representatives of the Governments of Trinidad, Antigua, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, and of the United States of America regarding the future of the United States-leased base at Chaguaramas and three United States bases in Antigua, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the progress of the talks on the United States bases in the West Indies.

As was announced on 9th November, the first stage of the tripartite talks about United States bases in The West Indies between delegations representing the United States, the United Kingdom and the West Indies has been satisfactorily concluded, and the second stage will begin in Tobago on 28th of this month. The text of the communiqué agreed by all delegations and issued at the close of the first stage is being circulated with the Official Report.

While I welcome the fact that these discussions have led to the agreement that when independence is gained for the Federation the people there will have free opportunity to negotiate, will the right hon. Gentleman press the Government of the United States at least to release the base at Chaguaramas so that it can become the capital of the Federation?

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has seen the communiqué, from which, perhaps, I may quote. It states:

"The representatives of the United States declared their readiness to release unconditionally the major part of the area which they at present hold."

Would the Colonial Secretary accept an expression of appreciation that these talks are taking place? Can he say whether he can trace from the representatives of the United States a very different outlook on these matters, and that there is real hope of the bases being returned to The West Indies? Further, can he say who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the talks at Tobago?

The head of the United Kingdom delegation will be my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary. I should like to make it clear that, as was acknowledged by everyone there, the success of the talks was in large measure due to the very forthcoming attitude adopted by the United States delegation, headed by their ambassador in London. We owe them very much, indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the adult population of the Seychelle Islands; and how many of them appear on the current electoral list.

The total adult population is 21,468. About 11,000 are qualified to register, but only 2,308 persons have actually registered.

Is not there something seriously wrong when roughly nine out of ten people are not registered to vote? Has not the Colonial Secretary said recently that, with very minor qualifications, all those above 21 years of age have the right to vote? Is it not the case that, apart from the property qualifications, the registration notices are printed in English, which very few can read, and that they are in highly legalistic language?

I do not think that that is true, but I will certainly investigate it. If course, it is impossible to force people to register. Eleven thousand people could have registered, but only 2,308 have.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to give more scope to properly qualified lawyers to practise in the Protectorate.

The Government of Northern Rhodesia intend to set up a Committee, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice, to inquire into the means of promoting the entry and participation of local persons in the legal profession, to ensure that in future the profession will be adequate to meet the Territory's increasing needs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by his Department to enable African apprentices to be trained in industry for the higher technical and skilled jobs in Northern Rhodesia.

The provisions of the Apprenticeship Ordinance were extended to include Africans in 1958, and as a result of the Northern Rhodesia Government's expanding secondary and technical education programme increasing numbers of Africans are reaching the educational standards required for apprenticeship. The selection of apprentices is however a matter for employers This year both Rhodesia Railways and the Copper Mining Companies have announced plans for the advancement of Africans, who will henceforth receive the same training, and enjoy equal access to all jobs in those industries with Europeans.

Does the Colonial Secretary realise that that is not quite the point? It is good news that the employers and trade unions have agreed on the advancement of Africans in industry to the higher jobs, but is he aware that the educational facilities to enable them to train for those higher jobs do not exist? What action will his Department take, or will he persuade the Federal Government to take, to enable Africans to have the higher technical education necessary to enable them to take advantage of the facilities for advancement?

The whole House will at least welcome what I said at the end of my remarks. We are all very glad to see this advance. I did not read the hon. Member's Question as asking whether these facilities were adequate. He is aware, for example, of the facilities at Hobson College, Lusaka, and the great number of trade schools which exist. The Northern Rhodesian Government, the Federal Government, and Her Majesty's Government, are always seeking ways in which we can expand these facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he authorised the enactment of the Industrial Disputes and Compulsory Arbitration Ordinance, which makes all strikes illegal, passed by the Legislative Council of Aden on 15th August, 1960.

The Governor of Aden had my full support in introducing and assenting to the Industrial Relations (Conciliation and Arbitration) Ordinance, 1960. This legislation does not make all strikes illegal.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that, despite his statement that this legislation does not make all strikes illegal, that is the view of the trade union movement in Aden, that the trade unions are supported by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in that interpretation, and that the I.C.F.T.U. proposes to take the matter to the I.L.O.? Will he look again at this very serious matter?

There is no doubt whatever that all strikes are not illegal. They are not illegal where wage councils have been created; they are not illegal where a collective agreement has been concluded and a certificate issued by the President of the Court; they are not illegal where the Crown is not prepared to accept arbitration, and they are not illegal where, in the opinion of the Industrial Court, an employer or association has not acted in good faith. There can be no doubt in that matter. I have, of course, looked at the point of view of the representations, particularly in relation to our obligations under the I.L.O. Convention, and I am satisfied that they do not conflict.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations he has had with the Minister of Defence, regarding the possibility of withdrawing units from strategic points in the Territories under his control.

I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friend on questions concerning the deployment of United Kingdom Armed Forces in Colonial Territories.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether we may take it from that reply that there is no intention to reduce the number of troops that are in Hong Kong, Kenya or The West Indies?

No, but from that answer "No" my hon. Friend must not take it that it is the intention so to do. This is a very grave matter indeed, and if my hon. Friend wishes me to answer it, I should like him to put down a separate Question on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to provide for constitutional reform in St. Helena; and if he will make a statement.

The Governor has made it clear to the parties concerned that my right hon Friend is prepared to arrange for the present nominated Advisory Council to be replaced by one consisting of eight elected, two nominated official and four nominated unofficial members if these proposals are generally acceptable.

Is it not the case that these proposals have been in the Colonial Office for some considerable time but have not yet been implemented? Can he give some indication of the cause of the delay, and the substance of any objections that have been made?

I think that it is a question of consulting. As the hon. Gentleman knows, St. Helena is a small place, and it is a question of personalities trying to work out the problems that arise. I have every confidence that, with the help of the hon. Gentleman and others interested in St. Helena, these differences of opinion will be resolved, and the Constitution will go forward.

How long does the hon. Gentleman think it will be before these proposals are put into effect?

It entirely depends on whether we can reach agreement. If we cannot reach agreement, things will have to stay as they are at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration has been given to the establishment of schools of Civil Service administration for qualified Africans in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia, respectively.

The Nyasaland Government are at present considering the Report of a special Committee which has just reviewed the whole problem of training local officers for increased participation in senior Civil Service appointments. One of the Committee's recommendations is for a school of administration The Northern Rhodesian Government have agreed in principle to financial assistance being given for pre-service and in-service training for all races in the Civil Service, and are now formulating plans for courses for all grades and for increasing the number of scholarships for degree and diploma courses

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the establishment of such schools is very desirable, and indeed almost essential, in the context of the gradual transference of power to an African majority? If the Report which he mentions is accepted, how long does he estimate it will be before such schools could be established and put into operation?

I very much agree about the importance of this matter. I had the Report only a few days ago. It will be published as soon as possible. Although I cannot set a date for the implementation of any of these matters, in which decisions in principle have not yet been taken, I will certainly treat them as matters of urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the current annual number of university graduates from Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia, respectively, who take up employment in their Territories after the completion of their university courses.

In Northern Rhodesia, four African graduates took up employment in 1958 and six in 1959. There are at present 39 Africans taking university degree courses.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that these numbers are somewhat inadequate in view of the need which exists for qualified Africans in politics, the public service and the professions in these two Territories? Has he any proposals for setting up secondary education, which must be the basis upon which a university education can follow?

These figures are small, although they are increasing. We try to provide help through such means as C.D. & W. grants. I am convinced that the two most important matters in all of these problems is African agriculture, on the one hand, and African education, on the other hand.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these figures for university graduates from two countries, each of them about the size of Scotland, underline the desperate urgency of getting more university graduates quickly? Will he promise that he will earnestly tackle this problem, otherwise his plans for the future of these Territories will meet great difficulties?

It is not just a question of getting university graduates. We cannot simply create people at that stage. We must have a sound secondary education on which to draw.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Blood Commission on the Malta Constitution has completed its work; and when he expects to make a statement on the position.

No, Sir. I expect to receive the Report about the end of the year, and the Government will consider its recommendations urgently.

Is the Minister aware that, because of the terms of reference, the Nationalist Party and the Labour Party of Malta have refused to give evidence and that his conclusions will therefore be based on the evidence of about 10 per cent. of the population of Malta? What does he propose to do to correct this?

I doubt whether the hon. Member is quite right, because those parties refused to give evidence before they saw the terms of reference and they could scarcely have been decided by that. I very much hope that they will give evidence, and I can say the same as the Prime Minister said about the terms of reference of the Monckton Commission—they are free in practice to receive evidence from any quarter, and I hope that they will do so.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as he has already stressed the importance of economic and political advancement going together, and as Malta is definitely not economically viable, it would be of considerable help to him, the House and the people of Malta if he extended the terms of reference of the Blood Commission or appointed another Commission to go thoroughly into the present economy of Malta and to report?

Certainly the economic factor, particularly as it concerns the dockyard, is of the first importance, but I do not think that it would be wise to extend the terms of reference of the Blood Commission in the way suggested. I should like from them—and I am sure we shall get a good one—a blueprint for the next stage of constitutional advance in Malta.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the fact that leaders of the One Kamerun Party in the Southern Cameroons have been arrested and many members of this organisation detained by the British authorities, thus preventing normal political activities in connection with the 1961 plebiscite, if he will take immediate steps to release them.

Such arrests as have been made in the Southern Cameroons are in accordance with normal legal process and I could not intervene unless some irregularity were shown.

Is the Secretary of State aware that many hon. Members have received cables protesting against the arrest of national and local leaders of the One Kamerun Party? Does he not agree that the British authorities should be above the political battle and should allow normal facilities for all parties, left, right and centre, so that they can function effectively in the conduct of the plebiscite?

Certainly. We are indeed above the political battle and, as my Answer was meant to make clear, nobody has been arrested in this party for political activities or because of their membership of the O.K.P. One or two people have been arrested. I believe, through normal legal processes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he received representations from the Sierra Leone African Congress Party urging the necessity for a general election prior to the declaration of independence; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

Copies of a memorandum addressed to the Sierra Leone Government and of that Government's reply rejecting the memorandum were sent to me recently for information. I see no reason to intervene.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is a good practice to have a general election before independence? This was the practice in Nigeria and Ghana. Does he not agree that the results of the recent municipal elections in Freetown indicate that the Coalition Government has not much support in Sierra Leone and that it might be a good thing to have a general election in order to educate the people in that election in the principles of self-government?

I do not think that that is an accurate assessment of the situation in Sierra Leone. When the people, headed by the Premier, came to the constitutional conference, there were 25 representatives, and 24 of them agreed that there should not be a general election before independence. I accepted that point of view. The one person who dissented and who did not sign the report, Mr. Siaka Stevens, is the person who has been putting forward the request for an election, but I do not think it has much support in Sierra Leone.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what mutual arrangements exist between North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei in respect of the training of nurses and teachers, and also in the provision of hospital, medical and educational services.

In view of the number of trainees each Territory has its own training arrangements for teachers and nursing staff. There is close co-ordination of medical and education services—including training—between North Borneo and Sarawak. Generally the Brunei Government prefers to make its own arrangements, but there is some exchange of hospital services with Sarawak.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is highly desirable to promote as much integration as possible between these three somewhat similar Territories, particularly in view of the great resources of Brunei? Is any progress being made in that desirable direction?

As the hon. Member knows, there are problems in this matter. Brunei tends to look rather elsewhere, but there are certain geographical problems. Meetings of the directors of education and the health service take place annually.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further progress has been made in the provision of housing in Hong Kong; what is the approximate number of persons remaining in the squatter settlements; and to what extent immigration from beyond the border is continuing.

During the year ended 30th September, schemes financed by the Government provided accommodation for about 65,000 people and there was an important addition from private enterprise; about 600,000 people remain in squatter areas; immigration appears to be at a considerably reduced rate.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that this seems to be a relative slowing up of the provision of housing, notwithstanding much good work that has been done, and can he say whether what, I assume to be the case is, in fact, correct?

If we take the decade between 1949 and 1959, the average provision was of accommodation for 40,000 people. For the next year or the next four years, it will be rising to nearly 100,000, and more and more attention will be given to private enterprise building.

Is my hon. Friend aware how impressed we have been after visiting Hong Kong with what the Hong Kong Government have done and are doing to absorb this enormous inflow of refugees, and what a strain it is putting on the Hong Kong economy?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied with the level of social services in Hong Kong; and what steps he proposes to extend their scope in the future.

With an annual increase in population still running at over 100,000 a year, the task of providing services is one of outstanding difficulty. Nevertheless, I think the hon. Gentleman will agree, very remarkable progress indeed has been made. There are plans for further expansion in housing, education, medical facilities and social welfare.

Despite what the hon. Gentleman has just said, is it not the case that Hong Kong is relatively a very wealthy Colony, and that in no part of the world for which we are responsible are there greater disparities between wealth and poverty? Can he promise that something more will be done than is being done?

I think that the Government of Hong Kong are clearly aware of their responsibilities; indeed, they have discharged them in a most astonishing way over the last twenty years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans there are to increase Government revenue in Hong Kong by means of a tax on salaries.

A tax is already levied on salaries.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how he squares his last Answer with the fact that salary tax in Hong Kong has never risen to more than 12½ per cent. of salaries and is generally very much smaller than Income Tax in this country?

Jolly good.

The main object, surely, is to see that the revenues of Hong Kong remain buoyant, and it is the intention of the Government to see that they remain buoyant, so that money can be found for these enormous services which have to be overcome. The hon. Gentleman is aware that between 1957 and this year actual Government expenditure and revenue will have risen from 509 million dollars to 668 million dollars.

Does not my hon. Friend agree that Hong Kong is a shining example of self-help throughout the Commonwealth——

Not very shining.

—and is coping with enormous difficulties with tremendous courage and efficiency, almost wholly out of its own resources?

Yes. Sir; I agree with my hon. Friend.

Should not the revenues of Hong Kong also be brought into relation with the social and other needs of Hong Kong, which are dreadfully behind those in the Western world?

The hon. Gentleman is doubtless aware from the figures of what the Hong Kong Government are doing—building accommodation for 100,000 people a year, pushing forward with 215,000 and more new places in schools in the last five years, and providing hospital beds, which have risen from 7,000 and are expected to number 11,000 in the next few years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many grey seals were destroyed in Orkney this year; and why this destruction was necessary.

Between 1st September and 5th November, 164 seals were shot in Orkney during an experimental cull undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. The experiment was undertaken, in view of the widespread complaints of damage done by seals to salmon and marine fisheries, to establish the most humane and practicable methods of controlling the grey seal population, pending the result of further investigation about the nature and extent of the control needed.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if there is any evidence that these colonies of grey seals are in the places from which the main attacks on salmon are made? Do I understand that it is not suspected that grey seals spread disease among sea fish, as opposed to fresh water fish?

There is some strong evidence that these seals are causing damage to salmon. On the second part about disease, I should like to look into that question, as there is not enough information available at the moment.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these engaging and discriminating creatures eat almost entirely salmon and sea trout, and that there is ample evidence of this in the recent Report made by Dr. Bennet Rae, of the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen, and published by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland? Is not my right hon. Friend right in seeking to limit the increasing population of grey seals?

The first point I should like to make is that this was an experiment that was authorised to establish the most effective means of control. On the other point made by my hon. Friend, I accept that there is some strong evidence of damage to fisheries by seals, and it is for this reason that further investigations are going on.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, which was constructed as a by-pass in a rural area outside the City is now surrounded by thickly populated areas and no longer serves its purpose as a by-pass and that many accidents, fatal and otherwise, have occurred there; and if he will now take urgent steps to prevent such accidents by introducing a speed limit or underground or overhead crossings there.

Anderson Drive is a classified road and a recommended ring route. The provision of underground or overhead crossings or the imposition of a speed limit are matters for the consideration of the Town Council in the first instance. My right hon. Friend is, however, prepared to give favourable consideration to any application from the Town Council for a speed limit of 40 m.p.h. on this length of road.

Will not the Minister agree that this is a classic case of a by-pass having outgrown its safety and usefulness? Surely, this must be a common problem, and will he, in conjunction with the Minister of Transport or whatever authority is the relevant authority, take steps to see that this problem is solved by a speed limit, an overhead or underground crossing, or in some other way, so as to stop the great loss of life which occurs on Anderson Drive?

Nobody would want to be complacent about the accident rate, but I think that the initiative must come in the first instance from the Town Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the visit of the Minister of State for Scotland to Scandinavia in September of this year, indicating what avenues for further trade between Scandinavia and Scotland were explored, and with what results.

My noble Friend spent nine days in Sweden discussing ways of increasing trade and tourism between our two countries. He was accompanied by a representative of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) which is now following up some 40 inquiries directly resulting from the visit. He was also accompanied, for part of the time, by a representative of the Scottish Tourist Board, which is now giving consideration to some 15 suggestions for increasing the tourist trade. These are in addition to the many inquiries which could be dealt with on the spot.

If these instances to which the Minister referred are genuine, will he send me a list of the firms so that firms in Aberdeen and the northeast of Scotland can make actual contact with the persons referred to in his Answer?

The Scottish Council is doing just that, and is notifying specific industries of inquiries in which it was thought they might have an interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the blow-out which occurred recently in the Linthouse tunnel.

On 22nd October when the north drive of No. 1 tunnel had reached a point roughly below the back wall of the car-ferry recess on the north bank a blow-out occurred at the tunnel face. Pressure was lost and water entered the tunnel, but the reserve compressor plant was immediately brought into use and all personnel were safely evacuated. Repair work was begun almost immediately but will take some weeks to complete. I understand that tunnelling at this point is likely to be resumed in about a month's time.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that after this accident, which might well have been a disaster, it was stated at management level that the blow-out had been anticipated? If it was anticipated, what action was taken by the management to prevent it occurring?

It was realised that they were reaching a very dangerous patch, and precautions were taken. It is very satisfactory that, as a result of the precautions, when an accident occurred there was no loss of life.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what approaches have been made to him on the matter of another university for Scotland.

Apart from the references made to this subject in the debate on 7th November, my right hon. Friend has received letters from the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn), my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore), the hon. Member for Stirling and Falkirk Burghs (Mr. Malcolm MacPherson), the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), the Editor of the Glasgow Herald, the Campaign Committee for the Proposed University of East Stirlingshire, the Royal Burgh of Dumfries, and the Royal Burgh of Inverness.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recent Report of the University Grants Committee has indicated that by the mid 1960s there ought to be between 170,000 and 175,000 places in British universities? In view of the great activity going on in England in the establishment of new universities, of the fact that applications for more universities are being encouraged, and of the approaches in Scotland which the hon. Gentleman has just announced, what steps is he taking to impress Scotland's needs on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the University Grants Committee?

There is also great activity in Scotland, as my Answer indicated. My right hon. Friend is in touch with the University Grants Committee, and will keep in touch with it, about Scotland's specific needs.

On a point of order. I asked a direct question, namely: what is the Secretary of State doing? Why should the hon. Gentleman evade it?

That is not a point of order.

In view of the ample evidence already available, will the hon. Gentleman indicate whether the Scottish Office, as represented either through the hon. Gentleman or through the Secretary of State, is satisfied that there is a definite and urgent need for a fifth university?

The matter is under review by the University Grants Committee, and it is its job to advise the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the expansion of university facilities in general. My right hon. Friend is closely in touch with the Committee about the specific problems of Scotland.

As a result of the persuasive letter which my hon. Friend received from the hon. Member for Ayr, will he bear in mind that Ayr is peculiarly well suited in every way for the university when it has been finally approved?

All these representations will be recorded.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons awaiting admission to the hospital in Kirkcaldy for general surgery at the latest available date and on the corresponding date in 1959, respectively.

The number of persons awaiting admission to Kirkcaldy General Hospital for general surgery was 259 on 30th September, 1960, and 274 on 30th September, 1959.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that those figures do not reflect the correct position in Kirkcaldy, since many people in the area are treated in Edinburgh hospitals? In view of the circumstances, does he not agree that the suggestion to provide private beds in Victoria Hospital would be against the best interests of the community at large?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that they do not give the present situation, because they do not take account of the new buildings in the Victoria Hospital which were opened at the beginning of last month. Over the next few months there will be a distinct improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons awaiting admission for medical treatment to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, at the latest available date, and on the corresponding date in 1959, respectively.

The number of persons on the general medicine waiting list was six on 30th September, 1960, compared with one on 30th September, 1959. The corresponding figures for the geriatric waiting list were 61 and 62 respectively.

Those figures reflect the very favourable position in respect of medical beds, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the consultants in Fife are pressing to have private beds provided in the new Victoria Hospital? As the provision of such beds would lead to queue jumping according to one's financial means, will the hon. Gentleman oppose any suggestion of providing private beds in that hospital.

I will look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will adopt a national road plan for road improvement works throughout Scotland; and if he will list priority improvement schemes within the national plan.

In his statement of 28th July my right hon. Friend indicated the Government's plans for road expenditure in Scotland in the next few years and named the principal projects which would receive priority.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing anxiety among Scottish local authorities and many other people generally in Scotland regarding the lack of a national road plan? Is he aware that many people think that the Secretary of State's programme is merely nibbling at the problem? Could not the Secretary of State look at the picture as a whole and decide on priorities after having arrived at a plan for Scotland? The priorities should cover the roads on which an increasing number of accidents and loss of life are taking place, and the many roads where the volume of traffic carried today makes them unsuitable to serve the purpose for which they were originally intended.

If the hon. Gentleman will look at my right hon. Friend's previous reply, he will see that it showed a very substantial increase of expenditure and indicated the roads to which priority would be given. We must keep a certain degree of flexibility.

On a point of order. Owing to the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take an early opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for speeding up the work of making the whole length of the A.8, between Edinburgh and Glasgow, a dual carriageway.

As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 28th July, the reconstruction of this road is one of the main items in the programme from next year onwards.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, while it might be one of the main items in the programme, it still is not being proceeded with fast enough? Is he aware that this is the most dangerous road in the United Kingdom? It has a very high casualty rate. Will he increase the amount of money to be spent next year and do this job urgently?

We are trying to get on with it, but the hon. Gentleman will realise that one of the main difficulties is not simply building a dual carriageway, but catering for the excessive number of side roads entering the main road.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that the reply given by the Secretary of State was that it will take six years to complete this dual carriageway? Is he also aware that not a week passes without fatal accidents occurring on this road, particularly on the Newhouse-Salsburgh-Harthill stretch? The Government could complete the whole of this road in a great deal less than six years.

I must stress again that the chief problem to which attention is being paid is, as the accident record shows, the excessive number of side roads entering the main road. We hope to make as rapid progress as we can on that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the provision of a by-pass for Musselburgh; and what reply he has made.

A request has been received from Musselburgh Town Council to proceed immediately with the construction of a by-pass of the town, but I cannot at present forecast when it will be possible to fit this scheme into the roads programme.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at times it is almost impossible to cross this road in Mussel-burgh? Does he not think that the Government should proceed with this scheme with a great deal more urgency than they are showing at present? Does he not think that Government expenditure on roads in Scotland for next year should be increased, and not left at the same level as this year?

What we do think is that it would be right to wait for the county development plan to be approved before considering the detail of this proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made to ensure maximum visibility in all weather conditions for road users on the new Forth Road Bridge and its approaches.

A wide range of methods will be used which have been proved effective elsewhere. They will include lighting on the bridge itself and white lines, reflecting studs, reflectorised traffic signs and light coloured kerbing on the approach roads.

Is the Minister asking the Minister of Transport the result of his experiments in illuminated and other forms of kerbs? Will he make sure that this road is at least safe in all kinds of weather, both in respect to the approaches and also to the actual crossing of the bridge?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows from his previous Question on the matter, tests are going on with these kerbs, but I cannot give any indication of the final outcome of these tests.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what some of us are more concerned with is that the Tay Road Bridge will be visible at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Forth Road Bridge is proceeding according to schedule; and when he expects it to be finished.

I understand that work on the Forth Road Bridge is proceeding on schedule. The contract for the main structure is due to be completed at the end of 1963, and there is at present no reason to believe that this date will not be met. The contracts for the approach roads and viaducts are being phased to meet this date.

Is it true that tenders have been let on old-fashioned specifications for the approaches to the bridge, and that the Minister now has no room to manoeuvre?

I am not aware of that fact, but I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have made returns to him arising from the issue of Circular No. 33, dated 23rd May, 1960.

The circular invited authorities which contemplated building subsidised houses for purposes outside the defined categories of special need to submit appreciations of the housing situation in their area. Such appreciations have so far been submitted by 69 authorities.

That is a very small number out of the total of about 132 housing authorities in Scotland. Can the Joint Under-Secretary indicate the number of local athorities which have applied and which he has permitted to build for grossly overcrowded families, families with sublet apartments, and families living in unfit houses not in the town centre, listed in the circular as special needs, requiring his approval before local authorities can undertake such building?

This circular has not led to the withholding of approval for any tenders which have been submitted up to date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish woollen industry regarding the increases in duty proposed by the United States of America; and what action he is taking in the matter.

My right hon. Friend has received no representations. As regards the latter part of the Ques- tion, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 10th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Hirst) by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

It may be that the manufacturers concerned have not had time to write to the Secretary of State, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men are expressing grave concern about this very large increase in import duties, which can have an extremely harmful effect on the Scottish woollen industry? What steps is the Secretary of State taking jointly with the President of the Board of Trade to make it known to the American authorities how we feel about this matter?

As the previous Answer indicated, the new arrangements are an improvement, but we are still not satisfied with them and we hope to have some further negotiations on the subject.