asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in the Nyasaland Government Information Bulletin, dated 22nd May, 1961, a statement made by himself stressing that Federation was in the best long-term interests of all races in Central Africa was quoted in the English version but omitted from the vernacular, Chinyanja.

The statement was omitted from the vernacular version of 22nd May because the translation of articles preceding it took up the whole of the copy for that version. It was, however, included in the vernacular version of the bulletin of 26th June. The statement had already been published in three languages in the Government newspaper Msimbi, on 18th May, and had also been broadcast in three languages.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to what extent consideration was given at any stage in the Southern Rhodesian Constitutional talks to the possibility that Her Majesty's Government should relinquish their reserve powers without insisting on an enlargement of African representation.

At the very outset of the Southern Rhodesian Constitutional talks I made it clear to Sir Edgar Whitehead that the British Government would not feel able to give up its reserve powers unless there was a significant widening of the franchise and a substantial increase in African representation in the Legislature. In reply to specific inquiries from Sir Edgar Whitehead, I informed him that the British Government would not regard the adoption of a Declaration of Rights and other constitutional safeguards as adequate substitutes by themselves for the British Government's existing reserve powers.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the cost of delivery of letters and parcels on Christmas Day in 1958, 1959 and 1960 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General, if he will state the number of staff employed and the number of staff hours worked on the delivery of letters and parcels on Christmas Day 1958, 1959 and 1960, respectively, and the number of letters and parcels delivered.

I regret that records of staff, staff hours and costs for 1958 and 1959 are not available. Figures for 1960 could be obtained only at considerable expense, but I estimate that the cost of the Christmas Day deliveries last year was about £200,000. Letters and parcels delivered on Christmas Day are not counted in any year: but a sample survey made last year indicated that the number of items delivered on Christmas Day was rather more than on an ordinary morning, say, 20–25 million items.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of letters and parcels posted within the advertised time for delivery before or on Christmas Day were actually delivered before 25th December in the years 1958, 1959 and 1960, respectively.

Precise figures are not available, but the great majority of letters and parcels posted by the latest recommended dates of posting in each of the three years were delivered before Christmas Day.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider abolishing deliveries of letters and parcels on Christmas Day in 1961 and 1962, as an experiment.

I am already considering whether we should maintain the Christmas Day deliveries and I will write to the hon. Member about this as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will inquire, through the Universal Postal Union, which member countries have abolished delivery of letters and parcels on Christmas Day; and if he will publish this information.

An inquiry through the Universal Postal Union of each of the many member countries would take a long time. My inquiries of nearby European and North American countries show variations in practice, but the majority of these countries do not deliver letters and parcels on Christmas Day. Practice on subsequent days varies.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has consulted the Post Advisory Committees on the abolition of Christmas Day delivery of letters and parcels; and with what result.

Yes, I did so in 1960. The majority of the Committees which expressed a view were in favour of withdrawing the deliveries; but in many instances this finding was not unanimous. I am now considering the matter again.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on behalf of women teachers over 60 years and men teachers over 65 years on 3rd April, 1961, who, under the National Insurance Act, 1959, pay more in contributions and receive less in pensions than under the Teachers Superannuation Scheme, concerning the effect of the Act upon their pensions; and what reply he has made.

I have received a few inquiries as to the reason why these teachers are not allowed to be contracted-out of the graduated pension scheme introduced by the National Insurance Act, 1959. The reply given has been similar to that given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to the hon. Member's Question on Monday, 17th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what considerations he takes into account in reconciling his duties under the Local Employment Act and the need to increase exports.

In deciding whether an industrial development certificate can be issued under the Local Employment Act, I must have particular regard to the need for providing appropriate employment in development districts. I take into account also the effect of the proposed development on the national economy, including exports, as well as the labour situation in the area suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that his refusal to grant an Industrial Development Certificate to Clarkson (Engineers) Limited, of Nuneaton, will result in the firm expanding its factory in Germany and not elsewhere in the United Kingdom, resulting in an export loss of £500,000 a year; and whether he will now grant a certificate to this firm.

It would be inconsistent with my duties under the Local Employment Act to approve the proposed development by this company in Nuneaton, but I am quite prepared to consider the issue of an Industrial Development Certificate for a project in an area where the employment situation would justify it.

asked the Minister of Transport why the county of Lincolnshire, Lindsey, has not been included by him for authorisation of any classified road scheme of over £100,000 grant value for the periods 1961–62, 1962–63 and 1963–64; and whether reconsideration will be given to this matter at an early date.

The schemes costing over £100,000 included in the three year classified road programme were selected after careful consideration of national priorities and with special regard to the needs of congested urban areas. It was not possible to include all the schemes submitted. I hope to announce the schemes far 1964–65 later this year.

asked the Minister of Transport why Carlisle was not included in the classified road schemes of over £300,000 to be authorised for the years 1960–61, 1961–62 and 1962–63; and whether Carlisle is likely to be included in any further authorisation list in the near future.

I have included in the three year classified road programme for 1961–62–1963–64 those schemes which appeared to command the highest priority throughout the country. I regret it was not possible to find a place for all the schemes submittted. I hope to announce the programme for 1964–65 later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) at what date he expects to complete the run-down of the Central Ordnance Depot, Didcot;(2) If he will make a statement on the future disposal of the land and buildings at present occupied by the Central Ordnance Depot, Didcot.

Although I cannot give a firm undertaking at this stage, it is my intention to close the Central Ordnance Depot, Didcot, in April, 1964. The rundown of this Depot depends upon progress in building up the necessary staff and stores at Bicester. The staff of the Depot will be kept fully informed of progress through the normal Whitley machinery.I am examining how the disposal of the land and buildings at Didcot can best be carried out. A meeting with officers of the County Council was held earlier this month. It will not be possible to announce a firm programme for some time but I will keep my hon. Friend in touch with developments.