asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what further steps have been taken by the Grenada Government in connection with the rabies eradication programme; and to what extent this programme is to be implemented by the poisoning of stray dogs.

The Grenada Government have applied for financial help to pay their share of the cost of a rabies eradication programme. This will be on lines recommended by the World Health Organisation, except that the measures for the removal of stray dogs have been revised. These now provide for the destruction of stray dogs in a humane way by the local branch of the R.S.P.C.A.

I am sure that the House will be most grateful for the news which my hon. Friend has given, because there has been very considerable concern about strychnine and other poisons unless these measures were taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what information he has as to the use now being made of the new slaughterhouse buildings erected in Grenville, Grenada, in 1959.

Owing to drainage problems the slaughterhouse building in Grenville, Grenada, is not yet in use.

Can my hon. Friend say when these problems will be put right? Will he not agree that this slaughterhouse was introduced in order that animals should be humanely slaughtered? There is concern at the fact that it is not being put to the use for which it was designed.

In fact, I should correct my hon. Friend. The slaughterhouse was completed in 1961, not 1959. I am sorry for the delay and have asked our administrator in Grenada to take urgent action about it. I think that the conditions in which animals are slaughtered are satisfactory. Indeed, the local branch of the R.S.P.C.A. is very active in Grenada and we should have had complaints if the conditions were not satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies if he will hold consultations with the other Ministers concerned on the desirability of building an aerodrome on the Seychelles.

Yes, Sir.

Could my hon. Friend go a little farther than that reply and give us some hope that an air base will be built on the Seychelles both for the advantage of the inhabitants of those islands and for strategic reasons?

Yes, Sir. Strategic reasons are not, I think, very strong, but we are, of course, examining the possibility of providing an airfield so that there can be a civil service between the mainland and the Seychelles. The distance, however, is about 1,000 miles which limits the type of aeroplane that can be used, and it is also quite difficult to run an economic service in that area.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be any consultations with the East African Governments on this matter?

I do not think that we have got as far as that.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that this is a subject above all for the Seychelles, which many of us, frankly, have been advocating for many years?

I realise the advantage of an airfield.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies how many affidavits have now been received by him from residents of the Seychelles concerning the trial for murder of Paul Gobine and Philibert Loizeau and their subsequent conviction for manslaughter; whether he has now reviewed these affidavits what action he has taken upon them; and whether, in view of the allegations within the affidavits, he will conduct an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police, counsel and judiciary of the Seychelles in relation to the two trials of these men.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he is aware that many witnesses who gave evidence in the trials for murder and manslaughter of Paul Gobine and Philibert Loizeau in the Seychelles have deposed that their evidence was false and was given under duress by police and the prosecuting counsel and what action he intends to take to review the convictions of these two men.

Fifteen affidavits have now been received. They are being examined with care but I wish to take further legal advice before coming to any decision.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, while examining these affidavits, he will note that among the allegations was one that the Attorney General was a witness of the very occurrence which he was prosecuting. In view of the fact that this is a tight ingrown Bar far removed from any appellate jurisdiction, will the right hon. Gentleman take particular care that this matter is investigated in a way which will satisfy the wide disquiet among distinguished citizens in the Seychelles?

I have seen the affidavits. The papers together with the case records run to about 600 pages, and I am getting the best legal advice that I can on the matter. I take the hon. Gentleman's point, and I will pursue the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies how many ex-employees of the Central African Federation have applied for hardship pensions; and how many have been granted.

Twenty-three applications for assistance have so far been received. Nine have been rejected and two accepted. The remainder are under consideration. Assistance takes the form of a single immediate payment.

Would I be in order in asking my hon. Friend vis-á-vis the Treasury whether he is satisfied that the Treasury has done all it ought to do in view of the fact that I do not think that it is the Commonwealth Relations Department which is the difficulty but the Treasury? Will my hon. Friend accept the fact that I do not really think that the Answer is very satisfactory because there are far too few people being accepted for hardship pensions arising out of those figures?

My hon. Friend may like to know that out of a total of 35,000 former Federal officers and employees only 400 established officers have not been offered employment under the Territorial Governments and the figure of only 23 applications for hardship so far received does not seem to me to be altogether unsatisfactory.

In view of the fact that the numbers are so small and that, as I believe, assurances were given to the civil servants when they were over here that sympathetic consideration would be given to their claims, could not the hon. Gentleman go just a little further and meet their wishes?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that every claim for hardship consideration has been looked at on its own individual merits. I am sure that this is the wish of the House.

Can my hon. Friend say if people who have been offered jobs have been offered jobs with comparable salaries and comparable conditions with those under which they were engaged at the time when Federation was broken up? Is not that the important point? I mean, he must think we are awful mugs if we accept that as a really satisfactory Answer—

Order. Unless I am misreading something through reading it hurriedly it seems to me that the hon. Lady's words are related more to her next Question. Perhaps I had better call her for her next Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what arrangements have been made for suitable employment for ex-civil servants of the Central African Federation returning to this country; and whether the liquidating agency has fulfilled the financial responsibilities placed upon it in respect of these men and women.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Mr. Loveys) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Technical Co-operation on 25th February. The Liquidating Agency has already made terminal benefit payments to over 4,000 ex-Federal employees amounting to approximately £2 million.

Yes, but is my hon. Friend aware that though that is a very satisfactory Answer from the Departmental point of view, what I want to know is whether, when these people have come over here, they have been told how to seek jobs? I have had people coming to see me who have not been given any idea, any guidance of any kind whatsoever. So far as the liquidating agency is concerned, there have been some quite abnormal delays. Therefore, even if my hon. Friend thinks he is satisfied, is he aware that I am not satisfied?

I think my hon. Friend is always very adept at making her own feelings known to both my right hon. Friend and myself, and to the House. On the question of delays, we are anxious to make certain that the absolute minimum of delay occurs. One case has been brought to my attention by my hon. Friend, and the reasons for the delay there were beyond the control of the Government.

Could my hon. Friend tell us if ex-Federal civil servants have been given the same facilities as those offered to ex-members of the Colonial Service in Territories which we have ceased to govern?

The facilities are available to all officers who were recruited in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and the Colonies if he will consent to the purchase of Mr. Sydney Kitching's farms in Swaziland by the Swaziland National Council so as to assist him to comply with the Commissioner's request to leave the territory by 30th June.

The consent of the British Government to such a purchase is not required.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that Mr. Kitching was arrested in South Africa last week during a business visit, and that he has been held incommunicado under the 90-day Act and that not even the British Consul is being allowed to see him at the moment despite the fact that he is the holder of a British passport? In view of the fact that the Swaziland Commissioner has required him to clear up his affairs, and he wishes to clear up his affairs, in Swaziland by 30th June, would the hon. Gentleman consult with the Foreign Office to make representations to the South African Government either to bring Mr. Kitching to trial or else release him in order to enable him to get on with the sale of his farms in Swaziland?

Mr. Kitching was not deported to South Africa but went there voluntarily. He did not have to leave Swaziland till 30th June. He has not claimed political asylum. I do not think that the Secretary of State should direct the local Government to buy land unless they wish it. If the Swaziland National Council wish to acquire the land, I have no doubt that the Commissioner will give his approval.

Is not this interfering with the liberty of a British subject who has been detained in the Union? This has happened before, and we ought to make representations. Further, this gentleman is deprived of the opportunity of selling his land before the given date. Surely arrangements ought to be made for him to carry out his legitimate business?

No. I think there is some misapprehension. He appears to be a South African national. I think he has dual nationality, in fact, so I believe that the Government have no locus standi in making representations to the South African Government about this.

Could the hon. Gentleman tell the House why Mr. Kitching has been asked to leave Swaziland by 30th June?

That is quite a long story. He was granted a two years' temporary residence permit when he entered Swaziland in 1961. Application for renewal I think was rejected. He appealed, and the appeal was disallowed, but the Commissioner has allowed him to remain in the Territory up to 30th June, which was much longer than he should have been there, to enable him to settle his affairs.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Kitching has been, and has shown that he is, anxious to negotiate the sale of his farms in Swaziland to the Swaziland National Council in order to be able to quit Swaziland by 30th June, but the obstacle now is that he is being held under arbitrary arrest under the 90-day Act in South Africa? Would the hon. Gentleman, therefore, as responsible for the Government of Swaziland, make representations through the Foreign Office, as Mr. Kitching is the holder of a British passport, to the South African Government either to release him or to bring him to trial?

No doubt Mr. Kitching is anxious to make arrangements to get rid of his farms, but it is not our fault that he voluntarily crossed the border to South Africa and put himself into this difficulty. However, as he has dual nationality I will certainly take legal advice as to whether we have any locus standi. I doubt if we have, but if we have, I will consult with the Foreign Office Ministers about this case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and the Colonies how many refugees from South Africa are now in Swaziland; and what action is being taken by the Government to enable them to find jobs and homes.

43, excluding dependents. 17 have obtained employment. One is attending school.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that all possible action is taken at the moment to ensure that all those who are placed in this very difficult position are given the opportunity either to seek political asylum in the United Kingdom, or, if they wish to stay in Swaziland, to get accommodation and employment?

Twenty-six of these refugees have already been granted asylum and 17 applications are still under consideration, mainly because the people concerned have not yet attended for interviews. As for employment and accommodation, I really think that where there is in the territory unemployment and a shortage of houses, the local Swazi inhabitants must be given priority over people who come into their territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether the recent offer by Her Majesty's Government to help finance the University of Rhodesia and Nyasaland makes provision for assisting the proposed new teaching hospital and medical school in Salisbury.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he will now make a statement about the outcome of the recent conference in Salisbury relating to the future of the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and the associated teaching hospital.

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 21st April.

Does the Secretary of State realise that this does not lead us very much further forward? Would he give us an assurance that the Government will be concerned about the medical school in particular, because this is a matter of very great concern in this Territory, and this university is perhaps one of the last vestiges of the reasons which made the establishment of the Federation worth while?

That was made clear in the Answer to which I referred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this medical school was set up under the aegis of the University of Birmingham and could award Birmingham degrees, and that there is very great concern in the University of Birmingham that this very important development is now likely to fail because of the want of a relatively small amount of money over a limited interim period? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that it will not fail?

We recognise the importance of the college and of the medical faculty, and I have already announced that we have said that we are prepared to make a substantial contribution towards maintaining it, but the talks are not yet concluded, and so I cannot say more this afternoon.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this has a political significance, in so far as the more educated Africans there are the better opportunities there will be for them to take part in the administration in Southern Rhodesia? Would he consult the Southern Rhodesian Government to see if anything can be done to provide this kind of education?

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman understands. We are in the middle of discussions with the Government of Southern Rhodesia on this question of financing the continuance of the college.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what financial assistance is being given to the Southern Rhodesian Government in respect of African education; and if he will make a statement about the future policy of Her Majesty's Government in this respect.

A loan of £355,000 towards African education was made to the Government of Southern Rhodesia in 1962. As already announced, we have offered to make a substantial contribution towards the expenses of the multi-racial university college in Salisbury.

Is not this a quite inadequate sum, considering the enormity of the task? This is one constructive way in which the United Kingdom could pay towards solving the enormous problem of trying to get responsible Government—so-called—in Southern Rhodesia as a coalition between whites and blacks. In the process of the present discussions, will not he look at this again and give a larger sum for African education?

We are due to have discussions with each of the three Territories to examine the financial consequences to them of the dissolution of the Federation. We are quite prepared to discuss with the Government of Southern Rhodesia, if they so wish, questions of assistance for African education.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that hon. Members on both sides of the House who are interested in African education think that the most practical way of advancing both the, political and economic cause out there is by spending more money on education, particularly technical education?

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what reply has been sent to the communication of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia forwarding to him the resolution of the Legislature of that Territory seeking to petition Her Majesty to remove from Her Majesty's Government all discretionary powers in the Southern Rhodesia Constitution.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what reply he has sent to the petition agreed to by the Southern Rhodesian legislature on 23rd March, calling for an amendment to section 3 of the Southern Rhodesian Constitution of 1961, which has been sent to him.

The petition has not as yet been forwarded to us.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the petition was endorsed by a majority in the Legislature and that it asks Her Majesty to remove from Her Majesty's Government their discretionary powers in Southern Rhodesia? Since the terms of the petition are known, will he give an assurance that, when it is received, Her Majesty's Government will not withdraw their powers in Southern Rhodesia until a majority of the people there have the right to elect the Government of Southern Rhodesia?

I am certainly not going to comment on a petition to the Queen which has not been received.

We have all read full details of the petition. Is this not a very curious and oblique way of gaining a recognition of independence? Will the right hon. Gentleman seize the opportunity, here in this House today, to warn the Europeans in Southern Rhodesia that Her Majesty's Government will under no circumstances grant independence to Southern Rhodesia until the majority of its people are exercising full democratic rights?

Personally, I am very glad that we have not yet received it; but if the hon. Lady asks many more supplementary questions, I have no doubt that it will be in the next post.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Motion dealing with the subject has been passed in the House? If he is aware of that, is he not in a position to say that he will not agree to the amendment to Section 3 of the Constitution? As the assurance has been given before, what harm is there in repeating it now?

It would be quite improper for me to comment on a resolution passed by the Assembly of Southern Rhodesia before the Governor had taken steps to send it on to us. We had far better be thankful that this resolution has not bean forwarded to us.

With reference to the suggestion that we should warn the people of Southern Rhodesia, is it not time that we started to speak in kinder terms, of the people of Southern Rhodesia who, 20 years ago, came to our aid when we were in a desperate plight?

I am sure that we all recognise the part which Southern Rhodesia has played in the past, in two world wars and many other ways.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies, in view of the coming to power of the new Government in Southern Rhodesia, if he will give an assurance that it remains Her Majesty's Government's policy to grant independence only to a representative Government.

The policy of the British Government as already announced remains unchanged.

As successive political changes in Southern Rhodesia in recent years have led to increasingly white racialist Governments, is it not increasingly important that the Government at Westminster should make it clear that they recognise their responsibilities for the whole population of Southern Rhodesia, white and black? In view of the most recent change, is not a more detailed and forthcoming answer than we have just heard necessary in the present circumstances?

Of course we recognise our responsibilities for the whole population of any territory for which we are responsible, but I do not think that the hon. Gentleman would expect me to make an elaboration of an important issue of policy in reply to a supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what steps he takes to ensure that the policies and views of Her Majesty's Government are known in former African Colonies.

We are in constant touch with our Commonwealth partners in Africa. British High Commissioners there, as in other Commonwealth countries, are fully alive to the need to explain our views and policies to the Governments concerned.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that assistance with information services and Government Press agencies is a legitimate and important way in which our views and advice would be valuable? Is he further aware that there are reasons to suspect that in Kenya and Tanganyika such news agencies are being set up with the assistance of the Czechs and Tass Agency? Would it not be better if such help were provided by us, or at least by someone with a free Press?

We are always very ready to consider requests for assistance with the setting up of Press agencies as well as with any other project. The Kenya Government announced the other day the setting up of a news agency on 20th February this year, and I understand that it makes use both of Reuter's and the Tass services.

Does the hon. Gentleman know whether all these Governments are aware of the fact that we are continuing to supply arms to South Africa and what their attitude is to that policy?

That is a totally different question.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what decision about the holding of new elections has now been taken by the Administrator of St. Vincent.

The Administrator has decided not to dissolve the Legislative Council at present.

This is monstrous. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commission of Inquiry which looked into the interference by Mrs. Joshua in the Public Works Department discovered quite improper and illegal acts that she was carrying out and also showed, in paragraph 11(c), that Mr. Joshua, the Chief Minister, was involved himself? If the Administrator is in difficulty because he needs, so to speak, the consent of the Chief Minister to a dissolution, how does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Chief Minister to be willing to agree to a dissolution or to recommend one when he himself is involved in illegalities and improprieties?

I do not accept the hon. Member's allegations. The inquiry reported unfavourably upon one Minister, who has resigned.

The report, in at least two cases, indicated that the Chief Minister himself was involved in his wife's improprieties. Will not the right hon. Gentleman look into this again? Is it not better for this country, while giving generous help and great respect to the degree of self-government that a territory has, to act very firmly when there are improprieties like this?

Under the Constitution the Administrator has the right to dissolve, after consultation with the Chief Minister. In a territory like this, which is in an advanced state of constitutional progress, it is desirable not to act contrary to the advice of Ministers if this can be avoided, and there are certain matters which are still being looked into in the territory. For the moment I am prepared to accept the judgment of the Administrator, in whom I have every confidence.

But the Chief Minister is involved—he is shown to be by paragraph 11(c)—because he actually turned up with some of the money to pay illegally some of the road gangs. Although it was nothing to do with him lie was helping out his wife's improprieties. If he is involved, how does the Secretary of State expect him to advise his own dissolution? Surely we must now use our reserve power against the Chief Minister.

The hon. Gentleman has merely repeated his former question.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the repudiation of responsibility by the Secretary of State, I beg to give notice that shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what discussions have taken place with the Government of Northern Rhodesia on the termination of the agreement with the British South Africa Company under which the company receives royalties on copper and other mineral production in that territory.

Some preliminary discussions took place last year between the then coalition Government of Northern Rhodesia and the company, at which the British Government were represented. The present Government of Northern Rhodesia have so far not discussed this matter with the British Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take every step to end this robbery of the resources of Northern Rhodesia? Is he aware that even Sir Roy Welensky has declared that the agreement between the British South Africa Company and the chiefs amounted to the cheating of ignorant chiefs to get hold of these mineral royalties? Is he aware that the company is taking £10 million a year from Northern Rhodesia as a toll on every bit of mineral extracted from the land? We abolished this system years ago in this country. Why should it be maintained there?

I deplore the very exaggerated language used by the hon. Gentleman and I consider it to be an abuse of the protection of Parliamentary privilege.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the people of Northern Rhodesia have ever obtained in return for the agreement between the Northern Rhodesian Government and the British South Africa Company?

I do not think that that is very relevant.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what steps are now being taken to prevent South African refugees in the High Commission Territories being trained as saboteurs for use against South Africa, Southern Rhodesia or the Portuguese provinces.

I am not aware that any such training is taking place in the High Commission Territories.

Without in any way disagreeing with the principle of political refuge, may I ask my right hon. Friend to look into the question of political refugees being assisted in transit through Bechuanaland to other Commonwealth countries to be trained as saboteurs against South Africa?

I cannot exercise any control over the intentions of persons who leave the High Commission Territories, which is what my hon. Friend is asking me to do. As regards activities inside the High Commission Territories, I think that the House knows that it is an offence to conspire in the High Commission Territories to commit an act outside the Territories which would be unlawful if it were committed within them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities to refugees who want to leave Basutoland?

We do our best, but Basutoland is in a rather difficult geographical position.

asked the Secretary or State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what reply he has made to the request by the Mbadwa Council for a commission of inquiry into allegations of political murder and intimidation in Nyasaland.

I have asked the Governor to inform the Council that I do not consider that the situation warrants the appointment of a commission of inquiry.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this petition alleges that there have been 50 political murders in Nyasaland, including murders of members of Jehovah's Witnesses? Should not these allegations be looked into?

I know about that figure, but it has not been substantiated. The incidents referred to resulted in nine murders, some of which appear to have had no political connection.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what are the requirements demanded of Hong Kong domiciled persons of Chinese race before British passports are issued to them; and whether such requirements are made known to the Government of India.

Evidence of birth in Hong Kong, or naturalisation, and of intention to travel are required. These are not exceptional requirements by a passport issuing authority and no special intimation to other Governments is therefore necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that Answer is in conflict with the information given to me by the chief immigration officer of Hong Kong, who stated that no passport would be issued to a person of Chinese race who had not been known to that officer for eight years? Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Government of India to see that the treatment meted out to British passport carrying Chinese from Hong Kong passing through India in transit is not repeated?

I will certainly check whether the hon. Gentleman's information or mine is correct. Representations have already been made to the Indian Government which has felt unable to accede to them. I do not think that it would be profitable to pursue the matter.

I personally saw two Hong Kong subjects carrying British passports subjected to humiliating treatment at Bombay while in transit. Surely as British subjects they are entitled to claim full protection from Her Majesty's Government. Why did they not get it?

I know about that case, but the two Chinese concerned have not complained about their treatment.

Oh yes, they have.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what steps are being taken in Hong Kong to provide employment and housing in the more northerly parts of the New Territories, where ample land is available.

A satellite town of over 1 million inhabitants is being developed in the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung area and the possibility of further development at Castle Peak and Sha Tin is being examined. Further to the north there are plans for the development of some rural townships including provision for minor industrial areas.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the rapid population growth of Hong Kong is continuing apace and that the more northerly schemes to which he refers should be given a high priority in order to reduce the cost of development and to link employment with housing, which is absolutely vital in this Colony?

Yes, I know. The speed and extent of development are governed by the difficulty of acquiring the land, which is held mainly in a very large number of small peasant holdings, and by the need to provide services, especially water, and adequate access by road and sea from the port of Victoria.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what loan he has now offered to Trinidad; what are the terms of interest and repayment; and what has been the response of Trinidad to this offer.

The discussions are not yet completed.

May we have an assurance that the original offer which was made at the very high rate of interest of 6 per cent. with an immediate repayment of capital and no period of moratorium, will at least be reconsidered? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the pressure from both sides of the House in recent debates for the British Government, as has been recommended by several international bodies, to begin to offer loans at lower rates of interest and with a period before repayment of capital is demanded?

I could comment on what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I think that it would be better for him if I reserved anything I had to say until the negotiations were completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the review of the Million Acre Scheme in Kenya.

Yes, Sir, shortly.

Can my right hon. Friend also say whether the ex-Service personnel who went to settle in Kenya after the Second World War are now more or less happy about the situation?

It would be very rash for me to say that anybody was entirely happy about the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies how many technical education places there are at present in schools and colleges in Basutoland; and what steps he is taking to increase them.

There are 218 places at present. Plans for expansion are awaiting the publication of a report on manpower resulting from a recent I.L.O. survey.

When does the hon. Gentleman expect to receive that report? Can he give an assurance that he will press ahead as fast as possible with the expansion of this very important and rather neglected sector of the education system?

The report is not sent to Her Majesty's Government, but goes to the I.L.O. Its publication and so on would be a matter for the I.L.O. in consultation with the Government of Basutoland. I will go into what the hon. Gentleman has said in the second part of his supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies when he expects to announce his decision about a new constitution for Bechuanaland; and when he proposes that new elections should be held.

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement very shortly.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Can he give more precise details about the timetable? Can he promise us that the statement will be made within the next week or two? Has it to be followed by a constitutional conference? Is there any possibility of having elections during the coming year?

I cannot give a precise answer about the date. I hope that it will be possible to make a statement before the Whitsuntide Recess, but I would rather not anticipate what my right hon. Friend's statement will contain.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies if he will make a statement in respect of further developments in the conflict between Indonesia and the Federation of Malaysia as affecting British co-operation in the defence of the Federation.

In the last fortnight Indonesian guerrillas have continued to ignore the cease-fire and have carried out hostile acts at more than a dozen places within Malaysian territory. Operations by the security forces to eliminate these intruders are being intensified.

Arising out of that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any evidence of Philippino activity of a violent character? Secondly, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the conflicts along the frontiers are increasing or decreasing? Thirdly, in view of the recent election which seems to indicate wholehearted support for Malaysia from the Malayan peoples, is a fresh attempt being made to try to secure conciliation in this matter?

There is nothing that we should like better than to see a peaceful solution. I know of no Philippino intervention.

Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity of welcoming the statement by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, which was reported in the papers today?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies if he is aware that the interpretation section of the chapter on fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual in the constitution for independence proposed by the Government of Malta provides that nothing done by the Roman Catholic Church in the exercise of its spiritual powers and duties shall be held to be in contravention of any of the provisions of this chapter; and if, in view of clerical pressure on the voters at previous elections in Malta, this provision has been or will be approved by Her Majesty's Government.

I would refer to hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, East (Mr. Bottomley) on the 24th April.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the inclusion of this important qualification in the constitution—its inclusion almost surreptitiously, in a mere interpretation section—goes far to nullify the effect of having a civil rights or human rights section in the constitution at all? Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, during his recent conversations with Archbishop Gonzi, he took the opportunity of drawing the Archbishop's attention to the late Pope's Encyclical, or indeed to the existence of the Vatican Council?

I do not think that I want to go into what I said to the Archbishop and what he said to me. I do not propose, and I do not think that it would be right, to comment on any particular aspect of the draft constitution on which I may have to take a decision very shortly.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Church of Malta has always done, and will continue to do, its duty to guide its flock in spiritual and moral matters? Would my right hon. Friend, agree that the difficulty is to define the overlapping area where moral issues and political issues may conflict?

That is precisely the difficulty.

Is it not odd that this important clause should appear in an interpretation section, and does the right hon. Gentleman think that the people in Malta can form a judgment when the document which is issued contains 65 pages, is written in legal jargon, and costs 2s. 6d. to buy?

I did not draft it, but I think that broadly speaking the people of Malta have a very good idea of what the controversy is about.

Since the right hon. Gentleman appeared to assent to the terms of the supplementary question by his hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall), can he say whether he really regards it as the duty of a local hierarchy in the Roman Catholic Church to invent new mortal sins, such as reading a Labour newspaper?

I have no comment.