HC Deb 06 July 1943 vol 390 cc1916-7
12. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a report on the administration of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland since its capture?

Mr. A. Henderson

General information regarding the administration of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland since their capture has appeared in the Press from time to time. I regret that a report of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend is not available, but if he requires information on any particular aspect of the administration, I shall do my best to let him have it.

Mr. Astor

In view of the fact that we have administered these countries for two years and the methods and principles we have used are likely to be an example in the future administration of captured enemy territories, is it not important that a comprehensive report should be presented to Parliament of the principles we have followed and the results we have achieved?

Mr. Henderson

I would not like the House to take the view that no reports are being made, because the chief administrator reports regularly to the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, to whom he is responsible. These reports are in the nature of operational reports and are, therefore, not available for publication.

Mr. Astor

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman consider getting a selection of these reports ready for publication to this House if I put down a Question in a month's time?

Mr. Henderson

I prefer to rest on the statement I made two minutes ago that I will gladly give my hon. Friend any information he may desire.

31. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the occupied enemy territory administration in Eritrea has instructions to give preference to anti-Fascists as against Fascists, and to remove all Fascist slogans from the walls; and whether the half-yearly reports of that administration are available to Members of this House?

Mr. Henderson

If my hon. Friend is referring to the employment of Italians in the administration, the answer is that Fascists are not employed in it and anti-Fascists are. Fascist slogans have been removed. The administration issue no reports comparable to the half-yearly reports issued in peace-time by Colonial Governments.

Mr. Bartlett

Could my hon. and learned Friend say whether there has yet been a definite policy for the reorientation of education, and if there has been such a policy could the House have particulars about it?

Mr. Henderson

I think the question of preventing any Fascist education being given in schools has been dealt with and that Regulations have been issued with the object of preventing it.