Sitting of 23 October 1958

Preamble
The House—after the Adjournment on 1st August, 1958, for the Summer Recess—met at Eleven o'clock.
PRAYERS
[Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair]
DEATH OF A MEMBER
Mr. Speaker: I regret to have to inform the House of the death of Sir Henry Channon, Member for Southend, West, and I desire, on behalf of the House, to express our sense of the loss we have sustained and our sympathy with the relatives of the honourable Member.

WRITS ISSUED DURING THE ADJOURNMENT
Mr. SPEAKER acquainted the House that he had issued, during the Adjournment, Warrants for new Writs, viz.:
For Chichester, in the room of Sir Lancelot William Joynson-Hicks, baronet, (commonly called the honourable Sir William Joynson-Hicks, baronet), now Viscount Brentford, called up to the House of Peers;
For Morecambe and Lonsdale, in the room of Sir William Jocelyn Ian Fraser, C.H., C.B.E., called up to the House of Peers;
For Pontypool, in the room of Daniel Granville West, esquire, called up to the House of Peers.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT (BALLOT FOR TICKETS)
Mrs. E. M. Braddock: While we are waiting, I should like to ask a question, Mr. Speaker. I should like to know what arrangements were made on this occasion for hon. Members to ballot for tickets for the opening of the new Session on Tuesday. When I arrived here, I wanted to take part in the ballot, but I was informed that the ballot had already taken place, without the knowledge of very many of the Members of the House.
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I should like you, Mr. Speaker, to give us an explanation, or to find out what the position was. This has happened on this occasion, but never before. I should, therefore, like to know why so many of us have not had the opportunity of putting our names in a ballot for tickets for next Tuesday.
Mr. Speaker: I have only the time now to say this: I understand that there has been a little difficulty this year owing to the uncertainty of our procedure because of the televising of the opening ceremony, but we must take steps to ensure that a better procedure is adopted next year.

PROROGATION

  HER MAJESTY'S MOST GRACIOUS SPEECH
  Message to attend the Lords Commissioners:
  The House went:—and, having returned—
  Mr. Speaker: I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers, where a Commission under the Great Seal was read. The Lord High Chancellor, being one of the Royal Commissioners, delivered Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of Her Majesty's Commands, as follows:
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  My Dear Husband and I derived great pleasure from our visit to the Netherlands in March.
  I was pleased to welcome to this country the President of Italy and Signora Gronchi, and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  I rejoice that the relations between this country and the United States of America are growing continually closer. My Government welcome the agreement concluded with the Government of the United States for co-operation on the development of modern weapons for purposes of collective defence.
  My Government have continued to support the work of the United Nations Organisation. They have maintained their efforts to bring about further progress towards disarmament.
  My Government have continued to play their full part in the North Atlantic Alliance and the other regional pacts to which they belong.
  In response to an appeal by the Jordanian Government certain of My Forces were despatched to Amman to preserve the territorial integrity and political independence of the country. A few days earlier, United States Forces had landed in the Lebanon in response to a similar appeal from the Lebanese President and My Government had fully supported this action. My Government made it clear to the United Nations that British Forces would be withdrawn from Jordan either at the request of the legitimate Government or when satisfactory arrangements to preserve Jordanian independence had been made under United Nations auspices. As a result of action taken in the United Nations to improve relations between all the Arab States, My Government have agreed with the Jordanian Government that My Forces should be withdrawn and this withdrawal is now taking place.
  My Government took part in the Conference at Geneva on the Law of the Sea and have signed the resulting Conventions on the régime of the high seas, the territorial sea, the continental shelf and fishery conservation. They have continued their efforts to negotiate a settlement with Iceland about fishery limits and have offered to submit the issue to the International Court of Justice. Meanwhile they are affording protection to British vessels engaged in fishing in the high seas around Iceland.
  The enthusiastic welcome which My Dear Mother received during her recent visit to Australia and New Zealand has been a great joy to Me. The Federation of the West Indies was established in January of this year and in April My Dear Sister represented Me at the inauguration in Trinidad of the Federal Legislature. She subsequently visited Guiana and British Honduras. More recently she has visited Canada. I was happy to hear from her of the warmth and loyalty with which she was greeted everywhere.
  My Government welcomed the opportunity for constructive partnership offered by the recent Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference at Montreal. This meeting emphasised the important role which the countries of the Commonwealth are playing in measures directed towards the expansion of the world economy and the improvement of living standards.
  The cordial reception given to My Prime Minister during his tour of India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia afforded Me great satisfaction. The many discussions which he had with statesmen in these countries served to strengthen still further the ties of friendship within the Commonwealth.
  My Government have persevered in their efforts to overcome the obstacles to a settlement in Cyprus; and My Forces are discharging their unhappy task in the Island with courage and integrity in the face of great difficulties.
  During the year an Act was passed enabling provision to be made for the grant of a new constitution to Singapore and for the extension of Commonwealth citizenship to all its citizens.
  An Order in Council has been made providing for an all-African Executive Council in Sierra Leone under the presidency of the Governor.
  Members of the House of Commons:
  I thank you for the provision which you have made for the public services.
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  The constant endeavour of My Ministers to strengthen the economy has improved our balance of payments and fortified our reserves, while maintaining a high and stable level of employment for My People and securing greater stability in the value of their money. Additional legislation has been enacted with a view to increasing employment in particular areas.
  Measures have been taken to remove controls over the supply and retail prices of coal and over iron and steel scrap prices; to revise and codify the law relating to import duties; and to establish a Conservancy Board at Milford Haven.
  My Government have continued to support home agriculture in accordance with the long-term assurances given to the industry, and have provided further assistance for the fishing industry. Legislation has been passed to repeal the disciplinary powers of the State over owners and occupiers of agricultural land and to modify the law relating to security of tenure and the arbitration of rents on tenanted farms. An Act has been passed to facilitate the drainage of agricultural land in Scotland. Fresh provision has been made with respect to the licensing and regulation of slaughterhouses in England and Wales.
  Acts have been passed to bring to an end certain emergency powers, notably those dealing with land used for defence purposes and opencast coal production, and to replace them, so far as necessary, with more limited permanent powers.
  In accordance with the resolve of My Ministers to improve the institutions of government, machinery has been established by statute for re-organising local government in England and Wales.
  Changes have also been made in the rating system and in the system of Exchequer grants to local authorities throughout Great Britain.
  A measure has been passed to permit the creation of life Peerages for men and women, carrying the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords. Improvements have also been made in the law relating to the redistribution of seats in the House of Commons.
  Measures have been taken to give effect to the majority of the recommendations of the Committee on Administrative Tribunals and Enquiries.
  The social welfare of My People has continued to be the special care of My Government. War pensions have been raised; retirement pensions and other benefits under the National Insurance
  1890
  and Industrial Injuries Schemes have been increased; and improvements have been made in the scales of National Assistance. An Act has also been passed to improve the arrangements for the industrial rehabilitation, training and resettlement of disabled persons.
  Legislation has been enacted to alleviate possible hardship to tenants of certain dwelling-houses released from control.
  The Maintenance Orders Act will achieve a useful measure of social reform in England and Wales by facilitating the enforcement of maintenance orders while at the same time reducing the number of men committed to prison in default of payment.
  Important reforms affecting the welfare of children are being effected by an Act amending the law of adoption and making fresh provision for the supervision of those who take children into their care for payment.
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you.
  Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read;
  After which the Lord Chancellor said:
  "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:
  By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's Name and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday, the twenty-eighth day of October, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued until Tuesday the twenty-eighth day of October, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight."
  End of the Third Session (opened 5th November, 1957) of the Forty-first Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

ROYAL NAVY
  Naval Ordnance Design and Inspection Pool
  Naval Ordnance Design and Inspection Pool
AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD
  Flood Damage, Lincolnshire
  Flood Damage, Lincolnshire
  Heneage Report
  Heneage Report
COLONIAL TERRITORIES
  Court Decisions (Review)
  Court Decisions (Review)
TANGANYIKA
  Penal Code (Ordinance)
  Penal Code (Ordinance)
  Legislative and Executive Councils
  Legislative and Executive Councils
SIERRA LEONE
  Financial Assistance
  Financial Assistance
  Defence and Internal Security
  Defence and Internal Security
NORTHERN RHODESIA AND NYASALAND
  Federal Elections
  Federal Elections
AFRICAN TERRITORIES
  Co-operative Societies
  Co-operative Societies
NORTHERN RHODESIA
  Constitutional Changes
  Constitutional Changes
ADEN
  Immigration Policy
  Immigration Policy
  Educational and Training Facilities
  Educational and Training Facilities
  Social Insurance
  Social Insurance
  Employment
  Employment
  Emergency (Publications) Regulations, 1958
  Emergency (Publications) Regulations, 1958
EDUCATION
  Oversized Classes
  Oversized Classes
  Building Programme, Newcastle under-Lyme
  Building Programme, Newcastle under-Lyme
  SEA-GOING SHIPS (INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION)
  SEA-GOING SHIPS (INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION)
  DOCUMENTS ON BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY, 1919–39
  DOCUMENTS ON BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY, 1919–39
MIDDLE EAST
  United Nations Resolution
  United Nations Resolution
  Nile Waters
  Nile Waters
  LIABILITY OF INNKEEPERS (DRAFT CONVENTION)
  LIABILITY OF INNKEEPERS (DRAFT CONVENTION)
  COUNCIL OF EUROPE RESOLUTION (ATOMIC ENERGY)
  COUNCIL OF EUROPE RESOLUTION (ATOMIC ENERGY)
HOME DEPARTMENT
  Police Recruits (National Service)
  Police Recruits (National Service)
  Dr. Linus Pauling
  Dr. Linus Pauling
  Prisoners (Escapes)
  Prisoners (Escapes)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
  Caravan Site, Egham
  Caravan Site, Egham
  Housing Programmes
  Housing Programmes
  Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing
  Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing
EMPLOYMENT
  Unemployment
  Unemployment
  Car and Cycle Workers
  Car and Cycle Workers
  Newcastle-under-Lyme
  Newcastle-under-Lyme
MINISTRY OF POWER
  Steel Production
  Steel Production
POST OFFICE
  Harraby Estate, Carlisle
  Harraby Estate, Carlisle
  Airmail Postcards
  Airmail Postcards
  BRITISH INDUSTRY (PRODUCTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS)
  BRITISH INDUSTRY (PRODUCTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS)
  EURATOM
  EURATOM
  NUCLEAR TESTS
  NUCLEAR TESTS
  THE PRIME MINISTER AND DR. ADENAUER (TALKS)
  THE PRIME MINISTER AND DR. ADENAUER (TALKS)
MINISTRY OF SUPPLY
  Swallow Aircraft Project
  Swallow Aircraft Project
  Royal Ordnance Factory, Swynnerton
  Royal Ordnance Factory, Swynnerton
TRADE AND COMMERCE
  Restrictive Practices Court
  Restrictive Practices Court
  Rank Organisation Cinema Circuits
  Rank Organisation Cinema Circuits
  Flower Bulbs
  Flower Bulbs
ROADS
  Parking Facilities, London
  Parking Facilities, London
  Double White Lines
  Double White Lines
  Trunk Road Improvement Scheme, Newcastle-under-Lyme
  Trunk Road Improvement Scheme, Newcastle-under-Lyme
TRANSPORT
  Driving Licences and International Driving Permits
  Driving Licences and International Driving Permits
  Driving Tests, Leeds and Wakefield
  Driving Tests, Leeds and Wakefield
NATIONAL FINANCE
  Civil Servants (Television Broadcasts)
  Civil Servants (Television Broadcasts)
  Post-War Credits
  Post-War Credits
  Retail Prices
  Retail Prices
  Balance of Payments
  Balance of Payments
  Building Industry
  Building Industry
  National Production
  National Production
  Cash Gifts to Overseas Residents
  Cash Gifts to Overseas Residents
  Employment
  Employment
Preamble
The House met at ten minutes before eleven of the clock, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
Prayers

  ROYAL COMMISSION
  THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME): My Lords, I beg to move that the House do adjourn during pleasure until five minutes past eleven.
  Moved, That the House do adjourn during pleasure.—(The Earl of Home).
  On Question, Motion agreed to, and House adjourned during pleasure accordingly.
  House resumed.

  PROROGATION: HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH
  Her Majesty's most gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by The Lord Chancellor (in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command) as followeth:
  " My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
  " My Dear Husband and I derived great pleasure from our visit to the Netherlands in March.
  " I was pleased to welcome to this country the President of Italy and Signora Gronchi, and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  " I rejoice that the relations between this country and the United States of America are growing continually closer. My Government welcome the agreement concluded with the Government of the United States for co-operation on the development of modern weapons for purposes of collective defence.
  " My Government have continued to support the work of the United Nations Organisation. They have maintained their efforts to bring about further progress towards disarmament.
  " My Government have continued to play their full part in the North Atlantic Alliance and the other regional pacts to which they belong.
  " In response to an appeal by the Jordanian Government certain of My Forces were despatched to Amman to preserve the territorial integrity and political independence of the country. A few days earlier, United States Forces had landed in the Lebanon in response to a similar appeal from the Lebanese President and My Government had fully supported this action. My Government made it clear to the United Nations that British Forces would be withdrawn from Jordan either at the request of the legitimate Government or when satisfactory arrangements to preserve Jordanian independence had been made under United Nations auspices. As a result of action taken in the United Nations to improve relations between all the Arab States, My Government have agreed with the Jordanian Government that My Forces should be withdrawn and this withdrawal is now taking place.
  " My Government took part in the Conference at Geneva on the Law of the Sea and have signed the resulting Conventions on the régime of the high seas, the territorial sea, the continental shelf and fishery conservation. They have continued their efforts to negotiate a settlement with Iceland about fishery limits and have offered to submit the issue to the International Court of Justice. Meanwhile they are affording protection to British vessels engaged in fishing in the high seas around Iceland.
  " The enthusiastic welcome which My Dear Mother received during her recent visit to Australia and New Zealand has been a great joy to Me. The Federation of the West Indies was established in January of this year and in April My Dear Sister represented Me at the inauguration in Trinidad of the Federal Legislature. She subsequently visited Guiana and British Honduras. More recently she has visited Canada. I was happy to hear from her of the warmth and loyalty with which she was greeted everywhere.
  " My Government welcomed the opportunity for constructive partnership offered by the recent Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference at Montreal. This meeting emphasised the important râle which the countries of the Commonwealth are playing in measures directed towards the expansion of the world economy and the improvement of living standards.
  " The cordial reception given to My Prime Minister during his tour of India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia afforded Me great satisfaction. The many discussions which he had with statesmen in these countries served to strengthen still further the ties of friendship within the Commonwealth.
  " My Government have persevered in their efforts to overcome the obstacles to a settlement in Cyprus; and My Forces are discharging their unhappy task in the Island with courage and integrity in the face of great difficulties.
  " During the year an Act was passed enabling provision to be made for the grant of a new constitution to Singapore and for the extension of Commonwealth citizenship to all its citizens.
  " An Order in Council has been made providing for an all-African Executive Council in Sierra Leone under the presidency of the Governor.
  " Members of the House of Commons
  " I thank you for the provision which you have made for the public services.
  " My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
  " The constant endeavour of My Ministers to strengthen the economy has improved our balance of payments and fortified our reserves, while maintaining a high and stable level of employment for My People and securing greater stability in the value of their money. Additional legislation has been enacted with a view to increasing employment in particular areas.
  " Measures have been taken to remove controls over the supply and retail prices of coal and over iron and steel scrap prices; to revise and codify
  668
  the law relating to import duties; and to establish a Conservancy Board at Milford Haven.
  " My Government have continued to support home agriculture in accordance with the long-term assurances given to the industry, and have provided further assistance for the fishing industry. Legislation has been passed to repeal the disciplinary powers of the State over owners and occupiers of agricultural land and to modify the law relating to security of tenure and the arbitration of rents on tenanted farms. An Act has been passed to facilitate the drainage of agricultural land in Scotland. Fresh provision has been made with respect to the licensing and regulation of slaughterhouses in England and Wales.
  " Acts have been passed to bring to an end certain emergency powers, notably those dealing with land used for defence purposes and opencast coal production, and to replace them, so far as necessary, with more limited permanent powers.
  " In accordance with the resolve of My Ministers to improve the institutions of government, machinery has been established by statute for re-organising local government in England and Wales.
  " Changes have also been made in the rating system and in the system of Exchequer grants to local authorities throughout Great Britain.
  " A measure has been passed to permit the creation of life Peerages for men and women, carrying the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords. Improvements have also been made in the law relating to the redistribution of seats in the House of Commons.
  " Measures have been taken to give effect to the majority of the recommendations of the Committee on Administrative Tribunals and Enquiries.
  " The social welfare of My People has continued to be the special care of My Government. War pensions have been raised; retirement pensions and other benefits under the National Insurance and Industrial Injuries Schemes have been increased; and improvements have been made in the scales of National Assistance. An Act has also been passed to improve the arrangements for the industrial rehabilitation,

  669
  training and resettlement of disabled persons.
  " Legislation has been enacted to alleviate possible hardship to tenants of certain dwelling-houses released from control.
  " The Maintenance Orders Act will achieve a useful measure of social reform in England and Wales by facilitating the enforcement of maintenance orders while at the same time reducing the number of men committed to prison in default of payment.
  " Important reforms affecting the welfare of children are being effected by an Act amending the law of adoption and making fresh provision for the supervision of those who take children into their care for payment.
  " My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
  " I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you. "
  Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
  After which The LORD CHANCELLOR said:
  My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday, the 28th day of this instant October, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday, the 28th day of this instant October.
  End of the Third Session of the Forty-first Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the seventh year of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.