Dr Thomas Shiels: I think it will be agreed that it is not easy at this stage to say anything new about the Economy Bill, as the points involved have been very well covered in the course of the Debate. Before we take a vote upon it, however, it is desirable that we should emphasise what we on this side believe to be the real meaning of this Measure. Is it what it seeks to be, namely, a Bill to ensure economies...
Dr Thomas Shiels: I do not mean to say that it has always been accurately fixed at the subsistence level. I meant that the standard was that of the subsistence level, and the standard of subsistence may vary under different dispensations. I repeat that the standard of life of the unemployed man has been fixed on the subsistence basis. There is no question about that, and I need not emphasise the points which...
Dr Thomas Shiels: No, but the hon. and gallant Member knows that I was not referring to that, but that I was referring to the developments foreshadowed by the Royal Commission. Further, I want to point out that this National Health Insurance is a vital service. We do not sufficiently emphasise, in view of the wonderful developments of medical and surgical skill that these ought to be available in full and...
Dr Thomas Shiels: I agree with the hon. Member that probably local sentiment was most attracted by the bigger and more straightforward scheme. It was a great deal more expensive, but one of the advantages adduced for the present scheme was that it would utilise a portion of the Rosyth garden city which was to some extent lying derelict. I was a little disappointed that the Minister seemed to anticipate that it...
Dr Thomas Shiels: My Noble Friend has no information regarding the alienations of land which are alleged to have taken place, but he is making enquiry of the Governor of Kenya. I would point out, however, that if the land in question is within a native reserve no alienation could take place except in accordance with the terms of the Native Lands Trust Ordinance under which native interests are fully safeguarded.
Dr Thomas Shiels: The Seychelles Planters' Association recently submitted to the Governor certain proposals for relieving their financial difficulties. As to the report of the commissioner who was sent to the colony, I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the recent visit of Mr. F. A. Stockdale, Agricultural Advisor to the Secretary of State which preceded the communication from the Planters' Association....
Dr Thomas Shiels: It has not been found possible to agree with some of the proposals, and others are still under consideration.
Dr Thomas Shiels: Such a report is not normally published, but, if hon. Members desire it, a copy will be placed in the Library.
Dr Thomas Shiels: I understand that it has always been the policy of the Government of Uganda not to discriminate between films for exhibition to Europeans and non-Europeans, and that there has been no recent change in this respect. The same policy is adopted by the majority of Colonial Governments, and was strongly endorsed in the report of the Colonial Films Committee which was published and presented to...
Dr Thomas Shiels: As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Dr Thomas Shiels: My Noble Friend has received no information as to a vacancy in the post of Agricultural Superintendent in Rodriquez. The post of Director of Agriculture, Mauritius, is at present vacant and it is hoped that it will be filled shortly.
Dr Thomas Shiels: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto) on 17th June last, of which I am sending him a copy.
Dr Thomas Shiels: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Dr Thomas Shiels: No doubt some changes will be necessary as a result of the recent Financial Commission, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
Dr Thomas Shiels: I am sorry that I am not able to add anything to what I have said.
Dr Thomas Shiels: No, Sir. My attention has not been called to that matter.
Dr Thomas Shiels: The recommendations have been carefully considered by the Governments concerned, but it is considered advisable to defer any changes in the existing system of control until the commission's recommendations have been fully discussed at the International Conference which is to be held at Bangkok in November.
Dr Thomas Shiels: My Noble Friend has received no information as to the existence of a state of under-nourishment among the inhabitants of Rodriguez, but the Governor is visiting the island in the course of the next few days and he is being asked to report.
Dr Thomas Shiels: I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the annual report for the year 1930. This has not yet been received from the Colony, but inquiry is being made as to when it may be expected.
Dr Thomas Shiels: Action is already taken by the Eastern African Dependencies Trade and Information Office to advertise Kenya and other East African coffee at exhibitions and in other ways as opportunity offers. If additional funds could be made available, that office would be glad to extend the publicity given to East African coffee. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member...
