asked the Minister of Defence in which Colonies it is intended to recruit land and air Forces for service in peacetime outside their home countries; and if he will make a statement on His Majesty's Government's policy concerning the employment of colonial manpower to share in the burdens of Imperial Defence.

The Colonies made a notable contribution to our war effort in the recent struggle; and Colonial Forces served abroad, with great distinction, in a number of campaigns. The help of the Colonies will be needed to ease the burdens of Imperial Defence in the years that lie ahead. Careful consideration is now being given to the form this assistance should take in the future. For the most part, service in peacetime will be confined to the Colony, but the question of service outside the Colony is also being investigated.

Is there likely to be much more delay in reaching this decision? The matter was raised in the House in July of last year.

There is no question of delay about it. The matter is being considered at all times as to how we shall deal with each of the local Forces in each of the areas concerned.

Can the Minister say whether in following this policy of allowing Colonial peoples to play a large part, and their proper part, in Imperial Defence in peacetime, he intends to continue the relaxation of King's Regulations which, for the first time during this war, allowed Africans and West Indians to hold the King's Commission? Will he carry that relaxation over to peace time?

I would like to have a look at that Question on the Paper, if my hon. Friend will put it down.

I put it down some time ago.

When the Minister has come to a conclusion about Dominion and Colonial Defence, will he issue a fresh White Paper on the subject?

I will consider that.

Is it a fact that under one of the regulations of the Indian Army, Indians are now virtually barred from entering Sandhurst?

I could not say without notice.

Could the Minister say if, in the plans for offering facilities to the people of the Colonial Empire, he will consider the possibility of their being able to join the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, apart from being able to enter into regiments locally?

That raises another question and I would not like to deal with it today.