§ 9. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he hopes to publish the report of the Committee on proposed reforms in the Channel Islands, of which he is Chairman.
§ Mr. EdeThe report of the Committee of the Privy Council of constitutional and judicial reforms in the Channel Islands was presented to Parliament in March last. If the hon. Member is referring to the Privy Council Committee appointed to inquire into and report upon the state of Alderney, I hope that this report will be available early in 1948.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Home Secretary aware that since the German occupation of the Channel Islands many Channel Islanders are very critical of the treatment they receive from their own Government; and, while I realise that his powers are limited, will he do all he can to see that justice is done for the Channel Islanders under their law, and in receiving reparations from the Germans?
§ Mr. EdeI think that if the recommendations in the reports which have been published, and in the one which is about to be published, are carried out, very considerable reforms in the control of the Government by the people of the Islands will have been established.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the right hon. Gentleman see to it, as far as he can, that those reforms are carried out?
§ Mr. EdeThese Islands are self-governing. The Committees gave advice, and I am glad to say that, in the main, the advice is being followed.