HC Deb 27 June 1951 vol 489 c1377
59. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many police constables and officers of customs, respectively, there now are in the Falkland Islands Dependencies to enforce the Falkland Islands Dependencies Immigration (Restrictions) Ordinance, 1936, against small and irregular numbers of people.

Mr. Cook

There are one police officer and two customs officials in South Georgia, but none in the Antarctic part of the Dependencies. Although there are, of course, British Survey posts at a number of points in the Antarctic Dependencies, it is not considered practicable to apply the legislation to which the hon. and gallant Member refers in those territories.

Commander Noble

Would the hon. Gentleman say what is the point of having this Ordinance unless it is applied?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Arising out of that supplementary question, may I ask the Under-Secretary whether he will give some further answer? It appears to many of us that the few people who are in the Falkland Islands now are placed in a hopeless position and that this House, having given assent to this legislation. ought to see that it is carried out.

Mr. Cook

His Majesty's Government are still of the view that this matter should be settled at the International Court.