§ 42. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to induce Colonies and other Dependencies to maintain forces sufficient to secure internal order.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Oliver Lyttelton)The Governments of all these Territories fully recognise and accept their responsibilities in this matter and no special action on my part is necessary. Her Majesty's Government already provide expert advice on the size and organisation of the military forces established to secure law and order in normal conditions and, when necessary, they make grants towards the cost of the local military forces which have been raised in many territories to provide the backing required in an emergency.
§ Mr. ReidIs it not a fact that many of these Colonies have not got such forces at all, and that we had an instance recently where British troops had to be sent to restore law and order? Is it not necessary that each of these Colonies should have near at hand small forces for emergency?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat is rather a wide question. There are a certain number of smaller Colonies which do not maintain police forces, and there I agree with the hon. Member.