§ 10. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will advise that a Coronation amnesty be 356 granted to deserters and other ex-Service men in the colonial forces found guilty of offences under military regulations during the war.
§ Mr. LytteltonFollowing the Prime Minister's statement on 23 rd February about the Coronation amnesty for deserters, the Governors of Colonial Territories where forces are raised under local ordinances were asked to consider whether any similar announcement should be made locally in respect of those forces. I have not yet been informed whether any action was taken on this and am, therefore, making inquiries. I see no reason, however, for the grant of an amnesty to other than deserters from colonial forces. Such a proposal would go beyond what has been considered appropriate in this country.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile expressing appreciation of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has been approached by the Ex-Service Men's Association of Nigeria on this matter, and if he can give us any date when he is likely to have these replies, as the Coronation is approaching?
§ Mr. LytteltonI expect to have a reply shortly. Speaking from memory, I do not think that I have received any representations from the body which the hon. Gentleman mentioned.