§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent progress has been made in respect of the appeal made by the Trusteeship Committee of the United Nations for the abolition of corporal punishment as a penal sentence in the Colonies.
§ Mr. LytteltonI assume that the reference is to the General Assembly Resolution of 18th January, 1952, relating to Trust Territories. I would refer to my reply to the question by the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Peter Freeman) on 31st January, 1952. The only development since that date has been the appointment of a committee by the Tanganyika Government to ascertain public opinion on this form of punishment.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement similar to that has already been made regarding the opinion of the Tanganyika Government? Has the opinion of the Tanganyika Government yet to be secured? Can progress be expedited in this matter in other colonial areas?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have not received the report. The policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter remains the same.