HC Deb 29 February 1956 vol 549 cc1158-9
13. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the vote of this House on 16th February, he will advise that the death penalty be abolished in all British Colonies, Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories.

Mr. Hare

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 22nd February to a Question by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler).

Mr. Brockway

I have read that reply. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the three different types of Colony, he will take appropriate action? In the case of Colonies where there are hostilities, will he apply some limitation of the death penalty; in Colonies which have self-government, draw their attention to the debates in this House; and, in Colonies for which the right hon. Gentleman is directly responsible, carry out the decision of this House?

Mr. Hare

The House should know my Answer to the Question on 22nd February. It was: Local law and practice are the responsibility of the Colonial Governments. My right hon. Friend will, of course, keep these Governments informed of any decisions which Her Majesty's Government may take in this matter."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd February, 1956; Vol. 549, c. 42.] That is a very fair statement of the situation.

Mr. Tilney

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it would be wrong, after a free vote in this House, to force our ideas on nearly self-governing territories, especially as in many of them conditions of housing and feeding in prison are better than what is obtainable outside?

Mr. Hare

I have nothing to add to what I have already said.