§ 31. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will place in the House a copy of the Public 211 Order Ordinance passed in the Legislative Council of the Seychelles in March of this year; and whether he will make a statement giving the reasons for this measure being brought forward at this time.
§ Mr. J. AmeryCopies of the Ordinance to which the hon. Member refers are in the Library of the House. The Ordinance results from a general review of the arrangements in existence in Seychelles for maintaining law and order. It has been in preparation for over a year and its introduction at the present time has no special significance.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Under-Secretary aware that the Governor has now taken powers which prevent ordinary Seychellois wearing a tie of the wrong colour without his permission? In view of the extraordinary powers taken, will the Under-Secretary indicate why they should be wanted at this time?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I think that the hon. Member was informed in the Seychelles, with the exception of the provisions regarding curfew and the restriction of liquor sales the Ordinance follows closely the provisions of the United Kingdom Public Order Act, 1936. I have not been so far aware that in this country the colour of the ties we wear can be dictated to us.