HC Deb 10 March 1960 vol 619 cc603-4
1. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now take steps to secure the repeal of Regulation No. 35 of the Nyasaland emergency regulations.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)

The repeal of emergency regulations is a matter for the Governor. I shall, of course, be discussing with him during my forthcoming visit the whole question of the continuation of emergency powers.

Mrs. Castle

Would not the Colonial Secretary agree that at the time when the Monckton Commission is just starting its work on the whole future of Federation it is unfortunate that this Regulation, which makes anyone who undermines public confidence in the Government of the Federation liable to fourteen years" imprisonment or a fine of £1,000, or both, should be in operation? Does not this make nonsense of the work of the Monckton Commission, and could not the right hon. Gentleman solve the whole thing by ending the so-called state of emergency which no longer exists?

Mr. Macleod

It would certainly solve this particular problem if one felt able to end the emergency, because this would end with the ending of the emergency. I think it is more to that matter that the hon. Lady's Question is addressed than to the actual form of the Regulation, because most of it is common form as in other cases. I shall be discussing this matter with the Governor.

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