§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now ascertained, as a result of the Commission of Inquiry, the precise cause of the disorders in British Guiana; what is the estimated amount of damage caused by the disorder; whether the situation is now quiet; when the troops are likely to be withdrawn; if a locally recruited militia is now receiving consideration; and whether the Independence Conference will be postponed.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am appointing a Commission of Inquiry to report on the causes of the disturbances. The British Guiana Government, which is constitutionally responsible for internal security, has not published an estimate of the damage caused. The situation is now quiet and the number of troops has been reduced. British Guiana already has a local volunteer Defence Force. As to the last part, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Pavitt) on 23rd March.
§ Mr. SorensenArising out of that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman how long we are likely to have to wait before we get the report of this inquiry, and whether there is any kind of interim report to show us exactly what were the causes of these unfortunate disturbances?
§ Mr. MaudlingI have invited certain gentlemen to be members of the Commission, but I have not yet received their answers. It is difficult to get hold of people of the eminence one wants. It is most important to have people whose judgment will be respected. I hope very soon to get the Commission established, and I am sure that it will begin its work as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HealeyCan the right hon. Gentleman at least give us some clue as to the composition of this Commission, and, in particular, say whether there will be members from other Commonwealth countries and from this country?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir. The idea is that it should be of a judicial character, with a chairman from this country and other members from other Commonwealth countries.