HC Deb 21 July 1964 vol 699 c252
6. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what action is to be taken by Her Majesty's Government on the proposal of the United Nations Special Committee on Colonialism that a three-member committee of good offices should visit British Guiana to assist in restoring harmony and peaceful conditions.

Mr. Sandys

We have taken note of it.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman content to allow the present critical situation in British Guiana to continue, with emergencies, with arrests, and with killings? What is his constructive proposal for a settlement of this problem? As he has refused a Commonwealth mission of good will, why refuse a United Nations mission of good will?

Mr. Sandys

I agree that a little more good will in British Guiana would be a nice thing, but I do not think that further missions are likely to create it. As regards the proposal for a Commonwealth mission, in which I know some hon. Members have some interest, as the communiqué showed, this was discussed at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers Meeting, but there were widely differing views about the wisdom of such action.