§ 23. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many terrorist attacks have taken place in Aden during the past year; and how many people have been killed and injured as a result of them.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)There have been 255 terrorist incidents in Aden State since 1st October, 1964, resulting in 29 persons being killed and 201 injured.
§ Mr. FisherCan the Secretary of State say whether there has been any improvement that he can detect since the suspension of the Aden Constitution? In view of the really rather grave figures he has announced, and the reprehensible activities of the so-called National Liberation Front, will he accept that we on this side fully understand that he really had no alternative but to suspend the Aden Constitution, which action has the support of the Opposition?
§ Mr. GreenwoodOne does not want to be over-optimistic too early, but it does appear that since the date to which the hon. Gentleman has referred there has been a reduction in the number of terrorist attempts. They have continued, but, so far, fortunately, the recent attempts have been abortive, and a number of leaders of the terrorist movement have now been put into detention, and we consider that there is reason to believe that the improvement will continue.
§ Mr. William YatesWill the Minister also take into account that there are hon. Members on this side of the House and in his own party—his Parliamentary Private Secretary, indeed, resigned when he saw what the Labour Party policy—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is getting on to a Question which is on the Order Paper, addressed to the Prime Minister.