§ 10. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government officially recognised the new Government of Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. BowdenI have nothing to add to the written reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. Ronald Bell), the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison), the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) on 25th April, 1967.—[Vol. 745, c. 246–7.]
§ Mr. TilneyCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the situation of the Governor-General, and who represents the Queen in Sierra Leone at the present time?
§ Mr. BowdenThe constitutional position is that Her Majesty the Queen is still Head of State in Sierra Leone, and the replacement of the Governor-General who, we understand, has now retired, is a matter between Her Majesty and the Government of Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. PavittWill my right hon. Friend give serious consideration to using the Commonwealth Secretariat to effect the release of political prisoners, especially Siaka Stevens and other trade union leaders, before further recognition of the regime?
§ Mr. BowdenThis is a matter for the Commonwealth Secretariat, over which we have no jurisdiction.