§ 2.46 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government in what Colonies flogging or caning is a penalty for prison offences other than violence, and whether the prison regulations in such Colonies will now be brought into line with the new practice in Aden.]
THE MINISTER OF STATE, COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)My Lords, all dependent territories have been asked for up-to-date information on their prison regulations regarding flogging or caning for prison offences. Not all territories have yet replied. However, from the replies received it is apparent that the majority conform already with the 1208 new practice in Aden. Of the minority where this is not the case, some are already considering altering the rules to conform. In other cases where the Secretary of State still retains the necessary constitutional powers he will ask the Governors concerned to seek the alteration of the rules and regulations as may be required. My noble friend the Minister of State for Colonial Affairs, or I myself, will be glad to give the noble Earl a fuller reply when the answers have been received from all the territories.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Duke. May I now give him notice that I will put down another Question when he has the information which will enable him to give a full reply? He will naturally not be surprised that I expect the practice in all these territories to be brought into line with the practice in Aden.