HC Deb 23 July 1941 vol 373 cc910-2W
Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to improve the condition of the people of Somaliland since its re-occupation by British troops, in view of the great distress of the people following the Italian occupation and the military campaigns in their country; what steps are being taken to increase the share of the people in the Government of the Colony; and whether any improvements which are being introduced are being extended also to the former Italian colony?

Captain Margesson

Everything possible is being done by the military administration to restore the conditions which existed prior to the evacuation of British Somaliland and thus to facilitate the resumption of normal civil government. But no question can arise at this stage of making important constitutional changes. The measures which are being taken for the welfare of the former Italian colonies in East Africa are related to the special needs of those colonies, which are not in all cases the same as those of British Somaliland.