HC Deb 01 May 1956 vol 552 cc28-9W
84. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent stable and peaceful conditions prevail in Aden; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Hare

In the Colony there were some instances of violence in the early stages of the recent strikes, but the police were able to deal with them and, in general, law and order have been maintained. I am glad to say that all these strikes have now ended.

In the greater part of the Protectorate peaceful conditions prevail, but there has been some recent trouble in the north of the Western Aden Protectorate, where a Government Guards post near Beihan was attacked by tribesmen from the Yemen on 18th April. At the request of the Government of the Yemen a meeting was held between British and Yemeni representatives to discuss the situation arising out of this incident, and the intruders from the Yemen withdrew.

85. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the progress made towards federation in the Aden Protectorate.

Mr. Hare

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 18th April to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) about the conversation which the Governor of Aden has recently held with the Aden Protectorate Rulers and to the copies that I then circulated of statements by the Governor and the Rulers. As I then explained, no immediate constitutional changes are proposed. The Rulers arc discussing the question, and their consideration of it may take some time.