§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what were the reasons for the dismissal of a Rhodesian as the chief of police on the Island of St. Helena;
353W(2) if the 15-year-old girl imprisoned in the all-male gaol on the Island of St. Helena has been removed to more appropriate accommodation;
(3) if the practice of using prisoners on the Island of St. Helena as a source of cheap labour still continues;
(4) if he is satisfied with the way in which the Rhodesian former head of police on the Island of St. Helena investigated the complaints of islanders; and if he will make a statement;
(5) how many cases of alleged brutality on the part of police have been investigated in the past year on the Island of St. Helena, and with what result;
(6) if he is satisfied with the manner in which allegations of attempted rape and police brutality on the Island of St. Helena have been investigated by the police; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KershawThe late Superintendent of Police on St. Helena was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies. He had previously served in the police force in Rhodesia but resigned, at the same time as the Governor, Sir Humphrey Gibbs. His engagement was determined by the Governor of St. Helena, after careful consideration of both the public interest of St. Helena and in the officer's own interests.
A part of the gaol is reserved for female prisoners to be held under suitable conditions. The 15-year-old girl has been returned by the Juvenile Court to her parents from the Remand Home.
Prisoners are not used as a source of cheap labour on St. Helena.
One complaint of misconduct at a private party was made during the past year. As the result of this incident, a private prosecution for assault was filed against the late Superintendent of Police but was later withdrawn by the complainant.
One recent case of alleged rape was investigated by the Police, and found to be false on inquiry. The late Governor investigated these allegations of police brutality, and appropriate action was taken.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the Legislative Council on St. Helena is elected.
354W
§ Mr. KershawThe Legislative Council of St. Helena consists of the Governor, two ex-officio Members and twelve Members, elected by universal adult suffrage.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the manner in which British investment in Solomon and Company of St. Helena is being handled by its South Africa shareholders and directors and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KershawWe have received no complaints from investors in Solomon and Company. The Government of St. Helena is represented on the board of the company.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if public premises are used for the teaching of Afrikaans on the Island of St. Helena.
§ Mr. KershawNo.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the proposal to build an airstrip on St. Helena will be backed by British or South African capital.
§ Mr. KershawSome preliminary examination of the feasibility of building an airfield has been carried out, but there are as yet no firm proposals to build one.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the average weekly income per household, male worker and female worker, respectively, on the Island of St. Helena;
(2) what is the level of unemployment pay and retirement pensions on the Island of St. Helena;
(3) what is the level of unemployment on the Island of St. Helena.
§ Mr. KershawThe average weekly income per household on St. Helena is not available as such statistics are not maintained. The basic weekly wage for unskilled workers is £5.37½ with higher rates for skilled workers. Male and female Government employees are on the same salary scale, and most other employers follow this practice.
Unemployment pay is based on three days casual labour per week earning 355W £3.22½. Government employees receive pensions according to the scales laid down in the Pensions Ordinance. People without any form of income receive relief in weekly amounts ranging from 60 pence to £2.75 according to dependants.
Out of a total population of approximately 4,800 the number of persons currently registered as unemployed is 53.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will invite to Great Britain representatives of the 5,000 coloured people on the Island of St. Helena who are concerned at the extent of control over the economic life on the island exercised by South African interests, in order to discuss the island's future.
§ Mr. KershawI have no plans to invite to this country persons chosen on such a basis. St. Helena has a representative government whose members have not expressed concern such as the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs over what period education is compulsory on the Island of St. Helena.
§ Mr. KershawEducation on St. Helena is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of five and 15; power to exempt after the age of 14 rests with the Education Committee.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for improving the economy on the Island of St. Helena.
§ Mr. KershawHer Majesty's Government are providing development aid and technical assistance at the rate of approximately £100,000 per annum to meet current requests. The main feature of the present development programme is the improvement of the existing water supply system at a cost of £113,000 over three years. Other schemes in being or under consideration include a breakwater for Jamestown harbour, improvement of pasturage, and equipment for the new Technical Trades Centre.