asked the Secretary or State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what reply he has made to the request by the Mbadwa Council for a commission of inquiry into allegations of political murder and intimidation in Nyasaland.

I have asked the Governor to inform the Council that I do not consider that the situation warrants the appointment of a commission of inquiry.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this petition alleges that there have been 50 political murders in Nyasaland, including murders of members of Jehovah's Witnesses? Should not these allegations be looked into?

I know about that figure, but it has not been substantiated. The incidents referred to resulted in nine murders, some of which appear to have had no political connection.