asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies whether he is aware that mass meetings of citizens in St. Vincent have passed resolutions of no confidence in the island's Administrator for his refusal to dissolve the Legislature and order new elections; and what action he is taking to investigate the further corruption and fraud which the resolutions allege against the island's government.

The answer to the first part is "Yes, Sir" and to the second "None".

Does this mean that the Government are going to leave things exactly as they are in St. Vincent? Is it not the case that all possible evidence shows that there ought to be some form of public inquiry to see whether such charges as the wrongful sale of public land to private friends of the Government which are being bandied about have any grounds in fact? Would it not be much better to clear the air in St. Vincent by having some inquiry?

I know about these allegations of mal-administration. I have been in touch with the Administrator about them and have been into them carefully, but he does not consider—and I agree with him—that there is sufficient foundation for them to warrant any special action.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that for some time past it has seemed that the Government in St. Vincent have been unable to assimilate the principles on which it is desired to translate Western democracy to former Colonies? Is it not time to make a decision to have a fresh start?

The Government command a Majority in the Legislative Council in St. Vincent. Frankly, I do not wish to defend every aspect of Mr. Joshua's Government—we have had to criticise it on several occasions—but no particular incident has in itself justified a dissolution or a suspension.