asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the recent communal disturbances in Aden.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made in reply to the Private Notice Question by the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) on 10th December. No more detailed reports of casualties and damage are yet available. The situation has remained quiet. Naval shore parties have been withdrawn, and in view of arrangements for British Army reinforcements, it is not expected that further assistance from the Royal Navy will be necessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reassure the House that at this moment there are enough armed Forces in Aden to prevent a recurrence of that disastrous outbreak.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I do not know about being able to prevent a recurrence, but we have reinforced the Services there, and I hope that any situation which may arise can be kept well under control.