asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will appoint a judicial inquiry into the present state of emergency in Aden and the Protectorates, and into the operation of Federation in that territory as at present constituted.

No, Sir.

How long is the state of emergency likely to last, and is it possible that some other people will be detained within a short time? Does not the Secretary of State recognise that some really serious problems arise out of the present Federation and possible subsequent independence, about which he knows my views, and will he try to avoid some of the mistakes we have made in the past in connection with federations by sending out a judicial inquiry so that, at the appropriate time. we may be able to institute federation in this part of the world and, possibly, independence emerging in a propor way?

I should like to study the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. I cannot see that a judicial inquiry into the present state of emergency in Aden—

And the Federation. Read the Question.

—and the Protectorates—

And the Federation.

No, it does not mention the Federation.

Yes, it does.

It refers to the operation of Federation in the territory. I cannot see that this is a suitable subject for inquiry of that kind; it is a matter for Government policy and for the House of Commons, not for roaming investigations.

The Minister is very "smart-Aleck" today. Why?