asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware of Dr. Banda's recent refusal to give Her Majesty's High Commissioner in Malawi any guarantee for the safety of Major Moxon, Mr. Cameron and Mr. McAdam, all British subjects; and what action he is taking to ensure their safety.

When the British High Commissioner learnt that Messrs. Cameron and McAdam had been threatened in their homes he immediately called upon Dr. Banda. Police protection had been provided; but in view of the strong feeling in the country following recent political events Dr. Banda felt unable to guarantee their future safety. Major Moxon was not involved at that time. All three men have now left Malawi.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this state of affairs in which the head of a Government cannot guarantee the safety of British subjects is a matter of great concern to this House? Will he make representations to Dr. Banda to ensure the future safety of British lives and property in his country? Will he also ensure that where people are forced—in spite of that—to leave the country in a hurry, they receive adequate compensation for the property which they leave behind?

Representations have been made by our High Commissioner to Dr. Banda. Dr. Banda has stated that British subjects are very welcome in Malawi provided they do not interfere in Malawi's internal affairs. The question of compensation goes rather far from the original Question.