TNAG-0720-FCO40-918-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 109

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ROYAL COMMISSION TO ENQUIRE INTO THE RECENT DISTURBANCES IN

BERMUDA

The Governor has reached agreement with the Bermuda

Government and Opposition that a Royal Commission, appointed

by the Governor, should enquire into the recent disturbances.

The Commission will consist of five members, two of whom,

including the Chairman, will be selected from outside Bermuda

by the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary. He will be

consulted about the Commission's recommendations but primary

responsibility for their implementation will rest with the

Bermuda Government.

RESPONSIBILITY WITHOUT POWER

Many of our dependent territories have reached the

stage where the Governments have a substantial degree of

responsibility for internal affairs while the British

Government retain responsibility for internal security (as

well as for external affairs and defence). The implications

of this are among the points Parliament will wish to consider

in reviewing present policies towards capital punishment

in the territories.