§ 23. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that on 21st February a squad of police invaded the village in Jamaica known as the Dungle, drove out the inhabitants and set fire to their dwellings, and cut down the trees which had served as hammock rests; what were the reasons for this action; where the inhabitants, thus 2025 rendered homeless, have been lodged; and whether it is proposed to compensate them for the loss of their possessions?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Sir Thomas Inskip)I have been asked to reply. The following report has been received from the Governor of Jamaica:
Dungle is not a village: it is an open plot of land where the city refuse is deposited and it is owned by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation. This land has for some time been the haunt of habitual criminals and drug takers, and early this year the corporation attempted to take down the hovels which had been erected without authority by these people, and to clear the site, but were met with violence. The corporation then requested police protection for the performance of the work, and on the 21st of February this was afforded. Without adequate protection it is certain that the criminals would have again resorted to violence, and even as it was the workmen carting away the debris were threatened and attempts made to molest them, and additional police had to be provided.
§ Mr. GallacherThe Minister is, I suppose, aware that whenever action is taken against any specially poor section of the population they are always criminals?
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
§ Mr. GallacherMay I not ask the Minister a supplementary question?