HC Deb 04 July 1927 vol 208 c855
13. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received a report on the case of Isa MacDonald Lawrence, who was sentenced to three years' hard labour at Blantyre, Nyasaland, in October for taking into Nyasaland copies of the "Workers' Herald," a Johannesburg native paper edited by Clements Kadalie; and whether he has now any statement to make to the House?

Mr. AMERY

I have now received a report from the Governor of Nyasaland and am satisfied that Isa Lawrence was given a fair trial, and that the sentence was not excessive in the light of the evidence. I may add that Lawrence pleaded guilty and that he has entered no appeal against the sentence although he has been offered the necessary facilities.

Mr. WILSON

Is the justice who tried the case still in Nyasaland?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, as far as I am aware.