§ 12. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many territories under the Colonial Office amendments (have recently been placed on the statute book designed to make more severe the sedition clauses of existing legislation; and in what territories it is proposed to take such action?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn one colony, where no such legislation previously existed, a Bill has recently been introduced to prevent the importation of seditious literature. There has been other Colonial legislation on the subject of sedition during the past three years, but its general object has been to clarify the existing law, not to increase its severity.
§ Mr. MALLALIEUCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether in that particular instance there is a right of search similar to that proposed in the present Government Bill in this country dealing with sedition?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir, not without notice, but, if a question is put on the Paper, I will try to answer it.
§ 13. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the paramount chiefs in the Gold Coast Colony, the joint provincial councils, and the provincial and municipal members of the legislative council, have made representations to the Governor protesting against the passing 1747 of the Sedition Bill, and requesting its suspension until the provisions have been submitted to His Majesty's Government; what was the majority by which the Bill was passed in the legislative council; how many African members of the council voted in favour of passing this Measure; and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government in this matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Gold Coast Criminal Code Amendment Ordinance. I am aware that representations of the nature indicated by the hon. Member have been made to the Governor. I, myself, have received several telegrams protesting against the enactment of this Ordinance and I have caused the senders to be informed that any petitions or representations submitted within a reasonable time will receive careful consideration before I deside on my advice to His Majesty in respect of the Ordinance. I have not yet received any detailed representations. The Bill was passed in the Gold Coast Legislative Council by a majority of 19 to 9; none of the African members of the Council voted in favour of it.