HC Deb 22 December 1937 vol 330 cc1958-60
37. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement regarding the recent disturbances in Barbados; how many persons were killed; how many wounded; and what number of those arrested are still in prison?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The total casualties were 14 killed and 47 injured. I have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not possible to do something to alter economic conditions there, and to make life more bearable for these people, instead of developing a situation like this?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The hon. Member knows that the island is fully developed and very densely populated, and that the population is dependent entirely on the price of the sugar which is their only export.

39. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that sentences totalling 20 years' imprisonment have been imposed on three negroes, two of whom were convicted of sedition and one of incitement to riot in connection with the recent disturbances in Barbados; and whether, in view of the previous good records of the three men convicted, he will review these sentences with a view to mitigation?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have no information regarding the imposition of the sentences to which the hon. Member refers; but, with regard to the second part of the question, I would point out that the exercise of the prerogative of pardon in respect of sentences imposed by a court of justice in a Colony is delegated to the Governor of the Colony, and does not rest with the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make recommendations to the Governor, in view of the fact that sedition is merely the expression of political opinions that the ruling class do not like?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, Sir. Sedition is certainly not that. Sedition under the law of the land, and particularly under many Colonial laws, is usually incitement to violence, and it certainly would be most unconstitutional, and a thing which is never done, for me to make representations to a Governor as regards the exercise of the prerogative of pardon.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that one of these men was charged with sedition and another with inciting to violence, and, therefore, sedition is not incitement to violence?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has had his answer.