HC Deb 28 July 1937 vol 326 c3080
59. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Home Minister in Ceylon has denied in the State Council that he was consulted respecting the attempted deportation of Mr. Bracegirdle and that the Chief Secretary had stated previously that the Home Minister was consulted on this matter by the Inspector-General; and whether a thorough investigation is likely to be made into the matter in order to discover the facts?

Sir A. Lambert Ward

My right hon. Friend has seen the report of the debate during which the Acting Minister for Home Affairs stated that he was not consulted in regard to the proposed deportation of Mr. Bracegirdle from Ceylon and that he had come to the conclusion that the matter had not been referred to his Ministry, and in which the Chief Secretary subsequently stated that the Inspector-General of Police had informed the Minister of the action it was proposed to take. My right hon. Friend is not aware whether any inquiry is to be made, but he sees no reason why he should press for an investigation into this matter.

Mr. Sorensen

Surely if it is admitted that there is gross inconsistency in the statements made about the reference, could not some inquiry be prompted from this country? Might I suggest that this inconsistency does reveal that someone is not telling the truth?

Sir A. Lambert Ward

Will the hon. Member put that question down?