HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc24-5
49. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that 2,000 copies of the "African Sentinel," fourth edition, have been taken possession of by the authorities in Sierra Leone; why this detention has been made; and whether he will take steps to release these issues and see that African people enjoy the right of free expression of opinion?

Mr. M. MacDonald

My Noble Friend has received no information from the Governor as to the detention of this publication. Inquiry will be made on the subject and the hon. Member will be communicated with when the Governor's report has been received.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister aware that this publication is printed in this country and is available on railway bookstalls and that it advocates nothing but peaceful methods of advance for the coloured people?

Mr. MacDonald

The question deals only with certain actions which have been taken in the Colony, and the answer is, therefore, necessarily confined to that aspect of the matter.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the Minister aware that the right hon. Gentleman, his colleague, promised to make investigations in respect to a previous suppression of this publication, and is this strictly in conformity with the declaration of the Colonial Secretary that this country stands for the free, unfettered and fearless expression of different points of view?

Mr. MacDonald

My right hon. Friend made the inquiries he promised to make and he has not yet received an answer as a result of those inquiries, but as soon as the answer comes the hon. Member will be informed.

Mr. Adams

Arising out of my supplementary question—

Mr. Speaker

rose