49. Mr. David Adamsasked 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. MacDonaldMy 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. AdamsIs 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. MacDonaldThe 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 JonesIs the Minister aware that the right hon. Gentleman, his colleague, promised to make investigations in respect to a previous suppression 25 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. MacDonaldMy 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. Speakerrose —