HC Deb 28 June 1939 vol 349 cc406-7
43. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the prosecution of George Pratt in Sierra Leone; why this man was detained in prison for one month and eight days, and bail refused by the police magistrate; whether compensation will be paid; whether he is aware that this man had committed no offence warranting his arrest and that the evidence of the prosecution was disproved in the Supreme Court; whether he will take the necessary steps to stop prosecutions for opinion and trade union activity in West Africa; and whether he will reform the police service?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 15th June; as regards the third part, the answer is in the negative; as regards the fourth part, I am unable to agree to the apparent suggestion that there was no justification for this man's arrest or for his prosecution, since the local authorities held the view that a reasonable prima facie case had been made; as regards the fifth part, I am not aware that any such prosecution has taken place; as regards the sixth part, perhaps the hon. Member would communicate with me if he has details of any definite complaint against the police which he would wish to have investigated.

Mr. Creech Jones

What justification was there for keeping this man in prison for one month and eight days without bail; and, in view of the general industrial disquietude in this territory, is not this method of prosecution likely to arouse some considerable suspicion and distrust in the administration?

Mr. MacDonald

The first part of the hon. Member's question was answered very fully in the long statement which was made by the Dominions Secretary in the answer to which I have referred.

Mr. Paling

Would it not be better to try to improve the wretched conditions in which these people are living and working in that country rather than to adopt these repressive measures?