HC Deb 16 July 1941 vol 373 cc593-4
35. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the attempts by isolated agitators to stir up disaffection in the British West Indies, whether he can give an assurance that the various Governors possess sufficient powers to deal with such attempts on the same lines if necessary as in this country?

Mr. George Hall

Yes. Sir.

Mr. Rhys Davies

May we take it that Governors of Colonies are not entitled to detain as isolated agitators persons who are genuinely trying to improve the conditions of the people there?

Mr. Hall

That statement is quite unfair. I do not know of a single case where the Governor of Jamaica or of any Colony has detained any person without considering that he was justified in doing so.

Dr. Morgan

Apart from detention, is it not the policy of Governors generally to prevent anyone making any speeches whatever?