53. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the warrant issued by the Governor of Jamaica for the arrest of the native leader, Alexander Bustamente, stated that he was to be in-interned indefinitely, with a view to preventing him acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety; and whether as an offence has not been committed, he will be given a trial and not interned possibly for his lifetime?
§ Major Dugdale (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. As my hon. Friend was informed on 6th November last, in reply to a Question, Alexander Bustamante was detained by an order of the Governor under the Defence Regulations for inflammatory utterances, and he will therefore not be brought to trial. He will be detained for as long as is necessary in the interests of public security, but, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) on 19th February, the Governor wil keep his case under review.
Mr. AdamsIn view of the fact that the Governor of Jamaica is in this country, will the Minister consult him as to whether it is intended to review this sentence after so many months' duration?
§ Major DugdaleI understand that my right hon. Friend is in touch with the Governor at this moment on the subject.