§ 67. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the alleged subversive political propaganda for which seven members of the People's National Party in Jamaica have been prohibited from carrying on their political work; and whether he is having any steps taken to inquire into the grounds on which this restriction of political liberty has been imposed?
§ Colonel StanleyThe restrictive order was made by the Governor under the powers conferred by Jamaica Defence Regulation 17 with a view to preventing the persons in question acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety or defence. On the information before me I consider that the action taken by the Governor was justified.
§ Mr. RileyIs the Minister aware that recently the offices of this admittedly constitutional party in Kingston were raided and that three members of the party executive had their homes raided and their private papers and books seized, 1914 also that two members were arrested and searched; and may I ask what he proposes to do about it?
§ Colonel StanleyThat is a different question. I will certainly look into it.
§ Mr. GallacherCannot the Minister tell us the nature of the subversive propaganda? What did they say or what did they do?
§ Colonel StanleyThe Home Secretary has already explained in this House that in these cases it is contrary to the public interest to state the grounds on which orders are made.