HC Deb 04 March 1942 vol 378 cc632-3
25. Mr. David Adams

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the secretary of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Council, who had published a circular letter contrasting the conditions of slaves in St. Kitts in 1798 with those of labourers in 1940, was threatened by the Attorney-General with punishment by interment for the duration of the war; and whether he will direct that such persecution shall cease?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

No, Sir. The Governor of the Leeward Islands is being asked for a report on this allegation, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.

Mr. Adams

Will the Under-Secretary bear in mind that this is a gross interference with the liberty of the subject?

Mr. Macmillan

That is why we are asking for a report of the circumstances. We cannot judge until he have had that report.