HC Deb 15 December 1943 vol 395 cc1536-7
36. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why a petition sent to the West African Students' Union, dated 24th November, from 10 persons detained in the Gold Coast under Defence Regulations was intercepted and held back for many months before delivery; the total number of detainees in West Africa; and the number released since detention?

Colonel Stanley

The letter in question was not intercepted but was forwarded through the official channel at the specific request of the writers. A copy first reached me in January, 1943, but the original never arrived and must have been lost on the way. I regret the subsequent delay in forwarding the copy but it was felt desirable to make some inquiries as to the facts of the case. I was therefore able in August, when passing on the representations, to give the West African Students' Union full information on the case, including the fact that the Governor had already found it possible to release five of these detainees. As regards the latter part of the Question, the information in my possession is not completely up-to-date. I am therefore making inquiries from the Governors concerned.

Mr. Sorensen

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, might I ask whether it is not a little unusual to intercept a letter and then to make inquiries about it? Would it not have been better if it had been delivered first?

Colonel Stanley

The letter was not intercepted. It was sent to me by the Governor at the request of the writers of the petition.