58. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the president, secretary and others of the Uganda Drivers' Union have been arrested; and whether intimidation is being practised and military Forces still employed in the Protectorate.
§ 42. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the arrest of the president, secretary and members of the Motor Drivers' Trade Union in Uganda.
§ Colonel StanleyThe Governor has reported that he has ordered the detention under Uganda Defence Regulation No. 23 of five persons, including the president and secretary of the Motor Drivers' Trade Union, because he has reasonable cause to believe that they had recently been concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety and that by reason thereof it was 231 necessary to exercise control over them. There is no justification whatever for the suggestion that intimidation is being practised; and the additional military Forces are being progressively withdrawn.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the Minister say what precisely are the grounds for these arrests, what acts these men have committed and whether any opportunity will be given for an investigation to be made? Are they detained or imprisoned, and will they have an opportunity of answering any charges made against them?
§ Colonel StanleyAs I said, they are under detention under the Regulations, and it is not the practice, any more than it is the practice in regard to cases coming under Regulations in this country, to give specific details of the charges which were made.
§ Mr. GallacherWere the offences committed such as would have resulted in the general secretary and chairman of the Transport Workers' Union in this country being arrested if they had committed the same offences here?
§ Colonel StanleyThe hon. Member must realise that these events in Uganda were concerned not only with an industrial dispute, but with a very serious and organised disturbance.
§ Colonel StanleyThe normal procedure under these Regulations.