§ 44. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. W. F. H. Newingham, a District Officer in West Africa, recently ordered the arrest of a West African Chief, prosecuted, tried and convicted the Chief himself; and what steps he has taken to prevent District Officers acting in this way.
Mr. Creech JonesI am asking the Governor for information on the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member later.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. Gentleman see to it that whenever it is necessary to make an arrest better methods will be adopted for ensuring that a trial is necessary? If he feels it desirable to give such power to anyone, will he give it to me to deal with hon. Members on the other side of the House?
§ Mr. W. J. BrownWill the right hon. Gentleman take every step to ensure that these Russian methods are not tolerated?
§ Mr. PiratinOn a point of Order. The House heard the statement made by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) just now. May I suggest that it was a very unfair question as it was an innuendo against a friendly State implying that the state of affairs drawn to the attention of the Minister in this Question exists in Russia?
§ Mr. SpeakerIf it had been a point of Order, I should have stopped the hon. Member. I did not hear it, and therefore I did not stop him.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs it in order for any hon. Member such as the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) to change his mind in regard to Russia in the course of time?
§ Mr. SpeakerWhat Members do about changing their minds, is not a point of Order.
§ Mr. NicholsonIs it not regrettable that attacks should be made upon a servant of His Majesty's Government who cannot reply to them? Should not the system be criticised rather than the individual?