HC Deb 10 November 1948 vol 457 cc1534-5
36. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jamaicans or other West Indians have emigrated to Liberia.

Mr. Creech Jones

Sixtry-three Jamaicans have so far emigrated to Liberia.. I am asking the Governors of the other West Indian Colonies for the corresponding figures from those territories and will communicate them to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Reid

Does this "back to Africa" movement in the West Indies show signs of spreading?

Mr. Creech Jones

Oh, no. The experience in this particular case is exceedingly unfortunate for the people concerned.

Mr. Driberg

Could my right hon. Friend say whether his figure of 63 includes the number of people who are already drifting back disillusioned, and could he say what their status will be, since they forfeited British nationality on accepting Liberian citizenship?

Mr. Creech Jones:

I would like to have notice of that question.

Mr. Driberg

Could I have an answer to the first part of my question? Does the figure of 63 include those who have already gone back to Jamaica?

Mr. Creech Jones

The information which has been supplied to me merely states that 63 is the number of people who have actually emigrated.

Forward to