§ 20. Mr. Parkinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrests have taken place in Uganda for possession of copies of a letter written to Bishop Stuart about the sale of church land; what charges were preferred; and what penalties imposed.
Mr. Creech JonesI understand that two persons were recently arrested and charged in Uganda for importing, being in possession of and publishing a letter to Bishop Stuart which was regarded as seditious literature. One was sentenced to six months hard labour on each of these three counts, the sentences being concurrent. My latest information about the second person is that the case has been adjourned.
§ Mr. ParkinWould my right hon. Friend make very careful inquiry about this matter which has caused considerable indignation in Uganda, and is he aware that those of us who have read the letter —and it was a very long one—perhaps feel that there may have been some lack of a sense of proportion?
Mr. Creech JonesI am not, of course, immediately responsible for the administration of justice in Uganda, but I will look into the facts of this case.