UGANDA (Hansard, 20 July 1949)

43. Mr. Braddock
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, on 15th June, 1949, King Metesa interviewed and intimidated the Bataka one by one; that he informed them he would imprison or deport them if they did not deny that they had sent a representative to Britain; and what action has been taken in this matter.

Mr. Creech Jones
I am asking the Governor for information and will write to my hon. Friend when it is received.

Mr. Braddock
Do I understand that the Minister will take action if this statement proves to be correct?

Mr. Creech Jones
No, Sir. I must receive the facts before I consider any action.

57. Mr. Braddock
asked the Secretary of State for War what additional numbers of troops have been introduced into Uganda arising from the recent disturbance; and from where have they been brought.

Mr. Braddock
I want to point out that I put this Question down to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and I am astonished to find the Under-Secretary of State for War answering it.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Michael Stewart)
It is not the policy to give information about the number of troops stationed in, or moved to, a particular area.

Mr. Braddock
Are we to understand from this reply that the War Office is taking over the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

§ Mr. Stewart
No, Sir. My hon. Friend asked for information about the movement of troops, and naturally the War Department replies.

Mr. Braddock
Does not my hon. Friend realise that the reason for sending the troops is the condition of affairs in the Colony? Is it not his opinion that in those circumstances the responsible Minister should have made the reply?

§ Mr. Stewart
My hon. Friend has not asked about the reason for the disturbance, but what outside troops were sent there.

§ Mr. Gallacher
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are very serious allegations, with very much evidence to back them up, that an actual reign of terror is being carried on in Uganda—

§ Mr. Speaker
The Question merely asks how many troops have been sent there, and nothing about a reign of terror.

§ Mr. Gallacher
On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker—

§ Mr. Speaker
The hon. Gentleman must not ask these irrelevant questions which have nothing to do with the Question on the Order Paper. They are mere propaganda, and I am getting a little tired of them.

§ Mr. Gallacher
It has something to do with the Question.

§ Mr. Speaker
No. The hon. Gentleman will resume his seat now.

§ Mr. Gallacher
rose—

§ Mr. Speaker
I told the hon. Member to resume his seat, and that is the end of that.