HC Deb 27 July 1949 vol 467 cc2468-70
40. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the latest development in discussions regarding the banning in Kenya of the periodical "Labour Monthly"; and which articles in the two issues immediately preceding the ban were not considered suitable for circulation in Kenya.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am not aware of any developments, or that any discussions have taken place. This is a matter within the competence of the Governor, who is not required to give reasons for the ban, or to indicate which articles were not considered suitable for circulation in Kenya.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that the last three issues of "Labour Monthly" contained eight contributions from hon. Members of the party opposite? Does he not think it a most unfortunate thing that so-called supporters of his party can contribute so freely to a subversive publication?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The hon. and gallant Member has asked for my opinion. If he asks for facts, I will give them to him.

Mr. Stanley

Does that mean that when a publication has been banned by a Government and it includes a number of contributions from the colleagues of the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State, the right hon. Gentleman himself has made no inquiries from the Governor and has not asked him the reasons for banning it or what was the nature of the particular article of which he disapproved?

Mr. Rees-Williams

The question of banning any periodical is in the absolute discretion of the Governor and it is not part of our duty to contest his ruling, as the right hon. Gentleman knows full well.

Mr. Stanley

I did not ask the hon. Gentleman whether he contested the ruling, but whether his right hon. Friend had ever asked the Governor his reasons for banning the publication and what were the particular items to which he took exception?

Mr. Rees-Williams

That question does not arise out of the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Stanley

With great respect, it seems to arise absolutely directly. Is the hon. Gentleman unable, or unwilling, to answer the question?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am not prepared an answer without notice.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Minister realise that there is a strange contrast between the banning of this paper in one place while Communist literature is still allowed to circulate in another place? Does he think it is more dangerous than in another place? Can he say if there is any other area in which "Labour Monthly" is banned?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I think the right hon. Member for West Bristol (Mr. Stanley) ought to know better—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes, I mean that and the right hon. Gentleman knows that what I say is perfectly true. When more and more self-government is given to Colonies they must have a lot of these detailed decisions in their own hands. We cannot have self-government, on the one hand, and interference from Whitehall in every little detail, on the other.

Mr. Stanley

Does that diatribe mean that the Secretary of State for the Colonies never asked the Governor what were his reasons for banning this publication?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have already said that the right hon. Gentleman had better put that question down and he will get an answer.