§ 23. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the indignation expressed in British Guiana at the restraints on freedom of movement and speech imposed on Mrs. Janet Jagan by the immigration authorities of St. Vincent, when she and her husband, a member of the Legislative Council of British Guiana, visited that island on holiday; and whether he will inquire into the incident, and ensure free movement of British subjects in the British West Indies.
Mr. Creech JonesI have received protests in this matter from certain bodies in British Guiana. I have ascertained that Mrs. Jagan was permitted to land in St. Vincent on certain conditions, one of which was that she should not attempt to convene or address public gatherings while in that Colony. The movements of British subjects in the British West Indies are subject to the immigration laws of the various Colonies, and the immigration authorities in St. Vincent appear to have acted in accordance with the local law.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs not the Secretary of State aware that in this case the purpose of the visit of Mrs. Jagan and her husband, a member of the Legislative Council of British Guiana, was for a holiday?
Mr. Creech JonesThat may be so, but the local Government have acted in accordance with their own local laws.
§ Mr. Henderson Stewartis the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two people are proved Communists, who were the agitators in British Guiana last year, and that it is very proper that they should be kept out?