§ 39. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether all Nigerian police carry firearms; if the possibility of their not normally carrying arms has been considered; and why tear-gas or non-lethal weapons have not been available instead of fire-arms in cases of industrial disturbance.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Nigerian police do not normally carry firearms. They are trained in the use of tear-smoke, and supplies are maintained in Nigeria.
§ Mr. SorensenWhy did the police at Enugu use firearms if they do not normally carry them?
Mr. Creech JonesThis is a matter which can be left to the Commission of Inquiry which has been set up to go into the details of the dispute.
BrigadierMedlicott: Can the right hon. Gentleman say how these things happen when there is a Socialist Government in this country, since we have been led, by years of propaganda, to believe that they could only happen under Tory misrule?
§ Mr. RankinIn addition to the use of tear gas, has my right hon. Friend given any consideration to the use of the fire brigade, if there is a fire brigade?