§ 37. Mr. A. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the book, "Africa—Britain's Third Empire," by George Padmore, has been banned in Uganda and the Gold Coast; and the reasons for this decision.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsYes, Sir. The importation of the book was prohibited by the Governors of these Territories, under the powers vested in them by law to take that action where such importation would 1186 be contrary to the public interest. The decision is for the Governors.
§ Mr. BrockwayWould my right hon. Friend indicate to the Governors that the banning of books in this way is contrary to the British way of life and, indeed, to the Charter of the United Nations?
§ Mr. GriffithsThis is a matter for the Governors themselves to decide.
§ Mr. SorensenBut could not the Minister communicate with the Governors pointing out that if this book is dangerous in the Gold Coast it is far more dangerous in Nigeria, where there are many more people than in the Gold Coast? Can we have an assurance that books of this kind, which are critical of the British Empire, will not be banned because of that criticism?
§ Mr. John HayDoes the Minister realise that this book contains a violent attack upon British Colonial administration, and will he accept the congratulations of many of us on his very wise decision?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have just started reading the book myself, and I suspend judgment until I have completely read it.