HC Deb 06 December 1950 vol 482 c363
65. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the nature of the disturbance at Kailahun in the Protectorate of Sierra Leone; and to what extent this involved injury to the local inhabitants.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Rioting broke out on 30th October in the district between supporters and opponents of the Paramount Chief. The conduct of this Chief had recently been the subject of a statutory inquiry. He was under suspension at the time and I have now approved his deposition. According to my information two rioters died and 10 were injured. Order was restored without the use of firearms by the police, whose action caused no casualties.

Mr. Sorensen

Could my right hon. Friend say what is the underlying cause of the friction between the two groups?

Mr. Griffiths

I think there has been dissatisfaction about the rule of this Chief for some time. As a result of this inquiry I hope to be able to settle the matter.