HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2451-2
14. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether his attention has been drawn to the arrest of several leading tribesmen in Bechuanaland for practising non-co-operation with the authorities as a demonstration of their support for Seretse Khama; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I am informed that two arrests only have taken place. One headman has been convicted for inciting the people not to pay tax and not to bring their cattle for inspection for foot and mouth disease. He has appealed from a sentence of six months' imprisonment and has been allowed bail. In the other case a headman has been convicted for inciting the people not to pay tax. His sentence has been postponed for six months on condition that he refrains from further acts of incitement.