§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the house of the vice-president of the Railway Staff Union at Enugu, Nigeria, was searched in his absence; and why the vice-president and the secretary have both been transferred to Achopa station.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe person referred to was president of the local branch of the Zikist movement, and his house was searched on 8th February at the same time as those of other members of the movement. The movement has since been declared an unlawful society. With regard to the second part of the Question, both persons were due for transfer in accordance with normal railway routine. The transfer of the vice-president was postponed in October, 1949, because of his union status; the union was at the same time informed that transfer was due. When the matter was raised again in April, he resigned from the railway rather than accept transfer. The secretary is also due for routine transfer, but it has been postponed because of his union status.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I take it that the transfer has no penal association at all because of this man's alleged activities?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir. I understand that the vice-president has been in his present post for four years, which is much longer than the normal period.