HC Deb 21 February 1951 vol 484 c1268
11. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of Shifta were incarcerated on 30th November, 1950: and how many are now in prison.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Sixty Shifta were serving prison sentences on 30th November, 1950, and 95 on 17th February, 1951.

Mr. Freeman

What is the period for which these men are now being imprisoned?

Mr. Davies

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. Paton

Can my hon. Friend say what are "Shifta"?

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

The Liberals.

Mr. Davies

They are armed gangs.