HC Deb 10 December 1952 vol 509 cc445-6
26. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the further statement sent him by Mr. P. Strethill Wright; and what further action he and the Kenya Government are prepared to take in view of Mr. Wright's denials and requests.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am consulting the Government of Kenya about some of the points raised by Mr. Wright. In the meantime, I have nothing to add to the statement I made on 26th November.

Mr. Hale

But Mr. Peter Wright was deported. Surely the right hon. Gentleman thinks that this is a sufficiently urgent matter to he communicated by cablegram so that information shall be available to the House? This most distinguished gentleman is at the moment out of work in this country, where he does not intend to seek work as he wants to get back to Kenya. He is waiting, and the House is about to rise for the Recess.

Mr. J. Griffiths

There has been a lot of correspondence about his case. Has the Secretary of State himself seen Mr. Peter Wright, and, if not, will he do so in order to discuss his case with him?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have not seen Mr. Peter Wright, and, unless there are some grounds of which I am at present unaware, I see no reason to intervene.

Mr. Griffiths

Without passing judgment on facts that we know, there is a continuing controversy in the Press, and the information seems to be that Mr. Wright was a very good officer but he is alleged to have done something about which there is controversy. In those circumstances, will the Secretary of State reconsider his decision and invite Mr. Peter Wright to see him? Otherwise, the controversy in the Press may create the impression that a wrong has been done him and that it is not being rectified.

Mr. Lyttelton

I will certainly reconsider the matter when I get the information for which I have asked from the Kenya Government.