HC Deb 18 February 1953 vol 511 cc1238-9
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Africans in Uganda and the Cameroons are being seized by slave traders and sold into slavery in Arabia; what information he has to show whether slave trading has increased or decreased since the statement on this matter by the right hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden) on 22nd September, 1943; and what are the measures in operation against slave trading and slave raiding, particularly as affecting British administered African and other areas.

Mr. Lyttelton

There is no evidence whatever that Africans from Uganda and the Cameroons are being seized and sold into slavery. So far as British administered territories are concerned, slave raiding and trading are illegal and have long ceased.

Mr. Sorensen

Do I take it from the right hon. Gentleman that statements made by his predecessor on the Front Bench some 10 years ago indicating that there was still some amount of slave raiding and trading, is now inaccurate, that slave operations have entirely ceased since that time, and that all witnesses who say that there is slave trading are therefore incorrect?

Mr. Lyttelton

I can only stand by the statement that I have made, which refers to happenings today. Among my numerous responsibilities cannot be included that of answering for the accuracy of statements made from the Government Front Bench 10 years ago.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of order. Question 44 contains the allegation that there is slave trading in the British Empire. Again I ask what penalties are to be imposed upon hon. Members who make statements which are circulated throughout the world and which may cause great disadvantage to the British people?

Mr. Speaker

There is no penalty, as I told the hon. Member before.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker? If an hon. Member really believes the statement he is putting down, is not that sufficient?

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Speaker

Hon. Gentlemen should take some steps to verify their statements. If, after that, they are satisfied, I see nothing that can be done.

Mr. Lyttelton

It may help the House if I say that there have been sensational allegations in the French Press about slave trading in the British Empire. The object of my answer was to show that those allegations are unfounded.