HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2085-6
25. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Mr. John Sichalwe, a trade union official, has recently been refused permission by the Southern Rhodesian Government to enter that country; and, in view of the steps at present being taken to bring into being a Central African Federation, if he will ensure that any such Federation makes provision for African trade union officials in all three territories to be given full facilities to visit members and branches of their organisations situated in the other territories in connection with legitimate trade union business.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am aware that he was refused entry in June last year. As regards the second part of the Question, the Federal scheme does not propose that the rights of trade union officials should be different in this respect from those of other members of the community.

Mr. Hynd

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, since this Question was tabled, another official of the African Railway Workers' Union has been refused permission to enter Southern Rhodesia to attend a meeting of the joint industrial council which he has previously been allowed to attend, and that this action of the Southern Rhodesian authoritles is not calculated to encourage enthusiasm among Africans either for federation or co-partnership?

Mr. Lyttelton

If the hon. Member has another case he must put it on the Order Paper. I can only deal with the case which he has mentioned in his Question.