HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2062-4
23. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the printing press of the "Tribune," Nairobi, has been suppressed by the Kenya Government.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Registrar considered that the "Tribune" press had been printing documents prejudicial to or incompatible with peace or good order in the Colony, namely, objectionable vernacular newspapers, and after consultation with the Member for Law and Order cancelled its licence on 14th January. The "Tribune" newspaper itself is not prescribed and is still published.

Mr. Brockway

Does not the cancellation of the registration of the printing press mean, in effect, that the "Tribune" cannot be printed and that it has had subsequently to be cyclostyled? Is it not the fact that the police have even visited the cyclostyle owners and that the "Tribune" is not now appearing at all?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is not in accordance with my information, which is what I have given, that the "Tribune" newspaper is still published.

Mr. Baldwin

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the "Tribune" was publishing anything more likely to create disorder in Kenya than some of the statements that are printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT of this House?

Mr. McGovern

Does this newspaper have any connection with the London edition, and is it running any brains trusts? If it is giving any trouble to the right hon. Gentleman, would he consult the executive of the Labour Party on the best way of dealing with it?

Mr. Hector Hughes

In the interests of peace and good order, will the Minister put on record that it is his opinion that it is very undesirable in Kenya to depart from the higher standards of British journalism?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is extremely undesirable to allow a vernacular newspaper in Kenya to spread sedition all over the country.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment.

38. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of newspapers and printing presses suppressed, the number of meetings banned and the number of schools closed down in Kenya, since 1st October, 1952.

Mr. Lyttelton

Seventeen newspapers. 16 cyclostyled sheets and eight printing presses have been suppressed and 188 schools closed down under emergency regulations. I have asked the Governor for information about the number of meetings banned and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hale

In these circumstances, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider it appropriate, in the broadcasts to the Kikuyu, to address a few observations to them on the Atlantic Charter. the Declaration of Human Rights and the Devonshire Declaration that the interests of the Africans would be paramount in Kenya?

Mr. Lyttelton

Those remarks have no relevance to the subject of the hon. Member's Question.