HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 cc1221-2
25. Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why no charges were made for nearly five months in connection with the death of Elijah Njeru Gideon who died on 29th January last, as the result of beating; and what charges have been made in connection with the two similar cases.

Mr. Lyttelton

Delay was due mainly to the difficulty of investigating this case under emergency conditions and to the fact that one African military witness had returned to his home in the West Nile district of Uganda. I am awaiting a report from the Governor on the two cases I mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member's supplementary question on 10th June.

Mr. Hastings

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that there will not be a similar delay in connection with any charges which may be made relating to the two other cases?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid that I cannot give any guarantee but I will use such influence as I can to speed things up.