HC Deb 08 December 1954 vol 535 cc953-4
36. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the circumstances under which Abnep Phiri, a hard labour prisoner, was injured at Petauke, Northern Rhodesia, on or about 30th October, 1954; whether he was attended by a doctor after his injury; what charge has been made in connection with the injury; and if he will institute an inquiry.

Mr. Hopkinson

Abnep Phiri fainted on 31st October when carrying water; there is no doctor at Petauke, but he was immediately admitted to the station dispensary and treated for a cut lip presumed to have been caused by his fall, and discharged as fit on 1st November; no charge has been made in connection with this incident; no complaint was made to the visiting justice on 5th November, and the Governor does not consider that an inquiry is necessary.

Sir L. Plummer

Will the Minister look at some papers I will send him, which indicate that this man was beaten upon the back, chest and face by a policeman with a rifle; was taken unconscious into hospital on 31st October, and was in a grave state of health on 1st November? Will the Minister look at these particulars if I send them to him?

Mr. Hopkinson

I shall certainly consider any papers which the hon. Member submits, but I should inform the House that the District Commissioner and the European health inspector visited Abnep Phiri immediately after he was admitted to the dispensary. No complaint was received by the District Commissioner at any time, but, in spite of that, he ordered an immediate inquiry as to whether the messenger-warder who was supposed to have beaten him up had been involved in any kind of criminal offence—and he was satisfied that that was not so. I shall, however, certainly be glad to examine the hon. Member's documents.

Sir L. Plummer

Was there a suspicion in the mind of that official that the man was beaten up?

Mr. Hopkinson

I think that there was some suspicion, but he was satisfied that it was not the case.