HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 c1204
36. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. Titus B. Makupo, Mr. Mathias Phiri and Mr. John Mumbi, officials of the African National Congress of Northern Rhodesia, have been imprisoned for 20 months, 18 months, and 18 months, respectively; and how many other officials or members of this organisation have also been imprisoned, and on what charges.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The three persons named were convicted of not under Section 4 of the Penal Code. Thirty-six persons known to be Congress members have been imprisoned for criminal offences since 1952.

Sir L. Plummer

Is the Minister aware that the three men named in my Question are trying to appeal to the High Court, but are unable to do so because they have no money? Will he make inquiries to see whether there is any legal aid available to help them with their defence?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I will certainly look into that.