HC Deb 27 April 1955 vol 540 cc929-31
28. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what breaches of public order and security have been committed in Trinidad during the past year by missionaries of the organisation known as Jehovah's Witnesses.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

None, Sir.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

If there is no evidence that the activities of these people have proved detrimental to public order and security, why do the Government of Trinidad forbid them to stay temporarily in Trinidad? Are they not people who have been doing vital work in the Caribbean Islands for the past six years?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think there has been a great deal of misunderstanding about the matter. The Government of Trinidad have the prime responsibility for the preservation of law and order in the territory. No one claims that the teachings of the movement are always detrimental to public order, but they may be. The line that I have taken in the matter is exactly the same as that taken by the right hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) when Colonial Secretary, the right hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. Dugdale) when Minister of State, and my noble Friend Lord Chandos. Any body which, in the opinion of the Government, may tend to weaken respect for law and encourage non-co-operation must clearly be watched by the Government of the Colony.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister aware that most of the people are pacifists and conscientious objectors? Is that why the Government are afraid of them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Conscientious objection to paying taxes may well be very inconvenient for many Governments.

Dr. King

Since the last thing that this small religious sect would be concerned with is the violent overthrow of government, does not the Minister think that he is letting down the whole of the British way of life in persecuting it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. Governments can be undermined not only by force but also by refusal to take any notice of their orders. I think it is fair to say that 11 full-time leaders of the movement in Trinidad are, in the opinion of the Government, regarded as adequate.