§ 44. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been arrested in Mufulira in connection with the Northern Rhodesian African Congress boycott campaign; what were the sentences imposed; under what sections, of what Acts was this done; and in particular what was the charge brought against Simon Kapwepwe in Abercorn, and what was the sentence.
§ Mr. HareFour Africans were charged under Section 358 (4) of the Penal Code of conspiring together at Mufulira to injure traders in their trade. All were acquitted.
Simon Kapwepwe was charged with holding a meeting in Abercorn Township in contravention of Native Authority Orders and native customary law, after having been personally warned by the District Commissioner that the meeting would be unlawful unless permission had been obtained. He was sentenced by the Native Authority to three months' imprisonment and a fine of £5; on appeal the fine was remitted.
§ Mr. JohnsonWould the Minister give the House an assurance that all African Congress members so charged will be allowed bail and given time to get counsel for the defence, and in so far as this boycott campaign is proving peaceful, will the Minister give an assurance that he will not pass legislation to make the boycotting of shops illegal in Northern Rhodesia?
§ Mr. HareI cannot give any guarantees to the hon. Gentleman, but I will certainly see that what he has said is taken note of by the Government concerned.