HC Deb 02 May 1956 vol 552 cc386-7
28. Mr. Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what relaxation of emergency regulations has been made in British Guiana.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to Questions by the hon. Members for Cannock (Miss Lee), South East Essex (Mr. Braine) and Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) on 25th April. Since then two restriction orders on movement have been lifted, thus reducing the number of such orders to six.

Mr. Allaun

But if the election which the Minister announced last week is to be a real election and not a sham, must he not restore full freedom to all the political parties to prepare for it? Would he, for instance, end the confinement of eight leaders of the two largest parties in Georgetown and Buxton?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There is a Question later on with regard to possible restrictions on candidature, and I would prefer to wait until then.

Miss Lee

Does the Secretary of State confirm that all the political leaders, including Mr. Burnham and Mr. Jainarine Singh, have now freedom of movement, and that only Mr. and Mrs. Jagan and some of their supporters are now confined? Would he further explain why he wishes to give this artificial advantage to the Jagan party in British Guiana, because obviously this is the best possible way to maximise their prospects in the election?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would most indignantly deny that the Governor has been in any way guided by any party political considerations in the Colony. The restrictions have been based or decided solely on whether or not the individual in question is judged to be a danger to security.

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