HC Deb 10 May 1956 vol 552 cc1387-90
2. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many Chief's Representatives in Bechuanaland have been deposed; and how many have been deported from their places of residence since the banishment of Seretse Khama.

Commander Noble

Five Chief's Representatives in the Bamangwato Reserve were dismissed on 30th May, 1952, after they had sought deliberately to prevent the communication of Her Majesty's Government's views to the tribe assembled in kgotla. The circumstances were described to the House on 10th June, 1952.

I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the other information for which the hon. Member asks. I shall send it to him as soon as it is received.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst thanking the hon. and gallant Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether it is not the case that I have sent him the names of eleven Chief's Representatives who have been deposed, many of whom have been turned out of their homes, and is this not an indication that as long as Seretse Khama is excluded from Bechuanaland there will not be the necessary co-operation from the people in its administration?

Commander Noble

Once again I must deny the implication in the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. What he asks at the beginning of it is just the information that I am trying to obtain and which I will let him have

3. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what conclusions he has reached from his inquiries into the evidence provided by the hon. Member for Eton and Slough to support the charges that girls, boys and women have been publicly flogged in kgotlas in Bechuanaland, that men and women have been handcuffed and chained to lion traps and trees, and that prisoners have been made to work with ox-chains tied round their waists and tethered to poles; and what action he proposes to take.

Commander Noble

As I said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bristol, South-East (Mr. Benn) on 13th February, the Native Authority in the Bamangwato Reserve has been asked to remind all his subordinates that corporal punishment of women is forbidden. The Resident Commissioner is also investigating the position throughout the Protectorate in case there should be any doubt about the matter elsewhere.

In some areas in the Bechuanaland Protectorate where there are no lockups the tribal authorities have to secure prisoners, who are otherwise likely to abscond. The tribal authorities do this as a means of restraint only when it is absolutely necessary. I am investigating recent allegations brought to my notice by the hon. Member.

Mr. Brockway

Yes, but is it not the case that I have not only drawn the attention of the hon. and gallant Gentleman to these matters recently but that I have acted with great restraint about it? Is it not also the case that last November I forwarded a document to the Minister and he denied that there was any substance in these allegations? I now have a series of documents proving them in detail, so ought not the Ministry to pay serious attention to these charges of gross brutality made about the administration in Bechuanaland?

Commander Noble

It is for the very reason that the hon. Gentleman has sent me this information that I am investigating his allegations. I think he will agree that on the date to which I referred, 13th February, I answered one of his allegations categorically and explained it fully. Perhaps I might hope that in his Question he does not insinuate that people are being tied to lion traps when they are being used as such?

Mr. Brockway

I will refrain from comment.

4. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will arrange for an all-Party Parliamentary delegation to visit Bechuanaland to investigate and report on the administration within the Protectorate, and particularly within the Bamangwato tribe, since the banishment of Seretse Khama.

Commander Noble

No, Sir.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the Ministry's repeated denials of charges which have been made against the administration and subsequent proof that the charges are true, does not the hon. and gallant gentleman think it would be desirable to appoint representatives from this side of the House and the other side of the House to investigate the situation on the spot?

Commander Noble

My noble Friend has given the suggestion careful consideration. He appreciates the helpful spirit in which it is made. However, he is satisfied that such an investigation at the present time would not be in the interests of the people in the Protectorate. I think that what the Protectorate needs is a period of peace undisturbed by interference from outside, so that the administration, African and European, can get' on with its plans for social, economic and political progress.

Mr. J. Griffiths

On what grounds does the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggest that a delegation from this House—a number of such delegations have visited Colonies and Protectorates for which this House has a responsibility—would be injurious in this case?

Commander Noble

I did not suggest that at all. I think that the right hon. Gentleman will realise what I mean when I say I do not think it is advisable at the present time.

Mr. Griffiths

If hon. Members feel that in carrying out their responsibilities towards the Protectorate it would be an advantage if they visited the Protectorate, met the people there and reported back to this House, why should they not do so?

Commander Noble

That would be a matter for the opinion of the House. I gave only the opinion of my noble Friend.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the people who are in charge of the Bechuanaland Protectorate do not live there? Does not the High Commissioner live in Pretoria, and is he really able to exercise the sort of supervision required to ensure that such events as those about which there have been charges do not occur?

Commander Noble

I am well aware of the fact mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman, but the High Commissioner has his representatives on the spot.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the grossly unsatisfactory nature of the reply—[Hon. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—in view of the unsatisfactory reply by the Minister, Mr. Speaker, may I give notice that, with your permission, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment?