§ 6. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. George Padmore's book "Part-Africanism or Communism" 166 has been banned from Kenya; and what similar ban has been imposed in other Colonies, Protectorates or Trusteeship Territories under his control.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe book was banned by the Governor in Council because it was considered that to import it would be contrary to the public interest in Kenya.
As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend is consulting the Governors of other territories, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when these replies have been received.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him if he will read this book and ask the Secretary of State to read it also? Is he aware that this book has a double theme—that whilst it is critical of colonialism, its emphasis is a warning against Communism, and that it has one chapter of 90 pages showing how Communist parties in Africa have betrayed the interests of the African people for the sake of Soviet foreign policy; and that a wise Government would subsidise its publication?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not know about reading the whole book again, but if the hon. Member would read page 255, I think that on reflection he would probably agree with the action which has been taken.