§ 24. Mr. Bairdasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of the African Mineworkers' Union in Northern Rhodesia are still restricted from entering the Copperbelt area; and under what legal powers these restrictions are imposed.
§ Mr. MaclayFifty-three. Section 4 of the Emergency (Transitional Provisions) Ordinance, 1956, authorises any Emergency Restriction Order which was in force at midnight of 1st January, when 175 the state of emergency ended, to have full force and effect for a further period of one calendar month.
§ Mr. BairdMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if these men who have been rusticated have any right of appeal under this legislation? May I also ask if the African Mineworkers' Union have been consulted about their attitude to this action?
§ Mr. MaclayI should need notice of the first part of the supplementary question, and again, I am afraid, the second part of it does not arise directly out of the Question put to me on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. CallaghanArising out of the Minister's Answer, as the month is now nearly up—we are within a week of its ending—can he tell us what it is proposed to do after its expiration on 31st January?
§ Mr. MaclayThat depends on whether the Government of Northern Rhodesia take action under the Emergency (Transitional Provisions) Ordinance, 1956. Restriction orders could be made after due judicial procedure under that Ordinance has been taken.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe area is still quiet; it has been quiet for months. Will not the Secretary of State for Scotland make some representations that these 53 men should no longer be rusticated?
§ Mr. MaclayI will certainly take notice of that, but so far as the orders are concerned, the Governor will no doubt be considering whether or not continued restrictions are necessary.