§ 38. Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the United National Front Party was prohibited from holding its anniversary celebrations in Aden on 21st October, 1956; and whether this year permission for the celebrations will be given.
§ Mr. ProfumoPermission was withheld because the United National Front was not registered in compliance with the law. No application has been received for permission to hold celebrations this year, and if the Governor does receive an application it will be considered in the light of the circumstances at the time, including the question of registration.
§ Mr. BennIf the reason that these celebrations were prevented last year was that the United National Front Party was not registered, would it not have been courteous of the Government of Aden to inform it of this when it applied to hold the celebrations, in view of the fact that it gave a complete list of the proposed speakers and assurances about the maintenance of public order, as well as a month's notice of its intention to hold this meeting? Is he aware that the Government's refusal to grant permission created a certain amount of justifiable and understandable ill-will?
§ Mr. ProfumoI think it is very widely understood that it is necessary to apply for registration, but if for any reason this organisation did not know that, I am quite sure that the hon. Member's Question will have made the matter quite clear.