HC Deb 18 February 1958 vol 582 c1010
19. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the numbers of people, Europeans, Asians and Africans, respectively, who have been declared prohibited immigrants in Tanganyika during the five-year period 1953 to 1957.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Eleven Europeans, five Asians and one African. The declaration of one Asian as a prohibited immigrant was later revoked.

Mr. Johnson

May I ask the Minister if he has final powers in this matter? Is he aware that his puerile behaviour in this respect appears fatuous to most people in East Africa, and will he not appoint an all-party committee of the House to inquire into these matters, particularly into the exclusion of people like Mr. Basil Davidson, Mr. George Hauser, and many others?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

These matters are gone into searchingly. They are the responsibility of the Governor and the Executive Council in each of the territories. In Tanganyika there are Europeans, Asians and Africans on that Council and we can safely leave to them decisions of this kind. Of course, I have an overriding personal responsibility as Secretary of State, but I have no wish to use it in matters of this kind. It seems to me highly desirable that in such confidential matters, where all three races come to the same conclusion, the decision should be left to them.