HC Deb 30 January 1958 vol 581 cc484-5
7. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds representatives of national movements in Colonial Territories were refused permission to attend the Afro-Asian Conference in Cairo; and what persons were subjected to this restriction.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

The decisions referred to were taken by the Governments concerned in the exercise of their discretion. No doubt they felt that attendance at this Communist-inspired meeting would not be in the best interest of their territories, a view which I would regard as entirely justified. Persons from several African territories were refused facilities for travel.

Mr. Brockway

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it proper that we should assume these God-like obligations of deciding where a person shall and shall not go, what he shall or shall not hear or see? Is the Secretary of State aware that the effect of these prohibitions has been to bring support to the Cairo Conference and a meeting of 7,000 in Zanzibar to a much greater degree than permission to these delegations would have aroused?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not agree at all. These God-like responsibilities, as the hon. Member calls them, are spread over a number of very responsible Governments.

Mr. Callaghan

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that what is forbidden becomes much more attractive?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Not always.