§ 30. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what charges eleven members of the Northern Elements Progressive Union in Kano, Nigeria, were found guilty; and how many other members of this political party are now in jail.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe hon. Member may have in mind an incident last January when eleven people, whose political affiliations are unknown, were convicted of holding a meeting in Kano Emirate without the necessary permit from the Native Authority. They were discharged on appeal. I cannot answer the second part of the Question since the political affiliations of prisoners in Nigeria are not recorded.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the hon. Gentleman inform the House to what extent now we have any responsibility in matters of this kind, and can he say whether his right hon. Friend is satisfied that freedom of expression exists in Northern Nigeria?
§ Mr. ProfumoOh, yes, in reply to the last part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend is perfectly satisfied to that extent.