HC Deb 28 April 1959 vol 604 cc1086-7
30. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what evidence was produced in the cases brought against Africans charged with membership of an illegal organisation in Nyasaland; and, in particular, what were the relevant dates for such membership.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A number of cases have arisen in different districts in which the charge of being a member of an unlawful society has been made under Section 72 of the Penal Code. The Governor is making inquiries to establish the main categories of these charges and, when the information is available, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stonehouse

Will the Colonial Secretary arrange to make a statement to the House on this, in view of the great public concern following the quashing of the case of Miss Kahumbe? Will the right hon. Gentleman also make clear in his statement what allegations have been made against the nearly 200 men charged with offences? Were those offences committed after the state of emergency was announced?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I cannot say in what way it would be best brought to the attention of the House, but I will see that any facts I have are brought to the attention of the House.

Sir L. Ungoed-Thomas

Will the Secretary of State say whether the relevant date for membership is before the date on which the organisation was declared illegal.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly. It is not an offence to belong to an organisation before it is declared illegal, only after it has been declared illegal.