HC Deb 30 June 1959 vol 608 cc233-4
27. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what charges have been brought against Mr. Kenneth Kaunda in Northern Rhodesia; and with what evidence.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The charges were:

  1. (1) convening an unauthorised meeting contrary to Section 30 of the Police Ordinance;
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  2. (2) conspiracy to effect an unlawful purpose contrary to Section 358 of the Penal Code;
As regards the evidence, I have asked the Governor to forward the case record and copies will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Stonehouse

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer. May I ask whether he is aware that Mr. Kaunda made a statement before the election in Northern Rhodesia appealing against violence, and that he has done his best to smooth down the antagonisms which have existed in the Territory? Is he aware that, in view of this, these sentences will sound very harsh and oppressive?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is not always by words that people ought to be judged. I ask the hon. Gentleman to await the case record.