§ 30. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been found guilty of being members of an unlawful organisation since the beginning of the state of emergency; and if he will state the maximum sentence imposed for this offence.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that the hon. Member has Nyasaland in mind. The figure is 127 up to 19th June, the maximum sentence being two and a half years' imprisonment.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the Secretary of State aware that this organisation, which is now illegal, until recently had the blessing of the Governor in Nyasaland, and, in the long run, will once again come to be recognised by the Governor in Nyasaland? Would he not agree that it might be much better, and would not embitter relations nearly so much, and would encourage a sane and sensible solution, if this policy of repression were stopped before publication of the Devlin Commission's Report?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to my Answer.