HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 c200
22. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans who are Government employees in Nyasaland have been dismissed from their posts since 3rd March; and for what reasons.

Mr. J. Amery

Nineteen Nyasaland Government employees have been dismissed since 3rd March. Three were dismissed after conviction on criminal charges of theft, assault and communication of police matters to unauthorised persons, three for repeated drunkenness on duty, five for refusing to perform their duties, and eight for summary offences against police discipline.

Mrs. Castle

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that, pending the conclusion of the Devlin Commission investigation into the allegations of the massacre plot made by the Government, no African will be dismissed from Government employment on the ground that he belongs to the African National Congress?

Mr. Amery

I cannot possibly give any assurance to the hon. Lady that no one will be dismissed who has in any sense infringed the law.