§ 28. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will set up an inquiry into the recent disturbances which have taken place in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo, Sir. There have been no recent disturbances in Northern Rhodesia on any scale which would justify the setting up of a commission of inquiry.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am referring to the disturbances in the schools in Northern Rhodesia and that the leadership of the United National Independence Party, which much deplores violence, would welcome an inquiry? Is he aware that the worst way to deal with this matter is to close down the schools when the need for education is so urgent and that the best way is to use the means he has adopted in Nyasaland, which have offered a real hope of constitutional advance?
§ Mr. MacleodI am afraid I completely misread the Question. I thought it related to the even more recent disturbances which centred round my visit to Northern Rhodesia, but I can meet the hon. Member on the other point he has made, because there have been cases of indiscipline and insubordination which have led to the closure of certain schools and a commission of inquiry is to examine the circumstances which led to that. I am sorry I did not understand the hon. Member's Question.