§ 41. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister what discussions he had during his tour in Africa concerning the release of detainees and the ending of racial discrimination of all kinds; and with what results.
§ The Prime MinisterIt would not be right for me to say anything about the confidential discussions I had during my tour.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe Prime Minister has not answered the last part of the Question, which asks about the results of those discussions. The Prime Minister has often said in the House that it is deeds and not words that count. What instructions has he given, as a result of his speeches in Africa and the discussions he has had, to bring to an end the arbitrary detention of Africans without trial and the practice of the colour bar in British Colonial Territories?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of the releasing of detainees is for the Governor to decide, in the light of the security situation.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am sure that the Prime Minister will realise that his important statement at Cape Town, which gave us so much encouragement, involves some attempt to ensure that, at any rate in the British Colonial Territories, no racial discrimination is practised. What steps has he taken to follow up his speech in Cape Town?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that these things will unfold. It is only a few days since I made the speech and I think that there should be some opportunity for the general unfolding of policy on lines which both the right hon. Gentleman and I, I think, agree.
§ Mr. SwinglerAs the Prime Minister and head of the Government responsible for policy in British Colonial Territories in Africa, is not the right hon. Gentleman concerned about the arbitrary detention of citizens without trial? Is he not concerned with the practice and principle of racial equality, to which he paid lip-service in Cape Town? Should he not therefore put forward proposals?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Colonial Secretary has shown in recent weeks what great advances are being made in the working out of these policies.
§ Mr. StonehouseWill the Prime Minister comment on the extraordinary muddle about the continued detention of Dr. Hastings Banda, which is mentioned in a leading article in The Times this morning? Will he confirm that he and his Ministers are alone responsible for the detention of Dr. Hastings Banda? Will he say when he intends to release him?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question on that matter, I will answer it.
§ Mr. StonehouseWe do and the right hon. Gentleman does not.