§ 6. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British protected persons from Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland have been arrested or injured as a result of recent measures taken by the Government of Southern Rhodesia; and what assistance he is proposing to give these persons.
§ Mr. StonehouseOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the Ministerial changes, my Question is now addressed to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. Although it is appreciated that he may not be in a position personally to answer this Question, it is regretted that he is not in his place.
§ Mr. AlportAccording to the latest information available, forty-three Africans from Nyasaland and twenty-three from Northern Rhodesia have been arrested. One African from Northern Rhodesia has, I regret to say, lost his life. Four from Northern Rhodesia and one from Nyasaland have been injured and admitted to hospital. I understand that the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are considering what, if any, assistance should be given in the light of the circumstances.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Minister to press for compensation to be paid to the relatives of the man who lost his life, and will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a legal aid bureau to be set up in Southern Rhodesia and for each and every one of the British protected persons now detained or injured to have a visit from one of his representatives?
§ Mr. AlportWith regard to action to be taken, I have already said that this is a matter which the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland are considering in relation to various cases which will, no doubt, be brought to their 1841 attention. But the hon. Gentleman should remember, and the House should know, that the charges which are being preferred are of various kinds, including stoning, arson, assault, intimidation, public violence and unlawful assembly, and, therefore, the nature of the charges would be kept in mind by the Governors in connection with any decision that they may make.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of that very ungracious comment by the Minister of State, would the Governors also take into account that it is the denial of elementary democratic rights by the Government of Southern Rhodesia over such a long period that may be a contributory factor to what has taken place?
§ Mr. AlportThe hon. Gentleman has stated an opinion, but I hope that in that country, as in all countries of the Commonwealth, these matters will be considered in relation to the law pertaining at the time.
§ Mr. CallaghanBe a little more gracious.