HC Deb 13 June 1961 vol 642 cc178-80
9. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the grounds on which Mr. Kenneth Kaunda was recently served with deportation orders on five occasions in the Northern Province of Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Iain Macleod

These removal orders were issued in June and July, 1960. They were made by the native authorities concerned because they considered that Mr. Kaunda's presence in their areas at that time was likely to jeopardise law and order.

Mr. Loughlin

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I quote from an article in the 30th April issue of African Life?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Quotations from books, speeches or the like are out of order at Question Time.

Mr. Loughlin

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to point out that this report reveals that there have been recent deportations. Does not the Secretary of State think—in view of the explosive situation which I mentioned in my supplementary question to Question No. 8—that there should be disclaimers when statements of this kind are made, because these papers have a wide circulation among the native population?

Mr. Macleod

The hon. Gentleman must look at this in the circumstances of the time. This was a considerable time ago—almost a year ago—following a period of great tension when there were outbreaks of violence, especially on the Copperbelt in May of last year. As fat as I know, no recent deportation orders have been served, as suggested in the hon. Gentleman's Question.

Mr. Callaghan

Is Mr. Kaunda now free to visit these areas and to organise meetings provided that they are con- ducted in an orderly way?

Mr. Macleod

I imagine so, but I will have to check that point. I assume that the deportation orders made in the summer of last year have lapsed.

Mr. Brockway

The Secretary of State has said that these deportation orders were made a year ago. Can he give an assurance that, in view of the great influence of Mr. Kaunda against violence in Northern Rhodesia, he will have liberty to hold meetings in the Northern Province?

Mr. Macleod

My hon. Friend and I have answered that question several times. We have made careful inquiries into the allegations that have been made about events in the Northern Province and I am satisfied that there is, and will be, no interference with the rights of people to hold ordinary political activities there.

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