HC Deb 30 November 1961 vol 650 c613
34. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the whereabouts of Henry Msoni, who was arrested by the Mufulira police in Northern Rhodesia, and was at one time in a remand prison.

Mr. H. Fraser

I have asked the Governor to inquire into this and will write to the right hon. Member when information is available.

Mr. Dugdale

Is it not very extraordinary that the Minister does not know anything about this and that nothing should have been found out? Is he aware that although it is said that Mr. Msoni escaped, his friends have no knowledge of his whereabouts, and that there are most unfortunate rumours all round the district of Mufulira—rumours of police brutality and torture? For the sake of the police, as well as of the local inhabitants, will he have a public inquiry made?

Mr. Fraser

No, Sir. I will certainly not have a public inquiry made. About 3,000 people are, unfortunately, detained at the moment. The right hon. Gentleman gave me notice of this a week ago. I have telegraphed to the Governor and I expect him to find out what the situation is there.

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