§ 9. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Central African Office) why the provincial headquarters of the United National Independence Party of Northern Rhodesia has been refused registration for the second time.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe Registrar of Societies refused the second application on the same grounds as the first, namely that it was likely to be prejudicial to peace and good order. I am informed that the Northern Division of the United National Independence Party has exercised a right of appeal to the Governor in Council and that appeal awaits a hearing.
§ Mrs. CastleIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Colonial Secretary removed the ban on this party some months ago on the ground that violence had abated and that this was the basis on which the constitutional talks were reopened? Is it not, therefore, intolerable that an important section of this party should be refused the right of registration and thus be prevented from organising the African vote in accordance with the normal democratic procedure?
§ Mr. ButlerAs an appeal is pending, I would rather not make any further observations on this matter.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonAs the hon. Lady referred to the normal democratic procedure, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that the publicity secretary of U.N.I.P. has threatened with violence Africans who may stand as independents in the Northern Rhodesian election and has also threatened Europeans with an "orgy of blood"?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is a matter which I have noticed and which I regret, but it is wider than this question.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonHas the Home Secretary also noticed the disclaimer of that speech made by Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, the leader of U.N.I.P.?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, I have also noticed that.