HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 cc595-6
18. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the state of public order in Northern Rhodesia; and what arrangements have been made to make available to Parliament and the public the Northern Rhodesia Government's Report on the disturbances in the Protectorate between July and October last.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 1st February.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it not the case that this Report came to the conclusion that "No other organisation or society",—I am quoting the exact words—than the United National Independence Party was responsible for these disturbances which involved cruel and brutal attacks on peace-loving individuals and grave damage to churches and clinics and other properties of benefit to the African population?

Mr. Maudling

I have placed copies of this Report in the Library so that hon. Members who are interested can read them and draw deductions from them, For my own part, I think that it is an excellent and impartial Report.

Mr. Healey

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that Her Majesty's Government are in a position physically to exercise their responsibility for law and order in Northern Rhodesia during the difficult weeks and months that may follow without relying on assistance from the Federal Government, the attitude of whose troops may not be entirely impartial in this matter?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's implication about the Federal troops or about the possible developments in Northern Rhodesia. It is my hope that we shall get a solution to the Northern Rhodesian constitutional problem which will prevent these dangers arising.

Mr. Healey

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Her Majesty's Government are in a position, in case of need, to provide troops in order to carry out their responsibilities in this territory?

Mr. Maudling

That is a hypothetical question, and to answer it would not help anyone.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Is it in accordance with the traditions of this House to cast reflections without justification on officers holding the Queen's Commission?

Mr. Healey

Is it not the case that Mr. Justice Devlin's Report made exactly the comment which I have myself repeated?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that any point of order arises either way.