HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 cc1879-80
2. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth Relations whether he is aware of the intention of the President of Zambia to declare British journalists prohibited immigrants; and what protest he is making in the light of the necessity to obtain uncensored information from that country.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I am not aware of any such intention. Two journalists have been expelled from Zambia, one of whom was British. There is no censorship of material sent from Zambia.

Mr. King

Has not Parliament devoted large sums of money to this country and, if the Press is to be muzzled and reputable British journalists expelled, has the hon. Gentleman made a protest and, if not, does he not think he should do so?

Mr. Hughes

I have just told the hon. Gentleman that the Press is not being muzzled. It would be quite improper for me to comment on a decision of the Zambian Government. The expulsion of journalists from Zambia is a matter for the Zambian Government to decide. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will keep the matter in proportion.

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