HL Deb 24 March 1959 vol 215 cc196-7

2.43 p.m.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any further statement to make concerning Mr. Guy Clutton-Brock.]

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, I am glad to be able on this matter to give the noble Viscount a more satisfactory reply. Sir Edgar Whitehead, the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, stated in a broadcast speech yesterday evening that approximately fifty detainees, mostly from rural areas, but including the only European detainee—that is, Mr. Guy Clutton-Brock—would be released within the next forty-eight hours.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, seeing that Mr. Clutton-Brock has a dual nationality, being a British subject as well as a Rhodesian subject, has the noble Earl inquired whether any conditions were laid on his release; whether any charge was laid against him; and whether any compensation will be paid to him for some weeks of imprisonment?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, the answer to the first question is that, so far as I know, no conditions have been applied, and no charge has been laid. I cannot give an answer to any question of compensation or anything of that kind. That would be a matter for Mr.Clutton-Brock to take up with the Southern Rhodesian Government.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, does the noble Earl repudiate any responsibility for this treatment of a man who has partial British nationality?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, the Southern Rhodesian Government acted in this case within their powers; and it is within their power to release Mr. Clutton-Brock, as they have decided to do.

LORD REA

My Lords, could the noble Earl say whether there is to be any charge made retrospectively in regard to Mr. Clutton-Brock?

The EARL OF HOME

Does the noble Lord mean any charge by the Southern Rhodesian Government against Mr. Clutton-Brock?

LORD REA

Yes.

THE EARL OF HOME

I do not know about that, but I will obtain the information for the noble Lord and for the House.