HL Deb 07 December 1961 vol 236 cc163-4

3.18 p.m.

LORD OGMORE

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the daubing on two occasions of the motor car of Mr. Andrew A. Melie, a member of the Nigerian High Commission in London, with offensive words and what action they are taking in the matter.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)

My Lords, the Nigerian High Commissioner has called attention to this regrettable incident, which Her Majesty's Government deeply deplore. I am sure that it does not reflect feeling in this country. Unfortunately, despite special efforts, the police have not so far been able to discover who was responsible. My right honourable friend is assured by the Commissioner of Police that everything possible is being done to trace the culprit and to prevent a repetition.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that satisfactory Answer, may I ask him whether he will request his noble friend the Duke of Devonshire to make it known to the Government and people of Nigeria that the people of this country as a whole, with very few exceptions, deeply deplore incidents of this nature?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I am sure my noble friend will have noted what the noble Lord has said.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, might I ask Her Majesty's Government whether the proper course in a case like this would not be for Her Majesty's Government to replace the sullied vehicle and charge the expense to the Ministry of Education?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, is it not a fact that this is not the first occasion on which incidents of this type have arisen? Is it not a fact that certain persons from Africa have been assaulted in the streets and when the culprits have appeared in court they have been fined, as in one case I can remember, a matter of £2. Would the noble Earl not agree that where these cases arise a higher fine should be imposed?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I think that is a very different case from what the noble Lord, Lord Ogmore, has asked in his Question, but no doubt those responsible will observe what the noble Lord has said.