HC Deb 28 July 1943 vol 391 cc1596-7W
Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement concerning the recent disturbances at Family Pen, Jamaica, where a crowd of 400 relief workers was fired upon, causing the death of one worker, the wounding of three others and 31 arrests?

Colonel Stanley

The Governor of Jamaica has reported that a disturbance occurred on 1st June at the relief work centre at Family Pen following the arrest of a relief worker for disorderly conduct. The arrest was made by a district constable who was slightly wounded in so doing. Hooligan elements then became threatening, releasing the prisoner and attacking office buildings and staff with bricks and stones. In self-defence the district constable and a foreman were forced to fire on the attackers, killing one and wounding another. On the arrival of police reinforcements a number of arrests were made and the disturbance quickly subsided.