HC Deb 26 November 1953 vol 521 cc83-4W
Mr. Delargy

111, 112 and 113. asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) on what date information alleging a plot to burn Georgetown was supplied to the Attorney-General for British Guiana for his consideration; and whether this information is still under consideration;

  1. (2) whether he will place in the Library of the House of Commons copies of the documents received by him supporting 84 the suggestion that there had been a plot to burn Georgetown;
  2. (3) whether copies of the evidence alleging the participation of Ministers of British Guiana in a plan to burn Georgetown have yet been supplied to the Ministers concerned; and what opportunity they have been given of answering in detail the accusations made against them.

114 and 115. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will state the circumstances in which reports from police agents in British Guiana alleging a plot to burn Georgetown were submitted direct to the Governor and not to the appropriate Minister;

(2) whether he will state the date on which he first received reports alleging a plot to burn Georgetown; and from whom these reports were received.

Mr. Lyttelton

A report of the plan to set fire to property in Georgetown, based on statements by two reliable agents, was made on 6th October to the Chief Secretary, who was the appropriate member of the Executive Council since he was responsible for the police and internal security. I was informed of it immediately by the Governor, whose telegram arrived early on 7th October. As one of the Governor's principal official advisers, the Attorney-General would be informed of the report at the same time.

The security authorities were satisfied that the plot existed. The evidence rested, however, on conversation with persons who had been present at the meeting when the plot was made, supported by further evidence of unusual sales of petrol and by conversation overheard between those who were to carry out the arson. Such evidence while giving clear indications of the existence of the plot, of which Government was bound to take notice is of its nature not suitable for the prosecution of individuals in a court of law. The Attorney-General has, therefore, decided that it is impracticable to bring any prosecution in this case.