HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc121-2W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the recent legislation in Uganda to permit the purchase and consumption of spirituous liquors by Africans contravenes the Congo Basin Treaties; and whether he proposes to take action regarding these treaties.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The provisions of the Bill published by the Uganda Government are not considered to be contrary to the spirit of the Congo Basin Treaties, as indicated in the preambles to the Berlin Act, 1885, and to the main St. Germain-en-Laye Convention, 1919. The present legislation is directly discriminatory against Africans. The Bill is designed to remove this discrimination and to deal with widespread and increasing illicit distillation of harmful liquors.

This is now a major social evil in Uganda; the liquors are particularly dangerous, and have caused many deaths. The restrictions imposed by the existing legislation have thus not succeeded in their aim of protecting Africans against the evils of drinking.

I agreed to the introduction of the Bill and do not propose to take any further action in the matter.