§ 59 and 61. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) where Dr. Banda and other British-protected persons recently arrested in 57W Nyasaland are now imprisoned; to what extent they are allowed to receive and send letters; and what sums are being paid to their dependants during their detention;
(2) what compensation is being paid by the Government of Nyasaland to the widows and other dependants of Africans killed by the police during the recent disturbances.
§ Mr. J. AmeryOne hundred and twenty-nine detainees, including Dr. Banda, are held in Southern Rhodesia. The remainder numbering 423 are in custody in Nyasaland.
Each detainee is entitled to send and to receive one letter each week, but more can be allowed at the discretion of the officer in charge.
Dependants of detainees living in the urban areas are offered all facilities for returning to their traditional homes and, in addition, allowances are being paid based on individual need.
Payment of compensation for persons killed during the disturbances will depend on the circumstances in which the death occurred. In each case inquests will be held and, in the light of the verdicts, consideration will be given to the question of compensation.
65. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. Orton Chirwa, barrister, has been detained in Nyasaland.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Governor was satisfied that in order to maintain public order it was necessary to detain Mr. Chirwa.
§ 69 and 70. Mr. Footasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many persons have now been detained under the emergency regulations promulgated in Nyasaland; how many of such persons are detained outside Nyasaland; how many of such persons have appealed to the Advisory Committee; how many of those appeals have been heard by the Advisory Committee; and how many recommendations the Committee have made for continued detention and how many for release;
(2) whether persons detained under the emergency regulations promulgated in 58W Nyasaland who lodge objections in writing to the Advisory Committee will be entitled to appear before the Committee; whether they will be confronted with, and be given the opportunity to cross-examine, the witnesses against them; and whether they will be allowed legal representation before the Committee.
§ Mr. J. AmeryAs to the number of persons detained I would invite the hon. and learned Member's attention to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle). Detainees who lodge objections in writing to the Advisory Committee are entitled to appear before it; but they will not be allowed to have legal representation at the hearing, nor will they be confronted with, or be allowed to cross-examine, witnesses.
None of the detainees has yet lodged an objection to his detention and, consequently, the remainder of the question does not arise.