HC Deb 21 July 1954 vol 530 c118W
65. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the House particulars in respect of the disturbance at Lusaka on 21st May in which 2,000 African women were involved.

Mr. Lyttelton

On the morning of 20th May, about 2,000 African women assembled at the District Commissioner's office in Lusaka and asked for an alteration of the law to permit them to brew beer. They were told that the law could only be altered by the Legislature, and that their request could not be immediately granted. The crowd were then ordered to disperse, but instead began to press on the building, and to throw stones. They were dispersed by the police, using tear smoke.

Forward to