HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 c174W
83. Miss Lee

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been sentenced under the emergency laws in British Guiana; on what charges: and to what extent the numbers so sentenced are increasing or decreasing.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Thirty-seven, of whom 22 were sentenced for holding illegal meetings, nine for taking part in illegal processions, one for leaving the area to which he had been restricted and five for failing to notify their movements as required under the terms of restriction orders. The numbers sentenced have decreased—three over the last three months as compared with 12 in the month of December last.

84. Miss Lee

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how long the emergency laws have been in force in British Guiana; and how much longer he estimates the emergency will continue.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

For a little over a year. I cannot say when it will be possible to dispense with the emergency powers but the position will, of course, be kept under review.