HC Deb 07 March 1961 vol 636 cc35-6W
Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps have been taken by the Civilian Administration Unit of the United Nations in the Congo to encourage the establishment of a judicial system; and to what extend it is envisaged that those who contravene the directives, which the United Nations Congo forces have instructions to implement, can be put in a penitentiary or other place of detention by the United Nations forces.

Mr. Heath

The United Nations Civil Operations Mission in the Congo is assisting in the task of restoring a judicial system. It has supplied a Swiss consultant to study the establishment of courts, and a legal adviser to assist him. The directives issued by the United Nations authorities to their civil and military personnel in the Congo apply only to those personnel.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps are being taken by the United Nations forces in the Congo to redraw the frontiers of the six component States to reflect more accurately the ethnic and other characteristics of the populations.

Mr. Heath

None.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that there are British missionaries in Luluabourg; and whether he is satisfied that everything possible has been done through the United Nations to secure their safety and that of other British subjects and Commonwealth missionaries who may be endangered by the outbreak of violence in that part of the Congo.

Mr. Heath

Yes. There are three British missionaries in Luluabourg at present. Her Majesty's Ambassador at Leopoldville is in constant touch with the United Nations authorities who are aware of our anxiety to secure the safety of British subjects and citizens of Commonwealth countries not separately represented in the Congo. No British subjects were involved in the incidents at Luluabourg on the 1st of March, and the latest reports show that the situation there is now quiet.

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