§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that the Parti Mauritien were given permission to hold a procession outside the Town Hall in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, on 29th April, when previously the Muslim Alliance had been refused similar facilities in Port Louis; and if he will ensure that similar privileges are accorded to other parties as those given to the opposition Parti Mauritien.
§ Mrs. HartYes. The Muslim Committee of Action, to which I think my hon. Friend is referring, proposed earlier to hold a night procession in Port Louis. Permission for this was refused under the terms of a general ban on night processions which applies equally to all political parties and which is still in force.
Facilities for the holding of public meetings are given completely fairly to all political parties in Mauritius.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the development of violent politics initiated by the Parti Mauritien in Mauritius, as evidenced by the disorderly procession of 29th April outside the Town Hall of Quatre Bornes, where the Mauritius Labour Party were holding their Annual Conference; and what steps he is taking to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the island.
§ Mrs. HartI am fully satisfied that all necessary measures are being taken locally to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
I understand from the Governor that there were no untoward disorders during the procession by the Parti Mauritien in Quatre Bornes on 29th April, for which prior permission was sought and given in accordance with the provisions of the law.