HC Deb 19 March 1974 vol 870 cc81-2W
Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects are detained without any intended trial in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.

Miss Joan Lestor

I shall confine my reply to British subjects who are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Malawi

Ten United Kingdom citizens are detained under legislation for the preservation of public order. There is no legal requirement in these cases for eventual trial, but they must be reviewed every six months, as a result of which some people held under detention orders are eventually brought to trial. I cannot say which of the 10 the Malawi Government intend to bring to trial but the high commission in Blantyre will continue to press for a decision.

Tanzania

Four United Kingdom citizens are held under the Preventive Detention Act 1962. The Act provides for indefinite imprisonment without trial. Prisoners have the right to petition the President. The high commission is in active contact with the Tanzanian authorities about these cases.

Zambia

Two United Kingdom citizens are detained by presidential order under the Preservation of Public Security Regulation. There is no provision for a trial. Detainees may apply for their case to be reviewed by an independent judicial tribunal after 12 months but the President has the power to reject the tribunal's recommendation. The high commission has obtained access to these detainees and is in contact with the Zambian authorities about them.