asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been arrested for political offences in the Northern Province of Northern Rhodesia in the last three months; with what specific offences they have been charged; what proportion has been found guilty; and what penalties have been imposed.

The law does not define a "political offence", but if the hon. Member has in mind seditious practices under the penal code, three Africans have been arrested for committing such offences in the Northern Province during the last three months. AH were convicted and sentenced, one to nine months' and two to twelve months' imprisonment. No one is prosecuted in connection with political activity unless a breach of the law is involved.

Is the Minister quite sure that that answer is accurate? Has he examined, for example, the allegations I sent him from a trading organisation in Northern Rhodesia about Africans being arrested, charged and convicted, it was alleged, merely for shouting such things as "Freedom" and "Independence" at political demonstrations? Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that this is completely untrue? Have the allegations been thoroughly examined?

Naturally, I rely on information that is given to me, but in this case my information comes from the Governor and, as far as I am concerned, that is sufficient guarantee of its accuracy. He has inquired particularly into the matters raised by a number of hon. Members in this House in relation to the U.N.I.P. party and the Northern Province, and he is satisfied that prosecutions are brought not for the reasons alleged but only if there is some additional reason such as, for example, a breach of the peace.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Africans have complained in Lusaka that they are afraid to go home to, and afraid to go go out at night in, places like the Chibolya township because of the danger of assault by political terrorists armed with knobkerries and axes; what measures are being taken in Northern Rhodesia to defend British-protected persons from such intimidation; and what reports have been received as to the identity of its organisers.

There has recently been some fear of violence in African townships because of disputes between political factions. Although the efforts of the police to prevent intimidation and identify those responsible have been hampered by the absence of any specific complaints, the trouble has now died down.