asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what regulations twenty-nine Africans were recently convicted for shouting, "Kwatcha" and "Freedom", in the northern province of Northern Rhodesia.

In the absence of specific details, the Governor's inquiries have failed to trace such incidents. Investigations into similar allegations in recent months have shown that prosecutions have been brought only where other serious criminal elements have been involved in the charges.

Would the Colonial Secretary agree that, if these regulations cause arrest for the chanting of party slogans, it is time that they were abolished? Will he not agree that this is quite undemocratic, and that repression of this kind will only lead to further difficulties?

Surely, the onus is on the hon. Member. He has put in a charge, like that in Question No. 24, that twenty-nine africans were recently convicted for shouting "Kwatcha". If he will produce evidence of that, I will look into it.

Hear, hear.

On a point of order. The Colonial Secretary has thrown out a challenge that I cannot prove this. My proof is—

The hon. Member cannot at Question Time make statements of fact, and, in any event, not in the guise of a point of order.