Oral Answers to Questions — Sarawak – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 22 Ionawr 1947.
Mr Thomas Skeffington-Lodge
, Bedford
12:00,
22 Ionawr 1947
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that police action has been taken in Sibu, east of Kuching, against the free expression of opinion by those opposed to the cession of Sarawak; and whether he will take steps to ensure that orderly criticism and democratic rights are preserved for all citizens of this Colony.
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
The Governor of Sarawak has reported that certain anti-cession posters displayed in Sibu were removed by the police on 14th November. This was done by order of the local police chief on the ground that they would lead to inter-racial animosity and incidents, after reports had been received that strong feeling had been aroused by the display of these posters in the Chinese area. Many posters had also been affixed to Malay houses without permission and against the wishes of the owners, who asked the police to remove them. As regards the second part of the Question, I am as jealous of preserving democratic rights as my hon. Friend and will certainly take steps with the local authorities to prevent infringement if occasion arises.
Mr Thomas Skeffington-Lodge
, Bedford
Can the Minister say whether any of those who affixed the posters have been proceeded against or have been ill-treated in any way?
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
I am unable to say that, but there had been previous incidents, and the Governor had already taken some action against those who were involved.
Mr David Gammans
, Hornsey
Can the Minister assure the House that there is no impediment whatever to free expression of opinion in Sarawak against the proposals for cession?
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
There is no interference with civil liberty in any regard.
Sir Kenneth Pickthorn
, Cambridge University
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what authority an official circular was issued in Sarawak threatening with instant dismissal any Government servant associating himself with any activity designed to keep open the question of cession.
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
The circular was issued by the Chief Secretary under the authority of the Governor, who was acting within his constitutional powers.
Sir Kenneth Pickthorn
, Cambridge University
Is the right hon. Gentleman clear that that answer is consistent with the answer he gave to Question No. 1 this afternoon?
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
I hope it is consistent.
Mr Luke Teeling
, Brighton
May I ask it that means that any official of any other British Colony who disapproves of the present Constitution there will have to resign? Is this rule being applied in other Colonies or only in Sarawak?
Mr Arthur Jones
, Shipley
Oh, no, Sir. His Majesty has a right, I think, to expect loyalty from his servants.
Sir Waldron Smithers
, Orpington
Tell that to the T.U.C.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
