HC Deb 14 March 1889 vol 333 cc1635-6
SIR ROBERT FOWLER (London)

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government had now received official information respecting the Coroner's inquest held at Free Town, Sierra Leone, on the 1st February last, on the body of the Chief Gbanna Gombo, and other Papers showing what action, if any, has been taken by the local authorities with a view to investigation of the charges against the police officer, whose treatment of the Chief is alleged to have conduced to his death; and, whether he would furnish the House with further information as to the grounds of the Chief's arrest; also with copies of the official report of the Coroner's inquest of the 1st February; of the Governor's report on the subject; and of the order which has been issued to the Sierra Leone police respecting the use of hand-cuffs and avoidance of undue harshness in the conveyance of prisoners?

BARON H. DE WORMS

In answer to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the Government have not received any fur- ther information beyond what I gave to She House on the 8th instant. The Secretary of State has, however, called for a full Report as to the circumstances alluded to, and the Papers will be included in the correspondence respecting the disturbances at Sulymah, which I intend to lay on the Table as soon as possible.

SIR R. FOWLER

When do the Government expect to receive the information?

BARON H. DE WORMS

I am unable to say precisely.