§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELTo ask the Secretary of Stale for the Colonies whether the provisions of the Southern Nigeria Proclamation, No. 15, of 1903, empowering the High Commissioner to require chiefs to clean the rivers and creeks or to repair the roads in their districts, and imposing compulsory labour for this purpose on all able-bodied men and women, under penalty of fine or imprisonment, have been put into operation; if so, whether any remuneration has been paid to the chiefs; whether any part of such remuneration has been received by the natives employed; and whether similar requirements for compulsory labour exist in any other British colony or protectorate.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) The proclamation referred to by the hon. Member has been put into operation. The proclamation does not impose compulsory labour, but regulates the compulsory labour existing under the tribal system. It also regulates the penalties for evading labour, substituting specific sentences for the former arbitrary punishments, which included flogging and mutilation. I understand that certain chiefs have received payments on account of work done of the character contemplated in the proclamation. The Government deals directly only with the chiefs, and I cannot say whether any part of such remuneration has been received by the natives employed. The requirement of labour for public purposes, including the clearing of rivers and repair of roads, is part of the customary tribal system throughout West Africa, and has been regulated by statute in several of the British colonies and protectorates.