§ MR. JAMES O'KELLY (Roscommon, N.)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the number of punitive expeditions against the natives of Southern Nigeria during 1904–5; what number of natives have been killed and wounded in these expeditions; what number of villages destroyed; what quantity of cattle and other goods seized and carried away; whether the increase in trade referred to by the Governor is looked upon as a satisfactory outcome of these expeditions; whether nearly all the revenue of Nigeria and Lagos is derived from the alcohol traffic; and whether he will consider the advisability of instituting inquiry into the state of affairs in this territory.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill). In 1904–5, under the late Administration, there were eight expeditions in disturbed districts of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. In explanation of these operations it may be urged that they were undertaken in order to put a stop to the murder and robbery of peaceful traders by less civilised tribes, the harbouring of escaped criminals, and assaults on Government servants, and also to check human sacrifices and cannibalism. It is not possible to give exact information as to the numbers killed or damage-done in these operations, but in most cases there was little fighting of a serious character. The High Commissioner states that all unnecessary fighting was avoided, and in every case the operations have been followed by the establishment of civil administration in the districts visited, and the requirements of the Government as to stoppage of intertribal fighting, human sacrifice, and interference with traders, have been fully explained to the natives, though not in all cases with entire success. At Onitsha, however, where an industrial exhibition has been held, which was attended by about 20,000 natives, and passed off without the slightest disturbance, although many of those present came from districts where punitive measures had been found necessary only 1281 a year before. The total revenue of Southern Nigeria in 1904 was £550,013, of which £322,116 was derived from duties on spirits. The latest figures for Lagos are for the financial year 1903–4. Total revenue, £334,695. Revenue from spirit duties £160,640. While the Secretary of State does not regard any extra-departmental inquiry as necessary, the whole question of the scope and nature of the activities and responsibilities to which His Majesty's Government find themselves committed in Nigeria will engage his serious attention.