MR. J. W. WILSON (Worcestershire, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the number of slaves freed by the courts, under the decree of 1897, in Zanzibar and Pemba, respectively, in each of the years 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905 (in continuation of Africa, No. 6, 1902); also the total of those where emancipation has been voluntarily granted and registered, or labour contracts officially drawn up and recognised by the courts; and further whether he will consider what steps can be taken to put an end to this period of transition, and the existence of slavery in the Protectorate.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) The number of slaves freed by the courts, under the decree of 1897, in Zanzibar and Pemba in 1903 is given in Africa, No. 14, 1904, which is the continuation of Africa, No. 6, 1902. The total of those whose emancipation has boon voluntarily granted and registered for 1902 and 1903 will be found on page 6 of the same volume. A Report will be called for from His Majesty's agent at Zanzibar, as to whether there are any instances of labour contracts being officially drawn up and recognised by the courts. Details will at the same time be asked for for the years 1904 and 1905. As the legal status of slavery has been abolished by the decree of 1897, which has worked so satisfactorily as will appear by reference to Africa, No. 14, 1904, it does not appear that anything further could be more effective.