§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now announce any decision as to the abolition of the legal status of slavery in the Zanzibar coast strip in accordance with the declared policy of the Secretary of State.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.Lord Elgin is of opinion that the time has come to abolish the legal status of slavery in the Zanzibar coast strip as well as on the islands, and is now in communication with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and with the local authorities upon the question of the most convenient measures to be adopted, both in respect of that policy and its consequences. Time will be required for the making of all necessary arrangements, but I should hope to be able before long to make definite and detailed statements to the House.