HC Deb 08 April 1907 vol 172 c14
MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can see his way to signalise the passing of the Slave Trade Prohibition Act 100 years ago by putting an end to the legal status of slavery in Zanzibar coast strip.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.

On 7th January the Secretary of State for the Colonies addressed a despatch to the officer administering the Government of the East Africa Protectorate intimating that, in his opinion, the time had come to abolish the legal status of slavery in the mainland as well as in the island dominions of the Sultan of Zanzibar, and requesting him to furnish a report upon the question of the most convenient measures to be taken to carry that policy into effect. It was also impressed upon the officer in question that Lord Elgin was anxious that the matter should be proceeded with as expeditiously as possible.

MR. BYLES

Is not this the only spot under the British flag where the institution of slavery enjoys the protection of the British flag?

MR. CHURCHILL

was understood to say that, so far as he knew, it was the only place under the control of the Colonial Office.