§ MR. PIKE PEASE (Darlington)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a definite and detailed statement in regard to the abolition of the legal status of slavery in the Zanzibar coast strip.
§ MR. CHURCHILLLord Elgin wrote to the Acting Commissioner of the East Africa Protectorate on the 7th January last, saying that in his opinion the time had come to abolish the legal status of slavery in the mainland dominions of 32 the Sultan of Zanzibar and asking for a Report as to the most convenient measures to be taken to carry this decision into effect. He added that the matter should be proceeded with as expeditiously as possible. He has now learnt by telegraph that a full Report embodying the recommendations of the local authorities will shortly be despatched, and I hope to be able to make such a statement as the hon. Member desires in the course of the next few weeks. The local authorities are aware of the importance which His Majesty's Government attach to the early settlement of this question, and I hope there will be no unnecessary delay.