HC Deb 10 June 1907 vol 175 c1074
MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Zulu prisoners sent to St. Helena are to be confined to gaol or to be allowed freedom of movement in the island, and generally be treated as political prisoners.

MR. CHURCHILL

The native chiefs in question have been removed under the Colonial Prisoners Removal Act, 1884, and will, therefore, be convicts in status; but every effort will be made by His Majesty's Government agreeable to the law to relieve their confinement from all harsh conditions of labour, and from all restraints not necessary to their safe custody.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will their wives be allowed to accompany them?

MR. CHURCHILL

It is not customary to allow persons serving as convicts in status to be accompanied by their wives.