Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Inspector Maneckji is at the present time employed in the police department of Zanzibar; whether he was at any time suspended from duty; at what date this occurred; what were the charges against him; and what were the reasons for reinstatement?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)Inspector Maneckji and a sub-inspector were suspended from their duties a few months ago on a charge being made that evidence had been obtained from prisoners by ill-treatment and pressure. They were both tried before a judge in the ordinary way on a criminal charge. The sub-inspector was found guilty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, and dismissed in consequence. Inspector Maneckji was acquitted and returned to his duties. But as the occurrence of anything of the kind 1508 on the part of his subordinate gave some presumption of lax administration, it was decided that he should retire on the expiry of the next term of leave due to him, which will be within this year. I am awaiting a further report, which, I understand, is on its way from the Consul-General at Zanzibar on this point.
Sir G. PARKERIn view of the statements in which it has been suggested that there has been certain laxity of administration, has the right hon. Gentleman given his careful attention to the condition of the administration of Zanzibar at the present time?
§ Sir E. GREYYes.
Sir G. PARKERMay I ask if subsequent to this case coming before the notice of the right hon. Gentleman, has he made special inquiry into the state of the administration of Zanzibar?
§ Sir E. GREYNo, I had not made a special inquiry in consequence of this case. There have been several changes lately in the Government of Zanzibar, which have been made since the facts were reported in the Press.