HC Deb 30 December 1912 vol 46 c23
41. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the Gold Coast Colony, recently, a white man named Evans, found guilty of stealing amalgam valued at £75, was sentenced to one day's imprisonment, and that a coloured man named Blisset, who had served the Government for twenty-three years, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment upon a charge of falsifying labour pay sheets for the sum of 25s., and the assessors in this case unanimously expressed the opinion that Blisset was innocent; and whether such contrasts of judicial decisions will receive consideration, with a view to the remission of Blisset's sentence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I am aware of the cases referred to by my hon. Friend, and have already had before mo the evidence in the trial of Stationmaster Blisset. I am making further inquiries, and shall give the matter full consideration when the reports for which I have called are available.

Mr. KING

May the man be set at liberty, or allowed bail, pending inquiry?

Mr. HARCOURT

No; I could not suggest that from what I have heard of the evidence.