34. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whence the gold to the value of £331,632 exported from Nyasaland between 1892 and 1918, as stated in the Annual Report for 1917–18, was obtained; and whether it was exported?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)The figures given in the Report are of the imports and exports of specie through the Customs. Gold finds it way into Nyasaland in small sums in the possession of individuals, principally natives. returning from employment outside the Protectorate, and in consequence is not declared at any Customs station. This gold, being in excess of the normal amount required in the country, accumulates at time banks, by which it is exported to the United Kingdom and elsewhere in payment of their liabilities or for investment.