HC Deb 24 March 1920 vol 127 cc408-9
61. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Prisons Ordinance, 1918, gave superintendents of prisons in British East Africa and Protectorates the right to flog Indian prisoners as a disciplinary measure; and whether he will consider the desirability of an inquiry into the system?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)

The Ordinance referred to by the hon. Member does not deal with the matter. The Prisons Ordinance, 1914 (in Section 94), provides that for aggravated, more serious, or repeated, offences a prisoner may be sentenced to be flogged by a superintendent or a Visiting Justice. There is no distinction as to race.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is any inquiry being made into the incidence of this method of punishment in East Africa?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

Yes, the whole question of how these matters affect Indians will be discussed by the Governor of British East Africa with the Secretary of State.