§ 10. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the holding of slaves is permitted in the Protectorate of Sierra Leone; whether he has received any reports as to the active traffic in 1798 slaves there; and what action the Government is taking to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. AMERYDealing in slaves is punishable by law in the Protectorate of Sierra Leone, and I have no reason to think that any active traffic exists. The holding of slaves is not so punishable, though the right to hold them is not recognised and cannot be enforced by the law. I am considering with the Governor how the law can best be strengthened.