§ 44. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the representations which have been made to the Government with a view to the reintroduction of flogging of the native workers in the Cameroons as a disciplinary measure in respect of petty complaints, and upon which a report was made to the International Labour Office; and whether he will give an assurance that in no circumstances will such powers be given to private employers?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)I am neither aware that any such representations have been made nor of the report to which the hon. Member refers. Reference to the latest report on the Cameroons will show that flogging is illegal except as a judicial punishment for certain serious crimes 533 and no further pledge seems necessary, though I will gladly give the hon. Member an assurance in the sense desired.
§ Mr. BAKERIf I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the official document in which the Report appears, will he make further inquiries?
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHDo I understand if the Government are undertaking public works they have not a right to inflict this summary punishment?
§ Mr. AMERYFlogging in the Cameroons is only permissible for certain serious crimes. I have already given the hon. Member a general assurance.