§ 22. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to reconsider his decision in the matter of the estates of the late Sheikh Saleh bin Ahmed, which were confiscated after the rebellion in Zanzibar of 1896, so that such portion at least may be returned to his son, Sheikh Isa bin Saleh, which may suffice for his maintenance?
§ Mr. AMERYThe matter has been carefully looked into, but I regret that the decision cannot be reconsidered.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some mercy might be shown in this case, and is it desirable that the punishment of the father should be carried on to the son?
§ Mr. AMERYThe punishment of the father in the case of loss of property does inevitably affect descendants. The matter has been very carefully looked into, but it would raise very difficult precedents to exercise a special and individual clemency in this case.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs not some of the confiscated property still in the hands of the Government, and could not a portion of it be returned to the son?