§ 48. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Nyasaland, in order to compel the prompt payment. of hut taxes, chiefs and headmen, with 1677 the knowledge of district commissioners, are permitted to seize female relatives of alleged defaulters and detain them until the tax has been paid; whether he can give any information as to the treatment of these women; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, both with regard to the system and with regard to the charges that it has been applied with the knowledge of British officials?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I had no information of any incident such as that referred to by the hon. Member until I read an article in a Nyasaland newspaper which he was good enough to send to me. If any such practice exists it would, in my opinion, be quite improper; and in view of the allegation I am asking the Governor to furnish me with a full and immediate report.