§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give any information regarding the property of the four members of the Ashanti branch of the West African Youth League, whose conviction for offences of conspiracy against the Asantehene was quashed by the West African court of appeal, and who have been prevented from returning to their homes in Ashanti under the provisions laid down in Ordinance Ashanti No. 44, of 1936?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreRepresentations were made to me in November last regarding the position of these persons and their dependants, who, it was alleged, were undergoing hardship despite the possession of properties said to be valued at 1143 £12,000. I have made inquiries of the Governor and am informed that so far from their properties being worth such a sum as £12,000, only one man owns property of any value and that that property is very heavily mortgaged. I am advised that their position is not such as would appear to call for Governmental assistance.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these men are in a position of destitution in the district where they are living, and cannot something be done to provide them with at least the necessities of life?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIf the hon. Member will let me have any information at his disposal, I will submit it to the Government of Ashanti.