27. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any legislation is contemplated in Zanzibar for the purpose of restricting land ownership and trade activities of Indians in that Colony; and whether any representations from Indians have been received on the matter?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIf the purpose of the hon. Member's question is to inquire whether legislation is in contemplation in Zanzibar discriminating against Indians as such, the answer is in the negative. What is in contemplation is legislation to protect the native, Arab or African, landowners and cultivators of Zanzibar against eviction from their land by any persons who are not natives, and to remodel the marketing of cloves, the only important export product of Zanzibar, on what can most conveniently be described as cooperative lines, so as to ensure that the producers, whatever their race may be, get the full value of their crops. No racial discrimination of any kind is contemplated. Various representations on the subject of this legislation have been received and are now being considered by the Zanzibar Government.
§ Mr. PalingIs that the information from the Acting Resident which the right hon. Gentleman promised to get last week?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir.