§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the latest available figures of the number of cases of corporal punishment inflicted on Africans for legal offences committed in Uganda, Kenya and Tanganyika; and what steps have now been taken in these and other African Colonies to reduce the number of offences involving this form of punishment.
§ Colonel StanleyAs I indicated to the hon. Member on 14th June, the most recent figures available are those for 1938. In that year the totals for the three Territories mentioned were 375, 50 and 174. I am asking the Governors concerned for more up-to-date information which I will send to the hon. Member. It was suggested to Colonial Governments in 1939, and again in 1940, that the number of offences for which corporal punishment might be awarded should be reduced. Several African Colonies have since that date amended their legislation in order to reduce the number of offences. Several of the African Colonies have also enacted ordinances establishing a system of probation.
§ Mr. SorensenWould it be possible to give hon. Members of the House particulars of cases of corporal punishment in the East African Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyI will let the hon. Member know when I have the information, and perhaps he will then put another Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. John DugdaleWould the Minister issue an instruction that only those offences punishable by corporal punishment in this country, will be so punished in the Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyPerhaps the hon. Member will put that Question on the Order Paper, too.