§ 37. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Europeans in Nyasaland pay a poll tax of £4 per annum; and if he will consider the introduction of a similar tax in Northern Rhodesia which would remedy the present position in which all Africans are subject to direct taxation but Europeans with incomes below a certain figure pay no direct taxation.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsLegislation imposing an annual tax of £1 on all residents of Northern Rhodesia other than Africans was repealed in 1945. A Committee, including one African member, which reviewed taxation in 1946 did not recommend the reintroduction of this tax, and the Governor is of the opinion that there is no adequate reason for changing the existing system of taxation in this respect.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the hon. Gentleman see that the same principle, as far as practicable, is applicable to white settlers in Nyasaland and Rhodesia as is applicable to the Africans?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsTaxation is a matter for the Government of Nyasaland and for the Legislative Council of Northern Rhodesia, and it is not desirable that we should interfere in taxation matters.
§ Mr. ScollanHave we not an obligation in this country to see that there is no differentiation against natives in their own lands?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWe can always make suggestions, but our record in the past of interfering in taxation matters has not always been a happy one.