HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc370-1
11. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the disturbance caused by Arab tribesmen in Aden; what are the taxes on crops which they have refused to pay; and what are the objections of the tribes to the payment of such taxes.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Aden Protectorate Levies and the Royal Air Force have been assisting Lahej forces to re-establish the authority of the Sultan of Lahej over two rebellious chiefs, one of whom had connived at the murder of five of his relatives and had subsequently refused to arrest their murderers. Most of the tribesmen who accompanied these chiefs when they took to the hills have now accepted amnesty terms, but one of the chiefs with less than 20 followers is still raiding Aden Protectorate territory from the Yemen.

There is evidence that he has obtained assistance, including arms and ammunition, in the Yemen and Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Taiz has made strong representations to the Yemen Government to prevent this assistance and raiding from within Yemen territory. The tax to which one of the chiefs objected is imposed on crops at the rate of 6s. per acre as assessed by a committee of local Sheikhs. So far as I know, the reasons for his objection were those felt by most taxpayers everywhere.

Mr. Rankin

The right hon. Gentleman said that the tax is 6s. per acre. Are we to understand that it is levied on the tribe as a whole and paid through the chief and not by individual tribesmen? Also, were there any casualties in the disturbance?

Mr. Lyttelton

"Casualties" is a wide term. I ought to have notice of that question.

Mr. Rankin

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the supplementary question? Is the tax paid through the chief?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, Sir, but, of course, the chief would himself be liable for part of the tax, and that is what he objects to.

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