§ 15. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the ancient custom of Herr is still being fostered in 531 the Somaliland Protectorate, when at the same time it is regarded as obnoxious and obsolete by Somali opinion in the Advisory and Legislative Councils.
§ Mr. ProfumoHerr means the whole body of Somali law and custom. As requested by the Protectorate Advisory Council, the Protectorate Government are giving consideration to a suggestion that one particular custom, under which compensation is paid by tribes to each other for persons killed, should be abolished. They are at present engaged in ascertaining the views of the tribes on this suggestion.
§ Mr. RankinIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand a letter from the vice-chairman of the Somali National League? While, of course, that is an extremist body, I trust that the hon. Gentleman agrees there is nothing wrong with it being extremist. Is he aware that so far the Administration have found it
reasonable to consult the only section of the community that had vested interests in the continuance of this customand these bodies are paid by the Government? Will he assure us that some consideration will be given to the views of the Advisory and Legislative Councils?
§ Mr. ProfumoI think that when the hon. Member reads my Answer and compares it with his letter he will find that I have answered the Question on the Order Paper. Since I know he is interested, I may add that they are going to consult all the tribes about the suggestion, but when there are strong tribal loyalties it is sometimes difficult to get evidence to convict of a murder and if we took away the custom we should only encourage retaliatory murders.