§ 1. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many dependants were left by the 46 Africans killed by security forces in Nyasaland.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)Under the matrilineal system generally obtaining in Nyasaland the identification of persons claiming under African law and custom some dependence on a deceased person would involve extensive and detailed inquiries in each case. Such inquiries are beyond the capacity of the limited staff available. But I am asking the Governor whether it would be possible to state the number of widows and children, and I will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he use what influence he has to ensure that any widows or children who are left receive something in the way of compensation by widows' allowances or children's allowances and thus make a contribution to bringing about an easement of the tension which exists in the territory at present?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI share the hon. Member's desire to bring about in every 344 Possible way an easement of the tension. As he knows, it is generally accepted practice that the care of widows and children is traditionally a family and tribal responsibility, but I am asking the Governor how far he is able to check that this responsibility is being carried out and to let me know his findings.