HL Deb 09 July 1964 vol 259 cc1087-9
THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government which of the federated sheikdoms and amirates in the Federation of South Arabia have responded to the appeal of the Supreme Council of the Federa- tion in August, 1963, to legislate against slavery, and in which of the sheikdoms and amirates within the Federation, or in the East Aden Protectorate, there is no legislation against slavery or the slave trade.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)

My Lords, since August, 1963, anti-slavery legislation has been passed in the States of Lahej and Baihan. Legislation is being considered in the Lower Yafa'i, Wahidi and Fadhli States. Laws are already in force in the Audhali Sultanate, the Lower Avlaqi Sultanate, the Upper Avlaqi Shaikhdom, the Qa'iti Sultanate and the Kathiri Sultanate. The Haushabi authorities have informed the Federal Government that as there are no slaves in that. Sultanate they see little point in enacting legislation: this attitude is generally shared by the rest of the States of the Protectorate of South Arabia, in which there is no legislation on the subject at present.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, may I ask the noble Duke whether, in the case of those States which are now considering legislation, unless there has been legislation before Southern Arabia becomes independent, the Secretary of State will exercise his power under the Treaty of Friendship to advise that such legislation be enacted? Is it thinkable that any people for whom we are responsible should pass beyond British jurisdiction as slaves?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I can certainly give that undertaking. As I said, it is generally accepted that the slave trade does not exist within the Protectorate.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

The noble Duke will excuse me, but I am not talking about the slave trade. I am talking of the ownership of slaves. That is another matter, which I am sure he will agree does continue.

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I will certainly give the undertaking for which the noble Earl asks.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, could the noble Duke inform us what is the actual position in regard to slavery in the Sultanate of Fadhli?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I shall have to look carefully at my brief to answer this question. I understand that legislation is being considered on this matter in the Sultanate of Fadhli.