HC Deb 16 July 1953 vol 517 cc186-7W
73. Mr. Awbery

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware that Assistant District Commissioner Robinson has informed the Bamangwato Tribe that if they refuse to recognise the Subordinate Native Authority appointed by him they will have to be banished from their reserve; that banishment without trial is contrary to the custom and practice of the tribe; and if he will take steps to prevent this threat from being implemented.

Mr. J. Foster

On 23rd June a deputation of Bakhurutshe, members of a small allied tribe who recently moved into the Bamangwato Reserve, informed Mr. Robinson that they could not accept Rasebolai as Native Authority or Ookame as Subordinate Native Authority. Mr. Robinson explained that the alternatives to accepting and obeying the lawfully appointed Native Authorities were to incur the penalties for disobedience or to go and live elsewhere. There is no question of their banishment.