HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2270-1W
Mr. BENNETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from or on behalf of His Majesty's Indian subjects in East Africa any request for the franchise upon the basis of the franchise created by the Government of India Act, 1919, or an indiscriminate and uniform franchise?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

The Secretary of State has received representations in favour of the grant of elective representation to the Indian community in East Africa; it is understood that the franchise desired is the same as that already granted to Europeans, including woman suffrage.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies received, on or about 19th April, a deputation on the subject of the grievances of Indians in His Majesty's Protectorates and Territories in East Africa; whether the Colonial Office proposes to make inquiry into those grievances; and, in case no inquiry is to be undertaken, if he will indicate the nature of action that his office proposes to take to insure equality of treatment to His Majesty's Indian subjects in these Protectorates and Territories?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

The Secretary of State for the Colonies received a deputation on the 19th of April. He has since had an opportunity for full discussion of matters affecting the Indian community in East Africa with the Governors of the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates: and he does not consider that further inquiry will be necessary. The decisions on the matters discussed will be announced in due course.