§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received from the Governments of 2062W the Crown Colonies of West Africa information as to how many sentences of death have been passed in each of the Crown Colonies of West Africa during the past 15 years; in how many cases these have been reversed or commuted on appeal; and in how many cases in each category the accused person was not allowed to be heard by counsel?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORESo far I have only received the desired information from the Government of Gambia. In that Dependency 18 death sentences have been passed during the last 15 years; in no case was the sentence reversed on appeal; in nine cases the sentence was commuted by the Governor; in every case the accused had the benefit of legal aid at his trial. When I have replies from the other West African Dependencies I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.