§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that great distress has been caused among the Africa cutter owners on the River Gambia through the operation of the Navigation and Pilotage (Consolidated) By-Laws, 1936; and whether he is taking any steps to ensure that these men shall have an opportunity of earning their livelihood on the river?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI have received no complaints regarding the effect of the Gambia Navigation and Pilotage (Consolidated) By-Laws, 1936. I understand that the by-laws are designed for the good order and safety of vessels, their crews, passengers and cargo, plying upon the waters of the River Gambia. The bylaws have been made in accordance with the provisions of the Gambia Navigation and Pilotage Ordinance of 1916. which also provides that if any number of persons, not less than six, having an interest or stake in the navigation of the River Gambia consider themselves aggrieved by any by-law, they may appeal to the Governor, who may revoke or vary the by-law if he sees fit to do so. I am causing inquiries to be made of the Governor as to whether the issue of the by-laws in question has inflicted hardship on any particular class of persons, and whether he has received any appeal under the provisions of the Ordinance.