§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that revenue in Southern Rhodesia derived purely from native sources, both in 1937 and in former years, is substantially greater than the expenditure of the native development and native affairs votes; and whether he will take steps to secure that the expenditure is increased and made at least equal to the revenue?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have no power to take the action suggested by the hon. Member in the last part of his question. I would observe, however, that the Votes for Native Affairs and Native Development do not cover the total expenditure for the benefit of the natives in Southern Rhodesia, and that the figures to which he refers cannot be regarded as affording a basis of comparison between the revenue derived from natives and the expenditure on their behalf.
§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will state the number of Natives in Southern Rhodesia brought before and charged in the courts; the number of convictions and of committals to prison; the number of Natives who failed to pay their but tax in 1937; the amount credited to prisoners for road-making in comparison with the wages paid for this purpose to Native labourers who are not prisoners; and whether he is aware of the disproportionate fines as compared with the wages of the offenders?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have not particulars as to various of the points raised in the question. I am accordingly making inquiries of the Government of Southern Rhodesia and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as a reply is received.