HC Deb 03 February 1938 vol 331 cc405-6W
Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the arrest and conviction of a civilised native in Southern Rhodesia because this native was not carrying a pass; whether he is aware that for many years natives who had reached such a civilised standard that they were placed on the voters' roll were not obliged to carry passes; that the native in question, named James Mfasi, in pursuit of his having been placed on the voters' roll, was accorded a certificate of exemption; and that the chief native commissioner confirmed to the police that there was no such need and retained the certificate of exemption; whether he can say under what instrument these civilised British subjects have lost this right; and whether the instrument withdrawing the right from them received the approval of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. M. MacDonald

My attention has recently been called to this case. I have made inquiries regarding it through the Governor, but am not yet in possession of further information.