§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Sierra Leone Government have been asked to institute an inquiry into the charges made to them of flogging and the administration of pepper employed to induce the prompt payment of Government taxes in the Colony and, in particular, at Bunumbu; or what steps have been taken to refute them?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Governor informs me that while there has been no specific demand for an inquiry, he was asked "for any report or information which the Government would be in a position to supply" on the matter. An incident at Bunumbu had already been reported, and an investigation begun on 6th February revealed that four persons had been tied up by Chiefdom Messengers, who rubbed pepper on them. These messengers have been dismissed and are liable to action for assault, while a Court Messenger who was present but took no active part has been punished by reduction in rank. No chief or member of the tribal authority was involved.
Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement about the arrest, imprisonment, and trial of George Pratt, the secretary of a trade union, in Sierra Leone; how long he waited trial and how he was treated in prison; and, in view of the fact that this African was unanimously acquitted by a mixed jury last week, is he satisfied that he was lawfully arrested on a bona fide charge?
Mr. M. MacDonaldMr. Pratt was arrested at the beginning of February 2317W when bail was refused by the magistrate. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial on the charge of false imprisonment and admitted to bail on the 7th March. As regards his treatment in prison I would invite attention to the reply given on the 29th March to the question by the hon. Member for West Fife. I am awaiting a report from the Governor upon this case, but on the information before me I see no grounds for supposing that Mr. Pratt was not lawfully arrested on a bona fide charge.
§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. George Pratt, general secretary of the Amalgamated Workers' Union, of Sierra Leone, was acquitted of the charges against him by a mixed jury, on 17th May, and that Mr. Pratt denies having told any members of the Leverhulme Trust Commission that he was satisfied with his treatment while awaiting trial; and whether he will cause investigation to be made of the charges brought by Mr. Pratt against the administration of Sierra Leone?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs regards the first part of the question, I am awaiting a report from the Governor on this case. As regards the second part, I am aware of Mr. Pratt's repudiation of the account of their interview with him given by two hon. Members of this House. I have no doubt as to the reliability of their account. I am not clear what specific charges by Mr. Pratt are referred to in the last part of the question.
Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that mass demonstrations have been held in Sierra Leone protesting against the great physical strain upon workers due to the prevailing long hours of work in the Colony, and demanding a 48-hour week for all classes of labour; and whether he is taking steps to secure this reform?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware that dissatisfaction exists among certain workers in connection with hours of labour, and that meetings on the subject have been held. I have asked the Governor for his observations on the matter. An experienced Labour Secretary has been appointed to Sierra Leone and will take up his duties in July. He will no doubt review the whole question2318W of wages and conditions of labour, and I shall await the Governor's recommendations in the light of that review.
Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the public protests made in the Protectorate of Sierra Leone that contrary to the provisions of the Native Administrative Ordinance poll taxes instead of hut taxes are being collected in every province upon children from six years of age and upwards and that as a result parents are willing to sell their children to pay these taxes; and what action he proposes in the matter?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but I am asking the Governor for a report.