HC Deb 05 February 1959 vol 599 cc109-10W
85. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures to restore law and order in the Kono district were brought before the Sierra Leone Legislature on 29th January; and what increased penalties are to be imposed upon the armed gangs now attacking the police and overwhelming security posts in the diamond diggings.

90. Mr. W. Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what new proposals have been made by the Sierra Leone Government to prevent the law in Sierra Leone being brought into contempt by illicit diamond miners.

96. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what special action has been taken by the Sierra Leone Government, since 29th January, to stop illicit diamond mining; and if he will make a statement.

97. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what special measures have been taken, since 29th January, with regard to illicit diamond mining in Sierra Leone: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Amery

The principal measures passed by the Sierra Leone House of Representatives on the 29th of January were as under:

  1. (a) Under the Alluvial Diamond Mining (Amendment) Ordinance a minimum penalty of not less than 12 months' imprisonment will be imposed on any person convicted of being in unlawful possession of, or illegally prospecting for, diamonds or for mining, dealing or exporting diamonds. The Court will have discretion to impose a lighter sentence where special reasons can be shown. These reasons would be put in writing and the Crown can appeal against the reduced sentence.
  2. (b) Under the Diamond Industry Protection (Amendment) Ordinance the class of persons required to have a permit before he can enter or stay in a diamond protected area has been extended to cover British subjects, aliens or foreigners without discrimination, and a minimum penalty of not less than 12 months' imprisonment will be imposed on persons contravening rules made under Section 3 of the Ordinance. Rules are being made under the Diamond Industry Protection Ordinance
    1. (a) to enable the Governor in Council to remove and exclude from the Kono area any person whom they deem it expedient to remove in the interests of peace, order or good government and also any person who has been convicted of contravening the Kono Chiefdom (Restriction of the strangers) Ordinance governing the issue of residential permits.
    2. (b) to provide for the establishment of an independent committee under the chairmanship of a Judge to make recommendations to Executive Council regarding any objections made against an Order made under this section;
    3. (c) to impose a minimum penalty of six months' imprisonment for the punishment of persons found in possession of mining implements without a permit.

Extensive police operations continue in the diamond areas, recently with notable results, and urgent consideration is being given to strengthening the courts and to various other remedial measures with the object of controlling the movements of strangers, eradicating illicit diamond mining and encouraging local development.

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