§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the intentions of the Government regarding personal property, now in possession of the authorities, of detainees under the emergency regulations in Nyasaland.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodWith the exception of certain documents retained on security grounds, all property belonging to detainees is returned to them immediately on their release. In some cases the Registrar-General, who administers the property of detainees, has handed it over to representatives authorised by detainees to receive it.
§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will investigate in respect of detainees under the emergency regulations in Nyasaland, the degree to which domestic debts have accumulated due to the period of detention; and if he will make arrangements to provide protection for dependants in cases of hardship.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodArrangements already exist for the purposes which the hon. Member appears to have in mind. Welfare officers assist detainees in reaching agreements with creditors to defer payments, and in making arrangements to prevent avoidable losses or financial hardship. Subsistence allowances are paid to the dependants of all detainees and include payment of school fees. District Commissioners and Social Development Officers may pay additional allowances where necessary to prevent hardship.