asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a report from the Governor of Nyasaland with regard to the administration of the native hut and poll tax?

Mr. M. MacDONALD:

I have now received a report from the Governor, including particulars of an impartial inquiry which investigated alleged abuses in the collection of native tax. It is quite clear that there is no foundation for the statement that chiefs and headmen are permitted, with the knowledge of the district commissioners, to detain female relatives of alleged tax defaulters until tax has been paid.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that, as a result of the census he has now taken, the matter will be sufficiently public in Nyasaland to remove the impression there that there has been widespread abuse?

Mr. MacDONALD:

We shall do all that we can to remove that impression.