§ 28. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the resolutions of the British Colonists' Associations in British East Africa asking to have Indian immigration restricted and that Indians be denied the franchise; whether, in view of the part that has been taken by British Indians in developing, the country and by the Indian Army in defending it from the enemy, the loyal Indians of East Africa can be assured that no steps whatever in such a direction will be taken without the sanction of the India Office and the approval of Parliament?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieutenant-Colonel Amery)I have not seen the resolutions to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but he may rest assured that the Secretary of State is not unmindful of the services of the Indian Army in the defence of East Africa or of the loyal attitude of the resident Indian community. Measures are under consideration for securing the effective representation of the views and interests of the Indian community upon the Legislative Council of the Protectorate, 1269 and I hope soon to be in a position to give the House more definite information of the subject. There is no intention of introducing restrictive legislation against immigration from India.