§ 4. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of officials and the cost of their establishments in Kenya Colony for the years 1914 and 1921?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)I have not sufficient materials for answering my hon. and gallant Friend's questions as regards native and Asiatic officials, or as regards the total cost to the Government of the European officials. In 1914, there were 1,036 European officials (including military and railway), costing in salaries and house allowance, £301,547. In 1921, there were 1,441 officials, costing in salaries and house allowance, 2713,847. The increase in numbers was due to the closer administration of certain districts owing to the advent of European settlers, and to the expansion of certain services of the first importance. Apart from the increased numbers, the increased charge for salaries is due to the same causes which have led to the higher cost of personal services everywhere, and, in addition, to the fact that before the War the scale of salaries in East Africa was admittedly lower than in other parts of the Empire. The increase is specially marked in the case of the lowest-paid Europeans. The figures are based on the Estimates, and in 1921 establishments in many departments were below the strength shown on the Estimates. Drastic retrenchment has been effected in 1922.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs this colony self-supporting?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill there be anything to meet the interest on the debt, without a Grant-in-Aid?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that is a very unnecessary suggestion.