HC Deb 07 March 1922 vol 151 cc1059-60
Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any and, if so, what restrictions on the emigration of British working men into Kenya Crown Colony or into the Tanganyika mandated territory?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Any restrictions which exist in the territories mentioned are of general application. In Kenya, if an immigrant is without visible means of support or likely to become a pauper or a public charge, he is a "prohibited immigrant" and his entry is forbidden. If an immigrant appears to come within this description he may be required to deposit a sum of Fl.375, which is returned to him if within six months he can show that he is not a "prohibited immigrant." Immigrants may also be refused entry on the ground of insanity, dangerous disease, criminal or moral obliquity, and the like. The regulations in Tanganyika territory are very similar, except that no sum is specified as a deposit, and all Europeans are required at present to obtain a permit of entry from the Secretary to the Administration.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that this penalty on British working men entering into Kenya Colony is peculiar to that particular Crown Colony?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I really do not think that any of the categories which I have read out are to be taken as describing the British working man, and I am surprised that my hon. and gallant Friend should have drawn such an inference. It seems to be a very offensive inference, and it is one with which I should certainly not associate myself The conditions of Kenya Colony are very exceptional and peculiar, and nothing could be worse than to have a large number of completely destitute persons wandering about that country and, no doubt, coming into collision with the local natives.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that British immigrants are allowed in Kenya Colony provided that they can put down this sum of money, that that is peculiar to Kenya Colony, and that it is imposed there in order to give an excuse for keeping Indians out of that country?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think that that is the reason at all, but it is obvious that Kenya Colony, of which nine-tenths of the population are natives requires to be treated in a special way. We do not want to have incursions of white immigrants who cannot maintain themselves, or of Indians in a similar condition, who will undoubtedly be thrown on the top of the natives of the Colony.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

By what right do you say that poor Englishmen shall not go to that Colony, but that rich men may?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That sounds a very fine sentiment, but all the great Dominions require certain assurances that persons immigrating into their domain will be able to get settled down and earn a livelihood, and not simply become a charge.