§ 23. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the draft amending ordinance to the Forced Labour Ordinance issued by the Kenya Government in East Africa; and, if so, whether he will lay a copy of this draft upon the Table of the House?
Mr. WOODThe draft amending Ordinance has not yet been received, and the Governor's attention has been drawn to the matter by telegram.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that mean that there has been no alteration of the Labour Ordinance, although six months ago we were told it was going to be altered?
Mr. WOODThe original Ordinance stands until it has been replaced by the new Ordinance, which is being considered by the Governor.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIt was six months ago that we were told it would be altered, and no action has been taken in the matter.
Mr. WOODMy hon. and gallant Friend has no right to say that no action has been taken, because the matter has been under the immediate and continuous consideration of the Governor since his return to Nairobi. The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that the Governor's time has been taken up with a great many other matters, which has made it impossible for him to devote continuous attention to this particular question, but there has been no avoidable delay.