§ 25. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Kenya has issued permits to certain estates to take steps to arrange for the importation of indentured foreign labour; whether this policy has the approval of His Majesty's Government; and what are the conditions on which such importation is to be permitted?
§ 4. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN(by Written Question) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a public announcement has been made in East Africa that the Kenya Government is isuing permits to certain estate owners in Kenya Colony to import indentured labour from a foreign country; if so, whether these permits have been issued with his sanction; what are the terms upon which this foreign labour is to be secured; whether provision is to be made for permament settlement in Kenya Colony; and from what country is it proposed to obtain this labour'?
§ Major HENNESSYI will answer these two questions together. My right hon. Friend has seen the statement in the local Press that some months ago application was made by certain sisal companies in Kenya to the local Government, and that they received a reply that the Kenya Government had no objection to the applicants approaching the Portuguese authorities in connection with the importation of labour from Portuguese East Africa. My right hon. Friend has no official information on the subject, and cannot therefore give the hon. and gallant Member the details for which he asks.
Mr. THOMASWill the hon. and gallant (gentleman convey to the Secretary of State the desire that the full conditions should be laid before the House before any sanction is given?
§ Major HENNESSYCertainly.
§ 29. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is the intention of the Government to authorise the importation into Kenya Colony of indentured Chinese labour?
§ Major HENNESSYNo, Sir.