HC Deb 28 November 1927 vol 211 c26
56. Mr. SNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Asiatic poll-tax is still in force against Indians in Kenya; and whether any proposals are under consideration for alternative taxes and what is the nature of these proposals?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the special poll-tax for education, and not to the ordinary non-native poll-tax. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Government of Kenya have, however, invited the Indian members of the Legislative Council to suggest an alternative to this tax, and the Acting Governor reported that they were considering the matter with the assistance of the Treasurer and the Director of Education. I have not yet learnt whether any alternative has yet been put forward.