HC Deb 07 May 1929 vol 227 cc2031-2
18. Mr. GILLETT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the South Nyeri district of Kenya Colony during 1927 and 1928 women have been recruited in the reserves by European recruiting agents for work at considerable distances from their homes; whether such recruiting is subject to any Government regulations or supervision; and whether he will call the attention of the Governor to the dislocation of family life which must result from it and recommend its discontinuance?

Mr. AMERY

I assume that the hon. Member refers to statements which were made in the East African Press last February. I have already drawn the attention of the Officer Administering the Government of Kenya to these statements, but I have not yet received his report. The question generally of the employment of native women is dealt within the despatch sent to the then Governor of Kenya by the late Viscount Milner on 22nd July, 1920, a copy of which was published and laid before Parliament in Command 873. Women Workers Protection Rules were issued in Kenya in March, 1923, and I shall be glad to send the hon. Member a copy of the Rules if he would wish to see them.

Mr. PALING

Are we to understand that the Colonial Secretary agrees with the recruitment of women in such cases, at such long distances?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. The whole object of the regulations was that work by women in the neighbourhood of their homes, under conditions which ensured that they could get home again each night, should not be discouraged, but that the recruitment of women at a distance should be discouraged.

Mr. PALING

But is it not the case that this means recruiting them at a very long distance and are we to take it that the Colonial Secretary agrees with it?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. This is a statement which has been made and about which I am making inquiries.

Mr. PALING

If it happens to be true, may we take it that the Colonial Secretary agrees with it?