§ 31. Mr. HORRABINasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Governor of Kenya Colony to the Kikuyu chiefs, in which he strongly supported the prohibition of certain dances and songs among the Kikuyu; and whether this prohibition has the approval of His Majesty's Government?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir; but, as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 26th March, further information is expected from the Governor of Kenya. From a preliminary telegraphic report it is understood that the prohibition relates to seditious songs and dances of an indecent nature. My Noble Friend naturally supports the local authorities in any proper steps they may take in the interests of public decency and order consistently with the preservation of legitimate freedom of speech and freedom of association.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a certain amount of apprehension exists among the settlers in regard to any interference with these customs; and will he take that fact into consideration?
§ Dr. SH1ELSI am sorry, but I did not hear the question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that many political songs in this country might be considered both seditious and indecent by the other side?