§ 39. Mr. BARRasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, if any, have been taken to abate the overcrowding of the prisons in Kenya referred to the report of 1928, and to provide sufficient cubic air space for prisoners at night?
§ Dr. SHIELSThere has been a general improvement in the health of the inmates of prisons in Kenya during 1929 and the first six months of 1030 as compared with 1928; but the relation between the sick rate and the type of accommodation afforded to prisoners, especially in the Nairobi prison, requires further investigation. In connection with a proposal to provide a sum of £95,000 for prison accommodation in the new Kenya loan schedule, which is now under consideration, it is intended that a committee should be set up in the Colony to make recommendations as to the best way of dealing with long-term prisoners, whether by the establishment of a central prison or by the establishment of several district prisons; and it has been suggested to the Acting Governor by my Noble Friend that this committee should inquire into the question of prison accommodation in the Colony generally, including the provision of adequate cubic space For each prisoner.
§ Colonel ASHLEYDoes the hon. Gentleman dissent in any way from the facts alleged in the question; and, if he does not dissent, how is it that, after two years have elapsed, these disgraceful conditions are allowed to continue?
§ Dr. SHIELSI think it is generally agreed that the prison accommodation in Kenya is not entirely satisfactory; but, during the two years to which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman refers, very 1303 definite improvements have been made, and I have announced measures for dealing with the matter still further.