HC Deb 29 July 1932 vol 267 cc1789-90
14. Mr. HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, under the East African Native Authority Ordinance, as recently amended, it is possible to call up native labour for compulsory unpaid work on roads or other public works?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Provision still exist!! in the Kenya Native Authority Ordinance, to which I assume the hon. Member refers, for resort to compulsory unpaid labour for works for the benefit of the community to which the natives belong.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Does this compulsion apply merely to native workers or does it also apply to European workers?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

It applies only to native workers and only to services which are performed by natives for their own advantage.

Mr. HICKS

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a desirable practice?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Perhaps I might just quote to the hon. Member the Provision of the International Convention which especially exempts minor communal services of a kind which, being performed by the members of the community in the direct interest of the said community, can therefore be considered as normal civic obligations incumbent upon the members of the community.

15. Mr. HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in East Africa, when a boundary mark has to be put up between areas of European and native jurisdiction, any labour, paid or unpaid, is contributed by Europeans, and /or whether any contribution towards the cost is made by Europeans or from public funds?

Sir P. CDNLIFFE-LISTER

I assume that this question relates to Kenya. The demarcation of the boundaries between the Native Reserves and European or other areas is undertaken by the Survey Department which is remunerated from the public revenue of the Colony; and I have no information to show that unpaid labour, whether native or European, is employed.