§ 7. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that persons employed on the Kenya and Uganda railways and harbours have been made subject to a compulsory levy under an Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council; and whether, in view of the fact that these employés are parties to specific contracts with respect to salaries and other conditions and that the yield of the levy has not been paid into the revenue of the Colony but into the Railways and Harbour Fund, he will have inquiries made into the matter with a view to the restoration of the sums taken in this manner?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)As the hon. Member is aware, the railways in Kenya and Uganda are State railways, and the two Governments are ultimately responsible for the financial stability of the railway administration, on which there is at the present time a considerable deficit. The levy to which the hon. Member refers has been imposed by the two Governments, and it is within their competence to direct the purpose to which the proceeds are to be applied. In the circumstances I see no reason for instituting any inquiry.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that contracts which were made with natives have been violated? May I ask him to inquire whether that is not so; and, also, may I ask whether he agrees that contracts should be broken in that way?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWhat I am aware of is that the financial position in Kenya is extraordinarily serious, and has entailed temporary cuts in the salaries of everybody concerned.