HC Deb 24 May 1933 vol 278 cc1085-6
6. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the memorandum, of which a copy was sent to him from the Kikuyu Central Association, complaining of the native registration Ordinance, the domestic servants Ordinance, the squatters Ordinance, the native liquor Ordinance, and the arrest of natives in petty cases; and whether he will have these matters compared with the law and practice in other African Crown Colonies with a view to seeing whether some amelioration of the position of Kenya natives is now practicable?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

From the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's description of the subjects dealt with, it would appear that the memorandum has not yet reached me. As regards the Native Registration Ordinance, correspondence has been proceeding with the Governor, and I hope to receive definite recommendations shortly. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would point out that conditions and circumstances differ in the different Territories, but comparisons may possibly be useful in considering what action can properly be taken in Kenya.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will my right hon. Friend consider in particular Tanganyika in connection with Kenya, with a view to seeing that there is similar treatment of native questions?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

It may be wise to compare, but it would be unwise to give any undertaking that the same system should be followed in each country. The best administrators, who have experience of Tanganyika and elsewhere, find that the same rules do not conveniently apply in all places.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that occasional inquiries into this issue in adjacent or neighbouring Colonies would be wise, in order that the experience of one Colony could be utilised by another?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Indeed, that is the real object of referring matters of this kind to the Colonial Office, where we are able to pool the collective experience of all the different Colonies and advise one Colony in the light of the experience in another Colony.