§ 7. Mr. LUNN (for Mr. BANFIELD)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in connection with the collection of last year's tax from the Kavirondo tribe in Kenya Colony, an elderly native named Odera, son of Wandeda, while interned in a detention camp for non-payment of tax, also had his hut burnt to the ground by order, as a tax defaulter; and whether he will now issue instructions to the Kenya Government that the burning of huts of indigent African men and women for non-payment of tax is to cease absolutely?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no knowledge of the incident alleged in the first part of the question, but I am asking the Governor for a report. As regards the latter part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question on this subject on the 31st of January.
§ Mr. LUNNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is the custom in Kenya to burn down the huts of natives in respect of which tax has not been paid?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, it certainly is not the custom at all. In the first place, the most careful care is taken of any necessitous cases to see if they ought to be relieved. In the second place, even if the tax is properly payable and ought to be received, there is a suspension of 21 days, and in the third place, it is not the practice to burn huts.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat is exactly what I said I would do in the first part of the answer to the question.