HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1554-5
68. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any change has recently been made in the status of the labour department in Kenya Colony in relation to other departments of Government.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir; for convenience the salaries of the officers of the Labour Section, which were formerly shown on the votes of more than one Department, have been grouped under one head of the Estimates, but no change in duties, status, or relationship to other Departments is involved.

Mr. LUNN

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the Government to see that there is no weakening in the labour department in view of the developments which are taking place in Kenya?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not know why the hon. Gentleman should suggest that the Government of Kenya are not fully alive to the importance of this matter. It would be a great mistake to advise them of something which they are quite as capable of looking into as we are.

Mr. LUNN

Is it not a fact that there have been very serious economies in the Department?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

There have been economies in administration which have merely been necessary to balance the Budget.

Mr. LAWSON

Does the answer convey that there is going to be no weakening of the importance or status of this Department?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Certainly, there is no possible question about interfering with its importance or status. It is simply a matter rather of convenience to show salaries in one place instead of in three or four places.

69. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as a result of the development of the Kaka-mega goldfield, any increase in the activities of the Kenya Native labour department has been rendered necessary; and, if so, whether these increased activities are under the control of the inspectors of the department.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have no doubt that supervision of labour conditions in the goldfields, so far as it may be necessary, is included in the normal activities of the Labour Section, acting in conjunction with the Officers of Government in the area. No increase of staff has been involved.