§ 6. Mr. JOHN (forasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a petition from Kenya Colony complaining of an order issued by a District Commissioner in the Kavirondo Reserve, prohibiting the collection of funds by the North Kavirondo Central Association, a native body formed to protect the interests of African workers at Kakamega; and, if so, whether he will direct the Kenya Government to see that the prohibition is withdrawn and permission to collect funds granted?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the reply which I gave to his question on 7th November. I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate that it is impossible for me to give consideration to memorials of this nature unless they reach me through the recognised and prescribed channels.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to understand that that is the recognised channel?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir, it always is. The recognised channel is for petitions and memorials to go through the Governor in order that he may have an opportunity of commenting upon them. That is not only the regular way but it saves a good deal of time.
§ Mr. PALINGMay we take it that these people will have facilities for presenting petitions to the Governor?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir, and hundreds of petitions are presented every year, but they get considered more quickly if they go the right way.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESMay we take it that there is no objection to petitions in principle, and that there is no objection to natives providing for themselves, collectively, some method by which petitions may be presented?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would much rather not answer a general question about petitions and in regard to circumstances of which I have no knowledge.
§ Mr. JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in this case the interests of the natives of the Kakamega district are vitally affected?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe interests of the natives of the Kakamega. have been and will be most thoroughly looked after, but I am sure it would be very wrong of me to attempt to answer a question about a petition which I have not even seen.