§ 20. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of attempted criminal assault on white women by natives of Kenya have been reported in the last 12 months; and whether these crimes are on the increase or not?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn the last 12 months there have been one case of rape, five of indecent assault and four other assaults. The Governor informs me that these crimes are not on the increase.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the sentences given in these cases are sufficient, in view of the widespread nervousness among women in Kenya?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think it would be proper for me to comment on sentences given by a court.
§ 22. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of cases in which white persons have been the victims of murder, criminal assault, and common assault, respectively, in Kenya during this year, together with the number of cases in which the criminals have escaped detection or apprehension; and whether he is satisfied that European settlers in outlying districts are assured at present of adequate protection?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE - LISTERThe statistics of the crimes committed against Europeans by natives in Kenya during the present year show that there have 1016 been one murder, 14 cases of criminal assault and seven of common assault. With one single exception no criminal concerned in these offences has escaped detection and apprehension. I am satisfied that the Government of Kenya is taking all reasonable measures to preserve law and order.
§ Lord SCONEDoes my right hon. Friend consider that 14 cases of criminal assault show that sufficient protection is afforded to settlers in these remote parts?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think if the Noble Lord has a wide knowledge of these territories, he will agree that there are very many factors to be taken into consideration.
§ 23. Sir G. FOXasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, prior to the recent outbreak of planned armed robberies and other outrages by the young Lumbwa natives fomented by the witch doctors, warning was given to the administration of Kenya that such outbreaks were likely to occur, but no attention was paid to these warnings; whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to protect in the future the lives and property of isolated settlers; and what the nature of these steps has been?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no doubt that the Government of Kenya kept itself fully informed with regard to conditions among the Lumbwa and took all practicable measures to deal with the situation. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have just given to my Noble Friend the Member for Perth (Lord Scone). The Colonial Government were satisfied that the outbreak of lawlessness was due to the activities of the Laibons (witch doctors) and an Ordinance has been passed which empowers the Government to take the drastic step of deporting these people and their families to an appropriate district remote from the tribal area—a measure for which the Lumbwa tribe themselves petitioned.
§ Lord SCONECan my right hon. Friend say whether, in fact, these ruffians have been removed to a safe distance?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, they have not yet been removed, but they will be.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDHas it been ascertained whether these men belong to that particular tribe?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like notice of that question.