§ 21. Mr. SORENSENasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the contradictory character of the recent liquor legislation in Kenya, which provides for the employment of natives in the sale and supply of intoxicants and even in the sole charge of liquor bars, while inflicting penalties of as much as four years' imprisonment on those who supply intoxicating liquor to a native; and whether he will take steps to put an end to liquor ordinances which permit white men in this Colony to supply intoxicants to African natives or employ them in the supply?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe Kenya Ordinance imposes heavy penalties on the supply of intoxicating liquor to any native. It does not prohibit the employment of a native as a bar attendant, and when it was fully reviewed by a local committee in 1934, they saw no reason for any such prohibition. I am not prepared to disturb so recent a conclusion without clear evidence of abuse.
§ Mr. SORENSENDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is fair to place these natives, to whom intoxicating liquor is prohibited, in this position, where obviously they are involved in the sale of drink and are tempted to consume it? Further, would the right hon. Gentleman himself care to receive intoxicating liquor in Kenya from a native to whom liquor is prohibited?
Mr. THOMASAs to the last supplementary question, I would not like to say at this moment. As to the first part of the question, this matter was fully investigated by a committee which came to a decision, but if the hon. Member has any evidence of abuses, I shall be glad to receive it.
§ Mr. SORENSENWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter in view of the inconsistency of the position, and also in view of the fact that numbers of people in Kenya have been making representations on this matter in recent years?
§ Mr. LOGANWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us at what stage he would take a drink from a native in Kenya?