74. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the report of the Committee on Juvenile Employment in Kenya has yet been published; and, if so, whether any decisions have been taken on the committee's recommendations?
Mr. M. MacDonaldYes, Sir; the committee's report was published on 7th December. The Governor of Kenya proposes to adopt the committee's principal recommendations and I have authorised him to do so. The following are among the more important changes to be effected:—
- (a) The minimum age for any employment is to be raised to 12 years; that for industrial employment 14 years.
- (b) Penal sanctions for breach of contract by juveniles will be abolished.
- (c) The Labour Inspectorate of the Colony is being augmented.
For further detail I would refer my hon. Friend to the text of the report, copies of which he will find in the Library of the House.
Mr. Creech JonesMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether further consideration cannot be given to the question of the employment of children of the age of 12, away from their homes; and whether some order cannot be made to prohibit that type of employment?
Mr. MacDonaldThese matters were gone into fully by the committee of inquiry in Kenya and we are accepting the recommendations made after that full consideration.
§ Mr. PalingHas the Minister himself considered this report; and if so, does he regard it as just that children of 12 should be enabled to enter into labour contracts which take them away from their homes often for considerable periods, even under these new regulations?
Mr. MacDonaldI have given this matter a good deal of consideration, and I have studied the report and I am satisfied that, in all the circumstances, these recommendations meet the case.