HC Deb 29 June 1938 vol 337 cc1897-8
44. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has satisfied himself that sufficient land is available for squatters who will be turned off the land as a result of the operation of the new Resident Labourers Ordinance; and whether he has been assured by the Kenya Government that the overcrowding in certain reserves shall not be increased?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The Government of Kenya is making every effort to provide suitable land and, in the meantime, the Ordinance is not being brought into operation. As regards the last part of the question, the object of setting aside further land for these labourers is to avoid congestion in the existing reserves.

Mr. Creech Jones

Has the Royal Assent been given to this Ordinance?

Mr. MacDonald

I think that the Royal Assent has been given, but it will not be brought into operation until the conditions which are to be satisfied are fulfilled.

Mr. Creech Jones

Does that mean that the Kenya Government will communicate with the Secretary of State for his endorsement before the Ordinance is actually put into operation?

Mr. MacDonald

I think there would be communications between the Governor and the Secretary of State. In any case, I can assure the hon. Member that the conditions about the provision of alternative land will be complied with.

Mr. Riley

Will the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself, before consenting to the Ordinance, that adequate accommodation is provided for the squatters?

Mr. MacDonald

I have already answered that question in my reply to previous supplementary questions.

65. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether children from 10 years of age and upwards employed under contract in Kenya Colony are subject to the Ordinance to regulate the employment of servants, including labourers; and, as this Ordinance provides that a servant may be fined a sum not exceeding half his monthly wages and in default may be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one month if, without leave, he absents himself from his employer's premises or other place appointed for his work, will he consider the revocation of the penal clauses of this Ordinance?

Mr. MacDonald

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I propose, as I have already informed the House, to review the whole matter as soon as I have received the report of the committee of inquiry appointed by the Governor.

Mr. Riley

Is the Minister aware that the International Labour Office at Geneva has issued a strong recommendation on this subject, and is he prepared to support it?

Mr. MacDonald

As a result of the recent proceedings at Geneva I am getting into communication with the Governor on the matter.