30. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether 1050 the Report on the Conscription of African Labourers in Kenya will be made available in this country; and when the scheme will come into operation?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanA few copies of the Report are available in the Colonial Office, and I am sending one to my hon. Friend. The scheme is coming into immediate operation.
§ Mr. HarveyWill a copy be placed in the Library of the House?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the great importance of this departure in Colonial policy, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it at an early opportunity.
§ 32. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the scheme for compulsory labour in Kenya, there will be any Africans on the Essential Undertakings Board and the District Wages Board?
§ Mr. MacmillanNo, Sir. The Essential Undertakings Board will probably consist of the Chairman of the Supply Board, the Chairman of the Settlement and Production Board, and the Director of Agriculture. The Central Wages Board, to which I assume my hon. Friend refers, will consist of the Director of Manpower, the Chief Native Commissioner, the Labour Commissioner, a representative of the Medical Department, and the Deputy Chairman of the Settlement and Production Board. This membership is calculated to ensure that the interests of the African employees are effectively safeguarded.
§ Mr. DugdaleDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be far more effective if Africans were included, just as if it were in this country it would be more effective if Englishmen were included?
§ Mr. MacmillanThat has been considered but the arrangement by which certain gentlemen with special qualifications are looking after the general interests of the Africans is one which operates over a large number of matters affecting African interests and is generally recognised as working satisfactorily.
§ 34. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how 1051 many non-Africans in Kenya have been called upon to perform compulsory service?
§ Mr. MacmillanNo figures are available in this country, but the Governor is being asked if he can supply the information.