§ 40. Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to recent labour unrest in Kenya; whether this affects both conscripted and non-conscripted workers; how far it is connected with low wages, rising prices and food shortage; what action is being taken to deal with the situation; and whether the Kenya Legislative Council has, or is about to, consider a measure of labour legislation?
§ Colonel StanleyThe disputes primarily concerned Railway and Public Works Department employees in Mombasa and to a lesser extent in Nairobi, and in no case did the stoppage last more than three days. A tribunal appointed to settle the disputes found that the unrest was due to the rise in cost of living, and awarded increased allowances in lieu of rations, fuel and housing to employees on the lower scales of pay, and in addition, in Mombasa, a cost of living bonus. Where-ever possible rations, fuel and clothing are to be issued in kind. I have no information as to whether or not any of the workers concerned were conscripted. So far as it known, the Kenya Government are not at present' contemplating the introduction of any additions to their present labour legislation.
§ Mr. HarveyWas not a measure rejected by the Council recently?
§ Colonel StanleyI am not aware of that, but if the hon. Member asks for information on that specific point, I will find out.