29. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what 1144 extent the Government of Kenya are conscripting Africans in the towns and reserves and sending them to conscript labour camps on 12 months' tickets; whether, in regard to their employment, penal sanctions operate; to what extent they are hired-out at 1s. a day; and whether such men are sent to work on all kinds of production at all stages.
§ Colonel StanleyThe camps are intended as reception depots, and Africans conscripted under the regulations would not perform their period of service at the camp. They would normally be there for a fortnight. There is provision for the men to be employed during their stay on essential work in the vicinity of the camp, and I am asking the Acting-Governor for a report on the extent to which this arrangement is in force, and the conditions attached to such employment.
Mr. Creech JonesWill my right hon. and gallant Friend see that definite limitations are put on the type of work for which these conscripts can be employed?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, they can be employed only on essential work, for which I have given permission.