HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 cc186-7
39. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Central Wages Board of Kenya has now fixed the minimum wages for natives employed in essential undertakings under the provisions of the Regulations; and whether he will state the wages to be paid and the conditions of service determined by the Board.

Colonel Stanley

The Central Wages Board of Kenya has fixed as minimum wages for African labour for essential undertakings 14s. for 30 standard tasks of heavy labour and 10s. for 30 standard tasks of light labour. Ration scales of carbohydrates, animal proteins, fats and sundries have been laid down for the two classes of labour. Other conditions of service such as housing and medical facilities are in accordance with the provisions of the Employment of Servants Ordinance.

Mr. Thorne

May I ask whether the natives have a trade union so that they can protect their own interests?

Colonel Stanley

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the Minister turn the attention of his Economic Advisory Committee on to the whole problem of race regulations in the Colonies, and, particularly, to the standards of living, and how they can be built up, because it does seem that these wage rates are pretty scandalous?

Colonel Stanley

It is not only a matter for the Economic Advisory Committee, but the plain task of everybody connected with the Colonial Office and the Colonial Service, to see that the standards are raised, as they are admittedly low.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Seeing that the Minister admits that the standards are low, is not that an indictment against private enterprise, which the Minister has largely supported?