§ 8. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is considering the abolition of the heavy fines that can now be imposed on the railway running staff in Kenya; if he is aware of considerable discontent respecting this practice; and why overseas leave is not being granted to members of the running staff after many years of service.
§ Mr. George HallThe High Commissioner for Transport has reported that heavy fines are only imposed for offences which endanger the safe operation of the railway and that they are considered preferable to reduction in grade or dismissal of the offenders. I have not received any reports of discontent respecting this practice. With regard to the last part of the Question, it has unfortunately proved impossible to grant overseas leave on any considerable scale owing to the continued pressure of military traffic, and more recently of demobilisation. The Railway Administration will, of course, keep this matter under close review, so as to revert to the normal practice as soon as this is possible.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that meanwhile some of these men have been without leave for upwards of seven and eight years?
§ Mr. HallThat is so, but there has been a very good lift. During November nearly 600 persons were brought from East Africa.