§ 36. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the acute shortage of labour in Kenya, as a result of which the tea companies are obliged to import labour from the Belgian Congo; and why such action is necessary, in view of the fact, that the Ukamba Reserve is in a poor condition and employment will have to be found for a high proportion of the Wakamba tribe.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)There is an acute shortage of labour in Kenya brought about by war demands. The tea companies have recruited 30 workers from the Belgian Congo on contract as an experiment and I understand that further recruitment is under consideration. Large numbers of Wakamba are serving in the Forces or engaged on essential work outside the Reserve and all available able-bodied males in this area are required for the maintenance of the social and economic life of the tribe.