§ 28. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a report has yet been received from the Commission of Inquiry into causes of low output of African labour in Kenya; whether this report is to be published; and what action has been taken.
Mr. Creech JonesThe investigation was not a formal Commission of Inquiry, but a piece of research carried out by a team of research workers, mostly from this country. Its object was to study the factors affecting the efficiency of African labour, such as nutrition, housing and social environment, and to ascertain what incentives were likely to appeal to such labour and encourage an increased output of work. The investigation was confined to the employees of the Kenya-Uganda railways stationed in Nairobi. A report is now in draft. I am taking up the question of its publication with the Railway Authorities.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesIs my right hon. Friend aware that when discussing this issue of the productivity of the African labourer he should also look into the efficiency of the management of African labour, because some of the lack of productivity is due to inefficiency of management?
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that the low output of the African labourer is due to the lack of incentives, mainly in goods in the shops, and food?