HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 cc1241-2
23. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the Bill recently introduced in the Kenya Legislative Council by which two seats in the Central and Eastern Areas are to be reserved for Muslim members; whether these seats are additional to the five already allocated to Indians; if he is aware that four Indian members have resigned owing to the introduction of this Bill; and whether proposals to provide separate religious representation will now be withdrawn.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The Bill, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, was prepared after full discussion with Indian leaders to ensure the continued representation of Muslims in two of the five Indian seats and is expressed as being for the life of the new Council or until earlier repeal by Resolution. Four Indian members resigned on the instructions of the East African Indian National Congress when the Bill was introduced shortly before the dissolution of the old Council, but the Measure has received widespread support and two Muslims and one non-Muslim have been returned unopposed in the elections for the new Council.

Mr. Sorensen

Am I to understand from the Under-Secretary's reply that the four Indian members who did resign had previously assented to the proposals?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I do not know whether they assented to them, but the Bill passed its Third Reading without opposition.

Mr Scollan

Are we to take it that representation was made on a religious basis?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I would say, "Yes."