HC Deb 03 December 1952 vol 508 cc1542-4
16. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities are now being afforded to African members of the Kenya Legislative Council to make contact with their people, through meetings and interviews, for legitimate political purposes.

Mr. Lyttelton

Mr. Mathu, the leader of the African unofficial members, broadcast to the Kikuyu people on 1st December. The fullest possible publicity has been given to his statement, and it has been circulated widely in a variety of languages to Africans throughout Kenya. Also all African members of the Legislative Council have been informed that there is no barrier to their having interviews with their people, but in the present situation large public gatherings cannot be permitted.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister not aware that the Governor has announced that facilities for allowing African leaders to have proper political contacts with their people is being given the first priority? Can he say if what he has told us is all that is being done, and will he make sure that the Governor's statement does not mean that there will be attempts to form a Government-sponsored African political party?

Mr. Lyttelton

I cannot add anything to what I have said. Every facility will be given for spokesmen and leaders to consult their people, but in the present state of law and order large public gatherings cannot be permitted.

Mr. J. Griffiths

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by large public meetings? Will he not now reconsider the decision in view of Mr. Mathu's broadcast and make arrangements for other members of the Legislative Council to be able to address gatherings of their people and thus provide the Africans with responsible leadership?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, Sir. I cannot give that assurance. At the present moment it would be taking too large a risk with public safety to permit large gatherings. The House considered this matter very fully last week on the most unfortunate incident which occurred out of a gathering of 2,000 people. I am afraid I cannot give the right hon. Gentleman that assurance at present.

Mrs. White

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that Mr. Mathu's broadcast might have been much more effective had he been urged to make it some four or five weeks earlier?

Mr. Lyttelton

I saw him when I was there. Whether or not the timing was the best possible is a matter of opinion, but I can say—and I think the hon. Lady will be glad to hear this—that I consider his action to be courageous in the extreme.

Mr. Assheton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the vast majority of the people in this country are entirely behind him in his attitude?