HC Deb 10 December 1952 vol 509 cc440-1
11. Mr. Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures have been taken by the Kenya Government to deal with the reception and accommodation in the Kikuyu reserves of Kikuyu repatriated from European farms.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Kikuyu families were moved in small groups and on arrival in the districts to which they were repatriated were met by their chiefs and headmen, who had previously made arrangements for their accommodation with relatives. As accommodation was available on arrival there was no need for a reception camp.

Mr. Irvine

I am grateful for the answer the right hon. Gentleman has given, but is it not a fact that these people from European farms have been less affected by Mau Mau than other tribesmen; and does it not follow from that that it may merely aggravate the position if they are sent back to the reserves without adequate preparation being made for them, and without adequate provision made for accommodation in which they may live?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's premise. There have been disquieting signs lately that Mau Mau have penetrated to the so-called squatters.