§ 32. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total membership of trade unions in Kenya having an exclusive or predominant membership of African workers, with figures of their total membership for the years 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951.
§ Mr. HopkinsonFor unions known not to be exclusively Asian or European, Kenya Labour Department reports show membership figures of approximately 5,900, 1,500 and 3,600 for 1949, 1950 and 1951, respectively. These can only be regarded as estimates and in 1948 the Kenya Government was unable to give any firm figure for regular membership.
§ Mr. HaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the United Nations Report on Non-Self Governing Territories makes it clear that in their view there were 10 such unions in 1948 and only eight in 1949, and that the estimated figure of membership they give indicates a further diminution in 1950? Will he therefore call for a full report on this matter so that I can put a Question down later when he has the information?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI have given the hon. Member all the information I have, I am quite willing to ask the Governor of Kenya for further information, but I have answered the Question.
§ Mr. HaleDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that if there has been a progressive diminution of trade unions in Kenya it is time for him to ask for the reasons?
§ Mr. HopkinsonThere is a perfectly good explanation for the recent average fall in 1950. It is that there is one union which previously had 2,500 members for which the Kenya Government felt unable to give any figures last year.