HC Deb 19 November 1952 vol 507 cc1865-6
54. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people of Kenya have been arrested up to date in connection with the recent disturbances there; how many have been screened; how many have been released; and how many are still in Government custody and where the latter are.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Oliver Lyttelton)

Between the declaration of a state of emergency in Kenya and 15th November, 8,500 people had been arrested in connection with the disturbances. Of these, 2,871 had been released; and 1,258 had been charged with offences connected with Mau Mau, or under the emergency regulations. The great majority are still in Government custody, in prisons throughout the Colony. In addition, 108 persons have been detained under powers conferred by the emergency regulations. In the same period, 31,450 people had been screened.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Has the right hon. Gentleman given further consideration to a suggestion that I made in the recent debate on the events in Kenya, which, I thought, found general support in all parts of the House, that an all-party delegation of members with experience of the administration of emergency legislation here should proceed to Kenya?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am still considering the matter. I have not yet reached any conclusions.

55. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what he is doing to protect and provide for persons in Kenya who, having been taken into custody and screened, have been released from custody.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am confident that, so far as possible, the Government of Kenya will provide protection for such persons as they do for the community at large.

56. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the position of persons in Kenya who, having been arrested and screened, are not released from custody; what charges are being made against them; when and where will they be tried; and what provision he is making for their defence by trained lawyers.

Mr. Lyttelton

As I am announcing in answer to another Question this afternoon, an advisory committee with a legal chairman will be set up in Kenya as soon as possible to whom those detained and not brought to trial can make an appeal. I am not yet in a position to give further details.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In setting up that advisory committee, will the Secretary of State bear in mind the advisability of making its composition such as will appeal to all races in Kenya?

Mr. Lyttelton

Naturally, that must form a large part of any consideration which we give to the subject.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is after half past three.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. I did not ask a supplementary to either of my other two Questions. May I not ask a supplementary to this one?

Mr. Speaker

I was aware of that, but I am bound by the rules of order, as is the hon. and learned Member.