§ 39. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what success he has achieved to date in isolating the disloyal from the loyal Kikuyu in Kenya; and his estimate of the numbers of each.
§ Mr. LytteltonThere have been no major developments in this particular respect since my statement on 28th January. As I then informed the House, some 10,000 Kikuyu are enlisted in Home Guards and resistance groups and this, together with the closer policing of the Kikuyu districts, has led to an increase of confidence in the Government.
No estimate of the numbers of loyal and disloyal Kikuyu can be made. The Governor has recently toured the troubled areas and I am awaiting a further report from him.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister agree that in order to restore peace and confidence in Kenya it is deirable to distinguish between loyal and disloyal Kikuyu and offer the loyal ones as much protection as possible? What protection is afforded to the loyal Kikuyu?
§ Mr. OsborneTalk to Leslie Hale.
§ Mr. LytteltonWe are providing all the protection we can. The hon. and learned Member asked me to make an estimate of the numbers of those who are law-abiding and those who are not. I find that impossible to do.
§ Mr. Hughesrose—
§ Mr. HaleOn a point of order. The hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) referred to me by name during this Question in words audible all over the Chamber, Sir. Might I ask the hon. Member what was the imputation behind his remark?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe two hon. Members must settle that between themselves.
§ Mr. HaleFurther to that point of order. The hon. Member for Louth was clearly heard to say, at a time when my hon. Friend was referring to non-law-abiding citizens, "Talk to Leslie Hale." In those circumstances, may I protest at what was a despicable observation? It was peculiarly loathsome and despicable, coming from someone who comes from my own county, whom I have known for many years and who ought to know my character and reputation.
§ Mr. OsborneIf I have offended in any way I withdraw what I said. I can assure the hon. Member that what I said was not meant to be taken in the way he has taken it. I meant nothing offensive.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order. I was on my feet, Sir, when my hon. Friend raised his point of order. May I now put my question? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman find some means of affording protection to those who are distinguished as loyal Kikuyu?
§ Mr. LytteltonUnder the emergency regulations the whole of the measures taken by troops, police and part-time police are designed to try to give protection to the law-abiding and hunt down those who break the law.