HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2065-6
34. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the rates of pay for Europeans serving in the Kenya Police Force; how many Europeans born in Kenya are so serving; and what has been the increase of pay since the war.

Mr. Lyttelton

Since the answer contains a large number of figures, I will with permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer: Comparative rates of pay are as set out in the following table. Information is not available in London as to the number of the European members of the Kenya Police Force who were born in Kenya. I am asking the Governor for this information, if it is readily available, and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT later.

KENYA POLICE FORCE
Rates of Pay of European Officers
Rank 1945 1953
£ £
Commissioner 1,350 1,850
Deputy Commissioner 1,000 1,535
Assistant Commissioner — 1,395
*Senior Superintendent — 1,185 to 1,320
*Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents. 360 to 920 550 to 1,140
*Chief Inspector 450 to 600 690 to 900
*Inspectors and Assistant Inspectors. 250 to 520 400 to 840
* Salaries rising by annual increments.
A cost of living allowance is at present being paid to all ranks at the rate of 30 per cent. of salary up to a maximum of £300 per annum.

49. Mrs. Eirene White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the respective strengths of the military and police forces now in use to maintain order in Kenya.

Mr. Lyttelton

The military forces are the 1st Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers, and Kenya Regiment and five battalions of the Kings African Rifles, the East African Armoured Car Company and the East African Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, a total of between 5,000 and 6,000. The police forces number about 12,000.

Mrs. White

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Reuter's correspondent in Nairobi reported on 20th February that the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was holding discussions on the possibility of using South African troops to replace or reinforce British troops? In view of the possible political implications if that policy were pursued, will he assure the House that South African troops will not be used to reinforce our troops?

Mr. Lyttelton

That seems to be a very long way from the Question which the hon. Lady asked but, in reply, I can say that I am fully aware of all the political implications involved.