HC Deb 15 July 1953 vol 517 cc2048-9
21. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet received proposals from the Committee on African Advancement which has been set up by the Governor of Kenya.

35. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals to date have been transmitted to him by the Governor of Kenya from the Committee on African Advancement.

Mr. Lyttelton

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 8th July.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the great importance of making clear the reforms which are proposed in Kenya, will the right hon. Gentleman at least ask that the Committee on African Advancement should expedite its proposals?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have already done that. I informed the Government of Kenya, and they readily agreed, that as soon as any scheme could be put into operation it should be announced. The hon. Member may expect to see one of these schemes in a very few days.

Mr. Hale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is at least nine months since almost everyone in Kenya declared in favour of a subsidy on posho? Why should he delay this vital reform which would add so much to the living standards of the people? Why should he wait until the Committee has reported?

Mr. Lyttelton

In all these complicated matters we must await the results of the inquiries which are being conducted with all possible speed.