HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc360-1
31. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the composition and terms of reference of the Committee on African Wages and Working Conditions to be set up by the Kenya Government.

Mr. Lyttelton

The composition of the Committee has not yet been finally decided. It will contain members of all three races who have special knowledge and experience in the subject.

The terms of reference are: To consider and report on the adequacy of African cash wages and other conditions and benefits of employment, and to give special consideration to the following questions.

  1. 1. Whether existing terms and conditions of employment could be so altered as to provide African workers with greater incentives to industry, efficiency and increased output.
  2. 2. Whether the present method of calculating the statutory minimum wage in urban areas is reasonable.
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  4. 3. Whether all or any of the findings of the committee should be extended to areas outside municipalities and towns."

Mr. Remnant

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask him when he hopes that the Committee will get down to its task? Secondly, does not the appointment of this Committee stem from the tabling of a Motion by the leader of the Independent Members, Mr. Michael Blundell?

Mr. Lyttelton

The Committee is expected to begin work soon. I believe that my hon. Friend is accurate in his second question.