HC Deb 08 December 1954 vol 535 c946
38. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Mau Mau prisoners are in captivity; and the weekly unit cost of each prisoner.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

On 15th November, there were 17,629 Mau Mau convicts in prison and 47,562 persons detained in "Anvil" works and detention camps. The estimated cost per week of each prisoner is 16s., and of each detainee 15s. 4d.

Mr. Roberts

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting into operation any form of rehabilitation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A great deal certainly goes on in the works camps. As soon as an opportunity arises, people who have been certified as safe to be moved are moved off to chances of productive and sensible work.

Mr. Stokes

Has the situation now changed? A short time ago we were told that there were not enough guards to allow of more than two weeks' work being done every eight weeks. Has that situation now altered, and is everybody now working all the time?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No; everybody is not working all the time, because the circumstances are not open to those people who remain the hard core to engage in work far away from the works centre. The shortage of staff, though still a factor, is now more under control.

Mr. J. Johnson

Can the Minister tell us how many of these prisoners have been screened and given a clean bill of health, and how many have now got back to their old jobs in civil life? If none have done so, when does the Minister hope to begin to send them back?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

If the hon. Member will put down a Question upon that matter I shall gladly answer it, but I was asked about those who were now in prison or under detention. Of those in detention, a number at Manyani would have been returned home by now had it not been for typhoid. I shall gladly answer any Question which the hon. Member puts down upon this matter.