HC Deb 23 June 1954 vol 529 cc403-4
52. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he has made to Mr. Vasey, the Finance Minister of Kenya, regarding the United Kingdom Government's contribution towards the costs of operations arising from the emergency in that Colony.

54. Sir R. Acland

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the financial situation in Kenya.

Mr. Lyttelton

Since discussions are still taking place I cannot yet make a statement, but I hope to do so soon after discussions have been concluded.

Sir R. Acland

In the discussions which are taking place will the Minister look carefully at the answer which he gave to me to a Written Question on 16th June, in which it appears that, except for the very poorest taxpayers, the taxpayers of this country are paying far heavier direct taxation than are those in Kenya, and although no doubt we shall have to make some contribution to the Kenya emergency, should the right hon. Gentleman not first make sure that the burden is equalised between the taxpayers of the two countries?

Mr. Lyttelton

The hon. Baronet must be careful not to draw close analogies between Kenya and the United Kingdom in these matters, but I can assure him that the matter of extra revenue will form part of the discussions that are now taking place.

Mr. Craddock

Would it not be best to urge that the conversations should be used now to consider ending the fighting there?

Mr. Lyttelton

That question is not on the Order Paper.