HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 cc1243-4
35. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Africans who have been condemned to death in the courts of Kenya since the declaration of the emergency; the number of death sentences which have been carried out; and the offences in both categories.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

As the reply includes a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Brockway

Could the right hon. Gentleman confirm that more than 30 hangings are now taking place each month, and that less than half of these sentences are for killing other persons? Is he aware of the very great concern about this, as reflected by missionaries in Kenya and reported in the columns of "The Times"? When does the right hon. Gentleman expect a modification of the present death sentences?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave him on 1st November. As to the first part, the hon. Member would be well advised to study the long answer which will be circulated.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these regulations are being considered with a view to modifying them, now that the situation is improving in Kenya?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I dealt with that most important point on 1st November.

Following is the reply:

Africans condemned to death, and executed, in Kenya between 20th October, 1952, and 12th November, 1954.

Offences Condemnations Executions
Murder 396 248
(including 318 Mau Mau cases) (including 219 Mau Mau cases)
Unlawful possession of arms and ammunition 400 290
Consorting with terrorists 221 163
Acting with intent to further terrorism 8 8
Administering unlawful oaths 63 45
Procuring supplies for terrorists 4 2
Totals 1,092 756