HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc1193-4
57 and 58. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many children of Kikuyu descent, whose parents are in detention camps, are left uncared for in Nairobi and its immediate surrounding territory;

(2) the number of homeless and detribalised orphans left to their own resources in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi; and what steps he intends to take for their welfare.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A survey is at present being made of the number and welfare of such children and I hope to have detailed information shortly. In the meantime, I can tell the House that plans are going ahead for orphanages in the Central Province the first of which is expected to open soon, and that the establishment of a children's home in Nairobi is under discussion with the voluntary societies, including the local Save the Children Fund now being formed.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no money will be spared in an effort to care for and to protect these children, and does he appreciate that if we fail in this job these children will be the next generation of Mau Mau?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I take a very close personal interest in this matter, and I agree with the hon. Gentleman on the extreme importance of these steps.