HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc1188-90
12. Mrs. Slater

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons now held in detention in Kenya; and what is the number of these whose cases have been heard by the Advisory Appeal Committees.

27. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans are now detained in Kenya; and what plans have been made for the detention camps.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

At the end of September the number was 48,022, including those held for screening as the result of the Nairobi operation as well as other persons temporarily in police custody for interrogation. Of the 17,435 persons against whom detention orders have been made, 724 have appealed to the Advisory Committees on Detainees, which have to date heard 642 cases.

My predecessor dealt with plans for the camps in his speech on 22nd July. I have nothing to add, except that the aim is, in the recent words of the Governor: … to place as soon as possible on the road towards release those who are capable of being recalled to a decent life, and in the meantime to make the method of confinement such that it will lead to the least bitterness possible.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action is being taken to speed up screening, because it is taking a very long time?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think that it is taking so long now. It is very well under control.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some time to a consideration of this problem of detention in the future?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly. I am fully aware that the long-term future of Kenya is of the utmost importance.

Mr. J. Johnson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these detention camps are on the big side and that there are too many people in each camp? Does not he think that they should be taken out of the hands of the prison administration and put into those of another department under a committee of welfare or development, under Mr. Ohanga who is the African Minister?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Mr. Ohanga is doing a splendid job, but Kenya is living in a state of emergency. In all the circumstances, those concerned are doing admirably in coping with an unprecedented situation.