HC Deb 20 April 1955 vol 540 cc169-71
15. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been released from detention in Kenya since April, 1954, and in what categories.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Since 23rd April, 1954, 6,759 detained persons have been released in Kenya. Of these 3,244 were released after initial screening from the Anvil camps at Langata, MacKinnon Road and Manyani. Two thousand four hundred and fifty-five were released after more detailed screening from camps in the Central Province. The remaining 1,060 persons were released from detention under Detention Orders, including 32 who successfully appealed against detention.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the fact that nine months ago General Erskine estimated that 20 per cent. of those who were detained were innocent. can the Secretary of State state the proportion of those who have been released?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I wish that the hon. Gentleman, whose passionate interest for things African we all recognise, would read all the Parliamentary discussions, because quite recently, on behalf of General Erskine, I denied the statement that had been falsely attributed to him. However, the General, like a great many of us, if he found it obligatory to deny every inaccurate statement attributed to him, would find little time for creative work. He decided to ignore that particular misstatement.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Since it is the testimony of everyone who has been in Kenya in recent years that there is a general feeling that the screening is very slow and ought to be expedited, can the Colonial Secretary tell us now whether the screening process is being expedited so that those innocent may be released as soon as possible?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In reply to the right hon. Gentleman, whose interest I also fully recognise, I have recently made a statement in regard to the inquiry into screening in Kenya, when it was held that the procedure now was such that there need be no anxiety among reasonable people as to the speed with which it is being conducted. However, I would at this stage in Parliament, as before, put out the plea that we should from time to time look at this thing in the atmosphere of those engaged in a desperate struggle in Kenya and not always with the calm with which we are able to look at the matter from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the Secretary of State aware that many responsible people subscribe to the statement alleged to have been made by General Erskine? Is he satisfied that the rate of release is sufficient to justify reasonable action?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the statement attributed to General Erskine was inaccurate, I see no reason why, attributed to people of lesser experience, it should suddenly become accurate. I can assure the House that I am constantly in touch with the Government of Kenya to see that the speed of release is carried out to the fullest possible extent commensurate with the needs of public safety.

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