§ 22. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Africans sentenced to death in Kenya during each month from the beginning of the emergency, and on what charges; and in how many cases in each category executions have followed or reprieves been declined.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydFrom the beginning of the emergency to 15th April, 1955, 1,297 persons were sentenced to death in Kenya of whom 886 were executed. I am asking the Governor for month-by-month figures of persons sentenced to death and will arrange for them to be sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile we all understand the abhorrence and anger caused by Mau Mau atrocities, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think it desirable to keep our own record clean in this matter? Is it not the case that we have hanged over 500 Africans for crimes less than murder? Will he now bring in a modification which he has frequently indicated in reply to my Questions in the House?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I told the hon. Gentleman, this question is under constant review. I have answered the Question on the Order Paper, and nothing more at this stage arises from it.
§ Sir T. MooreCould my right hon. Friend at the same time publish the number of mutilations as well as murders that have been committed by these Africans and their fellows throughout the same period?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have from time to time drawn attention to those ghastly facts, but I would hesitate to try to draw any mathematical comparisons in the field of justice.