Kikuyu Reserves (Hansard, 23 February 1955)

§ 38. Mr. Collins
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Kenya Government have forcibly removed large numbers of Kikuyu from Nairobi to the reserves, despite the fact that they are known to be innocent of any offence; that they have neither work nor the means of subsistence; and if he will take immediate steps to end this policy and substitute for it one which will provide the people with both work and adequate food.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
No, Sir. Only those found in Nairobi without pass books, or who have committed other offences, have been moved to the reserves, where relief work is provided for those in need.

§ Mr. Collins
Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that acts of gross injustice of this kind, which are reported by reliable people like members of the Church and judges, make it impossible for matters in Kenya to be peacefully settled? Will he say what representations he makes to the Government of Kenya in matters of this kind?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
The hon. Member's supplementary question must have been arranged in his mind before he heard my answer.

§ Mr. Bottomley
When is the Secretary of State going to consider proposals that are put to him from this side of the House? Is he not aware that the only way to end the emergency in Kenya is to provide effective African leadership? Would he give consideration to the convening of a conference in London and inviting equal numbers of Europeans, Asians and Africans?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I gave a very long answer to him a few days ago in regard to a large number of suggestions that had been made by the Parliamentary Commission, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a member. I fully recognise the importance of getting good African leadership. The multi-racial Government set up by my predecessor, Lord Chandos, is an indication of the importance that we attach to it.

§ Mr. Bottomley
In the debate on Kenya last week the Secretary of State was asked a particular thing about calling a conference and he gave no answer. He has given no answer now. Will he not try to consider the propositions put to him?