§ 26. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what public works by forced labour are being carried out in the Kikuyu Reserve; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HopkinsonUnder the authority of Emergency Regulations projects to improve communications and agricultural potential are being carried out by communal labour in all districts of the Kikuyu Native Land Unit. These projects include land clearing and soil conservation works, protecting water supplies, and necessary protection works as a result of the Emergency, such as ditching and fencing of cattle bomas, and food stores.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that much anxiety has been felt by the Christian Churches—particularly the Church of Scotland—in this matter? Women have been working long hours—from seven in the morning until the evening—and leaving their babies at home, with consequent neglect and malnutrition, especially in the Fort Hall area. If this 1167 ordinance means anything, does it mean a tidying up of abuses of powers, and a checking of the actions of Kikuyu headmen? Does it mean that we can look forward to a change in the actual conditions there?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI have noted what the hon. Member has said about this matter. We have discussed it together before. I will see that the points which he makes are brought to the attention of the Governor of Kenya.