§ 28. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for War how many European soldiers have been killed during the emergency in Kenya; how many were killed by the Mau Mau adherents; and how many accidentally by other members of the forces.
§ Mr. HeadForty-nine. Sixteen by Mau Mau, thirty accidentally and three by accidental discharge of their own weapons.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile many of us will be relieved to know that the figure of these casualties is low, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that many of us are also very concerned at the proportion of those killed in accidents, and can he give us an assurance that young 191 National Service men who have not been prepared for the nerve-racking fighting in the forest are not subjected to those conditions, and that inexperienced officers are not in charge of small groups, as that might lead to this high proportion of accidents?
§ Mr. HeadAll men undergo their basic training. They then have a special jungle training course when they get to Kenya. Full training is given also to all the officers concerned. This is a particularly difficult type of operation, as the hon. Gentleman, who has been there, may know. It includes patrolling in the jungle, and it is extremely difficult, when pursuing a fleeing enemy, especially in the dark, to know friend from foe.