§ 42. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many children are estimated to have died in the Kikuyu Reserve in Kenya during the last year from causes aggravated by malnutrition; and how far feeding arrangements have been established to save child life.
§ Mr. HareNo estimate is possible. A sample survey in the Central Province in 1955 revealed some malnutrition among children, due mainly not to shortage of food but to incorrect diet. Supplies of free milk, feeding centres and staff to promote health education have been provided to tackle this problem.
§ Mr. BrockwayHas the right hon. Gentleman seen statements by a Minister in the Kenya Legislative Assembly quite recently about hunger in these villages among children? I ask him again, what steps have been taken to meet this situation?
§ Mr. HareI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for bringing up this Question. First of all, it gives me a chance to pay a tribute to the wonderful work that the Red Cross and the missions have done to assist our own administration. I should like to make two points on what the hon. Gentleman has said. Supplies are being distributed where necessary, and the district officers who observe food shortages in their districts can call on resources at the disposal of the Provincial Administration to provide free food for children and other forms of relief in case of need.