24. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances it has been agreed to bring labour from the Belgian Congo or Ruanda Urundi into Kenya.
§ Mr. HareThe Kenya Government are considering a proposal to introduce a limited number of workers from the Belgian Congo to alleviate the shortage of labour in the sisal, tea and sugar industries, but have not yet reached a final decision.
Mrs. WhiteWill not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is an astonishing thing, in view of the over-population of many rural areas in Kenya, that labour should be brought in from outside? In particular, is it not most ill-advised to suggest it at the very moment when we are awaiting a report on agricultural wages, and will this not upset the workers already in Kenya and make them think that their conditions are being depressed?
§ Mr. HareI do not think so. I should like to emphasise to the hon. Lady that the Government will have to satisfy themselves that the employment opportunities suitable for released detainees are not prejudiced.