§ 7. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is intended to withdraw the emergency laws in Kenya.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAlthough actual fighting with terrorists in the forests is nearly over, adequate Emergency powers will have to be kept until the rehabilitation of those in detention camps has reached the stage where all but the most dangerous have been released and the security situation is again normal. The Kenya Government is again reviewing Emergency laws, in particular Emergency offences and penalties, to see whether further relaxations can be made.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not the case that a very large area in Kenya is not and has not been for many months under the threat of Mau Mau action, and is it not possible in these very large areas immediately to withdraw these emergency laws? Second, may I ask whether, at least—
§ Mr. SpeakerI wish the hon. Gentleman could condense his questions a little.
§ Mr. BrockwayI apologise, Mr. Speaker. Secondly, is it not possible to withdraw the present basis of "capital charge" on which so many Africans have been hanged for offences much less than killing?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have referred the hon. Gentleman to the review of the charges mentioned in the latter part of my Answer. In regard to the second part of his question, I would say no more than that the Government and the Governor of Kenya do not wish to keep the emergency regulations for a day longer than is necessary.