HC Deb 23 January 1957 vol 563 cc172-3
43. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the further evidence regarding conditions in detention camps in Kenya and the charges made by Mr. P. R. Meldon, a civil servant under the Kenya Government from March, 1954, to May, 1956, a copy of which has been forwarded to him, he will now appoint a judicial commission to inquire into and report on the administration of detention camps and prisons in the Colony.

Mr. Maclay

On 17th January the hon. Gentleman sent my right hon. Friend a copy of these allegations, which first came to his notice when published in the Press on 11th January. The Governor has been asked to investigate them.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the very wide uneasiness as a result of not only these but many charges made for months, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to a judicial committee going to Kenya to examine the conditions in detention camps and prisons?

Mr. Maclay

That is very much wider than the Question on the Order Paper. It would be wrong to form any premature views until we get the results of the Governor's investigations.

Mr. Brockway

On a point of order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that despite what the Secretary of State has said, my Question asks for a judicial commission of inquiry?

Mr. Maclay

I apologise to the hon. Member. I had forgotten that that matter was raised in this particular Question. It would be wrong to prejudge any issue until we have the Governor's report.