HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1119-21
16. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the frequent complaints of ill treatment of detainees at Mageta Island Detention Camp in Kenya, of which particulars have been sent to him, he will take steps to close this camp.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is already intended to close Mageta Island Detention Camp within the next six months, but not for the reasons suggested by the hon. Member.

and not merely to go there when they have already got jobs? Will he not use his influence to see that these laws, if not repealed, are at least much less stringently applied?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am extremely anxious, as I am sure is the whole House, that the improved conditions in Kenya should not be jeopardised by over-hasty relaxation of certain restrictions, but I know that the Governor and the Ministers in Kenya of the multi-racial Government are equally anxious to have a return to normal conditions as soon as possible.

Mrs. Castle

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall try to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Following is the information:

Mrs. Castle

While welcoming the first part of the Minister's answer, may I ask whether he is not greatly concerned by the contents of the letter which I sent him showing how Mageta Island Camp has been administered? Can he tell us what is to happen to these people, who have clearly suffered serious ill-treatment? What is to be their future? Where are they to be trained, rehabilitated and released?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Lady said that her letter was disturbing. Of course, the circumstances in Kenya have been very disturbing. I think that one of the troubles on Mageta Island has been that too many detainees believed they were there for ever. I have been extremely anxious, as have the Government of Kenya, to make it clear that in our view nobody is beyond possible rehabilitation. These people will go to Athi Camp. They will be sent there and put in the rehabilitation stream. If they respond, they will then be moved to the rehabilitation and works camps in their own districts with a view to eventual release. If they persist in their refusal they will go to Manyani.