§ 26. Lord Balnielasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the riot which occurred in the Embu Labour Camp in Kenya on 26th April.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydOn 24th April, 80 intractable Mau Mau adherents who had been rejected from other camps in the area and were awaiting transfer from Thiba detention camp in Embu District refused to obey orders to move out of their compounds. Thirty of these were detainees who had refused to co-operate in rehabilitation, and they had established their ascendancy over the rest. After warnings and repeated orders had been ignored, the prison staff had to move the detainees out by force. During the move nine detainees received injuries for which they were treated at the dispensary, and four others were admitted to hospital. None, however, was seriously injured and the four detained in hospital have been discharged. All those involved have now been dispersed to other camps, where they appear to be responding to rehabilitation.
§ Lord BalnielIn view of the recent mass outbreak from Langate Prison, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this process of diluting the worst Mau Mau offenders with those already in the process of rehabilitation is proceeding at the right pace? Can he give an assurance that no pressure is being brought to bear on the Kenya Government to accelerate the pace beyond what they regard as desirable?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI can certainly give that assurance. We all knew that when the Kenya Government introduced the dilution technique it was bound to be followed by an increased security risk. No pressure of any kind is being imposed.
§ Mr. PagetIs the right hon. Gentle. man aware that the surprising thing is not how much trouble there has been, but how little?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir.