HC Deb 15 April 1958 vol 586 c19
27. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what protests have been received against the compulsory labour schemes in the Kiambu district of Kenya.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have received no protests, but I am asking the Governor of Kenya for information about any made locally and will circulate a further reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members on this side of the House have received protests against the use of compulsory labour involving over 30,000 men in Kiambu, and when the right hon. Gentleman receives information about this, will he ensure that this compulsory labour is not used in contravention of the International Labour Convention?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is not in contravention. It has got nothing to do with the emergency. It is a historical practice in Kenya for communal work of this kind to be requested.

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