HC Deb 10 December 1958 vol 597 cc339-40
32. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made to increase the number of troops in Kenya; and the purpose of this reinforcement.

Mr. H. Fraser

There has been no change in the policy described last February in my right hon. Friend's Memorandum on the Army Estimates.

Mr. Brockway

The hon. Member will be aware that there has been an announce- ment that the number of troops is to be increased. Will his Department be very careful indeed about increasing the number of troops in Kenya and taking any steps to establish a base there, which would be in opposition to the opinion of the overwhelming mass of the people, who are Africans?

Mr. Fraser

The Government's policy about this matter rests on the White Paper and is well known. There are two battalions stationed there and, of course, the East African Governments are being fully consulted and informed throughout.