§ 29. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will arrange an independent inquiry into conditions in prisons and detention camps in Kenya in view of the allegations of ill-treatment, which have not been officially refuted.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSuch an inquiry was held early in 1957 by a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which gave the Press its considered opinion that all was being done to respect the international principles 8 accepted in the custody of detainees and convicts. Investigation of allegations made since then has not justified the Governor setting up a further inquiry.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Colonial Secretary aware that there have been allegations from the Lokitaung Prison in Northern Kenya and independent allegations also by Captain Law, a European now in this country, who has spoken about ill-treatment in the Kamiti Prison? Is he aware that these allegations are causing a great deal of concern which will not be dispelled unless there is an independent inquiry into the administration of prisons in the Territory?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not think that is altogether fair. The Governor, the Government of Kenya and I have been scrupulous in following up every charge which has been made. In the vast majority of cases, they have been either untrue or greatly distorted.