§ 41. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Kenya Government have yet introduced legislation to set up machinery for determining statutory minimum wages in agriculture; and to what extent such wages will be based upon the living needs of man and wife.
§ Mr. J. AmeryNot yet. As regards the second part of the Question, I am consulting the Governor and will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that the Kenya Government have been very dilatory about this? The talks have been going on for a very long time. Cannot he, even now, give an assurance that when these wages are fixed they will be based on family needs, which has been indicated as the principle for urban wages for Africans?
§ Mr. AmeryThe matter is a difficult one, particularly at the time of an agricultural recession. It has not been easy to reconcile the conflicting opinions of the employers' and workers' representatives, whose co-operation is essential in this. The Kenya Government hope the 1059 way is now clear to reach an agreement which will provide the basis of legislation. As I have said, I am consulting the Governor about the basis of agricultural wage fixing, and I would not like to anticipate the reply I shall get from him.