§ 11. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent Mau Mau activities have been revived in Kenya; to what causes he attributes this recrudescence; and what counter-measures are being taken.
§ Mr. AlportAlthough there has been no evidence of increase in Mau Mau activities, there have been some signs of increasing lawlessness, connected with a revival of the Kenyatta cult. The Governor has adequate legal powers to deal with any such threats to public order, and will not hesitate to take effective and speedy action should this prove necessary.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware of certain violent attacks on Her Majesty's subjects, including the daughter of a constituent of mine? Does he think that unemployment is perhaps one of the causes of this fresh outbreak of violence? Are the Government doing everything possible to help the Kenya Ministers to provide jobs for the workless?
§ Mr. AlportI am not aware that this lawlessness is attributable to the cause which my hon. Friend suggests, but it is clear that from the point of view of Asians, Europeans and Africans, particularly the loyal Africans, the maintenance of law and order in the territory is of the very greatest importance. As I have said, we believe that the Governor has adequate legal powers to ensure their security if the necessity arises.
§ Mr. StonehouseDoes not the Minister agree that there is no purpose whatever in raking over the embers of the past and that it is much more fruitful to concentrate on the building up of the new democratic future of Kenya and releasing all the political detainees?
§ Mr. AlportThat is a different question, but I agree with the hon. Member that we hope that the result of the Lancaster House Conference will be the beginning of a new era of peace and progress for Kenya.