§ 1. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about political developments in Kenya since the statement made by the Governor on 10th May.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)I dealt with some of the more important aspects of the present situation at Question Time on 31st May, and there are a number of other relevant Questions on today's Order Paper. I would prefer not to make a general statement at this juncture.
§ Mr. WilliamsIn spite of what my right hon. Friend says, is he not aware of the three points which are causing considerable disquiet, firstly, the problem of the maintenance of law and order—this is causing considerable disquiet throughout the Colony—secondly, the question of security for the overseas civil servants, and, thirdly—personally, I think that this is the most important—the need to make the Lancaster House constitution work before there is any further constitutional advance at all?
§ Mr. MacleodOn the first two of those three points—which was why I gave the Answer I did—there are, in 188 fact, as my hon. Friend knows, Questions on the Order Paper today. I replied to my hon. Friend on the third matter the last time that we had Questions.
§ 9. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the security situation in Kenya.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodSince my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 31st May, there has been the shocking murder of Wambugu Kimathi, a Headman in Nyeri District.
Four Kikuyu have been arrested and charged with the murder. As judicial proceedings are pending I cannot comment further on this case, but C.I.D. investigations into the murder and into reports of secret activities and oathing in the Colony are continuing. Meanwhile, the Governor has given the Provincial Commissioner increased powers under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance to deal with the situation in the area of Nyeri District in which the murder occurred, and these powers have been exercised.
§ Mr. WallWill my right hon. Friend say something about two things, first, the apparent unrest in the farming areas, and secondly, the growing unemployment in urban areas, which are leading to an increase of crime and have a considerable amount to do with security?
§ Mr. MacleodBoth those are matters which do cause a good deal of concern. There is another Question on the Order Paper as far as the second is concerned. I think there are some signs that the unemployment situation in Nairobi is less serious than it was.