§ 29. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how soon he expects the Kenya Government to realise their immediate aim of raising the minimum adult wage to a level which will support a man and his wife.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodProgress towards this standard must be related to Kenya's economic circumstances and the Kenya Government cannot therefore undertake to reach it by any fixed date. The next step forward, however, will be taken with effect from 1st July as a result of the 669 latest six-monthly review. The adult minimum wage and housing allowance will be raised in Nairobi by a total, of 8½ shillings to 128 shillings a month, and in other towns proportionately. The adult housing allowance will then reach the full target of twice the youth allowance, and the adult minimum wage will be 1.375 of the youth wage; the full target is 1.67.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes not the Colonial Secretary regard as a very serious situation, which is bound to lead to considerable unrest, the fact that the adult minimum wage is not a living wage for a married man and, according to the Nairobi Labour Commissioner, is 50 per cent. below the level required to maintain a family of two children? Cannot the Colonial Secretary move faster to give a definite date for the introduction of a living wage for a married African man in Nairobi?
§ Mr. MacleodI doubt whether it is practicable to fix a date without any relation to Kenya's economic circumstances. There are many factors which play on this matter, not least some of the speeches which are being made and which have a considerable effect upon confidence in the economy of Kenya. Apart from that, I am sure that the hon. Member welcomes the step which is taking place on 1st July. When he studies my Answer, he will see that it goes a long way towards the first stage. I hope that as a result of the next review we shall be able to make further progress.