§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, the noble Earl, Lord Munster, has been so good as to tell me he has had a report from Kenya, and, therefore, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any information concerning the use of dogs by the Kenya Police Force.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, I am obliged to the noble Viscount. The Kenya police have a total of 46 dogs, 27 of which are either whelps or under training. Nineteen are actively employed in all parts of the Colony, except the Northern Province, and work in teams with trained European and African handlers. Three of these dogs are used solely for tracking criminals after an offence has been committed, and sixteen for patrol work, augmenting the eyes and ears of their beat constable masters. Training is identical to that given to dogs of the Metropolitan Police Force. They are taught to apprehend criminals without savaging them.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Earl for his statement. I had read in The Times of November 22 that amongst those taking part in a raid was a special section of trained dogs. The noble Earl has now fully explained that. In our debate on collective punishment in Kenya on November 26, I myself added these words (OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 179, Col. 591):
What sort of dogs do you have for pursuing African women with their little children?… I do not think it a joke to turn dogs on to village people who have committed no crime.Clearly, those words were not warranted by the facts as stated. I withdraw them, and I beg to express my regret to your Lordships for having used them.
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERMy Lords, I am deeply obliged to the noble Viscount, and I am sure that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State will be, also.