§ Mr. J. Dugdaleasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will have an inquiry made into the working of the system under which native workers in Kenya and 1415W Northern Rhodesia have sums deducted from their weekly wages for alleged breaches of discipline?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanWhile the law governing the employment of Africans in Kenya and Northern Rhodesia provides that in respect of certain offences (such as refusal to commence work after having entered into a contract, Or drunkenness) any servant may be punished by the courts with a fine not exceeding half the amount of his monthly wages, I am not aware of any provision empowering ah employer to impose fines and deduct them from wages due. If my hon. Friend has any evidence that employers are not observing the procedure prescribed by law, I shall be glad if he will send it to me.