HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc11-2W
Mr. Paget

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements he has made to provide wire and earth static defences for Kikuyu Home Guard posts.

Mr. Hopkinson,

pursuant to his reply of 19th May (OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 515, c. 128), supplied the following information:

The most careful attention is being paid to strengthening the defences of Kikuyu and Embu Home Guard posts. Such measures are to strengthen barbed wire fences and aprons, the digging of camouflaged pitfalls on approaches to perimeter wire, sowing of ground with split bamboo stakes, siting of trenches within the perimeter and reinforcement of huts. £12,000 has been provided for further purchases of barbed wire. Detailed consideration is also being given to alarm procedure and arrangements for support of guard posts by police and troops in the event of attack.

Colonel Morecomb, late Suffolk Regiment, has been appointed to the General Staff in Nairobi with special responsibility for the Home Guard.