HC Deb 27 April 1920 vol 128 c1064W
Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of British East Africa has reversed the instructions of the Secretary of State, issued in 1908, by the new Order to the District Commissioners wherein they are informed to urge native chiefs and headmen to procure native labour to work on plantations; whether such instructions are tantamount to an Order whereby forced labour will be secured by tribal compulsion; whether he is aware that the Bishop of Mombasa and others have issued a public letter of protest against the introduction of compulsory labour; and whether steps will be taken to instruct native chiefs that it is not part of their official duty to induce able-bodied natives against their will to work for white settlers on the plantations?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on this subject yesterday in the discussion on the Colonial Office Vote.