§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the agents of the British India Steam Navigation Company have issued a notice requiring Asiatic and African passengers to Kilindini and Mombasa to pay a landing deposit of 200 shillings or its equivalent in rupees; whether the agents are, in this matter, acting under the instructions of the Government of Kenya: and, if so, the reason for this discrimination?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The practice alleged is similar to that of certain steamship companies, which require a deposit of 750 shillings from European passengers. The companies no doubt wish to safeguard themselves against having to take away passengers who are refused admission by the immigration authorities. The latter are empowered by law to require a deposit from any, immigrant who is unable to satisfy them that he is not a "prohibited immigrant" under the law, the deposits being 750 shillings for Europeans and 200 shillings for Asiatics and Africans.