§ Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of Secretary for the Colonies how many Indians are employed in the railway service and the Civil Service, respectively, in Kenya; and whether it is the policy of the Government to increase or to reduce Indian representation in those services?
§ Mr. AMERYRecent figures are not available. In 1924 the number of Indians employed by the Uganda Railway was 1,807 and by the Government of Kenya, 967. I am not aware of any policy of increasing or reducing the number of Indian employés of the Government. Generally speaking, they would occupy posts which are not necessarily filled by Europeans and for which Africans are not qualified.
§ Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the fact that Indians were invited to participate in the memorial service to the late Queen Alexandra held at Mombasa; and whether he can state the reason for their being expelled from the church?
§ Mr. AMERYOn the occasion of the Memorial Service to Her late Majesty Queen Alexandra held in Mombasa Cathedral, seating accommodation was reserved for the various communities, including the Indian community, which was fully represented; and assurances have been received from the Governor of Kenya, who was present, that there is no truth in the reports that Indians were expelled from the Cathedral. The story appears to have had its origin in the fact that certain Indians who were standing in the aisle were asked to move aside while the Arab representatives passed to their places.