Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been called to the case of a young Kikuyu girl, in the Kiambu district of Kenya, who was recently compelled to undergo a form of operation forbidden by the Kiambu Native council against her will; whether the woman who performed this dangerous and illegal operation was charged before any court or courts; if so, with what result; and whether he will request the Governor of Kenya to introduce forthwith into the legislative council amending legislation to increase the penalties for such crimes and so put an end to the continuance of such practices.
§ Dr. SHIELSThe case referred to has been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, but he has no official information from the Government of Kenya in regard to it. The Governor of Kenya will be asked for a report on the case, and the question of further Government action in the matter will be considered.