Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the fact that it is the policy of the Government of Kenya to endeavour to persuade native races to abandon at least the severer forms of the circumcision of girls, he will state what steps the Government are taking to bring home to the people concerned how prejudicial this custom is to the welfare of their race, and in particular to the health and wellbeing of the women and children?
§ Dr. SHIELSIn August, 1926, the Chief Native Commissioner in Kenya sent a circular letter to all Senior Commissioners requesting that the local native councils should be approached in the matter, and he directedinter alia that it should be made clear that, pending any voluntary abandonment of the custom, it was the desire of the Government that, in the interests alike of humanity, of eugenics and of the increase of population, the milder form of the operation, which is stated to be more in keeping with ancient tribal usage, should be reverted to. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies expects to receive full and up-to-date information as to the position in reply to a communication in the Governor of Kenya.