Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the new British Criminal Code has passed through the Kenya Legislative Council; and, if so, what penalties it will provide in the case of persons who perform the circumcision operations, major or minor, on girls, against their will, or what penalties it will provide in the case of parents who exercise pressure on girls to undergo this operation against their will?
§ Dr. SHIELSA Bill to bring into force a new Penal Code based upon English law has been introduced in the Legislative Council of Kenya, but no report has yet been received from the Governor as to the passing of the Bill or as to amendments which may have been made in the draft Code during the course of debate on the Bill. Pending the receipt of the new Code in its final form, a reply to the last two parts of the question cannot be given, but the Noble Lady may be assured that the importance of an adequate penalty for acts of a kind which would include the performance of the operation against the will of the girl concerned will not be over-looked, and the point has, in fact, been brought already to the notice of the Government of Kenya.