HC Deb 18 June 1952 vol 502 c101W
60. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiating machinery exists for regulating the wages of African workers on the coffee plantations in Kenya.

Mr. Lyttelton

Wages of African coffee workers are negotiated at an annual meeting of representative planters and growers and chief headmen from labour producing areas, under the chairmanship of the District Commissioner concerned.

61. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the price per ton of coffee in Kenya during each of the last three years; and what were the rates of wages for African workers on the coffee plantations during the same period.

Mr. Lyttelton

The average prices per ton paid to producers during the last three completed seasons have been £161, £350 and £374 respectively. The minimum monthly rates of pay for permanent employees (excluding the value of housing and rations) were 17s. in 1950, 23s. 68 cents. in 1951, and 24s. 25 cents. this year. Annual bonuses equivalent to two or three months wages are normally given as well.