HC Deb 09 December 1953 vol 521 cc233-4W
54. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the offences for which the punishment of Mau Mau members is the confiscation of land and trading plots; and whether such punishment will apply only to Mau Mau terrorists who have been tried and convicted or killed in fights with the authorities.

Mr. Lyttelton

There are no such offences at present, but a Bill has been published which, if it passes into law, will empower the Governor to make Forfeiture Orders and Setting-apart Orders, forfeiting land or interests in land of—

  1. (a) persons who have been convicted of offences punishable with death or with imprisonment for a term of seven years or more and committed in furtherance of the objects of unlawful societies, which would include Mau Mau, or with a seditious intention; and
  2. (b) persons who are leaders or organisers of armed or violent resistance against the security forces, whether or not they are at large, charged or convicted.