HC Deb 22 July 1953 vol 518 c47W
79. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Africans killed, wounded and taken prisoner by the security forces in Kenya since the beginning of the emergency.

Mr. Lyttelton

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) on 15th July.

80. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what areas in Kenya the order has been applied authorising security forces to shoot to kill when persons fail to halt when challenged, resist arrest or attempt to escape; and how many persons have been killed under the order.

Mr. Lyttelton

There are three categories of areas: Protected areas, that is, vital points; Prohibited areas, that is, forest areas into which no one is permitted to go without a permit; and special areas, in which anyone can be stopped and searched.

In all three areas force, extending to the voluntary causing of death if necessary, may be used in order to apprehend persons resisting arrest or trying to escape.

The majority of administrative districts in the Central and Rift Valley Provinces, together with a portion of Masai land, certain forest areas, and a number of military installations, prisons and power stations are in the categories I have mentioned.

Up to 25th April, 364 persons had been killed in operations in these areas.