§ 78. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many bombing operations have been carried out by British aircraft in Kenya against suspected members of Mau Mau; how many aircraft were used in each operation; what weight of bombs was dropped; and the results.
§ Mr. HopkinsonFrom April, 1953, up to and including 14th January last Harvard aircraft have carried out 578 attacks involving 1,708 sorties and dropped 20 lb. bombs to the total weight of approximately 110 tons; Lincoln aircraft have carried out 17 attacks involving 40 sorties and dropped 500 lb. and 1,000 lb. bombs to the total weight of approximately 110 tons.
The main targets have been known Mau Mau hide-outs. There is evidence 168W to show that bombing has been effective both in inflicting casualties on terrorists and in lowering the morale of gangs. Since the arrival of Lincoln bombers there has been a pronounced move of gangs from the forests into the reserves.
§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many sorties have been made in Kenya by Lincoln bombers to the nearest convenient date; what weight of bombs has been dropped; and the estimated casualties.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI would refer the hon. Member to the Written reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler).