§ Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what instructions are given in Kenya to Government officers witnessing agreements under the Resident Labourers Ordinances as to the minimum rates of pay and as to the conditions under which the wife or children of the labourer can be bound to work under the agreement.
§ Mr. LytteltonNone. It is provided by law that officers can refuse at their discretion to attest any contract which does not provide for a fair monetary remuneration, having regard to local wage rates. They can also require the employer to give security for the payment of the labourer's wages. In cases where a resident labourer volunteers the services of his wife and children, a clause may be inserted in the contract stipulating the rate of wages to be paid to them, but they cannot be bound under the contract.