HC Deb 25 November 1954 vol 533 cc172-3W
Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken by the Government of Kenya to increase wages of agricultural workers; and whether he is aware that about half of them are now earning less than 25s a month.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The published Report of the Committee on African Wages included a recommendation to set up a rural wages advisory board and area wages committee to examine wages in rural areas. The Kenya Government are at present considering the Committee's recommendations. Although the Report stated that 48 per cent. of monthly contract labour in non-plantation agriculture received a cash wage of less than 25s. a month, it also pointed out that the value of rations and housing should be added to this amount to provide a general picture of the wage structure in non-plantation agriculture.

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