§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many juvenile delinquents are now detained in Kenya; to what extent the punishment of whipping is still inflicted; how many juveniles have been placed in solitary confinement; to what extent children left without parents are associated with juvenile delinquents; and what are the existing provisions for the care of children or young people in difficulties in Kenya.
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd,pursuant to Mr. Profumo's reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd January, 1957 Vol. 563, c. 36–7], supplied the following information:
In March, 1957, there were 893 juveniles in Emergency detention camps, 80 juvenile offenders in prisons and 504 juvenile offenders in approved schools in Kenya. No juvenile detainee has been caned. Four juvenile offenders were caned for prison offences in 1955 and none in 1956, and 41 were caned for offences committed in approved schools in 1955 and 38 in 1956. In 1955, which 41W is the latest full year for which total figures are available, 3,177 juvenile offenders were awarded whipping by the courts as a punishment in itself and 17 were awarded whipping with a fine or imprisonment in addition. No juvenile detainee was awarded solitary confinement in 1955 and 1956; six juvenile offenders were awarded solitary confinement in 1955 and 34 in 1956.
Children left without parents who are in need of care and protection are not associated with juvenile delinquents. Although some orphans are held in two camps which are gazetted as both approved institutions and approved schools, they are segregated from the juvenile delinquents.
On the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to and Neglect of Children Ordinance, 1955. a copy of which is in the Library. There is a Child Welfare Society in the Colony, which is an approved authority under this Ordinance and has a trained children's officer on its staff. In addition, 23 institutions have been approved under the Emergency (Welfare of Children) Regulations, 1954, the majority of which are Christian Mission Stations. Seventy children now remain in the Missions under the auspices of the Save the Children Fund, and there is also provision for some 80 children at the Mathari Orphanage of Nyeri which is situated at the Catholic Mission.