HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc174-5W
41. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present rate of release of detainees from camps in Kenya and the rate of release of Mau Mau convicts whose sentences have been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the policy now being pursued.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

During the three months ending on 31st January, the average gross monthly release rate of detainees was 1,898 and the net monthly reduction 1,612. Thirty-three Mau Mau convicts had their sentences remitted in November, 57 in December and 113 in January. Rehabilitation policy rests on the principle that every detainee must have his chance to work his way back into normal life. Those who seem to remain obdurately attached to Mau Mau beliefs present the biggest problem but a bold new experiment to deal with this category has recently begun and is showing considerable success.