Oral Answers to Questions — African Colonies – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 26 Tachwedd 1947.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a boy of 15 years of age was sentenced to 12 strokes for participating in the Uplands bacon factory riot in Kenya; that in August an African was sentenced to three years hard labour with 15 strokes for robbery with violence and that these cases are not isolated; and what steps are being taken by the Government of Kenya to reduce or abolish flogging.
Mr. Creech Jones:
I am inquiring into the whole circumstances of these incidents and the use of corporal punishment in the case of young persons. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in possession of all the facts.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that there seems to be no method of treating these young offenders, and will he see that some method similar to the Borstal system is introduced?
Mr. Creech Jones:
There is in the Colonial Office a special advisory Committee concerned with juvenile delinquents and their prison organisation, and this matter is before them.
When the right hon. Gentleman is inquiring into this matter, will he also inquire whether those accused persons had a right of appeal, whether they were defended, whether they exercised the right of appeal, and by what authority they were flogged?
Mr. Creech Jones:
I will keep it in mind.