Military Training.

Oral Answers to Questions — Kenya. – in the House of Commons at on 15 July 1926.

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Photo of Colonel Josiah Wedgwood Colonel Josiah Wedgwood , Newcastle-under-Lyme

53.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what length of annual training is proposed for the military conscription in Kenya, and in whose charge the rifles will remain between the trainings?

Photo of Mr William Ormsby-Gore Mr William Ormsby-Gore , Stafford

My right hon. Friend has not yet received a copy of the Ordinance. Under the latest proposals which he has seen, no definite annual training is laid down, but the period of training, etc., is not to exceed in any one year a number of days which was to be inserted an final enactment. The issue and care of arms is to be a matter for regulations to be made by the Governor. A copy of the Ordinance, when received, will be placed in the Library.

Photo of Colonel Josiah Wedgwood Colonel Josiah Wedgwood , Newcastle-under-Lyme

Are we to understand that this compulsory service in Kenya really means just supplying rifles to the settlers?

Photo of Mr William Ormsby-Gore Mr William Ormsby-Gore , Stafford

No, I certainly do not think so. As a matter of fact they have all got rifles already.

Photo of Colonel Josiah Wedgwood Colonel Josiah Wedgwood , Newcastle-under-Lyme

But surely under this Ordinance they will acquire and require uniform rifles.

Photo of Mr William Ormsby-Gore Mr William Ormsby-Gore , Stafford

That remains to be seen.

Colonel CROOKSHANK:

Is it not a fact that this is really only a form of special constabulary?