§ 78 Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies 1336 whether the natives of Kenya Colony possess, either tribally or individually, any indigenous titles to land which give them security against expropriation?
Mr. WOODI do not clearly understand the hon. Member's reference to indigenous titles. Before the British administration there were no courts in which a title to land could be upheld, and natives were open to the attack or pressure of their neighbours. An explanation of the principles on which native land matters are now determined will be found on page 19 of House of Commons Paper No. 68 of 1912.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHave the natives any title whatever to their reserves, or are those reserves still unprotected by law?
Mr. WOODI cannot offhand answer as to the position in law, but I can tell the hon. and gallant Member that only so late as last August the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in a despatch to the Governor of Kenya, laid down the principles on which land might be taken, and I think that probably meets the point of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.