HC Deb 22 July 1907 vol 178 cc1165-6
MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

I beg to ask the Under secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that practically all native risings and unrest have been caused by the apprehension that they will be deprived, one way or another, of their lands, he will make it clear that the native reserves in East Africa are inalienable.

MR. ASHLEY

I beg at the same time to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, when creating native reserves in British East Africa, he will consider the possibility of placing them in the hands of trustees with a view to prevent them being alienated at any time.

MR. CHURCHILL

The Secretary of State concurs fully in the principle that a native reserve, when once established, shall be inalienable except with the consent of the natives themselves, and upon its being proved to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that alteration is required. When I informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question of the 17th of this month that there was no present intention of rescinding the Kikoyo reservation I did not mean to suggest that there would be any arbitrary or unjust confiscation in the future, but it is possible that, circumstances may arise, such as the increase or decrease of a tribe, the failure of certain staple articles of food within a reserve, a deterioration in its sanitary condition, etc., which would render an alteration of its bound- aries or location both just and desirable. I need scarcely say, however, that any proposed change of this kind would be most closely scrutinised by the Government, which in this matter, as in all others affecting the welfare of the natives, would act as their trustees.

MR. ASHLEY

My Question was whether the Government would consider the desirability of placing the reserves in the hands of trustees?

MR. CHURCHILL

I have said the Government will act as trustees.

MR. ASHLEY

I suggested private individuals should act. I have not so much confidence in the Government.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

asked if the Answer would apply equally to Basutoland?

MR. CHURCHILL

No doubt it will apply generally.