Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been called to the speech delivered at a public dinner at Nairobi by the Governor, in which he declared his belief that the principal charge of Government must fall upon the shoulders of the British population of that Colony; whether this statement was made with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government; and whether the Government intend to delegate further powers to British settlers in that Colony, more especially as regards the management of matters which concern the indigenous population?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)I hart already seen the report of the speech alluded to. The remark quoted was made without previous consultation with His Majesty's Government, but it does not appear that such previous consultation was called for. With regard to the last part of the Question, this and other matters have formed the subject of full and careful discussion with the Governor during his recent visit to this country. I should prefer not to make any partial statement at the present time, as I do not wish to anticipate the announcements which the Governor will doubtless make on his arrival in the Protectorate. But, at a later date, I shall be happy to give the fullest information to the House as to the policy of His Majesty's Government on the questions referred to.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that a large, part of these taxes upon whites really consist of rent upon land and concessions, and, therefore, are not properly described as taxes?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI would not like to enter into details of that kind without notice.