HC Deb 20 February 1912 vol 34 cc445-6
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the removal of the Masai tribe in British East Africa; and, in particular, whether the part of the tribe that was moved and then sent back to their old lands suffered serious loss of life or stock in the attempted removal?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

The Governor of the East Africa Protectorate is expected in this country shortly, and I shall then discuss the matter further with him. In the meantime, I do not propose to lay additional Papers. The Governor has reported that the Masai have not suffered to any extent by the move, and that the rumours of large numbers of people and cattle dying appear to be without foundation.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Have all the Masais moved yet?

Mr. HARCOURT

One portion have already made the move and the others are on their way.

Earl WINTERTON

Is it not the fact that the chiefs of the Masais unanimously agreed to the removal?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will any compensation be paid in respect of the loss of cattle which was caused by the removal?

Mr. HARCOURT

I understand that the mortality among the cattle was not in excess of the ordinary number of deaths.