HC Deb 05 May 1914 vol 62 cc119-20
20. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to preserve to the natives of Uganda the land that was already reserved to them by the treaty made with Sir Harry Johnston in 1900; and whether, in view of the consequences to natives which have invariably followed the alienation of their reserves, he will refuse to sanction further alienations of land?

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

Under the agreement which was entered into by Sir Harry Johnston with the Baganda in 1900, large tracts of land were granted as freehold estates to the natives, and it is not an infrequent occurrence for a native to hold eight square miles or more, of which only a small area is under cultivation. As a rule the native possesses neither the means nor the desire to develop his large holding. The procedure for the alienation of such land to a non-native purchaser is as follows: The consent of the native council has first to be obtained, and then the application is referred to the Governor, who, before giving his approval, carefully considers the purchase price, the amount of land in the possession of the native, and the amount he will retain if the sale is sanctioned. I understand from the Governor that the native council are fully alive to the desirability of land being retained by the Baganda, and scrutinise carefully all sales before giving their sanction. The general rule is that a native is not allowed to sell more than half the area allotted to him under the agreement. Information regarding the amount of land disposed of in this manner is given to Parliament in the Annual Report of the Protectorate.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the Governor will take steps to reserve sufficient land for the future increase of the native population?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, I have no doubt that forms one of the elements in his consideration of the matter.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to instruct the Governor in that direction? This question of the alienation of the land is rather important at the present time.

Mr. HARCOURT

If my hon. Friend will communicate with me on the subject, I will consider what communication I will make to the Governor.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Is any part of this undeveloped square mileage subject to Un developed Land Duty?

Mr. HARCOURT

I believe not at present.