§ 49. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is or was a difference of opinion between the India Office and the Colonial Office as to the constitution of the Colony of Kenya and as to the rights of Indians in that Colony; that the refusal of equal rights to Indians in Kenya is one of the main causes of Indian discontent; and will he either have equal rights established at once or appoint a Select Committee to consider how the dispute may best be solved?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis matter is at present a subject of consideration between my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Colonies and for India, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement upon the subject.
§ Earl WINTERTONBefore any decision is given, will the Indian inhabitants of Kenya Colony be consulted, because they are strongly opposed to any further rights being given to the Italians?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware of that fact from my own personal knowledge, but I am sure that the Secretary of State for the Colonies will bear in mind the views and interests of the colonists.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is extremely diffi- 920 cult to collect the views of the natives, and before a decision is taken will he instruct the Native Commissioners in East Africa to ascertain the views of the natives on the subject? If the right hon. Gentleman does this, he will find that they are most strongly opposed to it
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt would not be for me to issue such instructions, but if the Noble Lord wishes to press that point, I should be glad if he would put a question to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.