10. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has reached a decision as to the proposal for a grant of 63,000 acres of land to a prominent settler in Kenya Colony; and whether he can take steps to ensure that henceforth no grants of land of this size will be made to a single individual?
The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Thomas, who was received with cheers, on his return, after illness)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, any proposals of the kind would require the most careful consideration in every case.
11. Mr. HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with any grants of land made in future to settlers in Kenya Colony, steps will be taken to protect the position of natives at present occupying portions of the land in question, so that they shall not be deprived of the land so occupied, or only be permitted to remain as tenants at the will of the settler to whom the estate is granted?
Mr. THOMASI am awaiting a report from the Governor of Kenya on the question of the position of natives outside the Reserves, and should prefer not to make a definite statement at present.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONIs it not a fact that large areas of land are being advertised at the present time?