HC Deb 05 May 1924 vol 173 cc21-2
46. Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state whether the investigation into the position of the Masai tribes in Kenya Colony, promised by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on 9th July last, has yet been carried out; whether the whole of the fine of 10,000 head of cattle has been imposed; if not, how many cattle have been taken by the Government; if so, how these cattle have been disposed of by the Kenya Government; and what are the total proceeds received from the sale of the cattle constituting this fine?

Mr. THOMAS

The investigation has been delayed through ths absence on leave of the officer in charge of the Masai Reserve and the ill-health of an unofficial member with long and close experience of the tribe. I regret the delay and I have given instructions for the inquiry to be speeded up. The fine levied amounted to 9,915 head of cattle, sheep and donkeys, of which 4,047 were returned to the Masai. The stock on hand were sold for £4,326, and, after allowing for compensation and other expenditure in connection with the disturbances, a balance of £2,509 remained, which will be partly deposited in the Native Trust Fund and partly spent on works of benefit to the Masai.