§ 17. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the closer settlement scheme now contemplated in Kenya embraces 72,000 acres, that 30 farms comprising 85,000 acres are to be auctioned next month, that 40,000 acres have been granted since last May for sisal growing and the grant of a further 100,000 acres for this purpose is under consideration, and that it is intended to alienate 250,000 acres for farms in the Leikipia district, he will state whether this large alienation policy has his approval while the Report of the Hilton Young Commission is under consideration?
§ Mr. AMERYThe closer settlement scheme which the hon. Member mentions is still under consideration. The other grants referred to which have already 4 been made or are now suggested relate to areas which are covered by an arrangement made by the Governor of Kenya nearly two years ago, prior to the appointment of the Hilton Young Commission, in regard to the alienation of unoccupied land involving no native land rights or claims.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that it would be advisable to delay the alienation of this land pending the finding of this report?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. It means going back for some time, and I see no reason for changing an arrangement arrived at 12 years ago.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that this land which it is now proposed to alienate is not the land which is referred to as being desirable to retain for holdings to natives?