HC Deb 06 November 1929 vol 231 cc1033-4
40. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a communication from the Kikuyu Central Association; and why Sir Samuel Wilson, when inquiring in Kenya, did not inquire as to the native or Indian point of view?

Mr. LUNN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The suggestion that Sir Samuel Wilson did not inquire as to the Indian point of view in Kenya is not understood, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Sir Samuel Wilson's Report, more particularly pages 24 and 25. As to the native point of view, Sir Samuel Wilson took the opportunity of discussing matters with the Acting Chief Native Commissioner, missionaries and others well acquainted with native affairs. Only in one case did he refuse to interview any native delegation. In that case, he had already received in writing the views of the body in question, a body which is not recognised by the Government of Kenya as representative of the tribe for which it claims to speak, and he did in fact interview another delegation representing the same tribe.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that Sir Samuel Wilson has received the deputation from the Indian Congress?

Mr. LUNN

I think it is quite clear that he did.