HC Deb 05 April 1932 vol 264 c15
27. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the inquiries which are being made by the Government of Kenya Colony on the question of the advantages accruing to native areas through public expenditure will be completed in time for Lord Moyne's inquiry?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I am not clear to what inquiries the hon. Member refers, but a statement has been received showing the total actual revenue derived from the direct taxation on natives in Kenya in 1930, and the total expenditure in 1930 on services directly benefiting the native population. A provisional statement on similar lines in respect of 1931 has also been received. Copies of these statements were made available to Lord Moyne before he left England for the Colony.

28. Mr. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many licences to grow coffee have been issued to Africans in Kenya during 1931?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No licences were issued in 1931.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Why are the natives of Kenya not allowed to grow coffee?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That hardly arises out of this question, but I think there were in fact only two—either one or two—applications made. The conditions under which coffee can be grown by natives are now under consideration.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are the conditions at present so difficult to fulfil that the natives cannot apply for licences?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think the answer to that question is that only two licences were in fact applied for.