HC Deb 07 December 1932 vol 272 cc1597-8
16. Lord APSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can make a further statement as to the policy the Government is adopting with regard to the gold discovery in the native reserves in Northern Kavirondo, in Kenya, and to whom the mineral rights in the district belong

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not yet in a position to make a detailed statement, but the Government's policy will be directed to Turning the mineral resources of Kavirondo to the fullest benefit of Kenya Colony, while amply safeguarding the interests of the native occupants of the areas in question. In this district, as in the rest of the Colony, property in minerals, other than common minerals, is vested in the Crown.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there have been any discoveries of radium in that district?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Not that I am aware.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the natives who may be required to vacate their territories will be given ample compensation in the form of alternative land to occupy?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

They certainly will get either alternative land or full compensation. I can answer for that.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the full compensation going to be in money, as that does not really compensate a man for losing his land?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I should deprecate answering that question offhand in reply to a, supplementary question when the full details have not been settled. I can assure the right hon. and gallant Gentleman that it will be the policy of His Majesty's Government to treat the natives just as fairly as the settlers.

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