§ 54. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the announcement made by Sir Morris Carter that Natives in Kenya would not have returned to them land now in the possession of Europeans, whatever conclusion may be reached as to the validity of their claims, has the approval of the Government; and whether he can assure the House that no obstruction will be offered to Africans in Kenya if they should wish to take a test case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I have no information in regard to any such announcement, beyond certain statements which had been attributed to Sir Morris Carter by the Press, and I shall make no statement until I have the report of the Commission. The right of appeal to the Privy Council is safeguarded by Section 3 of the Eastern 34 African (Appeal to Privy Council) Order-in-Council, 1921, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. JONESMay I take it that the' right hon. Gentleman is making inquiries as to whether Sir Morris Carter did in fact make this statement, and, in the event of his finding that that is so, may we not have a statement from him that it is improper for the Chairman of a Commission of this sort to anticipate a decision which ought to rest with the Government?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no reason to suppose that Sir Morris Carter has anticipated his own report or any decision of the Government. I am sure that what would be very wrong would be for me to anticipate the receipt of the report of a commission by expressing any view now.
§ Mr. JONESMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will inquire whether it is a fact that this statement was made?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCertainly.