§ 88. Mr. JOELasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make any statement as to whether the recently discovered goldfields in Kenya are in native reserves or not; whether the Government has the right of imposing any conditions on prospecting; and, if so, what action it is taking in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Robert Hamilton)The area in which the recent discoveries of gold have been made in Kenya is situated in the North Kavirondo Native Reserve. Special provisions regulating prospecting on land within native reserves are contained in the Mining Ordinance, 1931. Unauthorised prospecting is forbidden. The position has been carefully explained to the local natives at a baraza and they have been assured that the Government will safeguard their interests to the fullest possible extent.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan we have an assurance that, if any land is taken from the natives, land of equal value elsewhere and as convenient for the tribe will be found?
§ Sir R. HAMILTONThat point will be borne in mind.