§ 15. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Kenya Land Inquiry Committee proposes to start its work; whether the question of adding independent Europeans and Africans has received the attention of His Majesty's Government; and, if so, with what result?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)With the concurrence of his colleagues on the commission, the chairman, Sir William Morris Carter, is devoting the present month to taking essential evidence on points of fact from retired Kenya officials, settlers and missionaries in this country. His departure for Kenya has accordingly been postponed until the 1st of July, and the first formal sitting of the commission in the Colony will no doubt be held shortly after his arrival. As regards the second part of the question, as I stated in a recent Debate, I am satisfied that the members of the commission are admirably suited for the task, and I see no reason for adding to their number.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the general disappointment that a settler should have been selected as the commissioner and that there is no countervailing influence on the other side—on the part of the natives?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think the general expression of opinion is one of great satisfaction with the selection. I would point out that the selection of a settler follows very closely the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee of both Houses that settlers should be encouraged to take an active interest in these matters.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWhile we do not disagree with the appointment of a settler we disagree regarding the fact that no representative of the natives, who would have been a countervailing influence, has been appointed.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI entirely repudiate that statement. Let the hon. Member consider the members of this inquiry. Sir William Morris Carter, the chairman, did the whole of this kind of work in Rhodesia, and he is by common consent the ideal man for the purpose; and there is Mr. Hemsted, who is also, I think, by common consent one of the ablest commissioners and representatives of native interests there has ever been in Kenya.