§ 18. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Report of the Morris Carter Commission on the land question in Kenya was received by him; how long it has been under consideration; whether it is now in the hands of the printers; and whether, in view of the urgency of the question, he will expedite the publication by having it printed in this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe signed Report reached me in typescript in the middle of September. I have given it such preliminary examination as is possible, and have had a conversation with the Governor, who was on leave, on the subject. It is not practicable to 349 consider what action is required until the printed copies are available and the Government of the Colony has had time to formulate its opinions. The Report is now being printed in Nairobi, and, as I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton) on the 9th November, I do not expect printing to be completed before February next. I have urged expedition. There are obvious advantages in carrying out the printing of a very complicated document, with its attendant maps, in the place where most of its authors are available for reference. I had, indeed, considered the question of printing in this country, but was advised that little, if any, time would be saved, especially as I hope to arrange for simultaneous issue here and in Nairobi.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo we understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the Report will be published in this country by February?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo. I cannot absolutely promise a date, but it will be a little later than that. It will be out of the printers' hands some time in February, and then it has to reach this country.