§ 9. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people are now engaged in prospecting for gold in the Kavirondo; and what have been the results of their operations to date?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have no information later than the middle of January, when the number of Europeans in the goldfield, including women and children, was estimated at 800. As regards the second part of the question, the total output of gold from Kenya up to the end of 1932 was 18,580 ounces. I am not yet in a position to say what 316 other results, such as the discovery of reefs, have been attained, and I think it is still too early to pronounce with certainty upon the potential value of the goldfield.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman state when I may put down a question in order to get this information in view of the fact that he states now that it is a little too early?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWhen the value of the goldfield has been proved.
§ Mr. DAVIESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me when that will be?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat depends on the energy and good fortune of the prospectors.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that he will not put unnecessary obstacles in the way of the development of the industry in this goldfield?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, certainly.
§ 13. Mr. RHYS DAVIES (for Mr. LUNN)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many prospecting licences have been granted in the Kenya goldfield and what is the total area covered by such licences?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would invite reference to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Dr. J. Williams) on 22nd February. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.