§ 16. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement as to his acceptance of Sir Albert Kitson's recommendations with regard to gold prospecting in Kenya Colony; on what grounds certain specified areas are to be opened up for general prospecting while in other areas it is contemplated to grant exclusive licences only; and what special measures have been taken to safeguard native interests in the newly opened areas and to meet their fears concerning the danger of losing their lands?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)A full statement of the decisions reached in regard to Sir Albert Kitson's recommendations were published in the Press on the 1st of May, and I do not think I can usefully add anything to it. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this statement. The reasons which led Sir Albert Kitson to recommend that certain areas should be thrown open to general prospecting and others reserved for exclusive licences were that in the two areas recommended for general prospecting gold had been proved to occur more generally and Sir Albert Kitson considered that they could be better pros- 344 pected for the value of these occurrences by individual prospectors than by a company and that more employment would be given to natives by individual prospectors than by any one company. Area No. 5 is to be opened for general prospecting on the 1st of June. But the Government is not yet able to state when Area No. 2 will be opened. No further special measures in addition to those already taken are necessary to safeguard native interests, and the local Government can be relied upon to do everything that is necessary to protect native interests and to reassure the native population as regards the land in the Native Reserves.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the recommendations of Sir Albert Kitson are being carried out in full?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, progressively they are. I announced them some time ago, and I am sure that Sir Albert Kitson was the best possible person to make those recommendations.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAm I to understand that before accepting these recommendations he would receive and hear representations from the local native representatives?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not know what is meant by "local native representatives." Sir Albert Kitson's recommendations are being carefully considered by the Government, including the Chief Native Commissioner and other officers.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLDoes not the effect of the recommendations imply the displacement of the maximum number of natives?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCertainly not. Anybody who knows anything of Sir Albert Kitson, say, for the last 25 years in Africa, will realise that the natives could not have a wiser or more sympathetic friend and adviser.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill not the right hon. Gentleman look into these matters?