HC Deb 17 June 1936 vol 313 cc973-4
19. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that no approval will be given to any measure granting to foreigners in any part of Kenya rights withheld from British subjects?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. LUNN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that no privileges are given to outsiders which are withheld from the natives in Kenya?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I do not know to whom the hon. Gentleman refers as "outsiders."

Mr. LUNN

Foreigners, or settlers who have gone there from any other part of the British Empire.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I cannot describe British settlers as "outsiders." Under successive Governments for 30 years it has been the administrative practice to regard, not the whole of the highlands but a portion of the highlands as a field for European settlement.

Mr. LUNN

But the right hon. Gentleman would not describe even the British settlers as "natives"?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Certainly not, but the natives have their own reserves.

Mr. PALING

Does this mean that no facilities will be given to Europeans to settle in the Kenya highlands which are not being given to the natives?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, it means that European settlers can settle in the area open to European settlement in the highlands, but not in the native reserves in the highlands which are set apart for natives only.

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