§ 75. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the draft Order in Council for the Kenya Highlands provides for the lease and sale of land in Kenya Highlands exclusively to white persons, whether of British or foreign nationality, to the exclusion of native-British subjects and British-Indian subjects; and whether he will seek powers to lay a copy of this Order before Parliament so that this House, in accordance with its right to watch over the application of policy in territories under the control of His Majesty's Government, may be in a position to judge whether the proposals are consistent with British Colonial or Indian tradition.
Mr. J. H. THOMASI have nothing to add to the replies which I returned on 237 4th March to the hon. Member for White-haven (Mr. F. Anderson) and the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Paling). With regard to the second part of the question, I see no reason to seek any special powers in relation to this Order.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman approves the policy of removing these natives from the best land and reserving it exclusively for white people?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend must understand that there was a Commission appointed and that it made certain recommendations which the Government accepted.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman approves the policy laid down in the Order in Council and with the Commission's recommendations?
Mr. THOMASI have already indicated that the Government approve the policy and the recommendations. I have no reason to believe that the party opposite disapprove of that policy.
§ Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRWhen the right hon. Gentleman says he will not seek special powers to lay this Order, will he avail himself of any power he now possesses to enable the House to have a Debate?
Mr. THOMASCertainly. I propose that, before a final decision is arrived at, the House will have an opportunity of knowing exactly what the proposals are.