HC Deb 17 November 1937 vol 329 c381
25. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the reconstitution of the executive council in Kenya, what steps have been taken to secure on the council someone with knowledge of native matters and acquainted with the life and sympathetic with the majority of the inhabitants of the country; and what principles will in future govern the selection and service of persons appointed to the executive.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The reconstitution of the Executive Council of Kenya has not yet been carried into effect. Among the official members will be the Chief Native Commissioner. With regard to the unofficial members, it is the intention that the Governor shall be free to recommend such individuals as he considers best fitted to advise him on all matters affecting Kenya as a whole, and one of the un-officials will normally be an individual who, in the opinion of the Governor, is suitably qualified to represent matters from the aspect of the native population. I think that it would be inadvisable to attempt to restrict the Governor's freedom of choice by any formal limitation in the instruments constituting the Council.

Mr. Creech Jones

May I take it that there will be no colour bar in connection with the selection?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Certainly, there will be no legal colour bar.

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