§ 36. Mr. Lunnasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken by the Kenya Government to spread knowledge among the population regarding the principles of land conservation; and, in particular, whether adequate steps were taken to secure the assent of the Wakamba in connection with the new canning factory?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAfricans are being educated in soil conservation methods with financial assistance from the Colonial Development Fund. Native instructors are to be trained in those methods in the agricultural schools. A handbook on the subject in the native languages has been prepared for distribution. Many meetings have been held in the Kamba Reserve to persuade natives to co-operate in reducing the number of their cattle, which is, of course, essential in their own interests if their land is not to become a desert. At first there was some difficulty in securing their co-operation, but that, the Governor informs me, has now been largely overcome.
§ Mr. LunnDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Kamba tribe should be compelled to sell their cattle at a fixed price to a private company without having any opportunity of negotiation?
Mr. MacDonaldThe whole matter has been discussed with the tribe in question, and I understand that the arrangement which has been reached is working satisfactorily.