35. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the names of the body appointed to control the betterment fund for the natives of Kenya Colony recommended by Lord Moyne in 1932; what funds are at the disposal of this body; and whether any natives are associated with the administration of the funds?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreAs the answer is a long one I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ On 24th February, 1937, I informed the hon. Member that it was premature to consider the application of Lord Moyne's proposals to set up a Native Betterment Fund until the examination of the whole system of native direct taxation could be carried out as recommended by Sir Alan Pim. Since that date I have considered the question further, and I have come to the conclusion that attempts to apportion taxation revenue and expenditure on a racial or communal basis are not likely to give fruitful results. Since Lord Moyne reported, there has been a marked change in the ratio between the proceeds of direct and indirect native taxation, and I doubt whether, in the changed circumstances, a separate betterment fund, the contributions to which would be determined by the proceeds of direct native taxation, would achieve the purpose of ensuring that the natives receive a return in due proportion to their total contributions to the general revenues of the colony. I need hardly assure the hon. Member that there is no question of this conclusion operating to the disadvantage of the natives.