HC Deb 03 May 1938 vol 335 cc692-4
36. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the composition of the new Legislative Council for Kenya has now been completed; if so, who are the two unofficial representatives of the native population; and whether the native population were consulted and approved of the two persons to represent them on the Legislative Council?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The composition of the new Legislative Council has been completed, but I regret to say that one of the European elected members has since died. Mr. H. R. Montgomery and Dr. C. J. Wilson have been appointed as nominated unofficial members on behalf of the interests of the African community. As regards the last part of the question, in the present stage of political development of the native communities in the Colony, and their number and variety, it is necessary for the Governor to rely on his own judgment in the selection of the two most suitable unofficial persons to represent native interests, apart from their representation by Government officials.

Mr. Riley

In view of the fact that it is considered desirable that the natives should have special representation on the Legislative Council, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would be possible that the representatives should be natives, if such qualified persons are available?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That is extremely difficult at the present stage, where you have a great admixture of races. It is necessary that you should have people who are familiar with very varied native conditions. Mr. Montgomery has been Chief Native Commissioner and is familiar with all the native races.

Mr. Paling

In so far as it is possible to get the opinion of the natives—and I suggest that it is possible—could not these two gentlemen have that approval in some shape or form?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No. It is extremely difficult in the circumstances, and I want to make it quite clear that there has never been any suggestion that these two people represent the natives. The arrangement is that in addition to the European elected persons, in addition to the official majority, there should be two representatives of native interests nominated by the Government, but there has never been any question of direct representation of the natives.

Mr. Paling

Is it not really better and wiser that the natives should approve those who are in that position?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think that would be extremely difficult unless you have a native franchise and a native election.

Mr. Mander

Is not one of these two representatives a civil servant who will be in the position of having to criticise his own administration? Is not that rather undesirable?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I understand that both these gentlemen were civil servants, but they have retired and are now free individuals. One was a medical officer with wide experience of the natives and the other was a chief native commissioner.

Mr. Mander

Will they not have to criticise what they have been doing themselves?