60. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Native Land Trust of Kenya Colony is primarily concerned with native lands, there has been appointed to the board of this Trust, or there is any intention to appoint, a native member?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Kenya Native Lands Trust Board has five members, who include the Chief Native Commissioner, two nominated unofficial members of Legislative Council who represent African interests, and a missionary nominated by the Governor. I am satisfied that native interests are well looked after by the board as constituted, and see no reason therefore to change its personnel at present.
Mr. Creech JonesIs it the policy of the Government to include a direct representative of the Africans themselves?
Mr. MacDonaldThat certainly is not excluded, and if a suitable African, who is representative of all the Africans concerned, could be discovered, I have no doubt he would be put on, in succession to whichever of the existing representatives retired.
§ Mr. PalingDoes the right hon Gentleman mean to say that no African is put upon this board, because there is not one of the necessary ability to serve?
Mr. MacDonaldNo, Sir, but there is a question of different tribes. There is a certain amount of jealousy between one tribe and another. That is one of the considerations which the Government must have in mind.
§ Mr. PalingIf there are Africans with sufficient ability, why is it that on all questions directly affecting the interests of Africans, no African is ever put on the board to look after those interests?
§ Mr. PalingI do not know of one case.