HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1504-5
39. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what recent amendment has been made, or is proposed, to the Crown Lands Ordinance, of Kenya, with a view to making additional provision for native settlement areas, and why?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

An amendment to the Crown Lands Ordinance was passed by the Kenya Legislative Council in December last. It is designed to give legal authority for the areas selected for the settlement of Africans who have been discharged under the Resident Native Labourers Ordinance and who cannot be accommodated in the native land units.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is it not possible at this stage to consider the restoration of some of these Africans to their lands in the Highlands?

Mr. Macmillan

The hon. Member probably appreciates that it is difficult to replace some men of this particular character in the tribal organisation from which they have fallen out. Therefore this special arrangement is being made to accommodate them.