22. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are to be made for the supply of labour required on the new holdings of Europeans under the new European Settlement proposals in Kenya; whether squatters who refuse to attest and work 270 days for the new settlers will be removed; what provision for them has been made, seeing that their reserves are unable to receive them back; and whether the whole squatter question is receiving the attention of the Kenya Government.
§ Colonel StanleyNew settlers will be expected to engage voluntary labour and no special arrangements are contemplated. Closer settlement is likely to increase the demand for labour on farms, but any squatters who are required to move because they do not wish to enter into contracts under the resident labourers ordinance or do not consent to the assignment of contracts to new occupiers will be accommodated either on native land reserved for their tribe or in a special area which has been set aside. The whole squatter question is receiving the closest attention of the Kenya Government.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the Minister take care to see that if squatters are required to be moved they shall at least be able to go to land where they can farm and earn a livelihood?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir, that is most important.