HC Deb 12 July 1944 vol 401 cc1725-6
25. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposal, under the land control schemes in Kenya, to give legislative sanction to the principle of reservation of interest in the land in the European Highlands to Europeans has the approval of His Majesty's Government.

Colonel Stanley

I have not yet seen the legislation to which my hon. Friend refers as passed by the Legislative Council of Kenya, but I understand that it will not have the effect suggested in the Question. The Governor, who under the existing law exercises control through a veto, will under the new legislation be required to give prior consent to land transactions in the Highlands. The policy of reservation of the Highlands for Europeans, which has been approved by successive Governments, will thus continue to be enforced administratively.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that no legislation is passed based on the principle of racial discrimination in the European Highlands?

Colonel Stanley

I do not think the legislation is, but the administrative discrimination has been recognised by various Governments, including the Labour Government of 1929.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that such provisions would be welcomed by all the inhabitants?