§ 24. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether provision has now been made for the administration of native lands in Gambia by native authorities in their own interests; and whether machinery is now in existence in Gambia for the investigation and settlement of doubtful claims against the Crown in areas where original Crown ownership is indisputable.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)With my approval, the Governor of the Gambia announced last year his intention to introduce into the Legislative Council a series of Bills having as their general object the removal of obstacles to the effective development of land in the Colony and Protectorate of Gambia. This legislation, when completed, will provide machinery for the settlement of doubtful questions in regard to ownership, and will declare all land not under private or Crown ownership to be native lands which will be administered primarily for the benefit of the indigenous inhabitants. Native authorities will play an increasing part in this administration. The first of this series of Bills has already been introduced and has passed through the Legislative Council.
§ Mr. TurtonDo I understand from my right hon. and gallant Friend that there is now provision in Gambia for the administration of native lands by native authorities?
§ Colonel StanleyThey will be associated with the administration of these lands, when the lands are declared vacant.