HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 cc1367-8
40. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the pronouncement by the Economic and Development Secretary of the Government of Kenya that the Government's policy is to get as many settlers on the land as the land would hold economically does represent the present Government policy towards settlement in Kenya.

Colonel Stanley

Yes, Sir, as far as the Highlands are concerned.

Mr. Dugdale

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure us that the House will have an opportunity of discussing and approving settlement schemes before they are actually embarked upon?

Colonel Stanley

Of course, this does not in any way alter the policy which has been continued by successive Governments on reserves of white settlers. It is merely a proposal for the better utilisation of land in Kenya. Certainly, the House, on any Colonial Debate, would have an opportunity of discussing that.

Mr. Dugdale

Are we to understand that expenditure will be incurred on the settlement of these persons without the matter being discussed by the House?

Colonel Stanley

I hope that, the next time there is a Colonial Debate, the hon. Gentleman will raise this question.

Mr. Mainwaring

Can we also take it for granted that the Government will have similar schemes for the development of the economic interests of the natives?

Colonel Stanley

They will not be of the same type. A number of such schemes have already been approved.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is it not a fact that, wherever there is European settlement, the natives very greatly benefit by such settlement?

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