§ 22. Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with African resettlement in Kenya; and for what reasons the Hon. E. Mathu, the Hon. S. J. Cooke and Archdeacon Beecher have recently resigned from the Commission on African Resettlement.
Mr. Creech JonesArchdeacon Beecher has not resigned from the African Settlement Board. Mr. Cooke and Mr. Mathu have resigned, I understand because they consider the progress so far made inadequate. Mr. Mathu has also expressed the 463 view that the terms of reference of the Board are too restricted.
Both the Government of Kenya and I myself wish that it had been possible to make more rapid progress on African settlement and resettlement schemes during the past 12 months and we are determined to press forward with that work. But the preparation of settlement areas is a difficult and complex business, depending on surveys and investigations which unavoidably take time to complete.
The machinery for dealing with the matter is however being strengthened and measures to be taken will include the appointment at six Africans to an advisory board which will assist the Commissioner for African Settlement. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a report on the work so far carried out.
Mr. BaldwinIs the Secretary of State aware that as a result of his recent visit great steps are being taken for the resettlement of these Africans, and is he also aware that if the African is not trained to use the land properly before he is resettled, vast spaces of Africa will be desert?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir, I think that is perfectly true and we are anxious to speed up development.
§ Sir Ronald RossAre the Askaris who served overseas given any priority in this matter?
Mr. Creech JonesThis is really concerned with the resettlement in the tribal lands, and that calls for community action, although we are trying to put the Askaris in a favourable position.