§ 17. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that land allotted to white settlers in the Kenya Highlands and in the Coast Province is in many cases not being cultivated; and whether it is proposed to make beneficial development of such lands a condition of continued occupation.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir; a proportion of such land is not cultivable and some, while it is not arable is being beneficially used for pasture. Further extension of the beneficial use of land is temporarily handicapped by shortage of agricultural machinery and equipment. Agrarian legislation which is at present being prepared in Kenya will, if enacted, make provision generally similar to that in the United Kingdom Agricultural Act to ensure the efficient use of agricultural land.
§ Mr. HyndDoes that mean that in the event of any farmer being dispossessed for not making proper use of his land, that land will be available only to other white settlers?
Mr. Creech JonesNo, but most of the legislation will be modelled on the legislation of this country.
§ Mr. HurdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the white settler is only to anxious to extend and develop production if he can get water, wire, and so on, with which to assist him to do so?
Mr. VaneDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that these people will be burdened with something like our county agricultural executive committees?
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that the lowlands are largely in the hands of the Indians and Arabs, and that in the white Highlands there is a Government Department to help and advise settlers about the development of land?
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Minister mean that the African will be given the right to settle in East Africa?