§ 52. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many senior Government officials in Kenya own or lease land in Kenya; whether he is aware that if an official buys land he is regarded by public opinion as having identified himself with settler interests; and whether this practice will now be prohibited.
Mr. Creech JonesI do not know how many senior Government officials hold land in Kenya, but I am aware that some of them acquire residential plots in order to settle there after retirement. The permission of the Governor in Council is required in every case. I am satisfied that there is no abuse and I see no reason to change the present procedure. I cannot accept the view that the acquisition of land by officials identifies them with settlers interests.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend aware that his answer means that the Governor in Council is giving himself land and that that practice is spreading to senior officials, causing serious discontent in Kenya, because the Africans are of opinion that it means that the Government are identifying themselves with settler interests and cannot avoid being partial?
Mr. Creech JonesI do not accept the view which has just been expressed by my hon. Friend. There has been no abuse and the Governor has behaved with perfect propriety. There has been no irregularity in this matter at all.
§ Mr. T. ReidIs it not a fact that a great many officials, indeed most of the officials, in the Colonies are natives of the Colonies? Surely my right hon. Friend does not intend to prevent natives of the Colonies from acquiring land or to discriminate between native officials and European officials?