HC Deb 21 May 1952 vol 501 cc458-60
21. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is considerable immigration of Kikuyu into the Ngong district of the Masai Reserve in Kenya and what steps he is taking to safeguard the Masai land rights from immigration of other tribes.

Mr. Hopkinson

I am not aware that any considerable immigration is now taking place. A number of Kikuyu who had illegally settled at Kibiko in the Ngong district have been evicted in the last two or three years following protests by the Masai.

Mr. Baldwin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the information I have is from; a white settler in that district, and he has called attention to the fact? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that unless we protect the rights of the Masai they may take the steps which they used to take 60 years ago?

Mr. Hopkinson

As my hon. Friend probably knows, this trouble has been going on since 1946. It is a Masai cormmunal grazing area, and by a gentleman's agreement the Kikuyu have been allowed to use it. They have been infiltrating there and building huts. They have been repeatedly evicted but they keep on coming back. I quite agree that if we had not taken strong measures to deal with the matter the Masai might easily have taken matters into their own hands.

Mr. J. Griffiths

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these incidents are symptoms of a deep-rooted malady, that is, the whole problem of the distribution of land and the increasing pressure of population on the land? Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether the investigations into possible solutions of this problem, which were begun some time ago, have been continued and are getting nearer completion?

Mr. Hopkinson

I can only tell the right hon. Gentleman that I will make those inquiries. I know that these investigations are being carried out, and I will undertake to follow up the matter.

Mr. Baldwin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is not the question of the distribution of land which is causing trouble? It is the fact that the Kikuyu will not learn how to cultivate their land properly. That would have much more effect on the situation.

Mrs. White

While we should do everything we can to discourage trespass in general; is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is true to say that the Kikuyu have less land for their needs than have the Masai; and might it not be possible to have some friendly discussions on this subject which, in spite of past history, might lead to some better distribution of land?

22. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what inquiry has been made into the incidence of venereal disease among the Masai in Kenya; with what result; and what steps are being taken to combat the disease.

Mr. Hopkinson

I am asking the Governor of Kenya for this information and will write to my hon. Friend when I receive his reply.