HC Deb 01 July 1953 vol 517 cc387-8
33. Colonel Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the threats to amenity and nature-conservation in the Tsavo Royal National Park inherent in a scheme now before the Government of Kenya for supplying water to Mombasa from the Mzima pools; and if he will ensure that detailed examination is first given to the alternative suggestions put forward by the trustees of the park.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am assured that everything possible is being done to provide Mombasa with a safe and adequate water supply at a reasonable cost, with the minimum of damage to natural amenities, and I understand that the Kenya Government are to investigate further the plans for the headworks and offtake.

Colonel Clarke

May I ask my right hon. Friend to appreciate that the trustees of the National Park and many others concerned will be grateful for his assurance, and may I ask him if he will bear in mind the fact that the advice on which the trustees are acting comes from the highest engineering levels?

Mr. Lyttelton

There is an investigation taking place on whether one of the pools will be raised by eight feet or not. I think that both my hon. and gallant Friend and I are concerned about its being necessary for hippopotami, but, after all, the water supply of Mombasa will have to take first place.