§ 39. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the interview recently given by the Chief Secretary of Kenya, Mr. W. F. Coutts, to the delegation of the United Somali Association with particular reference to their difficulties in the marketing of livestock and their representation on the Legislative Council.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe object of the delegation was to ask that the nominated member from the Northern Province should be a Somali. The Chief Secretary pointed out that the population of the Province was less than half Somali and that the present Arab member had been appointed because of his great experience of all the problems of the province. The question of livestock marketing was incidental to the main discussion and the Chief Secretary noted the views expressed.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile welcoming the fact that the Somalis now have a member to look after their own interests, may I ask whether the Under-Secretary agrees that it would be a good thing if there were a Somali to look after their interests, since they are the largest and most forward group in the territory, and those who are in the greatest difficulties at this moment?
§ Mr. ProfumoI have every confidence in Mr. Kullatein's ability to represent the interests of all the people of the Province.