Northern Frontier District (Hansard, 10 July 1962)

§ 7. Mr. Wall
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what terms of reference have been given to the independent commission set up to study the Northern Frontier District of Kenya; and when he expects to receive its report.

§ Mr. H. Fraser
It has not been appointed yet, but its composition and terms of reference will be announced as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Wall
Is my hon. Friend aware that the appointment of a special commission for this area is causing a spate of rumours among the Somalis that there will be a change there? Will he, therefore, see that the Commission is appointed as soon as possible with the clearest possible terms of reference?

§ Mr. Fraser
Yes, Sir; I will.

§ Mr. F. M. Bennett
In adopting the expression "as soon as possible", is the Minister hoping that this business will be accomplished before the rising of the House for the long Recess?

§ Mr. Fraser
No, Sir, I do not think so, necessarily. We have to appoint someone of great eminence to undertake the task, and our object is that the report should be available by the late autumn. There is not such immense urgency about it owing to the various constitutional timetables laid out in Cmnd. 1700.