§ 14. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the appointment of a new chairman of the Central Land Board in Kenya.
§ Mr. FisherMy right hon. Friend hopes to announce the appointment very shortly.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my hon. Friend aware that the long delay before Sir Geoffrey Bourne was selected as chairman, the change of policy necessitated by the withdrawal of the offer to Sir Geoffrey Bourne, and now the two months' delay since it was announced that a part-time chairman was being appointed, has caused very grave disquiet both in Kenya and in this country?
§ Mr. FisherI do not think that there has been any undue delay. My right hon. Friend decided upon the changed function of the Board when he was in Kenya only just over a month ago, and we are now already on the point of making the appointment. In any case, this has not held up in any way the plans of the Kenya Ministry of Land Settlement, which have been going ahead for both purchases and resettlement.