HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 cc34-5W
78. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discrimination is made in the granting of land in the White Highlands of Kenya whether competent Africans are entitled to the same terms and conditions of tenure as are granted to Europeans; and in how many cases land was so granted to each class during last year.

Mr. Lyftelton

Land in the Highlands is granted by the Governor on the recommendation of the Highlands Board (which he is bound to consult). This Board is composed of the Chief Secretary as President, the Commissioner of Lands as Vice-President, four persons, who are not civil servants, appointed by a majority of the European elected members of the Legislative Council present and voting at a meeting specially called for the purpose, and one person nominated by the Governor. The "elected" members do not necessarily have to be elected members of Legislative Council.

In practice, land is granted only to Europeans. At present, there is very little land unalienated in the Highlands and that of poor quality. The hon.

Member will no doubt realise that the so-called White Highlands form only a small part of the Highland area of Kenya.