§ Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what functions have been assigned to the newly-constituted Mines Department in Kenya Colony; and whether they include the duty of protecting the natives, both in their capacity of owners of the lands and in their capacity of workers?
§ Sir CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe functions of the Commissioner of Mines and his staff are to ensure compliance with the provisions of the laws relating to mining and its ancillary operations. I have no doubt that the officers of the Mines Department keep a watchful eye 1977W on native interests, and they are charged with the supervision of the mines and machinery and all matters relating to the safety and health of persons employed. The duty of safeguarding the interests of native occupiers devolves upon the Chief Native Commissioner, the Native Lands Trust Board, the provincial commissioners and the district officers. Supervision of labour conditions is primarily a matter for the labour inspectors and the district officers.