§ Sir E. GRAHAM-LITTLEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his Department is now in a position to recommend a grant for a 507W scientific investigation into the causes of physical and mental backwardness in the natives of Kenya Colony, an investigation demanded on repeated occasions by scientific bodies in Kenya and in this country, and supported by his Excellency the Governor of Kenya Colony?
Mr. M. MacDONALDNo, Sir. There are no funds at the disposal of my Department from which any grant for such purpose could be made. The importance of inquiry into the mental and physical development of African natives is recognised. But before deciding what steps should be taken, I propose to await the issue of the general investigation which is to be conducted by the African Research Survey under Sir Malcolm Hailey. I understand that this survey will take the form of a review of African problems generally and that it will indicate the extent of existing knowledge concerning those problems and the steps to be taken to supply any deficiencies in508W that knowledge. The inquiry to which the hon. Member refers is only one part of the general survey, and the necessity for any special investigation of it must be considered in the light of its relation to other factors. It is in regard to the interrelation of African problems and relevant factors that the general investigation will, it is hoped, be of special value in determining the course of future research.