HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2319-20W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in pursuance of Section 49 of the Native Lands Trust Ordinance, 1938, active steps are now being taken to extinguish native rights in land in the Highlands and natives are being evicted from their ancestral lands and the farms on which they are now residing; and whether adequate, fertile and suitable land equal to that vacated can be offered to the natives now under notice?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The rights of natives in the Highlands have been extinguished by Section 70 of the Native Lands Trust Ordinance, 1938, and steps are now being taken with a view to the transfer of such natives to alternative land. It is, however, provided in the Ordinance that pending transfer the enjoyment of these rights—which have been formally extinguished—shall not be restricted. With regard to the procedure to be followed regarding the provision of suitable alternative land, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on the 21st of December last.

Mr. Paling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the amount of grant paid by the Government for the education of African children in elementary schools each year in Kenya?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I assume that by "elementary schools" the hon. Member means all schools covering the first six years of normal school life. On that assumption, the answer, in round figures, is £55,000 in 1937, £62,000 in 1938, and an estimated sum of £65,000 in 1939. These figures do not include the expenses of direction and inspection.

Mr. Paling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount paid by the average able-bodied African in direct taxation each year in Kenya?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The rate of direct native taxation in Kenya is prescribed annually by the Governor. In 1939 the normal rate has been fixed at 12s., although in certain areas a lower rate is fixed varying from 3s. to 10s.

In addition a local native council may, with the approval of the Governor, impose a rate on adult male natives living within its area. The latest figures available are in respect of 1937, when such rates varied from 50 cents to 2s. per head.

Mr. Paling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the number of children of school age, European and African, respectively, attending elementary schools in Kenya, and the number of children of school age in each case?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The latest figures available are those for 1937. In that year 121,577 African children attended elementary schools. I have no figures to show the total of African children of elementary school age. As regards European children 1,681 is the answer to both parts of the question.