Mr. Amnionasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many gold mines are in operation in Kenya as compared with 1939; how far gold production has increased since that year; what are the chief companies operating in the Colony; what dividends are being paid to their shareholders; and what benefit does the local exchequer derive from these operations?
§ Colonel StanleyI have no information as to the number of gold mines in operation in Kenya. Total exports of gold, which are approximately equal to production, increased from 101,149 oza. in 1939 to 115,908 oza. in 1941. Available information suggests that production declined in 1942 but official figures have not yet been published. The chief operating companies are:
Rosterman Gold Mines Limited.
Kavirondo Gold Mines Limited.
Kenya Gold Mining Syndicate Limited.
Kenya Consolidated Goldfields Limited.
I am not aware of the dividends being paid by these companies. The local Government receives royalty from gold 1591W mining companies at the rate of 15 per cent, of their profits calculated on the same basis as for Income Tax. The companies are also liable to local Income Tax at the rate of 5s. in the pound and Excess Profits Tax of 60 per cent.