§ 98. Mr. C. Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons it has been decided to establish a national park covering 7,000 square miles in Kenya; whether he is satisfied that none of the land involved can be used for farming; what measures are being taken to confine game within the park; and 86W whether, in view of the large areas already scheduled as game reserves in East Africa, he will inquire into the decision.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThis park was established for the protection and preservation of wild life in Kenya in accordance with the International Convention for the Protection of Fauna and Flora in Africa of 1933 of which His Majesty's Government was a signatory. The Governor of Kenya has reported that none of the land included in the park can be used for farming on account of its poor soil and low rainfall; that all the land contiguous to the park is at present unsettled and undeveloped and consequently no game emerging from the park area will damage human interests; and that if adjoining areas become settled the necessary control measures will be put into force. In these circumstances I do not feel that further inquiry is necessary. A resolution declaring this area a National Park was adopted by the Legislative Council without a single adverse comment and I understand that this decision has the support of all races in Kenya.