Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the fact that Africans in Tanganyika have no legal titles to land, he will recommend to the Government of Tanganyika the setting up of an independent judicial inquiry into the delineation of boundaries between lands which have been alienated to non-Africans, public lands and African-owned lands, respectively.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. In cases where land is lawfully used or occupied by Africans in accordance with native law or custom, the Land Ordinance provides that such Africans are regarded as having rights or occupancy over the land and their tenure is therefore legally secure, even though no documents of title have been issued. Th Land Registration Ordinance provides for the registration of titles in respect of land held under leasehold, freehold or rights of occupancy irrespective of the race of the holder, and the boundaries of the land so registered are delineated; it is intended to bring all such titles on to the register in due course. The Tanganyika Government have under consideration the adoption of a policy aimed at the individualisation of African land ownership in those areas where there is a general desire for it and registration of title with delineation of boundaries is part of that policy. In these circumstances I do not consider that there is any need for the setting up of an inquiry as suggested by the right hon. Gentleman.