§ 76. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration Her Majesty's Government have given to the arrangements for security of title of land and land policy generally in Kenya.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodHer Majesty's Government have been in close touch with the Governor and his advisers on the security of title to land and on the general land policy in Kenya. Her Majesty's Government regard the future security of title to land as a matter of vital importance. They have already had discussions with Ministers of the Kenya Government about the best method of ensuring such security and considerable work has already been done. As soon as detailed proposals have been prepared, further discussions will take place with the Governor and his Ministers with a view to a final statement being made.
Her Majesty's Government are convinced that the principles in Sessional Paper 10 of 1958–59 and 6 of 1959–60 represent the right way forward in land policy since they would put land tenure on a proper basis and enable the development and resettlement schemes mentioned in the Lancaster House Conference Report to begin. These matters are clearly of the greatest importance. For this reason, it is proposed that after the debate on the Sessional Papers the necessary legislation will, subject to Her Majesty's pleasure, be enacted by Order in Council.
§ 77. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what land-buying scheme is to be established for the Kenya Highlands; what amount Her Majesty's Government is making available for compensation and purchase; and over what period the fund will be expended.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Kenya Government have applied to the International 51W Bank for a loan of £5 million to redevelop farms in the Highlands for more intensive settlement by good farmers of all races. Her Majesty's Government have already undertaken to make available for this scheme Exchequer loans of £3,150,000 up to 31st March, 1964. This money is for resettlement and land purchase, not for compensation. The Kenya Government are considering what further schemes to develop land and relieve unemployment can be undertaken within the framework of their 1960–63 Development Plan.