HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc242-3W
Sir A. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has completed the membership of the Kenya Land Board; if he will publish the names of the members who will serve under the chairmanship of General Sir Geoffrey Bourne; and if he will state the Board's terms of reference and the financial resources for the purchase of European farms and the settlement of African farmers which will be made available to the Board from the United Kingdom and other sources over the next five years.

Mr. Fisher

The Central Land Board will be established under the new Constitution when it comes into force. Meanwhile General Bourne will be Chairman of an Interim Board and the Governor of Kenya is being requested to suggest suitable names of members.

The functions of the Board are to ensure that African settlement will take place in the right areas and that conflicting tribal interests over the land in question are resolved; and to ensure the proper implementation of agreed schemes of purchase and settlement.

The cost of the programme in the five years from 1st July, 1962 is estimated at approximateliy £27½ million of which Her Majesty's Government has undertaken to contribute up to about £19½ million. The balance is being provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Colonial Development Corporation, the Federal German Government and from Kenya's own resources.

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