§ 2. Mr. Niall Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the policy of the Government of Tanganyika in regard to the length of leases offered to would-be settlers; and whether he will give statistics indicating the amount of land leased to settlers since 1945, and the length of the leases.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe policy is that agricultural leases should be limited to 33 years and that towards the end of this period the question of renewing the leases will be examined in the light of the position then obtaining and of all relevant factors affecting the general economy and needs of the territory at the time. If the lease is not renewed compensation will be payable by the Government for unexhausted improvements. One hundred and twenty-six leases have been granted to individual applicants since 1st January, 1945.
§ Mr. MacphersonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that information has appeared that some leases are being granted for as short as one year? Will he give an assurance that the principle of security of tenure is observed in the allotment of leases in Tanganyika in the same way as it is important to see that it is observed in this country?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe information I have is as I have given it, that leases are of 33 years and not of one year.