HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc1176-7
40. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the conditions under which Africans in the Korogwe township of Tanganyika may be allowed 33 years' lease for land which they occupy.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Africans may acquire leases for 33 years or longer in the Korogwe township provided they conform with the requirements of the town plan as to the use of the land, the erection of buildings and payment of a small annual rent.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular township, if an African is occupying a plot of land, unless he has upon it a building or buildings to the value of £1,000, he will not get the lease, and it is very difficult for most Africans, only earning at the most 5s. a day, to acquire buildings of this value?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the hon. Gentleman knows, Africans can have shorter term leases.