§ 13. Colonel Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that until he is able to announce detailed proposals to underwrite the 190 value of farming land in Kenya, there will be a virtual standstill in new investment, which is urgently needed, that this is emphasised by the cancellation by more than one major enterprise of plans for expansion, and that apart from the effect on Kenya's economy the present uncertainty is aggravating the unemployment problem; and what progress is being made in the formulation of such proposals.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware of the present concern among some investors, which affects the unemployment position in Kenya. I made it plain in replying to my hon. and gallant Friend on 31st May, that the scheme on which the Kenya Government are now working could not be an underwriting one, in the sense of offering immediate compensation in some form to landowners; but this does not preclude a scheme by which farms will be bought, if both parties are willing, for resale or redevelopment on economic terms. I shall be discussing this scheme further with the Kenya Ministers most concerned during the next few days, when I have received and studied their detailed proposals.
§ Col. Beamishis my right hon. Friend aware that what many of us want to see is a scheme which will encourage farmers to stay in Kenya, as opposed to a scheme to encourage them to go by paying them compensation? Since my right hon. Friend is having these talks, can he say again whether he hopes to make a statement before very long?
§ Mr. MacleodI entirely agree with my hon. and gallant Friend. Mr. Havelock and Colonel Bruce McKenzie are now in this country and I shall be having discussions with them in the next day or two. Their proposals were put in front of me this morning. I will certainly make a statement as early as I can to the House.