Land (Purchase) (Hansard, 30 April 1963)

§ 15. Sir A. Hurd
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the purchase of land from European farmers in Kenya for the settlement of Africans; how many of those Europeans desiring to leave Kenya hold land outside the present purchase area; and what proposals he has for expediting the operation of this scheme and enlarging its scope.

§ Mr. Fisher
At 31st March, about 500,000 acres have been purchased for the Land Settlement Schemes. There is at present no reliable information available on the number of Europeans desiring to leave Kenya who hold land outside the present purchase area. The possible extension of the schemes will not fall to be considered until the end of the five-year period as envisaged in the statement made by my right hon. Friend's predecessor during his visit to Kenya in July, 1962. Certain proposals of the Kenya Government for some acceleration of settlement are, however, now under consideration.

§ Sir A. Hurd
Has my hon. Friend noted the passage in The Times this morning reporting the bitter comment of Mr. Welwood, a member of the last Legislative Council in Kenya, that our pledges to Europeans will never be fulfilled? Will he now reaffirm that we shall stand by our word and see that they do get a square deal, whatever the cost?

§ Mr. Fisher
I noticed that contribution in The Times, but I think it only right and fair to say that the schemes we are talking about are African settlement schemes; they are not European compensation schemes. I think that I must be quite honest and underline that to the House because, otherwise, a wrong impression will circulate.

§ 27. Mr. Goodhart
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement about the purchase of land in Kenya from settlers who wish to leave that territory on corn-passionate grounds or for reasons of personal security.

§ Mr. Fisher
This question is being considered in the context of the level of our aid towards Kenya's development expenditure for 1963–64. A statement will be made as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Goodhart
Is my hon. Friend aware that—following his earlier replies—this is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs? Is he further aware that 150 people on the Governor's list are aged 75 or over? Will the Government recognise that, if they are to be able to meet some of their moral responsibilities, this must be treated as a matter of the greatest urgency?

§ Mr. Fisher
The Government fully understand the urgency of this problem. We have had an indication from the Acting Governor of the type of cases and of the number involved, which is again about a hundred. Of course, we are very conscious of the obligation to help in any way that we can, but the fact remains that assistance must be related to the total amount of aid which this Government can make available. I hope that we shall be able to find the money, but that does not rest entirely with me.

§ Mr. F. Harris
Why was not this matter finalised when the Minister of Finance for Kenya and the Permanent Secretary were here a short time ago? Is it true that they have to come back again for further discussions in the near future? What is the reason for this constant delay?

§ Mr. Fisher
Whenever one starts talking about money, negotiations become very protracted. That is my experience. It may well be that Mr. Gichuru will have to return, but I did not know of the suggestion which my hon. Friend has just made. I will certainly inform my hon. Friend when I have looked into it.

§ Dr. King
Will the hon. Gentleman give special consideration to the needs of those who were injured or wounded during the disturbed period in Kenya and who will possibly find their future prospects very difficult? It will be very difficult for them to find a home and suitable work.

§ Mr. Fisher
I will certainly look into that particular category.