§ 28. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what estimate he made of the number of properties likely to be purchased in Kenya under the recently announced plan to provide up to £700,000 for the assistance of those who have compassionate or security grounds for leaving Kenya.
§ Mr. FisherAbout 100 properties are likely to be purchased, in addition to the 63 cases which have already been dealt with under earlier arrangements.
§ Mr. GoodhartI appreciate the help which this £700,000 will give, but can my hon. Friend say who will administer the scheme, and will he do what he can to see that these cases are dealt with before Kenya becomes independent?
§ Mr. FisherWe are pushing on with it as fast as possible. The Government of Kenya will be responsible for dealing with these cases as part of their land settlement programme.
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this compensation will be given to those who helped to build up the country of Kenya, not to those who left this country after the war to avoid paying taxes to develop the Welfare State?
§ Mr. FisherIt is not really a very good question. I should explain that this particular sum of £700,000 is being put on one side specially to help those who are very old or infirm or who live in very remote properties and are therefore exposed to special security risks. This is a special scheme for that category of people and is not part of any general scheme.