§ 27. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make it a condition of further aid to Tanzania that adequate compensation shall be paid to all British subjects who lost their possessions during civil disturbances since Zanzibar's independence and that pension commitments to expatriate officers formerly serving in Zanzibar shall be honoured in full.
§ Mr. OramThe Tanzania Government have agreed to assume responsibility for paying the pensions of all officers entitled under the Zanzibar Public Officers Agreement and, except for special cases which are being urgently considered, arrangements are already in train for disbursement of the amounts due. With regard to compensation for loss of property, payments have been made to British former officials in Zanzibar. I understand that claims from a small number of non-officials are under consideration by the Commonwealth Secretary.
§ Mr. GoodhartBefore aid to Zanzibar is increased will the Minister ensure that all the cases are settled satisfactorily? Does she realise that the whole concept of overseas aid is damaged if we do not stand up for the rights of those who have devoted their careers to helping development in overseas countries?
§ Mr. OramI think that my original Answer indicated that considerable progress has been made in this sphere. I do not think that it would be appropriate, following this success, to start making threats of the kind the hon. Gentleman invites me to make.
§ Mr. PagetDoes my hon. Friend recognise that this Question involves two quite different matters; that riot damage may be an acceptable risk in a high-profit area but that compensation to officials who have given their whole lives to a territory ought to have a first priority?
§ Mr. OramWe are fully aware of the needs of the officers who have served and I think that we are making commendable progress in satisfying their needs.