§ 35. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he has yet completed the review of the future of the Kenya Settlers' Compassionate Trust Fund and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer about this, but at present there is nothing more I can add.
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithDoes the Minister appreciate that it is over a year now since the Government's initial contribution to this fund was exceeded, that it is very nearly six months since I was told that the matter was being reviewed in the Ministry for Overseas Development and that it is six weeks since I was told that it was still being reviewed in his own Department? In view of the fact that there are deserving cases still awaiting payment, would the Minister kindly seek to expedite this matter?
§ Mr. HughesI am well aware of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's interest in this matter and his concern about a particular case, but, as he is aware, the whole matter is not without its complications. I can assure him that it is being given the most urgent consideration and I hope that there will be finality very soon.