HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 cc1885-6
4 and 5. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) what is the extent of the concessions in the exchange control regulations which have been granted by the Government of Kenya to British non-residents who have left Kenya since 11th June, 1965;

(2) what representations have been made to the Government of Kenya for concessions in the exchange control regulations to release the capital and income arising therefrom of British non-residents who left Kenya prior to 11th June, 1965.

17. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what reply he has received from the Kenya Government with regard to the repatriation of the assets of British nationals who left Kenya prior to 11th June, 1965.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The High Commissioner has asked the Kenya Government to extend the concessions granted to United Kingdom citizens emigrating from Kenya after 11th June, 1965, to those United Kingdom citizens who left before that date. A report on the outcome of his representations is awaited. British non-residents who have left Kenya since 11th June, 1965, are free to repatriate all assets on leaving Kenya for good.

Mr. Astor

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him please to emphasise in his negotiations that many of these people who have returned to this country to retire rely on their savings in Kenya as their sole source of income and that this further restriction is causing hardship?

Mr. Hughes

Yes, Sir. I think that there are very strong arguments in this case and we shall certainly bear what has been said in mind.

Mr. Wall

Would the Minister also bear in mind that many of the jobs have been Africanised since independence and this has led to many people having to return to this country? Would he further bear in mind that it is grossly unfair if these people are not allowed to repatriate their money after having spent their working life in Kenya?

Mr. Hughes

This is a question of bringing pre-11th June section people under the umbrella. This is what we are seeking to do.

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