HC Deb 29 February 1968 vol 759 cc1733-4
12. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps the British High Commissioner in Kenya is taking, in view of recent representations made to him, to investigate the reason- ableness of valuations of land offered under the million-acre scheme.

Mr. Prentice

The British High Commissioner in Nairobi is in constant touch with the Kenya authorities on the administration of the land transfer schemes which are being assisted by British farmers is valued in accordance with the agreements between the British and Kenya Governments.

Mr. Turton

In view of the allegations that the British High Commission is not carrying out the responsibility laid on it under the agreement between the two Governments, either in the million-acre scheme or the 400,000-acre scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman set up an independent judicial inquiry to investigate these allegations, both in the interests of the British High Commission, and of the Government?

Mr. Prentice

No, Sir. I do not think that there is a case for that proposal. I will always consider representations made to me. With regard to the million-acre scheme, to which the original Question relates, the main difficulty arose towards the end of the scheme in the Cherangani area. The British High Commission made representations to the Kenya Government, which resulted in new offers being made. Sixteen farmers received new offers, and 13 have since accepted them.

Mr. Wall

Is it not a fact that the Government agreed that if the offer fell outside an agreed bracket, which was taken broadly as 20 per cent., the British High Commissioner had a right to intervene? Why has he not intervened in the cases submitted to him by my right hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton), and the cases which I submitted to him?

Mr. Prentice

In my supplementary reply I referred to the instances when he intervened with some success. If there are other cases, perhaps I could have more details from the hon. Gentleman.