HC Deb 01 April 1969 vol 781 cc211-2
10. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Overseas Development why Messrs. Golding, Rowbottom and Saunders, who were expelled from Kenya, have not yet received full payment for their farms sold under the Kenya resettlement scheme financed largely by British public funds.

Mr. Oram

I understand that payments due to the three farmers for their farms have been made in full. The hon. Member has recently written to me regarding alleged delays in respect of these payments. These are being investigated and I hope to reply soon.

Mr. Wall

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's reassurance, but would he bear in mind that these farms were taken over six months after the date agreed, that standing crops were not paid for and that, of the money which has been paid, a large amount has been frozen in Kenya, subject to income tax demands?

Mr. Oram

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that that last point is being cleared up. I will take up his other point in the letter which I shall write.

Mr. Fortescue

Would the hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Government will be equally sympathetic towards the claims of those other British citizens, holders of United Kingdom passports, resident in Kenya, who happen to have different coloured skins from Messrs. Golding, Rowbottom and Saunders?

Mr. Oram

That seems to me to be a different question.