§ 33. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of negotiations with the Government of Kenya regarding further resettlement schemes and the purchase of British-owned farms.
§ Mr. KershawAs was said in the reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 25th January, a programme of further British aid for Kenya was agreed between the two Governments in April, 1970. This programme included £3.75 million to enable the Kenya Government to make further purchases of British-owned farms for settlement and other purposes. Discussions about implementing this agreement have since been proceeding between 33 the two Governments, and we hope to reach a settlement very shortly.—[Vol. 810, c. 6–7.]
§ Mr. WallWhy has there been this long delay after the agreement was reached—as my hon. Friend pointed out—last year? Is he aware that this continued delay is to some extent undermining confidence in the future of Kenya's agriculture? Will he do his best to persuade the Kenya Government to get this scheme into operation as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. KershawThe Kenya Government asked us to defer, after the June talks, to November. This was, of course, a matter for them to decide. We have made good progress, and we hope to he able to make an announcement soon.