§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held to secure compensation for former residents of Uganda.
§ Mr. WhitneyMy right hon. and learned Friend discussed this matter with the Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Allimadi, on 7 December 1983 during the course of his visit to the United Kingdom. He told him then of the importance we attach to seeing significant progress made in settling these claims. Mr. Allimadi assured him that the chairman and the two remaining members of the verification committee charged with processing these claims would shortly be appointed. Those appointments were in fact made by President Obote in January this year.
The first decisions on applications for the repossession of property have now been reached. The Ugandan authorities have advised us of 12 cases where property has been handed back and certificates of title issued to their former owners.