Uganda

HC Deb 20 July 1933 vol 46 cc174-5W

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to discuss with the Government Uganda the question of compensation for expropriated property and assets of United Kingdom citizens.

Mr. Whitney

My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind), who visited Uganda recently, used the opportunity to raise the question of compensation for expropriated property and assets of United Kingdom citizens with President Obote and Ugandan Ministers. President Obote said that the Uganda Government had given a clear commitment in their election manifesto to redress wrongs and provide compensation, and wished to deal with the matter as quickly as possible. The intention was to complete the processing of claims, at least those for repossession of property, by June 1984, although this timetable could slip if the number of complicated claims proved to be very large.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details of the diplomatic representation of the United Kingdom in Uganda.

Mr. Luce

The British High Commissioner in Uganda is supported by a first secretary head of chancery, a cultural attaché—British Council representative—two second secretaries, three third secretaries and four attachés.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the relations of the United Kingdom with Uganda.

Mr. Whitney

We have good relations with Uganda and attach importance to them. Our bilateral aid programme to Uganda in the year 1983–84 is £6 million, divided between a number of projects designed to help the Uganda Government in their difficult task of economic reconstruction. We contribute substantially to the Commonwealth military training team in Uganda. My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) visited Uganda recently and discussed with President Obote and Ugandan Ministers these aspects of our relations, as well as the proposed implementation of the Expropriated Properties Act and the problems faced by displaced persons in Uganda.