HC Deb 23 November 1961 vol 649 c160W
37. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations during the past month he has had with Mr. Michael Blundell, the Minister of Agriculture in the Kenya Government; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

After discussions with Mr. Blundell, acting on behalf of the Kenya Government, Her Majesty's Government have agreed to the following principal changes in the provision of the land settlement scheme announced in September. Land will now be bought on the basis of one half down payment in cash plus three equal annual instalments, and when the contract of sale is entered into, the vendor may have a "once for all" option to receive payment of the instalments in sterling. If the vendor opts for payment in sterling the promissory notes will be expressed in sterling.

I hope that these changes, which will involve discharging H.M. Government's commitments to the schemes over a much shorter period than was originally thought, will contribute to the success of this very important scheme.