§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will give details of the assurances which have been sought by Her Majesty's High Commissioner in Tanzania in regard to security of tenure of British farmers owning land in that country; and what replies have been received thereto.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThere are some 150 British-owned farms in Tanzania. Over the past few months the British High Commissioner has been in touch with the Tanzanian authorities about the problems of a small number of British farmers. But he has not sought any assurances as regards security of tenure since the Tanzanian Government have publicly stated that all farmers, irrespective of nationality, who develop their land and comply with the normal regulations are welcome to stay in Tanzania and need have no fear of discrimination. They have also indicated that it is their policy to encourage newcomers with the necessary finance and knowledge to invest in farming in Tanzania.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development discussed these matters during her visit to Tanzania last week. Tanzanian Ministers assured her of their anxiety to allay any apprehensions felt by British farmers. It has since been announced that Land Committees are to be set up in the various 154W regions in Tanzania to advise the Government on land usage. Such a Committee has already been formed for the Arusha area. It will include representatives of the expatriate farming community. The Tanzanian Government have also reaffirmed their intention to pay compensation for unexhausted improvements to those farmers whose rights of occupancy have been revoked.