HL Deb 10 December 1997 vol 584 c36WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with President Mugabe's policy of seizing farms for redesignation; and if not, what action they are taking to dissuade the Zimbabwean Government from land confiscation.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We recognise the need for land reform in Zimbabwe but do not support that Government's present programme of land acquisition. We have expressed to them our concern that their current action will damage the economy, undermine investor confidence and do nothing to help the poor. We have urged them to follow a carefully planned programme that is fair and transparent and aimed at poverty eradication.