Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 1998. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 1998 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, What action she proposes to take to oppose the confiscation by the government of Zimbabwe of farms owned by white farmers. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she proposes to take to oppose the confiscation by the Government of Zimbabwe of farms owned by white farmers. [23887] Clare Short: I have informed the Government of Zimbabwe that we are prepared to support a land reform programme that is properly planned, transparent, and intended to benefit the poor, but we will not support the programme they have announced. Zimbabwean law requires the payment of compensation and is enforceable in the courts.

Secondary information