§ 28. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether anything has yet been done in connection with the recommendations of the Empire Flax Growing Committee as to sending out to British East Africa of a flax expert, and also as to the scheme for the extension of flax production by settlements in that country of slightly disabled soldiers?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut. Colonel Amery)No actual steps have yet been taken on the recommendations of the Empire Flax Growing Committee, pending communication with the Governor, but my hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that these recommendations will not be ignored. As to the second part of the question, an area suitable for flax growing has been set aside by the Governor for settlement by slightly disabled soldiers, subject to approval by the Colonial Office of the nature and terms of the scheme proposed. A particular scheme has recently been under consideration, and a final decision upon it is awaiting the result of correspondence with the other Departments interested in the disposal of the semi-disabled officers for whose benefit the scheme is intended.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODShall I be permitted to see the scheme?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYYes, when it is settled.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that this scheme has been under consideration now for about five months, and that there has been a great deal of delay in getting a decision on this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYIn the first instance the scheme under consideration was on an entirely different, basis. In its present form it has not been under consideration for very long.