§ 21. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of Nyasaland, in a speech in November, 1926, stated that the rapid extension of tobacco growing by the natives was not likely seriously to affect the supply of labour for European plantations, since it had been found in Kenya, as in Nyasaland, that the tribes which were the best producers for themselves were also those which most readily supplied labour for European enterprise; and whether, in view of that pronouncement, he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not agree to any attempt to discourage tobacco growing by the natives?
§ Mr. AMERYI have not seen any report of the speech to which the hon. Member refers, but I can assure him that the policy of the Nyasaland Government, which is to encourage the growing of tobacco by natives as well as by Europeans, has the full approval of His Majesty's Government. I have received no suggestion that this policy should be altered.