§ 23. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can submit a statement to the House on the progress of cotton production in Uganda during the past five years; what is the nature of the experimental work now being conducted; and what sums are appropriated for the promotion of increased cotton production?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)As the statement is rather long and includes detailed figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement:
§ The following table shows respectively the exports of lint cotton from Uganda and the areas planted with cotton in the years 1923 to 1927 inclusive:
25| 1923. | 1924. | 1925. | 1926. | 1927. | ||
| Exports (in centals of 100 lb.) | 352,184 | 514,418 | 784,152 | 723,438 | 526,912 | |
| Area planted (in acres) | … | 418,609 | 572,814 | 610,324 | 590,744 | 532,604 |
§ It will he seen that steady progress was maintained until 1925. The reduction in the 1926 crop, from the greatest acreage on record, was due to adverse weather conditions, which also seriously affected the later stages of the 1927 crop, While the reduced acreage planted in 1926 and 1927 is accounted for partly by the falling world prices of cotton and partly by the importance attached to the planting of food crops to meet the shortage which was anticipated, and which in some parts of the country has been realised this year. The latest estimate of the probable cotton exports in 1928 is 573,332 centals, which in spite of the lack of rain represents a better yield per acre than in the previous year. The immedate position, therefore, is one of arrested progress, but there is every reason to hope that the setback is only temporary.
§ As regards experimental work, a Cotton Botanist was appointed in 1924, and has been actively engaged on the work of selecting the best strain of seed with a view to improving the quality and quantity of the cotton produced. In addition, the scientific and administrative staff of the Agricultural Department (including two entomologists, a mycologist, and a chemist) is largely, though not exclusively, concerned with experimental and other work for the benefit of the cotton industry. I may also refer here to the very valuable assistance which has been furnished by the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation, particularly in the matter of supplying staff and in arranging for visits by experts.
§ The total recurrent expenditure of the Uganda Agricultural Department was estimated at £38,952 in 1927 and £36,897 in 1928, but, as there is no specific division of staff and other charges between cotton and other agricultural work, it is not possible to say more than that cotton, as the staple crop of the country, commands the major share of the activities of the Department. Loan expenditure amounting to £23,226 has been undertaken since 1921 on works, etc., directly concerned with cotton development, and the industry will benefit from the services of the new Agricultural Laboratory which was recently completed at a cost of £20,600.