§ 41 and 42. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he can give any figures as to the loss of cattle and crops by the natives of Basutoland in consequence of the recent drought; what relief measures were taken; and whether any measures are being taken, such as the prevention of erosion, to place Basuto agriculture in a more secure position;
(2) whether, in view of the need for measures to be taken against land erosion in Basutoland, he will consider the advisability of making a grant through the Colonial Development Fund for this object?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI have no official figures of the loss of cattle and crops caused by the recent drought in Basutoland but according to the local Press it is estimated that 200,000 cattle have perished. With regard to relief measures the Basutoland Administration have set up a Government Famine Relief Organisation with full authority to take the necessary steps. The estimated cost of relief measures up to the present is about £20,000, and the Basutoland Administration are also purchasing a considerable quantity of maize from over- 1469 seas for distribution to the natives during the next few months. I am glad to say, however, that the drought has now broken and that the local authorities are able to report much more hopefully on the position. With regard to erosion, the High Commissioner has not hitherto suggested that this matter should form the subject of an application for a grant from the Colonial Development Fund. I understand that its primary causes are bad farming, and over stocking, which can only be remedied by educating the natives to employ better methods of agriculture. The Basutoland Administration are fully alive to the seriousness of the question, and every effort is being made to deal with it in co-operation with the Paramount Chief, whose active support has been enlisted.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESDo I understand that the case of these people does not require the same attention from the Government as the bondholders of Newfoundland?