HC Deb 08 July 1936 vol 314 cc1179-80
28. Mr. BANFIELD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to carry out the recommendations of the committee which was appointed by the Governor of Nyasaland to inquire into the recruitment of labour for work in Southern Rhodesia and the South African Union; and, in particular, whether any steps will be taken to promote an economic alternative to emigration, in order to prevent the serious consequences to native social and economic life outlined in the committee's report?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and Haddington (Captain McEwen) on 1st July, I am awaiting the Governor's considered recommendations before coming to any decisions as to the various lines of action which would seem to be called for.

Mr. BANFIELD

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration, when he is considering this matter, the possibility of the development of cotton in this area?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Efforts have been made in that direction, as the hon. Member knows, but it is a very difficult country from the point, of view of growing economic crops for export. The principal crop grown by natives in Nyasaland is tobacco, but the market for tobacco is rather limited.

Mr. BANFIELD

Might not that be a reason for paying special attention to the possibilities of cotton?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Efforts have been made for a number of years to introduce cotton in Nyasaland.