HC Deb 07 July 1937 vol 326 c327
16. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the agricultural and mineralogical surveys recommended by him in his despatch of last September to the Governor of Nyasaland have yet taken place; and when a report may be expected?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The mineralogical survey has been proceeding since 1934, and it is expected that it will be completed by the end of 1938. Periodical reports on the survey have already been published. The agricultural survey of the Northern Province has started, and it will probably be finished by the end of this year.

Mr. Ammon

Is that the survey referred to by the right hon. Gentleman in September last?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes. The search for possible minerals has been going on for some time, and I referred to that. It is being speeded up. Arising out of the Lacey Report on labour, we had a special agricultural survey instituted in the Northern Province, where the distress was the most severe, and I expect that by the end of this year.