17. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies, whether attention can be given in Kenya to the expansion of the soil conservation service, and the extension of the timber replanting programme, in view of the grave continued loss of soil and trees; and whether the Government are con- 837 sidering the problems that will arise in Kenya after the war, with a view to afforestation, better farming methods and the encouragement of village industries?
§ Mr. George HallThe position as regards soil erosion is still as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 20th November last. I have no up-to-date information regarding the tree-planting programme, but I fear that I cannot hold out any great hopes of extension in present circumstances. The reply to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.