§ 38. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of reference of the Commission which has been set up to inquire into the causes which have led to serious food shortage in Kenya; and whether special attention will be paid to the situation in native areas?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)The terms of reference of the Commission are:—
To inquire into the present food shortage with a view to ascertaining and reporting on the causes thereof, and to make recommendations to prevent recurrence.To inquire into the system of control of maize, which has been in operation since 1st July, 1942, and to report whether it has been administered efficiently and in the best interests of the country.I have no doubt that in connection with any recommendations which the Commission may make to prevent a recurrence of the food shortage full attention will be paid both to consumption needs and production potentialities of native areas.
§ Mr. HarveyWill the Commission take evidence on the spot?
§ Colonel StanleyI presume so. The hon. Gentleman will realise that the Commission was set up by the Governor of Kenya.
§ Mr. SorensenMay we assume that meanwhile energetic action is being taken to meet the grave food shortage that exists?
§ Colonel StanleyMost energetic action has been taken, and I would like to express thanks to my colleagues the Minister of Food and the Minister of War Transport for all they have done in this matter.