HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1728-9
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in any consideration of post-war economic policy for African Colonies, attention is being given to the problem of soil erosion and means of combating this?

Colonel Stanley

The conservation of the soil and its fertility receives the constant attention of African and other Colonial Governments and very considerable progress has already been made in carrying out measures to meet the immediate and pressing problem of soil erosion. Further measures for soil conservation take a prominent place in all plans for post-war agricultural development in the Colonial Empire.

Mr. Sorensen

Are the methods employed before the war to combat this great problem continuing, and is special attention being paid to this problem?

Colonel Stanley

I entirely agree that this is one of the gravest problems in most of the Colonies. Measures taken before the war are being continued and have been extended in spite of the war.