§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for the increase of conscripted African labourers in Tanganyika from 5,200 to 18,750; whether these are working under stringent supervision respecting conditions; and what repercussions this is likely to have on the urgent need of adequate food production in Tanganyika.
§ Colonel StanleyThis increase is entirely due to approval of compulsion for sisal and rubber production, and to an increase in the numbers recruited for 1985 pyrethrum and essential foodstuffs. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative. I would refer to the reply which I gave to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. E. Harvey) on 15th March.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister certain that this substantial increase in the number of conscripted African labourers is not having some effect on production, especially in view of the food shortage in that district?
§ Colonel StanleyThat was the point I dealt with in my reply to the hon. Gentleman. I have to keep this balance between the production of essential commodities, which can be produced nowhere else, and the production of essential foodstuffs, which, in the last resort, can be, and are being, imported for the natives.
§ Mr. SorensenIs a sufficient quantity being imported?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir. I have had a long progress programme from the Governor, and the Ministry of Food is helping me to see that that programme has been kept.
Dr. MorganIs the Minister able to say that these schemes are being administered effectively by the local government, because some details are not satisfactory?
§ Colonel StanleyYes. I went into that personally when I was out there, and I am satisfied that the local government are taking every step possible to look after the welfare of the labourers.