§ 23. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total subsidy per acre of maize now being granted to European and Indian farmers in Kenya; what encouragement is being given to African farmers to increase their output; and what is the price per bag being paid to European, Indian and African farmers?
§ Colonel StanleyThe basic price for standard quality maize in Kenya is now sh. 13 a bag for all producers. In the case of African maize this is subject to certain deductions in respect of difference in quality and expenses which, in the case of Europeans, are borne by the producer, i.e., cost of bag, holding expenses and traders' commission. In order to encourage production by all producers a special price of sh. 20 a bag is being offered for all deliveries in the 1944–1945 season over a target figure. In the case of African producers the additional sh. 7 a bag will be paid into the local native council funds. Under pre-war conditions maize production by European farmers had declined substantially, and the present emergency has made it necessary to reverse this tendency. For this purpose, a payment of sh. 7.50 per acre has been approved in respect of the total acreage planted in maize on non-native estates. Non-natives may also receive a subsidy for breaking new land.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I take it that, when the same quality of maize is produced by the African, European and Indian farmers, they get the same kind of subsidy and encouragement?
§ Colonel StanleyThe net proceeds will be the same. There is an additional acreage subsidy in the plantation area.