§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements to avoid food shortages in African Colonies are now in operation; and whether the supply of labour for local food production is adequate to the need.
§ Colonel StanleyThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative. This is a matter which all the Colonial Governments watch very closely and I have asked them to keep me fully informed. In reply to the second part of the Question, my information is that where shortages have occurred in the past they have been due not to shortage of labour but to adverse seasons. In any case I can assure the hon. Member that steps will be taken by importation, if necessary, to deal with any shortages that occur.