§ 39. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that only 40 per cent. of maize requirements will be available in Nyasaland this year from local sources; what steps are being taken to encourage tea-planters to grow sufficient maize for their own workers; how many applications for land for the production of maize have been received since his reply to the honourable Member for East Harrow, on 16th July; 1825 and whether he will consider the possibility of requiring holders of suitable undeveloped land to throw it open to natives for foodstuff production.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsYes, Sir, the maize surplus this year in Nyasaland permitted only a 40 per cent. allocation to industrial concerns and other large users. Planters have been strongly urged to grow as much food as possible, and, to assist them, the local government are considering granting them rights of occupancy on areas of native trust land suitable for maize production. No formal application for land has yet been received. The acquisition of undeveloped land for native settlement and production falls within the recommendations of the 1946 Land Commission Report, which is now being considered by a local government committee.
§ Mr. SkinnardIn view of the fact that one-half of the excellent crop raised by the tobacco-growing areas of the North have to be diverted to the Southern part of the Colony, will my hon. Friend do all in his power to encourage the tea-growing areas to become self sufficient?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsSome of them have voluntarily appeared to be seeking land for this production, but if there are any details which the hon. Member would like to know arising out of my answer, perhaps he will either put a further Question down or write to me upon it.
Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that the proper way to get the most production is to take steps properly to cultivate the land now possessed, and is he further aware that, if more undeveloped land is handed over, East Africa will rapidly become a dust bowl.