26. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to make a census of the populations of the West African Colonies at the earliest possible date.
Mr. Creech JonesIt is not yet possible to carry out a census proper in the whole of these territories, but enumerations of the populations are being made as far as is practicable. Such enumerations have recently been carried out in the Gold Coast and parts of Sierra Leone and the Gambia, and one is envisaged for Nigeria in 1951.
Mr. Scott-ElliotDoes my right Lon. Friend recognise the need for the census in order that the authorities on the spot may be able to plan food production for the future?