Land Banks and Building Societies

HC Deb 04 February 1948 vol 446 c1779

8. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have now been taken to set up land banks and building societies for the benefit of Europeans and non-Europeans in the various African Colonies.

Mr. Creech Jones

Some months ago I called the attention of all Colonial Governors to the importance of providing adequate machinery for the grant of agricultural credit. With the hon. Member's permission I will have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the present position in the African Colonies.

Following is the statement:

In Kenya a general Land and Agricultural Bank was established in 1931. Tanganyika has recently passed legislation to set up a similar Bank. The Government of Uganda are considering doing so, but in Zanzibar and Nyasaland it is not considered that the demand exists as yet.

In West Africa there are no Land Banks or Building Societies in Nigeria, the Gold Coast and Gambia.

I have made inquiry from the Governors as to the present position in Northern Rhodesia and Sierra Leone and will communicate with the hon. Member when replies have been received.