37. Colonel Dowerasked the Minister of Food if he is satisfied that the present practice of constant use of the bulldozer, repeated use of the tractor plough and no rotation of crops in the development of the groundnuts scheme in East Africa will not involve the danger that a dust bowl will be produced; and if he will reconsider the matter.
§ Mr. StracheyIf the Overseas Food Corporation was pursuing such a policy, as for example that of failing to provide a rotation of crops, it would indeed involve the danger of producing a dust bowl in East Africa. But if the hon. Member would read any of the relevant documents, including the original white paper, Cmd. 7030, he would see that a full rotation of crops and other elaborate precautions against soil erosion have been taken from the outset.
Colonel DowerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he consulted farmers out in Kenya he would obtain different information? Is he also aware that I happened to be in Kenya when he was there and when he said that he was speaking on behalf of both the Government and the Opposition? I was given my information from the Kenya settlers themselves.
§ Mr. StracheyThe scheme is not in Kenya, but in Tanganyika. I did satisfy myself of one thing at any rate, which is that the utmost attention is being given to what is undoubtedly the most important question of soil erosion. It is a total misrepresentation to suggest that rotation of crops has not been contemplated from the outset.