HC Deb 09 November 1949 vol 469 c1207
28. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to supply fertilisers to African peasants growing groundnuts in Nigeria and the Gambia.

Mr. Creech Jones

The question of supplying fertilisers to groundnut cultivators either in Nigeria or in the Gambia did not arise until the value of the "placement" technique was recently demonstrated. Even now small supplies of phosphatic fertiliser in tablet form for demonstration purposes are being made only in Nigeria where the new technique is still in the late stages of development. The form in which the fertiliser will be made up has not yet been finally determined. No supplies of tablet fertiliser have yet been made available to the Gambia for distribution.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that every encouragement is given to the proper understanding and use of fertilisers throughout Africa?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, that is our intention.

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