HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 cc1136-7
11. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the body responsible for the allocation of the North Rhodesian African Farming Improvement Fund; how many Africans are included in this body and how they are chosen.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The committee which administers the African Farming Improvement Fund consists of the Director of Agriculture, who is the Chairman, the Commissioner for Native Development, three officials from the provincial Administration, one of the unofficial members of Legislative Council nominated to represent African interests and two African members who represent the African farmers. I am making inquiries of the Governor about the method of appointment and will communicate with my hon. Friend when the reply is received.

Mr. Hynd

Will my right hon. Friend look into this question, in view of the fact that the Farming Improvement Fund is made up of contributions from the African farmers, and satisfy himself that the Africans have sufficient representation to reassure them that the Fund is being used in their interests?

Mr. Griffiths

I am very anxious to do all I can to reassure the Africans on that point.