HC Deb 21 February 1951 vol 484 cc1288-9
42. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent permits have been given to African farmers to grow coffee in the Fort Hall and Nyeri districts, Kenya: and when permits are similarly to be granted to African farmers in the Kiambu district and in other districts of Kenya where at present Africans are not allowed to grow coffee.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Areas in Nyeri districts were scheduled only in November, 1949, and so far 400 licences have been issued. Up to the present, plantings have been provided free in order to popularise growing of coffee in this area. Later, a small charge may be made on lines similar to those introduced by cooperatives elsewhere. The areas in Fort Hall have only recently been scheduled, and in consequence no licences have yet been issued, but experience elsewhere has shown that few licences are issued until considerable propaganda has been carried out by agricultural officers. The question of permitting cultivation of Arabica coffee in Kiambu is under consideration.

Mr. Brockway

While expressing appreciation of the permission to grow coffee in the Fort Hall and Nyeri districts, may I ask my right hon. Friend to press for the rapid acceptance of no racial discrimination in other parts of Kenya in this matter?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir, I will. At the same time, in view of the danger of disease, it is very desirable that the extension of the growing of coffee should be controlled. It is purely for that reason, and for no other, that control is necessary.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the need to maintain the quality of coffee from those areas, which has gained a most enviable reputation over many years and which might be endangered if native grown coffee, particularly in the form of buni, were allowed to be exported?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir. That is why control is essential, but it is essential for that purpose only.

Mr. Brockway

Should not the principle of action be determined by whether the plants are open to disease and not whether they are grown by European or African farmers?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no discrimination about coffee growing by African farmers, and is it not best to leave the decision in the hands of the competent agricultural officers in Kenya?

Mr. Brockway

Is it not a fact that regulations issued in 1934 and 1949 prohibit Africans from growing coffee in Kenya except in certain scheduled districts?

Mr. Griffiths

That was a fact. Perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the last part of my answer: The question of permitting cultivation of Arabica coffee in Kiambu is under consideration.