HC Deb 20 June 1951 vol 489 cc498-9
15. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what information the estimated increase in the population of East African territories of 2½ to 5 per cent. per annum is based; what estimate has been arrived at by the East African statistical department; and if he will explain the reason for the discrepancy.

Mr. Dugdale

My right hon. Friend is communicating with the East African authorities and will write to my hon. Friend when he has received their reply.

Mr. Alport

Cannot something be done to provide a reliable basis for these statistics?

Mr. Dugdale

As the hon. Gentleman realises, it is not altogether an easy task to make such a calculation, but I think that it would be made as early as possible.

Mr. Alport

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State used the figures referred to in the Question in the course of a statement during his visit to East Africa recently in spite of their lack of authenticity?