§ 15. Mr. Alportasked 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 499 African statistical department; and if he will explain the reason for the discrepancy.
Mr. DugdaleMy right hon. Friend is communicating with the East African authorities and will write to my hon. Friend when he has received their reply.
§ Mr. AlportCannot something be done to provide a reliable basis for these statistics?
Mr. DugdaleAs 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. AlportDoes 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?