§ 24. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will seek co-operation with 1701 the Union of South Africa in the conduct of experiments to produce rain in Basutoland and the Orange Free State.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have been asked to reply. I understand that experiments in the artificial stimulation of rain carried out by the Government of the Union of South Africa have not gone beyond the exploratory stage. An approach to the Union Government would not be justified at present; but my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind, and we will ask our High Commissioner to keep us in touch with any developments.
§ Sir I. FraserIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the past year people in the territory have had to wait seven and a half months for rain? How can he justify taking no steps in the matter? Should he not take the initiative?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThis is a very technical and scientific matter. I have no doubt that many hon. Members wish that we could export some of our own rain. In Basutoland last year, the annual rainfall was actually 28 inches, which is comparatively high. We are watching with great interest the experiments in the Union, but up to now they have been inconclusive.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side are firmly convinced that the Government are doing their utmost to stimulate frost?