§ 51. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the proportion of cultivated land in Tanganyika which is farmed by Europeans and Africans, respectively; the proportion of the territory which is at present under cultivation; and the number of African farmers who are growing the main cash crop of Tanganyika, sisal.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am consulting the Governor of Tanganyika and will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. IrvingWould the hon. Gentleman not agree that there is an inordinately high proportion of cultivated land in the hands of non-Africans? Will he also bear in mind the remarks of the Economist of 29th June that a generous and constructive land policy is vitally necessary and would be in the interests not only of Africans but of non-Africans? Will he do everything he can to bring this initiative about?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am consulting the Governor only because I myself do not know what the proportion is and, therefore, I would not venture to go as far as the hon. Gentleman.