HC Deb 16 July 1957 vol 573 cc928-9
52. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Northern Rhodesia either to stabilise the production of maize or to secure other outlets for the rapidly increasing quantities being produced particularly by Africans.

Mr. Profumo

I am consulting the Governor and will circulate the information, when it is received, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Irving

If the hon. Gentleman is consulting the Governor, would he bear in mind also that, if he does not do something and the Governor does not do something very shortly about the overproduction of maize in this territory, there will be a great deal of distress among African farmers, and will he ensure, if he cannot get other outlets, that there are other forms of production which could be usefully employed in the country?

Mr. Profumo

It would, I think, be wise to await the information from the Governor.

53. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what encouragement is being given by the Government of Northern Rhodesia to the dry land production of wheat; and what proportion of the total wheat consumption of Northern Rhodesia is imported.

Mr. Profumo

I am consulting the Governor and will circulate the information, when it is received, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Irving

The House will be distressed at the hon. Gentleman's lack of information. Will he bear in mind, until such time as he gets the information, that there is imported into this territory a considerable quantity of wheat, and, having regard to the subject of the previous Question, namely, the overproduction of maize, would this not be an avenue for the constructive reorientation of crop policy in the territory which would help African and European alike?

Mr. Profumo

I think that I ought just to explain to the hon. Gentleman that about 90 per cent. of our Questions usually require consultation with Governors. These Questions came to me only last Friday and I know that the hon. Gentleman, as would any other hon. Member, would wish the information given to be accurate. But it does take time.