§ 31. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland to deal with the problem of soil erosion in the African reserves.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am consulting both the Governors so as to provide up-to-date information and, as the reply is likely to be both lengthy and detailed. I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Sir L. PlummerIs the Colonial Secretary aware that many Africans oppose schemes for preventing soil erosion for reasons of superstition and because they are inately conservative and do not like changes? Will he, therefore, take steps to strengthen the staff of the agricultural advisory service to help the Africans towards enlightenment and education?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am quite aware that one of the better qualities of the African is inate conservatism, but I am always ready from time to time to see how this can be brought in touch with modern life.