§ 2. Mr. Orbachasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities exist in Sierra Leone for agricultural research and training; and what is the number of Africans receiving agricultural training.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)There are four well-equipped research stations engaged in the study of rice, oil palm products, animal husbandry and horticulture, respectively, as well as two experimental farms. A four-year course in agriculture for 48 students is held at Njala Training College, and a further eight Sierra Leoneans are at present studying agriculture in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. OrbachWould not the Under-Secretary of State agree that, in a Colony where 90 per cent. of the economic sustenance is derived from agriculture, there ought to be greater facilities available for agricultural research and training? Is he doing everything possible to encourage this?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir, a great deal is being done. Since the end of the war, substantial C.D.W.F. grants to assist research have been made in this area.