§ 39. Mr. N. Pannellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been done to increase rice production in Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. ProfumoThere has been a very substantial increase in acreage and production of rice since the war. Considerable areas of grassland are now being cultivated mechanically and mangrove swamps have been enclosed and cleared. Research is being done on the properties of the soil and on rice varieties. Improved seed is now being distributed and the sale of fertilisers is being subsidised.
§ Mr. PannellWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to take note of the fact that there has been a serious falling off in rice production owing to the counter-attraction of illicit diamond mining? Will he bear that fact in mind when trying to revitalise this industry?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir.