§ 9. Mr. Pageasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he has taken upon the communication received by him in March, 1958, from the Tanganyika National Farmers' Union concerning desertions by African labourers, who desert after receiving many free benefits in food, housing, blankets, medical attention, etc., and recoupment of transport costs.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am at present considering this communication in the light of the Governor's comments, which I have just received.
§ Mr. PageIs it not a fact that a great amount of effort and money are spent in encouraging African labourers to take up agricultural employment like this but that 11 very many of them take the benefits and then never even start the employment? Could not some law such as that applying in Kenya be applied in Tanganyika?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will take the earliest possible steps to acquaint the House of my conclusions following consideration of the Governor's comments.