§ 31. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures the Tanganyika Government propose in regard to land tenure in rural areas; and to what extent it is expected that these changes will improve agricultural productivity.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)Proposals recently published by the Tankanyika Government envisage the conversion to individual ownership by Africans of land in rural areas at present held in customary tenure but only in areas where there is a general desire for such a change. It is hoped thereby to promote better use of land, particularly in areas of high fertility, and consequently to secure 1302 increased productivity. Copies of the Tanganyika Government paper are being placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Under-Secretary aware that any measures to achieve higher agricultural production will meet with general approval? In these changes, however, may we ask him to bear in mind the importance in some areas of co-operative ownership by co-operative societies and tribal clans?