§ 36. Mr. Peytonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he has for the improvement of African agriculture in Nyasaland.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe current development plan envisages the expenditure of some £250,000 on agriculture, and £500,000 on land re-organisation. I recognise, however, that there is room for additional effort in this field, and I am at present in consultation with the Governor about the possibility of more comprehensive plans for agricultural development over the next few years, and their financial implications.
§ Mr. PeytonWhile welcoming that reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he does not agree that African agriculture is of vital importance if progress is to be made in this very backward country? May I further ask him to bear in mind that, as this is a territorial subject, there is a very great responsibility on Her Majesty's Government, and whether, for purposes of comparison, he will bear in mind the great progress made in Southern Rhodesia in this field?
§ Mr. MacleodYes. I accept the importance of this subject. I always bracket African agriculture and African education as the two subjects on which it is most important to keep one's mind in the economic development of the country. I am, as I have said, studying more comprehensive plans in relation to Nyasaland.