§ 73. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of damage, by floods, to the farms and their crops in the Ruvuma and Rufiji valleys of Tanganyika; and if he will state the extent of the damage and what relief steps are being taken.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDuring the height of the floods in the Ruvuma Valley food was dropped by R.A.F. aircraft to isolated villages, and food supplies are now adequate. The investigation of individual losses is now proceeding but they are not believed to be severe. Replanting is taking place and the authorities are making seed available where required.
In the Rufiji Valley it will not be possible to determine the extent of loss until the annual floods in April and May recede; at present it is estimated that the rice harvest may be less than half the bumper crop of 1955.
If any shortage of food develops relief measures will be taken.