HC Deb 26 February 1924 vol 170 c310W
Mr. MOREL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a Report has yet been received from the Governor of Kenya as to the progress of the scheme for encouraging the cultivation by the native population in their reserves of products for export; if the suggestion will be considered of placing European instructors from West Africa or India at the disposal of the colony for this purpose; and if he will furnish information as to the efforts in progress for encouraging the native population of Tanganyika to grow produce for export in that-mandated area?

Mr. THOMAS

A despatch was received last August from the Acting Governor of Kenya showing the lines on which the encouragement of native agriculture was proceeding. Maize and cotton cultivation has been taken up actively, and the new railways which are proposed will be of great value in the development of native agriculture. Supervisors of native agriculture have been and are being appointed. So far the question of obtaining them from West Africa or India has not been taken up, but I will bring it to the notice of the Governor. As regards the Tanganyika territory, I have no detailed information, but the encouragement of native-grown produce is strongly advocated by the Governor and there is a most satisfactory increase in the export of such produce.