§ Mr. Ammonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action with regard to the reclamation scheme in Gambia will be taken before the next rainy season?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo, Sir. I would point out that the next rainy season starts this month. I cannot at present add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, to a question on the 21st of June.
§ Mr. Palingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the reason for the rapid deterioration in the financial position in the Gambia; what steps are being taken to remedy the situation; and is the legislature pursuing a policy calculated to improve the very low standard of living of the natives?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe principal causes for the deterioration are the low world price for ground nuts, the Colony's principal export crop, and the devaluation of the French franc. These factors have reduced the purchasing power of the community and at the same time diminished its export trade. The Colonial Government, as a result, has been forced to reduce expenditure, although in doing 2271W so every effort has been made not to curtail existing social services. The Government is directing its attention to the improvement of agriculture, on which the standard of living of the local population largely depends. For example, supplies of fruit trees have been provided to develop fruit production in suitable areas. Experimental work for the increase of rice production has been carried out. Small-scale irrigation schemes for rice and garden crops have been started. A campaign to secure the immunization of cattle against rinderpest has been in operation during the past few years; and as a result of this work cattle stock has increased.