HC Deb 24 September 1943 vol 392 cc552-3W
Mr. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the present food situation in Tanganyika; and whether he can give an assurance that the plans of the East African Production Committee, under which 125,000 tons of food crops were to be exported from Tanganyika in 1943, take full account of the food requirements of the native population?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I have been asked to reply. In 1942 the East African Production Committee estimated that 125,000 tons of food would be available for export from Tanganyika Territory. This surplus, however, has not materialised owing to unfavourable weather conditions and no food has been exported from the territory during the year. The Governor now estimates that for the period up to April, 1944, there will be a deficiency in native foodstuffs of 20,000 tons which is being met by imports from Kenya and Uganda. It is hoped that the measures now taken will suffice to maintain adequate food supplies until next year's harvest.