§ 120. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what British Colonies is the production of cassava starch being encouraged; to what extent in each; and when is an exportable surplus from each expected
Mr. Creech JonesCassava is grown widely in East and West Africa, Ceylon, Malaya, Mauritius, certain of the West Indies and the Dependencies in the Western Pacific. Its roots, from which either starch or edible tapioca can be prepared, are a staple element in tropical diets, and its production is being primarily encouraged in the Colonies to supply the deficiencies in imported food supplies due to the world food shortage. This and the claim of more essential food exports 221W on the labour available have generally limited the opportunities for export. The Governor of British Honduras has, however, informed me that he is considering obtaining expert advice on the possibilities of restarting the factory formerly engaged in starch production in that territory.