HC Deb 27 October 1947 vol 443 cc15-6W
30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken to ensure that recruitment of labour for the proposed military establishment in Kenya will not adversely affect recruitment of labour for the East African Groundnut Project; and whether it is proposed to recruit workers from Nigeria for either project and under what conditions.

Mr. Strachey

There is no immediate prospect of areas in Kenya being developed under the East African Groundnut Scheme, and I do not, therefore, expect recruitment of labour for the Scheme to be adversely affected by developments in Kenya. No staff has been recruited in Nigeria for the Groundnut Scheme, but 18 African book-keepers, clerks and agricultural overseers have been recruited under two-year contracts in the Gold Coast.

31. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Food what progress has been made to date in the establishment of health and education services for the workers on the East African Groundnut Scheme; when it is expected that the first villages will be built; and whether he is satisfied that existing plans for houses and services are adequate and are being operated as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Strachey

The establishment of the health and education services of the scheme is well advanced. Thirty-four appointments have been made in the medical department, and in addition a number of African medical auxiliaries and nursing staff are being trained. Temporary hospital accommodation is available. The full development of the educational work of the scheme must await the establishment of settled village communities, but in the meantime the Adviser on Educational Development is preparing educational material and recruiting suitable Africans for training as teachers. Plans of the first village have been prepared, and constructional work is expected to begin by the end of this year.