§ Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date a survey of bush density in the Kongwa area was carried out; and with what result.
§ Mr. StracheyI have been asked to reply. A ground reconnaissance of several different parts of this area was undertaken by the Wakefield Mission on 8th and 9th August, 1946, accompanied by technical officials of the Tanganyika Government and by the only European farmer with knowledge of local conditions. For this purpose traces had previously been cut through the bush. As a result of this reconnaissance the mission were satisfied that this bush could be cleared by mechanical means. Since the beginning of work on the Kongwa area the ground has, of course, been continuously surveyed ahead of clearing operations.