OVERSEAS FOOD CORPORATION

HC Deb 24 April 1951 vol 487 cc54-6W

Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied that the Overseas Food Corporation is, within the terms of the seven-year programme laid down in Command Paper No. 8125, making due provision for the continuance of agricultural research and soil conservation work on its properties in Tanganyika so as to ensure that the experience gained by scientists and agriculturists there can be applied to the general advancement of the colonial territories.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Yes. These matters have just been reviewed in consultation with the Chairman-designate, and provision is being made in the estimates for 1951–52 to continue these activities broadly on the present scale. The programme will be reviewed later in the year with a view to its stabilisation for the future.

Mr. Carr

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps have now been taken to implement the decision that the board of the Overseas Food Corporation should be located in East Africa instead of in London; or how soon he expects this action to be taken.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The board of the Corporation expect virtually to wind-up their London headquarters and commitments by the beginning of July, leaving only a small agency in London, and to transfer to East Africa in the same month.