HC Deb 19 November 1952 vol 507 c164W
Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the reduction in the supply of coarse grains from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will propose to colonial Governments in tropical countries that they utilise Crown waste lands and reserved forests not being exploited for want of staff and finance, to meet the emergency by allowing cultivation of Indian corn on annual permits, on condition that the occupiers plant the land with seeds of valuable trees.

Mr. Lyttelton

There is, I fear, not much scope in the Colonies for adopting the expedient suggested by the hon. Member. Colonial Governments are already encouraging by all means in their power the production of maize where conditions are suitable, but I can hold out no hope that the Colonies will have significant surpluses for export to this country.