HC Deb 28 February 1961 vol 635 cc112-3W
74. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what help Her Majesty's Government is giving to relieve the famine caused by prolonged drought in East Africa.

Mr. H. Fraser

There is no famine in Uganda and Zanzibar. In Tanganyika there is a local food shortage due to drought, particularly in areas in Masai-land; but the situation is under control and no assistance is required from Her Majesty's Government at the present time.

In Kenya, owing to long and continuing drought, there is an acute food shortage in the Northern, Southern, Central and Rift Valley Provinces, and some 25,000 people have been receiving famine relief. In addition to free distribution of food where necessary by the Kenya Government, the International Cooperation Administration of the United States is very generously providing 100,000 bags of yellow maize free. Both the Army and the Royal Air Force have offered assistance in distributing food to remote areas.

Her Majesty's Government have agreed, having regard to Kenya's current financial position, to meet the other costs of distribution up to a total of £60,000. A Supplementary Estimate for this sum will be presented at the earliest convenient opportunity and in the meantime the necessary funds will be issued from the Civil Contingencies fund.

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