§ 61. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance, in cash and kind, has been received by Bechuanaland from other countries and from the World Food Programme for the relief of famine; and whether he will make a statement on the shortage of food and fodder there and in Basutoland and Swaziland.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeApart from certain private contributions no assistance has been received by Bechuanaland direct from any countries other than the U.K.
The World Food Programme provided food for 60,000 people during September and October last and since then has been providing supplies for 105,000. Approval was recently given for further supplies for up to 360,000 people for the 12 months beginning in July and for a 5-year supplementary feeding programme for children and for pregnant and nursing women, also beginning in July. The famine is expected to continue until 1967. Additionally the World Food Programme is helping with stock feed for the period up to the end of November when it is hoped that normal rains will provide fresh grazing.
Supplies of food and fodder in Basutoland are expected to be adequate. Late rains just averted a serious shortage of both. There is no shortage of food or fodder in Swaziland where the crop this year is good.