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East Africa (Food Supplies)

Volume 387: debated on Wednesday 3 March 1943

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37.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement about the food situation in Kenya and Tanganyika; the cause of the recent serious shortage and the measures that have been-taken and are to be taken to deal with it?

The present food shortage in East Africa has been caused by the absence of the short rains which has led to the practically complete failure not only of the maize but of other annual crops such as potatoes, beans, and millets. Steps have been taken by the East African Governments to reduce the consumption of maize and other cereals, and to substitute alternative foodstuffs, and every effort is being made to arrange for the early import of emergency supplies. These supplies will include cereals from overseas and a variety of foodstuffs from nearer sources. The position is being closely watched and it is hoped that the arrangements being made will be adequate to meet the shortage.

Does this apply alike both to the coloured and to the white population?

It applies to anybody who wants to eat the food which is there to eat.