asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present situation regarding famine in Nyasaland; at what price maize is being sold in government shops; and whether the possibility of using part of the unspent Native Welfare Fund of £250,000 to subsidise the price of maize has been considered.

Crop prospects have considerably improved. Both the Northern and Central Provinces are now expected to be self-supporting but maize is being imported into certain areas of the Southern Province and is sold at 3d. per pound which involves a subsidy from Government Revenue. It is considered undesirable to charge that subsidy to Native Development and Welfare Funds.