Mr. Creech Jones:

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his Department is satisfied with the progress in soil conservation in Nyasaland and what remedial steps are being taken against soil erosion; and whether he has in contemplation the release of some of the large acreages of undeveloped private land in the land-hungry areas?

In May, 1940, a free grant of £16,500 was made from the Colonial Development Fund for anti-erosion work in Nyasaland. The scheme provided for the improving of agricultural methods and the building of contour bunds in six selected districts, which covered the greater part of the populated areas in Nyasaland. I have not yet received a report on the progress of the scheme. As regards the last part of the Question, my Noble Friend is not aware that the Government of Nyasaland has any present intention of negotiating the release of undeveloped private land.

Mr. Creech Jones:

Should not this aspect of the question be looked into in view of the land hunger of large numbers of Africans in this part of the Empire, and particularly because of the great exodus of man-power from the territory?

Yes, Sir.