asked the Minister of Food what accommodation is being provided for native workers and their families who are to be employed in connection with the East Africa Groundnut Scheme; and if he will give an assurance that no materials are exported from England for this purpose which are required for the domestic housing programme, or for electricity generating station buildings.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill):

For the time being tents are being used, but eventually the African workers and their families will occupy cottages built mainly of local materials. If any question of competition arose, priority would certainly be given to electricity plant and housing in the United Kingdom.

Does the hon. Lady realise that the kind of building materials which have already left this country for East Africa are needed at home?

If the hon. Member will specify the materials, I will be pleased to look into it.