asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to extend the cultivation of sisal in view of the world shortage of this fibre and its dollar earning capacity.

Sisal is grown in many parts of the Colonial Empire but on a commercial scale only in East Africa where it is considered that the best prospects of expanding production exist. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Dodds-Parker) on 23rd May regarding the steps being taken to expand East African output.

Mr. Baldwin:

Is the Minister aware that the shortage of fibre is not due to a shortage in the extent of the plantations but to the trouble with labour? Does he not think that in view of the direction of labour in this country, the time is ripe for the direction of labour in Kenya?