§ 12. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is now a veterinary officer in the Colony of Gambia; and, if not, whether one will be appointed with a view to dealing with the repeated epidemics of pleuro-pneumonia amongst the cattle in the Colony?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Recent reports from the travelling Commissioners from the various provinces in the Colony show that, while a few outbreaks of cattle disease occurred during the past year, the chiefs and headmen were alive to the necessity of taking all possible precautions. The Governor may be relied upon to recommend the appointment of a veterinary officer if he considers it necessary, and should he do so his request would be complied with.
Mr. WILLIAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1917, 80 per cent. of the cattle were destroyed by an outbreak. There was an outbreak in 1522, and in 1923 80 per cent. of the cattle in the north of the province were destroyed. In these circumstances can he take steps for the appointment of a veterinary officer?
§ Mr. AMERYI am sure the Governor is well aware of the facts, and, if he makes any recommendation, I shall be only too anxious to comply with it.