§ 9. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the native production in West Africa of agricultural products for the export markets has been so successful, he will state what are the measures taken by the West African Governments to protect native crops from pests and diseases?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe West African Governments have powers, under existing legislation, to prohibit or control the importation of planting material with which pests and diseases might be introduced, and to provide for the control of any outbreaks of pests or diseases that may occur. These powers are exercised, as occasion demands, through the Departments concerned. In addition, a considerable part of the work of the Departments of Agriculture is directed to the same end, by the development of improved agricultural practice, for instance, and by the breeding of disease-resistant strains of plants. I may add that the revision of the legislation with a view to uniformity is at present under consideration.