§ 59. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of cattle owned in Swaziland in 1929 and 941 1936, respectively, by the three companies, Ranches, Limited, the Barr Ranch, and the Central Mining and David Forbes Ranch; and whether he has any proposals to make for the assistance of the livestock industry of Swaziland?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I am not in possession of the figures asked for in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, the position of the cattle industry in Swaziland was examined a few years ago by the Pim Commission, and in accordance with its recommendation assistance has since been given from the Colonial Development Fund towards a scheme for the improvement of native owned cattle in the territory. It was pointed out in the report that such a scheme should also help the European industry by improving the quality of store cattle available.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMay I ask whether the most effective way to help the cattle industry would not be to secure the raising of the wage embargo imposed by the Union Government, and also whether he is satisfied that the embargo was imposed for purely economic and not for political reasons?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI answered a question on that point yesterday, and perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to look at the answer.