§ 57. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position with regard to the export of animal traps without teeth to Nigeria; whether he is aware that a prohibitive tariff has been imposed causing much dislocation of trade and cancellation of orders in Wednesfield, the centre of the industry; and whether, in view of the fact that such traps are exported to all other parts of West Africa, British, French, and mandated territory, he will consider what steps can be taken to secure more consistent action?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The import duty in Nigeria on all animal traps is at present 1s. 3d. each. I have received representations to the effect that it is unduly high, and I am in communication with the Governor on the subject. He is, I know, giving the matter his sympathetic consideration. The recent change in duties which has given rise to these representations was due to the apprehension that the traps were being used in such a way as to cause unnecessary suffering to animals.
Mr. MenderIn view of the fact that the use of these traps is freely permitted in this country and most other places, will the Colonial Secretary say in what way the natives of Nigeria are expected to exterminate vermin?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe point is that the trap is used in and around the house 178 where there are people about, for the purpose of catching rats; but if such traps were put out broadcast in the jungle to catch wild animals, they might cause quite unnecessary suffering to wild animals.
§ Mr. ManderWhile that is perfectly true, is not this a general question, and why is Nigeria selected from the rest of the world?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreBecause representations have been made with regard to Nigeria.
§ Mr. ManderWill the Colonial Secretary be good enough to consider representations on this matter from elsewhere?
§ Mr. ThorneAre there not other traps besides rat traps?