HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 cc1825-6
42. Sir Peter Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied about the slaughter of wild game in Africa; and if he will consider convening a conference with a view to arriving at a common policy in this matter.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The position in East Africa is not entirely satisfactory. A conference was held in Nairobi in May last, attended by representatives of several Governments. It made a number of re- commendations designed to improve the measures being taken by these Governments for the preservation of game, and these recommendations are now under consideration by the Governments concerned.

Sir Ralph Glyn

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the fact that no action is being taken and that the slaughter continues without any hope of any benefits resulting, instructions should be given that the slaughter shall cease forthwith?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I do not understand what the hon. Baronet means by slaughter." There is no mass slaughter in any of our territories as far as I am aware. It is true that the game population in East Africa has declined, apart from the elephant population, but that is mainly due to native slaughter, not on a mass scale at all. There has been some mass slaughter in Southern Rhodesia in order to get rid of the tsetse fly, but the hon. Gentleman will understand that Southern Rhodesia does not come under the Colonial Office.

Mr. Sorensen

Can my hon. Friend say that the needs of the native population were the prime concern of the conference, because in some places the natives cannot destroy game without destroying their own property?

Mr. Rees-Williams

All these matters were taken into consideration.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a feeling that this policy should give the natives the same rights as are given to the white man?