§ 29. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consult with the Overseas Food Corporation, the Kenya Meat Marketing Board and representative settlers with a view to developing beef production in the Colony, and, as supplies increase, guaranteeing an export market in the United Kingdom.
Mr. McNeilThe Government of Kenya are most anxious to stimulate beef production, and consultations with local organisations are now taking place. The danger of rinderpest infection unfortunately prevents the importing of carcase meat from Kenya, but there is a steadily expanding local market. It is hoped that there will be increased production of European farm cattle as a result of the fixing of long-term prices and the introduction of modern methods of slaughtering and processing and for the use of by-products. Every effort is being made to increase the sale of native cattle by auction. An invitation has been sent 962 to experts from Southern Rhodesia to visit Kenya this month to advise on various aspects of the question.
Mr. McNeilI think that is hardly an appropriate question. As I understand it, until we have satisfied ourselves about this rinderpest infection, there can be no question of importing carcase meat without grave danger to our own stocks.