HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 cc358-60
22. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the report of the U.N.O. scientists that the swollen-shoot disease threatens the very existence of the Gold Coast cocoa industry, and that the cutting-out of diseased trees is the only measure known for its control, he now proposes to resume the compulsory cutting-out abandoned a year ago; and what staff he estimates will be required to enforce the cutting-out of the 50 million trees already infected and the additional 15 million infected yearly.

Mr. Creech Jones

The present action of the Gold Coast Government is designed to persuade the farmers of the absolute necessity of cutting out diseased trees on an intensified scale. The operation is of course a considerable one but the question of the use of compulsory powers does not immediately arise. The Gold Coast Government is actively engaged in working out the requirements of staff and materials for a greatly intensified campaign with a view to presenting the plans for such a campaign to the Legislative Council. Meanwhile I am not in a position to give details, but I can assure the hon. Member that the gravity of the problem is appreciated by the Gold Coast Government who will do all that is practically possible to arrest this evil.

Mr. Keeling

As the Secretary of State said that the question of compulsion did not immedately arise, may I ask him whether he is aware that the U.N.O. scientists said that immediate action on a huge scale is imperative? In view of the political agitation against cutting-out, what hope is there of the cocoa industry being saved from ruin unless compulsion is resumed with a firm hand?

Mr. Creech Jones

Compulsory cutting is one thing and operation with the goodwill of the farmers and their general confidence in the Government is another. It is imperative, in this difficult political situation, that the Government should proceed along the lines upon which they are at present proceeding.

Mr. Sorensen

Are not the increased rate of compensation and educational methods already having a distinctly desirable result?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is the Secretary of State aware that the answer which he has given today is almost identical with the answer he gave months ago on this subject, that his educative efforts have been completely unsuccessful, and that he will not achieve any results unless he again resorts to compulsory powers?

Mr. Creech Jones

I do not accept the assertion in the hon. Member's supplementary question. I have always pointed out that it was necessary for the international commission to report, and for the Government in the Gold Coast to consider that report. The Government are now doing that and taking appropriate action.

Mr. Bossom

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that the staff on the spot are sufficient in number, or are they still very short of people, as was the case some time ago?

Mr. Creech Jones

That is one of the problems to which the local Government are addressing themselves. An increasing number of person are available for the work.