§ 13. Brigadier Thorpasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the reason for the Meat Marketing Board in Kenya prohibiting movement of slaughter stock from pastoral areas; if he can give an assurance that this prohibition is enforced on African producers 352 as well as European; and will he have the whole matter reconsidered.
Mr. Creech JonesI understand that the prohibition on movement of slaughter stocks from pastoral areas, except under licence, is designed to ensure a fair and steady price for both producer and consumer without the intervention of middlemen, and to direct slaughter stocks to the main consumption areas while guarding against the spread of stock diseases. The regulations apply to African as well as European producers. They are in the interests of Kenya as a whole, and I see no reason to reconsider them.
§ Brigadier ThorpIs the Minister aware that Government officials in Kenya have stated that they cannot enforce this regulation on Africans?
Mr. Creech JonesThat is not my information, but, if the hon. and gallant Member has any new knowledge, I would be very glad to consider it.
§ Brigadier ThorpIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware that there is no veterinary consideration on this at all, and that he is completely misinformed on both these points?