§ 40. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the transport of groundnuts on the Nigerian Railway has fallen short of the estimated carriage by over 33 per cent.; whether the supply of wagons is insufficient to carry the uninfested groundnuts; and why infested stocks are being handled in preference to lightly infested or unaffected stocks.
Mr. Creech JonesNo, Sir. In the six months ending 31st January last railings exceeded estimates by 5 per cent. Shortage of wagons is still a limiting factor on railings, but more wagons are steadily being shipped to Nigeria. Infested stocks, whether heavily or lightly infested, are being fumigated and hurried out of the country to prevent the trouble from spreading, but this total amount represents less than the amount which can be moved in a fortnight, and uninfected stocks are being handled as well.
§ Sir R. GlynIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Nigeria they say they 351 have been unable to get the necessary material for doing the fumigation? Will he take steps to send it out by air, so that they can deal with stocks which are in pyramid?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, my information is that full supplies of methyl-bromide have already been flown out to Kano.
§ Mr. Oliver StanleyWhat happens to this infested stock when moved out of the country? Is it then used, or destroyed?
§ Mr. StanleyThe right hon. Gentleman has told us that it was necessary to get infested stock out of the country quickly and I am asking for what purpose that has to be done. Is it to be used for some purpose, or is it destroyed?
Mr. Creech JonesIt is not destroyed. It can be used, but the special purpose for which it can be used I am unable to say without notice.
§ Sir Frank SandersonCan the right hon. Gentleman say with what disease the groundnuts are infested?
§ 41. Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a further statement in regard to the damage that has been done to groundnuts stocks at Kano and other depots in West Africa by the beetle, trogoderma, and what steps the West African Produce Control Board proposes to take to indemnify the merchants who have acted as agents.
Mr. Creech JonesInfestation in varying degrees had, by 15th February, been found in 12,384 tons of groundnuts at Kano and in 1,574 tons in transit at Baro. Action is being taken to isolate and fumigate infested stocks and the actual loss can, therefore, not be determined. Except in cases of negligence, buying agents of the West African Produce Control Board are not responsible for deterioration; the second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Sir R. GlynIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figure he has just given is short by 5,000 tons of what is infested? Is any action being taken to improve the position at Kano? What is the purpose of transferring these nuts to England, as they cannot be used when they reach here?
Mr. Creech JonesAs I understand the position, it is not that they cannot be used. They can be used for certain purposes. The figures I have just given the House are 12,384 tons, up to 15th February, but I have not the subsequent figure quoted by the hon. Member.
§ Brigadier HeadWould it not be a good thing, when these beetles reach this country, if they were given potatoes to eat?
Mr. H. D. HughesCan my right hon. Friend say approximately what percentage of stocks in Kano are infected?
Mr. Creech JonesI have not got it. The total crop is something in the neighbourhood of 300,000 tons. The number of tons infested is 12,000, and perhaps hon. Members can work it out for themselves.