§ 22. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage and acreage of West Africa's cocoa plantations have been affected by the swollen shoot disease; and what fraction of this area has been properly treated up to date by cutting out the diseased trees.
§ Mr. CookUntil the survey is complete it is not possible to give exact figures. In the Gold Coast it is estimated at present that about 250,000 acres, or about 20 per cent. of the estimated total acreage under cocoa, have been affected by the disease. About one-eighth of this area has been treated up to date by cutting out. According to present information, about 95 per cent. of the infected cocoa is in the Eastern Provinces, which now produce approximately a quarter of the Gold Coast crop. Outside the Eastern Provinces there is relatively little disease, and it is being brought rapidly under control. In Nigeria, it is estimated that a maximum of 50,000 acres, or approximately 8 per cent. of the total area under cocoa. is affected by swollen shoot. About 5 per cent. of this area has so far been cut out.
§ Mr. ReidHave steps been taken to grow cocoa in other colonies, to make up for the loss of East African cocoa?
§ Mr. KeelingIs it the case in the Gold Coast, as it was last year, that new trees are becoming infected four times as fast as infected trees are being cut out?
§ Mr. CookThe whole policy is under acute review and it is a matter for the local people themselves. Every step is being taken to protect the trees.
§ Mr. SorensenCan we take it that the former objection to the cutting down and treatment of these trees has now been removed?
§ Mr. CookOne of the major problems is training facilities, which we have 122 increased. Methods and practices are being adopted to speed these up as fast as possible.
§ Mr. Peter SmithersCan the Minister tell us whether research work now in progress into the causes of these virus diseases is within measurable distance of producing results?