§ 36. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of cocoa planted in the Gold Coast and Nigeria has been attacked by swollen shoot disease in 1947, 1948 and 1949; what proportion of the diseased trees has been cut out under the existing scheme; and what amounts have been paid in compensation during this period.
§ Mr. CookAnnual statistics are not available, and I cannot add to the general figures of total infections and treatment given in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend, the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. T. Reid) on 19th April. In the Gold Coast up to 30th April, 1950, slightly over £700,000 had been paid out in cutting-out and rehabilitation grants. The figure for Nigeria is slightly under £200,000.
§ Mr. FletcherIn view of the economic disaster which will follow if cocoa is attacked to a dangerous extent, does not the Minister think that to spend about £1 million out of the £70 million of profit made by the Government out of cocoa is really ridiculous and disproportionate?
§ Mr. CookWe realise the seriousness of this problem and every step possible is being taken to eliminate this disease.