§ 44. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports he has received of outbreaks of fowl pest or other disease in the Gambia: and what steps he is taking to deal with them.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsCommon poultry diseases such as fowl typhoid have been known to exist in the Gambia for a considerable time. Fowl pest was first diagnosed and reported at the end of 1949. It has not been possible to bring these diseases under general control. I understand, however, that the Colonial Development Corporation have taken measures for the effective isolation of their poultry farm, where trouble has been confined to a single outbreak of fowl typhoid which is now under control.
§ Mr. GammansCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the somewhat disappointing results of the Colonial Development Corporation Scheme which the Minister of Food revealed last week have nothing much to do with the question of disease?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is another question.
§ Mr. John HyndCan my right hon. Friend give us any information about the extent to which fowl pest in the Gambia has necessitated the destruction of fowls?
§ Mr. GriffithsI should like notice of that question.