Diseased Cocoa Trees

HC Deb 06 June 1951 vol 488 cc1000-1

29. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position in respect of the cutting- out of diseased cocoa trees in the Gold Coast and Nigeria; and what proposals have been made regarding the reconstruction of the Cocoa Marketing Board.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The Gold Coast Government, after consideration of the report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the organisation and methods for the control of swollen shoot disease by compulsory cutting out, has decided that compulsory cutting out should cease and that the farmers' consent and co-operation should be sought in the Government's efforts to control the swollen shoot disease. The policy which is being followed in Nigeria is as described in the statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 11th April.

With regard to the second part of the Question, I am arranging to place in the Library of the House a copy of the amending Gold Coast legislation under which the Cocoa Marketing Board is to be reconstructed.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the recommendation or conclusion of the Gold Coast Government for the cutting out of the disease permanent, or is it only a temporary expedient? There is obscurity about this.

Mr. Griffiths

No, Sir. The conclusion is that the compulsory cutting out should cease and that efforts should be made to do this by co-operation with the farmers.

Mr. Gammans

Is the policy of abandoning the compulsory cutting out supported by the Minister's technical advisers?

Mr. Griffiths

The decision was the result of a report by a committee. The report was unanimous and the Gold Coast Government acted upon it.