§ 45. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in rehabilitating the clove industry in Zanzibar after its serious losses from disease; whether the possibility of establishing alternative crops for export has been examined; and with what results.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydLast year's clove crop was the second largest on record. Field experiments and demonstrations are consolidating knowledge gained from research into clove diseases. Apart from the coconut industry, which is already well developed, chillies, derris, cocoa and citrus are among the alternative crops which the Zanzibar Government are trying to develop; slow but steady results are being obtained.
§ Sir R. RobinsonDo I understand from my right hon. Friend's answer that the Government in Zanzibar have now conquered this disease, and, if the answer is in the affirmative, may we hope that others will follow this example and eradicate this disease which is known as "sudden death."
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would not say they have conquered it, but I think they have considerably improved the situation.
§ Mr. SnowIs it not a fact that over 90 per cent. of the clove trade export from Zanzibar is used for a wholly illegal narcotic trade in the East?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir. I am perfectly certain that that is not so, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question next week to enable me to put the facts right about a very important trade to a very important part of Her Majesty's Colonies.
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Minister confirm or otherwise that it has been discovered that this disease was due to termites, which was the conclusion reached a few years ago?
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd"Sudden death" has been generally felt to be connected with a fungus disease, and experiments are continuing with good prospects.