§ 36. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will state how many students there are at the Veterinary School in the Bechuanaland Protectorate; how many there are upon the staff; and what are their qualifications.
§ Mr. AlportThere are fourteen students at the Veterinary School in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The total capacity of the School is twenty students. The staff of the School consists of one senior veterinary officer, who is a B.Sc. (Veterinary).
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the Bechuana are basically cattle people and that he must push on with this matter? Does he not agree that the Bechuana themselves feel that not sufficient is being done, particularly in appointing Africans to the staff?
§ Mr. AlportWe fully accept that the present state of staffing is insufficient to provide for outside demonstration and individual coaching of cattle breeders in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. We therefore intend to create a new post of veterinary instructor, and it is hoped to recruit for this post, if it is created, a highly qualified African with a degree and experience in animal husbandry.
§ Mr. PageIs my hon. Friend satisfied that veterinary surgeons in Bechuanaland are not being used to prevent the export of cattle instead of looking after the cattle themselves?
§ Mr. AlportYes, I am fully satisfied about that.