§ 4. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on whose authority animals are designated as vermin in Tanganyika.
§ Mr. J. AmeryUnder the provisions of the Tanganyika Fauna Conservation Ordinance the game warden may declare any animal to be vermin.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIs the Minister aware that animal lovers and naturalists are becoming alarmed by the destruction of the fauna in these parts of Africa, and that, according to my information, hippopotamus, zebra, monkey, wild pig and a great many other species are now designated as vermin? Is he aware that not only can very cruel methods be used to get rid of them, but that this encourages their destruction to the point of exhaustion? Will he look further into this matter?
§ Mr. AmeryNo, Sir. We are very well aware of the problem raised by the hon. Member, but I would remind him that some of the animals designated as vermin which he has mentioned are so designated only in certain areas of the Territory, and not in the whole of it.
§ Sir G. NicholsonIs my hon. Friend aware that in this part of the world, there is uneasiness about the preservation of fauna in this part of Africa, that everything is not absolutely all right, but that great suffering and destruction of animal life are caused by uncontrolled hunting by natives? May I ask him whether his Department will institute careful inquiries to see if everything is as satisfactory as he appears to think it is?
§ Mr. AmeryWe have been looking at the matter again very recently, but if my hon. Friend has any particular points to bring to our attention, we will be very glad to consider them.