11. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Overseas Development what action is being taken by Government representatives on international organisations to suggest means of lessening the mortality rate, often 50 per cent. or more, of food-producing animals in developing countries, and to suggest remedial measures by way of better food and water storage to lessen deaths of animals by hunger and thirst.
§ Mr. OramGovernment representatives at meetings of the F.A.O. and other international organisations have generally supported proposals to reduce the mortality rate of livestock in developing countries, such as disease control, livestock improvement, grazing control, water supply and other schemes.
Mr. Gresham CookeShould not our representatives overseas pay more attention to things like irrigation in order to reduce the very heavy mortality rate 1320 among cattle? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal more could be done if we could get adequate irrigation in cattle-breeding areas?
§ Mr. OramWe are aware of the importance of this aspect of the problem, but I think it is a case not so much of producing new ideas but of getting implementation of ideas which are already current and accepted.