§ 3.6 p.m.
§ LORD AILWYNMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was, as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that rewards are being offered by the Government of Gambia for the destruction of baboons and other monkeys, owing to damage done by them to crops; and whether they are satisfied that such action does not result in indiscriminate slaughter of monkeys, and possibly other wild animals—irrespective of their predilection for native crops, or of their rarity.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware of the campaign by the Gambia Government for the destruction of animal pests. Bounties are however, paid only on baboons, wild pigs and common species of monkey which are known to frequent farms and to be very destructive to crops. No cases have come to notice of the killing of less common animals or those not known to be destructive. The noble Lord, who is noted for his humanitarian spirit, may rest assured that administrative officers keep in close touch with the campaign and any cases of inhumane and unnecessary destruction would be brought immediately to the notice of the Gambia Government.
§ LORD AILWYNMy Lords, I ant obliged to the noble Earl for his reassuring reply.