§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD DOWDINGMy 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 the Uganda Government, through its Minister of National Resources, in reply to an inquiry regarding the collection and export of vervet monkeys, wrote a letter dated 6th August, 1958, containing the words: "There is of course no question of this Government itself undertaking or encouraging this operation"; and to ask whether it is a fact that, notwithstanding this declaration, the Uganda Government is now itself engaged in this traffic.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF PERTH)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware that the words quoted by the noble Lord were used in a letter of August last year from the Uganda Ministry of Natural Resources. In that 1132 letter, however, it was also stated that should the collection of vervet monkeys, which are a considerable agricultural pest, be undertaken in Uganda all reasonable steps would be taken to ensure their humane treatment. At the time of the letter the need for these monkeys for medical research which has since developed was not foreseen. The Uganda Government has experimentally shipped one consignment and has in course one other, after which exportation for medical purposes will be permitted to approved persons under strict control conditions.