HC Deb 26 February 1912 vol 34 cc1153-4W
Dr. CHAPPLE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any additional evidence has been brought to his notice that game in Nyasaland is a reservoir, and Glossina morsitans a carrier, of the trypanosome of sleeping sickness; and whether, in view of the evidence so far available and the consequences of delay, fraught with peril to the Natives, the Whites, their domestic animals, and their trade, he will propose such a modification of the game laws as would enable those who suffer to drive off the game, and with it the tsetse fly, from the vicinity of villages and transport routes?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am in consultation with my expert advisers, the managing committee of the Sleeping Sickness Bureau, on the whole question, and I am hot in a position to make any statement at present, but I can promise my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I would point out that under Section 19 of the Nyasaland Game Ordinance, 1911, any landholder or his servant finding a protected animal doing damage to his holding may kill the same without a licence if such act is necessary for the protection of his holding, and that under Section 30 of the same Ordinance, when it is shown that any wild animals are causing damage to any native, the Resident of the district may authorise the tribesmen or inhabitants of the village to kill the animals. Any person would, of course, be allowed to drive away game from his holding.

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