§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the cattle-ranching industry of Bechuanaland is considerably hampered by the refusal of the Union Government to allow the Bechuanas to sell into the Union more than 200 head of cattle per week weighing 1,100 lbs. each; and whether His Majesty's Government is considering what steps can be taken to secure a wider market for the fat stock produced by the people of Bechuanaland?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe weight restriction imposed on the entry of cattle from the Bechuanaland Protectorate into the Union applies to oxen of under 1,050 lbs. and cows of under 790 lbs. The matter has been discussed with the Union authorities on various occasions since the restriction was first imposed in 1924, but they have not hitherto found it practicable to modify it. The Union authorities have however agreed, as from the 1st April last, to increase the annual quota of cattle of the Bechuanaland Protectorate from 10,000 to 12,500 heads. The hon. Member may be assured that no opportunity which may occur for securing a wider market for the Protectorate cattle will be overlooked.