HC Deb 21 November 1956 vol 560 cc83-4W
79. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why his Advisory Council for Agriculture, Animal Health and Forestry now only contains two members representing animal health as against four when it was constituted in 1929; and whether, in view of the importance of livestock in the rural economy of under-developed Colonial Territories, he will reconsider this matter at an early date.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Advisory Council for Agriculture, Animal Health and Forestry was recently reorganised and reduced in numbers to act as a small group of experienced men to advise on broad issues of policy. The Council will turn to individual specialists for detailed advice as necessary on particular problems, including animal health questions and in these circumstances, while fully accepting the hon. Member's views on the importance of livestock in the rural economy of the Colonies, I do not consider that the Council's composition requires re-examination.