HC Deb 10 December 1959 vol 615 cc60-1W
59 and 60. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he is satisfied with the present methods employed by officers of Colonial Governments for the protection of the wild game in Central and East Africa; and what improvements he proposes to introduce; (2) in view of the reports and evidence of cruelty and slaughter of wild animals in British territories in Central and East Africa, what additional steps he intends to take to protect and preserve these animals; and if he will examine the problem during his visit to Central Africa.

Mr. J. Amery

I am satisfied that the Governments in the territories concerned are keenly aware of the importance of taking adequate measures of protection; but the task of overcoming organised poaching throughout vast areas of game parks and reserves is a very difficult one. Furthermore, the extent to which adequate protection is possible has to be considered in relation to the many competing demands on the territories' financial and other resources and in some cases by the conflict between the interests of game and man. My right hon. Friend is visiting East, not Central, Africa on this occasion. I know that he has this problem very much in mind.

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