HC Deb 29 June 1944 vol 401 cc807-8W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of pyrethrum in Kenya for the civil population anti-malarial requirements; and why the whole crop is being exported irrespective of Kenya needs.

Colonel Stanley

I have received no representations regarding shortage of pyrethrum in Kenya for civil needs, and it is not the case that the whole crop is being exported irrespective of local requirements. The need for pyrethrum preparations for the protection of United Nations troops operating in malarial areas is so great, in relation to the available supplies, that it has proved necessary to earmark all such supplies primarily for this purpose; but under arrangements whereby the civil authorities may, by arrangement with the local military theatre commander, obtain supplies of pyrethrum preparations for essential civilian anti-malarial uses, the essential requirements of the East African territories as put forward by the East African Governor's Conference are being met.