20. Mr. Gammonsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the damage being done by disease to the clove industry in Zanzibar; and if any scheme of compensation is being considered to help the growers who are being compelled to uproot diseased trees.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsSudden death disease has seriously affected the clove industry on Zanzibar Island. Most of the plantations are, however, on Pemba Island, where outbreaks are not so numerous. Following intensive research into the causes of the disease, it is now156W proposed that a control scheme should be urgently put in hand which would involve the destruction of suspect trees. Compensation would be paid to the owners of these trees and I hope that with the co-operation of the owners sudden death may be eradicated from Pemba. No grower is or has been compelled to uproot diseased trees.