HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 c186W
94. Sir R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to control pepper disease in Sarawak.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Two members of the Colonial Pool of Plant Pathologists are working in Sarawak on this problem. It is too early to say whether their efforts are likely to meet with success, but their preliminary reports indicate that the investigations are promising and give ground for hoping that they will lead to the discovery of effective control measures.

A third officer who has completed a post-graduate course of specialist training will shortly join the staff of the Sarawak Agricultural Department and will work with the two members of the Pool. His appointment will assure continuity after the eventual departure of the Pool officers and will provide for the supervision of the control measures which it is hoped will be evolved.