§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to improve the local strain of crops and livestock in Pitcairn Island.
Mr. MacleodAn Agricultural Officer in the Fiji Government Service carried out an agricultural reconnaissance in 1959 and a Pitcairn Islander selected by him is now completing in Fiji a nine-month training course in agricultural extension. With the exception of tomato and papaya, the introduction of new varieties of the principal subsistence crops does not appear to be required, but 15W quality and return can be improved by better husbandry. Peanuts were introduced by the Agricultural Officer, but reports on cropping have not yet been received. Re-afforestation of Pitcairn Island is linked with the elimination or control of goats. Fowl is the only other domesticated animal and the strain is suited to its environment.