HC Deb 23 November 1977 vol 939 cc769-70W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement on the work of the Centre for Overseas Pest Research.

Mr. Tomlinson

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton) on 13th June— [Vol. 933, c. 6–7.]—the Centre for Overseas Pest Research is one of my Ministry's scientific units which enjoys a high international reputation and acts in collaboration with, and as consultant to, the major international agencies acting in its field.

The centre's main objectives are to develop safe, economic and efficient pest control techniques relevant to the needs of developing countries in agriculture and in the vector control aspects of public health. It concentrates mainly on pest species which are of international or regional significance, either because, like locust and weaver birds, they migrate between countries or because, like termites and tsetse flies, they are widespread and endemic pests of several countries or regions. The centre is currently engaged in 25 field projects in 15 developing countries.

The centre's wide range of activities may be summarised as:

  1. (a) Investigation and research into pest ecology, physiology, biology, taxonomy and control, carried out both in the United Kingdom and overseas;
  2. (b) Technical co-operation in the field of pest research and control with developing country Governments and international organisations, both in the field and through correspondence;
  3. (c) The provision of professional advice to my Ministry in its particular field;
  4. (d) The provision of research facilities for visiting scientists;
  5. (e) The training of overseas students; and
  6. (f) The provision of an information service to the general public, including commercial firms, and to overseas Governments and organisations on its work and activities.

I have arranged for a copy of the centre's latest annual report to be placed in the Library of the House.