§ 62. Dr. Littleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will explain the reason for the increase in the importation of gin from 8,000 to 31,000 gallons during the past year into the Gold Coast; whether this was done at the request of those in authority there; and whether immediate steps will be taken to lessen considerably this increased supply of gin which is so harmful to the natives?
Mr. YoungThe actual imports of gin into the Gold Coast during the years 1941 and 1942 were 13,801 and 31,109 gallons respectively, and were thus considerably below the permissible quota under the local legislation, which was 73,500 gallons in both years. This quota is based on the average annual consump- 1080 tion for the period 1931–1939. No change is contemplated at present in the policy regarding the importation of gin, which was unanimously endorsed by the African Members of the Legislative Council when the Gold Coast Geneva and Gin (Restriction of Importation) Ordinance was passed in 1939.
§ Dr. LittleAs the minds of many both in Church and State are seriously disturbed by this increased importation of gin into the Gold Coast, would my hon. Friend put before his right hon. and gallant Friend the Colonial Secretary the necessity of drawing the line and taking away this temptation from the natives as it is gin which is proving so harmful in cutting down production?
§ Mr. SorensenCan the hon. Gentleman say whether this gin is consumed by the native population or the white people, and, if the latter, how much it represents per head?