HC Deb 12 November 1906 vol 164 cc1045-7
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the comparatively high cost of living alluded to in the Government Circular, Africa (West), No. 602, Northern Nigeria, has increased between 80 per cent, and 100 per cent.; and whether the canteen which was allowed to import food stuffs duty free has been closed since 1902. I beg further to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to enforce the contract entered into by the Nigeria Company under which the company agreed to provide Army officers with the necessaries of life at a cost not exceeding 80 per cent. above retail prices in England; whether he has any official information showing that sufficient supplies are stocked, and that much of the food that is supplied is unfit for human consumption; and whether the company have raised prices 90 per cent. above prices at home.

MR. CHURCHILL

The Secretary of State has no reason to believe that there has been a general rise in the cost of living in Northern Nigeria. The cost is low, except at the two chief centres of administration. The canteen which was allowed to import food stuffs duty free was a private concern managed by the Government officials with some assistance from Government. It proved a complete failure, and was replaced in 1903 by an agreement with the Niger Company, which undertook to keep stocks of provisions at five places and to sell at prices the maximum of which was fixed (as regards tinned and bottled goods) at 80 per cent. above the list prices of certain specified firms in England. This agreement has been terminated on the representation of the company that it was losing by it, and a new agreement has been made which affects the company's stores at two places only. The maximum price of tinned and bottled goods at these places will be 90 per cent. above actual net cost in England, and not above retail price in England as suggested by the hon. Member. This price will include all charges for freight, customs duties, etc. There have been complaints in the past as to the sufficiency and quality of stocks, but the company has represented that it has to contend with great difficulties in connection with the carriage and maintenance of large quantities of perishable goods in a tropical country. The agreement contains stipulations for the supply of sufficient quantities of stores of good quality and for the settlement of complaints in case these stipulations are not carried out.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this increase in prices is inflicting considerable hardship on the officers employed by us?

MR. CHURCHILL

I have no reason to believe there has been any increase in the cost of living.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

But the prices have been raised.

MR. CATHCART WASON

suggested that the stores might be sent to a port not actually in Northern Nigeria but really the best landing place for them.

MR. CHURCHILL

I will have the matter considered. Obviously it is our duty to make the best bargain we can for our officers.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

The information I have received is totally at variance with that given to the hon. Gentleman. Will he make further inquiry?

MR. CHURCHILL

If the right hon. Gentleman will communicate with me, I can assure him the Colonial Office will do its best to give effect to any recommendation he may make.