§ 10. Mr. KEATINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that copra can be used with better advantage than palm kernels for the manufacture of margarine and cattle food; whether he is aware that Germany can obtain ample supplies of copra outside the British Empire; and what steps he proposes to take to achieve, the object of an Export Duty on palm kernels from West Africa?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN (Lord of the Treasury)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is impossible to make any exact statement on the second part of the question. The object of the Export Duty in question is to secure that the palm kernels from West Africa, which were ground mainly in Germany before the War, and which are now being ground here, shall continue to be ground in this country after peace is declared, and I have every reason to believe that this result will be attained.
§ Mr. KEATINGWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House upon whose authority he has answered that the first part of the question is in the negative?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid I cannot answer that in the absence of my right hon. Friend. I am only answering on behalf of the Colonial Secretary.