HC Deb 04 February 1929 vol 224 cc1376-7
10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the explanation for the increase in the imports of spirits into the Gold Coast from 179,597 gallons in 1920 to 1,312,258 gallons in 1927, an advance of over 600 per cent., 90 per cent. of the 1927 imports being gin; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)

In his Address to the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast in March of last year the Governor informed the Council that the reason for the increased importation of spirits was to be found in the growing population and the very greatly increased material prosperity in the Gold Coast due to the cocoa industry. In spite of this fact, the importation of spirits, though greater than in 1920, is considerably lower than it was in the years preceding the outbreak of war. The Colonial Government has given careful attention to the importation of spirits and the regulation of sales and has recently produced amending legislation which restricts the hours of sale and imposes increased fees for spirit licences. The Governor has also proceeded to appoint a Commission of Inquiry in the Colony to take evidence throughout the whole country and to make recommendations. I may perhaps add that in October last it was stated that during the six months ending the 31st of August the importation of spirits of all kinds is now decreasing and had amounted to only 495,000 gallons as compared with 830,000 gallons in the preceding six months.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the alarm expressed by enlightened native chiefs and missionaries and others in the Colony, at the heavy traffic still going on?

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this matter might have been handled sooner instead of waiting for an outcry from the native chiefs? Is it fair to the British Government that the chiefs should have to complain of this appalling and disastrous gin traffic?

Mr. AMERY

I think there is a satisfactory side in that public opinion on the Gold Coast, among the people themselves, regards as serious now a consumption very much below that which was accepted as normal before the War.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is not this a sign of a return of prosperity to the Colony? Would it not be possible to switch these people on to wholesome Scotch whisky instead of gin?