HC Deb 18 March 1929 vol 226 cc1480-1
12. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give information as to the co-operative organisation among the natives of Moshi, Tanganyika; the number of cultivators in the organisation; the chief commodity grown; and the average annual value of the sales of production per cultivator?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the Kilimanjaro Native Planters Association. This Association has some 11,000 members, and is concerned with the growing and marketing of coffee. The total value of coffee grown by members of the Association in 1928 is estimated at £50,000, giving an average value of roughly £4 10s. per cultivator.

Mr. GEOFFREY PETO

Will my right hon. Friend see that these co-operative societies are not compelled to subscribe to the funds of the Socialist party?

Mr. WELLOCK

In view of the great success of this organisation, can we have an assurance that this kind of organisation will be encouraged?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Wherever it is practicable to do so. Where you have the type of tribal organisation and the type of native cultivators who organise it is a practicable proposition.