HC Deb 28 July 1931 vol 255 cc2104-5
70. Mr. HANNON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will be prepared to extend the publicity given to coffee from Kenya Colony in this country; and if he will recommend preferential treatment in Great Britain as against the foreign product?

Dr. SHIELS

Action is already taken by the Eastern African Dependencies Trade and Information Office to advertise Kenya and other East African coffee at exhibitions and in other ways as opportunity offers. If additional funds could be made available, that office would be glad to extend the publicity given to East African coffee. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that there is already a preferential duty on Empire-grown coffee.

Mr. HANNON

Is the hon. Gentleman's Department getting any assistance from the Empire Marketing Board towards giving publicity to Kenya coffee?

Dr. SHIELS

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Empire Marketing Board mainly concern themselves with background advertising rather than with advertising specific commodities. This matter has, however, been before them. They are unable to do anything at present, although they may later.

Mr. HANNON

Will the hon. Gentleman exercise a little further pressure on the Empire Marketing Board in order to give Kenya coffee a little more publicity?