§ 24. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of the Seychelles has granted a monopoly to the London firm of Treatt and Company for the purchase and marketing of all Eugenol producing essences; that this monopoly includes not merely these essences but all essences; why the Government Gazette has been utilised to push the interest of this private firm; and what protection will be given to the producers of the island, in view of the fact 1980 that they will practically be compelled to deal with the firm in question, owing to the abolition of competition?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe firm in question have, with the consent of the producers, been appointed sole selling agents for those oils; they are not concerned as principals. The object is to benefit the Colony.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the growers and distillers view the creation of this monopoly with alarm, and are very much afraid that their interests will suffer as a consequence?
Mr. THOMASI have looked carefully into the matter and I find it very analogous to the cod trade. That is to say, when those who produce coal find that it is being produced at an uneconomic rate they do not get any benefit. I find that these oils are produced in the same way, and this is a selling agency to benefit the producer, and not injure him.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his analogy with coal is quite wrong, and that this scheme is not an effort for co-operative selling so much as the creation of a monopoly for the benefit of a British firm?
Mr. THOMASIt is not a monopoly in the sense that this firm is a principal. This system was introduced because oil was being sold at ridiculous prices, with a loss to the producers and with no benefit to the Colony at all.
§ Mr. PALINGIf representations are made, will the right hon. Gentleman consider them?