HC Deb 14 February 1938 vol 331 cc1532-4
68. Mr. de Rothschild

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the decision of cocoa producers in the Gold Coast to burn, approximately, one-quarter of the cocoa crop in the course of the next two months; whether he proposes to take any steps to find a solution of the difficulties now existing between producers and purchasers of cocoa which will prevent this wastage; and whether he can make a statement on the position?

70. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he now has further information respecting the difficulty of deliveries of cocoa from farmers in West Africa; whether a boycott is operating; and what action is being taken respecting unrest arising in connection with the cocoa pool agreement?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am now able to make the further statement on this subject promised in my reply to the hon. Member for Leyton West (Mr. Sorensen) on 9th February. At the instance of the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria, I have decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry with the following terms of reference: To examine and report on the marketing of cocoa in the Gold Coast and Nigeria, with special reference to the situation which has arisen as a result of the buying agreement entered into between certain firms; and to submit recommendations. The personnel of the Commission will consist of three members in no way connected with West Africa. They will leave this country for West Africa at the earliest possible date.

I have this morning received a report from the Governor of the Gold Coast to the effect that, while it is impossible to state yet whether farmers will now commence to sell their cocoa, the announcement of the appointment of the Commission, which was made in West Africa last Friday, has been received with satisfaction. I have seen reports of proposals for burning part of the crop, but I am not aware of the extent to which they represent the intention of persons who actually own the cocoa to burn it. The Governor has issued a message strongly deprecating any action of this kind.

Mr. Sorensen

When is it likely that the Commission will publish its report?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Commission has not yet been appointed, and obviously it is for the Commission to get out to West Africa, to hear the grievances of those who say that they have grievances, and report in due course.

Mr. Sorensen

But does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the matter is very serious, and does he not think that if some time limit were imposed it would assist matters considerably?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

To appoint an independent Commission to go out to inquire into such a matter and then to impose a time limit would be quite impracticable.