HC Deb 18 May 1938 vol 336 cc396-7
38. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the amount, in weight and value, of the exports of cocoa from British West Africa during each of the last three years and for the current year to date; what steps he intends to take to meet the situation; and whether he has any further statement to make on the subject?

Mr. MacDonald

As the answer to the first part of the question involves tables of figures, I will, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the remainder of the question, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my predecessor on 4th May in reply to questions by the right hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander).

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman apply his mind to the distress in this country due to the fact that there has been a falling off in exports from West Africa which is having repercussions on the trade between this country and West Africa?

Mr. MacDonald

I understand that the position in regard to exports from West Africa is satisfactory at the moment, and no doubt the hon. and learned Member knows that there is a commission of

Exports of Cocoa from the British West African Colonies.
Colony, etc. 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938.
Quantity in tons. Value£ Quantity in tons. Value£ Quantity in tons. Value in £. Quantity in tons. Value in £.
Gold Coast 268,890 5,203,959 311,151 7,659,743 232,538 9,893,997 16,896 Not known
(Jan.-April)
Nigeria 88,142 1,583,827 80,513 1,997,418 103,126 3,655,873 44,190 808,495
(Jan.-March)
Sierra Leone 164 2,043 301 5,542 265 8,830 149 2,236
(Jan.-Feb.)
Total 357,196 6,789,829 391,965 9,662,703 335,929 13,558,700 — —