§ 36. Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the native produce of British West Africa is now largely controlled by large British buyers; and whether he will give the types of commodity and the names of the buyers in question?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware of the extent to which the West African native producers rely for the marketing of their produce on a number of merchant firms, British and foreign. Among the more important British firms are the United Africa Company, John Holt and Company, the Co-operative Wholesale Society and Cadbury Brothers. The most import- 2766 ant products are palm products, cocoa and groundnuts.
Mr. MacDonaldThat matter is still under consideration in the Colonies concerned, and I am awaiting a final report on the matter from the Governors.