HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc194-5
30. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to implement the proposals of the Cocoa Commission for the creation of a West Africa cocoa growers marketing board?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The Commission's proposals for a Cocoa Farmers' Association for the collective marketing of cocoa referred only to the Gold Coast. The Governor has appointed a local committee to examine the draft scheme prepared by the Commission, and is now awaiting its report before sending his recommendations to me.

31. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the suspension of the cocoa buyers' pool has been reflected in increased overseas trade in respect of each of the territories affected?

Mr. MacDonald

The immediate effect of the suspension of the merchants' cocoa buying agreements was to bring to an end the hold-up of cocoa by Gold Coast producers. With the release of purchasing power from sales of cocoa, the excessive stocks of imported merchandise which had accumulated during the dispute have been gradually worked off, and the latest figures show that the import trade is beginning to function normally again. But while the prices of all West African produce, including cocoa, continue as low as at present, the import trade cannot be expected to recover to a satisfactory level.