§ 18. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the annual cocoa crop of the Gold Coast is sold direct by African farmers to merchants and shippers; how much of the balance of the crop is sold by farmers to African brokers and middle-men, who, in turn, sell this to merchants and shippers; what prices African farmers now receive for their cocoa; and whether African brokers and middle-men receive a larger percentage of present cocoa prices than do merchants and shippers?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo statistics are available to show the exact proportions of cocoa sold by African farmers to merchants and shippers on the one hand and brokers and middle-men on the other, but undoubtedly the bulk of the crop is sold through brokers. The price for cocoa delivered at the port of shipment is 8s. 6d. per load of 60 lbs. For cocoa delivered at up country buying centres the farmer receives a price based on that figure after deduction of transport costs in accordance with an official schedule. The brokerage payable varies according to arrangement between the farmer and the broker; the percentage of the present price received by African brokers and middle-men is somewhat less than that received by merchants and shippers, but it is quite impossible to determine which class receives the larger net profit after deduction of expenses.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister aware that there is a certain amount of discontent among the African cocoa growers regarding the basic price paid to them for their crops, and will he see whether this matter cannot be remedied, in view of the rising prices of the commodities which these people have to buy?
Mr. MacDonaldI have kept in touch with the situation, but I am not aware of the complaints to which the hon. Member has referred. If he has information which leads him to that conclusion, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. R. GibsonAre the prices of cocoa affecting the amount of cocoa exported from West Africa to this country?