§ 40. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of growing discontent among West African farmers and traders arising from the increased cost of imported goods whilst their own produce has a fixed controlled price; whether, in view of the great hardship such a disparity has imposed, he will be prepared to meet a deputation of representative West African natives and others now in London who could put the case of the African grower and trader; and what action he is now taking respecting the matter?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware of the rise in prices of goods imported into West Africa, which is due to increases in manufacturing costs and freights: and I doubt whether any attempt to regulate the prices of such goods directly would be successful. On the other hand, His Majesty's 196 Government have taken such steps as they could with a view to maintaining the income of the West African producer by purchasing cocoa and oilseeds at prices higher than those which prevailed immediately before the war. These purchases at fixed prices, far from being to the producers' disadvantage, have been the principal, and in some cases the sole, means of preventing the collapse in prices which otherwise would have resulted from the disappearance of the very big pre-war German market for these commodities. I should certainly be willing to consider receiving a deputation on this subject if I were approached by properly accredited representatives of the African growers and traders concerned.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable discontent among West African farmers and traders? Further, would he be willing to receive a deputation from those who are actively concerned with the case of the West African growers and traders?
Mr. MacDonaldI should certainly like the deputation to consist of people who can speak for the growers and traders themselves. If the hon. Member has any other suggestion to make, I will certainly consider it.
§ Mr. SorensenHas not the right hon. Gentleman already been approached by representatives of growers and traders to receive a deputation?
Mr. MacDonaldI am not aware that I have been approached with a view to receiving a deputation. I have received a long and carefully reasoned memorandum on the subject from certain West African representatives in London, and I have sent them in the last few days an equally long and carefully reasoned commentary on their observations.