§ 40. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will 374 make a statement respecting the West African cocoa trade; whether the cocoa farmers have been generally satisfied with prices received; and to what extent West African Governments have been concerned in making advantageous arrangements both to farmers and to shippers?
Mr. M. MacDonaldWith regard to the first two parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 22nd February. As regards the third part, I have been in close consultation throughout with the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not a fact that one particular concern practically controls this cocoa trade and will the Minister make inquiries as to whether that is not acting adversely to other shippers outside the combine?
Mr. MacDonaldI will be careful to give the matter my personal attention, but I am satisfied that in all the circumstances the different firms concerned are being given fair treatment.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not true that one combine really controls this traffic?
Mr. MacDonaldOne combine had a major interest long before the war, and this has nothing to do with the control set up since the war.