§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has taken, or will take, any steps further to secure a sufficient supply of foodstuffs in Nigeria; whether he is also aware that certain essential foodstuffs have risen in price by 100 per cent., and that there are complaints of profiteering; and what steps have been taken to prevent profiteering, and to stabilise prices at a reasonable level?
§ Mr. George HallWith a few unimportant exceptions, all foodstuffs required for the population of Nigeria can be and are produced locally, and very active steps have been taken by the Governor of Nigeria to increase that local production. 1 have not had brought to my notice any special difficulties in obtaining such imports as are still necessary. The prices of foodstuffs in the territory have been controlled since early in the war and the formula used for that control is now under revision. If my hon. Friend will communicate to me any complaints he has received regarding either insufficient supplies or profiteering, they will be investigated.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether his statement that the formula is being revised indicates that there has been some complaint regarding high prices?