§ 38. Mr. Barrasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any indication of the operation of the Ordinance of 1939 for the restriction of the importation of geneva and gin into the Gold Coast; how the quotas authorised for 1940 and 1941 compare so far with the actual imports; and whether there is any prospect of a return to the method of the earlier Ordinance, under which the quantity authorised to be imported was to be reduced year by year by 10 per cent. per annum until the import of geneva or gin was to have been completely eliminated by 1940?
§ Mr. George HallThe quota for 1940 was fixed on the basis of the permitted imports of gin for 1937, the last normal year; that for 1941 was based on the average consumption for the period 1931–1939. The 1940 quota was for 150,000 gallons, the actual imports being 7,934 gallons. The 1941 quota was 73,500 gallons. The actual imports during 1124 the current year are not expected to exceed 8,500 gallons. As regards the last part of the Question, the operation of the 1939 Ordinance will be carefully reviewed from time to time in consultation with the Governor, but I am not aware of any grounds for reconsidering at the present time a measure which was enacted with the approval of the African members of the Legislative Council and which appears to be fully in accord with popular sentiment in the Gold Coast.
§ Mr. BarrIn view of the statement that has been made and the far-reaching change of policy, I shall seek an opportunity of raising this matter at an early stage on the Adjournment.