HC Deb 18 March 1941 vol 370 cc26-7
56. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the large number of unemployed in the British Cameroons through the cessation of banana exports; that machinery exists in the Colony for the drying of bananas; and whether, in view of the British Government's assistance to the Free French Colony of the French Cameroons as well as the need for alleviating hardship in the British Cameroons, he will arrange for the export of dried bananas or for some other assistance to be given to unemployed labourers and Colonial producers?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

I can assure the hon. Member that the situation caused by the cessation of banana exports from the Cameroons under British Mandate has had the full attention of my Noble Friend. The question of importing dried bananas into this country is one on which he is still in consultation with the Minister of Food. In any event, however, His Majesty's Government are providing financial assistance to enable a proportion of the banana estates to be kept in cultivation and employment on them to be continued during the current year.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the inhabitants of the British Cameroons are at a disadvantage as compared with those of the French Cameroons, to whom we have given a certain amount of assistance?

Mr. Hall

I must have notice of that Question.