§ 40. Mr. Barrasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the amount of Geneva or gin imported into the Gold Coast for 1940, 1941 and 1942, respectively; the amount estimated for 1943 on the basis of the amount already imported; and the quota, as fixed by the Government of the Gold Coast, of permitted gallons of Geneva or gin that may be imported during 1943?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThe amounts imported in 1940, 1941 and 1942 were 7,934, 13,801 and 31,209 gallons, respectively. The estimated imports in 1943 were 10,000 gallons, the actual imports up-to-date being 7,500 gallons. The quota for 1943 is 73,500 gallons.
§ Mr. BarrIn view of the increase last year up to 30,000 gallons, can my hon. Friend say why it is that the quota is kept at such a very large increase over the amount imported? Is it in order to keep a wide open door for imports when peace returns?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI am afraid I am unable to answer the first part of the Question, and with regard to the second part, the quota is based on the average consumption for the years 1931-39.
§ Mr. TurtonDo the figures include imports to the American Forces as well as imports to Colonial and our own Forces?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI should have to have notice of that Question.
§ Major PetherickCan my hon. Friend give the figures for the year before the war?