HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1753-4
25. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far the proposals placed before him by the Gold Coast cocoa farmers have been, or are likely to be, accepted and operated; and to what extent producers now deal direct with His Majesty's Government without intermediaries.

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to requests by the Gold Coast and Ashanti Farmers Union Ltd. to be allotted a buying agent's quota, under the West African cocoa control scheme. The Union is not qualified under the scheme to receive such a quota, and it has been informed that in the circumstances an exception cannot be made in its case. It remains open to the Union, however, to dispose of cocoa at the full control price to any of the recognised buying agents. The only producers who can sell direct to the West African Produce Control Board are the Co-operative Societies, who are among the Board's buying agents.

Mr. Sorensen

Are the Gold Coast cocoa farmers satisfied with this arrangement, and has anything further transpired since the farmers approached the Secretary of State on his visit some time ago?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I cannot give a reply to that.

Viscountess Astor

Would it not be a good idea to send the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on an Empire tour?

Forward to