§ 26. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take to ensure to West African cocoa producers more adequate remuneration; whether the agricultural adviser has taken steps to deal with the spread of cocoa disease; and, in view of the importance of the industry, what steps are being taken to maintain it pending a post-war plan for its control and prosperity.
§ Colonel StanleyAs a result of a full examination of the position of the cocoa industry in West Africa, in consultation with the Governments concerned and the Resident Minister in West Africa, substantial price increases have been announced in the Gold Coast and Nigeria for the next crops. With regard to the second part of the Question, an organisation for research into, and the control of, the West African cocoa diseases is already at work, and arrangements are being made to strengthen it. As regards the last part of the Question, it is intended that the controlled purchase by His Majesty's Government of the entire cocoa crops of the territories concerned shall continue, at any rate for the next two years, during which time consideration will be given to the framing of a long-term policy for the industry.