§ 44. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the price of Malayan and Nigerian tin is now only £300 per ton as against £422 per ton for South African tin, £350 per ton for Belgian Congo tin and £345 per ton for Bolivian tin; what is the justification for this difference in price; and whether he will initiate early discussions with a view to obtaining a uniform and satisfactory world price for this commodity in view of its importance to the British Colonial Empire.
Mr. Creech JonesThe price of tin in Malaya was fixed after consultation with expert opinion on the spot. No price has yet been settled for current supplies of Nigerian tin. In regard to the future of tin prices generally, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply. I would add that according to my information the figures quoted by the hon. Member in respect of other territories are not on a comparable basis with those quoted for Malaya and Nigeria.
§ Mr. GammansWould the hon. Gentleman consult with the tin producers, so as. to get a price which is in some way related to the conditions, in view of the damage done to the Malayan tin mines, and will the Government see to it that they do not deliberately throw away a valuable source of dollar exchange?
§ Mr. StokesWill the hon. Gentleman make clear to the House who fixes these prices? Is it the international tin cartel or His Majesty's Government?
Mr. Creech JonesObviously, these prices are determined by the Government in consultation with expert opinion on the spot.
§ Mr. StokesWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by expert opinion?