Palm Kernels and Rice

HC Deb 16 April 1947 vol 436 cc175-6

30. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether standard prices are still fixed for palm kernels and rice in Sierra Leone; whether the quota system is still applied to the production of these commodities; and whether farmers are still required to barter their produce in return for manufactured goods, as was the case during the war.

Mr. Creech Jones

Standard buying prices are fixed for these commodities in Sierra Leone. The quota system is not applied to the production of palm kernels. Rice producing chiefdoms are required to sell a small proportion of their production to the Government at the standard price. Since 1945, farmers have not been required to barter their produce for manufactured goods.

Mr. Younger

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the system he described is no longer giving rise to serious local shortages, as was alleged some time ago?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think that is the case at the present time.

Mr. Erroll

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long the rice levy is to be maintained to feed the population of Sierra Leone?

Mr. Creech Jones

At the moment there is only a very small proportion of the crops which the respective chiefdoms surrendered. At the moment it is a precautionary measure, and will not stay longer than is absolutely necessary.

31. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Association of West African Merchants and other firms are still operating as agents for the Government in handling rice and palm kernels produced in Sierra Leone; and what commission has been paid to these firms for their services up to date.

Mr. Creech Jones

Firms who are members of the Association of West African Merchants and other firms operate for the Government of Sierra Leone in handling rice and are paid a commission of 5 per cent. The amount thus paid out since 1944 is £23,855. In the case of palm kernels, merchant firms act as agents of the West African Produce Control Board. Between 1st September, 1942, and 30th August, 1945, purchases by merchants from producers were regulated by quotas, and the firms remunerated on a cost-plus-profit basis, the amount paid out being £46,530. On 1st September, 1945, quotas were abolished, and the price at which the Board bought from the merchants was fixed at £2 13s. 6d. per ton above the minimum price at which the merchant might buy from the producer.