§ 20. Mr. James Hudsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the amount of gin imported into the Gold Coast in the first and last year of the period during which the 1931 Ordinance was operative was less than one-half the gin and whisky imported in 1946; and whether there was any further increase in the rate of import during 1947.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe answer to the first part of the Question is "yes," if the imports for 1931 and 1939 separately are compared with that for 1946. But, as the answer includes figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the hon. Member aware that the number of Europeans in the Gold Coast, for whose health a little whisky and gin are very beneficial, has doubled?
§ Mr. HudsonIn view of the fact that it was the Labour Government, in the time of Lord Passfield, which was responsible for the reduction that took place in the years previous to the war, does not the present Government see the necessity for reverting to Lord Passfield's policy, and arranging for a reduction at a time when great evils and disorders are breaking out in this part of the world?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI was not aware that there was any policy promulgated by Lord Passfield, but I will look into the matter and communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. SkinnardWould it not be preferable to encourage the drinking of dear gin by the rioters as an alternative to the cheap native palm wine?
§ Following is the answer:
§ The imports of gin in the years in question were as follow:
| Gallons. | |
| 1931 (first year under the 1931 Ordinance) | 49,000 |
| 1939 (last year under the 1931 Ordinance) | 23,000 |
| 1946 | 67,000 |
§ The import of whisky in 1946 was 35,000 gallons, giving a total import of whisky and gin in that year of 102,000 gallons. The amount of imports in 1947 is not yet available. For the three years 1946 to 1216 1948, inclusive, a ceiling of 73,500 gallons annually has been fixed for the import of gin.